The rules concerning getting around, camping and lighting campfires at Riisitunturi vary between the different zones of the national park: the hiking and nature tourism zone and the other sections of the park. The zones are marked on the appended map of the Riisitunturi National Park rules and regulations (in Finnish; page 6; pdf, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
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
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Berry and Mushroom Picking
Biking
Horse Riding
Other Rules
Drone Flying
Forbidden Activities
Seasons
Safety
Respect Nature
Hiking in the Riisitunturi National Park is governed by the park’s 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 run free is forbidden. The dogs that are used for hunting and reindeer husbandry do not need be kept on a leash during those activities.
Getting around in Nature
In the Riisitunturi National Park, you may freely walk, snowshoe and ski.
Camping
In the hiking and nature tourism zones of the national park, temporary camping is allowed only at the maintained rest spots. In other parts of the park, you are free to choose your own camping site. The wilderness huts have been listed on the Services page. All huts, lean-to shelters and campfire sites in Riisitunturi are available on the Excursionmap.fi website.
Lighting Campfires
Lighting open fires in the core area of the national park, the hiking and nature tourism zones, is allowed at the maintained campfire sites that have been marked on the map and in the terrain. You are only allowed to use the firewood that has been reserved for the purpose. The person who lights the campfire is always responsible for the fire.
The use of a portable camping stove is allowed in areas where hiking is allowed.
In other areas of the park making a campfire is allowed – in addition to at the maintained campfire sites – using branches or twigs that lie on the ground, or other low-value wood.
During the Wildfire Warning:
- Lighting an open fire is forbidden everywhere, including at the marked campfire sites, when a wildfire warning (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) is in effect.
- The ban does not concern the cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a chimney, which is the Riisitunturi cooking shelter near the Riisitunturi Wilderness Hut.
- During the wildfire warning, the use of twig stoves is not allowed, as sparks may be created.
Litter-free Hiking
There are no mixed waste bins in the terrain of Riisitunturi National Park. Take away everything that you brought along.
Small amounts of clean paper and cardboard may be used as kindling at a campfire site or a fireplace at a wilderness 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
Ice fishing and angling are allowed on the lakes and ponds of the national park. Fishermen must check the fishing restrictions on kalastusrajoitus.fi (available in Finnish and Swedish).
Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking berries and edible mushrooms is allowed.
Biking
When there is no snow on the ground, cycling is allowed only on the Tolva–Niirokumpu and Jaksamo–Ruokamo forest roads. Cycling elsewhere in the national park is forbidden.
During the snowy season, cycling is allowed on the Riisitunturi Multipurpose Track.
Horse Riding
Horseback riding is allowed only on the Tolva–Niirokumpu and Jaksamo–Ruokamo forest roads.
Other Rules
Forbidden Activities in the Riisitunturi National Park
- Drainage of land areas and extracting earth materials.
- Constructing buildings, roads and fixtures.
- Killing, catching and disturbing animals, as well as removing or damaging the nests of animals or plants and living or dead parts of plants.
- Any activities that may change the natural state of the area or have an unfavourable effect on the preservation of its plant and animal species.
- Damaging archaeological sites and other cultural heritage sites.
- Activities that disturb other people.
- Driving a motor vehicle beyond designated roads. This requires a permit.
Rules and Regulations for Riisitunturi
The rules and regulations of Riisitunturi National Park (in Finnish, Pdf 652 Kb, julkaisut.metsa.fi), ratified on 7 September 2020.
Seasons
Riisitunturi has almost 90,000 visitors per year. The busiest months are July and August. In the winter, Riisitunturi is a popular destination for photographing snow-crowned trees and the northern lights. In mid-summer, the Riisitunturi wilderness hut is often full, so it is wise to bring your own tent for overnight stays.
Safety
- Familiarise yourself with the destination in advance. We advise you to acquire the Kuusamo Outdoor Map 1:100 000 for your trip. Staying on a marked trail and following weather forecasts will help you to have a successful trip. You should also look into any wildfire warnings that may be in effect.
- Dress for hiking in colourful clothes and according to the weather. Find out about the weather and conditions in advance.
- Trekking in the winter requires more careful planning and good equipment. Read more about winter trekking at Riisitunturi.
- 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.
- At Riisitunturi, the mobile phone signal is quite good in most places.
- Before your trip see also page What is New.
