Page "Freedom to roam" Paragraph 61

The Swiss Civil Code provides that forest and pasture are accessible freely for everyone, as long as there is no excessive usage.

Except in special cases like the protection of young forest or biotopes it is not allowed to fence in forest areas.

This also applies to private property.

However, it is possible to make activities with excessive usage and possible potential to cause damage ( e. g. events in the woods, access with cars ) dependent on special authorisation.

Similar regulations are in place for land which is not usable ( e. g. stretches of water, rock, snow and ice ), regardless of the land being unowned ( i. e. being under the control of the canton and not able to be claimed as private property ) or being in private hands.