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.

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

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 and follow 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!

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