The Right of Public Acess - an unique possibility to meet with nature
An ancient tradition in Sweden is "Allemansratten" that gives everybody the
right to move about freely in the countryside. We can go hiking, cycling,
skiing, swimming, sailing and canoeing almost anywhere. To be able to keep
these privileges we must show care and consideration to animals and plants.
We must not disturb or destroy. If we observe this simple code of rules the
people who come after us can also enjoy our wonderful nature.
We are allowed...
to walk etc. in any area not considered a property or a plantation,
to pass fences and gates if we do not pull them down or let the animals out,
to camp one night without asking the land owner, but it is a very good rule to ask for permission. Always ask the land owner if you are going to camp for more then one night or if you are a group.
to pick wild flowers, berries and mushrooms. Some flowers are protected by law
to light a fire if there is not the slightest risk of an utbreak of fire, to take dry branches and twigs lying on the ground to light the fire with,
to swim from shores which are not part of someones local property,
to row, sail and canoe in somebody else's water. We can go ashore almost everywhere, but not too close to houses,
to drink and take water from spring and lake,
to fish with a rod and other hand tackle along the coast and in lakes Vanern, Vattern, Hjalmaren and Storsjon. In other waters you will have to have a fishing license.
We are not allowed...
to destroy nature. The property owner will claim compensation
to damage trees and bushes e.g. to take branches, bark, leaves. acorn and nuts
to cross fields with crops in or planted forest areas
to pick flowers, berries or mushrooms on private land
to drive motor vehicles off roads
to take birds' nests or eggs
to hunt without a licence
to litter on land or at sea. You will be fined for such an offence
to light a fire when there is danger of it spreading or where and when a prohibition has been issued by the fire brigade. Don't light fires on cliffs. There is a danger of the rockface breaking.