Camping in a
tent in Norway

Are you planning an outdoor adventure in Norway? Want to learn the rules, where you can pitch your tent, and how to camp responsibly?

We've got the answers below!

The Norwegian right to roam

The right to roam applies to open country, also known as "uncultivated land", which is land that is not being used for agriculture. In Norway, the term covers most shores, bogs, forests, and mountains. Small islands of uncultivated land within cultivated land are not regarded as open country and one is not permitted to camp there.

The right does not apply to property around houses and cabins, cultivated land, such as ploughed fields with or without crops, meadows, pastures and gardens, as well as young plantations, building plots and industrial areas, and fenced gardens and parks. Note that “fenced” does not mean that an area needs to have a fence; owners may prohibit passage through land that is liable to cause significant damage regardless of whether or not the property is fenced.

Please note that you need to be aware of your obligations under the right to roam, as well!

The Norwegian right to roam

Where can I pitch a tent in Norway?

Norway is a beautiful country with unique opportunities for wild camping in nature. Thanks to Norway's Right to Roam (Allemannsretten), everyone has the freedom to explore and stay in nature. This allows you to pitch your tent or hammock on uncultivated land (forests, mountains, etc.) under certain conditions:

You must camp at least 150 meters away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. This rule also applies to vans, mobile homes, and caravans.
You can stay in the same spot for up to two nights — longer if you are in the high mountains or far from settlements.

NOTE: you are not permitted to camp on "cultivated land" or "fenced land" without the landowner’s permission. Cultivated land includes ploughed fields with or without crops, meadows, pastures and gardens, as well as young plantations, building plots and industrial areas. The term “fenced land” does not need to actually be fenced; the landowner is entitled to deny access to land if passage across the land can cause undue harm.

Source: The Norwegian Environment Agency

Local restrictions

Camping in a tent has become a very popular activity, but it has also increased the pressure on nature, especially in many famous, "Insta-friendly" spots, where overcrowding has become a problem, and where the nature already has been damaged. This also causes conflicts with the locals.

Some popular tourist areas also have their own local regulations on free camping. This applies in particular to some areas in Lofoten in Northern Norway (go directly to the map) and in parts of Fjord Norway, especially close to famous fjords and lakes. We advise you to use designated camping areas and campgrounds in these areas.

Always ask a local if you are not sure, and always respect the "NO CAMPING" signs!

Other rules may also apply in protected areas, especially in nature reserves, in order to protect vulnerable wildlife and plant habitats.

Read more below on where you can pitch your tent, and what you need to bear in mind.

Special regulations for Fjord Norway

Preikestolen: Not permitted at or near the plateau.
Bergen City Mountains (Byfjellene): Restrictions in areas related to drinking water sources and the Fløyen area due to high tourist activity.
The Sognefjord area (Including Nærøyfjorden & Luster): Much of the land along the fjords is cultivated land, even if it doesn’t look like it, where camping is not permitted. This also applies to some nature reserves (such as Nigardsbreen and Bargarden), as well as areas near popular parking spots such as Bergset in Krundalen.
Ålesund and Runde area: Special wildlife protection rules apply, especially during nesting season. Pitching a tent near Runde Lighthouse station is not permitted.
Nordfjord (Hoddevik and Ervik): Free camping outside designated campsites at these popular surfing spots is prohibited due to overuse and environmental impact.
Nordfjord (Breng in Lodalen): Prohibited at this popular tourist spot near Lovatnet lake.
Haugesund & Haugalandet: Restrictions at Åkrasanden and Sandvesand beaches.
UNESCO World Heritage areas: The right to roam applies in general, but always take extra care to protect nature, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Camp responsibly

Please remember, nature is fragile, so wild camping in Norway comes with great responsibility and important duties. Please help us protect the beauty you came to see – so others can enjoy it too!

Good camping etiquette

clean up your campsite when you leave and don't leave any rubbish behind.
comply with bylaws governing camping in recreational areas and nature reserves.
use established rest areas and campsites where possible.
pitch your tent where you will not disturb animals and birds, particularly during breeding and nesting season.
do not leave permanent marks on vegetation or terrain.
respect other campers’ need for space and peace and quiet.
use established fire pits, and be very careful with fire.
do not disturb livestock.
respect the interests of people who live and work in the countryside.

Source: The Norwegian Environment Agency

Camping at a campsite

Pitching your tent at a campsite doesn't necessarily mean compromising your nature experience. Many campsites are situated in stunning locations, near fjords, beaches, hiking trails, etc. – offering easy access to scenic locations without the hassle of finding a suitable wild camping spot.

Campsites also give you a few handy extras that make your trip easier and more comfortable. You get access to toilets and showers, which is super nice — especially after a long day outdoors. A lot of campsites also have indoor areas and shared kitchens, so if it starts raining, you’ve got somewhere to stay dry and maybe even cook a hot meal. Plus, it’s a lot easier to dry off your gear or wet clothes than if you were out in the wild.

There's also many kid-friendly campsites that offer lots of fun activities for the whole family.

You can book a pitch in advance at most campsites. Note that prices vary from site to site and within the site depending on the pitch.

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