Instructions and Rules in Viiankiaapa

Instructions on Exploring Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve

In Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, the following are allowed:

• Exploring the area and camping as provided by everyman's rights (ymparisto.fi). 
• Campfires are allowed only at designated campfire sites.
• Picking berries and mushrooms.
• Angling and ice-fishing. Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

In Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, the following is restricted:

• 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).

In Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, the following are forbidden:

• Lighting campfires if the wildfire warning is in effect
  • Lighting campfires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a wildfire warning has been issued for the area. Check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to the Lapp 'kota' hut along the Kersilö nature trail.
• Letting pets run free.
• Damaging the soil or bedrock and taking earth or minerals with you.
• Catching, killing or chasing wild vertebrate animals, or destroying their nests.
• Driving a motor vehicle beyond the designated roads.
• Leaving litter or damaging any constructions.

Preparations 

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has good mobile phone coverage, there may be 'dead zones' in Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve. Contact your operator to check the network coverage. In addition, there are always spots where mobile phones do not work, or there is interference. If this happens, try climbing to a higher place or going to an open area. You can also try to remove the phone's SIM card for the duration of an emergency call. You should also remember that there are differences in coverage, depending on the mobile phone model.

• 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

Safety Tips

• It is easy to hike along the duckboards of Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve without fear of getting lost. If you want to step off the trails, you should take along a compass or GPS device as well as a topographic map of the area. 
• 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.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Read more about safety on the Hiking in Finland pages.

Equipment

• In dry weather, you can walk along the duckboards of the circular Viiankiaapa Nature Trail even in trainers. If you want to pick berries, rubber boots are a wise choice. On Siurunmaa Nature Trail the duckboards are in very poor condition so you need waterproof shoes/boots.
• Take along binoculars so that you can observe birds and other wildlife in the mire from a nature observation tower.
• Read more about equipment.