Sustainable Travel in Sweden

Simply Sweden is committed to responsible & sustainable travel across Sweden & Lapland. Our actions will always impact on the sensitive environment around us and it is our collective responsibility to ensure these intrusions are kept to a minimum. With a population of just 9 million in Western Europe's third biggest country, Sweden has a large and diverse environment to protect. 53% of the surface area is forest, 11% is mountainous, 8% is cultivated land and 9% is lakes & rivers. Exploring the wonderful wilderness of Sweden has led to an increase in tourism to Sweden in recent years.

Caring for the environment is almost second nature to Swedes. They are taught about environmental respect and conservation from an early age. Recycling is always high on the agenda. Sweden aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2020 and all vehicles will be powered by non-fossil energy sources by 2030.

It is not just about carbon emissions and the environment. It is about appreciating, understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Sweden is approx. 2000km long and has a deep heritage and many proud traditions. from Skåne in the south to Lapland in the north you will find traditional arts & crafts (eg The Darlana Horse), the indigenous Sami of Lapland and of course mid summer celebrations in June.

As a guest in Sweden we encourage you to help exceed these ambitious and realistic targets by

• Using public transport instead of a car where possible. We have teamed up with Europcar who are phasing out their fossil fuel cars and replacing them with bio-fuel cars.
• Use less energy and where possible use renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energy.
• Recycle as much as possible. Local refuse points have clearly marked containers for materials such as glass, plastic, metal, paper etc.
• Use local resources eg., reduce 'food miles', use local suppliers for activities & excursions. They will also provide a more genuine experience that a large corporate entity. Not only is this good for the environment it helps boost the local economy.
• Protect the environment and bio diversity. In Sweden you are never far from the wilderness, forest or a lake. Enjoy the countryside - it is the reason you have travelled to Sweden! Leave no trace and admire the timid native wildlife from a distance and everything will still be there for the next person to appreciate the true beauty of nature.
• Small scale and genuine activities and cultural excursions are in abundance across Sweden. Each city, town and village has an interesting history and several annual gatherings. These are of huge importance to the local residents and we encourage you to take some time to appreciate the warm Swedish hospitality.
• Take an extra step. Don't just stop here as we haven't thought of everything!

We appreciate it is not always possible or practical to do everything on this list, but it is important where possible that we make a contribution, no matter how small. We must continue to strive towards a future for the next generation.

Rights of access - a part of Swedish life!
You may walk, cycle, horse ride, ski, and stay temporarily in country areas providing you do not damage crops, forestation areas or other sensitive areas of land. You must respect the privacy of the home by not passing through or staying on private plots of land. Do not disturb and do not destroy, is the main principle of the Swedish Right of Public Access. You are allowed to camp for one night on land not used for agriculture that is located away from the dwelling-house. Ask the landowner for permission if you want to camp as a group. You may light a fire providing it is safe to do so, however, never on bare rocks as this might cause permanent damage due to cracking. When the lighting of fires is prohibited, this applies to all open fires, and is often the case in National parks and conservation areas. You may pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside, but certain plants, such as all orchids, are protected species and special regulations prescribed by law may apply to what you are allowed to pick in the countryside. Be sure not to leave any litter. Leave no trace.

In the event of any queries regarding this policy please email us at info@simplysweden.co.uk

This policy was last reviewed in April 2009.