Instructions and Rules in Valkmusa National Park

1.10.2020

Because of the coronavirus, safe distances should be kept even in nature, and thorough hand hygiene should be followed at huts, campfire sites and after using the toilet. Metsähallitus' policies and guidelines will be updated as the general corona guidelines become more specific. Check our website for the current situation: www.nationalparks.fi/coronavirusguidelines.

Instructions on Exploring Valkmusa National Park

In the National Park, the following are

allowed:

Hiking and skiing

Picking berries and mushrooms.

restricted:

Making campfires and camping in the open. This is only permitted at sites marked for these purposes.

Visitors should avoid going into the open mires during nesting season.

According to the rules of conduct, mountain biking is allowed only on route best suited for the activity: Kananiemenharju forest road. Valkmusa National Park rules of conduct and map (pdf, 2,3 Mb, in Finnish, julkaisut.metsa.fi)

forbidden:

Please note that lighting campfires is also forbidden at 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 cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a shelter and a flue.

Letting 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 this purpose

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 where cliffs or forest block signals. 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 and Equipment

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:

112 Suomi - mobile application

When an emergency call is being made through the 112 Suomi - mobile application (112.fi) the dispatcher will automatically receive the callers position.

It is recommended to keep the mobile phone warm and to bring extra food and water with you. There are many excursion locations with no mobile coverage and some mobile phones does not work in sub-zero temperatures, that is why it is always a good idea to let someone know about your itinerary and timetable.