Metsähallitus – Lapland’s National Parks & Forests

Metsähallitus is the national authority that maintains Finland’s state-owned forests and national parks, supervising hunting and fishing services and grants driving and filming permits.

Metsähallitus (Forest Administration) is a state-owned enterprise that manages Finland’s national parks, multi-use forests, protected areas, and the country’s most extensive nature services for hikers, fishermen, hunters and all nature lovers. They operate numerous nature and visitor centers throughout Lapland. Metsähallitus plays a central role in providing filming permits for state-owned nature locations and environmental information on Lapland’s nature in general.

Filming in state owned land

Metsähallitus issues filming and event permits for state-owned lands. While much of the permit information is available in English, the actual application process is not yet fully accessible in English.

For now, filmmakers can refer to the following links:

• Film permit instructions: Permits for Film Productions
  (Please note: the English application form is currently unavailable so applications must be sent via email: kirjaamo@metsa.fi)
• Notification form for events or filming (can also be used for filming consents):
  Organized Event Notification (English form)
  More information on events

It is preferred to always consult Metsähallitus when planning on filming in state-owned land. Permit process is always required in some cases such as:

• Off-road driving always requires a permit.
• Drones may be restricted in some areas, particularly near protected or sensitive zones.
• Strict nature reserves and protected areas may be off-limits or requires special permit.

Due to growing visitor numbers especially in the national parks in Lapland, it’s important to ensure compliance with all relevant rules and requirements to avoid negative impacts on nature and local communities. More information on Finland’s National Parks: https://www.luontoon.fi/en

Maps and Land Classifications

Metsähallitus lands are categorized into:

• Protected areas
• Multi-use forests of forestry
• Natural economy areas in Northern Lapland

These areas can be viewed using the Retkikartta (Excursion Map) tool, which provides detailed, interactive maps. Here are direct links to relevant map layers:

• Multi-use forests & Natural economy areas in Northern Lapland (Ylä-Lapin luontaistalousalue):
  Retkikartta Map – Forest Use
• Protected areas (national parks, wilderness, nature reserves):
  Retkikartta Map – Protected Areas
• Hiking services and infrastructure (trails, huts, etc.):
  Retkikartta Map – Services

All map layers can be activated using the right-hand menu, and clicking on features provides detailed explanations on the left.

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PLEASE NOTE

As tourism and number of av-productions increase in Lapland, Metsähallitus and other stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on managing visitor and filming activities responsibly. While filming opportunities remain broad, productions must be mindful of protected areas, land use regulations, and local communities.

Always check the latest permit requirements and don’t hesitate to consult Metsähallitus.