🏕️ Allmannsretten and wild camping: how to "hide your tracks" 🌲
What is allowed and what is not (brief and to the point)
Allmannsretten is a legally enshrined "right to nature". It applies to uncultivated land (utmark); on cultivated land (innmark), access is restricted (farmsteads, arable land, fenced-off areas, etc.). On utmark, you can walk, relax and spend the night in a tent, observing basic rules: respect privacy, do not disturb others and do not harm nature. The key rules are set out in the Outdoor Recreation Act (Friluftsloven).
Basic rules for camping according to the law:
● Do not pitch your tent closer than 150 metres from a residential building/hut.
● You can stay in one place for up to two nights, after which you need the owner's consent (in the mountains/remote areas, you can stay longer).
● Do not damage young forests or obstruct other users of the area.
Motorised transport. Allemannsretten does not apply to driving/parking off-road: vehicle traffic on utmark and water bodies is regulated by a separate law (motorferdselloven) and is generally prohibited without special grounds/permits. Overnight stays in cars are only permitted where parking is allowed and in compliance with local regulations.
Distances and overnight stays: how to maintain your "personal space"
● 150 metres from residential areas is a guideline that protects privacy and reduces conflict. For beaches and popular areas, check signs: local restrictions may apply.
● Two nights is the standard without prior agreement. Exception: high mountains/remote areas (longer stays are possible), but the principle of "do not disturb" remains.
Fire and bålforbud: when campfires are prohibited
From 15 April to 15 September, there is a general ban on open fires in/near forests and on uncultivated land. Exceptions are only allowed in specially equipped areas or if it is obviously safe; always check the rules of your municipality (additional bans are often introduced in summer due to drought). Do not light fires on stones/rocks (they crack).
Leave No Trace in Norwegian: "hide your tracks"
The DNT approach to Sporløs ferdsel (LNT) is simple: take your rubbish with you (including any you find along the way), keep sanitary facilities away from trails/water, protect vegetation/the shoreline, and do not create new campfire sites or parking areas. The more popular the place, the more important it is to leave a minimal footprint.
Animals, pastures, gates and dogs
● Pastures and wildlife. Close gates behind you, do not disturb herds and birds during nesting/grazing seasons. Official guidelines for visitors: "respect animals, pick up your rubbish, close gates".
● Dogs must be kept on a leash from 1 April to 20 August (national rule; may be longer in some municipalities). The reason for this is to protect reindeer herding, birds and livestock.
Where to find local rules and exceptions
Even when the allemansretten applies in protected areas (nature reserves, certain sections of national parks), special rules may apply — , including a ban on tents in certain areas. Before setting off, check the rules for the specific area on the Norwegian Environment Agency's website.
What to consider in "hot spots"
Lofoten. A region with high tourist traffic. The authorities and tourist organisations strongly recommend official campsites; if camping in the wild, keep 150 metres away from buildings, stay on the road and respect the "No camping/Overnatting forbudt" signs. Local pages separately remind visitors about bålforbud and the distance between cars in car parks.
National parks. General freedom on utmark remains, but there are special restrictions in a number of nature conservation areas within the parks (e.g. quiet/nesting seasons, no parking in sensitive biotopes). Check the park's website before your visit.
Stavanger region (Lysefjord). Cliffs and dry land often "combine" with local fire hazards. Keep an eye out for bålforbud notices from local authorities/tourist centres (Lysefjorden).
This overview does not replace instruction/legal/medical advice. Check local rules/warnings before you go.
Found an inaccuracy or want to add local rules for [location]? Write to us and we will update the material.
FAQ
On utmark (uncultivated land), at least 150 metres from dwellings, up to 2 nights in one place (in the mountains/remote areas — longer stays are possible). On innmark (vegetable gardens, arable land, farmsteads, fenced areas) — not allowed without permission.
From 15 April to 15 September, there is a general ban on open fires in and near forests and on utmark. Exceptions can be made at designated sites or when safety is assured, but the final decision rests with your local community.
Keep your distance, close gates, do not walk through herds, keep dogs on a leash (national period: 1 April to 20 August). Do not feed wild or domestic animals.
Formally, yes, provided you follow the rules (utmark, 150 m, 2 nights). In practice, due to the load, it is better to use campsites; follow local signs and specific instructions from Visit Lofoten.
Allmenningsretten does not give you the right to drive off the road. You can stay overnight where parking is permitted, observing signs/local limits; do not occupy "pockets" or "turnouts".
Check local restrictions in your municipality before pitching a tent or lighting a fire (especially during the bålforbud season). Start with the official service of the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) and your municipality's website.
