The Heritage Conservation Act contains the basic regulations for protection of Sweden's heritage, including buildings, ancient remains, archaeological finds, ecclesiastical monuments and specified artefacts.

The Heritage Conservation Act starts off with the words, "Preserving and protecting our historic environment is a national concern. It is a responsibility shared by all of us." The Act serves as the core legislation for preserving Sweden's historic environment. According to the Act, county administrative boards supervise preservation of monuments and finds on the local level, whereas the National Heritage Board does so on the national level. The Act calls for special heritage protection in a number of areas.

Place Name Practice

Neither national nor local agencies can change established place names without compelling reasons.

See chapter one, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Ancient Remains

Ancient Remains are protected by the Act and may not be damaged. The Act defines the concept of permanent ancient remains. It also regulates the handling of archaeological finds and procedures for obtaining a permit to remove such remains.

See chapter two, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Historic Buildings

The Act establishes the criteria for classifying a structure or development that is not owned by the government as an historic building, describes the scope and implications of the protection afforded, and specifies procedures for obtaining such protection. The county administrative boards are the decision-making bodies.
See chapter three, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Ecclesiastical Monuments

The Act regulates protection and maintenance of churches, fittings, fixtures and churchyards in order to preserve their heritage value. The county administrative board must approve any changes.

See chapter four, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Protection Against Export of Certain Older Artefacts

The Act governs the export of older artefacts, identifies the objects covered and specifies procedures for obtaining a permit.

See chapter five, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Return of Illegally Removed Artefacts

The Act regulates the return of specified artefacts that have been illegally removed from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA).

See chapter six, in the Heritage Conservation Act.

Other Laws and Regulations

The Planning and Building Act and other legislation also assign municipalities the responsibility of preserving the historic environment. The Act governs the use of land and catchment areas, as well as development and preservation of the built environment.

The Swedish Environmental Code plays a major role in heritage preservation. The Code mandates protection and preservation of valuable natural and historic environments. Among them are approximately 1,700 areas that belong to Sweden's national heritage. The Code also allows for the establishment of historic preserves on the same terms as natural preserves.

Contact:

Maria Barkin - legal expert, phone: +46 8-5191 8008