Instructions and Rules in Pulju Wilderness Area

Instructions on Exploring Pulju Wilderness Area

• The use of the Pulju Wilderness Area is controlled by a management plan (pdf 2.2 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish).
• Pets are allowed in the area's open or reservable wilderness huts only if the others in the hut allow.
• 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).

Campfires

• 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 not recommended in areas with few trees. 
• Lighting campfires is forbidden when there is a wildfire warning 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 (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has been issued for the area. 
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.

Fishing 

• 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 (eraluvat.fi)
• Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

The use of Metsähallitus' services is subject to a fee for companies

If a travel company regularly takes its customers to destinations maintained by Metsähallitus, it is subject to a fee (metsa.fi). The fee is (1.5 € + VAT / customer / day). Fees are paid in advance via the Eräluvat.fi online store. Invoicing can be agreed with contract companies on a seasonal basis.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

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

Equipment and Safety

• When wilderness trekking in Pulju Wilderness Area you should always have a map, a compass and proper clothing, footwear and overnight gear depending on the length of your trek. Please note that weather conditions change very quickly and it can snow even in summer.
• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. Background information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in wilderness areas is more demanding than on marked trails. For this reason it is good to be an experienced hiker before attempting a wilderness trek.
• You can leave your route plan and timetable at for example Fell Lapland Visitor Centre. Remember to also report on your return, so that a search party is not sent after you needlessly. Search and Rescue services charge for needless search operations.
• Hiking in Finland:
  • What to Pack
  • Safety
  • Hiking without Littering
  • Outdoor etiquette