Is wild camping allowed in Norway?

No Tolerated! Yes

Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Norway. Despite the general permission, there are a few points that have to be taken into consideration.

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Tobi
Written by: Tobi
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Last researched: Winter 2021/2022

The freedom to stay and camp anywhere in nature is based on the Everyman's Right (Norwegian Allemannsretten). The Everyman's Right is a customary right, whose roots go back to the Middle Ages. It is the right of every human being, to enjoy nature and use its fruits, regardless of the ownership of the land.

However, there are some points to consider:

  • The right only applies to uncultivated land, i.e. land that is not cultivated (e.g. fields, parking lots, gardens, etc.) and is not fenced in.
  • There must be at least 150 meters distance to the next house or hut.
  • You can camp for two days without permission. If you want to camp longer, you must get permission from the landowner. However, if you are camping in the mountains or very remote areas, you may stay longer without permission.

The Everyman's Right is only for non-motorized travelers, campers or motorhomes should be parked on pitches, or at the roadside to preserve nature.

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Wild camping in Norway: The legal situation

The Everyman's Right is laid down in the Outdoor Recreation Act of 28 June 1957 No. 16 on Outdoor Leisure Activities.

Wild camping at sunset
Wild camping at sunset
Grimsdalsmyrene Nature Reserve
Grimsdalsmyrene Nature Reserve

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Norway

When you think of Norway, you think of majestic fjords, untouched forests, endless mountain landscapes, and the breathtaking northern lights. In short, when you think of Norway, you think of freedom and nature. What could be more beautiful than pitching your tent in the middle of this landscape and enjoying a few days of peace? In Norway, wild camping is allowed and even enshrined in law. We'll give you a few tips to make your trip even more unforgettable.

Fishing
In Norway, it is also allowed to fish in saltwater, the sea, and the fjords, without a permit. If you also want to fish in a lake, stream or river, you need a permit. These are available at gas stations, tourist information offices, kiosks, and sports shops.

Mushrooms and berries
There is a wide range of mushrooms and berries that can be picked for personal use as long as they are not on private property. However, cloudberries and wild nuts are subject to special rules depending on the province.

Making a fire
In Norway, it is generally allowed to light fires in the wild, but there are restrictions:

  • Near forests, it is not allowed from 15 April to 15 September
  • No twigs, branches or bark from living trees may be broken or sawn-off
  • In nature reserves and national parks, fire-making may be restricted or prohibited

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Norway

That Vikings did not wear horns on their helmets is common knowledge. And the extremely high prices for alcohol in Norway are no longer a big secret. But what does Norway have to do with sushi? Here you can find the answer and some interesting facts about Norway.

Fact #1 - Coast
Norway has the second-longest coastline in the world with over 80,000 km. There should be some places to camp and relax.

Fact #2 - Waterfalls
Norway is home to the three highest waterfalls in Europe: Vinnufossen (860 m), Balåifossen (850 m) and Struppenfossen (820 m).

Fact #3 - Islands
Norway holds the European record for islands. Some 150,000 of them surround the Norwegian mainland.

Fact #4 - Fjords
With over 1,000 fjords, Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world. No wonder that Norway is the land of fjords.

Fact #5 - Lakes
With 450,000 lakes of different sizes, this makes one lake for every twelfth person in Norway's population.

Fact #6 - Sushi
Sushi comes from Japan, but the idea to combine sushi with salmon comes from Norway and was taken over by Japan.

Fact #7 - In the East
The village of Kirkenes is more to the east than the whole of Finland. It is even as far east as the city of Cairo.

Fact #8 - Midnight Sun
At the time of the summer solstice, the sun does not sink north of the Arctic Circle behind the horizon and it is 24 hours bright.

Fact #9 - Europe's deepest lake
The 50 km² large lake "Hornindalsvatnet" is the deepest in Europe and lies in the west of Norway. Its deepest point is 514 meters.

Fact #10 - Trolls
On Norway's most famous serpentine road, the "Trollstigen", there is a traffic sign that warns drivers of trolls.

Travelogue Norway

Picture by quality-time-for.me
Picture by quality-time-for.me

Along the E4 to the North Cape and looking for nice camping sites? quality-time-for.me show you the best places to rest and enjoy nature. You can read the whole article here.

 

First published June 12, 2020

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes
  • Safety vest Yes
  • First aid kit No
  • Replacement lamp set No
  • Spare tyre / repair set No
  • Fire extinguisher No
  • Tow rope No
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C+F
  • Energency numbers: 113
  • Currency: Norwegische Krone (NOK)
  • Official Languages: Norwegian
  • Country licence plate code: N

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 2.75
  • Price beer rounded: 7.50

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. Yes
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. Yes
  • Special features: As soon as you enter the country, you have to report your animal to customs.

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