About the right to access Swedish nature

This is the Right of Public Access

When you are in Sweden you have the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land with the exception of private gardens, near a dwelling house or land under cultivation. We call it the Freedom to Roam.

Sweden’s natural wonders; Swedish Lapland, the Swedish mountains, coastlines and archipelagos are waiting for you to come and discover them.

So come to Sweden and claim your right to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sweden’s great outdoors.

The Right of Public Access is a unique right to roam freely in the countryside. But with this right come responsibilities – to take care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration for landowners and for other people enjoying the countryside. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sums up the Right of Public Access in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy.’ 

Freedom to roam in practice

It is somewhat more detailed in its own section of the law. Breaking it down, here is how it goes:

• You are allowed to access any land, except private residences, the immediate vicinity (70 meters) of a dwelling house and cultivated land.
  
• You can put up a tent.
  
• You are allowed to collect flowers, mushrooms and berries.
  
• Driving on private roads is allowed unless there’s a sign saying otherwise.
  
• Swimming in lakes is allowed.
  
• You can access any beach as long as you stay away from private residences.
  
• You are allowed to catch fish in the five big lakes and along the entire coastline.
  

Source: The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket). For more detailed information, follow these links:

• Camping (tents)
• Cycling
• Dogs
• Fences and signs
• Hiking and skiing
• Horse riding
• Hunting and fishing
• Lighting fires
• Mountain climbing
• Organised outdoor recreation
• Picking flowers, berries, mushrooms, etc.
• Private roads
• Protected areas
• On water and ice