Swedes' interest in mountain holidays has increased sharply during the corona pandemic and the trend is expected to continue. Increased pressure on popular areas in the mountains has also raised questions about the right of public access. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Mountain Safety Council has conducted a survey of destination companies in the mountains and STF's mountain stations. The results show that a large majority are planning initiatives this summer to increase visitors' knowledge of the right of public access.
– Fundamentally, it is positive that more people are discovering the mountains. At the same time, an increased number of visitors demands shared responsibility. It is therefore gratifying that mountain destinations and mountain stations are investing in informing visitors about their rights and obligations in nature, says Sanja Kuruzovic, coordinator and expert in issues of the right of public access at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Mountain Safety Council conducted a survey between June 9 and July 1 aimed at mountain destination companies and mountain stations.
The survey was answered by 27 CEOs and equivalent positions operating in, among others, Sälen, Vemdalen and Åre as well as STF's largest mountain stations along the Swedish mountain chain. The results show that the need for information efforts about the right of public access has increased. All those who responded to the survey agree that it has become more important to provide information about the right of public access compared to five years ago. Half of the respondents say that they think respect for the right of public access has deteriorated during the same time. The survey responses show that mountain destinations and mountain stations take a great responsibility to provide information about the right of public access. Nine out of ten respond that they are implementing or plan to implement targeted information efforts about the right of public access to guests and visitors this summer.
Seven out of ten have also carried out information or training initiatives in the last two years to increase knowledge about the right of public access among their own employees. – Many who are vacationing in the mountains this summer are doing so for the first time. With good preparation, the right equipment together with knowledge of the right of public access increases the possibility of it being a good and also safer experience for yourself and for others. Shared responsibility is needed so that everyone has a wonderful experience in our fantastic mountain environments, says Per-Olov Wikberg, coordinator at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Mountain Safety Council.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines for sustainable outdoor recreation are aimed at everyone who stays in the mountains:
1. Find new favorite spots. There are many beautiful places in nature. Take the opportunity to explore new areas with less visitor pressure now that there are many people out. Tips can be found on the County Administrative Board's website.
2. Choose a good time. Check out the area you are going to visit in advance, for example via the municipality or county administrative board, and try to avoid times when there is a lot of visitor pressure.
3. Are you going to visit a nature reserve or a national park? The right of way may be limited here. Check what applies before you go out.
4. Is reindeer herding practiced where you are? Be especially careful during the calving season (April-June), as well as during periods when reindeer gather and separate. Always keep dogs on a leash and avoid walking directly towards the reindeer. The quieter you are, the calmer the reindeer will be.
5. You will have the best mountain experience if you are prepared. The mountains are somewhat different from other natural areas. The Mountain Safety Council has tips and advice for wonderful and safe mountain trips. on the website.
6. Nature is more beautiful without trash. Pack a bag for trash and leftovers so that they come home with you instead of being left in nature.
