Instructions and Rules in Siikalahti

Instructions on Exploring Siikalahti

In the Area, the following are

allowed:

• walking
  • We also advise that you stay on marked trails.
• skiing.

restricted:

• lighting campfires and camping, which are restricted to the spots designated for those purposes.

forbidden:

• lighting campfires when there is a forest fire warning in effect
  • Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a forest fire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
• letting pets run at large
• taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones
• damaging soil or rock, and extraction of earth material or minerals
• killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or damaging their nests
• catching or collecting invertebrates
• hunting
  • Hunting is forbidden in Siikalahti, as it is the most important protected inland water for birds. Studies have shown that a protected areas even as small as Siikalahti help better bird populations in other areas. The main focuses of Siikalahti are to develop outdoor recreation and nature tourism. Nature's biodiversity is furthered with different sorts of care measures.
• driving motor vehicles except on roads
• littering and damaging structures.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Mobile phones should work well in the area as the signal is strong there.
• We recommend that you keep your mobile phone warm at all times and take along food and drink. Certain phone models do not work when the temperature falls below zero. You should therefore let someone know your planned route. To keep your mobile phone charged, bring along a spare power source, a spare battery or an old phone with a working battery.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Equipment and Safety

• When coming to Siikalahti to see birds remember to bring binoculars.
• Remember to dress warmly so you won't freeze even if you have to stand still for long periods.
• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in Finland
  • Hiking Without Leaving a Trace
  • What to Take
  • Safety  
• Before your trip see also page What is New.

Peak Seasons

• Bird watching season begins in April and continues into October. Bird watching spots are visited by the most people naturally during migration time in spring and autumn.
• Arktika: The goose population is at its largest around 20.5.
• Nocturnal songsters: May to June from about 11 pm onward the song of birds fills the night.
• The best time to see dragonflies begins at the end of May.
• Plants: Herb rich forest vegetation in May and wetland vegetation in July.