When we first moved to our new neighborhood and began exploring the nearby lake, we found that several of the docks extending off of people's property had gates on them so that they couldn't be accessed publicly. A few weeks went by and suddenly the gates were down and signs like this one had been posted all along the promenade, reminding those landowners of allemansrättan, everyman's right. This law, in my opinion, is one of the coolest things about Sweden. It means that everyone has the right to access any land excluding private gardens and the immediate vicinity of a dwelling, to walk, cycle, ski and camp, for example. Picking of flowers,berries and mushrooms is allowed but hunting is not. Allemansrättan was meant by the government to encourage a healthy lifestyle for its citizens and emphasizes their responsibility to maintain the countryside, which, of course, are both rather noble goals. Furthermore, I can take a dip into the lake from whichever dock I please without anyone pulling out a shotgun.
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