Conference turris::scandia

506.0. "Everyone's right of access" by TLE::SAVAGE () Thu Jun 06 1996 13:41

From: [email protected] (Johan Olofsson)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.nordic
Subject: the "Everyman's Rights"
Date: 04 Jun 1996 03:35:32 +0200
Organization: Lysator Computer Society, Link|ping University, Sweden
Sender: [email protected]
 
                               The Allemansret
 
Fi:  Jokamiehen oikeudet
No:  Allemansreten
Sw:  Allemansr�tten
 
The "Everyman's Rights" give us a lot of freedom - and at the same time the
responsibility for protecting the land and environment also when it's
someone else's property.
 
The main rule is that one can walk, ski or cycle everywhere as long as
nothing is harmed and nobody disturbed. Then, there are refinements and
exceptions to this, of course.
 
The background is the great uninhabited forests around the Nordic villages.
These weren't anyones property, but were seen as a common good to which not
only the inhabitants in the nearest village had access, but instead also
travelers, who had the right to collect what one need for survival en tour
through the sparsely populated country. The tradition dates back to Viking
time, or longer, including grass for horses and timber for reparations as
regulated in medieval laws. (Today there is no law about the rights, but
instead about the restrictions.)
 
The rules are not exactly identical in Norway, Sweden and Finland, but in
practice the following should apply to all three countries:
 
   * The general right to public access gives the right to move in the
     woods, on the waters and in the open landscape. Organised tours and
     bigger groups must ask for permission.
 
   * You may pick most wild berries, mushrooms and some kinds of flowers.
     Other are protected by law.
 
   * You can swim or go boating in lakes and rivers. You can take water for
     your own need from springs, lakes and rivers.
 
   * National parks and other protected areas have certain rules. Some
     islands have restricted access in the spring to protect nesting birds.
     Admission to military areas is restricted - particularly for aliens.
 
   * Rare and endangered flowers and plants may not be damaged or moved (not
     even moss). Trees should not at all be harmed or cut down.
 
   * Enclosed areas may be crossed, as long as you close the gates
     carefully, but remember that there probably is a reason for the gate.
     It's no good to wake up in the early morning discovering a dozen of
     bulls around the tent.
 
   * Motor vehicles may not be driven outside of common roads. Motor boats
     are not allowed everywhere.
 
   * Horseriding is allowed, provided no damage is caused. Do not ride in
     tracks for hiking or skiing.
 
   * Hunting and fishing require permission. In Finland and Sweden you pay a
     statutory fee for fishing with a hook and line to the state, and you
     should be able to show the receipe.
 
   * The Allemansret applies to the countryside, not to villages, towns or
     close to settlements and private houses.
 
   * Camping for one night is permitted if it doesn't disturb the residents
     on a property. Beaches are not for tenting. It's usual to park one's
     caravan or trailer close to the public road when sleeping, but you may
     not stay more than 24 hours at the same spot.
 
   * Camp fires are basically prohibiten in Finland (except in emergency
     situations) and depending on the time of the year, drowth and other
     conditions often in Sweden and Norway also. Fires must not be made
     directly on the rocks - they fracture easily! For fires you can collect
     dead twigs and fallen branches.
 
   * Animals in their nests must not be disturbed. Dogs may never be let
     loose in the summer half year.
 
   * Litter may of course not be left or dumped in waters or in the nature.
     Take the litter back to town again.
 
   * Land that could take damage by your visit, as cultivated land and
     fields, are to be circumvented - as are gardens at houses. In the
     winters, however, fields might be the most appropriate route if you are
     skiing.
 
-- 
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