Landsvägs

Landsvägs is a term used in Swedish to denote country roads in rural areas, forming the local layer of road transport that links farms, villages and small towns to larger highways. The term emphasizes the countryside and the lower traffic volumes compared with urban streets and primary routes.

Typical landsvägar are narrow, often bordered by hedges or ditches, with mixed surfaces ranging from gravel to asphalt. They usually permit lower speed limits and may follow winding routes that reflect historical land divisions and terrain.

Historically, landsvägar developed from old tracks and farm lanes, formalized in the 19th and early 20th centuries; many were upgraded during postwar modernization, while others remain unpaved in rugged areas.

Administration and maintenance are usually the responsibility of municipal authorities or regional transport agencies, depending on the country. Work includes snow clearance, grading, pothole repair, and signage, funded by local budgets or state grants.

In modern planning, landsvägar are valued for rural accessibility, agricultural logistics, and scenic or cultural heritage. They may be designated as scenic routes or subject to safety measures such as lower speed limits, improved lighting, and weight restrictions.