The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• You can park on the roadside shoulder along public roads by uncultivated areas unless there are signs prohibiting parking. The same generally applies to private roads.
• Do not drive or park on uncultivated land.
• Keep a distance of at least 150 metres from houses and cabins.
• Don't camp in the same place for more than two nights unless you have permission from the landowner.

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!

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