Instructions and Rules in Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve

Instructions on Exploring Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve

In Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve, the following are

allowed

• Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing
• Picking berries and edible mushrooms
• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).

restricted

• Hunting, which is allowed with permission from Metsähallitus (permit area 5608). Permits can be bought from Metsähallitus netstore (eräluvat.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 and organised events. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).

forbidden

• Lighting campfires is allowed only at the campfire shelter
• Camping
• 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
• 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 Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve 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.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Equipment and Safety

• The trail to the Waterfall can be walked in any shoes. Elsewhere in the area the normal hiking equipment is needed.
• Hiking with respect for the environment
• 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, Outdoor Guide
  • What to Pack