Instructions for hikers

Before setting out for the wilderness, examine tips to help you to prepare your outing better and preserve the environment.

  • Plan and prepare your hike carefully;
  • Observe any procedural restrictions and the principles of the common right of access;
  • Proceed and camp leaving no trace;
  • Start a fire thoughtfully;
  • Pick up rubbish after yourself;
  • Wash the dishes and yourself on dry land.

Thank you for being environmentally conscious.

Plan and prepare your hike carefully

  • Opt for existing hiking tracks, for hiking, too, stresses the environment.
  • Use vehicles that consume fossil fuels as little as possible. For long hikes, opt for trains or coaches; if by car, try to car pool with several people.
  • You can rent or borrow hiking equipment; you don't have to buy it for yourself.
  • Pack your food in reusable containers and bags. This way you’ll limit waste generated during the hike.

Observe procedural restrictions and the principles of the common right of access

  • Make sure you clearly understand the instructions and restrictions applicable in an area. Observe them.
  • The common right of access refers to the freedom of movement in the wilderness on the land of all land owners in a manner that does not cause harm or confusion.
  • Remember that constraints apply to movement and other common rights of access in nature reserves and hiking areas, yard areas, fields and crop stands, also some other areas by decree of authorities.
  • Elsewhere, you can hike observing the common rights of access, provided you cause no trouble or create confusion.

Proceed and camp leaving no trace

  • Use marked hiking tracks and paths to cause the landscape no needless wear and tear.
  • Camp in places marked accordingly. Where there is no such place nearby, opt for a place used previously. Avoid ground with lichen or other delicate ground.
  • Act so as to leave no trace at the campsite.
  • Be sensitive when proceeding through terrain – do not make excessive noise or disturb animals.

Start a fire thoughtfully

  • Find out whether going into the forest has not been forbidden due to fire hazard. For information, call the rescue service hotline on 1524 or ask at the nearest RMK information desk.
  • When building a fire, opt for a chimneyed outdoor fireplace.
  • Observe all instructions in the wilderness and at a pre-prepared fire place.
  • Pre-prepared fire places sites are for public use – be accepting of other users.
  • To make a fire, use supplied firewood or fallen branches. You can also burn combustible non-synthetic waste in the fire.
  • Keeps the fire burning steadily, while as low as possible.
  • Pour any used barbeque charcoal into the fireplace.
  • Be careful and do not leave the fire unattended! When departing, make sure the fire is extinct.
  • Do not smoke in the forest.
  • Report a forest fire by calling 112.
  • Remember that making a fire and camping are permitted only in places prepared and marked for that purpose.

Pick up rubbish after yourself

  • Anything you are able to take into the forest, you are also able to get out from there. Volunteer rubbish management stresses the natural environment less and creates less noise and fewer traces than clearing away rubbish on machines.
  • If you are not taking your rubbish with you, place any organic waste (teabags, coffee grounds, leftover food) into a rubbish bin nearby.
  • Burn any combustible rubbish in the fire place, but do not this during when there is fire hazard. Do not burn packaging containing aluminium foil or plastic.
  • Use toilet paper sparingly.

Wash the dishes and yourself on dry land

  • Collect washing water in a container and drain it into the ground after washing. This way, bodies of water will not become polluted.
  • Wash yourself in a similar fashion.
  • Consider carefully whether you need any detergents. In most cases, just water will do.