Is wild camping allowed in Sweden?

Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Sweden. To protect nature and the environment, however, some points should be considered.

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Written by: Phil

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Last researched: 2023

The freedom to stay and camp anywhere in nature is based on the Everyman's Right (Swedish Allemansrätten). The Everyman's Right is a customary right which regulates the handling of animals and plants as well as the possibility of spending the night outdoors. It is not a written law but is mentioned in the Swedish Constitution and the Environmental Code, whose roots go back to the Middle Ages.

Despite the general permission for wild camping, some aspects should be considered:

Camping is not allowed in national parks and nature reserves, but sometimes bivouacking is allowed
The stay and the crossing of private properties, sports fields and agriculturally used surfaces (fields, tree nurseries, etc.) is not permitted
Gates of pastures that have been opened must be closed again
In case of an overnight stay with more than two tents, you should talk to the property owner

The Everyman's Right includes only non-motorized travelers, motorhomes and campers must be parked directly at the roadside or a rest area.

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You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Sweden

Sweden has vast landscapes, thousands of lakes and islands, deep forests, high mountains, and endless beaches. The nature of Sweden invites you to explore and thanks to the Swedish law it is possible to explore everything without any problems. We have put together a few tips on what you should do and what you should pay attention to.

Cycling and hiking
If you want to dive even deeper into nature and explore the countryside on foot or by bike, you should consider a few points.

Be considerate of cultivated or other fragile soils.
Respect the forest dwellers and try not to disturb them.
Do not walk across private property or through gardens
Disabled hunters or landowners not at work

Swimming and boating
The right of public access also applies to water. You can swim on the shore, go boating, moor and even sleep in the boat for a few nights. But so that everyone can enjoy nature at the same time, you should consider the following.

Don't go ashore in animal sanctuaries
You may moor your boat on public pontoons
Some areas have speed limits
Don't go too far from the shore with your boat

Starting a fire
A campfire rounds off every camping experience, but to minimize the risk of forest fires you should follow some advice.

Avoiding open fires in dry weather
Search or build yourself a safe fireplace
Don't make a fire on mountain plateaus because it damages the rocks
Extinguish the fire thoroughly and remove all traces of the fire

Fishing and hunting
Fishing is allowed on most coasts and large lakes, but you will need permission to fish anywhere. In order not to cause permanent damage to nature you should pay attention to the following.

Follow the rules and fish only in permitted places
Do not leave lines or hooks in nature
Hunting in Sweden is permitted only with permission
All wild animals and birds are protected

By the way: According to a study by the ADAC, Sweden is the second cheapest camping country in Europe. For example, two adults with one child pay an average of 30.75 € for an overnight stay on a campsite, including pitch and ancillary costs.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Sweden

The Ikea from Sweden is known all over the world and most people have probably heard of Surströmming before, but did you know that Sweden wants to abolish its cash soon and why so many houses have a striking red color? We've picked out 10 interesting facts about Sweden so you can get a better picture of the biggest Scandinavian country.

Fact #1 - Card instead of cash
In Sweden, the majority of payments are made by credit card or PayPal. The country wants to abolish cash by 2030.

Fact #2 - Red houses
To protect their houses from the weather, they added copper to the color, hence the red color.

Fact #3 - Shopping
Europe's largest shopping center is located in Gothenburg. Here you get everything you need for your trip.

Fact #4 - Pacifists
Sweden has not participated in any war for over 200 years, including the two world wars.

Fact#5 - Moose
Most people associate Sweden with moose. No wonder, about 300.000 of these large animals live here.

Fact #6 - Moose hunting
During the hunting season, almost 25 percent of the moose are hunted. Due to their high reproduction rate, however, the population is not endangered.

Fact #7 - Duzen
In Sweden, it is quite normal to be on first name terms. This also applies to respected people, such as policemen or professors.

Fact #8 - Nature conservation
Sweden attaches great importance to its nature. In 2019, 9 million hectares of land and water were protected.

Fact #9 - From the tube
Mayo, ketchup, cheese, fish, and sausage, everything can be bought in a tube in Sweden. Perfect for traveling.

Fact #10 - Stockholm
Stockholm is divided into 14 islands, all connected by bridges. This means that 30 percent of the city consists of water.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest No
First aid kit No
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher No
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Not nationwide, but there are isolated exceptions.
Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

Is the tap water potable? Yes
Socket type: C+F
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Schwedische Krone (SEK)
Official Languages: Swedish
Country licence plate code: S

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 2.25
Price beer rounded: 5.00

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
Special features: As soon as you enter the country, you have to report your animal to customs.

We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofni!

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