Instructions on Exploring Siikalahti

In the Area, the following are

allowed:

  • walking
    • We also advise that you stay on marked trails.
  • skiing.

restricted:

  • lighting campfires and camping, which are restricted to the spots designated for those purposes.

forbidden:

  • lighting campfires when there is a forest fire warning in effect
  • letting pets run 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
    • Hunting is forbidden in Siikalahti, as it is the most important protected inland water for birds. Studies have shown that a protected areas even as small as Siikalahti help better bird populations in other areas. The main focuses of Siikalahti are to develop outdoor recreation and nature tourism. Nature's biodiversity is furthered with different sorts of care measures.
  • driving motor vehicles except on roads
  • littering and damaging structures.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

  • Mobile phones should work well in the area as the signal is strong there.
  • 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.

Equipment and Safety

Peak Seasons

  • Bird watching season begins in April and continues into October. Bird watching spots are visited by the most people naturally during migration time in spring and autumn.
  • Arktika: The goose population is at its largest around 20.5.
  • Nocturnal songsters: May to June from about 11 pm onward the song of birds fills the night.
  • The best time to see dragonflies begins at the end of May.
  • Plants: Herb rich forest vegetation in May and wetland vegetation in July.

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

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