Nature calls – unforgettable Sweden trips to take with your pet
Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) means everyone can roam freely, but with that freedom comes responsibility, especially for those with dogs. In the countryside, dogs have to be leashed between 1 March and 20 August. Even the vast expanses in the north have certain restrictions, as the region is a magnet for hunting, fishing and hiking enthusiasts.
National parks and hiking trails have long been favourite destinations for travellers. Unsurprisingly, dogs are becoming a more regular sight on Sweden’s major hiking trails like The King’s Trail, (Kungsleden) Pilgrim’s Trail (Pilgrimsleden) and the Storsjö Trail (Storsjöleden). You can even scale Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain, with your pet by your side.
Outside the mandatory leash period, dogs must be kept under control to prevent them from harassing wildlife and in most nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs are welcome in most of Sweden’s national parks and city parks, although certain rules do apply depending on the time of year and can vary from one park to another. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) provides full details.
Sweden’s long coastline and numerous lakes mean there are plenty of possibilities to swim, although often only on stretches not designated as official public beaches. Beaches in bigger cities and towns are less accessible to four-legged friends, however, although Malmö’s Ribersborg Beach does offer a special area for dogs.
In the city, sightseeing with your pet generally needs to be done outdoors. Making your way through the fairy tale narrow streets of Stockholm’s Old Town is a wonderful way to while away a few hours with your dog, likewise the numerous parks and recreational areas around the capital. While you’re welcome to roam around the grounds of major sites, you can’t take dogs inside palaces, museums and places of worship. However, Drottningholm Palace has its own island, Ormholmen, also known as 'dog island', where dogs can be unleashed.
In short, Sweden will lay out a red carpet for you and your companion. Make sure you do your research thoroughly, and travelling with your pet will be stress-free, comfortable and most of all, memorable.