Travel: GREEN CHANNEL

Sweden's right of public access

Travellers in Sweden benefit from the best access rights anywhere in Europe. The new Sweden 98 book (available free from the 24-hour request line, 01476 578811) explains the country's tradition of allemansratten.

You are allowed to walk, jog, ride, cycle or ski through the forests and countryside and across other people's land, provided you don't cause any damage to crops, tree plantations or other vulnerable features of the landscape.

You can pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers, provided that they are not protected species.

But you are requested not to camp close to houses, and you must ask the landowner for permission to pitch a group of tents, or to stay in one place for any length of time.

Free fishing along Sweden's coasts and archipelagos is allowed only with rod and line.