News of the week in plain Finnish | Saturday 18.7.2026

The popularity of hiking is growing.

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The summer holiday season is now in full swing.

Hiking and camping in Finland are of interest to foreigners. At the same time, there are many changes to the state’s hiking spots.

Now we will tell you more about the hike.

Camping and backpacking are popular

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Swiss Heinz Kronauer has been traveling in the same car for almost 50 years. Photo: Jukka Lehto / Yle

Camping is a lifestyle that attracts with its freedom. Most Finnish cities have camping areas.

Camping, motorhomes and “van life” are growing in popularity. Van life means, for example, converting a van into a mobile home.

Fewer cabins in camping areas are being booked now than before.

Large cities often have a camping area

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Rastila campsite in Helsinki in the summer of 2026. Photo: Jukka Lehto / Yle

Finnish hiking and camping areas are increasingly attracting foreign tourists. The proportion of foreigners has been increasing every year.

They appreciate that you can go to Finnish campsites without making a reservation. This means you don’t have to plan your trip in advance.

Foreigners also say that a hiker sees a lot. Then you can also see nature, not just cities.

National parks and hiking areas

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Urja rest area, where the tree maintenance ends. Urja is located in Nuuksio National Park in Espoo. Photo: Matti Myller / Yle

In Finland, Metsähallitus manages all national parks. Metsähallitus also provides free hiking services.

Metsähallitus has now reduced maintenance of rest areas because there is not enough money. For example, many places no longer have firewood.

The Finnish Hiking Association warns that nature is suffering. People are collecting firewood from forests and walking outside hiking trails.

Some camping sites may later be transferred to the care of municipalities.

Bush parks

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Bus parking lot in Säynätsalo, Jyväskylä. Photo: Jarkko Riikonen / Yle

Bush parks are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, bush camping means camping with a motorhome somewhere other than a camping area. Such places include beaches, forest edges, and rest areas.

Not everyone likes bush parks. Tourists sometimes cause disturbances and leave litter in the area.

In Finland, everyone has rights. This means that temporary residence and overnight stays are permitted wherever movement is permitted.

Your stay must not cause disturbance or harm to others or the environment.

However, movement in protected areas may be restricted.

Repetition

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In Finland, everyone’s rights provide many opportunities to enjoy nature. The name was previously everyman’s rights.

Let’s say it again.

Camping, motorhome travel and van life are growing in popularity.

Foreigners like going on trips in Finland because they don’t need to book a place in advance.

Everyone has rights in Finland.

Here was the News of the Week in plain Finnish. See you again, bye!