Freedom to Roam Is 'Every Man's Right" in Sweden

Freedom to Roam Is 'Every Man's Right" in Sweden
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Freedom to Roam Is 'Every Man's Right" in Sweden

Freedom to Roam Is 'Every Man's Right" in Sweden

Some countries have easier measures when it comes to camping permissions and roaming in private lands. However, in Sweden, the right to roam is protected by the law. Known as "Allemansrätten", the right to roam in Sweden allows all citizens to wander freely in nature, even in private properties. This means people can head to a vast forest for camping around fire, searching for food, swimming, or taking a boat ride in one of many lakes and rivers, the German News Agency reported.

While many other European countries such as Scotland, Austria, and Switzerland ensure their citizens the freedom and right to roam in public, the Scandinavian laws are the most welcoming regulations for wanderers. Yet, there are actually some rules! In Sweden, people are allowed to set fires in forests as long as they use the wood found on the ground, and act responsibly. However, they are not allowed to break or cut tree branches, or write on their trunks unless they are private property and their owners don't mind it.

In natural reserves and national parks featuring preserved species of animals or plants, stricter rules may be applied when it comes to horse riding or setting fires, for instance. In these places, picking mushrooms, berries, and walnuts is forbidden.

In Sweden, fishing is allowed for everyone and without an official license. Carl Undéhn from the tourism platform "Visit Sweden" said "People can fish in almost all major lakes including Vättern, Vänern, Mälaren, Storsjön, and Hjälmaren."

As per small internal lakes, fishing lovers would need a license known as "Fiskekort." Vacationers can buy a one-day license from gas stations, hotels, or via special websites for around 50 to 100 Swedish krona (5 to 10 dollars). Weekly and annual tickets are also available.

People who might need some guidance can attend survival courses that would teach them about food sources and campfires in forests.



Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
TT

Friendly Labrador Aldo Calms Ecuadorean Kids at Dentist's Office

Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro
Patient Samuel Ayala pets Aldo, a therapy Labrador Retriever, after a pediatric dental session at a private clinic aimed at easing children's fears during dental procedures, in Quito, Ecuador October 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro

An affable honey-cream Labrador retriever named Aldo is helping young Ecuadorean children relax at the dentist's office, allowing them to cuddle up and stroke him to distract them from noisy machines and invasive oral procedures.
With some five years' experience in emotional support, 8-year-old Aldo understands some 30 commands and enjoys climbing on top of children sitting in his owner Glenda Arias' dental chair.
"Visits always tend to be traumatic, but Aldo brings tranquility and peace to my daughter," said mother Beatriz Armas. "These visits are totally pleasant for her."
Arias said Aldo's clinical involvement had helped transform the behavior of children attending her consultations.
"Aldo is essential," she said.