Instructions and Rules in Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area

Instructions on Exploring Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area

• Hiking, skiing and temporary camping are allowed everywhere in Pöyrisjärvi wilderness area according to the Everyman's rights (environment.fi).
• Pets are allowed in the area's open or reservable wilderness huts only if the others in the hut allow.
• You can leave your route plan and timetable at for example Fell-Lapland Visitor Centre. Remember to also report on your return, so that a search party is not sent after you needlessly. Search and Rescue services charge for needless search operations.
• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under Everyman's rights (enviroment.fi), except in flowing water and rivers. Anglers fishing with fly or lure aged between 18-69 years need to pay fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi) and angling permit 1551 for Enontekiö's Wilderness area (eräluvat.fi). When fishing in Pöyrisjoki, get Ounasjoki- Käkkälöjoki- Pöyrisjoki 1556 (eräluvat.fi) instead. Fishers need to check restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish) .
• 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).

Campfires

• Metsähallitus has decided to grant general permission to light fires in the terrain in Lapland. Dry branches, twigs and small stumps can be used as kindling. In places where there is a maintained campfire site within 500 metres, all fires must be lit at the campfire site. In nature reserves for which a maintenance and utilisation plan or regulations have been issued, you must comply with the items outlined in these documents when lighting fires. You may light campfires without any permit, but you may only use fallen branches and twigs as firewood. Lighting campfires is not recommended in areas with few trees. Felling trees is strictly forbidden and the use of trunks of fallen trees requires a permit. Use an old campfire site if you can find one.
• Lighting campfires is forbidden when there is a wildfire warning 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 (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has been issued for the area. 
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.

Fishing

• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights, except where specific restrictions apply.
• Angling with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted waters. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee. Angling permits for restricted areas are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi).
• Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area 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

• When wilderness trekking in Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area you should always have a map, a compass and proper clothing, footwear and overnight gear depending on the length of your trek. Please note that weather conditions change very quickly and it can snow even in summer.
• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. Background information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in wilderness areas is more demanding than on marked trails. For this reason it is good to be an experienced hiker before attempting a wilderness trek.
• Hiking in Finland:
  • What to Pack
  • Safety
  • Hiking without Leaving a Trace
  • Outdoor etiquette

Peak Seasons

• The most popular time to visit the wilderness area is from June to September, but there are no peak seasons, when the area would be overly crowded.