April 10, 2026 Swedish outdoor groups target 2026 election debate
Outdoor recreation in Sweden is emerging as an election issue ahead of the 2026 vote, as 28 organizations coordinate efforts to influence political priorities.
In September, Sweden will head to the polls. In previous election campaigns, outdoor recreation has been largely overlooked. A coordinated effort now aims to put it on the agenda.
Sweden has 10.7 million inhabitants. Of these, around 2 million are members of organizations connected to outdoor recreation and nature.
Historically, however, the movement has maintained a low public profile – at least according to Mathias Mellgren Helge, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Svenskt Friluftsliv, which brings together the Scouts, the Outdoor Association, the Anglers Association, and 25 other organizations.
“While sports facilities is seen as important for public health, hiking trails can fall into disrepair without decision-makers reacting. And how do we get more children and young people out into nature? Everyone agrees it would be beneficial – but how do we actually make it happen?”
Ahead of the Swedish general election in September 2026, Svenskt Friluftsliv has therefore gathered input from its member organizations on their most important issues, analyzed them, and created a joint platform.
The aim is to bring these issues onto the political agenda through lobbying and other advocacy efforts.
“We have launched what we call our Election Compass. Anyone who cares about these issues – not just our members – can take part and try to influence elected representatives,” says Mathias Mellgren Helge.
Advocacy efforts influence policy proposals
The outdoor movement has already seen two developments. In January, the largest party in the current government, the Moderate Party, launched a policy program for outdoor recreation with 38 proposals. It is the first Swedish party to do so.
The proposals include mandatory outdoor days in primary school, strengthened knowledge of the right of public access, and improved accessibility to nature near urban areas.
“That the Moderate Party is presenting a policy program for outdoor recreation is a significant step forward. We now hope that more parties will follow suit and clarify their ambitions ahead of the election this autumn,” says Josefine Åhrman, Secretary General of Svenskt Friluftsliv.
The current government began its term with significant cuts to nature conservation and outdoor recreation. It has since partly changed course, although outdoor organizations state that further measures are needed.
During the 2026 election year, the government has allocated an additional SEK 130 million (€12 million) to measures for valuable natural areas, including upgrading hiking trails and maintaining national parks and nature reserves.
