Marjastus (Berry Picking)

Berry picking, a beloved Finnish tradition protected by everyman's rights (jokamiehenoikeus) that allows anyone to pick wild berries freely.

What it means

Marjastus means berry picking, and it is one of Finland's most cherished outdoor traditions. Under everyman's rights, anyone in Finland — residents and visitors alike — can freely pick wild berries and mushrooms on public and private land, as long as they do not disturb the landowner or damage the environment. Finland's forests produce an enormous quantity of wild berries each summer. The most common are bilberries (mustikka, similar to blueberries), lingonberries (puolukka), cloudberries (lakka/hilla), cranberries (karpalo), and wild strawberries (mansikka). Most Finns pick berries for personal use, freezing them for year-round consumption.

Why it matters for internationals

Berry picking is a quintessentially Finnish experience that is free, healthy, and available to everyone. It provides a wonderful reason to explore Finnish forests and connects you to the rhythm of the seasons. Many internationals are amazed by the sheer abundance of berries in Finnish nature. Bilberries ripen in July-August, lingonberries in August-September, and cloudberries (a prized delicacy) in July-August in northern bogs. The activity requires no equipment beyond a container and appropriate footwear. Many Finns freeze several kilograms of berries annually for smoothies, baking, and porridge toppings.

Key details

• •Everyman's rights: Anyone can pick berries on any land (except private gardens) without permission

• •Season: July-September for most berries; bilberries peak in July-August, lingonberries in August-September

• •Top berries: Bilberry (mustikka), lingonberry (puolukka), cloudberry (lakka), wild strawberry, and cranberry

• •Equipment: A berry picker comb (marjanpoimuri) speeds up bilberry harvesting; available at hardware stores for about 10-15 euros

• •Quantity: Finnish forests produce an estimated 500 million kilograms of wild berries annually; only 5-10% is harvested

Related terms

• •Sienestys — mushroom picking, another foraging tradition

• •Kansallispuisto — national parks where berry picking is allowed

• •Kalastus — fishing, another everyman's right activity