This is the right to move freely on foot, ski, bike or kayak, pitch tents for one night in certain areas, and use bonfires in designated places. Allemannsretten gives people the right to use natural areas such as forests, mountains, fields, lakes and coastlines for recreation, fishing, tourism, berry and mushroom picking, etc., as long as they do so sensibly and with respect for the environment and the rights of others people.
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An integral part of Norwegian culture and traditions
This law reflects the Norwegian philosophy of balance between individual rights and environmental responsibility. It is an important element of Norwegian culture and lifestyle that promotes close contact with nature and a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, it requires persons exercising these rights to respect the surroundings and other users of public areas.
We have every right to do this, if we take into account the owner of the land, each other, plants and animals.
There are two terms important for understanding Allemannsretten: innmark i utmark. In simple terms, areas innmark these are areas such as yards, plots around houses, arable land and similar areas where public traffic will be burdensome for the landowner.
Utmark can be explained as anything it is not innmark. In practice, this means forests, mountains, swamps and coastal areas that cover most of the country. Whether an area is innmark, Czy utmark, is not always obvious. In many cases this requires discretionary self-assessment.
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150 meter rule. Where to pitch a tent or hammock?
Accommodation or camping must be more than 150 meters from an occupied house or holiday home. If you intend to stay in the same place for more than two days, the landowner must give you permission. If you are located far from built-up areas or in high mountains, the landowner's consent is not required. Read more about camping and hammocks in nature on the website of the Norwegian Environment Agency .
Camping access is restricted in some areas, so it's worth checking local regulations
Walk the paths and roads inland
You can travel on foot or by ski on the paths and roads in the cultivated areas. The same applies to traveling by bicycle and horse, but if you travel by path, preparation is required. This right does not apply to organized activities, e.g. classes at a horse riding school.
The condition is that road traffic does not cause significant inconvenience to the landowner and does not pass through the yard or house plot.
You can also walk on frozen or snow-covered fields and meadows from October 15 to April 29. Read more about road traffic on the Environment Agency website.
Does not apply to all forms of transport
The Allemannsretten does not cover motor vehicle traffic in peripheral areas. The general law also excludes freshwater fishing, hunting and the use of electric bicycles. The right to travel by bicycle and horseback has certain restrictions that do not apply to walking and skiing.
What are the rules for hunting and fishing?
Any sea fishing conducted from land is defined as recreational fishing and can be practiced freely. The same applies to fishing from a recreational boat. While fishing, you can freely use hand tools such as a fishing rod or fishing line. Many species, such as cod, have minimum size rules. Fishing for certain species is also prohibited at certain times of the year. More information on fishing rules can be found on the website of the Norwegian Environment Agency.
To be able to hunt, you must pass a hunting exam and obtain a hunting permit. Hunting and fishing in freshwater and watercourses are not covered by customary law . As a rule, only the landowner has the right to do this and therefore he must grant you permission. However, separate rules apply to children and adolescents up to 16 years of age. They can fish freely in freshwater, with the exception of watercourses or parts of watercourses where salmon, sea trout or char are present.
Remember to show attention
Anyone who uses public law, has a duty to act prudently and carefully so as not to cause harm or inconvenience to others:
- Clean up after yourself.
- Be careful when using fire. Remember that it is forbidden to light fires in the period from April 15 to September 15 in or near forests and other open fields without the permission of the commune. It is still permitted to light a fire where it is clearly not likely to cause a fire. Remember that you should not light a fire on bare rock because the rock may crack.
- Remember that some rare species of berries, mushrooms and flowers are protected. In northern Norway, there are special rules for picking cloudberries.
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Allemannsretten stands in front development challenges privatization and illegal fences. Development along the coast has particularly limited access to beaches, mainly around Oslo Fjord and on the south coast.
Owners of houses and cottages can restrict the right of way in the private zone around the property, but not outside. Restricting the right of the general public to travel and reside in peripheral areas is illegal.
Exceptions to building bans have also turned areas that were previously attractive to outdoor living into cottage and residential areas.
Conflict of Interest
Conservation concerns may also come into conflict with outdoor living and the rights of the general public. Areas attractive for outdoor activities such as surfing and kitesurfing can be protected to protect endangered species and habitats.
Landowner rights such as hunting and fishing may conflict with common rights such as kayaking or berry picking. In recent years, we have also witnessed several attempts to impose fees on skiers for access to prepared ski slopes.
Allemannsretten not only gives rights, but also imposes obligations. When using public law, you should act prudently and carefully.
Staying, traveling and harvesting must be done with care. Other people in nature, permanent residents, cottage dwellers and agriculture should be taken into account.
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Source: Norsk Friluftsliv, Norwegian Environment Agency, Photo: Wojtek Sobieski
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