Instructions and Rules in Porkkala

Instructions on Exploring Porkkala

In the area are allowed:

• walking, skiing, rowing and canoeing
• contemporary camping and lighting a campfire at designated places
• picking berries and mushrooms
• boating, going ashore to islands, walking and skiing on the islands according to everyman's rights. However, there are some exceptions:
• fishing
• angling and ice angling are everyman's rights, but anglers aged 18-69 have to pay a fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). The fisheries management fee entitles an angler to use a single rod and lure. In other cases, fishing requires a permit from the owner of the water area in question.  
• fishers must always check the fishing restrictions from the map kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
• mountain biking according to everyman's rights. Stay always on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.

restricted

• campfire and camping are only allowed at sites marked for this purpose
• 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

• Please note that lighting campfires is also forbidden at campfire sites if the wildfire warning is in effect. Check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a shelter and a flue.
• damaging soil or rock, and extraction of earth material or minerals
• killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates and invertebrates, or damaging their nests
• taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts
• pets running free without a leash
• leaving waste in the area, activities that disturb other people, or damaging ancient and present-day constructions
• other activities that might have negative effects on the area's nature, landscape or preservation of animal and plant species
• anchoring to the northern parts of the island of Träskö. Anchoring would damage the wrecks underwater.

Preparations

To get the best experience, plan your trip carefully and find out about the area beforehand.

Safety

• If you have an emergency during your excursion, for example, if you get lost, injured or detect a forest fire, call the emergency number 112. The number for national maritime rescue is + 358 (0) 294 1000.
• Take a first-aid kit with you.
• Hiking in Finland
• What to take
• Litter-free hiking
• Safety

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the nature reserve without signal. If there is interference or no signal, try to climb to a higher place or go to an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make the emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.

Equipment

• When choosing clothing for your excursion, consider that the area is windy and that there are ticks. Ticks may spread borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) so it is important to do a ‘tick check' every evening after hiking outdoors. It is also a good idea to keep special tick pliers with you. Tick pliers are sold in pharmacies.