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    Can you pick berries and mushrooms in Finland?

    What you may pick, where and what is not allowed.

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    Short answer

    Yes. Under everyman's rights you may pick wild berries, mushrooms and plants for free, unless they are protected species. Luontoon.fi says picking berries and mushrooms is also permitted in national parks. Collecting plants in nature reserves generally needs a permit, and you must not cut or damage growing trees or collect moss or lichen.

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    Why

    1. Luontoon.fi says you may pick wild berries, mushrooms and plants unless they are protected species.
    2. According to Luontoon.fi, picking berries and mushrooms is permitted in national parks.
    3. Luontoon.fi lists collecting dry wood, fallen trees, moss or lichen as not permitted under everyman's rights.

    Details

    Popular wild berries include bilberries in July and August and lingonberries in late August and September. Only pick mushrooms you can identify with certainty, as some Finnish mushrooms are deadly.

    Tip

    Stay away from gardens and yards near houses. Everyman's rights do not cover private gardens or fields with crops.

    What may differ

    Rules differ in nature reserves and strict reserves. Check the area's own rules before collecting plants there.

    Common misconception

    You need a permit to pick berries in Finnish forests.

    What actually happens

    Berry and mushroom picking is free under everyman's rights, including in national parks.

    People also ask

    • When is berry season in Finland?
    • Can tourists pick mushrooms in Finland?
    • Is picking cloudberries allowed in Lapland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Rules for huts and camping can change, so check Luontoon.fi (Metsähallitus) or the local municipality before your trip.

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