The Right of Public Access to Nature
In Sweden, everyone enjoys free access to the countryside and the right to pick berries, mushrooms and wild flowers (that are not endangered). However, in addition to these rights there are certain rules that must be followed. Below are some of the major points. More detailed information can be found on the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) homepage.
- The countryside is open to everybody, provided you do not cause damage or disturb other people.
- Do not dispose litter in the countryside.
- You can cross other people’s land or water, but stay away from buildings, do not trample on growing crops, and do not cross cultivated fields or gardens.
- Do not pitch your tent close to a building. If you want to put up more than one tent or stay for more than one night in the same place, ask the owner first.
- You may pick any mushrooms, berries or wild flowers which are not protected by law.
- Do not touch plants, berries, fruit or grain growing on cultivated land or in fields and gardens. It is forbidden to cut down trees or bushes or to pick beechnuts, acorns or nuts.
- If you are boating or canoeing, you may tie up at temporary moorings and go ashore unless you are close to a house or visiting boats.
- Leave animals and birds in peace. Do not touch their young or disturb their lairs or nests.
- The hunting and capture of birds and animals are forbidden without a license. You may fish with hand-held tackle in the sea, but you will usually need to buy a license for fishing in rivers and lakes.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, must be kept on the road.
- Fires are prohibited wherever and whenever they could get out of control. Never make a fire on exposed rock or large boulders – heated rock easily cracks.