Instructions and Rules in Meiko

Allowed in the area 

• Moving by hiking, skiing, rowing and paddling.
• Temporary overnight stays/camping for a maximum of two nights and camping in designated places. 
• Picking berries and edible mushrooms. 
• Angling and ice fishing are permitted in the waters of the area. In water areas managed by Metsähallitus, lure fishing is also allowed by paying the state fisheries management fee (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi). The fisheries management fee applies to 18-69-year-olds and entitles to one rod and lure. Fishing arrangements in the waters included in the Natura site but not included in the protected areas are at the discretion of the joint ownership associations. In other cases, fishing requires a permit from the owner of the water area in question.  Before you go fishing, check for any fishing restrictions at (kalastusrajoitus.fi, site is in Finnish) 
• Mountain biking is permitted only on clearly visible paths and roads. Please take other visitors into account: ring the bell, slow down your speed and give way. Cycling outside the trails and roads is prohibited. 

Restricted

• Making open fires and camping which are only permitted at designated sites.
• It is the fire maker's duty to check valid forest or grass fire warnings before lighting fires. See the warnings on the Finnish Meteorological Institute's warnings page (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
• Swimming is prohibited in the vicinity of Lake Meiko’s water abstraction pipe, but is permitted elsewhere in the area.
• As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus or municipality of Kirkkonummi is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights. These may include research and organised events. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).   

Prohibited

• During forest fire warnings, making any open fires is expressly prohibited.
• Taking soil or damage to the soil or bedrock.
• The killing, capture and disturbance of wild vertebrates, and the destruction of their nests and burrows, and the capture and collection of invertebrates. 
• Removal or destruction of trees, bushes and other plants or parts of them. 
• Keeping pets off-leash. 
• Letting pets swim and washing pets in Lake Meiko.
• Littering nature, disturbing other people, or damaging structures, ancient remnants or ruins.
• Any other actions which may have a detrimental impact on the natural conditions and the landscape, or on the preservation of fauna and flora.

Prepare for your trip

It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. This allows you to get the best experience of nature.

Safety

• Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency centre attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location. More information from the site Emergency Response Centre Agency Finland (112.fi)
• 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 from site Outdoor Guide to Finland’s National Parks - Hiking in Finland.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.

• Information on canoeing equipment and safe canoeing from site (melontasuojeluliitto.fi).

  • Hiking in Finland
  • Safety
  • Outdoor etiquette
  • What to Pack
  • How to Hike Without Leaving a Trace

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.
• 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

The best way to prevent diseases spread by ticks is to ensure that ticks do not have access to your skin. It’s good idea to wear clothes with long sleeves and legs. After a day of hiking and outdoor activities, it's advisable to perform a tick check for the whole group, including the pets. Read more about how you can protect yourself against ticks.