The freedom to roam, the right of public access to the wilderness or “everyman’s right”, means access most public or privately owned land, lakes, and rivers for recreation and exercise. 

With freedom comes responsibility. The slogan is “do not disturb, do not destroy”.

Everyman’s right is something Swedes are quite passionate about. The right to nature – and natures’ treasures – have existed throughout history.

And even if the forest is more important for enjoyment than food nowadays, you can still fill your basket with blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms. Tasty and a joy to pick!

In Europe today, some countries especially in the northern parts, have something similar to Everyman’s right.  However, further south this right is not established. The different traditions can be traced to weather the country rests upon Germanic law or Roman law, the latter giving all the right and the power to the landowner.