Dynamic Variation:
Offers
x

There was not an exact match for the language you toggled to. You have been redirected to the nearest matching page within this section.

Choose Language
Toggling to another language will take you to the matching page or nearest matching page within that selection.
Search & Book Sponsored Links
  • Accommodation and ski resorts

    Scandic Hotels – in all major cities from north to south

    Nordic Choice Hotels – a different hotel company

    Thon Hotels – with fantastic breakfast

    Radisson Blu Hotels – discover your favourite destinations

    Classic Norway Hotels – a unique combination of distinctive hotels and authentic fisherman's cabins

    Citybox – modern and affordable hotels in a central location

    Rauland – Skiing holidays in stunning mountain scenery

    DanCenter – your specialist in holiday homes in Norway

    Norgesbooking – book your perfect cabin stay in Norway

    Campcation – book camping all across Norway with Campcation

  • Getting Here & Around

    Vy – travelling by train has never been easier

    SJ NORD – the adventure starts on the train

    Vy express – travel with bus throughout Norway

    NOR-WAY Bussekspress – experience amazing scenery by bus

    Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia

    DFDS – Europe’s leading ferry operator 2012-2021

    AutoEurope – always a smooth car rental experience

    Rent-A-Wreck – the smart car rental alternative

    Arctic Campers – Norway’s camper van rental

    Cabin Campers – your cottage on four wheels

  • Tours & Round trips

    Hurtigruten – "The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage"

    Fjord Tours – Home of Norway in a nutshell® - Norway’s most popular tour

    Authentic Scandinavia – Travel created by locals

    Up Norway – Bespoke luxury tailored by insiders

    Norrøna Hvitserk – expeditions and adventure holidays

    Booknordics.com – hundreds of activities, tours and day cruises in Norway

    Brim Explorer – silent fjord tours by electric catamaran

    Fjord Travel – let us show you the beauty of Norway!

    Go Fjords – tours and activities all over Norway

    50 Degrees North – unforgettable tailor-made and small group tours to Norway

    Discover Norway – skiing, biking and hiking tours in Norway

    Norwegian Holidays – low-price package holidays with Norwegian. Flight, hotel and rental car

    Stromma – sightseeing, excursions and experiences with bus, boat and train

  • Offers

Search
or search all of Norway

The right to roam

Enjoying Norway, responsibly

Oppdal in Trøndelag .
Photo: Marius Rua
Oppdal in Trøndelag .
Photo: Marius Rua

Norway gives you almost unhindered access to the countryside...

Camping at Hardangervidda in Hordaland .
Photo: Anders Gjengedal- Visitnorway.com
Camping at Hardangervidda in Hordaland .
Photo: Anders Gjengedal- Visitnorway.com

...as long as you tread lightly and leave no traces!

Here are some guidelines about roaming in Norway.

Nordmarka forest in Oslo .
Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre / Den Norske Turistforening
Nordmarka forest in Oslo .
Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre / Den Norske Turistforening

In Norway, you can hike nearly anywhere you want. Outdoor recreation is a major part of the national identity, and access to nature is protected by law. You are free to enjoy the great outdoors – as long as you pick up your rubbish and show respect for nature.

A few rules and regulations are in place to protect nature when many people go to the same places.

The main rules are easy: Be considerate and thoughtful. Don't damage nature and the surroundings. Leave the landscape as you would want to find it.

The video below shows how NOT to treat nature!

The right to roam, also called the right of access (allemannsretten) is a traditional right from ancient times. Since 1957, it has also been enshrined in the Outdoor Recreation Act. The right ensures that everyone can experience nature, even in big, privately owned areas.

The antlered fellows below know how to treat nature!

Useful guidelines

You may put up a tent, or sleep under the stars, anywhere in the countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you stay at least 150 metres away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. This rule also applies to vans, mobile homes, and caravans.

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 in very remote areas.

Places for emptying toilets are signposted. Doing so elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

Norway has almost endless possibilities when it comes to exploring wild nature. It's nevertheless a good idea to follow marked trails if you aren't familiar with the area. If not, it's easy to get lost. At the same time, you also avoid leaving too many footprints in nature.

The perfect campsite doesn't exi-

...Yes, it actually does! If you want easy access to sanitary facilities, kitchen and so on – a campsite has everything you need! There are more than a thousand campsites all across Norway, often situated in idyllic areas, close to mountains, fjords and lakes.

You can find a spot for your tent, caravan or motorhome, as well as campsite cabins of varying standards and prices. Many of the campsites also offer lots of fun activities for the whole family.

Be aware that in some popular tourist areas, there are restrictions on free camping, mainly during summer, which means you must pitch your tent at a campsite. This applies in particular to some areas in Lofoten in Northern Norway and Fjord Norway. Always ask a local if you are not sure, and always respect the "NO CAMPING" signs!

Find an idyllic campsite

Åndalsnes Camping .
Photo: Åndalsnes Camping
Åndalsnes Camping .
Photo: Åndalsnes Camping

Campfires are prohibited

Be aware that campfires in nature are prohibited from 15 April to 15 September. They can nevertheless be allowed in places where the fire hazard is low, such as by the sea or at an approved campfire site. However, you should always check that there is no danger. Note that in extreme drought, even barbecues, gas burners, and camping stoves are prohibited. If you want to make a campfire, bring firewood from home or a shop or use twigs that are already on the ground. Do not saw or break fresh branches.

Last but not least, always remember: If you light a campfire or barbecue, you are legally responsible for ensuring that it is safe, that the fire does not spread, and that it is completely extinguished before you leave. Check the forest fire risk on yr.no.

Some basic campfire rules:

  • Make sure you are at a site that allows campfires.
  • ​Make sure there are no fire bans and that it isn’t too windy.
  • Place extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
  • After lighting the fire, throw the match into the flames.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Keep water and a shovel nearby.
  • When leaving your fire, ensure that it is fully extinguished. Use water and stir the coals with a shovel. Make sure the fire site is cold before you leave the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
  • ​In case of fire: Call the fire department on emergency number 110, then try to extinguish the fire yourself. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way, though.

Watch the video below and learn how to not burn down the forest!

Foraging and fishing

In general, you may pick berries, mushrooms, and wildflowers, but special rules apply to cloudberries in Northern Norway.

Norway has some of the best fishing areas in the world, and you may fish for saltwater species without a licence, as long as it is for your own use, but there are rules on how many kilos you may bring home, if you are crossing the border.

A lot more rules apply if you want to fish in inland waters. Almost all waters require a fishing licence, but there are also special rules for different landowners. Always check the local rules where you are heading.

NOTE: Always disinfect your fishing equipment between use in one water and another, to prevent the spread of fish diseases!

Respect for nature, animals and local inhabitants will make your visit even more pleasant for everybody. Enjoy your trip!

Looking for an active holiday?
Check out these tips!

Kayaking on the fjord .
Photo: Edit: Marit Dale Aal Clip: fra Snake-Oil/Trigger, fra Happy Place-kampanje
Kayaking on the fjord .
Photo: Edit: Marit Dale Aal Clip: fra Snake-Oil/Trigger, fra Happy Place-kampanje

Tips before venturing into nature

Discover exciting activities

Sustainability first

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Your Recently Viewed Pages

Back to top