The Right of Public Access  

Sweden's unique Right of Public Access (Allemansrätt) gives you the freedom to roam the countryside but along with rights go responsibilities to show care and consideration. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) summarises these responsibilities as "Do not disturb - do not destroy!" The Right of Public Access can be summarised as follows: 

• You may cross someone's land if you do not damage any crops or forestation.
• You may not cross someone's garden or grounds without permission.
• You may camp one night on someone's land if you don't disturb the landowner or damage the land.
• You may travel on someone's water, moor up, go ashore and remain moored for up to 24 hours. Remember not to disturb the landowner by mooring up to private jetties or within sight of the residence.
• Generally, you may pick wild flowers, berries and mushrooms but you may not break branches. Note that some species are protected and may not be picked.

• You may light a fire if there is no danger of it spreading. The fire should be fully extinguished before you leave the area. Remember not to light a fire directly on rocks as they crack when they cool down. Please note that during the summer half of the year there is often a general ban on lighting fires in the open.
• You may fish with a rod not with nets or pots, along the whole of the east coast and in Lake Mälaren, but to be sure, check what applies in the area where you are.
• Dogs should be kept on a lead from 1^st March to 20^th August. In the Stockholm Archipelago there are stricter rules, especially during the spring and early summer when birds are nesting. Keep a close eye on your dog and show extra care during this period.
• Certain islands are bird sanctuaries where you may not even moor during the breeding season. Check the sea chart before mooring.
• It is not permitted to drop litter or cause any damage.
• There are also rules covering horse riding and driving motor vehicles.

There is more information in English at http://naturvardsverket.se (The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency)