Everyman's Rights - the right to roam

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Everyman’s Rights – the right to roam

Everyman's Rights - the right to roam

In Finland, nature is not only wild, it’s free to enjoy. Finnish law states that anyone living in or visiting Finland has the right to roam vast uninhabited forests and mires, forage mushrooms and berries, and enjoy the recreational use of natural areas. But this freedom comes with responsibility.

This extraordinary freedom, known as Everyman’s Rights or Jokamiehen Oikeudet, extends throughout the country, from the majestic arctic forest which covers 75% of the land, to the 188,000 inland lakes and countless islands along the southern and western coast that make up the Finnish archipelago. Please remember, however, that with such rights, come responsibility. Finland’s arctic nature, particularly in Lapland, is very fragile. Please tread carefully, leave no trace, don’t go near someone’s private property and keep out of restricted areas which are there to protect vulnerable environments and wildlife such as nesting birds. Otherwise, enjoy! Finland’s beautiful nature is for everyone to explore.

About Finland

Full of interesting contrasts, such as the four seasons, the Midnight Sun and winter darkness, urban and rural, East and West.

About Finland

national parks – all free for you

There are 40 national parks scattered across Finland, each with its own unique and pristine nature, where you may explore freely, with the exception of some restricted areas. All parks have well-marked nature trails and signage. Most have campsites, rentable cottages and, in the spirit of Everyman’s Rights, unlocked wilderness cabins which are open to anyone – as long as you respect the unwritten rules: clean after yourself, keep things tidy and replace what you use (e.g. chopped firewood). Wilderness huts are not for commercial use, and the bed is always to be offered for the one arriving last.

nature is present everywhere

Even in the cities, nature is never far away. Helsinki is situated within its own archipelago and small ferries will take you to nearby islands in a matter of minutes. There are also wild woods in Helsinki proper where you can escape to tranquility under a canopy of trees and do some forest bathing. Always, ALWAYS, carry your rubbish back with you, recycle and never litter.

remember to respect the nature

Just 45 minutes outside of Helsinki city centre is Nuuksio National Park, offering breathtaking scenery, a diverse landscape and a wide range of activities from hiking and canoeing to horseback riding and swimming. You will discover wild forests, clean lakes and rocky hills which, in some places, rise 110 metres above sea level. The valleys and gorges here were formed during the Ice Age and remnants of old growth forest provide a natural habitat for many rare mosses, lichens, fungi and animal species including the endangered flying Siberian squirrel. Please remember to stay on the path when you can – this helps preserve the fragile eco-systems in place. While you may pick berries and mushroom, never cut wood or otherwise disturb the flora or fauna.

pure nature equals vibrant wildlife

Finns never lost their connection to the land and have an intimate knowledge of the natural world. It features prominently in their literature such as the national folk epic, The Kalevala, and in the books that children grow up with. Most people would be able to tell you the names of many of the trees, plants, mushrooms, wild herbs and berries that grow in the forest, as well as the wildlife that inhabit it.

Elk, wolf, lynx (pictured), wolverine and bear are just some of the wild animals that live in the vast Finnish forests. These animals are not a danger to men – quite the contrary. They tend to shy away from people. Should you wish to see them from close by, there are places designated to wildlife-watching such as bear-watching excursions at Wild Taiga by Finland’s eastern border. However never aim to approach a wild animal, but retreat determinedly should you encounter one.

be self-sufficient – pick some berries

Foraging is an age-old practice in Finland and still very much a part of the culture. Finns head to the woods in numbers to gather wild, seasonal foods that are free for the picking. The Finnish forests are covered in nutrient-rich arctic superfoods in summer and early autumn thanks to the Nordic climate, offering a short but bountiful growing season.

So go ahead and help yourself! Feast on unlimited wild blueberries and, if you are in Lapland, hunt for the more exotic cloudberry growing in the swamplands and bogs. Experience the thrill of discovery when you come across a cluster of bright yellow chanterelles. These delicious mushrooms are the most sought after delicacies of the forest and it’s a bit like striking gold.

Just remember, there are plenty of berries and mushrooms in the forests. Don’t go too close to someone’s house – be respectful and keep away from sight. Only pick what you can eat!

it’s all about balance and respect

With the universal right to the land comes a responsibility to preserve it. There are many fragile eco-systems in Finland, particularly in the north. Thirty percent of Lapland is now protected and the Nordic climate that produces such an abundance of wild foods in summer can also be harsh and unforgiving. Slow-growing lowland vegetation such as lichens, mosses and dwarf shrubs are easily damaged and rocky fells are sensitive to erosion.

Ancient glacial rocks along the coast are similarly sensitive and at risk. Please tread carefully and keep out of restricted areas which are there to protect vulnerable environments and wildlife such as nesting birds.

the rules for the guest

When you are on private land, remember that you are not only a guest in nature, but a guest of the landowner. You may wander freely and swim, cycle, canoe, go angling or ice fishing and even set up a tent for the night in some places, but use your best judgement and respect the privacy of others. Don’t camp too close to a home or venture into private gardens.

Avoid excessive noise and take care not to disturb any local wildlife. Don’t collect mosses, lichens and plant-life that should stay where they belong and, most importantly, leave zero waste and no human footprint behind. Finnish have zero tolerance to noise and littering in the beloved nature – be like a Finn and respect the land and its inhabitants.

A few hard rules apply, regardless of where you are travelling in the country. Hunting and fishing, with the exception of angling, are strictly prohibited without a permit. Campfires are only allowed in designated areas and entirely forbidden during a forest fire warning. When the conditions are safe you may light a fire in designated public areas and if you have permission by a landowner to light a campfire, make sure sure it is safely secured, away from wind and ideally close to water. If possible, look for a place where fires have previously been lit and not on age-old rocks which could blacken and crack.

It is illegal to litter, but consider not creating any garbage in the first place. Avoid disposables, re-use, up-cycle and roam the countryside as an eco-tourist and you will help keep Finland wild and beautiful.

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Everyman’s Rights – the right to roam