Visitor information: Dos and don’ts

Outdoor recreation is fab! And there are as many ways to enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery and the small and big wonders of nature as there are people. Whilst some want to savour the day by lying by the sea watching the boats and listening to the waves, others delight in faster paced outdoor activities, such as trail running or mountain biking.

There are a variety of different destinations for outdoor activity such as recreation areas as well as national parks and other nature reserves. National parks and other nature reserves have various rules and regulations regarding their use. The basic principle for other than protected areas is to operate according to the freedom to roam rights. Read about the freedom to roam rules and remember that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand.

There are certain rules that we all must follow to ensure that outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature are pleasant for everyone and to maintain harmony and the good condition of natural sites. You will find the landowners’ instructions on the use of the areas below. Furthermore, each area’s introductory page explains the key rules for the area in question.

Please take other visitors into consideration and be respectful of nature and its inhabitants!

MAKING A FIRE

  • Making a fire is permitted only at the marked campfire sites.
  • You can only use the firewood provided or wood you have brought with you.
  • When a forest and grass fire warning is in place, making a fire is prohibited also at the campfire sites. You must always check before lighting a fire if forest or grass fire warnings are in place for the area.
    • At Uuvi’s recreation areas, making a fire when a forest or grass fire warning is in force refers to all kinds of fires.
    • At the sites owned by municipalities, cities or Metsähallitus, making a fire is permitted only in covered campfire sites with a flue (such as cooking shelters or closed huts) when forest or grass fire warning is in force.
  • A twig stove and a disposable barbecue are considered open fires in the Rescue Act due to the spark risk; thus, their use is prohibited by Uuvi, municipalities and cities in their recreation areas except at marked campfire sites.
    • Metsähallitus permits the use of twig stoves in its areas. However, when a forest and grass fire warning is in place, a twig stove must not be used.
  • Anyone lighting a fire is always responsible for it and for ensuring that the fire does not spread. The person is also liable to compensate for any damages that may occur.

CAMPING

  • Short-term stays, such as camping for a couple of nights, are permitted in recreation areas. However, camping in or close to gardens, on cultivated land or in other areas used for a specific purpose is not permitted.
  • In nature reserves, such as national parks, camping may be restricted or prohibited. Check for any restrictions on camping in the information provided on the area.
  • Some recreation areas may provide recommendations on places particularly well-suited to camping.
  • It is prohibited to camp at car parks. Taking out camping chairs or setting up stabiliser jacks is considered camping.

FISHING

Angling and ice fishing are permitted to everyone of any age unless otherwise mentioned with regards to the destination. Everyone aged 18 to 64 must pay the Fisheries Management Fee for lure fishing; the fee entitles you to fish with one rod. Further information on fishing.

  • Visitors can, with no extra cost, use three rods to fish for whitefish from the shores at Uuvi recreation areas when the coastline is connected to Uuvi’s waters. Uuvi’s water bodies are marked on the maps of the areas. It is not permitted to place fishing nets or other traps in Uuvi’s waters.

OTHER

Most areas apply the litter-free camping principle, which means that visitors are expected to take all their rubbish with them as they leave. Some areas have litter bins, for example, at the points of entry. We also ask you to ensure that you leave the place in good conditions after you.

To prevent the deterioration of vegetation, we recommend that you use the signposted routes when provided. This is particularly important in nature reserves and other areas with specific nature value or areas prone to erosion.

You are allowed to pick berries and mushrooms. But you must not damage vegetation, and moss, lichen or soil among other things may not be removed. Felling or damaging trees is prohibited.

It is forbidden to keep dogs unleashed in any area (Hunting Act, Section 53) without a separate permission. The prohibition is in force around the year. Allowing dogs and other pets to swim in the swimming spots is also prohibited.

Wild animals must not be disturbed. For example, to allow birds to nest in peace, visitors must avoid landing their boat or camping on bird islets during the nesting season (5 April–31 July). When out on a boat, it is important to keep a sufficient distance to them and to avoid creating big waves and undue noise.

According to section 4 of the Off-road Traffic Act, motor vehicles are not permitted off-road without a separated permission from the landowner. Please note that it is also prohibited to park a motor vehicle off road.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Freedom to roam

Parks and wildlife (Metsähallitus) outdoor etiquette

Rules and regulations for the City of Helsinki recreation areas