Stay safe – Suomussalmi safety tips
Explore Suomussalmi with these essential safety tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip! Winter conditions can be extreme, with icy roads and heavy snow, so drive with caution and check forecasts regularly. Be aware that reindeer often cross roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. When hiking, stick to marked trails. Prepare for cold conditions in order to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience.
Hike safely
Before setting out, research your trail’s conditions, difficulty level, and available services. Let someone outside your group know your route. Dress in weather-appropriate, layered clothing, and carry essentials: water, rain gear, a first-aid kit, and a light source. With these precautions, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Winter hiking preparation
Prepare for winter hikes with snowshoes or similar equipment for traversing snowy terrain, and dress in layers that are suitable for cold conditions. When venturing onto frozen lakes, beware of thin ice, as its thickness can vary greatly over short distances due to currents or the lake bed’s composition. Always check the ice’s strength along your planned route, and carry ice claws for added safety.
When to call 112
Dial 112 if you’re facing an emergency or require immediate help from authorities. Call if you believe someone’s life, health, property, or the environment is at immediate risk.
Keep an eye on the weather
Before setting out, check the weather conditions and plan your route carefully. Northern distances between services are substantial, so schedule regular breaks and keep your fuel tank well-filled. Our remote location means it’s essential to always maintain at least half a tank of fuel.
Monitor weather forecasts for warnings about icy conditions, strong winds, or forest fire risks. During severe storms, be ready for possible power and water interruptions. Due to our northern location, winter tires are typically necessary from October through May.
During grass or forest fire warnings, strict fire restrictions apply. Most marked fire areas are off-limits, and fires are only permitted in covered, chimneyed fireplaces. Individual locations may have additional fire restrictions. Remember: The person lighting any fire bears full responsibility for fire safety, regardless of the conditions.
Reindeer on the move
When driving in Suomussalmi, you’re entering reindeer territory. The reindeer husbandry area begins near Yli-Kiiminki when arriving from Oulu, and Hyrynsalmi when coming from southern Finland. These majestic animals can be difficult to spot against the landscape, so please adjust your speed accordingly.
If you encounter a collision with a reindeer, immediately call emergency services at 112 (preferably by using the 112 app) and, if safe to do so, take measures to prevent further accidents. While animals are fascinating to photograph, never stop on the road to photograph reindeer.
In case of emergency
Suomussalmi Health Centre, located in the town centre, serves as our primary medical facility. After opening hours, emergency care is provided by Kainuu Central Hospital.
Find the main Suomussalmi Pharmacy in the town centre for all your medical needs. A smaller service point in Piispajärvi offers common over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies.
Download the 112-emergency app before your visit – it’s available for international visitors and automatically shares your location with emergency services when you call. This feature is crucial to aid quick response times, especially in remote areas.