Instructions and Rules in Iso-Syöte Hiking Area

Instructions on Exploring Iso-Syöte Hiking Area

In Iso-Syöte Hiking Area the following is

Allowed

• hiking and camping; they are Everyman's Rights, but we recommend that you set up a camp to an area designed for camping
• picking berries and mushrooms

Restricted

• lighting campfires, which is only allowed in spots designated for this purpose.
• 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 if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect.
  • Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a forest fire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). 
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.  
• driving motor vehicles, which is allowed only on routes marked for this purpose  
• leaving waste in the area, or damaging structures  
• pets running at large, pets must be on a leash at all times. 

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.

Seasons

• Permanent snow falls usually at the end of October. The ski season begins in mid-November or early December and ends at the beginning of May. Snow is usually melt by the middle of May. The height of the autumn colours, "ruska" season is from mid-September to early October.

Peak Seasons

• The peak season for the holiday resorts in the Syöte area is in spring (March) during the ski season. In February, when schools have their winter break, and during long weekends the areas ski trails are packed. During summer the Syöte area nature and hiking trails are popular. Most hikers visit the area during summer holidays (July) and the colourful ruska season (September). Nature trails and Syötteen kierros Trail are the most popular destinations.

Equipment and Safety

• Hiking trails have duckboards crossing the parts which pass through mires.
• There is no organized waste management within the hiking area. Be prepared to dispose of your own waste after your trip. Read the Hiking Without Leaving a Trace webpage for more information.
• The water or springs and flowing streams is usually safe to drink, but it has not been tested.
• There is a risk of getting lost when wandering off marked trails. You should remember that the hiking area's spruce forests are very dense and you will not be able to see far ahead of you.
• Read Hiking in Finland for more information.
• 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:
  • What to Pack
    • Outdoor etiquette
• Are reindeers aggressive towards people? Usually reindeers avoid contact with people. However, autumn when it is mating season reindeer bulls guarding their herd of females may intimidate people who come too close to their herd. There have been some cases of an aggressive reindeer attacking a person. When coming across a reindeer herd in late summer or autumn, it is best to leave the animals alone. Either wait until the herd has moved on or go around the herd while keeping an eye on the reindeer bull.