Everyman's Right

Jokamiehenoikeus, everyman's right, is the deep-rooted freedom that lets anyone walk, ski, swim, camp for a night and gather wild berries and mushrooms across almost all of Finland's land and water, regardless of who owns it. It is the legal and cultural foundation of the Finnish love of the outdoors.

What's there

• Freedom to roam - the right to walk and ski across forest, shore and open land.
• Wild harvest - the freedom to pick berries, mushrooms and wildflowers.
• Wild camping - the right to pitch for a night away from homes.
• The responsibilities - the balancing duty not to disturb, damage or litter.

When to go

Year-round, but late summer and autumn bring the bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries and mushrooms that make the right so cherished. It underpins every hike, ski and paddle.

Before you go

It is a custom and a freedom rather than a place to visit, so you experience it by getting out into nature responsibly. The right comes with real duties, staying clear of homes, taking no damage and leaving no trace. Know which mushrooms and berries are safe before eating anything.

Nearby

It applies in every national park and forest in this list; the parks near any city are the easy way to use it.