Instructions and Rules in Ilmakkiaapa

Instructions for Exploring Ilmakkiaapa

In Ilmakkiaapa, the following are

Allowed

• Explore your surroundings and camp as provided by Everyman's Rights.
• Lighting a fire in the area is allowed but not recommended. If you do light a fire, you may use the branches and twigs you find on the ground.
• Picking berries and mushrooms
• Angling and ice fishing. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

Forbidden

• Lighting campfires if the wildfire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
• Pets running at large
• Damaging soil or rock, and extraction of earth material or minerals
• Killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or damaging their nests
• 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 the Ilmakkiaapa 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.

Safety

• It is easy to trek along the Ilmakkiaapa Duckboard Trail without fear of getting lost. If you want to hike off the Ilmakkiaapa trail, you should take a suitable compass or a GPS locator and a topographic map of the area.
• 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.
• More information on safety issues and hiking skills can be found on the Hiking in Finland pages.

Equipment

• In dry weather, you can walk along the duckboards of the Ilmakkiaapa nature trail even in trainers. Rubber boots are needed when picking berries.
• Take your binoculars with you so that you can observe birds and other wildlife from the bird-watching tower.
• See the Hiking in Finland pages to find out more about equipment.