What is the Right of Public Access?
The Right of Public Access is a principle, protected by the law, that gives all people in Sweden the freedom to roam free in nature. Sleep on mountaintops, by the lakes, in quiet forests or beautiful meadows. Take the kayak out for a spin or experience the wildlife firsthand. Pick berries, mushrooms and flowers from the ground – all completely free of charge. The only thing you have to pay, is respect for nature and the animals living there.
The freedom to roam in Sweden means that you have the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land with the exception of private gardens, near a dwelling house or land under cultivation. We call it 'Allemansrätten'. Literally, it translates to "The all mans right" which means that everyone has the right to roam in the Swedish nature.
The Right of Public Access is a unique right, but with this right comes responsibilities – to take care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration for landowners and for other people enjoying the countryside.
This unique and totally amazing privilege is one of the reasons I encourage you all to visit
Sweden. You don't have to worry about angry land-owners or constantly pay to visit some
of the most beautiful parts of our planet. And when you think about it - "our planet" - isn't
Allemansrätten something we should all take for granted?
But as stated above, with freedom comes great responsibility. The rule of thumb is to always
leave a spot exactly as you found it.
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