Hiking and boating

The natural environment in Finland offers an excellent setting for recreational activities, hiking and for gathering the bounty of the forest such as berries and mushrooms.

Everyman’s rights give people unrestricted access to the Finnish countryside, and the same is true for boating. In addition to the freedom that comes with everyman’s rights, there are also responsibilities and obligations: for example, no damage must be caused to landowners or the environment. The bounty of the forest can be gathered under public right of access without permission from landowners. There are, however, some regional exceptions.

There are outdoor recreational areas specifically for different kinds of pursuits: for example, there are routes of varying lengths for cycling, horse riding, skiing and walking. There are planned routes 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.

Hiking

The forests and water areas in Finland offer wonderful sites of natural interest for making short day trips, longer hiking trips or trips by boat.

The conservation areas, national parks and hiking areas owned by the state are excellent places in which to roam and hike. There are also waterways in areas owned by the state.

Local authorities have set up recreational area associations that have acquired areas where visitors can go hiking and enjoy the natural environment. The state supports local authorities in acquiring and maintaining such recreational areas.

• Trekking and nature trails
  Up-to-date information on hiking destinations and their facilities whether you like to go wilderness trekking or walk on a nature trail.
  
  http://www.outdoors.fi
  Metsähallitus
• Everyman's right
  In Finland, everyman's right gives everyone, Finns and foreigners alike, an opportunity to enjoy outdoor pursuits, but with limitations and obligations.
  
  http://www.environment.fi/everymansright
  Ministry of the Environment
• Recreation and nature tourism
  General information about recreational services provided by the Metsähallitus business units including both free and chargeable services.
  
  http://www.metsa.fi/sivustot/metsa/en/Recreation/Sivut/Recreation.aspx
  Metsähallitus
• Cabins and outdoor activities
  Travel services, rental cabins and group nature tours.
  
  http://www.villipohjola.com/default.asp?Section=59
  Metsähallitus

Boating

• Border checks of pleasure craft
  Entering and departing from Finnish territorial waters, passport control and customs regulations for boaters.
  
  http://www.raja.fi/rvl/home.nsf/pages/76A79F1C8AFC663EC2256CBC00313370?opendocument
  Border Guard
• Maritime rescue in Finland
  Information and advice on maritime search and rescue in Finland.
  
  http://www.mrcc.fi/rvl/mrcc/home.nsf/pages/indexeng
  Border Guard
• Preservation of the Finnish Archipelago
  Environment protection. Services include the Rubbish Seal waste recycling bins, earth closets and small harbours for boating trips.
  
  http://www.pidasaaristosiistina.fi/index.phtml?s=10
  Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association

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