The Swedish Right of Public Access
Thanks to the Right of Public Access, we can spend time outdoors almost anywhere in the Swedish countryside. It is one of Europe’s most extensive and deeply rooted traditions of public access to nature, but that freedom comes with responsibilities. Its guiding principle is “Do not disturb – do not destroy.”
What does the Right of Public Access mean?
The Right of Public Access in Sweden gives us the freedom to roam and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, paddling, camping, and picking wild berries and mushrooms, provided that we respect nature and do not disturb wildlife, landowners, or other people.
The Right of Public Access is not a law in itself. It is recognised in Sweden’s constitution and framed by laws and regulations that set limits on what is permitted. Everyone who spends time in Swedish nature shares responsibility for respecting both the freedoms it provides and the obligations that come with them.
Right of Public Access principles:
What you can do
The Right of Public Access allows you to:
- Hike, cycle, paddle, and ski across most uncultivated land, including land owned by someone else.
- Pick wild berries, mushrooms, and flowers, provided that the species are not protected.
- Camp with a small number of tents for a night or two, provided that you stay well away from homes and do not cause damage or disturbance.
- Swim, paddle, and temporarily moor a boat away from homes and private gardens.
Fishing is governed by separate rules and is not included in the Right of Public Access. A fishing licence or other permission may be required.
What you cannot do
The Right of Public Access does not allow you to:
- Enter the private area immediately surrounding someone’s home or holiday home.
- Walk, cycle, or ski across cultivated land if doing so could damage crops.
- Camp close to a home, camp in the same place for an extended period, or camp in a large group without the landowner’s permission.
- Disturb or harm wildlife, damage trees, crops, or other vegetation, or pick protected plant species.
- Moor a boat or go ashore within the private area surrounding a home.
Where access may be restricted
The Right of Public Access applies throughout much of Sweden, but access may be restricted in certain places:
- Around homes: The private area surrounding a home or holiday home is not covered by the Right of Public Access, whether or not it is fenced.
- On cultivated land: You must not enter fields or other cultivated areas if you risk damaging crops.
- In protected areas: National parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas may have specific rules governing activities such as camping, lighting fires, cycling, or bringing dogs.
- On golf courses and other managed facilities: Access may be restricted, particularly on greens, tees, and areas where play or other activities are in progress.
- In prohibited or hazardous areas: Access may be forbidden at military sites, mines, industrial facilities, construction sites, and other areas closed for safety or security reasons.
Always follow local signs and regulations.
Protected areas
National parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas have specific rules designed to protect their natural and cultural heritage. These rules vary from place to place and may apply to landowners as well as visitors. Details are usually displayed on information boards at or near the entrance and can also be found on the relevant County Administrative Board or municipality website.
Read more: the Right of Public Access in protected areas
The Right of Public Access – Guidelines for different activities
Hiking and running
You can walk and run almost anywhere in nature, provided that you don’t disturb or damage.
Keep away from homes, private gardens, crops, nurseries, and newly planted forests.
You may cross golf courses when play is not in progress, but avoid greens and tees and follow signs and barriers.
Cycling
You can cycle in nature and on private roads and trails, but take care not to cause damage or disturbance.
Avoid homes, cultivated land, wet or soft ground, and sensitive surfaces. Keep to existing paths, avoid skidding, and give way to walkers, horse riders, and animals.
Local restrictions may apply. Electric mountain bikes are not covered by the Right of Public Access when ridden off-road.
Paddling, swimming, and boating
The Right of Public Access applies on water as well as on land.
You may swim, paddle, go ashore, anchor, and moor temporarily away from homes.
Keep your distance from wildlife and respect bird and seal protection areas.
Ask the landowner before staying moored or anchored near someone’s shore for longer.
Picking flowers, berries and mushrooms
You may pick wild flowers, berries and mushrooms, unless the species are protected.
Don’t damage living trees or bushes, or remove bark, branches, roots, bulbs, or whole plants.
Check for protected species and special rules in national parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas.
Wild camping
You may wild camp with two or three tents for a night or two, provided that you don’t disturb anyone or cause damage.
Stay well away from homes, cultivated land, grazing areas, and livestock.
Ask the landowner before camping in a larger group or staying longer.
Local restrictions may apply in protected and recreation areas. Always take all rubbish and food waste with you.
Lighting fires
You may light a fire when conditions are safe, but you are responsible for preventing damage.
Use a camping stove or established fireplace where possible. Otherwise, choose gravel or sand well away from dry vegetation.
Never light fires on large rocks, moss, or peat.
Keep fires small, extinguish them completely, and always check for current fire bans and local restrictions.
Dogs outdoors
Dogs are welcome in nature, but must be kept under control around wildlife, livestock, and other visitors.
Never allow your dog to chase animals.
From 1 March to 20 August, dogs must be prevented from running loose in nature. A lead is the safest option.
Stricter rules may apply in national parks, nature reserves, recreation areas, and reindeer-herding areas.
Fishing
Fishing and hunting are governed by separate rules and are not included in the Right of Public Access.
Fishing with hand-held equipment is allowed without a licence in public waters, certain coastal waters, and Sweden’s five largest lakes.
Elsewhere, you need a fishing licence or permission, and rules may vary by species, season, and method.
Take all lines, hooks, and equipment home with you.
Horse riding
Horse riding is covered by the Right of Public Access, but hooves can easily damage soft ground.
Keep to firm roads and trails, and avoid homes, cultivated land, pastures, newly planted forests, and other sensitive areas.
Take extra care in wet weather and during spring and autumn.
Ask the landowner before riding frequently in the same area or organising group rides. Local restrictions may also apply.
Skiing
The same general rules as hiking apply to skiing: don’t cause damage or disturbance.
You may cross farmland when the ground is hard-frozen and snow-covered, provided no crops are at risk.
Avoid homes and newly planted forests, and don’t walk in prepared ski tracks.
Respect signs and barriers, and check for local restrictions.
Climbing
Climbing is covered by the Right of Public Access, but cliffs can be sensitive habitats.
Avoid homes and cultivated land when approaching a climbing site.
Respect seasonal restrictions and choose another location if birds or other wildlife are disturbed.
Keep noise down, take rubbish home, and remember that new routes or alterations to the rock may require permission.
You can read more about the Right of Public Access on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s website.