Instructions and Rules in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Check 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 Pyhä-Luosto National Park
In Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the following are
allowed
- Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in the restricted areas
- Picking berries and mushrooms and hook and line fishing and ice fishing in lake waters.
restricted
- Lighting campfire in recreation and restricted area are only allowed at sites marked for this purpose
- Camping for short-term are allowed except restricted area. Camping is recomended 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 occicially 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.
- Organizing events for large groups (over 50 persons). A permit is required.
forbidden
- To move year round in Isokuru gorge restricted area outside the marked trail. Closer map of Isokuru restricted area (the area is marked on red).
- To move in Peurakero restricted area between 15.2.-31.5. Closer map of Peurakero restricted area (the area is marked on red).
- Lighting campfires if the forest fire warning is in effect
- Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a forest fire warning has been issued for the area (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 vertebrates, or damaging their nests
- Catching or collecting invertebrates
- Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
- Dogs swimming in Karhunjuomalampi -lake.
- 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.
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:
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!