Camping allemansrätten

One of the things I really love about Sweden is that you can go wild camping. This therefore not only applies to camping, but also to hiking, horse riding and canoeing, for example. During my various road trips in Scandinavia in recent years I have made the best use of the possibility of wild camping in Sweden.

Allemansrätten: what are the rules for camping in nature in Sweden?

Since there are a number of rules regarding the freedom camping in Sweden, I have written this useful article for you so that you can prepare for your Sweden trip the best way possible. Enjoy reading! Note that this post was first published in and updated in First of all it is important that you camp with respect for nature. In other words: leave nothing but footprints.

Wild camping in Sweden: these are the rules of the Allemansrätten

If someone comes to that same spot after your overnight stay, it should not be visible that you have been there, whether with a tent, car or campervan. Take your waste with you, do not destroy nature and leave everything as you found it when you arrived at your campsite. You are allowed to make a fire, if not banned due to a fire hazard. For example, I was traveling in Sweden in the summer of and unfortunately it was one of the driest summers in years, so there was a general ban on open fires, which also included campfires.

It was very unfortunate but there was nothing to do about it.

Allemansrätten regler Providing you don’t disturb the landowner or cause damage to nature, 'Allemansrätten' is allowing you to freely choose your wild camping spot.

Allemansrätten tälta naturreservat park your camper for 24 hours.

Får man tälta på stranden Det finns få platser i Sverige där du kan övernatta på en strand eller mitt ute i skogen med husvagn eller husbil.

Allemansrätten husbil If camping in a large group (more than tents) or for a longer period of time (more than nights) you must obtain the landowners permission in advance.

Are you in doubt about being allowed to make a fire? In terms of firewood you can use branches and twigs that lie on the ground, it is not allowed to cut down trees or to break down branches. At many gas stations you can buy firewood to make a fire and buy starter kits that contain a block that you get burning within no-time. This kit burns for about an hour and only costs a few euros.

Also make sure that you are not on land that is owned by someone. Usually but not always! Then ask the local tourist office for the exact rules. Quite often they also have tips for beautiful and peaceful camping spots in the area. In recent years, more and more signs have been posted and please respect that. In addition, do not disturb other people. Do not play loud music, do not make too much noise and behave properly as you would like someone else to behave.

Other activities such as picking berries, collecting mushrooms and putting together a flower bouquet are only allowed with the permission of the owner of the land if you are on private land. The easiest way is to camp freely in nature is with your tent. This is particularly common when making treks such as the Kungsleden.

Allemansrätten - The Swedish Right of Public Access

These are also free to use. In national parks and other protected nature areas, bear in mind that there are often rules and restrictions in regards to wild camping. Always ask the local visitor center what is allowed or not. On hiking trips you are often not allowed to camp in the immediate vicinity of a mountain hut unless you pay a fee , you can check this with the on-site hut warden.

If you want to go wild camping in Sweden with a motorized vehicle, there are additional rules that you must know of.

The Right of Public Access – Swedish freedom to roam

In addition, you cannot drive a motor vehicle on private roads that are closed to traffic. For both tents and motorized vehicles the rule is that you cannot stay in the same place longer than one night if you are wild camping. No, wild camping in Sweden is not dangerous. This does not alter the fact that it may feel a little awkward at first.