Can I release sky lanterns in Sweden?
They are not banned nationwide, but strongly discouraged and tightly regulated. Sky lanterns with an open flame fall under aviation rules, fire safety legislation and the general liability for fire. A permit from the Swedish Transport Agency is required if you release more than 50 lanterns at once, or any lantern at least 100 cm tall — apply at least 21 days in advance, and within 10 km of an airport you must contact the airport. During a fire ban it is in practice not allowed. The trap is believing a single small lantern is risk-free: you always bear full liability for any fire the lantern causes, and negligent endangerment of the public can bring imprisonment.
📋 The rules
- Not banned nationwide, but strongly discouraged
- A permit is needed for more than 50 lanterns or lanterns ≥100 cm
- Apply at least 21 days in advance
- Within 10 km of an airport: contact the airport
- During a fire ban it is not allowed
🔓 Exceptions
- Under 50 lanterns and under 100 cm, away from airports: no Transport Agency permit
- But you still bear full liability for any fire
- Local municipal bylaws can be stricter
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Breaching a fire ban brings fines. If the lantern causes a fire it becomes serious: negligent endangerment of the public brings fines or up to 6 months in prison, and up to 2 years for a serious offence, while intentional arson carries 2–8 years. On top of the punishment lies the money: you have full liability in damages for the fire loss, and a forest fire or a burnt roof costs far more than any fine. The liability does not disappear because you stayed under the thresholds — even without a permit requirement you carry the whole risk, and local municipal regulations can be stricter.
📎 Official sources
- Transport Agency · Releasing floating lanterns →
- Civil Protection Act (2003:778) · Riksdagen →
- MSB · Fire risk →
❓ Frequently asked
Are sky lanterns banned in Sweden?
No, not nationwide, but they are strongly discouraged and tightly regulated. Local municipal regulations can also be stricter than the national rules where you live.
When is a permit required?
If you release more than 50 lanterns at once, or any lantern at least 100 cm tall. The permit is applied for from the Swedish Transport Agency at least 21 days in advance.
Can I release a lantern during a fire ban?
No. During a fire ban releasing sky lanterns is in practice not allowed, and breaching the ban brings fines on top of the liability for any fire that follows.
What applies near an airport?
Within 10 km of an airport you must contact the airport before releasing lanterns. Lanterns with an open flame fall under the aviation rules, which is why the airport has a say.
Who is liable if a lantern causes a fire?
You who release the lantern bear full liability, even if you needed no permit. You can be convicted of negligent endangerment of the public and are also liable in damages for the loss.
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