Instructions and Rules in Gulf of Finland National Park

The area of Gulf of Finland National Park consists of the state-owned lands within the borders indicated by the map and defined in the establishing act, as well as land areas that were later annexed to them. It is important to study matters dealing with the national park in advance and prepare yourself properly for your trip by reading the instructions, rules and regulations of the park (pdf 488 Kb, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish).

Hiking is restricted in certain areas. Read more about the Park's restricted sections on the Maps page and on Excursionmap.fi.

Respect Nature
Pets
Getting around in National Park
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Biking
Other Rules and Instructions
Forbidden Activities
Safety

Respect Nature

The outdoor activities in the Gulf of Finland National Park are guided with the rules and regulations. When getting around in nature, let’s show respect for it. Take a look at the Outdoor Etiquette.

Please don’t share any such contents on the Internet that break the rules of the national park.

Letting pets running at large is forbidden. Dogs and other pets are welcome in the national park but only on a leash.

Getting around in National Park

In the Gulf of Finland National Park, you may freely walk, ski, row and canoe, except in the restricted areas:

Camping

Camping is only permitted at designated sites.

Lighting Campfires

Lighting a fire is allowed at the maintained campfire sites that have been marked on the map and in the terrain. You are only allowed to use the firewood that has been reserved for the purpose. The person who lights the campfire is always responsible for the fire.

The use of a portable camping stove is allowed in areas where hiking is allowed. During the wildfire warning, the use of hobo stoves is not allowed, as sparks may be created.

Please note that lighting campfires is also forbidden at campfire sites if the wildfire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).

Litter-free Hiking

There are no waste-bins or recycling points in the park. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Take away everything you brought along.

You can put leftovers and other biowaste in a dry toilet at rest spots.

Small amounts of clean paper and cardboard may be used as kindling at a campfire site. Other waste, such as packages that contain aluminium foil or plastic, may not be burned in a fireplace, as they may form non-biodegradable waste and toxic gases.

Read more about Hiking without littering.

Fishing

Hook and line fishing, ice fishing and fishing with a simple herring rig are permitted under everyman's rights.

The above-mentioned access restrictions should be observed when fishing.

Persons aged 18-69 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). If you use more than one rod, for example for trolling or spinning for whitefish, you will also need Metsähallitus' angling permit no 7412  (eraluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi).

For netting and other trap fishing you will need, in addition to paying the fisheries management fee, trap licence no 6020 for the Gulf of Finland National Park (eraluvat.fi, in Finnish). Permits can also be purchased by phone at +358 (0)20 69 2424.

Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs

Picking berries and edible mushrooms is allowed, except in restricted areas.

Taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones is forbidden. Picking wild herbs is therefore forbidden.

Biking

Mountain biking is allowed according to everyman's rights. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.

Other Rules and Instructions

As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research, organised events and the shooting of films or advertisements in the terrain. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).

The use of the trails and structures of the Gulf of Finland National Park for business activities is always subject to a fee, and for frequent business use, a contract with Metsähallitus (metsa.fi) is required. The right of use fees for specific days are paid at the Eräluvat webshop (eraluvat.fi).

Other Forbidden Activities in the Gulf of Finland National Park

  • 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.
  • Leaving waste in the area, or damaging structures.
  • Covering, changing, damaging, removing, violating or excavating in archaeological sites.
  • Activities that disturb other people.

Rules and Regulations for Gulf of Finland

The rules and regulations of Gulf of Finland National Park (pdf 488 Kb, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish), ratified on 29 January 2014.

Safety

It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success. 

  • There are ticks everywhere in the Gulf of Finland archipelago, but especially in the high grassland.
    • They live in damp grass, and some of them carry viruses and bacteria which cause diseases. It is important to cover your legs and arms, which is easily done by wearing long sleeves and wearing your socks on top of your trouser legs.
    • Tick pliers (sold in pharmacies) and tick check done every night are also essential. Ticks are most likely found in crooks. More information.
  • Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather. Drinking water and toilet paper are good to have along.

  • 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. Maritime Rescue Centre's calling number is 0294 1000. More information on how to act in an emergency.

  • Mobile telephones work quite well in Gulf of Finland National Park, except in some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone.

  • Outdoor Guide
  • Before your trip see also page What is New.

Check for Warnings

When wildfire 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. 

Drawing of a fireplace. The drawing shows the roof, the flue and off the ground.

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

Game and Fisheries Wardens supervising nature destinations

Two people standing on top of a high hill, wearing snowmobile clothes. A wide, open view in the background.

Wilderness supervision (eräluvat.fi) offers services and education for the benefit of Finnish nature. A Game and Fisheries Warden is responsible for supervising the legality and authorisation of operations and the use of nature in state-owned areas.

If you witness or suspect a violation, you can report your observations to the warden (eräluvat.fi). Although we would like for you to leave your contact details when filing a report, you may also file a report anonymously.