🚁 ‘Norway from a bird's eye view: everything you need to know about flying drones’

Norway is such a beautiful country, especially when you look at it from the sky. The fjords, waterfalls and mountains are so stunning when you see them from a drone! But before you get your drone up in the air, it's always a good idea to check with the locals to see what the rules are. We all know how frustrating it can be when we break the rules. It can lead to some pretty awkward situations with the local authorities, and in the worst cases, even lead to fines. In this article, we'll give you all the info you need to know about using drones in Norway. We'll help you avoid any mistakes and make sure you get those stunning, legal shots!

Do I need to register my drone in Norway?

Hey, just so you know, Norway has these really helpful drone flight rules that make things easier for everyone. If your drone is more than 250 grams, all you need to do is make sure it's registered with the national operator registry. It's that easy! If you're a tourist travelling with a drone, the first thing you'll need to do is to register online on the website of the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartstilsynet). It only takes a few minutes to register, but it's so worth it! It'll protect you from any fines and make things much easier if you have any questions.

We know how much you love your drones, and we want to make sure you have a great time using them. To help us do this, please read the main restrictions on drone flights below.

In Norway, there are a few places where you can't fly your drone, such as within 5 km of airports and airfields, or over military facilities, government buildings, hospitals and prisons. The maximum flight altitude is 120 metres above ground level, which is pretty impressive! Flying at night is only permitted with special permission and if the drone is equipped with lighting. And please, keep your distance from people. We don't want you to fly over large groups of tourists and local residents, so stay safe and have fun!

I'm wondering if I can fly a drone over the beautiful fjords and national parks?

We know how important it is to protect our national parks and nature reserves, which is why drone flights are often strictly regulated. Most national parks in Norway have restrictions or even a complete ban on the use of drones so that we can protect our wildlife and other visitors. It's always a good idea to check in advance on the official websites of the parks or local tourist offices whether flights are permitted in a specific area, so you don't end up with any nasty surprises! And just a friendly heads-up: when you're launching your drone near waterfalls and rivers, the strong winds and spray can sometimes make it a bit tricky to keep things under control.

We all have a right to our own space and personal privacy, so let's respect each other's property and give everyone the respect they deserve.

In Norway, we place a high value on the right to privacy and the inviolability of the home. Please don't fly drones over people's private property, houses or cottages without their permission, as this is against the law and could lead to some pretty embarrassing legal consequences. Please, my darlings, always respect people's privacy. Try not to film private property, especially close-ups. If you want to take photos or videos of private property, it's always a good idea to ask the owner if it's OK first.

I was just wondering, do you know if there are any restrictions on filming in cities?

In big cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, there are special areas where drone flights are restricted. You can find these areas on maps and they are marked as No-Fly Zones. I totally get it, safety concerns, big crowds and being so close to the airport – it's a bit of a worry for a lot of people. Just a heads-up that in some tourist areas of cities, you might need a special permit to film. To avoid any problems, it's a good idea to check the restriction maps in advance using specialised apps such as Droneguide or Avinor, which are updated in real time.

What are the penalties for violating drone flight rules?

We all have to follow the rules, and drone users in Norway should know that breaking the rules can lead to some pretty hefty fines. In the worst case, you could even lose your drone and have to deal with some legal proceedings. We all know how important it is to be careful when flying in and around airport zones, national parks and military facilities. If you don't, there might be some really serious penalties to deal with. To avoid any hassle, it's always best to follow the rules and check the restrictions before flying.

I would really appreciate some information about flight zones and restrictions, if you know where I can find it?

Hey, I totally get it, it's so hard to keep track of all the different flight zones and restrictions, isn't it? But don't worry, there are some really handy apps and websites out there with interactive maps that make things so much easier. They're super convenient and easy to use, so you can stay safe and sound in no time! Hey, just so you know, the Avinor website and the Droneguide app are really helpful. They show you exactly where you can and can't fly, which is great! You can also pop down to your local tourist office, where the friendly staff will be able to give you all the latest information on local restrictions and rules.

Here are some handy tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time using your drone!

Before each flight in Norway, it's always a good idea to check the weather conditions. Winds in mountainous areas and near fjords can be very strong, so it's best to be prepared and avoid any accidents. Don't worry, just keep an eye on the battery level and make sure you have some spares for when you're out and about. It's also really important to keep a safe distance from animals and other people, and to always be able to return the drone in case of signal loss or deteriorating conditions.

Flying drones in Norway is a really amazing thing to do, and it can provide you with some absolutely stunning footage. But, of course, to make sure that you have a great time and that everyone else is safe, it's really important to follow the rules and laws that have been put in place. It's so important to respect local traditions, rules, and the safety of those around you. By doing this, you won't have to worry about getting fined, and you'll be able to make some wonderful memories on your trip.