However, this right comes with the responsibility to respect nature and avoid disturbing or harming wildlife, plants, and people living in the area. Here are some key points to consider depending on your activities, such as camping, hiking, berry picking, or fishing:
Camping in Forests and Fields
· You can camp for a few days on private land, but choose a spot away from houses, farmland, and other plantations. If you plan to camp for several days or with a large group, you need to ask the landowner for permission. When making a fire, pick a spot where the fire won’t spread or damage the ground and vegetation. Use a camping stove or designated fire pit whenever possible. Note that during dry weather, there may be fire bans due to the risk of forest fires.
Hiking and Excursions
· You can hike and ski almost anywhere, but be mindful of the terrain. Regular hiking boots can damage farmland, new spruce plantations, or rocky outcrops with lichens and moss. You can use private roads, but respect property boundaries near homes. You are allowed to pick wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms, but be aware of protected species that cannot be picked, both in the mountains and elsewhere.
· You may relieve yourself in nature if there is no access to a toilet or outhouse, but be mindful not to do so too close to hiking trails or water bodies, as bacteria can spread and contaminate the water. It is okay to bury toilet paper that decomposes, but not wet wipes as they contain chemicals that nature has difficulty breaking down.
Photo by: Ferhat Deniz Fors
Fishing
· Fishing is not explicitly included in Allemansrätten, but you can fish with a rod in the five large lakes: Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren, and Storsjön, as well as along the coast, except for salmon fishing on the Norrland coast. Elsewhere, you may need the landowner’s permission or a fishing permit. It is often acceptable to fish from private shores and docks if they are unoccupied and not within someone's property.
Lastly, always remember to take your trash and food waste home with you.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy Sweden's beautiful natural landscapes responsibly and sustainably.
Source: Swedish Tourist Association, The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Photo by Inès d'Anselme on Unsplash and Ferhat Deniz Fors on Unsplash
