Recreation and outdoor activities in forests

Everyman's right gives the right of access to move freely and pick mushrooms and berries also on private lands. No specific permits are required for recreational use of the nature. Restrictions on the activities allowed are laid down by law. Most importantly, the utilisation of everyman's right may cause no damage or disturbance.

National parks and wilderness and hiking areas offer peaceful environments and magnificent views to nature tourists. There are 35 national parks in Finland, with a total surface area of more than 8,000 square kilometres. Hiking areas on State lands offer excellent opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation. More demanding and challenging environments for experienced hikers are available in the vast wilderness areas in Lapland.

There are 300,000 hunters in Finland, which relative to the population is more than in any other European country. Almost every other Finn engages in recreational fishing in one form or another.


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