Instructions and Rules in Rahja

In Rahja, the Following Are

allowed:

• Walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except for any restricted areas
• Picking berries and edible mushrooms
• Angling and ice fishing. Fishermen must check the fishing restrictions on kalastusrajoitus.fi (kalastusrajoitus.fi).

restricted:

• Making an open fire is only permitted at designated sites.
• Camping is allowed under everyman’s rights (ymparisto.fi), except for the areas where landing is prohibited from 15 April to 31 July.
• 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 when a wildfire warning is in effect
• Letting pets run free
• Taking or damaging trees, shrubs or other plants, or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones
• Damaging soil or rock, and extracting earth material or minerals
• Killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or destroying their nests
• Catching or collecting invertebrates
• Driving a motor vehicle beyond the designated roads
• Leaving litter or damaging any structures
• Landing on the bird islets from 15 April to 31 July
• Boating on the waterfowl bays from 15 April to 31 July
• Driving a personal watercraft outside the routes

Please Also Note the Following

• The natural world of the Rahja archipelago is beautiful, but sensitive. You can reduce the erosion of the islands and the disturbance caused to nature by heading to constructed beaching sites. The lichens on the rocks grow particularly slowly and they do not endure trampling.
• The Rahja archipelago is a demanding destination. Due to the marine conditions, very rocky waters and islands with boulder fields, it is demanding to move in the area. Remember to moor your boat properly, as the weather conditions at sea change rapidly.
• The speed limit in the inner archipelago, outside the routes, is 12 km/h.
• The routes are unofficial and boaters move along them at their own risk.
• Bypass the fyke nets and the other fixed traps far enough.

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.
• Mobile phone coverage is usually fairly good in the Rahja area.
• Keep your mobile warm. Take food and drinks with you. Some phone models do not function in sub-zero temperatures, so it is worthwhile reporting your route plan and schedule to someone. In order to avoid your mobile battery running dead, take a spare power supply, a spare battery or an old mobile with a working battery with you.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Equipment and Safety

• The southern side of Pappilankari is very shallow, so fairly small boats can only move there.