The Swedish Right of Public Access
The right to roam nature — with responsibility.
The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) is Sweden's unique right to move freely in nature. It rests on one simple promise: don't disturb – don't destroy.
Your responsibility
The Right of Public Access gives you great freedom, but also a personal responsibility. It is always your responsibility to find out which laws, local regulations and area-specific rules apply where you are. Nature reserves, national parks and other protected areas may have rules that restrict or forbid camping, open fires, motorboating, fishing or how dogs may be kept. Breaking such rules may constitute a criminal offence and result in fines or other legal consequences.
The core principle
Don't disturb – don't destroy. Show consideration for people, animals and nature, and leave the place as you found it.
You may
- Walk, cycle (non-motorised), ride and ski across forests and open land.
- Swim, paddle and travel by boat on lakes and waterways, in compliance with applicable laws, local rules and area protections. (Read more under Motorboats)
- Pitch a tent for one (1) night in the same spot, well outside the private zone around dwellings, provided no local rules or area protections forbid it. (Read more under Camping and overnight stays)
- Pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers that aren't protected species.
- Take small pieces of nature home – such as cones, fallen twigs and leaves in modest amounts.
You may not
- Walk or camp close to dwellings (within the private zone).
- Drive a car, motorbike, moped or any other motorised vehicle off-road.
- Break branches, damage trees or take bark, moss or lichen.
- Disturb wildlife – especially during the birds' nesting season.
- Litter. Take back out of nature what you bring in – including compostable waste.
Motorboats
Travelling by boat can be covered by the Right of Public Access, but the use of motorboats is not unrestricted everywhere. Many lakes and waterways have local regulations, for example speed limits, bans on certain engine types or complete motor bans.
Always check the rules that apply where you are, and show consideration for swimmers, wildlife and shoreline areas.
Vehicles and parking
The Right of Public Access applies to moving on foot, by bike, on horseback, or by ski — it does not give you the right to drive or park motor vehicles in nature.
Driving a car, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle off-road is prohibited under Swedish law (the Off-Road Traffic Act), regardless of the Right of Public Access. Many private roads also have their own ban on motor traffic, often marked with a sign — this applies even if the road appears to be publicly accessible. The ban also applies to electric motor vehicles. The fact that a vehicle is powered by electricity instead of a combustion engine does not mean that it is covered by the Right of Public Access or can be driven off-road.
Parking is not covered by the Right of Public Access. The right to park is determined by the landowner or the responsible authority, not by the Right of Public Access. Only park in designated spots and respect signs indicating bans, fees, or time limits. The ban also applies to electric motor vehicles. The fact that a vehicle is powered by electricity instead of a combustion engine does not mean that it is covered by the Right of Public Access or can be driven off-road.
Camping and overnight stays
The Right of Public Access allows you to pitch a tent for a single night in nature on a suitable spot, but it does not mean free camping everywhere.
Serviced campsites are not covered by the Right of Public Access. On campsites with facilities such as toilets, showers, electricity, waste disposal and other services, a valid booking and camping fee are required. It is therefore not permitted to camp for free or to use the campsite's services without paying.
If you would like access to these facilities, you are very welcome to book a place at Valle Camping.
Nature reserves, national parks and certain municipal areas may also have special rules or bans on camping, overnight stays and parking.
Making a fire
Only light a fire with great care and where it is safe. During dry periods fire bans may apply. Always check the current rules before lighting a fire and put it out properly afterwards.
Dogs
Between 1 March and 20 August, dogs must be kept under such control that they do not disturb or chase wildlife. In practice this usually means the dog should be kept on a leash.
Nature reserves and other protected areas may have additional rules, such as compulsory leashing or areas where dogs are not allowed. Always check what applies where you are.
Always clean up after your dog.
Fishing and hunting are not included
Fishing and hunting are not covered by the Right of Public Access. Fishing usually requires a fishing permit or fishing rights, and hunting requires both a licence and hunting rights. Fishing without a valid permit or fishing rights may constitute a criminal offence.
Enjoy your outing from all of us at Valle Camping!