Recreational use of nature

Recreational use of nature means spending time in the natural environment during leisure time for recreational purposes. Common forms of such recreational use include walking, cycling, skiing, berry picking, swimming, hiking and camping. Almost all Finns, about 96% of the adult population, engage in outdoor activities in the natural environment. The traditional everyman’s right, the right of public access, and Finland’s abundant forests and waters provide an excellent setting for outdoor activities and recreation.

In most cases the Finns enjoy the natural environment close to their home, in hiking areas or commercial forests. Access to nature is important in the urban environments as well - studies have shown that spending time in nature and outdoor activities reduce our stress levels and improve our moods. Good natural environments encourage physical activities and offer opportunities both for peace and relaxation and for social interaction. 

National Nature Recreation Strategy 2030

The mission of the strategy is to help people feel better, in connection
to nature and with true appreciation for it. The vision is to focus on nature recreation as a
national success factor and enhance the value of nearby natural environments in decisionmaking, and that growing numbers of people will find suitable ways to enjoy outdoor
activities. This will improve the population’s health and wellbeing.

The strategy was prepared in extensive cooperation as an inclusive process
among the government bodies, various authorities, research institutes and NGOs. The survey
conducted in advance brought in a total of 8,074 responses from private citizens.

• National Nature Recreation Strategy 2030 (Publications of the Finnish Government 2022:13) (abstract available in English)
• PDF-summary (in Finnish)

Everyman's right

In Finland, everyone has the right of public access, referred to as everyman’s right. As the name implies, anyone living or staying in Finland has the right to use and enjoy nature without needing to obtain permission from the landowner. This right allows everyone to enjoy outdoor pursuits, and the freedom of the country’s vast forests and fells, and many lakes and rivers, with few restrictions. Public access to private land is much wider in Finland and other Nordic countries than in most other countries. 

However, it is important to understand that everyman’s right is not all-encompassing. Everyman’s right does not apply in private yards and other areas designated for special use, such as fields and other cultivated areas. In addition, everyman’s right is restricted in protected areas such as national parks and other nature reserves.  Sensitive areas such as certain lakes, bays and islands where many birds breed, must be avoided during nesting season. Picking protected plant species (approximately 200 in Finland) is prohibited.

With the freedom of everyman’s right comes the responsibility to preserve and protect Finland’s natural beauty. Everyman’s right helps and guides those who enjoy the outdoors to act safely and responsibly without degrading or causing harm to nature and others.

Everyman’s right in a nutshell

You may

• Walk, ski and cycle freely, except in private yards and other land areas designated for special use such as fields or other cultivated areas
• Horseback ride without damaging the terrain
• Stay or set up camp temporarily in areas accessible under everyman’s right (at a reasonable distance from homes and private property)
• Pick wild berries, mushrooms or plants (as long as they are not protected species)
• Fish with a simple rod and line, or ice fish in the wintertime
• Use bodies of water for passage and other activities; this also applies to ice-covered water areas in winter

You may not

• Cause disturbance or damage to other people or the environment 
• Light a campfire without the landowner’s permission
• Disturb animals or birds, espacially during breeding and nesting season
• Cut down or damage standing trees
• Collect fallen trees or dried and fallen wood
• Collect moss, lichen or soil materials
• Violate the privacy of people’s homes
• Drop or leave litter
• Drive motor vehicles off road without the landowner’s permission
• Fish or hunt without the relevant permits
• Allow a dog on a public beach, in an area designated as a children’s playground, on a ski trail or sports field 
• Keep a dog off leash in an urban area, on a sports trail or on someone’s property
• Keep a dog off leash from March 1st to August 19th.

More information

• Everyman’s Right | Nationalparks.fi
• Visitor Guidelines and Outdoor Etiquette | Nationalparks.fi 

• Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land : Existing legislation and suggestions for best practices | Valto