Can I swim and moor at the shore anywhere in Sweden?
Yes — the right of public access lets you swim, go ashore, anchor and moor temporarily at a shore or dock outside someone's plot. There is no fixed minimum distance from homes — it is a disturbance test, not a metre figure. You must keep clear of the plot and the home-peace zone, and leave when the owner needs it. You may anchor and stay for a night or two; longer needs the landowner's permission. Shore protection is generally 100 metres (extendable to 300 m) and limits building near the shore. The home-peace zone normally does not extend over the water.
📋 The rules
- Swim, go ashore and anchor at shores outside a plot
- No fixed minimum distance from homes — a disturbance test
- Moor and anchor for a night or two
- Shore protection: generally 100 m (extendable to 300 m)
- The home-peace zone normally does not extend over the water
🔓 Exceptions
- Docks and boathouses belonging to a plot are private and may not be used
- National parks, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries can ban landing
- The Maritime Code's good-seamanship duty applies to speed and wake near shores and swimmers
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The right of public access gives no general fine, but going too close to a home or onto a plot can be trespass with damages. Breaching reserve rules can bring fines or prison.
📎 Official sources
- Swedish EPA · Right of public access on water →
- Swedish EPA · Shore protection →
- Environmental Code (1998:808) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I swim anywhere?
Yes, at shores outside someone's plot and home-peace zone, as long as you do not disturb residents.
How close to a house can I moor?
There is no fixed metre limit. It is decided by whether residents are disturbed, not an exact distance.
How long can I anchor?
A night or two. To stay longer you need the landowner's permission.
Can I use a private dock?
No. Docks and boathouses belonging to a plot are private and not covered by the right of public access.
What is shore protection?
A protection, generally 100 metres, that limits building and works near the shore.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I swim anywhere sweden”
- “right of public access on water”
- “moor at dock temporarily”
- “anchor a night or two”
- “shore protection 100 metres”
- “private dock public access”