What is the Right of Public Access?

The Right of Public Access is a unique right to roam freely in the countryside. But with the 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 EPA sums up the Right of Public Access in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy.’

 

While the Right of Public Access is guaranteed in Sweden’s Constitution, it is not enshrined in law and there is no statute that exactly defines its scope. On the other hand, it is hedged around by various laws that set limits to what is allowed.

It is therefore not always possible to say exactly what you may or may not do in the countryside. While the courts have the power to interpret the Right of Public Access, not many cases have actually come before a court.

Mediaeval roots

Swedes tend to regard the Right of Public Access as part of their cultural heritage, sometimes even as a national symbol. Its origins go back in part to provincial laws and customs dating from the Middle Ages.

The Right of Public Access is for everybody. (The literal meaning of the Swedish term, allemansrätten, is ‘everyman’s right’.) As the basis of our right to roam the countryside, it is important not just to individuals but also to clubs and tourism operators. Clubs and tourism operators may take advantage of the Right of Public Access in the activities they organise, even though the right as such applies only to individuals and not to groups.

Contact:

allemansratten (a) naturvardsverket.se, telephone: +46-8-6981000