Instructions and Rules in Petkeljärvi National Park

Check for Warnings

When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally. 

Gathering at the campfire sites increases the risk of coronavirus infection. Guidelines concerning coronavirus COVID-19. 

Instructions on Exploring Petkeljärvi National Park

In the National Park, the following are

allowed

• Hiking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in restricted areas.
• Picking berries and mushrooms, except in restricted areas.
• Mountain biking is allowed according to everyman's rights. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.

restricted

• Making campfires and camping in the open. This is only permitted at sites marked for these purposes.
• Using motor boats. This is only permitted in Lakes Petkeljärvi and Valkiajärvi.
• Fishing:
  • Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights, except where specific restrictions apply.
  • Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi). If you fish with more than one rod, you also need Metsähallitus' angling permit no 7413 for Southern Finland (eräluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi).
  • For trap fishing, in addition to paying the fisheries management fee, you will need Metsähallitus' trap fishing permit no 7004 for Ilomantsi (eräluvat.fi, in Finnish). Permits can also be purchased by phone at +358 (0)20 69 2424.
  • However, all types of fishing are prohibited in Kuikkalampi, Pieni Kuikkalampi, Savulampi and Mustalampi lakes.
  • 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).  
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue and a roof. 
• 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
• Hunting
• All types of fishing in Lake Kuikkalammet, Lake Savulampi and Lake Mustalampi
• Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
• Landing aircrafts on the parks waters without specific permission by Metsähallitu
• Leaving waste in the area, or damaging structures.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. 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.

Equipment and Safety

• Sturdy shoes are needed in the park's rugged terrain.
• 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
  • How to hike without leaving a trace?

Peak Seasons

• Petkeljärvi National Park is a popular destination for short hiking trips. It is most visited between Mid-Summer and the first week of August. During May school camps frequent the park.