Protected areas
In national parks, nature reserves, or other protected areas, there may be specific rules and regulations to follow.
Nature reserves and national parks offer plenty to see; but, to protect nature and wildlife, there may be special rules regarding things like lighting fires, camping, and dogs. Check what applies before heading out.
Keep in mind
- Look for signs in the area or check the County Administrative Board’s or municipality’s websites to make sure there are no special rules in place.
- Wildlife protection areas have guidelines to protect animals like seals and birds. Always pay attention to signs with specific rules.
- Many protected areas have visitor centers, called naturum, where you can learn more about the local nature and other guidelines.
Look for the symbol indicating that you're in a protected area:
Activities allowed in protected areas
Protected areas such as national parks and nature reserves have rules to safeguard natural and cultural features. These rules may place restrictions on the right of public access or set specific guidelines for activities to minimise impact on the environment.
These rules apply to everyone, including landowners, and they vary based on the needs of the area. Common guidelines include:
- Keeping fires, boats, or dogs away from certain areas.
- Only allowing cycling and horse riding on marked trails.
- Picking berries allowed for personal use, often with the condition of picking only as much as can be eaten on the spot.
- Camping only in designated spots.
Animal and plant protection areas
Certain areas are designated to protect sensitive plant and animal species. These areas are important for species like birds and seals, helping keep them safe from disturbances.
Bird protection areas
Bird protection areas are created to keep birds safe, especially during sensitive times like the nesting season in spring and summer. To help protect wildlife, it’s important to follow the rules and keep your distance.
In many of these areas, public access is restricted during certain times of the year to avoid disturbing the birds. Activities such as hiking, boating, or even landing on islands may be temporarily prohibited. Always watch for signs with specific access guidelines.
Seal protection area
A seal protection area is a designated zone in Sweden where seals are allowed to live undisturbed by humans during the time of year when they have pups. This means it is prohibited to go ashore on islands within the seal protection area during that period, as well as to be in the water by boat closer than 50–100 meters from the shores. The exact rules may vary between different seal protection areas. The County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) can provide more detailed information about the regulations in each specific area.
Access to information and regulations
Notice boards near the entrance of parks or reserves often provide rules, maps, and information in English. These help visitors understand the natural and cultural importance of the area. The goal is to make your visit enjoyable while supporting the preservation of the environment.
For more details, visit Sveriges nationalparker or contact the local municipality for specific nature reserve information.