Please stay away from the shore meadows during the nesting season, from the beginning of May to the end of July, to prevent the loss of nests.

In this destination, the following are

allowed

  • Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except for any restricted areas.
  • Picking berries and edible mushrooms.
  • Hook and line fishing and ice fishing. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish and Swedish).

restricted

  • Lighting campfires and camping are only allowed at designated sites.
  • Cycling, which is, usually, only allowed along the routes marked for the purpose.
  • Car parking, which is only allowed in the designated parking areas.
  • Driving a motor vehicle beyond the designated roads.
  • Hunting, which is only permitted in the designated areas.
  • Small-game hunting, which requires a permit.
  • 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 when a wildfire warning is in effect.  
  • Letting pets run free.
  • Taking or damaging trees, shrubs, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms, other than edible mushrooms.
  • Damaging soil or rock, and extracting earth material or minerals.
  • Killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or destroying their nests.
  • Catching or collecting invertebrates.
  • Leaving litter or damaging any structures.
  • Access and landing are forbidden from 1st May to 31st July in Kotakari and Kammonkari islets.

Preparations and Safe Hiking

Plan your trip carefully and acquire information on the local conditions - that way, you will get the most out of your nature excursion.

Safety

  • In the Liminka Bay area, the duckboards may be very slippery when they get wet and when they freeze in winter.
  • Hiking in Finland
  • 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.

Equipment

  • When boating on Liminka Bay, you must check the weather when choosing your gear and clothing.
  • The brisk westerly wind raises the water level in the area. In these conditions, rubber boots are a good choice for your excursion.
  • Usually, normal outdoor clothing and gear will be adequate.

Peak Seasons

  • In the Liminka Bay area, the high seasons take place at the time of the spring and autumn migrations of birds. During the spring, the peak season starts in late March (depending on the winter) and lasts until mid-June. During the autumn, the peak season starts in the latter part of August and lasts until mid-October.
  • The most crowded place is the Virkkula area, where the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre and the Virkkula birdwatching tower are located.

 

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.

""
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