(Photo Credit: Wild Sweden)
With the right to access the outdoors freely, and experience the wildlife first hand, the only thing you have to pay, is respect for nature and animals living there.
Lets say we had the 'Freedom to Roam' in the U.S. the misconception some people have about the right is that people can go anywhere and do anything.
Lets not go crazy here!
The 'Freedom to Roam' comes with great responsibilities for it be viable.
In the next few posts I'll be sharing all of the rules and etiquette's of the Swedish ”allemansrätten”.
(Yes, a lot of them will make sense... and is probably something you already do today when hiking and camping)
I stay far enough away from someone's home
You can actually move almost anywhere in nature, but you are not allowed to pass over someone's private plot. For example, someone's plot is the area closest to a house where someone lives (and there doesn't necessarily have to be a fence around it).
Basically make sure that those who live in the house are not disturbed by you passing by. So if there is free visibility, it is a good idea to keep a longer distance. Did you know that it is actually a violation of the peace to go too close to a house? Yea...so, lets not be those people walking over someone's yard thinking that's cool.
Exactly which distance that applies, however, is difficult to say. A plot is extensive around residential buildings, if you are further away than 60-70 meters (65+ yards) you are probably on the safe side. But some areas are much smaller around, for example, out-buildings, boat-houses and bath-houses. A plot is basically only the area around the buildings. But if you are unsure - ask the landowner if you can or just be cool, and keep your distance!
I only camp as long as I can and where I am allowed
It is possible to camp for a day or two as long as you do not disturb the landowner or harm nature. Remember not to camp on fragile land, and not on used pasture or on land used for agriculture or planting.
If you are in a National Park or a Nature Reserve, special rules might apply, sometimes there are tent bans in certain areas. Make sure you do your research before your visit so you're following the camping rules.
If there are many of you who are going to camp or if you are close to a house, you need to ask the landowner for permission (NO! You cannot set up camp in someones backyard...) If you have a caravan or motor-home, the requirements are greater.
If you feel unsure, don't be shy - ask the landowner.
If you are in a National Park or a Nature Reserve, special rules might apply, sometimes there are tent bans in certain areas. Make sure you do your research before your visit so you're following the camping rules.
If there are many of you who are going to camp or if you are close to a house, you need to ask the landowner for permission (NO! You cannot set up camp in someones backyard...) If you have a caravan or motor-home, the requirements are greater.
If you feel unsure, don't be shy - ask the landowner.
Stay tuned for Pt. 2
Drop your comments below, lets discuss ”allemansrätten”.