Hiking and boating

The natural environment in Finland offers an excellent setting for recreational activities, hiking and for picking berries, mushrooms, etc.

The right to roam gives people mainly unrestricted access to the Finnish countryside, and the same is true for cycling, horse riding and boating. The right to roam comes with responsibilities and obligations. For example, no damage must be caused to privately owned land or the environment. Mushrooms and berries can be picked under public right of access without permission from landowners. There are, however, some regional exceptions.

There are outdoor recreational areas reserved specifically for different kinds of pursuits. There are, for example, marked routes for cycling, horse riding, skiing and walking. Maps are published showing popular boating lanes in areas of water. There are planned main lanes for boating on inland waters and in sea areas.

The national parks in Finland are open to all for trips in the countryside. Some of the national parks have nature centres where visitors can obtain information.