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Start / Experience / The Right of Public Access

The Right of Public Access

You have a Right of Public Access whenever you visit Swedish nature – whether you’re going for a walk, kayaking, climbing a mountain or simply enjoying nature.

Nature means a lot to us Swedes. In Sweden, everyone is allowed to be in nature, even in areas that someone else owns. This is called common law and is an important part of our Swedish culture. The public right is a unique opportunity for all of us to move freely in nature. but we also need to take responsibility for nature and wildlife and show consideration for landowners and other visitors. A good rule of thumb is that; "Not disturb - not destroy"! 

This is what you can do in Swedish nature:

  • Walk, cycle and ride and be almost everywhere in nature. But not too close to residential buildings. If you open a gate, you must close it behind you.
  • Walk, bike and ride on private roads.
  • Camp in nature for a night. If you want to camp for a longer time, you must ask the owner of the land.
  • Swimming, boating and going ashore, but not near residential buildings.
  • Pick flowers, berries and mushrooms.
  • Free Fishing with fishing rod and casting rod along the coast and in the five largest lakes (Mälaren, Vänern, Vättern, Hjälmaren and Storsjön in Jämtland).
  • You can make a small fire if you are careful. Do not light a fire directly on rocks, they will break. It is best to light a fire where there is a site for this purpose. In summer, lighting fires are often prohibited. Ask the nearest municipality what applies for the moment.

In order for everyone to be able to enjoy nature and for us not to harm animals and nature, we need to think about a few things:

  • You must not pass over plots, gardens, plantations or cultivated land, for example fields.
  • You may not drive a car, motorcycle or moped in nature. You may also not drive on paths, parkways or exercise tracks.
  • You must not make a fire if the weather is very dry or the wind is strong. Then the fire can spread.
  • You must not take or damage trees and bushes.
  • You may not take fruit, berries, vegetables or anything else that grows in gardens, plantations or fields.
  • Do not leave or throw any trash. Cans, glass, plastic and other rubbish can harm animals and people.
  • You may not chase, disturb or harm animals. It is also forbidden to take bird eggs or touch the animals' nests or young.
  • You may not fish without a permit in lakes or waterways. You do not need a permit to fish with a fishing rod, casting rod by the coast.
  • Dogs must not be loose in nature during the period March 1 - August 20. Then the animals have young. A loose dog can frighten and injure the animals. It is best to always have the dog on a leash in nature.

 Source: The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency