A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
A woman sitting in front of the The Fjord Mirror in Nes Gard in Luster
A person holding a cellphone in Langsua national park, Eastern Norway

Visitor guidelines

Be a great guest!

Want to be a thoughtful explorer and an awesome adventurer?

Be the friendly guest you'd love to welcome in your own home with our top tips!

You probably already know the basics:

  • Take only photos, leave only footprints.
  • 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 – not outside.
  • Please respect local culture and support local businesses.
  • Share your experiences responsibly – inspire others to care.
How to be considerate in nature

Welcome! You are free to enjoy the great outdoors in Norway – as long as you show respect for nature, animals and the local community.

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

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

There are countless incredible places to discover in Norway, and many of us are eager to experience them. That’s why it’s so important that we take good care of the places we visit by respecting local rules and regulations designed to protect nature, and by supporting the communities that welcome us.

The main rule is short and sweet: be considerate and thoughtful!

The right to roam give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors almost everywhere. But please note that you need to update yourself on your obligations under the right to roam, too!

Use designated and public campsites whenever possible, and be considerate andfollow the camping rules if you decide to go camping outside such areas.

Don't harm nature and the surroundings. Leave nature as you would want to find it.

Drone flying might also be very disturbing for animals and people, so show great consideration. Flying drones in Norway.

If you want to go hiking, we've also collected some very useful tips and guidelines for you (click below)!

Hiking tips and safety in the mountains

All about camping in Norway

Learn the rules and find the best spots!

  • Children eating outside a camping tent on Hamre famliecamping in Kristiansand, Southern Norway

    Camping and caravanning

    In Norway, there are around 1,000 campgrounds to choose from. Most sites offer a spot for your tent, caravan, or motorhome, as well as camping cabins of varying standard.
    A motorhome standing in Northern Norway.

    Top 10 campsites for caravans and motorhomes

    Many campsites throughout Norway are perfect for motorhomes and caravans. Discover travel journalist and guide book author Dr Thomas Kliem's favourites.
    Sørlandet feriesenter, one of Norway’s top kid-friendly camping sites in Norway

    17 kid-friendly camping sites

    In Norway, you can combine camping with numerous family-friendly activities. Discover 17 campsites that will keep the children happy!
    A woman enjoying the view from a Glød Aurora Canvas Dome in Alta

    Glamping all year round

    Arctic domes, yurts, hanging cocoons, glass igloos, Sami lavvos, and ice hotels. Venture into the wild any time of year in comfort and style.
    A caravan passing the Troll Wall in Norway

    How to travel in Norway with a motorhome

    Wondering where to find the best routes, where to park, and other practical tips? Expert Stine Mari Velsvik shares essential dos and don'ts of touring Norway in a mobile home.
    A man tenting in Namdalen

    Camping in a tent

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 in the world, and you may fish for saltwater species without a licence, as long the catch is for your own consumption. Note there are rules as to how many kilos you are permitted to export.

Many 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 headed.

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

Fishing in Norway – all you need to know

Travel better

Here's how!

Family on four sitting by the campfire beside the tent in Oppdal, Trøndelag
The right to roam t
People hiking up a steep mountain with beautiful views.
Hiking tips
Restroom Ureddplassen, Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten in Northern Norway
The world’s best toilets
  • Two moose out in nature during summer in Norway
    How to behave in nature
    A woman doing yoga while on a hike in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Travel better: 9 tips for more responsible travel
    Drone in mid air
    Flying drones in Norway

Sustainability first

  • Wooden houses, fishing boats and snowcapped mountains, Henningsvær in certified Sustainable Destination Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Sustainable Destination
    A family exploring Norway the green way on e-bikes from Hotel Aak
    11 cool ways to explore Norway for the eco-conscious traveller
    Woman drinking water from a river, Hemsedal, Norway.
    Travel better

Travel safely

…and smoothly!

A woman going off the train at Røra Station in Inderøy
Travel tips A-Z
Woman entering car on the Fram ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt
Safe travel
Woman enjoying the autumn view of Hydalen in Hemsedal
Stay safe in the mountains
  • Two children in a rowing boat near Bragdøya outside of Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Stay safe on the water
    Tiny village of Husøy and winding roads in Senja
    Stay safe on the roads
    Person on rock formation near Fossjuvet in Forsand, Fjord Norway
    The mountain code
    Two people biking in Oslo
    Bike safety

Looking for an active holiday?
Check out these tips!

Outdoor activities

Discover exciting activities

Enjoy Norwegian "Friluftsliv", outdoor living!

  • Two persons cycling by the fjord in summer, Norway.
    Cycling
    Girl hiking in the Melfjellet mountain in Helgeland
    Hiking
    A girl on a family holiday in Trysil, Eastern Norway, in the climbing park Høyt & Lavt
    10 family-friendly nature adventures
    Sanna Island in Træna in Helgeland
    Top 10 nature experiences in Norway
    Friends celebrating in knitted sweaters
    Friluftsliv: Our love for the outdoors
    People attending the Trevarefest festival under the midnight sun in Henningsvær, Northern Norway
    Cool things to do under the midnight sun

Take advantage of top offers

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

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Tourists wave at passing boat while sailing througha norwegian fjord
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.