Visit to Metsähovi

Interested in visiting? 

Visiting Metsähovi is possible by prior arrangement. The preferred way to visit the radio observatory is by visiting in groups.

For groups interested in the operation of the Observatory, science and technology, demonstration tours can be organised, including a presentation on the Observatory's activities and research, as well as a tour of the Observatory itself and its facilities. The visit takes about two hours.

If you are interested in arranging a visit, please contact us at [email protected]

Coming to visit?

Please note that radio silence applies throughout the whole Metsähovi area! 

The observatory area begins at the gate. Within the area, no device emitting radio waves may be in operation. In other words, mobile phones, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras, etc. must be switched off or in airplane mode and switched off:

• Telephone network (airplane mode)
• Data connection (mobile data, 3/4/5G, etc.)
• Wireless network (WLAN, WiFi, including Personal Hotspot)
• Bluetooth

Please note that usually switching your phone to airplane mode will turn off the telephone network and data connection, but depending on the phone model, not necessarily wireless network, or Bluetooth, so these should be checked before driving through the gate.

Silent mode on your phone or other device is by no means enough. All data and network connections must be turned off. There are several extremely sensitive radio telescopes and other research equipment in continuous use around the clock in the area, and even one connected mobile phone can ruin ongoing measurements.

Note: if the car has a data connection (e.g., the car's data can be monitored with a mobile phone) that cannot be switched off, the car must not be driven inside the gate. The car must be parked on a widening outside the gate. The GPS receiver of the navigator and the car's own radio or the Bluetooth connection of the radio do not cause interference, so even if the car has a Bluetooth connection, it can still be driven into the area if no phone is connected to the car.

Radio-enabled medical devices (e.g., Bluetooth insulin pump) are not an obstacle to the visit but should be notified in advance.

Filming in the area is allowed and the camera or airplane mode phone can be used for filming.