Finnish national parks
Photo: Tuomo Nöjd (Taon), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Finnish national parks are found in most parts of the country. In addition to national parks some other protected areas are presented below, as well as national hiking areas and the wilderness areas of Finnish Lapland.
Finland has a diverse nature, with forests, fells, mires, bogs, lakes and islands featuring in many of the parks. In a few parks the interaction between Man and nature is a central theme. As Finland is sparsely populated, one can often be alone with nature in the less known parks and in remote areas even of popular parks.
UnderstandThe parks are open to the public without any entry or hiking fees. Many have services such as marked hiking trails, cottages, goahtis and saunas for rent.
DestinationsYou are free to explore the landscape more or less everywhere, thanks to the so-called Every man's right (jokamiehenoikeus, allemansrätten), the right to access.
Get inMost of the national parks, national hiking areas and wilderness areas are reachable by car and by public transportation.
Fees and permitsJust visiting an area, hiking and camping does not involve any fees. Some campsites may have fees, but they are never the only or even main option when on a hike.
Get aroundFew parks have roads that a visitor could use for getting around. You get around on foot or by ski, sometimes optionally by bike or canoe.
SeeThere are nature trails near visitor centres of most national parks and at many of the other destinations. These are marked trails with information boards presenting the nature or other features of the area.
DoHiking in the Nordic countries has advice on many topics relevant for visiting national parks or otherwise spending time in the Finnish nature.
Eat and drinkLocal family businesses near the destinations often offer meals, lodging, tours, equipment and other service. Near some destinations there are also proper restaurants.
SleepThere are lots of commercial lodging facilities near at least some popular parks – but if you are going to spend more than a day in the park, you should look also at other options.
CopeThere are usually dry toilets near campfire sites, huts and other infrastructure. Toilet paper and hand washing facilities are usually not provided.
Stay safe and healthyKeep warm and afloat. In remote areas you will not be able to get any quick help in emergencies, so know your limits and prepare well for anything demanding. Carry a first aid pack.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Finnish national parks" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tuomo Nöjd (Taon), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons