A visit to the Forest, everyman's right in Finland

The birds are singing, the sun is out, a slight breeze keeps the temperature down but on the whole another warm (ish) spring morning. Thoughts are turning to outdoor activities, people are out walking their dogs, the bicyclists are putting their bikes into working condition again, others are tidying up the garden or just sitting in the sun. Generally any excuse to get out of the house, but one of the most popular destinations is the forest, whether it is just for an afternoon walk or to go camping. There is a lot of forest here to enjoy as almost 80% of the country is covered by trees, "green gold" as it is known as here. In Finland we have a unique possibility to enjoy the countryside to its full, which I shall attempt to explain to you here, its called "Every Man's Right".

"Every man's right" right is a legal concept which gives everyone the chance to enjoy outdoor pursuits, freedom of the forests and fells, and many lakes and rivers with few restrictions. But with these freedoms comes responsibilities and Every man's right is a guideline as to how to behave responsibly in the countryside. This basic right to walk freely in the countryside without needing to obtain permission from landowners or occupants has developed over the centuries from an unwritten code of practise to a fundamental legal right. Everyone can walk, cycle or ride in the countryside as long as they don't harm property or nature. As long as you do not cross farmer's fields in the summertime, go within 20 meters of peoples homes, disturbing the residents or into people's gardens, which are punishable offences, you will be following Every man's right. There are certain places that are restricted areas, during the bird nesting season or sensitive areas where rare plants grow. There are usually clear signs posted to show which areas are restricted and for what reason.

Camping in Finland is a very popular occupation, enjoyed by both Finn's and visitors, quite often during the summer after the long working days in the city, people tend to want to get back to nature for the weekend. So they set off to some of the many forests around the country. In Finland we have many National Parks, with marked trails and campsites for such visitors, where you can find a shelter, wood and a fireplace in many parts of the forest.

People go to the forest at different times of the year for many reasons, during the Autumn time is one of the most popular, to collect forest berries and mushrooms. Every man's right allows people only to pick berries and mushrooms or anything which can be found laying on the forest floor, such as cones, nuts and sticks. But it is not allowed to pull anything from the trees, flowers maybe picked but not if they are rare or protected. Before going to the forest it is recommended that you research which flowers can be picked and which should be left alone. If you are near a lake or a river, you can draw water for drinking purposes and you can go swimming as long as it does not disturb others, but if you want to fish you need a fishing licence which can be obtained from most post offices.

If you want to cook food or just enjoy the atmosphere of a campfire, there are very strict rules to follow. You should light campfires only at the official campsites and only if there is no fire warnings. During hot weather, regular fire warnings are informed via the weather reports either on TV or radio. It is not allowed to light fires during these times, if you start a forest fire you will be liable to pay thousands of euros of damage or even a spell in prison. If you are not camping in a National park, you have to get permission to light a campfire from the forest owner. When leaving these campsites you must remember to leave the campsite in a tidy condition for the next people to enjoy.

There are two National Parks quite close to Helsinki, the best known is the Nuuksio National park and the lesser known park is the Sippo National Park. Nuuksio can be accessed quite easily from Helsinki by both bus and train. During the summertime a regular bus service has just started which goes from the centre of Helsinki to the new nature centre in Nuuksio called Haltia.

If you want to visit the forest, it is advisable to tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. Take a good map and a compass with you as well as anything you may need in the case of an emergency. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothes and good comfortable walking shoes. Better still if you are not used to walking in the forest alone, you could always hire a guide.

Visiting the forest

When visiting a National Park forest, you will find all the information needed at the beginning of the trail

In National Parks the trails are marked very clearly every 20 meters or so, but it is still important to have a map and compass with you

Signposts give you directions to different trails and destinations as well as telling how far you have come and how far there is left to go

Along the trail you can find different sorts of campsites for cooking, this one has a roof, wood can be found in the woodshed close by. 

Most campsites for cooking are like this, notice the fire bucket hanging in case of problems. In National Parks these campsites are often close to lakes or rivers

A view of a forest lake close to one of the campsites

A visit to the forest just got a lot easier in 2012 with the opening of the Haltia nature centre in the Nuuksio National Park

Some happy visitors heading to the Haltia Nature Centre and then on to one of the forest trails designed for wheelchairs

Your Guide working hard to keep everyone safe and happy