Instructions and Rules in the Hetta Area

A Siberian jay looking for food on the snow-covered ground.

 

Instructions on Exploring the Hetta Area

The following is allowed in the area

The following is restricted in the area

The following is forbidden in the area

  • Lighting campfires when there is a wildfire warning in effect.
  • Letting pets run free.
  • Littering and damaging structures.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has its own rules and regulations which must be adhered to when in the park.

The use of Metsähallitus' services is subject to a fee for companies

If a travel company regularly takes its customers to destinations maintained by Metsähallitus, it is subject to a fee (metsa.fi). The fee is (1.5 € + VAT / customer / day). Fees are paid in advance via the Eräluvat.fi online store. Invoicing can be agreed with contract companies on a seasonal basis.

Preparations

Equipment and Safety

  • When hiking in the Hetta Area you should have proper hiking gear and a map. A compass is also advisable to have along if you are planning to set off on a wilderness trek by foot or on skis. Although there are duckboards on the trails, they have wet spots even during dry weather. You should bare this in mind when choosing footwear; sturdy and water resistant hiking boots are recommended.
  • 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 staying safe in the great outdoors.
  • Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
  • Hiking in Finland:

Peak Seasons

  • The peak seasons for hiking in the Hetta Area are March - April and June - September. During late winter the area is popular with skiers and during summer with hikers and fishers.

Snowmobiling in Enontekiö

Please keep in mind that snowmobiling is not an everyman's right. Leisure snowmobiling is only allowed on marked snowmobile routes and tracks, as well as on ice-covered waterways. In addition, there are more specific rules applying to protected areas.

You can head out along marked snowmobile tracks on your own or with a local safari service. Some of the tracks require you to purchase a permit, and some are free of charge. Please remember that it is not allowed to turn off the track without the landowner's permission!

The snowmobile tracks starting from the Hetta village are maintained by the municipality of Enontekiö. You do not need a permit to ride on them. The Victoria route, which runs along the border of Finland and Sweden from Muonio to Kilpisjärvi, is also free of charge.

For the snowmobile track leading from Palojärvi to Kilpisjärvi in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area in Enontekiö, as well as for the Syväjärvi–Karesuvanto and Raittijärvi–Saarikoski tracks branching off the main track, you need to purchase a national off-road traffic permit from Metsähallitus (eraluvat.fi). In the Kilpisjärvi village area, snowmobile tracks are maintained by the Kilpisjärven ladut ry association, and a track maintenance fee must be paid at kilpisjarvenladut.fi (in Finnish).

Snowmobiling maps 

The tracks in the Enontekiö area can be found at Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi).
The Kilpisjärvi–Palojärvi track subject to a national Metsähallitus permit fee as well as the Syväjärvi–Karesuvanto and Raittijärvi–Saarikoski branches:

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