Instructions and Rules in Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area

Instructions on Exploring Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area

• For organising events in the wilderness area, a permission is always needed from Metsähallitus.
• Hiking, skiing and temporary camping are allowed everywhere in the wilderness area according to the Everyman's rights (environment.fi).
• Metsähallitus has decided to grant general permission to light fires in the terrain in Lapland. Fallen 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.
  • Lighting campfires is only allowed at sites marked for this purpose and when the wildfire warning is not in effect. Check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
• How to hike without leaving a trace?
• 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 18-69 years must pay the fisheries management fee. Angling permits for restricted areas are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (www.eraluvat.fi)
• Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
• Citizen of the countries in the Schengen area may cross the border from Finland to Norway and back wherever they like, as long as they have nothing subject to duty with them. However, you need to be able to prove your identity and nationality. If you have a dog with you, it is necessary to contact a vet because, going to Norway, dogs need to have identity mark, passport and for example valid certificate for antibodies of rabies in the blood. Read more about import and export of animals (evira.fi).
• 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).

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the Kaldoaivi 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.

Safety

The trail leads through a vast wilderness area. If you need assistance it will take a while for help to reach you.

• The weather may change rapidly, especially in the beginning of the summer, and in the winter. Because of the long distances in the roadless wilderness, it is not easy to get help in emergency situations, and it may take a long time. A beginner should explore the area together with a more experienced hiker. Do not forget to tell your friends or family about your planned route and timetable. You can also inform Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre tel.int. +358 206 39 7740, but in that case do not forget to report that you have returned, so that the rescue service will not look for you unnecessarily.
• 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
    • Safety
    • Outdoor etiquette

Equipment

• Because this is a fell area we strongly recommend that you have sturdy footwear and warm, windproof clothing with you.
• A map and a compass are essential hiking equipment as are a tent, a camping cooker, a first-aid kit and a sufficient amount of food.
• Rubberboots or other wet lands shoes is recommend to take with you.

Year and Peak Seasons

• April is the busiest time with visitors in the wilderness area. Skiers, snowmobilists and ice fishermen come to Kaldoaivi during this time. Another peak time is in July - August, when hikers come to the area. The area is not crowded even then.
• The beautiful autumn colours ("Ruska") can be seen from some time in the beginning of September for two or three weeks.
• The so called 'räkkä' -season, when the peskiest insects such as gnats, mosquitoes and wasps, take over the area begins after mid-June. Without fail they arrive every year before the Mid-Summer celebration. Räkkä -season is at its worst through July. After winters when there has been little snow and during dry summers there are less of these pests.
• Usually a layer of permanent snow covers the area around October - November. There is usually only a thin snow-covering up to the end of the year. The snow is at its deepest in March - April. By the middle of May the ground is no longer completely covered by snow. At this time when the snow and ice in the area are melting and the area's rivers and streams are overflowing hikers must consider very carefully where to cross them. The water level and the time floods last vary annually.