EVERYMAN´S RIGHT – THE RIGHT TO ROAMIn Finland, nature is not only wild, it’s free. Finnish law states that anyone living in or visiting Finland has the right to roam the countryside, forage mushrooms and berries, and enjoy the recreational use of natural areas, even on privately owned land.

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. Please remember, however, that with such rights, come responsibility. Please tread carefully, 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.

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 fi rewood).

Source: Visit Finland

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 our 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.

Reindeer, moose, lynx, wolverine and bear are just some of the wild animals that live in the vast Finnish forests. These animals are not normally a danger to humans – quite the contrary. They tend to shy away from people. Should you wish to see them close up, there are designated wildlife-watching spots and centres for e.g. bear-watching excursions.

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, off ering a short but bountiful growing season.

So go ahead and help yourself! 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 fi nding them is 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!

Also remember that some mushrooms are highly poisonous so do your homework or go picking with a local guide to be safe.

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. 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.

GUEST ETIQUETTE

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 fi shing and even set up a tent for the night, 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.

A few hard rules apply, regardless of where you are travelling in the country. Hunting and fi shing, with the exception of angling, are strictly prohibited without a permit. Campfi res are forbidden during a forest fi re warning. When the conditions are safe you may light a fi re in designated public areas and if you have permission by a landowner to light a campfi re, make sure it is safely secured, away from wind and ideally close to water. If possible, look for a place where fi res 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 rubbish in the fi rst place. Re-use, up-cycle and roam the countryside as an eco-tourist and you will help keep Finland wild and beautiful.

Walk, ski or cycle freely, except in other people’s yards and other land areas under specifi c use (such as fi elds and other cultivated areas).

Stay or set up camp temporarily in areas accessible under everyman’s right (at a reasonable distance from homes).

Pick wild berries, mushrooms and fl owers.

Go angling and ice fi shing.

Use bodies of water for passage and other activities; this also applies to ice-covered water areas in winter.

Cause disturbance or damage to other people or the environment.

Disturb game animals or birds during the breeding season.

Drop or leave litter.

Cut down or damage standing trees.

Drive motor vehicles off road without the landowner’s permission.

Collect moss lichen, soil materials or fallen trees.

Fish or hunt without the relevant permits.

Violate the privacy of people’s homes.

EVERYMAN´S RIGHT

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