Camping
Pitch a tent and spend the night in nature. Just remember to choose a suitable spot – avoid fields with crops or farm animals, and steer clear of residential areas.
You can pitch your tent for a night or two in nature, as long as you respect the landowner and treat the local environment with care. People living nearby shouldn’t be able to see or hear you from their private property and its surrounding zone. When selecting a spot: the further away, the better. Choose solid ground on which to pitch your tent and avoid land used for grazing or agricultural purposes.
Keep in mind
- If you are several people with multiple tents, you need landowner permission.
- Don’t overstay your welcome – one or two nights is the rule of thumb.
- The right of public access doesn’t cover motor vehicles.
- Leave the area as you found it; take all personal items and trash.
To know before you go: rules and regulations
Camping in large groups
The right of public access permits you to pitch two to three tents for a night or two. However, a large group of people with many tents could cause problems relating to both sanitation and damage to the ground. In such cases, the landowner's permission must be obtained first.
National parks and nature reserves
National parks and nature reserves have special rules that may restrict the right of public access. Tents are generally not permitted except in designated camping sites. In certain areas tents are banned altogether.
Rules are generally posted in English on notice boards in the area. You can also direct any inquiries to the local municipality or county administrative board.
Recreational areas
Most municipalities have regulations on camping. Pitching tents in locations such as parks or sports grounds may be forbidden. In general, camping that is permitted under the right of public access is not restricted, but tents may be banned in outdoor recreation areas.
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local rules. Any information you need, can be provided by the local municipality and the police.
Rooftop tents, campervans and motorhomes
Exploring Sweden by camper, rooftop tent or caravans? Driving and parking off-road is illegal and not covered by the right of public access. Motor vehicles are, for example, not allowed on natural land, such as beaches, forests and meadows.
Dispose of trash and food scraps properly
Always keep food stored away, clean up after yourself, and take all trash and food scraps with you when leaving the outdoor area. This is especially important to help prevent the spread of African swine fever in Sweden.
African swine fever is a viral disease that affects wild boars and domestic pigs. The virus survives for a long time in nature, as well as in meat and processed meat products from infected animals, even after freezing. The disease does not affect humans but spreads easily among wild boars and pigs. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, make sure to take all leftover food, such as ham or sausage sandwiches, with you.