[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1244},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-hike-planner-national-parks-and-protected-areas":3,"related-posts-hike-planner-national-parks-and-protected-areas":258},{"id":4,"uid":5,"url":6,"type":7,"href":8,"tags":9,"first_publication_date":10,"last_publication_date":11,"slugs":12,"linked_documents":14,"lang":15,"alternate_languages":16,"data":17},"atYufRIAAC0AMVZW","hike-planner-national-parks-and-protected-areas","/blog/hike-planner-national-parks-and-protected-areas","blog_post","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=atiU3BIAACwAnAGS&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22atYufRIAAC0AMVZW%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-10-19T15:48:16+0000","2026-10-19T16:38:53+0000",[13],"why-does-it-matter",[],"en-us",[],{"title":18,"cover":19,"short_description":50,"author":51,"categories":62,"color_theme":74,"slices":75,"meta_title":24,"meta_description":24,"meta_image":257},"Check Every National Park and Protected Areas on your route in the Hike Planner",{"dimensions":20,"alt":23,"copyright":24,"url":25,"id":26,"edit":27,"thumb":31,"mobile":38,"large":44},{"width":21,"height":22},1920,1280,"Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland",null,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/dZxbP3Tc6t_v6FbD_DSC01980.jpg?auto=format,compress","dZxbP3Tc6t_v6FbD",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},0,1,"transparent",{"dimensions":32,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":35,"id":26,"edit":36},{"width":33,"height":34},800,500,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/dZxbP3Tc6t_v6FbD_DSC01980.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,40,1920,1200&w=800&h=500",{"x":28,"y":37,"zoom":29,"background":30},40,{"dimensions":39,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":42,"id":26,"edit":43},{"width":40,"height":41},400,267,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/dZxbP3Tc6t_v6FbD_DSC01980.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=1,0,1918,1280&w=400&h=267",{"x":29,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":45,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":48,"id":26,"edit":49},{"width":46,"height":47},1440,960,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/dZxbP3Tc6t_v6FbD_DSC01980.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"Wild camping, fires, drones, dogs: the rules change in every park. The Hike Planner now shows protected areas on your route, and all the info you need to know to plan your hike.",{"id":52,"type":53,"tags":54,"lang":15,"slug":55,"first_publication_date":56,"last_publication_date":56,"uid":55,"data":57,"link_type":59,"key":60,"isBroken":61},"afr_OBYAACgAQIQc","author",[],"take-a-hike-team","2026-05-06T08:44:16+0000",{"name":58},"Take a Hike Team","Document","d383a57b-33cc-442f-8378-751801946c7e",false,[63],{"category":64},{"id":65,"type":66,"tags":67,"lang":15,"slug":68,"first_publication_date":69,"last_publication_date":69,"uid":68,"url":70,"data":71,"link_type":59,"key":73,"isBroken":61},"aXyxDxAAACQAZSoH","blog_categories",[],"product-updates","2026-01-30T13:24:50+0000","/blog/category/product-updates",{"name":72},"Product Updates","a0383533-b706-46be-92ed-0fc4e32cdd40","Rock",[76,96,129,150,161,196,211,225,231],{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":79,"primary":80,"id":94,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},"default","initial",[],{"text":81},[82,87],{"type":83,"text":84,"spans":85,"direction":86},"paragraph","Long-distance trails almost always cross protected areas, and every one of them has its own rules. Wild camping can be banned in one national park and allowed in the next. Fires, drones, dogs and even swimming can be restricted, and some areas need a permit just to enter. Until now, we had to look up these protected areas hiking rules park by park, often on websites in a language we don't speak.",[],"ltr",{"type":83,"text":88,"spans":89,"direction":86},"So we added it to the Hike Planner. The new Protected Areas feature shows every park on your route and the rules that go with it, right next to your itinerary. Here is what it does and how we use it.",[90],{"start":91,"end":92,"type":93},44,59,"strong","text_block$ca8060de-97f1-4578-bb17-8d51780ec3eb","text_block",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":97,"primary":126,"id":127,"slice_type":128,"slice_label":24},[98,113],{"image":99,"text":110,"video":111},{"dimensions":100,"alt":102,"copyright":24,"url":103,"id":104,"edit":105,"large":106},{"width":46,"height":101},1080,"Fjallabak Nature Reserve shown in the Hike Planner","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/5HtWaEiB_Sh0eQnF_planner-protected-area-3.jpg?auto=format,compress","5HtWaEiB_Sh0eQnF",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":107,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":108,"id":104,"edit":109},{"width":46,"height":101},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/5HtWaEiB_Sh0eQnF_planner-protected-area-3.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1440,1080&w=1440&h=1080",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},"Any",{"image":114,"text":124,"video":125},{"dimensions":115,"alt":116,"copyright":24,"url":117,"id":118,"edit":119,"large":120},{"width":46,"height":101},"A list of protected areas for a hike in the Hike Planner","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/l9Z9fmgqSgePP2An_planner-protected-area-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","l9Z9fmgqSgePP2An",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":121,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":122,"id":118,"edit":123},{"width":46,"height":101},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/l9Z9fmgqSgePP2An_planner-protected-area-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1440,1080&w=1440&h=1080",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{},"collumns$e7e5bb42-b7b6-437d-ac14-06b90d977f4e","collumns",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":130,"primary":131,"id":149,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":132},[133,137,140,146],{"type":134,"text":135,"spans":136,"direction":86},"heading2","Why does it matter?",[],{"type":83,"text":138,"spans":139,"direction":86},"Knowing the rules before you leave means no surprises on the trail. It is much better to find out at home that wild camping is banned in a park than to find out at 6pm, tired, with the tent in your backpack. And in many places, ignoring the rules means a fine.",[],{"type":83,"text":141,"spans":142,"direction":86},"There is also a bigger reason. Since covid, more people are hiking, and some routes get more hikers every year. This puts real pressure on the trails, the campsites and the nature around them. The local authorities see it, and in many places they are answering with stricter rules. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a good example: bivouacking is getting more and more restricted there. What was allowed a few years ago might not be allowed today, so an old blog post or a friend's tip is not enough anymore.",[143],{"start":144,"end":145,"type":93},286,304,{"type":83,"text":147,"spans":148,"direction":86},"We believe it is important to bring awareness about the fragile ecosystems we walk through. Alpine meadows, wetlands and nesting areas do not recover quickly from too many people. If we follow the rules, other hikers can keep enjoying these places in the future. That is the main reason we built this feature.",[],"text_block$ffa24337-2acc-4525-9928-ae4b6ab94970",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":151,"primary":152,"id":159,"slice_type":160,"slice_label":24},[],{"image":153,"caption":158},{"dimensions":154,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":155,"id":156,"edit":157},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aJcWwaTt2nPbaGIM_DSCF1074.jpg?auto=format,compress","aJcWwaTt2nPbaGIM",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"A campsite in Torres del Paine National Park","photo$aacf7114-5aab-43e1-b861-0b2ba2dfba94","photo",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":162,"primary":163,"id":195,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":164},[165,168,171,174,180,185,189,192],{"type":134,"text":166,"spans":167,"direction":86},"How does it work?",[],{"type":83,"text":169,"spans":170,"direction":86},"In the Hike Planner, the protected areas are shown on the map. We also mark the points where your stages enter and leave a protected area, so you can see exactly which part of your itinerary is inside a national park (or a natural park, or a nature reserve) and which part is not.",[],{"type":83,"text":172,"spans":173,"direction":86},"Click on an area and you get more information about it:",[],{"type":175,"text":176,"spans":177,"direction":86},"list-item","Quick facts: the year it was established, its size, its IUCN category and its designations, such as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or Natura 2000.",[178],{"start":28,"end":179,"type":93},11,{"type":175,"text":181,"spans":182,"direction":86},"The official website of the park where you can find more information and go deeper on the rules and restrictions.",[183],{"start":28,"end":184,"type":93},20,{"type":175,"text":186,"spans":187,"direction":86},"Quick rules for what matters most to hikers: permits, wild camping, swimming, fires and dogs restrictions. A simple icon shows if each one is allowed, restricted, needs a permit or is prohibited.",[188],{"start":28,"end":179,"type":93},{"type":83,"text":190,"spans":191,"direction":86},"If you want the full picture, you can open all the rules of the park for a complete investigation. The summary is good for planning, but for a park where you will sleep, we recommend reading everything.",[],{"type":83,"text":193,"spans":194,"direction":86},"For routes that happen entirely inside a park, we add a disclaimer: the rules apply during the whole route, not only on some stages. Those are the hikes where it is most important to read the rules before you go.",[],"text_block$3ca1e790-efdc-4a0b-a5eb-10520a899b3e",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":197,"primary":198,"id":209,"slice_type":210,"slice_label":24},[],{"title":24,"mp4":199,"webm":203,"cover":206,"ratio":207,"autoplay":208},{"link_type":200,"key":201,"url":202},"Web","1e24a63e-be10-4376-836c-e76ee5695539","https://cqwcwfsqzzhkzcyneviq.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/videos/protected-areas.mp4",{"link_type":200,"key":204,"url":205},"ca9c1f7b-8af7-4838-9dab-376a1befd05e","https://cqwcwfsqzzhkzcyneviq.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/videos/protected-areas.webm",{},"4/3",true,"video_url$ad4572a9-e10f-435d-beba-160d99c367e3","video_url",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":212,"primary":213,"id":224,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":214},[215,218,221],{"type":134,"text":216,"spans":217,"direction":86},"We keep it updated",[],{"type":83,"text":219,"spans":220,"direction":86},"Rules are only useful if they are correct. We carefully go through the pages of each national park to find all the rules, and we also look for documents published by the local authorities, where the regulations are written in full. We will keep checking for changes that may affect hiking, and we will update the planner when something changes.",[],{"type":83,"text":222,"spans":223,"direction":86},"The feature is available for all hikes and for users who unlocked the planner. You will also find a new tab on the hike detail page, with all the protected areas along the route.",[],"text_block$7e37baf2-3be8-4b73-9786-91b22ffa5c21",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":226,"primary":227,"id":229,"slice_type":230,"slice_label":24},[],{"image":228},{},"planner_banner$aef3d645-ab0b-487a-b1ea-1e68e5f46f81","planner_banner",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":232,"primary":233,"id":256,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":234},[235],{"type":83,"text":236,"spans":237,"direction":86},"And one more thing: even outside of the protected areas, we should still always follow the Leave No Trace principles. A route does not need a park border to deserve respect. Pack out your trash, camp on durable ground, and leave the place as you found it. Open your next route in the Hike Planner and see which protected areas you will cross.",[238,250],{"start":239,"end":240,"type":241,"data":242},91,116,"hyperlink",{"id":243,"type":7,"tags":244,"lang":15,"slug":245,"first_publication_date":246,"last_publication_date":247,"uid":248,"url":249,"link_type":59,"isBroken":61},"afmn2hYAACkAPjZV",[],"1.-plan-ahead-and-prepare","2026-05-06T08:01:55+0000","2026-05-07T06:54:58+0000","the-7-leave-no-trace-principles-how-to-hike-responsibly","/blog/the-7-leave-no-trace-principles-how-to-hike-responsibly",{"start":251,"end":252,"type":241,"data":253},284,296,{"link_type":200,"url":254,"target":255},"https://takeahike.io/hike-planner","_blank","text_block$22d23882-0753-4ead-9640-2845d9a26958",{},{"page":29,"results_per_page":259,"results_size":259,"total_results_size":260,"total_pages":261,"next_page":262,"prev_page":24,"results":263,"version":1242,"license":1243},3,27,9,"https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=atiU3BIAACwAnAGS&q=%5B%5Bat%28document.type%2C+%22blog_post%22%29%5D%5D&q=%5B%5Bnot%28document.id%2C+%22atYufRIAAC0AMVZW%22%29%5D%5D&page=2&pageSize=3",[264,699,888],{"id":265,"uid":266,"url":267,"type":7,"href":268,"tags":269,"first_publication_date":270,"last_publication_date":270,"slugs":271,"linked_documents":273,"lang":15,"alternate_languages":274,"data":275},"aivpGBEAACgAUdSN","the-5-lakes-trail-zermatt-the-best-views-to-matterhorn","/blog/the-5-lakes-trail-zermatt-the-best-views-to-matterhorn","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=atiU3BIAACwAnAGS&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22aivpGBEAACgAUdSN%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-06-17T13:15:50+0000",[272],"how-to-get-there",[],[],{"title":276,"cover":277,"short_description":298,"author":299,"categories":302,"color_theme":311,"slices":312,"meta_title":24,"meta_description":24,"meta_image":698},"The 5 Lakes Trail Zermatt: The Best Views to Matterhorn",{"dimensions":278,"alt":279,"copyright":24,"url":280,"id":281,"edit":282,"thumb":283,"mobile":288,"large":293},{"width":21,"height":101},"Lake Grindjisee and Matterhorn","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzaKlQnVZVESS_",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":284,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":285,"id":281,"edit":286},{"width":33,"height":34},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=96,0,1728,1080&w=800&h=500",{"x":287,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},96,{"dimensions":289,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":291,"id":281,"edit":292},{"width":40,"height":290},225,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1080&w=400&h=225",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":294,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":295,"id":281,"edit":296},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=150,0,1620,1080&w=1440&h=960",{"x":297,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},150,"If you are doing Walker's Haute Route, or just spending some time in Zermatt, this is a trail worth fitting into your schedule.",{"id":52,"type":53,"tags":300,"lang":15,"slug":55,"first_publication_date":56,"last_publication_date":56,"uid":55,"link_type":59,"key":301,"isBroken":61},[],"06521c36-944e-4dd3-b744-1e558bf7e6f5",[303],{"category":304},{"id":305,"type":66,"tags":306,"lang":15,"slug":307,"first_publication_date":308,"last_publication_date":308,"uid":307,"url":309,"link_type":59,"key":310,"isBroken":61},"Z-ruvRAAAB4AZB2l",[],"hiking-stories","2025-03-31T19:36:33+0000","/blog/category/hiking-stories","dca3b0f9-fb9e-4e43-b404-ddbceb99737f","Forest",[313,330,341,366,516,542,620,640,670,681],{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":314,"primary":315,"id":329,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":316},[317,326],{"type":83,"text":318,"spans":319,"direction":86},"The 5 Lakes Trail is one of the most popular day hikes around Zermatt, and for a good reason. The route connects five mountain lakes, three of which offer one of the most iconic views in the Alps: the Matterhorn reflected on the water. It's not a hard trail, it's well-marked, and you can do it in half a day. ",[320,323],{"start":321,"end":322,"type":93},4,17,{"start":324,"end":325,"type":93},62,69,{"type":83,"text":327,"spans":328,"direction":86},"We did this trail after completing the Haute Route, more than 220km of walking across the Alps. Our legs were tired, our bodies were done, but the promise of Matterhorn reflections on the lakes was enough to get us moving one more time. Whether you're spending a few days in Zermatt or finishing the Haute Route, this is a hike worth fitting into your schedule.",[],"text_block$ebcbbbdc-8fd0-4563-be59-b07923e7e402",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":331,"primary":332,"id":340,"slice_type":160,"slice_label":24},[],{"image":333,"caption":24},{"dimensions":334,"alt":336,"copyright":24,"url":337,"id":338,"edit":339},{"width":21,"height":335},1262,"Matterhorn views along the 5 Lakes Trail","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZqlQnVZVESS9_DSC08124.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzZqlQnVZVESS9",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"photo$41d0b811-f7bd-418b-99d5-dd1b95ced709",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":342,"primary":343,"id":365,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":344},[345,348,354,362],{"type":134,"text":346,"spans":347,"direction":86},"How to Get There",[],{"type":83,"text":349,"spans":350,"direction":86},"From Zermatt, take the Sunnegga Express — an underground funicular that climbs from the village to Sunnegga (2,288m) in about 4 minutes. During summer, it runs every 10 to 20 minutes. From Sunnegga, you can continue up to Blauherd by gondola when it's operating.",[351],{"start":352,"end":353,"type":93},23,39,{"type":83,"text":355,"spans":356,"direction":86},"You can check current timetables and lift status at matterhornparadise.ch.",[357],{"start":358,"end":359,"type":241,"data":360},52,73,{"link_type":200,"url":361,"target":255},"https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/information/lifts-and-pistes",{"type":83,"text":363,"spans":364,"direction":86},"Zermatt itself is a car-free village, so you'll arrive by train from Täsch or Visp, or by foot like we did. The whole journey from Sunnegga station to the start of the trail is very easy to navigate — there are signs everywhere.",[],"text_block$6c58b0ec-c5b1-448e-a352-7dd1deaa14ae",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":367,"primary":368,"id":514,"slice_type":515,"slice_label":24},[],{"title":369,"description":374,"gps_file":418,"geojson_file":426,"elevation_data":432,"markers":438},[370],{"type":371,"text":372,"spans":373,"direction":86},"heading3","The 5 Lakes Route",[],[375,382,388,393,398,403,407,412],{"type":83,"text":376,"spans":377,"direction":86},"The 5 Lakes Trail (or Fünf-Seen-Wanderung in German) covers around 10km, and you can complete it in 3 to 4 hours at an easy pace. The trails are wide, mostly smooth underfoot, and well-signed. This is not a technical route, no exposed sections, no navigation challenges. It's a good trail for any fitness level.",[378],{"start":379,"end":380,"type":381},22,41,"em",{"type":83,"text":383,"spans":384,"direction":86},"The classic route starts at Blauherd (2,571m), reached by taking the train from Zermatt up to Sunnegga, then the gondola up to Blauherd. From there, you walk through the five lakes in this order:",[385],{"start":386,"end":387,"type":93},28,36,{"type":389,"text":390,"spans":391,"direction":86},"o-list-item","Stellisee: the most photographed lake on the trail, and for good reason. On a clear day, the Matterhorn reflects perfectly on the water.",[392],{"start":28,"end":261,"type":93},{"type":389,"text":394,"spans":395,"direction":86},"Grindjisee: a quieter lake, often less crowded, with another beautiful Matterhorn reflection.",[396],{"start":28,"end":397,"type":93},10,{"type":389,"text":399,"spans":400,"direction":86},"Grünsee: you can swim here. The water is cold but refreshing, especially in July and August.",[401],{"start":28,"end":402,"type":93},7,{"type":389,"text":404,"spans":405,"direction":86},"Moosjisee: a smaller reservoir lake, less dramatic than the others but a nice spot for a break.",[406],{"start":28,"end":261,"type":93},{"type":389,"text":408,"spans":409,"direction":86},"Leisee: the final lake, right above Sunnegga, where you can also swim. There's even a small kids' area here in summer.",[410],{"start":28,"end":411,"type":93},6,{"type":83,"text":413,"spans":414,"direction":86},"You finish the route at Sunnegga and take the underground railway back down to Zermatt. 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When we did this hike, the Matterhorn was almost completely covered by clouds. We had a few short windows where the tip of the mountain appeared, and we caught some partial reflections on Stellisee and Grindjisee, but not the postcard view we were hoping for.",[],{"type":83,"text":539,"spans":540,"direction":86},"We don't regret going. The lakes are beautiful regardless of the Matterhorn, the air at 2500m felt clean after weeks on the trail, and there was something satisfying about finishing the Haute Route with one last walk in the Swiss Alps. But if you're going specifically for the reflection photos, aim for early morning on a clear day. The light is better, the water is calmer, and there are fewer people around.",[],"text_block$12325d53-d0e9-4308-973d-7dbb4e91c683",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":543,"primary":617,"id":618,"slice_type":619,"slice_label":24},[544,558,572,589,603],{"image":545},{"dimensions":546,"alt":279,"copyright":24,"url":547,"id":548,"edit":549,"large":550,"full":554},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzYqlQnVZVESS4_DSC08138.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzYqlQnVZVESS4",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":551,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":552,"id":548,"edit":553},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzYqlQnVZVESS4_DSC08138.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":555,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":556,"id":548,"edit":557},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzYqlQnVZVESS4_DSC08138.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":559},{"dimensions":560,"alt":336,"copyright":24,"url":561,"id":562,"edit":563,"large":564,"full":568},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKct41P9HI4Unna_DSC08105.jpg?auto=format,compress","ajKct41P9HI4Unna",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":565,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":566,"id":562,"edit":567},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKct41P9HI4Unna_DSC08105.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":569,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":570,"id":562,"edit":571},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKct41P9HI4Unna_DSC08105.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":573},{"dimensions":574,"alt":576,"copyright":24,"url":577,"id":578,"edit":579,"large":580,"full":585},{"width":21,"height":575},1260,"Views to a glaciar along the 5 Lakes Trail","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZalQnVZVESS8_DSC08112.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzZalQnVZVESS8",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":581,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":583,"id":578,"edit":584},{"width":46,"height":582},945,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZalQnVZVESS8_DSC08112.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1260&w=1440&h=945",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":586,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":587,"id":578,"edit":588},{"width":21,"height":575},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZalQnVZVESS8_DSC08112.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1260&w=1920&h=1260",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":590},{"dimensions":591,"alt":336,"copyright":24,"url":592,"id":593,"edit":594,"large":595,"full":599},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZ6lQnVZVESS-_DSC08129.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzZ6lQnVZVESS-",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":596,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":597,"id":593,"edit":598},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZ6lQnVZVESS-_DSC08129.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":600,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":601,"id":593,"edit":602},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZ6lQnVZVESS-_DSC08129.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":604},{"dimensions":605,"alt":472,"copyright":24,"url":606,"id":607,"edit":608,"large":609,"full":613},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKcyI1P9HI4Unnj_DSC08116.jpg?auto=format,compress","ajKcyI1P9HI4Unnj",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":610,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":611,"id":607,"edit":612},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKcyI1P9HI4Unnj_DSC08116.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":614,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":615,"id":607,"edit":616},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ajKcyI1P9HI4Unnj_DSC08116.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{},"photos_slider$3fb59711-cf8f-4a91-bcd2-af64c1b3bf84","photos_slider",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":621,"primary":622,"id":639,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":623},[624,627,633,636],{"type":134,"text":625,"spans":626,"direction":86},"Fluhalp Hut: A Great Overnight Option",[],{"type":83,"text":628,"spans":629,"direction":86},"The trail passes close to Fluhalp (2,620m), a mountain hut between Stellisee and Grindjisee that's worth knowing about. We spent our last night in the Alps there, in a private room with views straight to the Matterhorn. Dinner was excellent, proper Alpine cuisine, not just soup and bread. It felt like a fitting way to end our crossing of the Alps.",[630],{"start":631,"end":632,"type":93},26,33,{"type":83,"text":634,"spans":635,"direction":86},"The hut is open roughly from mid-June to early October and offers a mix of accommodation: private double rooms, triple rooms, and shared dormitories. If you want to catch the morning light on Stellisee without waking up at 5am in Zermatt and rushing to catch the first lift, staying at Fluhalp is the way to do it.",[],{"type":83,"text":637,"spans":638,"direction":86},"Book in advance during July and August — it fills up fast.",[],"text_block$35877366-58fe-4118-8354-ac18ff0f6846",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":641,"primary":668,"id":669,"slice_type":128,"slice_label":24},[642,655],{"image":643,"text":653,"video":654},{"dimensions":644,"alt":645,"copyright":24,"url":646,"id":647,"edit":648,"large":649},{"width":21,"height":21},"Views from the mountain hut Fluhalp","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiv0VqlQnVZVESTa_PXL_20220818_150223951-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiv0VqlQnVZVESTa",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":650,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":651,"id":647,"edit":652},{"width":46,"height":46},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiv0VqlQnVZVESTa_PXL_20220818_150223951-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1920&w=1440&h=1440",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{"image":656,"text":666,"video":667},{"dimensions":657,"alt":658,"copyright":24,"url":659,"id":660,"edit":661,"large":662},{"width":21,"height":21},"Matterhorn on a cloudy day","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiv0V6lQnVZVESTb_DSC08096-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiv0V6lQnVZVESTb",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":663,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":664,"id":660,"edit":665},{"width":46,"height":46},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiv0V6lQnVZVESTb_DSC08096-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1920&w=1440&h=1440",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{},"collumns$47b506cc-5903-4447-bb64-13f6334eb4b6",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":671,"primary":672,"id":680,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":673},[674,677],{"type":83,"text":675,"spans":676,"direction":86},"The 5 Lakes Trail is one of those hikes that earns its reputation. The combination of five different lakes, easy terrain, and the Matterhorn as a constant backdrop makes it one of the best half-day routes in the Alps. Even with clouds — like when we did it — it's a beautiful walk.",[],{"type":83,"text":678,"spans":679,"direction":86},"If you're considering combining this trail with a longer route like the Haute Route, check out our full Walker's Haute Route guide for everything you need to know before you go.",[],"text_block$2deac117-31db-4f2e-8356-0aed7ac02ee8",{"variation":682,"version":78,"items":683,"primary":684,"id":696,"slice_type":697,"slice_label":24},"hikes",[],{"hikes":685},[686],{"hike":687},{"id":688,"type":682,"tags":689,"lang":15,"slug":690,"first_publication_date":691,"last_publication_date":692,"uid":693,"url":694,"link_type":59,"key":695,"isBroken":61},"ZJGjdxEAACkAC2tM",[],"walkers-haute-route","2023-06-20T13:10:52+0000","2026-06-02T10:35:37+0000","haute-route","/hike/haute-route","34495c26-d85f-43b6-9057-ca77f2503633","related_content$6dbfc6a1-4408-4c94-ba9c-82bcf6eae377","related_content",{},{"id":700,"uid":701,"url":702,"type":7,"href":703,"tags":704,"first_publication_date":705,"last_publication_date":705,"slugs":706,"linked_documents":708,"lang":15,"alternate_languages":709,"data":710},"aiABXBEAACgAglSq","europaweg-trail-closures-on-walkers-haute-route-2026","/blog/europaweg-trail-closures-on-walkers-haute-route-2026","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=atiU3BIAACwAnAGS&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22aiABXBEAACgAglSq%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-06-03T13:15:10+0000",[707],"what-is-the-europaweg-and-its-current-status",[],[],{"title":711,"cover":712,"short_description":730,"author":731,"categories":734,"color_theme":311,"slices":743,"meta_title":24,"meta_description":24,"meta_image":887},"Europaweg Trail Closures on Walker's Haute Route 2026",{"dimensions":713,"alt":714,"copyright":24,"url":715,"id":716,"edit":717,"thumb":718,"mobile":722,"large":726},{"width":21,"height":101},"Ottafe, Täsch, Switzerland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":719,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":720,"id":716,"edit":721},{"width":33,"height":34},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=96,0,1728,1080&w=800&h=500",{"x":287,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":723,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":724,"id":716,"edit":725},{"width":40,"height":290},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1080&w=400&h=225",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":727,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":728,"id":716,"edit":729},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=150,0,1620,1080&w=1440&h=960",{"x":297,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"The Europaweg has an important closed sections in 2026. Here's what's shut, where the detours go, and how to plan your Walker's Haute Route finish accordingly.",{"id":52,"type":53,"tags":732,"lang":15,"slug":55,"first_publication_date":56,"last_publication_date":56,"uid":55,"link_type":59,"key":733,"isBroken":61},[],"5167a341-812e-439b-b7f8-24841b192784",[735],{"category":736},{"id":737,"type":66,"tags":738,"lang":15,"slug":739,"first_publication_date":740,"last_publication_date":740,"uid":739,"url":741,"link_type":59,"key":742,"isBroken":61},"aiAG5REAACcAgl_l",[],"trail-updates","2026-06-03T10:50:25+0000","/blog/category/trail-updates","906f254c-7010-496c-bbca-8b86831c5aea",[744,755,769,799,830,865,882],{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":745,"primary":746,"id":754,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":747},[748,751],{"type":83,"text":749,"spans":750,"direction":86},"If you're planning to hike the Walker's Haute Route in 2026, there's one thing you need to know before you finalize your itinerary: the Europaweg is partially closed, and the detours are more significant than they might look on a map. This isn't a minor trail diversion — one of the closures adds a full descent and re-ascent to your final days on the route.",[],{"type":83,"text":752,"spans":753,"direction":86},"Here's exactly what's closed, where the detours go, and what we'd factor in when planning.",[],"text_block$6969aa0e-13fb-4c5e-b823-b39856cb18e5",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":756,"primary":757,"id":768,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":758},[759,762,765],{"type":134,"text":760,"spans":761,"direction":86},"What is the Europaweg and its current status",[],{"type":83,"text":763,"spans":764,"direction":86},"The Europaweg is the last section of the Walker's Haute Route, a 39km high-balcony trail that runs between Grächen and Zermatt. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful 2-day stretches in the Alps — you walk with a continuous panorama of the Valais giants including, at the end, the Matterhorn.",[],{"type":83,"text":766,"spans":767,"direction":86},"For most hikers, arriving in Zermatt via the Europaweg is the natural finish to the entire Haute Route. The trail rewards weeks of effort with some of the best views of the whole journey. So the closures hit at the worst possible moment.",[],"text_block$bf626c39-69c9-48fd-aaa1-4084bad91bba",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":770,"primary":797,"id":798,"slice_type":128,"slice_label":24},[771,784],{"image":772,"text":782,"video":783},{"dimensions":773,"alt":774,"copyright":24,"url":775,"id":776,"edit":777,"large":778},{"width":21,"height":22},"Europaweg trail","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3_DSC08053-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":779,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":780,"id":776,"edit":781},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3_DSC08053-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{"image":785,"text":795,"video":796},{"dimensions":786,"alt":787,"copyright":24,"url":788,"id":789,"edit":790,"large":791},{"width":21,"height":22},"Europaweg tunnel","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4_DSC08058-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":792,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":793,"id":789,"edit":794},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4_DSC08058-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{},"collumns$5cfa80ce-8270-443f-8428-634429a4447e",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":800,"primary":801,"id":829,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":802},[803,806,809,812,815,824],{"type":134,"text":804,"spans":805,"direction":86},"The Balcony Section: between Grat and Galenberg (permanent)",[],{"type":83,"text":807,"spans":808,"direction":86},"In 2018, a major rockfall caused permanent damage to the high balcony section of the Europaweg. The authorities assessed the terrain and decided it was not safe or practical to rebuild. That section — between Grat and Galenberg — remains closed indefinitely.",[],{"type":83,"text":810,"spans":811,"direction":86},"This means hikers can no longer join the Europaweg directly from St. Niklaus, which is the traditional access point coming from the previous stage. Instead, from St. Niklaus you follow a lower trail that contours through the forest in the valley. You rejoin the Europaweg at Galenberg, just before Europahütte.",[],{"type":83,"text":813,"spans":814,"direction":86},"The detour is manageable and well-marked, but you miss the upper balcony section that most people come to walk. From Galenberg onwards to Zermatt, the trail is open and the iconic views are still there — but if you were hoping for the full high route, this part is gone for good.",[],{"type":816,"url":817,"alt":818,"copyright":24,"dimensions":819,"id":822,"edit":823},"image","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOi_balcony-closure.jpg?auto=format,compress","Screenshot from Hike Planner",{"width":820,"height":821},793,566,"aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOi",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":83,"text":825,"spans":826,"direction":86},"Screenshot from our Hike Planner tool",[827],{"start":28,"end":828,"type":381},37,"text_block$f3c02ee9-7d91-45b9-b686-79b2632f0fc1",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":831,"primary":832,"id":864,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":833},[834,837,840,843,846,854,861],{"type":134,"text":835,"spans":836,"direction":86},"The Tunnels Section: between Springelboden and Eggenstadel (2026)",[],{"type":83,"text":838,"spans":839,"direction":86},"In 2024, another rockfall damaged the tunnel section of the Europaweg between Springelboden (on the north side) and Eggenstadel (on the south side). As of 2026, this section remains closed until further notice, and it is widely expected to stay shut throughout the 2026 hiking season.",[],{"type":83,"text":841,"spans":842,"direction":86},"This closure forces a significant detour: hikers must descend all the way down to Täsch, the town in the valley, and then climb back up again to rejoin the trail. Täsch sits at around 1,450m, meaning 790m of descending and 720m of ascending back to the main trail.",[],{"type":83,"text":844,"spans":845,"direction":86},"This is the one that requires real planning. If you were hoping to complete the Europaweg over two comfortable days with a night at Europahütte, factor in the extra time and elevation change this detour adds.",[],{"type":83,"text":847,"spans":848,"direction":86},"The official closure page is here: zermatt.swiss — Europaweg. Check it before you go — the situation may evolve.",[849],{"start":850,"end":851,"type":241,"data":852},35,60,{"link_type":200,"url":853,"target":255},"https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/europaweg-01tVj000005EufKIAS",{"type":816,"url":855,"alt":818,"copyright":24,"dimensions":856,"id":859,"edit":860},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOj_tunnels-closure.jpg?auto=format,compress",{"width":857,"height":858},938,591,"aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOj",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":83,"text":825,"spans":862,"direction":86},[863],{"start":28,"end":828,"type":381},"text_block$697bf2b9-e03e-4434-bfd2-d63e38ab282d",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":866,"primary":867,"id":881,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":868},[869,872,878],{"type":134,"text":870,"spans":871,"direction":86},"Plan your stages with the closures in mind",[],{"type":83,"text":873,"spans":874,"direction":86},"The Europaweg closures add real complexity to planning the final days of the Haute Route. If you're building your itinerary now, our Hike Planner lets you map out stages, select variants, adjust distances, which helps when you're trying to figure out where the Täsch detour falls relative to your planned overnight at Europahütte.",[875],{"start":876,"end":877,"type":93},133,145,{"type":83,"text":879,"spans":880,"direction":86},"The Haute Route is still one of the great long-distance hikes in the Alps, and the Europaweg finish — even with detours — is still worth every step. Just go in knowing what to expect.",[],"text_block$f3f06ebf-86fe-434f-98dc-3e7aab29abe2",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":883,"primary":884,"id":886,"slice_type":230,"slice_label":24},[],{"image":885},{},"planner_banner$d6725cc4-6545-4931-b1cd-230a7e23201a",{},{"id":889,"uid":890,"url":891,"type":7,"href":892,"tags":893,"first_publication_date":894,"last_publication_date":895,"slugs":896,"linked_documents":898,"lang":15,"alternate_languages":899,"data":900},"aqq6zBIAACwAeDkc","finlands-right-to-roam-wild-camping-and-wilderness-facilities","/blog/finlands-right-to-roam-wild-camping-and-wilderness-facilities","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=atiU3BIAACwAnAGS&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22aqq6zBIAACwAeDkc%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-09-26T14:01:27+0000","2026-09-26T14:01:48+0000",[897],"the-right-to-roam-in-finland",[],[],{"title":901,"cover":902,"short_description":920,"author":921,"categories":924,"color_theme":311,"slices":933,"meta_title":24,"meta_description":24,"meta_image":1241},"Finland's Right to Roam, Wild Camping and Wilderness Facilities",{"dimensions":903,"alt":904,"copyright":24,"url":905,"id":906,"edit":907,"thumb":908,"mobile":912,"large":916},{"width":21,"height":22},"Ansakamppa Wilderness Hut","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8ec47eV-IySArll6_DSC05787.jpg?auto=format,compress","8ec47eV-IySArll6",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":909,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":910,"id":906,"edit":911},{"width":33,"height":34},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8ec47eV-IySArll6_DSC05787.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,40,1920,1200&w=800&h=500",{"x":28,"y":37,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":913,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":914,"id":906,"edit":915},{"width":40,"height":41},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8ec47eV-IySArll6_DSC05787.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=1,0,1918,1280&w=400&h=267",{"x":29,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":917,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":918,"id":906,"edit":919},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8ec47eV-IySArll6_DSC05787.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"Wondering if you can wild camp in Finland? Here's how the right to roam actually works, plus the huts and shelters you'll find on every trail.",{"id":52,"type":53,"tags":922,"lang":15,"slug":55,"first_publication_date":56,"last_publication_date":56,"uid":55,"link_type":59,"key":923,"isBroken":61},[],"e6ac2446-575f-47e9-9761-7fdaf93ee9a5",[925],{"category":926},{"id":927,"type":66,"tags":928,"lang":15,"slug":929,"first_publication_date":930,"last_publication_date":930,"uid":929,"url":931,"link_type":59,"key":932,"isBroken":61},"Z-pnaxAAAB0AY1D8",[],"tips","2025-03-31T09:59:31+0000","/blog/category/tips","0bc89856-450b-4d4f-8c32-af4857ae5b82",[934,948,958,975,1069,1148,1165,1197,1233],{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":935,"primary":936,"id":947,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":937},[938,941],{"type":83,"text":939,"spans":940,"direction":86},"Finland doesn't have the big peaks you'll find in the Alps or the Pyrenees, but it makes up for it with something most other countries don't offer: the right to roam almost anywhere, and a network of free wilderness facilities along the trails, such as shelters, toilets and fire pits. If you're planning a hiking or camping trip there, understanding these two things will help you to take full advantage of what Finland has to offer.",[],{"type":83,"text":942,"spans":943,"direction":86},"In this post, we go through the right to roam (jokamiehenoikeudet, or everyman's right), the different wilderness installations you'll find on Finnish trails, and a few things worth knowing before you head out.",[944],{"start":945,"end":946,"type":381},47,65,"text_block$d05ca84a-2b16-4b72-9cab-e431cff26aea",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":949,"primary":950,"id":957,"slice_type":160,"slice_label":24},[],{"image":951,"caption":953},{"dimensions":952,"alt":953,"copyright":24,"url":954,"id":955,"edit":956},{"width":21,"height":22},"Jussinkämppä Wilderness Hut","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/djWxvv3bgSuUOQgI_DSC05723.jpg?auto=format,compress","djWxvv3bgSuUOQgI",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"photo$1fb8f026-1fb0-4175-b9d5-87e5054fbb33",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":959,"primary":960,"id":974,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":961},[962,965,968,971],{"type":134,"text":963,"spans":964,"direction":86},"The right to roam in Finland",[],{"type":83,"text":966,"spans":967,"direction":86},"Like the other Nordic countries, Finland gives the public a lot of freedom to access nature. The right to roam means you can walk, camp, pick berries and mushrooms, and even fish in most lakes and rivers, without needing to ask permission or pay for access.",[],{"type":83,"text":969,"spans":970,"direction":86},"In practice, this means you can pitch a tent almost anywhere that isn't private land close to a house, an urban area, or a place with explicit restrictions, for a maximum of two nights in the same spot. Some national parks and protected areas narrow this down further, usually by requiring you to camp only in designated areas. It's worth checking the specific rules for any park before you go, since they're not identical everywhere.",[],{"type":83,"text":972,"spans":973,"direction":86},"The right comes with a responsibility attached: don't damage the land, don't disturb wildlife, and don't leave litter behind. It's a system that works because people respect it, not because someone is checking.",[],"text_block$be2c4f57-a7cf-47d7-a1df-86a69a1fea25",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":976,"primary":1067,"id":1068,"slice_type":619,"slice_label":24},[977,992,1008,1023,1038,1052],{"image":978},{"dimensions":979,"alt":980,"copyright":24,"url":981,"id":982,"edit":983,"large":984,"full":988},{"width":21,"height":22},"Wild mushrooms in Finland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/TkxBl4dU-wNoZITa_DSC05710.jpg?auto=format,compress","TkxBl4dU-wNoZITa",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":985,"alt":980,"copyright":24,"url":986,"id":982,"edit":987},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/TkxBl4dU-wNoZITa_DSC05710.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":989,"alt":980,"copyright":24,"url":990,"id":982,"edit":991},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/TkxBl4dU-wNoZITa_DSC05710.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":993},{"dimensions":994,"alt":996,"copyright":24,"url":997,"id":998,"edit":999,"large":1000,"full":1004},{"width":995,"height":995},2000,"Wild blueberries straight from the forests along Karhunkierros","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/iaO6YYKmS6ugUUNx_PXL_20260803_040341493.jpg?auto=format,compress","iaO6YYKmS6ugUUNx",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1001,"alt":996,"copyright":24,"url":1002,"id":998,"edit":1003},{"width":46,"height":46},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/iaO6YYKmS6ugUUNx_PXL_20260803_040341493.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2000,2000&w=1440&h=1440",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1005,"alt":996,"copyright":24,"url":1006,"id":998,"edit":1007},{"width":21,"height":21},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/iaO6YYKmS6ugUUNx_PXL_20260803_040341493.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2000,2000&w=1920&h=1920",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":1009},{"dimensions":1010,"alt":1011,"copyright":24,"url":1012,"id":1013,"edit":1014,"large":1015,"full":1019},{"width":21,"height":22},"Picnic sheltered table in Finland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/WUWpJbUXJ14_I6vI_DSC05351.jpg?auto=format,compress","WUWpJbUXJ14_I6vI",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1016,"alt":1011,"copyright":24,"url":1017,"id":1013,"edit":1018},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/WUWpJbUXJ14_I6vI_DSC05351.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1020,"alt":1011,"copyright":24,"url":1021,"id":1013,"edit":1022},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/WUWpJbUXJ14_I6vI_DSC05351.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":1024},{"dimensions":1025,"alt":1026,"copyright":24,"url":1027,"id":1028,"edit":1029,"large":1030,"full":1034},{"width":21,"height":22},"Wild camping in Finland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8_3-qmiNfqXXU38w_DSC05392-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","8_3-qmiNfqXXU38w",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1031,"alt":1026,"copyright":24,"url":1032,"id":1028,"edit":1033},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8_3-qmiNfqXXU38w_DSC05392-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1035,"alt":1026,"copyright":24,"url":1036,"id":1028,"edit":1037},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8_3-qmiNfqXXU38w_DSC05392-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":1039},{"dimensions":1040,"alt":980,"copyright":24,"url":1041,"id":1042,"edit":1043,"large":1044,"full":1048},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/J9P8wtU9XR06OeGp_DSC05950.jpg?auto=format,compress","J9P8wtU9XR06OeGp",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1045,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":1046,"id":1042,"edit":1047},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/J9P8wtU9XR06OeGp_DSC05950.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1049,"alt":24,"copyright":24,"url":1050,"id":1042,"edit":1051},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/J9P8wtU9XR06OeGp_DSC05950.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"image":1053},{"dimensions":1054,"alt":1055,"copyright":24,"url":1056,"id":1057,"edit":1058,"large":1059,"full":1063},{"width":21,"height":22},"A typical wood shed in Finland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/HG4b3jpUvQHXg5vE_DSC05793.jpg?auto=format,compress","HG4b3jpUvQHXg5vE",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1060,"alt":1055,"copyright":24,"url":1061,"id":1057,"edit":1062},{"width":46,"height":47},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/HG4b3jpUvQHXg5vE_DSC05793.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1064,"alt":1055,"copyright":24,"url":1065,"id":1057,"edit":1066},{"width":21,"height":22},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/HG4b3jpUvQHXg5vE_DSC05793.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{},"photos_slider$dd64df0a-7ffd-439f-9ebe-1e1097026c63",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":1070,"primary":1071,"id":1147,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":1072},[1073,1076,1079,1082,1085,1088,1091,1097,1100,1103,1109,1112,1115,1121,1124,1127,1133,1136,1139,1142],{"type":134,"text":1074,"spans":1075,"direction":86},"Wilderness installations along the trail",[],{"type":83,"text":1077,"spans":1078,"direction":86},"What surprised us most hiking in Finland, both in summer and winter, was how well equipped the trails are. You'll regularly find dry toilets, fire pits, wood sheds, camping spots, and even full wilderness huts, all free to use and maintained by local providers. There's no staff and no reservation system, so it only works if everyone who uses these places leaves them in good shape for the next person.",[],{"type":83,"text":1080,"spans":1081,"direction":86},"Trail maps and info boards usually mark all of this along the route, so you know what to expect before you set off. Here's what each type of facility actually means.",[],{"type":371,"text":1083,"spans":1084,"direction":86},"Huussi — the dry toilet",[],{"type":83,"text":1086,"spans":1087,"direction":86},"The dry toilet is about as basic as it gets, and you'll find one at almost every rest area we've stopped at in Finland. It's part of the country's cultural heritage. Even in cities, people used dry toilets well into the 20th century, and they're still common at summer cottages today.",[],{"type":83,"text":1089,"spans":1090,"direction":86},"You'll recognize a huussi as a small wooden cabin with a toilet seat, a shovel, and some composting material you're expected to add on top after use. Biodegradable waste, including food scraps and toilet paper, can go in there too.",[],{"type":816,"url":1092,"alt":1093,"copyright":24,"dimensions":1094,"id":1095,"edit":1096},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/PrT1Rp_Owe2Dcrur_DSC05572-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","Huussi, a traditional dry-toilet in Finland",{"width":21,"height":22},"PrT1Rp_Owe2Dcrur",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":371,"text":1098,"spans":1099,"direction":86},"Nuotiopaikka — the fire place and wood shed",[],{"type":83,"text":1101,"spans":1102,"direction":86},"Open fires are generally allowed in Finland's nature, as long as there's no fire alert active for the area. Along the trails, you'll find dedicated fire pits with a safe setup, plus a wood shed stocked with logs and tools like a saw and an axe. These sheds are usually well maintained and restocked every winter and summer. It's good trail etiquette to cut a bit of extra wood for whoever comes after you.",[],{"type":816,"url":1104,"alt":1105,"copyright":24,"dimensions":1106,"id":1107,"edit":1108},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/k-Y0lKltH6VPNXQR_DSC05765.jpg?auto=format,compress","Wilderness fire place in Finland",{"width":21,"height":22},"k-Y0lKltH6VPNXQR",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":371,"text":1110,"spans":1111,"direction":86},"Laavu — the lean-to shelter",[],{"type":83,"text":1113,"spans":1114,"direction":86},"This might be the most common structure you'll come across hiking in Finland. A laavu is a semi-open, three-sided shelter, almost always paired with a fire pit right in front. Some have basic extras like sticks for cooking sausages over the fire. You can sleep in one if you need to, but keep the mosquitoes in mind, since it's open on one side, you won't get much protection from them.",[],{"type":816,"url":1116,"alt":1117,"copyright":24,"dimensions":1118,"id":1119,"edit":1120},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/OnAB3lgBwwZ2lN07_DSC05464-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","Laavu, a lean-to-shelter",{"width":21,"height":22},"OnAB3lgBwwZ2lN07",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":371,"text":1122,"spans":1123,"direction":86},"Kota — the closed fire place",[],{"type":83,"text":1125,"spans":1126,"direction":86},"A kota is especially useful in winter: a fully enclosed structure with seating arranged in a circle around a central fire pit, so you can warm up out of the wind. It comes from Sámi culture, shaped like a pole tent with an opening at the top for smoke to escape.",[],{"type":816,"url":1128,"alt":1129,"copyright":24,"dimensions":1130,"id":1131,"edit":1132},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/o3qH_8JrI2zR2Mwq_DSC05695.jpg?auto=format,compress","Kota, a sheltered fire place",{"width":21,"height":22},"o3qH_8JrI2zR2Mwq",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"type":371,"text":1134,"spans":1135,"direction":86},"Autiotupa — the wilderness hut",[],{"type":83,"text":1137,"spans":1138,"direction":86},"This is the full package: a proper shelter with beds, tables, a stove, and often cooking equipment and gas you can use to prepare meals. Every autiotupa we've stayed in was in good condition, with room for anywhere from 10 to 20 people, one even had private double rooms.",[],{"type":83,"text":1140,"spans":1141,"direction":86},"There's no staff and no way to book ahead, so during summer these huts can fill up. Come prepared to pitch a tent or move on to the next spot if there's no space left, and remember the same two-night maximum applies here too.",[],{"type":816,"url":1143,"alt":904,"copyright":24,"dimensions":1144,"id":1145,"edit":1146},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/obOQ6X1DBIyizZHH_DSC05780.jpg?auto=format,compress",{"width":21,"height":22},"obOQ6X1DBIyizZHH",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},"text_block$c3b14877-4695-4317-9bf9-00c2777f4a3d",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":1149,"primary":1150,"id":1164,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":1151},[1152,1155,1161],{"type":134,"text":1153,"spans":1154,"direction":86},"Kuksa — the Finnish camping cup",[],{"type":83,"text":1156,"spans":1157,"direction":86},"If you want to blend in like a local, get yourself a kuksa: a traditional cup carved from birch, originally from Sámi culture and now used by hikers all over Finland. Making one is part of duodji, the traditional Sámi handicraft tradition built around durable, functional, and good-looking everyday objects.",[1158],{"start":1159,"end":1160,"type":381},189,195,{"type":83,"text":1162,"spans":1163,"direction":86},"Tradition says you should either carve your own kuksa or receive one as a gift, but if carving isn't your thing, you can pick one up at almost any outdoor or souvenir shop.",[],"text_block$db593118-1c6c-45b7-83e4-75215c2af257",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":1166,"primary":1195,"id":1196,"slice_type":128,"slice_label":24},[1167,1180],{"image":1168,"text":1178,"video":1179},{"dimensions":1169,"alt":1170,"copyright":24,"url":1171,"id":1172,"edit":1173,"large":1174},{"width":995,"height":995},"A Kuksa and Tupla chocolate","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/USkZUvc0sdBwQBv3_PXL_20260801_150416840.jpg?auto=format,compress","USkZUvc0sdBwQBv3",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1175,"alt":1170,"copyright":24,"url":1176,"id":1172,"edit":1177},{"width":46,"height":46},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/USkZUvc0sdBwQBv3_PXL_20260801_150416840.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2000,2000&w=1440&h=1440",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{"image":1181,"text":1193,"video":1194},{"dimensions":1182,"alt":1184,"copyright":24,"url":1185,"id":1186,"edit":1187,"large":1188},{"width":1183,"height":21},1536,"Kuksa, the traditional wooden cup","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/eNcWlW7jhQP4AKvj_DSC05471-6.jpg?auto=format,compress","eNcWlW7jhQP4AKvj",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},{"dimensions":1189,"alt":1184,"copyright":24,"url":1191,"id":1186,"edit":1192},{"width":46,"height":1190},1800,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/eNcWlW7jhQP4AKvj_DSC05471-6.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1536,1920&w=1440&h=1800",{"x":28,"y":28,"zoom":29,"background":30},[],{"link_type":112},{},"collumns$53fb899e-e454-479d-b585-91898200e4d7",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":1198,"primary":1199,"id":1232,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":1200},[1201,1204,1209,1214,1219,1223,1228],{"type":134,"text":1202,"spans":1203,"direction":86},"A few things worth knowing",[],{"type":175,"text":1205,"spans":1206,"direction":86},"Fire pits and wood sheds are shared resources — cut a bit extra for the next hiker, and don't take more wood than you need.",[1207],{"start":28,"end":1208,"type":93},45,{"type":175,"text":1210,"spans":1211,"direction":86},"Autiotupa huts can't be booked, so always have a backup plan (tent or a nearby laavu) for peak summer weekends.",[1212],{"start":28,"end":1213,"type":93},30,{"type":175,"text":1215,"spans":1216,"direction":86},"Mosquitoes can be brutal in summer, especially near lakes and in Lapland. Bring a repellent that actually works on Finnish mosquitoes, and consider a head net if you're sensitive to bites.",[1217],{"start":28,"end":1218,"type":93},34,{"type":175,"text":1220,"spans":1221,"direction":86},"The two-night rule applies everywhere you wild camp or use an autiotupa, not just in national parks.",[1222],{"start":28,"end":828,"type":93},{"type":175,"text":1224,"spans":1225,"direction":86},"Picking berries and mushrooms is part of the right to roam, but don't take more than you'll actually eat, and be careful with mushrooms — if you don't know how to identify them, some are poisonous, so leave the ones you're unsure about alone.",[1226],{"start":28,"end":1227,"type":93},58,{"type":175,"text":1229,"spans":1230,"direction":86},"Bring some sausages to grill over the fire pits if you can. It sounds simple, but it's about as Finnish as it gets.",[1231],{"start":28,"end":945,"type":93},"text_block$33ae2d48-6439-41ca-9aee-f0664fa44ccb",{"variation":77,"version":78,"items":1234,"primary":1235,"id":1240,"slice_type":95,"slice_label":24},[],{"text":1236},[1237],{"type":83,"text":1238,"spans":1239,"direction":86},"Finland might not have the mountains, but between the right to roam and the network of huts and shelters along its trails, it's one of the easiest places in Europe to plan a wild camping trip. After years hiking in the Alps and the Pyrenees, we found the quieter forests, lakes, and mild summer weather in Finland a genuinely refreshing change of pace.",[],"text_block$ad9c786e-c7e3-4b04-be49-6dc74550d40e",{},"5621b3e","All Rights Reserved",1792578839363]