Outdoor Etiquette – The MyTrail Way
Leave only footprints. Take home the experience.
The forests, fells, rivers and national parks of Kuusamo are at the heart of everything we do at MyTrail. We want them to remain wild, clean and peaceful for those who come after us.
Responsible outdoor behaviour doesn't need to be complicated. Small choices make a difference.
Stay on the trail
Whenever possible, use existing trails and paths, especially in sensitive or heavily visited areas. This helps prevent erosion and protects vegetation.
Sometimes our adventures take us away from marked trails. When we do this, your MyTrail guide chooses the route carefully to minimise our impact on nature.
Take nothing but memories
Enjoy wildflowers, plants, trees and other natural features where you find them. Avoid damaging vegetation or disturbing the landscape.
Berry and mushroom picking is part of Finnish outdoor culture and is allowed in many areas under Everyman's Rights. Your guide will explain when and where foraging is appropriate.
Give wildlife space
We are visitors in their home.
Observe animals quietly and from a respectful distance. Never chase, approach or feed wildlife. During sensitive seasons, such as nesting and breeding periods, extra care is needed.
Sometimes the best wildlife encounter is simply noticing tracks in the snow and knowing that an animal passed by before us.
Leave no trace
Everything we bring into nature comes back with us.
Our guides collect all waste generated during MyTrail activities. We minimise packaging and use reusable cups, plates and cutlery whenever possible.
Please never leave food, tissues or other waste in nature – even biodegradable waste.
Use fire responsibly
We make fires only where and when they are permitted.
Whenever possible, we use designated campfire sites and existing fireplaces. We use firewood responsibly and never make an unnecessary fire.
During wildfire warnings or when local regulations prohibit open fires, we simply enjoy our break without one.
Use resources wisely
Nature provides a lot, but its resources are not unlimited.
We encourage thoughtful use of water, firewood and other resources. Reusable bottles, cups and food containers are always better companions for the trail than disposable ones.
Respect the silence
One of the greatest luxuries of Finnish nature is something you cannot buy: space and silence.
Keep noise to a reasonable level and allow other visitors to experience the landscape in their own way. Sometimes we deliberately stop talking during our tours and simply listen.
You might be surprised by how much there is to hear.
Respect other visitors
Trails, huts, campfire sites and other outdoor facilities belong to everyone.
Give others space, keep shared places clean and leave them as you would like to find them.
Follow local rules
National parks and protected areas may have their own regulations concerning camping, fires, cycling, pets, access and other activities.
Our guides know the areas where we operate and will help you follow the local rules. When exploring independently, always check the regulations of your destination before setting out.
Your guide leads by example
Responsible outdoor behaviour is part of every MyTrail experience.
Our guides don't only tell you how to behave responsibly in nature – we practise it together. We choose routes carefully, minimise waste, use resources thoughtfully and adapt our activities when nature needs extra protection.
We believe that the best way to protect nature is to experience it, understand it and learn to care about it.
Welcome to the trail.
Walk gently. Stay curious. Leave nature wild.
For more information, read the official Finnish Outdoor Etiquette by Metsähallitus / Luontoon.fi.