Instructions and Rules in Päijänne National Park

Instructions on Exploring Päijänne National Park

In the National Park, the following are

allowed:

• Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in the restricted area
• Picking berries and mushrooms

restricted:

• Lighting campfires and camping are only allowed at sites marked for this purpose.
• There are a few restricted areas in the National Park. On northern part of Kelvenne Island, on the shore south of Hinttolanhiekka, and on the islands of Papinsaaari and Huhtsaari, moving and landing is forbidden during the time when there is no snow, to protect the vegetation. In addition, moving and landing is forbidden on some of the islands 15.4. - 31.7, to protect nesting birds.
• Fishing:
  • Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights, except where specific restrictions apply.
  • Lure fishing with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted access area. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi)
  • The waters of Lake Päijänne are not part of the national park. More information on fishing in Lake Päijänne: Southern and Central Päijänne fishing area (ekpk.fi, in Finnish), Fishing Ground of Etelä-Päijänne (Southern Päijänne) (kalapaikka.net), and the Federation of Finnish fisheries associations - Kalatalouden Keskusliitto (ahven.net).
  • Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
• As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research and organised events. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).

forbidden:

• Lighting campfires if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • Please note that lighting campfires is forbidden at campfires sites in Päijänne national park when the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect. 
• Pets running at large
• Taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones
• Damaging soil or rock, and extraction of earth material or minerals
• Killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or damaging their nests
• Catching or collecting invertebrates
• Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
• Leaving waste in the area, or damaging constructions

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the park without signal. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.
• We recommend that you keep your mobile phone warm at all times and take along food and drink. Certain phone models do not work when the temperature falls below zero. You should therefore let someone know your planned route. To keep your mobile phone charged, bring along a spare power source, a spare battery or an old phone with a working battery.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Boating and Canoeing

• The wind is sometimes strong on the lake but in many of the natural harbours, especially on Kelvenne Island, it is possible to find a sheltered side.
• Because the area of the lake is large, the weather conditions can change suddenly. Sometimes a strong northern wind blows from Tehinselkä, the largest open water area of the lake, and makes big waves on Virmailanselkä open water area east of Kelvenne. From Harmoistenlahti Bay, south of Virmaila, a strong wind sometimes blows through Kellosalmi strait to the northern parts of Padasjoenselkä open water area.
• On the lake area, the boats of the Lake Rescue Association of Lahti, P/V Nokkala and P/V Teemu Hiltunen, can help in case of need. To get help, call the emergency number 112.

Equipment and Safety

• By its landscape, the park can be divided into two different parts; some of the islands consist of rocks, but on most islands a visitor can walk in a dry forest. When choosing footwear, it is good to remember that there are also sandy shores.
• There are no cafés, shops or tap water available in the National Park. It makes sense to pack food and drinking water.
• On the islands of the National Park, the free map which you find in the National Park brochure is mostly sufficient. The islands are small, and the largest island Kelvenne is long and narrow, so that it is quite easy to find your way around there. On the water areas, a nautical chart is necessary.
• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in Finland
  • Outdoor etiquette
  • What to Pack
    • Safety

Peak Seasons

• The peak times with visitors are the summer weekends, when there are dozens of boats on the lake, especially if the weather is nice. Kelvenne Island is the main destination for many visitors, because of its good anchoring places and the beautiful landscape. During the Midsummer weekend, it might be difficult to find space in the natural harbours.