Practical information for travellers

Respect Nature – Finland’s Everyman’s Rights

Finland offers exceptional freedom to enjoy nature through Everyman’s Rights. These rights are established and guided by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and are based on legislation and long-standing practices.

You may

• Walk, ski, and cycle freely in natural areas such as forests, meadows, and wetlands.
• Ride horses provided no damage is caused to the terrain.
• Stay and camp temporarily in areas where access is permitted.
• Pick wild berries, mushrooms, and non-protected plants.
• Boat, swim, and travel on frozen waters.
• Fish with a simple rod and line (angling and ice fishing).

You may not

• Cause disturbance or damage to other people or the environment.
• Interfere with a landowner’s use of their property.
• Enter private yards, gardens, cultivated fields, plantations, or other areas designated for special use.
• Cut down or damage living trees.
• Collect fallen or dead wood without permission.
• Remove moss, lichen, soil, sand, gravel, or other natural materials.
• Light an open fire on someone else’s land without permission.
• Disturb people’s privacy by camping too close to homes or creating excessive noise.
• Litter or leave waste in nature.
• Drive motor vehicles off-road without permission.
• Disturb birds, wildlife, or nesting animals.
• Fish or hunt without the required permits.
• Bring dogs to public beaches, children’s playgrounds, maintained ski tracks, or sports fields.
• Keep a dog off leash in urban areas, fitness trails, or on someone else’s property.
• Keep a dog off leash between 1 March and 19 August

By following these principles, you help protect Finland’s nature and maintain positive relationships with local communities.

Protected Areas

Hanko is home to several protected nature areas that safeguard valuable habitats, landscapes, and species. When visiting protected sites, please follow local regulations, remain on marked trails where applicable, and avoid disturbing plants and wildlife.

You can find a list of protected areas here. Do note that the information about these areas is only available in Finnish and Swedish.

Respect Local Residents and Private Property

Hanko is both a popular travel destination and a hometown for local residents.

Please help maintain a positive relationship between visitors and locals:

• Respect people’s privacy and personal space.
• Do not enter private yards, docks, or residential areas without permission.
• Keep noise levels reasonable, especially during evenings and nights.
• Be considerate when taking photographs near homes or private property.
• Follow local rules and signage.

Traffic and Moving Around Safely

To ensure everyone’s safety:

• Use pedestrian crossings when crossing roads.
• Observe speed limits and local traffic regulations.
• Use designated cycling routes whenever available. When there is no designated cycle lane or path, please cycle on the far right side of the road.
• Wear a reflector or reflective clothing during dark seasons.
• Follow route-specific guidance and signs.

Please note that some routes and tracks are intended for specific activities only. For example, ski tracks during winter are reserved for skiing and should not be used for walking or driving.

Finnish culture and Etiquette

Understanding local customs helps create positive interactions between visitors and residents.

In Finland:

• Personal space is valued and respected.
• Silence is natural and not considered uncomfortable.
• People generally communicate directly and honestly.
• Punctuality is appreciated.
• Queuing and consideration for others are important social norms.

Visitors are warmly encouraged to experience Finnish culture with curiosity and respect.

Everyday Travel

You can help support a sustainable Hanko by making simple choices during your stay:

• There is no need to buy bottled water. Tap water is clean, safe and among the highest quality in the world.
• Recycling is an important part of everyday life.
• Support local businesses, restaurants, and services whenever possible.
• Choose environmentally friendly transportation options such as bicycles and trains.
• Please use boardwalks where provided and avoid stepping onto sensitive vegetation. Boardwalks help protect nature and preserve local habitats.
• During spring and summer, please keep dogs under control and respect nesting birds and other wildlife.
• Ticks are common in coastal and forest areas, so checking for ticks after outdoor activities is recommended.

Respect nature and local communities throughout your visit.

Fire safety

Campfires are an important part of Finnish outdoor culture, but they must always be made responsibly.

• Open fires are only allowed in designated fireplaces and campfire sites.
• During a wildfire warning, making an open fire is prohibited, including at many outdoor recreation sites.
• Always check current wildfire warnings issued by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) before lighting a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

Many outdoor areas in and around Hanko offer lean-to shelters, which provide a place to rest, enjoy nature, and in some locations prepare food at a designated fireplace. You can find a list of Hanko’s lean-to shelters here.

When using campfire sites and shelters:

• Keep the area clean and take your litter with you.
• Respect other visitors and share the space.
• Use firewood only where it is provided or permitted.
• Do not collect wood from the surrounding forest or strip bark from living trees.
• Use firewood sparingly and consider leaving some small pieces of kindling or prepared fire starters for the next visitor.
• Follow all site-specific instructions and safety regulations.

By using campfire sites responsibly, you help protect nature and ensure these facilities remain available for everyone.

Food waste and environmental responsibility

Food waste is a significant problem that affects everyone. By minimizing food waste, we can reduce our environmental impact.

It is important to be mindful of your consumption habits and make responsible choices, even while travelling. Everyone can help reduce food waste by following these simple tips:

• Plan your grocery shopping in advance
  Make a shopping list and buy only the products you actually need. This way you can avoid unnecessary purchases. Planning reduces the amount of food that may end up being thrown away.
• Store food properly
  Make sure you store food correctly. Proper storage can make food last much longer and prevent it from spoiling.
• Choose the right amount of food
  Buy package sizes that suit your needs and consumption habits. If you travel alone or have a small household, prefer smaller packages and quantities.
• Follow the “first in, first out” principle
  Use all your groceries in the right order – finish older products before opening new ones. Avoid having multiple packages of the same product open at the same time. Remember to keep an eye on expiration dates.
• Be creative
  Instead of throwing away leftover food, use it to create new meals. You can turn leftovers into soups, salads, or other dishes, which helps you save money and reduce food waste.