The public right of way is a free collective good, and part of our cultural heritage. It gives you right of access to uncultivated land, irrespective of the landowner. Two terms that are often used in the connection with the public right of way are cultivated land and uncultivated land. Cultivated land includes areas such as farms, house sites and farmed land. Uncultivated land is forests, mountains, marshland and coastal areas.
Outdoor pursuits are a great part of the Norwegian identity and we have long enjoyed right of access to forests and uncultivated land. As long as you show consideration and don't leave your rubbish behind, the public right of way ensures that you have free access to nature. You can fish in salt water all year, both from a boat and from the shore, as long as the fish you catch is for your own consumption. If you are going to fish for salmon, trout or Arctic char in rivers or watercourses, you must pay a licence fee to the state and buy a fishing permit from the landowner.
You can pick berries, mushrooms and flowers in moderation. Familiarise yourself with the rules that apply to nature reserves, and do not pick endangered and protected plant species. You must always close gates behind you both in cultivated and uncultivated land, and show consideration for grazing animals. Dogs must be kept on a lead between 1 April and 20 August. The basic rules are: Show consideration for nature, private property and other people. Do not cause any damage and leave nature as you would like to find it.
You can pitch a tent or sleep under the stars anywhere in uncultivated land, as long as you are 150 metres from the closest house or cabin. If you are going to pitch a tent for more than two nights, you are obliged to ask the landowner’s permission, apart from in the mountains or well away from residential areas. We recommend everyone to use the beautiful campsites in the area - both with regard to the environment, sustainability and to get a unique experience of Nordfjord. Read more about the rules for camping in Lodalen here.
Lighting a fire is prohibited between 15 April and 15 September, apart from beside water or in approved designated places where there is little risk of fire. In the event of a severe drought, it is also forbidden to barbecue or use a gas burner/camping stove. You are responsible in law for ensuring that flames do not spread and that they are extinguished before you leave the area.
Show consideration when finding firewood for your fire – use dry twigs that are already on the ground rather than breaking them off trees.
Rules when using open flames:
- Make sure that you are allowed to light a fire where you are.
- Check whether there is a prohibition on fires and check that the wind is not too strong.
- Keep any extra wood a safe distance from the fire so that sparks do not ignite it.
- Never leave an open flame unattended.
- Have water and a spade at hand.
- Make sure the fire is properly extinguished before you leave. Throw water on the fire and break up the embers with a spade.
Call the fire service at emergency number 110 in the event of a fire. Try to extinguish the fire, but do not put yourself or others at risk.
There is plenty of room for everyone in Norwegian nature if we all show due consideration. Remember that:
- Motorised traffic is not permitted in uncultivated land.
- When you park your car, you must ensure that you do not block anyone else in. You must ensure that the parking does not violate traffic rules or local restrictions.
- Camping is not permitted at picnic areas along the road. They are only to be used for short stays.
- You must tidy up after you have taken a break. Deposit your waste in the nearest waste container – do not bury it or hide it under a stone. Always leave places as you would wish to find them.
- Disposable barbecues must be placed in the nearest waste skip. Do not leave a disposable barbecue on grass or a dry surface. Be extra careful when it’s very dry.
- Do not park near houses or cabins to prevent disturbing others. Do not camp less than 150 metres from houses or cabins. If you camp any closer, you must have the owner’s permission. This also applies if you spend more than two days in the same place.
- Do not throw waste in the sea.