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Norwegians see outdoor recreation as an important part of their cultural legacy, which has developed from both rural traditions of harvesting from nature and an urban culture of excursions to the countryside.
On this page you can read about the following topics:
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Photo: Kristin Karlsen/DN |
Right of access
Everyone in Norway has a wide-ranging right of access to the countryside, originally a traditional right but now set out in the legislation. But is important to remember that this right is based on respect for the countryside and that visitors must always show consideration for farmers and landowners, other users and the environment.
Outdoor recreation means spending time outside and experiencing the countryside at first hand. Many people say that the quality of their lives and their health improve when they have opportunities for outdoor recreation on an everyday basis and during holidays.
People who spend time in our mountains, fjords and forests develop a greater understanding of interactions between species and the ecological balance. And people who have learned to love the countryside also wish to preserve it. They understand the importance of biological diversity and its conservation. This means that outdoor recreation can be one path towards sustainable development.
The authorities wish to ensure that everyone has opportunities for outdoor activities. One of Norway's national targets is to ensure easy access to recreation areas near their homes and in harmony with the environment.
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Photo: Kristine Stene/DN
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Many outdoor recreation areas are being developed for other purposes, especially in and around towns and built-up areas. Three-quarters of all Norwegians live in these areas, so that it is very important to safeguard existing green spaces and nearby countryside. We must also make sure that access to the beaches and the coast is not restricted by privatization of the shoreline and developments along the seashore. In the mountains, it is important to protect our remaining wilderness-like areas.
Public access to the countryside is being threatened by commercial developments and privatization. In some places, fences and other barriers are put up even where they are not permitted under the Outdoor Recreation Act. Piecemeal developments along the coast, particularly in the Oslofjord and in popular areas of Southern Norway have gradually reduced public access to
the shoreline. As a general rule, building and partitionaing of property is prohibited in the 100 m zone closest to the sea, but local authorities have made liberal use of opportunities to grant exemptions from this rule in many areas. |
Many outdoor recreation areas are being developed for other purposes, especially in and around towns and built-up areas. Three-quarters of all Norwegians live in these areas, so that it is very important to safeguard existing green spaces and nearby countryside. We must also make sure that access to the beaches and the coast is not restricted by privatization of the shoreline and developments along the seashore. In the mountains, it is important to protect our remaining wilderness-like areas.
Public access to the countryside is being threatened by commercial developments and privatization. In some places, fences and other barriers are put up even where they are not permitted under the Outdoor Recreation Act. Piecemeal developments along the coast, particularly in the Oslofjord and in popular areas of Southern Norway have gradually reduced public access to the shoreline. As a general rule, building and partitionaing of property is prohibited in the 100 m zone closest to the sea, but local authorities have made liberal use of opportunities to grant exemptions from this rule in many areas.
In practice the right of access means that you may go anywhere you like on foot or on skis and picnic wherever you want. You may also put up a tent for the night - or sleep under the stars - but you must keep at least 150 m away from the nearest house or cabin. If you want to stay for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or very remote areas.
You must show consideration and care, so that you do not cause any damage or inconvenience to the landowner or other users. You must also respect the countryside: make sure you take everything with you, including your rubbish, and never leave an unsightly camp site behind you.
Open fires are not permitted in or near forested areas in the period 15 April to 15 September. Take care not to cause any damage if you light a fire at other times of year. In general, you may pick berries, mushrooms and flowers, but special rules apply to cloudberries in the three northernmost counties.
Fishing
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Photo: Kristin Karlsen/DN
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Sports fishing is a popular activity, and an important part of Norwegian outdoor recreation traditions. About half the adult population goes fishing at least once a year.
In rivers and lakes, sports fishing is not included in the right of free access: the fishing rights belong to the landowner. In Norway, there is a distinction between government property, state common land and private property, but regardless of who owns the land, you may only fish if you have permission from the landowner or have bought a fishing licence.
All anglers over the age of 16 who wishes to fish for salmon, sea trout and sea char (anadromous salmonids) in fresh water must pay the National Fishing Licence, an annual fee payable to the Norwegian Government.
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Sports fishing is free in the sea, and is an important part of the right of free access. As a general rule, you do not need the landowner's permission to use a rod and handline or fixed gear. However, the landowner has exclusive rights to fishing for anadromous salmonids (salmon, sea trout and sea char) with fixed gear on his own property and adjacent areas. Norway has a comprehensive set of rules governing fishing in salt water, for example on the types of gear that may be used, marking of gear and fishing seasons. However, there are relatively few restrictions on fishing with a rod and handline.
Hunting
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Photo: Torbjørn Moen
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Hunting is not included in the right of free access, and the hunting rights belong to the landowner. This means that hunting is not allowed without permission from the landowner, and a hunting licence or similar permit must be obtained before hunting. The only exception is hunting in salt-water areas where hunting can take place from outside the shoreline by foot or from a boat.
All hunters must pay a yearly hunting fee prior to hunting. All those hunting for the first time must pass a hunting proficiency test. The minimum age for hunting small and big game are 16 and 18 years, respectively. Hunting may be carried out on government property, state common land and private property. Hunting seasons for game species are laid down by the Directorate for Nature Management.
Hunters must be skilled in handling firearms, traps, etc., and have an adequate knowledge of game species hunted and relevant rules and regulations. All those planning to hunt for the first time in Norway must therefore take a hunting proficiency test. This involves an obligatory 16-hour practical course and a theory test. The courses are arranged by adult education associations, but the county governors are responsible for holding the theory tests. |
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