Instructions and Rules in Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve

The Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve is mainly intended for scientific research. It is important to study matters dealing with the Strict Nature Reserve in advance and prepare yourself properly for your trip by reading the instructions, rules and regulations of the Vaskijärvi strict nature reserve (finlex.fi, in finnish).

Getting around in nature is limited in the restricted areas. Take a look at the restricted areas in the national park on Maps pages and in Excursionmap.fi.

Respect Nature
Pets
Getting Around in Nature Reserve
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Biking
Other Rules and Instructions
Forbidden Activities
Safety

Respect Nature

The outdoor activities in the Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve are guided with the rules and regulations. When getting around in nature, let’s show respect for it. Take a look at the Outdoor Etiquette.

Please don’t share any such contents on the Internet that break the rules of the national park.

Letting pets running at large is forbidden. Dogs and other pets are welcome in the national park but only on a leash.

Getting Around in Nature Reserve

During the snow-free season, only the trail leading through the area may be used without a special permit.
It is prohibited to go Saint Henry’s path between 1 February and 31 May.

Camping

Camping is prohibited.

Lighting Campfires

Open fires are not allowed.

Litter-free Hiking

There are no waste-bins or recycling points in the park. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Take away everything you brought along.

You can put leftovers and other biowaste in a dry toilet at rest spots.

Small amounts of clean paper and cardboard may be used as kindling at a campfire site or a fireplace at a hut. Other waste, such as packages that contain aluminium foil or plastic, may not be burned in a fireplace, as they may form non-biodegradable waste and toxic gases.

Fishing

Fishing is prohibited.

Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs

It is forbidden to pick berries, mushrooms or plants.

Biking

Mountain biking is permitted on the biking trail in the area.

Other Rules and Instructions

As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research, organised events and the shooting of films or advertisements in the terrain. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).

The use of the trails and structures of the Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve  for business activities is always subject to a fee, and for frequent business use, a contract with Metsähallitus (metsa.fi) is required. The right of use fees for specific days are paid at the Eräluvat webshop (eraluvat.fi).

Forbidden Activities

Walking or skiing outside the marked trails
Getting around in any other means but walking and skiing
Littering
Damaging soil, rock or vegetation
Damaging or disturbing the animals
Hunting and fishing
Taking plants or animals or their parts, and picking berries or mushrooms
Dogs, cats or other domestic animals running at large
Camping and lighting campfires
Use of motor vehicles except for maintenance and service duties
Any action disturbing or changing the natural features, the landscape or the environment

Regulations for Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve

The regulations of Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve (finlex.fi, in finnish). The current paths run along the old cycle paths mentioned in the regulations.

Safety

It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success.

On the trails of Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve, rubber boots are necessary when the water is high.
Elk flys are usually quite common in the area in late summer and you should take this into account when choosing what to wear.
Water bottle and packed meals are needed, because there are no shops or cafes.
Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather. You should always take toilet paper with you.
Make sure you pack a first-aid kit. 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.
Mobile telephones work quite well in the Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve , except in some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. Read more about mobile phone coverage (112.fi).
Hiking in Finland
Before your trip see also page What is New.