The term "common rights" refers to a custom going back many centuries which gave a person the right to go from one place to another on foot, on horseback or by boat across land or water belonging to another person. While travelling, it was permitted to make a stop for the night, one night only at each place, and to make a fire using only the twigs and kindling lying around on the ground. It was also permitted to pick wild berries and mushrooms for food. This unique tradition still exists today, making it possible for us to travel freely throughout our beautiful countryside. These common rights, however, also carry responsibilities for those who seek recreation in nature. Consideration must be shown towards all those who live in the country and to fellow lovers of nature. The same applies to animals, plants and trees. The latter is particularly important in the spring and early summer when animals are caring for their young. Common rights can be summed up in the following few words: "See, but don't be seen. Hear, but don¹t be heard. Leave no trace behind you". If you follow these simple rules, you will avoid coming into conflict with either nature, animals or people.

What is permitted?

- You may travel on foot or boat across land or water belonging to another person.
- You may, where necessary, open and pass through a gate to a field or meadow, provided you close the gate behind you.
- You may put up a tent for one night at any one place, as long as this causes no disturbance. If you wish to camp in the same place for several nights, you must obtain permission from the owner.
- You may go ashore and make fast a boat, raft or other craft, but not in the neighbourhood of a house or summer cabin.
- You may light a small fire, provided there is no ban in force and as long as there is no risk of a fire spreading. To make a fire you may only use twigs and kindling lying around on the ground. It is your duty to find out whether or not any ban is in force against lighting fires and it is also your responsibility to ensure that any fire you light is thoroughly extinguished.
- You may pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers, but certain plants are protected and may not be touched. It is your duty to find out which plants come under this heading.
- In general you may fish anywhere, but a local fishing permit will usually be required. The obligation is on you to ascertain what regulations are in force.

What is not permitted?

- It is forbidden to damage crops or plantations and to cut down or damage trees and bushes.
- It is forbidden to camp on or to cross another person's private property in close proximity to a house or summer cabin. This applies even where the site is not fenced in and also regardless of whether or not the house or cabin is inhabited at the time.
- It is forbidden to leave gates open so that cattle can stray.
- It is forbidden to take sawn logs and timber lying on the ground as these are probably intended for use by the landowner himself.
- It is forbidden to put up a tent near to houses or summer cabins without permission, regardless of whether or not they are inhabited.
- It is forbidden to camp for several days at the same place without the landowner's permission. Where groups are concerned the landowner's permission to camp is always required.
- It is forbidden to land on a jetty or shore belonging to another person's house or summer cabin, regardless of whether or not people are living there at the time.
- It is forbidden to go ashore where there are signs prohibiting this in order perhaps to protect birdlife.
- It is forbidden to light a fire directly on the bare rocks as they can crack in the heat and be permanently damaged.
- It is forbidden to pick berries, mushrooms or anything else growing on private land or in gardens. Never pick fruit or plants growing in the vicinity of houses or summer cabins. If they are cultivated plants, your actions can be regarded as theft.
- It is forbidden to hunt animals. Taking bird's eggs and nests is also prohibited.
- Leaving rubbish behind in the countryside is forbidden and punishable by law. All rubbish must be taken away with you. A bag of rubbish left behind will quickly be torn to pieces by wild animals and the rubbish scattered over the ground. Glass, cans and plastic can be harmful both to human beings and to animals. The same applies to the burying of rubbish, which is also forbidden. The only thing which must be buried before leaving is excrement, including all toilet paper. Always have a spade with you for this purpose.