Right to Roam

I will elaborate a bit on the Right to Roam, the outdoor culture and rules in Norway. Outdoor recreation is an important part of the Norwegian heritage. The right to roam is the right Norwegian people have to roam freely in their nature, it consideres the following activities:

-Free movement on foot and on skis

-Riding and cycling on trails and roads

-Swimming, canoeing, rowing and sailing

-Fishing without a licence for saltwater

-Picking berries, mushrooms and wild flowers

-Resting and overnight camping

Hiking and skiing

Hiking and skiing are freely permmitted in open countryside in summer and winter. Hiking trails, private roads and ski trails can be followed. You may cross fenced land, as long as you keep distance from houses etc. For building a bonfire there are some restrictions present, between April 15 and September 15, you are not allowed to cut down trees for firewood, you need to use the branches that have fallen off the tree, the dry dead wood.

Cycling

You can cycle on private roads, trails and anywhere in the mountains. You can basically ride the bike where ever there is public access. However, it is always smart before cycling to check your route and whether there are restrictions on cycling, and whether the terrain you are crossing is suitable for biking. 

Horseback riding

You can ride your horse on private roads and trails in the lowlands, and anywhere in the mountains. Again here is the rule that you can basically ride your horse where ever there is public access. And again, check before you leave whether there are restrictions on the areas you cross and whether the terrain is suitable for horseback riding. 

Camping

You can pitch a tent where ever you want and camp overnight for up to 48 hours in one location, without permission of a land owner. In the mountains you may camp for longer than 48 hours. You may never pitch your tent within 150meters from a house or cabin. And remember not to leave permanent scars on vegetation or terrain. 

Canoeing, Rowing and Sailing

You are free to go canoeing, rowing and sailing on the sea, lakes and rivers, except for a few canals and locks it costs nothing. But remember to watch the river properly, to prevent dangerous situations and wear a lifejacket at all times. 

Fishing

You can fish with a fishing rod for saltwater species all year round, from a boat or from the shore. In the sea it is also free to fish for salmon, sea trout, and sea char. However, you need to have a certain distance of 100 metres from a river mouth. To fish for these species in lakes, and rivers you need a license. Some lakes and rivers are an exeption from the rule. In Alta, you have the Alta river, this is a strong prehibited fishing area, you need to have a license for this river no matter what. Some areas are even forbidden from the license, and only the king can fish in that area. All because this is the river that has the best salmon population. 

Picking berries, mushrooms and plants

Bring a basket and off you go, you can pick whatever berries, mushrooms and plants you want. However, special rules apply to picking cloud berries, especially in the north of Norway. An owner from a land can prohibit you from picking cloudberries in certain areas. Always check the rules from the certain area you are planning to go to. 

With all activities it is a must to not damage any endangered plant species, respect the nature and the animals that live in the nature. 

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