The right of access

Everyone in Norway has a right of access to the countryside, originally a traditional right but now set out in the legislation governing the right of access ("allemannsretten"). It is important to remember that this right is based on respect for the countryside and that visitors must always show consideration for farmers and landowners, other users and the environment.

In practice the right of access means:

• You may go anywhere in open country (“unfenced land”) on foot or on skis and picnic wherever you want. Open country is land that is not cultivated. In Norway, the term covers most shores, bogs, forests and mountains. Small islands of uncultivated land within cultivated land are regarded as open country. “Fenced land” is private and includes cultivated land, such as ploughed fields with or without crops, meadows, pastures and gardens, as well as young plantations, building plots and industrial areas. However, you have access to fields and meadows from 15 October to 30 April when the ground is frozen or covered with snow. “Fenced land” needs not to be actually fenced.
• You may put up a tent, or sleep under the stars, for the night anywhere in the countryside, forests or mountains, except in cultivated fields and lay-bys. However, you must keep at least 150 metres away from the nearest house or cabin. If you want to stay for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or very remote areas.
• Places for emptying toilets are signposted.
• Open fires are not permitted in or near forested areas in the period 15 April to 15 September. Take care not to cause any damage if you light a fire at other times of year.
• In general, you may pick berries, mushrooms and flowers, but special rules apply to cloudberries in the three northernmost counties.