Right of public access
The right of public access requires consideration, responsibility and good judgement. We must not damage the landscape or animal life, and we must show consideration for landowners and for others who are out in the countryside.
The essence of the right of public access is concisely expressed by the phrase, "Do not disturb, do not destroy".
Camping
It is generally allowed to tent in the countryside for one or two nights in the same place, but only if there is no risk of disturbing the landowner or other local residents. It is not permitted to put up a tent near homes or farm buildings, nor on farmland. Groups with several tents must have the landowner's permission.
It is not permitted to tent where the ground and vegetation might be damaged. Avoid more sensitive types of ground such as wooded meadows and lichen-covered areas. Grazing land should also be avoided.
In national parks and nature reserves, it is only permitted to tent at specially designated places, and it may be completely forbidden in some areas.
Fire
In dry weather, when the risk of fire is great, it is forbidden to light fires outdoors. The prohibition applies to all open fires, even at fireplaces built for that purpose.
Otherwise, it is permitted to light fires with extreme caution, preferably at a prepared fireplace. If none is available, fires should be lit where there is no risk of the fire spreading or damaging ground and vegetation. An area of gravel or sand is suitable. Fires can easily spread in moss, peat bogs and humus-rich soils. They may smoulder unnoticed for a long time before flaring up.
There are special rules for national parks and nature reserves. It may be completely forbidden to light a fire, or permitted only at specially prepared fireplaces.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed to come along into the countryside. But demands on their owners are great. Complete control at all times is a basic requirement. Regulations concerning dogs in the countryside are intended to protect animal life. Dog owners have strict responsibility for their pets in this regard.
During the period 1 March - 20 August, every dog must be kept on a lead. At other times of the year, dogs must be kept under enough supervision to prevent them from harassing wildlife.
In national parks and nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a lead, without exception. In some national parks, dogs are not allowed at all.
Hunting and fishing
Hunting is not included in the right of public access. Every activity intended to kill or capture birds or wild mammals is regarded as hunting. To damage birdnests or take bird's eggs is also regarded as hunting and is forbidden.
Fishing is not included in the right of public access, either. But sport fishing with handgear is freely permitted along the seacoasts and in Sweden's five largest lakes - Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren, and Storsjön in the region of Jämtland. In other waters, fishing is not allowed without a licence.
Picking flowers, berries
On lands that are subject to the right of public access, it is permitted to pick flowers, mushrooms and wild berries such as blue-, lingon- and cloudberries. It is not forbidden to pick berries for commercial purposes, but such activities should not disturb or in any way cause problems for the landowner.
Wildflowers that do not have protected status may be gathered. For some species, the protection applies to all parts of the plant; for others, the visible parts may be picked, but the plants may not be taken up by the roots. It is not permitted to gather mosses and lichens in large quantities.
In national parks, nature reserves and historical sites, there are special rules that limit the right to pick berries or gather plants and other natural objects.
Hiking, cycling, horseback riding
It is permitted to travel on foot and on skis nearly everywhere in the Swedish countryside. The exceptions are house grounds, plantations and other types of land that are susceptible to damage.
Everyone has the right to privacy at home. It is therefore forbidden to cross house grounds.
It is forbidden to cross cultivated grounds or farmland that may be damaged. The term "cultivated grounds" embraces, among other things, gardens, nurseries, park plantings and forest plantations with delicate young trees. Fields with growing crops are off limits, as well; so are uncut hay meadows. However, it is permitted to walk or ski over farmland when it is frozen or snow-covered.
It is permitted to cycle off-road. But the choice of route must be adapted to local conditions in order to avoid damaging the ground. In national parks and nature reserves, there are often restrictions on off-road cycling.
National parks and nature reserves have special rules. In general, horseback riding is forbidden, except on paths or trails designated for that purpose. In some cases, riding may be prohibited throughout the area.
Fences
It is permitted to pass through gates and over fences in order to reach areas to which the right of public access applies. But one must be careful not to damage fences, and to always close gates after passing through. To be on the safe side, close pasture gates even if they are open upon arrival.
Private roads
Owners of private roads have the right to close them to motor vehicle traffic. But tens of thousands of kilometres of private roads are open to the public. It is always permitted to walk and cycle on private roads, and in most cases to ride horses, as well.
Learn more
You can read more details about the right of public access
at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's web pages.
033-35 70 67
boras.stad@boras.se
Besöksadress
Stadshuset
Kungsgatan 55
Postadress
Borås Stad
501 80 Borås
at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's web pages.