Instructions and Rules in Hiidenportti National Park

In Hiidenportti National Park the following is

allowed

• Hiking, skiing, row boating and canoeing
• Picking berries and mushrooms
• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing. 

restricted

• Making campfires and camping in the open. This is only permitted at sites marked for these purposes.
• 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 wildfire 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 wildfire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
• 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 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.

Equipment and Safety

• Because the park does not have a café or shop, food and drink are always good to take with you.
• The cliffs at the top of Hiidenportti Gorge can be slippery. Be sure to watch your step.
• The areas trails lead at points through demanding terrain.
• Be sure to follow the suggestions made in Hiking Without Littering.
• 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 Take
• Before your trip see also page What is New.