{"id":63302,"date":"2026-07-11T19:30:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T17:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/?p=63302"},"modified":"2026-10-21T09:04:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:04:30","slug":"the-swedish-right-of-public-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aresweden.com\/en\/about-are\/the-swedish-right-of-public-access\/","title":{"rendered":"The Swedish Right of Public Access"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Thanks to Sweden\u2019s unique Right of Public Access, you are free to roam the countryside, pick berries and mushrooms, and even camp almost anywhere. Nature \u2013 and this right \u2013 belongs to everyone. It\u2019s a wonderful privilege, but it comes with responsibilities. The good news? Following the rules is simple \u2013 and helps protect the outdoors for all. Here you\u2019ll find guidance on what you can and cannot do, and where. Thank you for showing care and respect! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is the Right of Public Access a Law?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strictly speaking, the Right of Public Access isn\u2019t a single law, but rather a principle protected under Sweden\u2019s Constitution (Chapter 2, Section 15). What you\u2019re allowed to do \u2013 and not do \u2013 is outlined in various legal acts, such as the Environmental Code, the Land Code, and the Penal Code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t Disturb, Don\u2019t Destroy\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Right of Public Access gives you freedom, but also requires respect \u2013 summed up by the golden rule: Don\u2019t disturb \u2013 don\u2019t destroy. This means:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always show respect for nature and wildlife: keep your distance, avoid disturbing animals, and stick to marked trails and paths (especially in the mountains).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leave places the way you\u2019d like to find them: clean, quiet and undisturbed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n \"Reindeer\n \n Respect the mountain wildlife and keep your distance.\n <\/span>\n \n Photo: Niclas Vestefjell\n <\/span>\n
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What Applies in the Swedish mountains?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SWEDEN\u2019S RIGHT OF PUBLIC ACCESS IN THE MOUNTAINS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are more than welcome to enjoy hiking, biking, skiing and other adventures in the mountains \u2013 but please remember that this environment is especially sensitive and requires extra care. In short: Leave no trace \u2013 and leave the place as you\u2019d wish to find it.

A few key points: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not disturb grazing reindeer or cause them stress. During calving season (April\u2013June), it\u2019s especially important to give them space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check if you\u2019re in a national park or nature reserve \u2013 different rules may apply. For example, in protected areas like V\u00e5l\u00e5dalen<\/a> and T\u00e4nnforsen<\/a>. You\u2019ll find more information on the County Administrative Board\u2019s website or at sverigesnationalparker.se.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n