The Right to Public Access – Allemansrätten Posted by Marcus Cederström on Sep 27, 2010 in Culture
The natural wonders of Sweden seem to be never ending. There are the gorgeous forests of southern Sweden, the archipelago of Stockholm, the mountains of northern Sweden. Countless rivers and lakes and islands dot the landscape. It’s beautiful. And it’s open to everyone.
Allemansrätten is the right to public access. It essentially gives people the right to camp just about anywhere in Sweden for a night or two as long as nature is not disturbed (or the land owner for that matter). It’s the classic leave no trace philosophy extended and thus opening up an entire country to whoever wants to take advantage. And it’s amazing. If you’ve got yourself a tent, a sleeping bag, and enough provisions to last a night or two, there is no better get away. It’s how I found myself waking up to the sun rise on a lake formed by a meteor millions of years ago. One of those moments I will never forget.
I have never been to northern Sweden. I lived in Stockholm for three years and the farthest north I made it was Östersund. Kind of north, but not Arctic Circle north. I’ve explored islands, I’ve sailed the archipelago, I’ve camped on a lake in Dalarna, but I never made it to the Arctic Circle. The Arctic summer is calling for me though. One day, someday, but it will have to wait. Luckily, I know that I will have Allemansrätten there waiting for me.
Where in Sweden do you want to visit?
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About the Author: Marcus Cederström
Marcus Cederström has been writing for the Transparent Swedish Blog since 2009. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Oregon, a Master's Degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a PhD in Scandinavian Studies and Folklore from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has taught Swedish for several years and still spells things wrong. So, if you see something, say something.
Comments:
CK:
Luleå, and Pajala. I just want to explore Luleå and experience life there, and I want to visit a slåttermyr in Pajala. Both places seem absolutely awesome!
Efrutik:
This is so fascinating. I think that is a very progressive initiative that actually allows people to appreciate their surroundings and environment overall. If I am ever in Sweden I will definitely take advantage of this possibility.
Rastik:
We’ve tried to take advantage of this right this August. But the weather was so bad (rain and cold), that we ended up in camping cabins for most of the time.
And AFAIK, Allemansrätten is not only about camping, but about berry and mushroom picking and any other similar access to land/forest. But that’s common for many other countries as well.
Julie:
I’m lucky enough to live in Lulea, and I love it 🙂
I’ve also travelled to the Arctic circle, Kiruna, Ice Hotel too. Well worth a visit. I have pics if the author here is interested?
Marcus Cederström:
great comments everyone!
my younger brother made it up to Kiruna not too long ago so I got to live vicariously through him, but some day…