Right to access in the Nordic countries
Photo: Holger.Ellgaard, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The right to access in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden allows people – foreigners as well as locals – to hike and camp more or less freely in the woods and in the mountains, regardless of land ownership. Outdoor life is therefore relatively inexpensive. In Denmark, with a higher population density, access rights are more limited (see primitive camping in Denmark). In Åland, the right is also limited. There is a right to access also in some other European countries, though this is usually much more restricted.
With camping equipment suited for the season, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sceneries, eat wild berries, swim in peaceful lakes, and listen to sounds of birds and the wind (or to the deep silence of Nordic nature).
UnderstandAlla ska ha tillgång till naturen enligt allemansrätten oberoende av vad som föreskrivits ovan."Everyone shall have access to nature according to the right to roam, regardless of what is prescribed above."
Walk and passIn these countries, you have the right to walk or ski across uncultivated lands. That means you can walk if there aren't any farmlands and you are not crossing people's yards and gardens, or disturbing their livestock.
BoatIf using a boat, you should be careful about not disturbing nesting birds, and birds with offspring, in spring and summer. There are often crows and gulls around, waiting for an opportunity to get eggs and chicks.
Camp and picnicCamping is allowed for at least one night in Sweden, one or two nights in Iceland, in Norway two nights in normal countryside, and as long as you wish in the wilderness, in Finland "temporarily", which means at least…
CampfiresCampfires are allowed in some circumstances, but rules differ between the countries.e. do not harm the natural environment or economical values.
Live off the landIt is generally OK to pick wild mushrooms and berries, unless they grow in apparently cultivated areas.
Leave no traceNo matter where you go and what you do, you are still required to leave no trace of your visit.
CaveatsIn Finland, regardless of land ownership, all inhabitants of any dwelling, including tents, boats and other temporary accommodations have the right to domestic privacy (Finnish: kotirauha, Swedish: hemfrid) in the…
RespectVisitors can show good will and keep the peace, by avoiding ill manners which are not (yet) explicitly banned.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Right to access in the Nordic countries" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Holger.Ellgaard, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons