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Allemansrätten - The Right of Public Access The Right
of Public Access (Allemansrätten) is unique and the most important base
for recreation in Sweden, providing the possibility for each and everyone to
visit somebody else's land, to take a bath in and to travel by boat on somebody
else's waters, and to pick the wild flowers, mushrooms, berries.
It is
your responsibility to have knowledge about the rules concerning the Right of
Public Access!
You have the right:
- to take a walk, a bicycle, go horse riding, or to go skiing on
all land not cultivated, and on such land that can not be damaged by your
visit, this provided You do not cause any damage to crops, forest plantations
and fences.
However, You are not entitled to cross or stay on a
private plot without permission. The plot, which is not always hedged or fenced
in, is the area closest to a dwelling house.
- to take a walk, a bicycle, go horse riding, or to go skiing on
private roads. Motor vehicles may be used if the owner has not forbidden such
traffic.
- to pick wild flowers (excluding those protected by law),
berries, mushrooms, fallen cones, acorns and beechnuts on land that is not a
building site, a garden or a plantation, to bathe or go by boat on most natural
watercourses.
- to take water from lakes and springs.
- to put up a tent, or park your caravan, or trailer, for
twenty-four hours. For a longer stay You have to have the permission of the
owner.
- You may make a fire, as long as You do not cause any damage,
however there are restrictions during periods of drought when there is
immediate liability for a forest fire. You may use fallen branches and or twigs
as fire wood. Never light a fire on bare rocks as they will crack and split,
resulting in ugly irreparable scars.
- to bring Your dog and let it loose as long as You have full
control. Restrictions are listed in local statutes and regulations.
It is prohibited:
- to cause damage to, and/or pollute the land.
- to ride on a motor vehicle on private property, so that damage
may be caused, or on a private road, when the owner has forbidden such a state.
Restricted areas are also gardens, cultivated sites, or, constructions made by
the owner.
- to breach branches and twigs, to take the birch, bark, leaves,
bass, acorns, nuts or resin from growing trees and bushes.
- to pick wild flowers protected by law.
- to park a caravan or trailer in such a place where the land
could be damaged.
- to make fire so that the environment could be damaged or
endangered.
- to let dogs run freely on private hunting-grounds.
The Principle of public access to official records
The principle of public access to official records is inscribed in
the Swedish constitution. The principle means that all official records should
be accessible for the citizens, when nothing else is decided. Openness should
be the rule and secrecy the exception. But every rule for publicity has a
corresponding rule for secrecy.
The principle confirms that anyone has the right of access to the
authorities' public documents, unless they are classified. Civil servants and
others working for the authorities are obliged to tell others what they know,
to give information to media, unless this information is strictly confidential.
Court proceedings as well as sittings in Parliament and in local and regional
authorities are open to the public and media.
There can however be exceptions made from each of these rights.
Documents concerning foreign policy, defence and private matters such as
medical and social care are generally classified. Restrictions are also made
with respect to national security.
In Sweden, since 1901, every man between the age 18-47 is by law
compelled to compulsory military service. At age 18 you are called to a
conscription were its decided if you are fit for military service. Then its
decided what type of service branch you are going to join, the army, the
airforce or the navy. At the age of 20 you are drafted and the basic training
lasts between 7,5 and 15 months depending on type of position. After the basic
training you are regularly called to military refresher courses. |
