Getting around in nature is limited in the restricted areas. Take a look at the restricted areas in the national park on Maps pages and in Excursionmap.fi.
Respect Nature
Pets
Getting Around in National Park
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbserry
Biking
Other Rules and Instructions
Forbidden Activities
Peak Seasons
Safety
Respect Nature
The outdoor activities in the Southern Konnevesi National Park are guided with the rules and regulations. When getting around in nature, let’s show respect for it. Take a look at the Outdoor Etiquette.
Please don’t share any such contents on the Internet that break the rules of the national park.
Letting pets running at large is forbidden. Dogs and other pets are welcome in the national park but only on a leash.
Getting Around in National Park
In the Southern Konnevesi National Park, you may freely walk, ski, row and canoe, except in the restricted areas:
- In order to ensure the nesting of birds, landing on Mullikka, Lanstunluoto, Lammasalo Island and Taavetinsaari islands is prohibited between 15 April and 31 July. You should also avoid landing on other small islands and islets in the area during that time as it is the bird nesting season.
Camping
Temporary camping is allowed. It is recommended to camp close to the campsites.
Lighting Campfires
Lighting a fire is allowed at the maintained campfire sites that have been marked on the map and in the terrain. You are only allowed to use the firewood that has been reserved for the purpose. The person who lights the campfire is always responsible for the fire.
Campfires during forest fire warnings or grass fire hazards are prohibited in the Southern Konnevesi National Park, including in fireplaces with air chimneys. Always check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
The use of a portable camping stove is allowed in areas where hiking is allowed. During the forest and grass fire warning, the use of hobo stoves is not allowed, as sparks may be created.
Litter-free Hiking
There are no waste-bins or recycling points in the park. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Take away everything you brought along.
You can put leftovers and other biowaste in a dry toilet at rest spots. The toilets at Vuori-Kalaja, Kalaja parking area and Konnekoski are emptied with suction. Do not put any food waste in them.
Small amounts of clean paper and cardboard may be used as kindling at a campfire site. Other waste, such as packages that contain aluminium foil or plastic, may not be burned in a fireplace, as they may form non-biodegradable waste and toxic gases.
Read more about Hiking without littering.
Fishing
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights.
Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). If you fish with more than one rod, you also need Metsähallitus' angling permit no 7413 for Southern Finland (eräluvat.fi). These permits can be purchased in the web shop (eraluvat.fi).
There are several fishing spots on the rapids next to the national park. For more information on fishing options, please contact the local authorities of Konnevesi (konnevedenkosket.fi, in Finnish) or Rautalampi (rautalampi.fi).
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Picking berries and edible mushrooms is allowed.
It is prohibited to pick or damage other than edible mushrooms and trees, bushes or other plants or their parts. Picking wild herbs is therefore forbidden.
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed only on roads and clearly visible tracks. Pay attention to other hikers.
Other Rules and Instructions
Other Forbidden Activities in the Southern Konnevesi National Park
- 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.
- Leaving waste in the area, or damaging structures.
- Covering, changing, damaging, removing, violating or excavating in archaeological sites.
- Activities that disturb other people.
Rules and Regulations for Southern Konnevesi
The rules and regulations of Southern Konnevesi National Park (pdf 761 Kb, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish), ratified on 24 September 2015.
Peak Seasons
The busiest boating season in Southern Konnevesi is from Midsummer to the end of July. Otherwise, school holidays and weekends are the busiest times.
Safety
It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success.
- The hiking trails in the area are mainly difficult to hike due to steep terrain, rocky areas and roots. Always wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan on going hiking.
- Please pay particular attention to safety on the water, since strong winds often blow on the wide open waters of Lake Konnevesi and the waves can be high. If you do not know the waters well, do not venture outside the marked routes. Plenty of shallows and underwater rocks are lurking at surprising locations in Lake Konnevesi.
- You should always carry a map or travel with a companion who is very familiar with the area.
- 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.
- Non-urgent rescue and assistance operations on the lake: Konnevesi Lifeboat Institution, (in Finnish, konnevesi.meripelastus.fi).
- Mobile telephones work quite well in Southern Konnevesi National Park, except in some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. Read more about mobile phone coverage (112.fi).
- Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather. Drinking water and toilet paper are good to have along.
- Mandatory equipment on a boating or canoeing trip includes a life jacket, headgear and clothing suitable for the weather.
- Hiking in Finland
When the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect, open fires are prohibited on every campfire site in Southern Konnevesi nationalpark. In Southern Konnevesi nationalpark this prohibition applies also to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue. Check the current warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). 
