Getting around in nature is limited in the restricted areas. Take a look at the restricted areas in the hiking area on Maps pages and in Excursionmap.fi.
Respect Nature
Pets
Getting Around in Hiking Area
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Biking
Other Rules and Instructions
Forbidden Activities
Peak Seasons
Safety
Respect Nature
The outdoor activities in the Evo Hiking Area 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 Hiking Area.
Letting pets running at large is forbidden. Dogs and other pets are welcome but only on a leash.
Getting Around in Hiking Area
Access to the hiking area is permitted under Everyman’s rights, with the exception of the restricted areas.
Camping
While camping is permitted under Everyman's rights, we recommend that you use the designated 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.
The use of a portable camping stove is allowed in areas where hiking is allowed. During the wildfire warning, the use of hobo stoves is not allowed, as sparks may be created.
Lighting any campfires is strictly forhibited if the wildfire warning is in effect. Always check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
Litter-free Hiking
There are no waste-bins or recycling points in the hiking area. 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.
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
On some of the lakes, fishing is forbidden because of experimental fishing. Read more about fishing.
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.
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed according to everyman's rights. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.
Other Rules and Instructions
Rock climbing at Hakovuori is permitted.
Small game hunting is only permitted with the permission of Metsähallitus (eraluvat.fi).
As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research, organised events and the shooting of films or advertisements in the terrain. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).
The use of the trails and structures of Evo Hiking Area for business activities is always subject to a fee, and for frequent business use, a contract with Metsähallitus (metsa.fi) is required. The right of use fees for specific days are paid at the Eräluvat webshop (eraluvat.fi).
Other Forbidden Activities in the Evo Hiking Area
- 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 Evo
The rules and regulations of Evo Hiking Area (Pdf, 1 Mt, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish), ratified on 10 January 2012.
Peak Seasons
The most popular times with hikers in Evo are the spring and autumn weekends, and the summer. During the summer, Lake Niemisjärvi is the busiest area. In addition, the lean-to shelters in the hiking area are popular. During the winter, there are skiers and snow shoe walkers in the area.
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 (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success.
- The landscape varies greatly, which means that some trails are more difficult than others, and take longer to hike.
- Choice of footwear depends on the terrain and the weather: the mire sections have duckboards, but on a rainy day waterproof footwear is needed.
- Ilvesvaellus Trail map and a compass are necessary, unless you know the area well. There is a dense network of forest roads and footpaths inside the hiking area.
- A bottle for drinking water is useful, because drinking water is only available in certain places.
- Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather. Toilet paper is good to have along.
- 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.
- Mobile telephones work quite well in Evo Hiking Area, except in some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. Read more about mobile phone coverage (112.fi).
- Hiking in Finland
