The Right of Public Access

Do not disturb – do not destroy!

That is the main rule that is equally valid towards landowners and visitors. The right of public access gives us a right, as amazing as it is unique, to roam freely in nature. However, it also comes with obligations and responsibilities. We want you to be able to return year after year and still be able to enjoy the same plant and animal life as you can today. Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photographs. Also note that Åsnen’s unique, sensitive environment means that the right to public access is limited in several locations, especially when it comes to pitching tents and lighting fires.

The right of public access is a right for individuals

Organisers for events on other people’s property are obligated to inform participants about the right of public access and the obligations and responsibilities it imposes. Organisers should also confer with affected landowners.

Traversing the outdoors

The natural environment is open to all, with the exception of private yards and plots. You are allowed to walk, cycle, ride and ski as long as you are not risking damage to growing plants. If riding in a group, be particularly careful not to cause damage to the ground. Also note that riding on designated walking or cycling paths, running tracks, ski trails and hiking trails is prohibited.

Motor vehicles

The Swedish Off-Road Vehicle Act prohibits driving motor vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and mopeds on bare ground, off road. Motor traffic is also prohibited on private roads with prohibition signs.

Parking

Parking on the side of a road is permitted, as long as you do not violate traffic regulations, damage the ground or block someone from accessing for example, farm roads.

Boating

You are allowed to go paddling, boating and swimming except on private plots and inside bird protection areas with access prohibitions. Please note that it is also prohibited to anchor or moor houseboats in Åsnen. You should bring the ”Map of the Åsnen Area on all boat and canoe trips, where canoe routes, bird protection areas, rest stops etc. are marked. Also note that there are special regulations for boating inside the national park. Information about Åsnen’s digital nautical chart can be found by contacting Åsnens FVO. For motor boats the maximum speed allowed outside the fairways is 5 knots. Åsnen is not a suitable lake for jet skiing due to valuable natural values and sensitive bird life. In addition, the lake is shallow, which means that it is a safety risk for the driver. Within the national park there is a total ban on jet skis and within many nature reserves it is forbidden to drive motor vehicles such as jet skis.

Littering

All littering is prohibited and punishable. What you bring out into nature, you must of course take back with you or to the nearest waste disposal.

Flowers, berries and mushrooms

Picking wild flowers, berries and mushrooms is permitted. Remember that the flowers are often most beautiful left standing, where they are also important to insects. Be particularly careful when visiting our last remaining hay grounds. Some flowers are protected and must not be picked. In several of the nature reserves, berry and mushroom picking for personal use is permitted, whilst flower picking is prohibited. Specific rules are displayed on information signs in the reserves.

Trees and wood

Without permission from the landowner, taking twigs, branches, bark, leaves, acorns, nuts, sap or resin from living trees and bushes, is forbidden.

Dogs

Dogs may accompany you, but must not disturb or hunt animals. Inside the national park and several of the nature reserves, leashing is required.

From March 1 to August 20 leashing is required in remaining forests and other areas. You must prevent your dog from stalking or harming wild animals. We recommend always keeping your dog on a leash whilst visiting the area.

Hunting and fishing

Hunting and fishing is not covered by the right of public access, but by separate regulations. Unless you have fishing rights, a license is required.

Further restrictions in nature reserves

Note that the right of public access may be further restricted inside nature reserves, for example with bans on camping, mushroom picking and capturing insects. Read the reserve information signs carefully. For more information on rules that apply in the various reserves, visit the Kronoberg County Administrative Board website. (In Swedish, general information in English.