Instructions and Rules in Vätsäri Wilderness Area

Instructions on Exploring Vätsäri Wilderness Area

• Hiking, skiing and temporary camping are allowed everywhere in the wilderness area according to the Everyman's right (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.
• It is recommended to use a campfire place which has been previously used, if you find one. Please note that lighting campires is forbidden also at the constructed campfire places if the wildfire warning is 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.
• Please, do not forget to tell your friends, family, or the Ivalo Customer Service about your planned route and timetable. The emergency phone number is 112! The rescue service in the area is statutory, and it can be connected through the emergency number. Do not forget to report that you have returned, so that the rescue service will not look for you unnecessarily. The rescue service charges for unnecessary search.
• Hiking in Finland
• 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 18-64 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).
• 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 Vätsäri 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

• Vätsäri Wilderness Area is suitable only for very experienced hikers, because there are no services. If going hiking in the wilderness area, you need adequate gear, maps, compass, tent, clothing, sleeping bag and sufficient food supplies.
• 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.
• The conditions in Vätsäri Wilderness Area are arctic, which means that all the equipment need to be appropriate for arctic climate. The summer will usually begin in the mid June, and permanent snow will often fall in October. In the winter, it is not unusual for the temperature to stay below -20 degrees for days. Without adequate preparations and equipment, an inexperienced hiker may be at serious danger.
• Hiking in Finland:
  • What to Pack
    • Safety
    • Outdoor etiquette