Everyman's Rights
Finland's forests, lakes and rivers present incomparable surroundings in which to relax and enjoy the fresh air and unspoilt natural environment. Thanks to the concept of ‘Everyman's Rights’, there is far greater freedom to roam freely in Finland than in most other countries. This freedom, however, implies a responsibility on behalf of the visitor, not least the responsibility to remember that nature is very fragile and takes a long time to recover from misuse.
Everyman’s Rights are a concept that has evolved over the centuries, an unwritten code of practice born out of the customs and experience of a sparse population living in a vast, densely forested country. Basically it entitles us to go where we please in the countryside - on land or on water - as long as we don't intrude on people's privacy, cause nuisance or damage, or leave litter.
Access to open country
The countryside is there for you to enjoy - on foot, by bike, on skis, by boat, the choice is yours. But remember not to harm plants and animals, not to deface trees, not to damage property, and not to cause noisy disturbance. Rights may vary from summer to winter. For instance, whereas walkers may not cross planted fields in summer, skiers in winter are free to cross fields at will.
If you need to cut across someone's land, make sure you don't go so near the house that you intrude on the family's privacy.
Movement is often restricted in protected areas, in which case the restrictions will be clearly displayed. Take great care not to disturb the wildlife. Do not touch nests or disturb young birds or other young animals. Naturally, you shouldn't remove eggs from nests. Remember to keep your dog on a lead from March 1 to August 19, when wild animals are rearing their young. Of course, this does not apply to hunting dogs during the seasons in question.
You may not drive off roads without permission from the landowner. Wheels cause rutting and even permanent damage. In winter, no matter how tempting the expanses of snow look, snowmobile drivers must keep to the designated routes: public roads are strictly out of bounds. One more thing - helmets are a must for snowmobile drivers and motor cyclists in Finland.
Access to water courses
With the exception of military areas, you have free access to most water courses, also when they are frozen in winter. Rowing, canoeing and sailing are rarely restricted. The same doesn't go for motorboats, however, which are not permitted on some lakes of special ecological value - above all, those frequented by birds - or in protected areas. There are also restrictions in harbours and narrow stretches of water. The same regulations apply to water skis and scooters.
In summer you can anchor for a short stay in a spot you like as long as you don't cause inconvenience. Make sure you aren't too near a shore with houses on it. If you're travelling around in a motor boat, remember it is both fast and noisy, and take great care not to disturb the wildlife - or your fellow people.
There are special waste disposal facilities at visitors’ marinas and service stations. Human waste contaminates waters, so never empty it into a lake, the water in a harbour, a coastal bay or any other narrow stretch of water.
Getting about
You can pitch your tent on private land with permission or even in the wilderness if you like, but not on a beach or in a public place. Finland is, however, well supplied with a network of first-rate camping grounds, which should ideally be your first choice. Your prime consideration should always be not to cause a disturbance or intrude on other people's privacy. Also, you may find that in some towns you are not allowed to spend the night in your own vehicle.
Berries, mushrooms, plants and trees
You can pick wild berries and mushrooms almost freely, with the exception of cloudberries in parts of Lapland. Restrictions are tighter, however, on picking and collecting plants and flowers, since Finland has a large number of protected plant species. Picking plants, berries and mushrooms is also restricted in protected areas.
Everyman's right does not entitle you to chop down or damage trees in any way, even for firewood. Nor does it permit you to gather moss or pick shrubs. You can take any water you need for you own use from lakes and rivers, and you can also swim where you like, remembering the same considerations for other people's privacy.
Lighting fires
You may not light a fire outdoors unless you have permission from the landowner on whose land you are. Even then, you should be extremely careful; remember, Finland is a country of dense forests, and it doesn't take much to start a forest fire. Choose a spot that is sheltered from the wind and has a good supply of water nearby. Make especially sure that you put your fire out. In dry summers there is often a total ban on fires outdoors. Notices are displayed in prominent places. Fires should not be lit on rocks, as the heat may sear the rock and cause it to fracture.
You shouldn’t cut growing wood to light a fire, but you can collect dead twigs, fallen branches and cones, of which Finland's forests are full.
The safest place of all to light a fire is at a camp site or in an outdoor recreation area, as these usually have special facilities for outdoor cooking. You don't need permission to use a camp stove.
Litter
Remember the maxim: take out what you take in, and never leave litter on any land, whether private or public. There are specially designated places for both liquid and solid rubbish. Everyman's Right requires you to clean up after you and not to leave traces of your stay behind. In a nutshell, leave your surroundings as you would like to find them.
Fishing and hunting
A permit is needed for all hunting. You can fish without a permit as long as you use a hook and line only and not a reel. Ask the nearest tourist office for advice.
Protected areas
You may not immediately spot the signs marking a protected area, so you should make an effort to find out where they are before you start your holiday. Boaters should take particular care, as there are many rocks and islands where birds are protected. If in doubt, don't land, particularly in the archipelago.
Everyman's Rights on the Åland Islands are more restricted than in other parts of the Nordic countries.
- Preservation areas have their own regulations: you may not take away plants, stones, pebbles or animals; camping is prohibited, and dogs must be kept on a leash on line and in the vicinity of their owners.
- You may move freely in the natural environment but you must avoid private property, take away all waste with you, and close all gates behind you so that animals do not escape.
- Berries and mushrooms may be collected for your own use, but you should not pick flowers
- Seabirds must not be disturbed in the period between April 15-June 15. Access to certain islands is prohibited, and fishing is prohibited from the shore on these islands during this time.
- Fishing permits, available from shops and holiday villages, are required.
- Campsites only should be used for pitching tents, unless permission has been obtained from landowners in other places.
- Overnights in caravans, campers and motor homes must only be spent at campsites.
- Overnights in caravans are prohibited on streets or country roads, and in parks or parking spaces.
- Fires may be lit only by permission of the land owner in specially allocated places, and only when no fire warning is in force.
- Hunting is allowed only by special permission.
- Sports divers need a special licence from the authorities +358-18-25000.
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