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Nature in the Stockholm archipelago. Two women, dressed in outdoors clothes, take a break during a hike a look up at the foliage in a forest.

Photo: Henrik Trygg

Categories: Activities

Enjoy Sweden's right to roam

Publish date: 30 May 2023

Enjoy beautiful nature in and around Stockholm. Here are some of the city's most cherished nature reserves and green areas, accessible to all thanks to "Allemansrätten".

Stockholm county has over 330 nature reserves and two national parks (Tyresta in the neighboring municipality of Tyresö, and Ängsö in the northern archipelago), and one National City Park. And that's not even mentioning the beautiful archipelago just around the corner, or all the green areas dotted around the city. Better yet, all this nature is accessible to everyone.

Thanks to "Allemansrätten", the Right of Public Access, nature areas in Stockholm, as in all of Sweden, are accessible and open to everyone. It's a right granted by the Swedish constitution and gives people free access to the outdoors. Just keep this maxim in mind: "Do not disturb, do not destroy". Here are our best tips!

Allemansrätten explained

  • The Right of Public Access gives you the right to roam freely in the countryside – in a responsible way. Always have the phrase "don't disturb, don't destroy" in mind.
  • You are allowed to access any land, except private residences, the immediate vicinity (70 meters) of a dwelling house, and cultivated land.
  • You can put up a tent unless stated otherwise (certain rules apply to nature reserves and national parks).
  • You are allowed to collect flowers, mushrooms, and berries, as long as they're not a protected species or if stated otherwise (certain rules apply to nature reserves and national parks).
  • Driving on private roads is allowed unless there's a sign saying otherwise.
  • Swimming in lakes is allowed.
  • You can access any beach as long as you stay away from private residences.
  • You are allowed to catch fish in the five big lakes and along the entire coastline.

Source: Visit Sweden and The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Please note that stricter rules usually apply in nature reserves and national parks. Visit their web pages for more info.