The right to roam

Enjoying Norway, responsibly

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 leave nothing behind and show respect for nature and property.

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

In Norway, the right to roam – known as Allemannsretten – is a long-established and legally protected right that gives everyone the freedom to enjoy the outdoors regardless of land ownership. Its roots lie deep in Norway’s history and are preserved in the Outdoor Recreation Act.

This right allows people to walk, cycle, ski, swim and camp in a tent in uncultivated land (utmark) without needing the landowner’s permission across most of the country.

Please note that certain areas, especially those facing high visitor numbers or containing vulnerable landscapes, may enforce local restrictions, such as limits on camping, additional conservation rules, or seasonal closures. Always check local signs and information to make sure your visit supports nature conservation and respects local regulations.

The right to roam also comes with some important duties.

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

How to behave in nature

The right to hike

Norway has almost endless possibilities when it comes to exploring wild nature. You can go hiking almost everywhere, but please respect areas where hiking is not recommended, for example in places with vulnerable wildlife, including areas where wild reindeer roam. Many popular hikes are closed or not recommended in the winter season.

The right to roam also comes with some important obligations.You probably already know the basics:

Take only photos, leave only bootprints.
Dispose of waste responsibly – leave no traces behind.
Stay on marked trails and paths.
Be considerate of wildlife – observe from a distance.
Travel and hike safely – plan ahead and know your limits.
When nature calls, head to a restroom – avoid going outside.
Please respect local culture and cultural heritage, and support local businesses.
Share your experiences responsibly – inspire others to care.

How to behave around wild animals

1. Respect local wildlife, and if you encounter wild animals while hiking, do not approach them. Back away slowly and try to stay on marked hiking trails at all times.

2. If you'd like to see wild animals in their natural habitat, go with a guide to ensure a safe experience for both you and the animals.

3. Always keep a safe distance, and if you want good photos of the animals, be sure to use a proper zoom lens to avoid disturbing them.

4. Avoid getting too close to nesting birds, particularly in nature reserves and on bird cliffs or islands.

5. Keep your dog on a leash

6. Try to avoid visiting areas with wild reindeer, especially during the calving season in May. If you encounter them, stay calm and back away slowly.

7. Stay at least 200 metres away from musk oxen and back away at any sign of agitation.

Hiking

The right to camp

You may pitch 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.

However, camping in a tent has become very popular in recent years, and this also puts pressure on nature, especially at the most well-known and “Insta-friendly” spots. It can also create conflicts with local residents.

Several popular tourist areas now have their own rules for camping, particularly in Lofoten and parts of Fjord Norway. In these places, using designated campsites is recommended.

If you’re unsure, always ask a local – and respect any “NO CAMPING” signs.

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

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.

Camping in a tent

The Camping Code of Conduct

The Camping Code of Conduct helps to ensure you have an enjoyable and safer experience while visiting. It also helps us protect nature and support our local communities.

1. Follow the rules of the right to roam

The Norwegian right to roam entitles everyone to travel freely in the great outdoors, but remember it comes with certain obligations – you need to show consideration for nature, wildlife and other people.

2. Use dedicated campsites and motorhome pitches whenever possible

It’s safe. And it is often the best choice as it promises a better experience and helps to support local communities.

3. Show consideration when camping in the wild

Remember to camp at least 150 metres away from any buildings, avoid private property and farmland, and do not drive off-road. Do not park in passing places on the side of the road. Picnic areas are primarily for short stops. Pay attention to signs and weather forecasts, some areas may be at risk of landslides and flooding.

Camping in a tent

How to travel in Norway with a motorhome

4. Keep at least four metres distance from other vehicles etc.

For reasons of fire safety and comfort, ensure there is at least four metres between you and other motorhomes/caravans/tents.

5. Respect signs and rules

Respect signs that prohibit overnight stays, parking or access.

6. Drive safely and considerately

Adapt your speed to the road and driving conditions. Some roads are narrow and not suitable for motorhomes/caravans. You don’t always have to drive as fast as the legal speed limit. Pull into passing places to let other road users pass you. Show consideration for oncoming traffic. Winter roads can be challenging, make sure you have the necessary driving skills and that your vehicle is equipped for winter driving.

Driving in winter conditions

7. Shop locally – experience more

Support local producers and discover new tastes, unique traditions and exciting experiences.

8. Respect domestic and wild animals

The best you can do for wildlife is not to disturb it. Do not feed any animals. Close gates behind you and keep animals on a leash when required by law.

9. Take your rubbish with you

Use rubbish bins, toilets and waste emptying stations for motorhomes/caravans to help keep nature clean. Recycle whenever possible.

10. Give nature a rest

Avoid sharing nature’s ‘hidden’ gems on social media if they’re not designed for camping. Certain places are best enjoyed without too many visitors.

Source: Norsk turistutvikling

Comfortable campsites

If you want easy access to sanitary facilities, a 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 pitch 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.

Camping and caravanning tips

Camping and caravanning

What about motorhomes and caravans?

While the right to roam gives wide access to nature, it does not give unrestricted freedom to park caravans or motorhomes anywhere. The right to roam applies to people, not vehicles.

The rules for caravanning are more regulated than for tents. Cars, motorhomes and caravans may only be driven or parked where motor vehicle laws allow.

Tips for travelling by motorhome

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.

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 export across 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 different waters, to prevent the spread of fish diseases!