The Right of Public Access is a unique right to roam freely in the countryside. But with the right come responsibilities – to take care of nature and wildlife and to show consideration for landowners and for other people enjoying the countryside.
The Right of Public Access is summed up in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy. Swedes tend to regard the Right of Public Access as part of their cultural heritage, sometimes even as a national symbol. Its origins go back in part to provincial laws and customs dating from the Middle Ages.
The right of public access allows everyone to pick wild mushrooms and berries. The most common mushroom picked by Swedes is the yellow chanterelle (in latin Cantharellus cibarius). It’s first sighted in June in good weather conditions and can be picked until October.
The most abundant berries in our forests are blueberries (latin Vaccinium myrtillus) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis idaea).
If you encounter a moose in the forest consider yourself lucky! The animals are shy and easily scared. In October the hunting season starts and it is not recommended to roam around in then forests then. Read more about moose.