Instructions and Rules in Pyhä-Luosto 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 Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Isokuru gorge will be closed during the summer and autumn of 2021 due to the rehabilitation of trail structures. Some other repairs to the trails will also be done during the summer of 2021. Ask for information from Naava Visitor Centre, tel. +358 20 639 7302, e-mail pyhaluosto@metsa.fi and follow our facebook pages.

In Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the following are

allowed

• Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in the restricted areas
  • It is allowed to go in Isokuru gorge restricted area only on the marked summer trail. There is no winter trail in Isokuru due to avalanche danger. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Isokuru restricted area (the area is marked on red).
  • To go in Peurakero restricted area between 1.6.-14.2. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Peurakero restricted area (the area is marked on red).
• Picking berries and mushrooms and hook and line fishing and ice fishing in lake waters. 

restricted

• Lighting campfires in recreation and restricted area are only allowed at sites marked for this purpose
• Camping for short-term is allowed except in restricted area. Camping is recommended at sites marked for these purposes.
• Winter time mountain biking is allowed everywhere else but not on marked ski tracks and in Isokuru and Peurakero restricted areas.
• Summer time mountain biking is allowed on almost all officially marked summer trails with a few exeptions. Biking is not allowed at Isokuru, Noitatunturi and Isonkurunkangas marked trails.
• Angling with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted waters. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
• Hunting is permitted only for local people.
• Organising events for large groups (over 50 persons). A permit is required.
• 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

• To go into Isokuru gorge during the winter time.

• To move year round in Isokuru gorge restricted area outside the marked trail. It's also forbidden to fly drones in the Isokuru gorge restricted area all year round. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Isokuru restricted area (the area is marked on red).
• To move and to fly drones in Peurakero restricted area between 15.2.-31.5. Closer map (excursionmap.fi) of Peurakero restricted area (the area is marked on red).
• Lighting campfires even in the designated campfire sites if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). 
  • This prohibition does not apply to the cooking shelters at Ahvenlampi and Huttujärvi, to the lapp huts at Isokuru and Ukko-Laavu and to the covererd shelters with a flue at Isokuru and Karhunjuomalampi. Please note, however, that making a fire at the uncovered shelter at Karhunjuomalampi is prohibited.
  • The prohibition neither applies to the stoves of Yli-Luosto and Huttuloma open wilderness huts and those of Huttujärvi, Kuukkeli and Yrjölä rental huts.
• biking in summer outside marked trails
• to let pets run 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 vertebrates, or damaging their nests
• Catching or collecting invertebrates
• Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
• Swimming and letting dog swim in Pyhänkasteenlampi pond and other ponds in Isokuru gorge as well as in Karhunjuomalampi pond
• 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.

Safety Tips

• In winter, trekking is very demanding. Harsh weather and poor light in the middle of winter cause difficulties. The temperature can drop to -40° and during the darkest part of winter there is sunlight for only a couple of hours.
• Early spring is a popular time for trekking, but even then proper gear is needed.
• If you have normal cross-country skis, you should stay on maintained trails.
• When following snowmobile tracks on ski be cautious, as there may be people such as reindeer herders riding snowmobiles along them.
• Move and camp without leaving permanent traces of your hike. Use camp sites and trails, which are marked.
• Sign your name in the each camp site's guest book. This way it will be easier for rescuers to follow your route incase of emergency. You can also give suggestions for improvements this way.
• In the fell chain there can be large differences in altitude.
• Duckboards can be slippery after rain.
• 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. More information on how to act in an emergency.

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