Instructions on Exploring Leivonmäki

In the National Park, the following are

allowed:

  • Walking, skiing, row boating and canoeing, except in the restricted area
  • Mountain biking according to everyman's rights except in the restricted areas. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.
  • 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 prohibited.
  • Camping out temporarily is allowed in the camping areas and in the lean-to shelters and in the vicinity of campfire sites and shelters.
  • Riding is allowed only on the roads.

forbidden:

  • Moving about in Haapasuo Mire restricted area 15.4. - 15.7., to protect nesting birds
  • Lighting campfires if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • 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.

Equipment and Safety

  • Drinking water and food need to be carried, as there are no cafés or shops with regular opening hours in the area. There are no places to get drinking water in the forest either. The nearest shops are in the village of Rutalahti (about 9 km) and in the centre of the municipality of Leivonmäki (about 12 km).
  • Please note that there is no paper in the toilets.
  • The terrain is not difficult in the National Park, so the trails are suitable for family day trips. The trails mostly go into dry pine forests, and the mire sections have duckboards.
  • 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

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. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally. 

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

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!

(chapter 8 -  Keeping a dog)