Enjoy the Swedish outdoors!
The Right of Public Access makes everybody free to roam the Swedish countryside. But there are some things you must keep in mind when you are out walking, camping, climbing, picking flowers or doing something else in the countryside.
It is the Right of Public Access which makes adventure tourism and other forms of organised outdoor recreation possible.
You can walk or ski pretty much anywhere in the countryside. The exceptions are to ensure that you do not disturb and do not destroy.
You may cycle across country and on private roads. However, be sure not to ride across the grounds of a house, on cultivated land or on ground that is easily damaged.
You can ride freely in the countryside, as horse riding is included in the Right of Public Access. But choose your path carefully and avoid soft ground to prevent damage.
The Right of Public Access does not cover hunting or fishing. However, it does affect them in important ways, since hunting and fishing are among Sweden’s most popular leisure activities.
You are free to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside. But keep in mind that some plants are protected, meaning that they must not be picked.
Dogs are of course welcome in the countryside. However, dog owners must observe strict rules in order to protect wildlife.
You may light a fire in the country if conditions are safe. But while a campfire adds to the outdoor ambience, it is a cause of concern to landowners.
You may pitch your tent for a night or two in the countryside as long as you don’t disturb the landowner or cause damage to nature.
The basic rule is that on weekdays you may stay for up to 24 hours in lay-bys and sign-posted parking areas along public roads. On weekends and public holidays you may stay until the next weekday.
The Right of Public Access applies both on land and water. You can swim, sail almost anywhere, moor your boat and spend a night or two on board.
Landowners are not allowed to put up fences to keep people off land that is subject to the Right of Public Access.
Private roads are most important for outdoor recreation and for our ability to actually make use of the Right of Public Access.
The Right of Public Access makes everybody free to roam the Swedish countryside. But there are some things you must keep in mind when you are out walking, camping, climbing, picking flowers or doing something else in the countryside.