Can I release sky lanterns in Sweden?
Not banned nationwide, but strongly discouraged and heavily regulated. Sky lanterns with an open flame fall under aviation rules, fire-safety law and general fire liability. A permit from the Transport Agency is needed if you release more than 50 lanterns at once, or any lantern at least 100 cm tall — apply at least 21 days ahead, and within 10 km of an airport you must contact the airport. During a fire ban it is in practice not allowed. You always bear full liability for any fire the lantern causes, and public-endangerment negligence can bring prison.
📋 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. Public-endangerment negligence can bring fines or up to 6 months prison, gross up to 2 years, and intentional arson 2–8 years. You also have full liability for fire damage.
📎 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 heavily regulated.
When is a permit required?
If you release more than 50 lanterns at once, or any lantern at least 100 cm tall.
Can I release a lantern during a fire ban?
No. During a fire ban it is in practice not allowed to release sky lanterns.
What applies near an airport?
Within 10 km of an airport you must contact the airport before releasing lanterns.
Who is liable if a lantern causes a fire?
You who release the lantern bear full liability and can be convicted of public-endangerment negligence and owe damages.
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