ilmatieteenlaitos.fiCheck for Warnings

When forest and grass fire warnings 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. 

Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).

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:

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. 

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

Studying an information board. Photo: Pertti Heinonen

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.

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.

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.

Emergency number 112

In case of an emergency along the way, for example if you get lost or injured or see a forest fire, dial 112. Detailed instructions.

Dogs must be kept on a leash! Photo: Seppo Leinonen.

Dogs must be kept on a leash!