Access rights in Norway were codified by the Outdoor Recreation Act, which was adopted in 1957. The Act gives people free access to uncultivated land on foot and on skis, and in many cases on horseback or bicycle, and allows walking and skiing on farmland that is frozen and snow-covered.
Photo: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/Fjord Norway
On uncultivated land you can walk, ski or picnic whereever you want. To spend the night in your tent is allowed, but not closer than 150 metres from any cabin or house. If you are planning to stay for more than two consecutive nights you need the landowner's permission. However, you do not need the landowner's permission if the tent is far from habitations and in the mountains.
The freedom to roam is based on respect for the environment, owners and other people in general. Make sure that your activities do not inconvenience other users, either visitors or people living and working in the area. The Act is designed to regulate access so that damage to the environment is minimised and conflict is avoided. It specifically states that visitors must behave with due care and make sure that they do not cause damage. Clean up after yourself. Please note that off-road driving of motorized vehicles is not allowed.
Be careful with fire and respect the ban on lighting fires in or near forests from 15th of April to 15th of September. Most places you can pick berries, mushrooms and flowers, but there are special rules for picking cloudberries in northern Norway. Whichever way you go, you should show respect and not harm or unnecessarily interfere with livestock, nature or wildlife.
Read more about the freedom to roam