Blogpost by Åsa Granberg and Gesche Schifferdecker
In the vast and serene forests of Sweden, nature provides an abundance of food for those who know where to look. From juicy berries and earthy mushrooms to fresh fish and game, the Swedish forest has long been a source of sustenance, deeply intertwined with the country’s culture and history.
One of the most cherished aspects of Sweden’s relationship with its forests is the Right to Public Access, or “Allemansrätten.” This unique legal principle allows people to roam freely in nature, foraging for berries and mushrooms regardless of land ownership. It is a tradition that stretches back centuries, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world among Swedes.
To celebrate this years’ theme of the International Day of Forests “Forest and Food” we investigate the rich diversity of food forests in Sweden provide, and what role forest restoration and local tradition play here.
Berry picking, in particular, is a beloved activity, both as a leisure pastime and as a means of gathering food. Sweden’s forests are rich with lingonberries, bilberries, cloudberries, and raspberries, forming a colorful mosaic across the landscape. The Scandinavian tradition of picking berries in large quantities is relatively uncommon in other parts of the world, possibly due to the unique density of edible berries in the Nordic forests. Historically, berries have been essential for preserving food, making jams, and enriching meals during long winters. Even the Scandinavian brown bear relies heavily on berries to build fat reserves before hibernation.
While berry picking remains a cherished hobby for families, it has also become an industry, with workers from countries like Thailand arriving each summer to harvest berries for commercial use. However, labor conditions for these workers have been criticized, drawing media attention and sparking discussions about fair treatment and sustainable harvesting practices.
Mushroom picking, on the other hand, is a relatively new interest in Sweden, but one that has been growing rapidly. Once limited to a few well-known species, Swedes are now expanding their palates and knowledge, aided by an increasing number of courses and guides. This growing fascination with fungi has also attracted international interest, as mushroom picking is a well-established tradition in many parts of Europe, where access is often restricted and regulated. Sweden’s open forests, in contrast, provide an inviting destination for mushroom enthusiasts from abroad.
Beyond foraging…
Beyond foraging, Sweden’s forests also provide meat through hunting, an activity deeply rooted in rural traditions. Moose hunting is particularly significant, not just as a means of obtaining food but also as a social and cultural event. In some areas, it is one of the few occasions when absentee landowners return, strengthening community bonds. However, hunting requires training and licensing, making it a more exclusive practice. While overall interest in hunting is declining, there has been a noticeable rise in participation among women, bringing new perspectives to this age-old tradition.
Fishing, by contrast, remains widely popular and accessible. Lakes and streams hidden within the forested landscape offer an abundance of pike, perch, and trout. Unlike hunting, fishing often requires little investment beyond basic equipment, and many fishing spots are freely accessible. This makes it an attractive and meditative outdoor activity enjoyed by many.
Beyond hunting and fishing, reindeer herding remains an important aspect of forest-based food production, particularly among the Indigenous Sámi people. The careful management of reindeer not only provides meat but also connects people to centuries-old traditions of sustainable coexistence with nature.
The role of forest restoration and local communities for food from the forest
Restoration of forest, whether in form of passive restoration when the forest is left to freely development without intervening, active restoration or landscape restoration by adopting continuous cover forestry (CCF) or close-to-nature forestry instead of conventional clear-cutting methods, might promote the production of food from the forest.
In the Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere reserve, the Swedish SUPERB demo team is working together with the local Sami herding communities and other actors to restore forests to promote lichen growth – the main fodder for the reindeers during winter, and to restore migration routes for the reindeers through the forested landscape. Promoting lichen growth might also benefit production of lingonberries since both ground lichens and lingonberries like forests with high light infux. By promoting CCF the Swedish team also contributes to sustain the availability of mushrooms in the forested landscape, since many eatable mushrooms are negatively affected by clearcutting.
Sweden’s forests are more than just a backdrop to daily life; they are a living pantry, a space for connection, and a testament to the country’s deep respect for nature. Whether through foraging, hunting, or fishing, the gifts of the forest continue to nourish both body and soul, linking past traditions with the present and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich bounty of Sweden’s wilderness.
