Finland – Complete Hiking Region Guide
Finland is a destination defined by vast forests, thousands of lakes and remote northern landscapes. Hiking in Finland is shaped by a strong legal right of public access, combined with a culture of respect for nature and self-reliance. While the terrain is generally less steep than in alpine regions, long distances, isolation and weather conditions require careful preparation.
Region Overview
Finland’s hiking landscapes are distributed across several natural regions:
Southern forest and lake districts
Central boreal zones
Northern fell and tundra regions
Key characteristics:
Extensive wilderness and low population density
Broad public access rights
Well-maintained but sparse trail infrastructure
Long distances between services
Landscape & Terrain
Finnish hiking terrain is typically subtle but demanding:
Dense forests and wetlands
Rolling hills and open fells
Lakes, rivers and marshland
Tundra-like landscapes in the far north
Wet ground and insects are common challenges.
Hiking Styles & Difficulty
Hiking in Finland includes:
Day hikes in national parks
Multi-day wilderness trekking
Long-distance forest and fell routes
Winter hiking and ski touring
There is no national hiking difficulty scale. Difficulty depends on distance, terrain type, weather exposure and remoteness.
Legal Framework & Key Rules for Hikers
Right of Public Access (Everyman’s Right)
Finland’s Everyman’s Right allows people to move freely in nature, but with responsibilities:
Hikers must:
Respect private homes and farmland
Avoid damaging vegetation
Leave no trace and remove all waste
This right applies mainly to uncultivated land.
Protected Areas
National parks and nature reserves may enforce:
Designated camping zones
Trail restrictions
Fire regulations and bans
Drone prohibitions
Local park rules always override general access rights.
Trail Markings & Navigation
Trail marking quality varies
Popular routes are marked; remote areas may not be
Navigation skills are essential
Weather and terrain can obscure paths
Carry physical maps and backup navigation tools.
Camping & Bivouacking
Wild camping is generally allowed under Everyman’s Right
Camping must be temporary and discreet
National parks may require use of designated sites
Open fires are often restricted or banned
Campfire rules must be strictly followed.
Drones
Drone use is regulated nationwide
Prohibited in national parks and protected areas
Aviation safety laws apply everywhere
Safety Infrastructure & Emergency Numbers
Official Emergency Numbers (Finland)
112 – Emergency number (all services)
When calling, provide:
Exact location or GPS coordinates
Nature of emergency
Number of people involved
Search and Rescue & Costs
Search and rescue in Finland is generally free of charge, but:
Response times can be long in remote areas
Self-reliance is expected
Negligence may increase operational risk
Emergency communication devices are recommended in remote regions.
Weather & Natural Hazards
Key risks include:
Rapid weather changes
Cold exposure and hypothermia
Wet ground and river crossings
Insects during warmer months
Short daylight hours outside summer
Weather conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Best Season to Visit
Late Spring: Snow may remain in the north
Summer (June–September): Main hiking season
Autumn: Cooler temperatures and fall colors
Winter: Winter hiking and skiing only
Daylight varies significantly by season.
Highlights & Iconic Hiking Areas
Northern fell and tundra routes
Forest and lake district trails
Long-distance wilderness paths
Remote national park landscapes
These areas emphasize solitude and nature immersion.
Who This Region Is Best For
Finland is ideal for:
Hikers seeking solitude and quiet landscapes
Long-distance trekkers
Those comfortable with self-sufficient travel
Travelers who respect strong environmental ethics
Final Notes for Hikers
Hiking in Finland is about distance, endurance and respect for nature rather than steep climbs. Everyman’s Right offers exceptional freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility and the need for careful planning.
