Allemans-eng.

Sweden`s Rigth of Public Access:

1 Do not disturb, or cause damage.
That is the basic rule associated with Sweden`sRigth of Public access. Exaktly what it means is described below, along with the privileges that the rigth implies.

2 Respect the privacy of others.
You are welkome nearly everywhere in the Swedish countryside, whether on foot, skiis, bicycle or horseback. But you must be careful not to damage natural features or private property. One must not interfere with the activities of landowners or intrude the privacy of recidents, for instance by passing too near at home.Nor is it permitted to cross fffields, tree plantations and other areas where there is a risk that crops or soil may be damaged It is especially importentto be careful with mountain bikes, partly by crossing routes that limit damage to the land; the sameapplies to horseback-riding. In addition to close any pasture gates you may pass trough.

3 Motor vehicles forbidden.
It is not permitted to operate cars, motorcycles and other motor vehicles on open terrain, whish is defined as as any off-road area of natural land. It is not allowed to operate motor vehicles even if the landowner grants permission. However, parking is temporarily allow at the side of roadways where traffic regulations permit, provided that no damages is done to the ground and that access is not impeded. Motor vehicles are forbidden on many private roads, whish are usually posted with signs including such phrases as, "Ej motorfordon"

4 Camping.
It is permitted to set up a tent for one ot two days on any appropriate site whish is at an un intrusive distance from private dwellings, and whish does not pose a risk of disturbance to others. Obviously, campsites are not permitted at any location where the ground surface may be damaged or the landowner  may be inconveniensed . Avoid camping on grazing land; one never knows what kind of animals will be let out in the morning. It is always best to ask permission of the nearest farm; this is a requirement if the campsite includes more than one tent. Even greater consideration is required when spending the nigth in a caravan or motor home. Such vehicles are forbidden by law from parking on open terrain.

5 Fire prevention.
A discarded cigarette can set an entire forest in flames. The ligthing of fires is often forbidden during the summer months when risk is are high, even in specially -constructed fireplaces. Information about fire restrictions may be obtained from tourist bereaus and campingfacilities At other times, however, it is permitted to ligth small campfires if caution is observed. The site chosen must be suitable - for example , with a base of gravel of sand and and proximityto a source of vater. Do not ligth fires on bare rock;the heat can result in ugli cracks that never heal. Fires shuld not be lit when there is the sligthtest risk that sparks may be carried by the wind to nearby woods or fields. Before leaving, douse with water until the fire has been thorougthly extinguished. If a fire spreads out of control, telefhone emergency number 112 as quickly as possible.

6 Leave no traces.
Never leave rubbish in fireplaces or anywhere else, and do not make any carvings on windshelters, trees or rocks. Obviously, littering and vandalisation are strictly forbidden. Rubbish left in the contryside  is not only unsigthly; it can also result in injury to humans and other animals. Remnants of fishing line, for example, can be the death of birds and small animals. For the benefit of all who follow after, leave no traces of your visit to the Swedish contryside.

7 Consideration for animals.
Encounters with animals add spice to the experience of nature. Even wild animals have a rigth to peace and privacy. You are welkome to observe, but not to disturb. For example, avoid lingering or  camping too near the dwellings of birds. Be alert to the needs of animals: If a mother is scared off, her offspring may not survive. It is for this reason that dogs are not allowed to run loose from March 1 through August 20, the time of year when animals are most vulnerable.Especially sensitive areas protected  as bird sanctuaries. Most of Sweden`s sanctuaries are located in archepipelagos, and near lakes and wetlands. Bird sanctuaries are off limits to humans during certain times of the year , whish have been noted on yellow or red-yellow signs posted in the respective areas.

8 Picking flowers and berries.
You are not allowed to take twigs, branches, bark, leaves, acorns, nuts or resin from growing trees. And of course you may not uproot bushes or cut down trees.
You may, however, pick wild berries, flowers and mushrooms, and pick up fallen branches and dry twigs from the ground. Certain flowers are so rare that they are in danger of extinction. Such flowers are protected and may not be picked.
Orchids are protected everywhere in the country. Additional information on protected plants is available from the Country Administrative Board (Länstyrelsen).

9 Dogs.
Dogs may accompany their owners in the countryside. But they are not allowed to run free during the period from Marsh1- August 20 every year, when wildlife is at its most vulnerable. Even a sweet-tempered pooch can cause a great deal of harm by its mere presence, and dogs must be kept under careful watsh and control at all times of the year in order to provent unnecessary disturbance of harm to wildlives.

10 Fishing and public access to water resources.
Swimming , boathing and going ashore are permitted along most shorelines, except where special restriction apply. Anchoring for the nigth is subject to the same rules as those for camping on land. It is permitted to stay in the same location for a day or two, as long as local residents and boat traffic are not disturbed.
Sportfishing vith handgear is fri and open to all along the shores of the sea and the five largest lakes, Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Storsjön and Hjälmaren. Elswhere, a fishing permit is required. Anglers must show consideration for the local population and commercial fishermen, among other things by not fishing too near their equipment. Due to the fact that some waters are infected with a crayfish disease, canoes, boat, fishing gear and otherequipment must be thoroughly disinfected before transfer between affected lakes and rivers. The preferred treatment is a solution of one part water to three parts "T-röd" alkohol. Signs  that include the word, "Kräftpäst", designate infected waters.

11 Protected areas
For national parks and nature recerves, special rules  regarding the  rigth of public access may apply. These often involve restrictions on fires, camping, bicycling, horseback-riding and the presence of dogs. Similar regulation may apply to shorelines that are heavily-traficked by tourist, such as canoe routes. There are usually signs that specify local regulations. The boundaries of protected areas are indicated by white stars attached to trees, posts and signs. Tourist bureaus can provide information about nature reserves and other parst of the Swedish landscape that are worth a visit.

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