Lighting fires
You may light a fire in the country if conditions are safe. But while a campfire may add to the outdoor ambience, it is a cause of concern to landowners: every year, vast valuable forestland is destroyed due to carelessness with campfires.
It is important that you choose a spot for your campfire where there's no risk of it spreading or causing damage to soil and vegetation. Gravel or sandy ground is best.
Moss, peat bogs and humus-rich forest soils are less suitable. Not only is the fire more likely to spread, but it could smoulder unnoticed in the ground and then flare up again later.
Do not build a fire on or next to a rock! The heat will crack the rock and permanently disfigure it.
You may gather fallen cones, twigs and branches for your fire. But you must not cut down trees or shrubs or remove twigs, branches or bark from living trees. Fallen trees must not be used as fuel.
Frequent fire bans
County administrative boards and municipal fire and rescue services (fire brigades) may issue fire bans during dry weather or at other times when there is a high fire risk. No fires may be lit in the open while a fire ban is in force, not even in purpose-built fireplaces.
Sometimes during a fire ban you may use a charcoal grill or a small camp stove with an open flame, provided you are careful.
Local municipalities, county administrative boards, the municipality´s rescue service, camping sites and tourist offices can often advise you of the current fire risk level.
Special rules for national parks and nature reserves
National parks and nature reserves have special rules regarding the lighting of fires. A total ban may be imposed or fires may be permitted in purpose-built fireplaces only.
The rules will be posted in English on notice boards in the area. You can also direct your inquiries to the local municipality or the county administrative board.