Norwegians are proud of living so closely with nature, and their relationship with the natural world informs their national identity.

Considered among the most beautiful places on earth, Norway is also a harsh land of cold, snow, fjords and isolation.

What is Right of Access

There are few rules and regulations in Norway if you wish to sleep in a tent or even under the stars, but you always have to remember to leave nature as you would want to find it.

The main rules are, therefore:
Be considerate and thoughtful and don't damage nature and other surroundings.

The right to roam ("allemannssretten") is a law from 1957 and ensures everybody has access to beautiful nature, also privately owned areas. You just have to follow some guidelines.

Guidelines to the right to roam

You may put up a tent, or sleep under the stars, for the night anywhere in the countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you keep at least 150 metres away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. This rule of a 150 metres distance also applies to camping cars and caravans.

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 very remote areas.

Places for emptying toilets are signposted. Doing so elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

Norwegians are in love with nature and very keen on outdoor activities. More than half of all Norwegians have access to a simple cabin in the woods, where they can stay on the weekends and during the holidays.

Norwegians also enjoy the “right of access”, which means that everyone has legal access to the open country, even if it is private property. Creating a green and sustainable society is one of the goals for the Norwegian people.

Throughout the country, you will find protected spots and hiking trails to experience amazing Norwegian nature.