What's Currently Happening in Petkeljärvi National Park
Petkeljärventie bridge renovation starting on November 1st
(Updated on August 16, 2023)
The bridge will undergo fundamental renovation starting from November 1st. Petkeljärventie road will not be accessible during the renovation. The estimated duration of the refurbishment is around one month.
In National Parks and other state conservation areas, own firewood must be used in tent saunas
(Updated on July 27, 2023)
Metsähallitus Luontopalvelut (the Finnish Forest Administration's Parks & Wildlife Services) maintains fire pits in Finnish national parks and other state conservation areas, as well as fireplaces in hiking structures and huts, with firewood provided on-site. Metsähallitus reminds visitors that in tent saunas and fireplaces in personal accommodations, visitors are required to bring their own firewood. This is to ensure that there's sufficient firewood available for the use of all hikers at the designated fireplaces.
Pieni Kuikkalampi bridge has been renovated
(Updated 16th of June 2023)
Pieni Kuikkalampi bridge (retkikartta.fi) (along the route leading from Kuikan kierros Nature Trail to the Puistonvartijan maja Rental Hut) has been fully renovated. Construction works are finished and the bridge is accessable again.
Tips for hiking in the summer season
(Updated 11th of June 2023)
- Familiarize yourself with The Outdoor Guide to Finland’s National Parks. You can find basic information, gear lists, safety tips, and destination suggestions for hikes. Read Outdoor Etiquette and also check the Instructions and rules in the Petkeljärvi National Park before heading out on your hike.
- Check the weather conditions (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). Also, get to know our partner's equipment rental options.
- Be prepared for the hike with enough drinking water and energy-rich snacks.
- Ensure the safety of your hike. Always check the warnings in advance (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). The National Park may have some areas where the phone connection can be bad. Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency center attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.
News from Petkeljärvi
-
08.09.2023
Popularity of national parks increasing: New and renovated sites attracting more visitors
-
01.09.2023
New digital services encourage people to explore nature – Metsähallitus’s app makes outdoor recreation areas accessible to everyone
-
25.01.2023
Visitors to national parks are happier than before – financial uncertainty is reflected in the total number of the visits
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.