Nuotiopaikat

Nuotiopaikat are designated campfire sites used for cooking, warmth, and social gathering in Finland’s outdoor recreation areas. They typically feature a fire ring or a cleared, bordered area, and are sometimes equipped with a grill grate, seating, or a small shelter. Nuotiopaikat are common in national parks, nature reserves, along hiking routes, and near cottages or campgrounds, and are often maintained by authorities such as Metsähallitus or local municipalities.

Under Finland’s Everyman’s Right, people may light fires outdoors in many places, provided they follow local rules and fire bans. Nuotiopaikat offer a controlled alternative to making fires in the wild and help protect forests and vegetation. Fires are generally allowed in designated sites, but restrictions may apply during dry periods or in sensitive areas, and some locations may prohibit fires altogether during certain seasons.

Best practices for using nuotiopaikat include keeping fires small and contained within the ring, using only established firewood, and never leaving a fire unattended. Always have water or a shovel nearby, and extinguish the fire thoroughly with water and by stirring until cold. Do not damage vegetation; use only fallen wood or wood sourced in a sustainable manner, and avoid cutting living trees. If no nuotiopaikka is available, consider a portable stove and follow local regulations.

Nuotiopaikat help balance outdoor recreation with forest protection and safety. They are most common in protected areas and popular trekking routes, but not all locations permit fires, so visitors should check local signage and regulations before lighting a fire.