The right to roam is said to have it's origin in the middle ages when merchants and other travelers where allowed to grab a hand full of hazelnuts from anywhere to sustain themselves. Similar traditions where common throughout the land. The name "allemansrätten" (right to roam) was invented in the 40's and in the early 90's written into law. Funny thing is that it's not defined in the legal text, it just says: everyone has access to nature as described in the "allemansrätt". We're expected to know what that means.. :)