It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success.

Wear colourful shoes and clothing that are suitable for the sea and outdoors. Road conditions can sometimes change rapidly from a sunny summer day to very windy or even stormy conditions. There are very steep cliffs on the islands that are slippery when wet. Depending on the destination, means of transport and weather, boots are sometimes the best choice.
Each person on board must have a lifejacket or float that is the right size for them. If you fall into water, a life jacket will significantly improve your chances of survival and also facilitate search and rescue.
Secure your boat well. Weather conditions in the archipelago can change quickly.
Protect yourself from ticks. Wear long trousers and shirts with long sleeves. Avoid high and damp grass which are the favoured terrain of ticks. Stay on the trails. Do a tick inspection after a trip, daily on longer excursions; don’t forget to also check your children and pets. It is a good idea to pack tweezers for removing ticks.
Bring a water bottle and a packed lunch. Take special care that you have enough to drink on a hot summer day, depending on the length of the trip. In the national park area, café and restaurant services provided by entrepreneurs are only available in Jussarö during the summer.
Fresh water should be used particularly sparingly in the archipelago.
You should always bring toilet paper and sunscreen in the summer.
The southern part of the park is suitable for experienced sea kayakers.
You can enjoy the winter in the archipelago by skiing on ice at your own risk. There are no ski tracks in the park area.
Make sure you pack a first-aid kit. If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
There is a defibrillator at Jussarö Guest Marina.
Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the park without signal. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. On Rödjan signal is weak. Bring along a spare power source. Read more about mobile phone coverage (112.fi).

Hiking in Finland

What to Pack
Safety
How to Hike Without Leaving a Trace
Outdoor etiquette
Before your trip see also page What is New.

Equipment rental in Ekenäs