🐕 Dogs and nature: båndtvang, wild animals & grazing areas 🌲🐑
This is an overview and does not replace the official rules. Check the local regulations of the municipality/park before you go out.
National båndtvang period: basic rule
● From 1 April to 20 August, according to the Dog Act (Hundeloven § 6), dogs must be kept on a leash or otherwise securely restrained (pen/enclosure) in Norway. This is necessary to avoid disturbing wild animals, domestic reindeer and livestock. During this period, "free walking" is not considered sufficient control.
● Outside this period, you are still required to have control over your dog; additional restrictions/extensions apply in certain areas and seasons.
Local extensions and special areas
Municipalities and protected areas may extend or tighten leash restrictions.
● Oslo. During the båndtvang period, dogs must be kept on a leash in the city, in Mark and in city parks/on islands; the exception is official dog walking areas (hundejordet), where dogs can be let off the leash even during the season.
● Lofoten. In Vestvågøy, the leash requirement is extended until 15 October in grazing areas — keep in mind that these are often mountain trails. In Moskenes, dogs must be kept on a leash year-round on the illuminated ski trail at Sørvågvannet.
● Bergen and other cities: there are permanent leash zones and a network of official dog parks (fenced areas) where dogs can be let off the leash. Check the municipality's website.
● National parks/nature reserves. Rules vary from park to park: some are open all year round (e.g. Hardangervidda — "leash all year round" except during hunting season), while others have an extended season (e.g. Jotunheimen — "from 1 April to 1 October/1 November"). Always check the park's verneforskrift.
● New restrictions are possible. In some particularly sensitive biotopes (e.g., bird sanctuaries), a complete ban on dogs throughout the year is being discussed — check for updates before your trip.
Behaviour on trails and near water (etiquette)
- In grazing areas and reindeer herding regions, keep your dog on a short leash, avoid herds and close gates. In Troms og Finnmark, this is critical during migration and calving; a disturbed dog can cause real harm to the herd.
- Nesting sites and coastline. In spring and summer, many birds nest on the ground/in the grass; long flexi leashes for dogs are often equivalent to no leash at all. Choose well-trodden paths and avoid "wild" beaches during the nesting season.
- City beaches and promenades. During the båndtvang season, dogs must be kept on a leash and not disturb others; follow the signs/rules of the area. In Oslo, use the official "free zones" for dogs instead of crowded beaches.
- Clean up and keep your distance. Pick up after your dog and keep your distance from other people/dogs; shorten your leash in bike/running lanes.
Encountering herds and reindeer: what to do
● If you see a herd/reindeer, call your dog to heel, secure the leash and walk around in a wide arc. According to the recommendations of the Finnmark landowners (FeFo), if you notice tracks/trails of recent movement, be prepared for an encounter; one animal almost always means a whole herd nearby.
● Time is a key factor. In spring and early summer, herds are vulnerable (calving), and in autumn they are migrating; keep quiet and do not run across their path.
Where to find dog-friendly places (legal and convenient)
● Oslo: official list of dog walking areas (dressurområder) — dogs are allowed even during the båndtvang season: Frognerparken Hundejordet, Skraperudtjern, etc.
● Bergen: the page "Hundeluftegårder og båndtvang" with four main locations (Tveitevannet, Løvstien, Tennebekk, Liavatnet).
● Lofoten: there are few special dog parks; follow the leash rules and local trails marked as suitable for walking with dogs, but leashes are mandatory during the season and in some places for longer periods (see Vestvågøy/Moskenes).
In short: leashes are required from 1 April to 20 August (nationwide); in some places, the requirement is longer/year-round; on pastures and in reindeer herding areas, use a short leash and keep your dog away from the herd; use official areas for free walking.
FAQ
Sometimes, but only where it is not prohibited locally and under full control. Many municipalities introduce year-round exclusion zones (ban/leash always) and extend the season. Check local regulations and signs.
Keep dogs on a short leash, avoid herds, close gates; in Troms og Finnmark, exercise particular caution (herding/calving). If your dog shows "hunting interest", restrain it immediately and increase the distance.
There is no single rule. In some parks, dogs must be kept on a leash all year round (e.g. Hardangervidda), in others there is an extended season (e.g. Jotunheimen – until 1 October/1 November). Check the verneforskrift for your specific park.
