Am I allowed to use a metal detector in Sweden?
No — as a rule you may neither use nor even carry a metal detector without a permit from the county board. This follows from the Historic Environment Act (1988:950), which protects ancient remains. Permits are narrow, cover a limited area and time, and private individuals are generally not granted permits to search for ancient finds. The application costs about 990 kr per area and is non-refundable. If you find an ancient find (older than 1850) you must report it. On Gotland an effective total ban applies. Breaking the rules can bring prison.
📋 The rules
- A metal detector may not be used or carried without a permit
- Permits are sought from the county board, narrow and time-limited
- The application costs about 990 kr per area
- Ancient finds (older than 1850) must be reported
- On Gotland an effective total ban applies
🔓 Exceptions
- Some counties allow narrowly defined non-archaeological searching (modern beach, cable detection)
- Professional cable and pipe detection falls outside the hobby ban but still needs permission
- The state's right to buy can apply to precious-metal finds or hoards
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Using or carrying a metal detector without a permit: fines or prison up to 6 months. Ancient-remains offence: fines or up to 6 months, gross up to 4 years. The equipment can be forfeited.
📎 Official sources
- National Heritage Board · Metal detectors →
- Historic Environment Act (1988:950) · Riksdagen →
- County Board · Metal detector permit →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use a metal detector on the beach?
Not without a permit from the county board. Some counties may give a narrow permit for a modern beach, but it is not free.
Do I need a permit just to own a metal detector?
Owning is allowed, but using or carrying it outdoors needs a permit from the county board.
What does the permit cost?
About 990 kr per area applied for, and the fee is not refunded even if you are refused.
What do I do if I find an old object?
Objects older than 1850 are ancient finds and must be reported promptly to the county board or police.
Can I use a metal detector on Gotland?
No. On Gotland an effective total ban applies except for pure cable detection.
🔎 Common searches
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