Instructions and Rules in Isojärvi National Park

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. 

Instructions on Exploring Isojärvi

In the National Park, the following are

allowed:

• Walking, skiing,  row boating and canoeing, except in the restricted area
• Picking berries and edible mushrooms
• Fishing:
  • Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted under everyman's rights, but the access restrictions must be observed.
  • Lure fishing with a single rod is permitted, but the access restrictions must be observed. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi)
  • Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).

restricted:

• Campfire is only allowed at sites marked for this purpose. When the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect, fire lighting is allowed only in the built fireplace of the cooking shelter in Kannuslahti. Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
• Camping out temporarily is allowed in the sites indicated, and in the vicinity of campfire sites and shelters.
• Mountain biking is allowed only along the roads and the Isojärvi mountain biking trail (julkaisut.metsa.fi).
• Riding horses is allowed only along roads.
• 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:

• In the restricted areas of Lortikanvuori and Latokuusikko, movement is only allowed on trails, during the time when there is no snow. On the islands of Kaatselkä area on Lake Isojärvi, landing and moving around is forbidden 1.5. - 31.7.
• Lighting campfires if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect except in the built fireplace of the cooking shelter in Kannuslahti. Check the current warnings (en.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 animals or damaging their nests
• Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
• Leaving waste in the area, or damaging constructions

Preparations

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.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Equipment and Safety

• Visitors need to carry their own food and drinks. The water in the well at Heretty has been tested and found to be good for drinking. 
• Please note that there is no toilet paper in the toilets.
• Suitable footwear depends on the weather. When it is dry, trainers will be fine, although the trails are rocky at some places, so study outdoor boots may be more practical.

• 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.
• Hiking in Finland
  • What to Pack
  • Outdoor etiquette
  • Safety  

Peak Seasons

• The most popular times to visit the National Park are the weekends in the spring and autumn, and the summer months of June and July.