Instructions and Rules along Pyhä-Luosto Trail

Instructions on Exploring Pyhä-Luosto Trail

In Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the following are

allowed

  • Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in the restricted areas
    • It is allowed to go in Isokuru gorge restricted area only on the marked trail. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Isokuru restricted area (the area is marked on red).
    • To go in Peurakero restricted area between 1.6.-14.2. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Peurakero restricted area (the area is marked on red).
  • Picking berries and mushrooms and hook and line fishing and ice fishing in lake waters. 

 

Hikers walking along wooden duckboards at the bottom of a rocky gorge.

restricted

  • Lighting campfire in recreation and restricted area are only allowed at sites marked for this purpose
  • Camping for short-term are allowed except restricted area. Camping is recomended at sites marked for these purposes.
  • Winter time mountain biking is allowed everywhere else but not on marked ski tracks and in Isokuru and Peurakero restricted areas.
  • Summer time mountain biking is allowed on almost all occicially marked summer trails with a few exeptions. Biking is not allowed at Isokuru, Noitatunturi and Isonkurunkangas marked trails.
  • Angling with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted waters. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in finnish).
  • Hunting is permitted only for local people.
  • Organizing events for large groups (over 50 persons). A permit is required.
     

forbidden

  • To move year round in Isokuru gorge restricted area outside the marked trail. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Isokuru restricted area (the area is marked on red).
  • To move in Peurakero restricted area between 15.2.-31.5. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Peurakero restricted area (the area is marked on red).
  • Lighting campfires if the forest fire warning is in effect
    • Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a forest fire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). 
    • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
  • 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
  • Dogs swimming in Karhunjuomalampi -lake.
  • Leaving waste in the area, or damaging constructions

Two hikers and a dog walking on duckboards in an autumn swamp.

Preparations

Seasons

  • At Pyhä-Luosto, most of the snow melts in April - May. Permanent snow covers the Pyhä-Luosto fells in October - November. The best time for hiking is from spring (when the snow has melted) until mid-October.
  • The intensity of the autumn colours varies from year to year. The autumn colours are at their best around September 10.

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.

A mobile phone in the palm of your hand with a map on the screen. In the background, two dogs on a leash.

Safety Tips

  • In winter, trekking is very demanding. Harsh weather and poor light in the middle of winter cause difficulties. The temperature can drop to -40° and during the darkest part of winter there is sunlight for only a couple of hours.
  • Early spring is a popular time for trekking, but even then proper gear is needed.
  • If you have normal cross-country skis, you should stay on maintained trails.
  • When following snowmobile tracks on ski be cautious, as there may be people such as reindeer herders riding snowmobiles along them.
  • Move and camp without leaving permanent traces of your hike. Use camp sites and trails, which are marked.
  • Sign your name in the each camp site's guest book. This way it will be easier for rescuers to follow your route incase of emergency. You can also give suggestions for improvements this way.
  • In the fell chain there can be large differences in altitude.
  • Duckboards can be slippery after rain.
  • Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
  • 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.

Cast iron fireplace and next to it a firewood stack with fire lighter on the top of the stack.

Safety

  • Take a map, a compass, a kit for lighting campfires, a first-aid kit and packed meals with you. Replenish your water bottle whenever you can.
  • Observe the weather conditions. Remember that the weather in the fell area may change rapidly. In foggy weather, you may easily lose your sense of direction.
  • Wear appropriate clothing. Take warm and windproof clothes with you. Remember to take a spare set of clothes with you. Waterproof hiking boots are the best footwear.
  • Inform your family or the visitor centre in the area of your route plan. Let them know when you have returned from your trip.
  • Write your name and route plan in the guestbook at the huts.
  • Please wander and camp without leaving any debris and use the marked trails and rest spots.  
  • There is a rescue service in the national park. The general emergency number for all emergencies is 112.
  • 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.
  • Exploring the wilderness in winter is demanding. In midwinter the weather and light conditions are difficult, as it may be –40°C and there are only a few hours of daylight during the polar night.
  • In the fell range area, the differences in altitude are significant in places.
  • The duckboards may be slippery in rainy weather.
  • In September–October, the male reindeer defend their herd as it is the mating season. Give way to male reindeer with large antlers.
  • Hiking in Finland:

112 Emergency Number

If you have an emergency during your trip, such as getting lost, injured or finding a wildfire, call 112. Read more detailed emergency instructions.

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Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency centre attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.

It is recommended to keep the mobile phone warm and to bring extra food and water with you. There are many excursion locations with no mobile coverage and some mobile phones does not work in sub-zero temperatures, that is why it is always a good idea to let someone know about your itinerary and timetable.

Outdoor Etiquette

A cartoon picture of a family walking on a summer path.

1. Respect nature.

2. Mainly use marked trails.

3. Camp only where it is allowed.

4. Light your campfire only where it is allowed.

5. Do not litter.

Read more