Thanks to the Swedish right of public access you may move freely throughout the countryside and use both established trails and the natural terrain of the mountains. This fantastic and unique law opens endless possibilities to our visitors but also comes with the responsibility of showing respect to both the environment and the owners of the land you walk through. Here are some things that are important to remember.

• Everything you take with you must be taken home as well. Don’t leave any rubbish behind, not even in wind shelters or at barbeque places. Bring a plastic bag with you so that it is easy to bring your rubbish back. Find more tips about how to be a responsible visitor in nature here.
• Light campfires responsibly and do not light fires during dry periods. Use existing barbecue areas. Take fire wood with you and make sure your campfire is totally extinguished before moving on. You are not allowed to use wood from living trees or bushes to make your fire. Do not light a fire in bog-like terrain, peatlands, earthy woodlands or on flagstones that might crack when heated. Read more about what to think about when lighting fires in nature here.
• You may pick mushrooms, blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries and other edible berries. Leave flowering plants alone unless you are sure what they are. There are several protected species in the region. For example, Mt. Åreskutan is home to a number of species of rare and protected orchids. Read more about what you can pluck here. 
• Do not disturb wild animals and keep dogs leashed so they cannot chase after reindeer or other animals. If you see cubs or young animals: Back away and wait until they move on. Do not touch nests or dens or other possible habitats and avoid shrubbery as birds often nest in them.
• Show respect to house and property owners by keeping away from their gardens and buildings. Do not use verandas of empty houses as picnic areas. Use shelters marked on your map.
• The area around Åreskutan is used by hunters in the autumn. The ptarmigan season starts in the last week of August and the moose hunting period starts on the first Monday in September. Pay attention to signs posted during this period to ensure not to disturb hunting. Select trails and areas which are not in hunting areas. Read more about hunting and fishing here

The main rule is – do not disturb, do not destroy.

Learn more about the Swedish right of public access here.

What applies to bicycling, hiking and skiing

Bicycling

You may ride your bike in nature and on private roads but not

• Over privately owned property
• Over plantations and cropland
• On sensitive lands which are in risk of being damaged (see below)

Remember to

• Avoid soft trails, especially in the spring and autumn when the ground is wet (to avoid damage)
• Not ride you bike over sensitive lands such as lichen lands, rock surfaces covered with moss and lichen,  soft meadows and bogs
• Adjust your riding mode to the ground you ride on
• Rough tires may have a more negative impact on trails and sensitive lands than other tires

Read more about the Right of public access and bicycling here.

Hiking and skiing

You may hike and ski almost everywhere in nature but not

• Across privately owned property and plantations such as meadows and afforestation. When the ground is frozen or wet, it’s your responsibility to make sure the ground is left unharmed.
• Affect nature in a negative way, such as disturbing animals or harming vegetation

Remember

• To avoid sensitive areas, such as grazing grounds, summer and winter
• To keep your distance to privately owned plots
• To adjust your hiking/skiing to the conditions so that you do not destroy or disturb
• That The Right of public access is limited when it comes to golf courses

Read more about the Right of public access and hiking/skiing here.

Camping, fishing and other activities

Off course, there are many ways to enjoy nature. Find information about what applies to different kinds of activities here.

Visiting a nature reserve

The County Administrative Board of Jämtland has more information about what applies in our nature reserves such as Vålådalen. They have also developed an app for inspiration and orientation in our nature reserves. Download the Jämtland Naturkarta app from App Store or Google Play for free.

Thank you for your consideration!