EVERYMAN'S RIGHTS

The principle rule of the Everyman’s Rights exclusive to Scandinavia may be considered as being the free right of anyone to temporarily use land or water regions owned by someone else. This rule also applies to the picking of mushrooms and berries, which is the most common way the Everyman’s Rights are used.

Mushrooms and unprotected plants may be picked from land where access is permitted. The Everyman’s Rights do, however, stipulate that persons traversing the countryside shall not disturb other people or animals. In Lapland, reindeer in particular must be considered. In addition, no signs of camping may be evident in the countryside. You also need to remember the rules concerning the making of fires and make sure you confirm the forest fire warning status. Further information available from everyman's rights.

Fishing may be practised in accordance with public decrees and with the permission of the waterway owner. Everyman’s Rights do not provide the entitlement to use a motorised vehicle in nature. More information about fishing is available from the Federation of finnish fisheries association and Metsähallituksen information points.

The Everyman’s right is limited in protected areas and national parks, so when visiting these places you should check their own rules and instructions. More information is available at www.outdoors.fi, Metsähallitus visitor centres and the information boards at the starting points for hiking trails.