In Sweden everybody has the right to be out in the nature. The law includes that we can wander around, pick mushrooms, and wild berries or flowers that are not placed under preservation. The law does not only include rights. When we are out in the nature, wherever we are, we also have responsibilities.

To walk, bike, ride and ski over other people properties is allowed, but we have to respect the privacy of the home.

We have the right to put up a tent anywhere if the ground is not used for agriculture and is not near a private house. The best thing is to ask the owner for permission.

To drive a car, motorbike and other motor vehicles in the terrain (off road or on roads that are closed for motor traffic) is prohibited. We are allowed to light a fire, but: Don’t ever light a fire if there is the least danger of a forest fire! Always make sure to put out the fire before you leave the place. We are allowed to swim and moor our boat and stay on shore for a day or two, but not too near somebody’s garden or where the authorities have, for one reason or an other, forbidden it.

We are allowed to put up a tent and stay over night.

Water-scooter driving is prohibited in other areas than the authorities have decided it’s allowed.

Never leave any rubbish behind!

To pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers that are not placed under preservation is permitted, but to take branches, twigs, resin and bark from growing trees is not allowed.

If you bring your dog out in the forest during the time when wild animals have cubs, you must put on a leash. During other times you must watch you dog so it won’t frighten wild animals.

To fish is not included in the legal right of access to private land/ open country. It is allowed to fish in the five largest lakes and in the sea ( except from salmon fishing along the north-east coast) without a permit. In other areas you need a permit. Hunting is also not included in the law.

© 2001 Freeway
Writers: Kristina Eriksson (sp03-31@park.se)
HTML by: Erik Olsson (te03-15@park.se).