THE RIGHT OF PUBLIC ACCESS
Nature is very important to and appreciated by the Swedes. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the peaceful forests and meadows, to pick wild berries and mushrooms, and even to camp for 24 hours, regardless of ownership of the land. This privilege is called the 'Right of Public Access', or 'Allemansrätten' in Swedish.
Remember that it is your responsibility to know the rules concerning the right of rublic access!
At most sites, the right of public access is what you should follow. In some areas, such as 'Nationalpark' (national parks) or 'Narurreservat' (nature reserves), stricter rules apply. Special signs are posted at their entrances containing the rules applicable to each site. You can also contact the tourist office or county council for more information. Naturvårdsverket, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, also has information available in English.
- WE HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THE SWEDISH COUNTRYSIDE.
Your are more than welcome to walk, bicycle, go horse riding or skiing everywhere, but not too near private dwellings, which would be a violation of privacy. Entering cultivated land or land that might be damaged by your visit, such as replanted forest, is also prohibited. If you open a gate to enter, please remember to close it immediately to prevent cattle from straying.
You are allowed to walk, cycle and ride horses on private roads, so long as the road is not closed for public traffic. Such roads may be marked with signs like 'Enskild väg' (private road) or 'Ej motorfordon' (no motor vehicles).
CAMPING
You are allowed to pitch your tent, park your caravan or trailer for one night, but not too close to any person’s dwelling or on farmland. If you would like to stay longer, you must ask the owner for permission.
FIRES
You are allowed to make a small campfire if you are careful and if there is no risk of the fire spreading. Never build a fire on bare rock; it may break, or leave unsightly and irreparable marks. During dry summer periods, campires may be forbidden. Ask your municipality for information on current restrictions if you are uncertain. Finally, always be sure to put out your fire thoroughly before you leave.
PICKING
You are allowed to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms. Remember that certain flowers are protected by law, and these may not be picked. The tourist office and the county council can tell you which plants are protected in your particular area, though orchids are protected throughout the country. You are not allowed to cut down or break living trees or bushes, to snap twigs, or to remove bark, leaves, acorns, nuts or resin from living trees and bushes. And, of course, you are not allowed to pick fruits, berries, vegetables or anything growing in private gardens, community lots or arable land.
WATER
You are allowed to swim, take a boat trip and go ashore everywhere, except close to private dwellings. There are also some areas prohibited by an authority, such as bird sanctuaries. When travelling on water, bear in mind that there might be other restrictions, such as speed limits.
You are allowed to fish with rods and other hand gear along the coast and in the five biggest lakes in Sweden (Mälaren, Vänern, Vättern, Hjälmaren and Storsjön). If you want to fish in other water or use nets or other methods, you will need to purchase a license. Always check the regulations for the particular area in which you want fish.
PETS
You are allowed to bring your dog out in the forest, but you must keep it under strict control. It is recommended that you always keep your dog on leash. You are required by law to keep your dog on a leash from August 1st to 20th, as many animals have their offspring during that time, and they can be easily disturbed.
REMEMBER THAT IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED TO…
…pollute the land, leave or throw any garbage in nature. It will destroy the scenery and might also harm animals and people.
… drive cars, motorbikes or similar, in nature or on paths and exercise trails.
… hunt, disturb or injure animals. It is also forbidden to take birds' eggs, or touch any animal’s nest or offspring.