Is wild camping allowed in Norway?

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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Written by: Tobi

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Last researched: 2023

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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You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App

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.

§ 1. Purpose of the law

The purpose of this Act is to protect the natural basis for outdoor recreation and to guarantee the public right of access and transit to nature, as well as the right to spend time there, etc., in order to preserve and promote outdoor recreation opportunities as a healthy, environmentally sound and wellbeing leisure activity.

§ 9. Picnic and camping

It is not permitted to use pitches on farmland for picnics, sunbathing, overnight stays or the like without the consent of the owner or user.
[...] Picnics and camping may not take place if this can lead to considerable damage to the young forest or to the regeneration of the forest. A tent must not be set up so close to an inhabited house (cabin) that it disturbs the occupants and in no case closer than 150 meters. However, the regulations on the distance from the dwelling do not apply to an area intended specifically for camping.
Camping or any other form of accommodation is not permitted for more than two days without the consent of the owner or user. However, a permit for a longer stay is not required in mountain areas or areas remote from a settlement, unless the stay is expected to cause significant damage or inconvenience.
Immediately before and during the wild reindeer hunting season, the Ministry may prohibit or regulate camping if it could cause inconvenience to the hunter.
Camping and other forms of access must be at your own risk in the event of damage that animals may cause to persons, tents or other objects.

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

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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

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.

We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofni!

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