Hello....

Does anyone know about free camping in Norway?
We're planning a trip there in July '07 and being on a tight budget and Australian dollars, we're hoping to keep costs down. Can you camp in forest regions or must you stay in campsites?

Cheers
Grumpster

You can camp almost anywhere, I do it all the time. My favourite is to find blind roads that leads up to some mountains and water. The view is often great!
Topographic maps help.

The rule is (I think) you can camp anywhere that is more than 150 metres from the nearest house -- apart from cultivated farmland and specifically prohibited areas (car parks at museums and such often have a 'No Camping' sign, aimed at the hordes of campervans).

--Mike

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www.BesideTheSeaside.eu
---I'm back. Now what?---

Yes that explains it pretty well, but when it comes to "150 metres from the nearest house" it means a house where people live. (Not an old barn, an empty summerhouse...)

Thanks guys....I had read that was the case needed to hear it from someone who had done it!

We only have one week in Norway so we are limiting our trip to the Fjords around Bergen (crossing of Newcastle). We were hoping to get to the artic circle but we'll see...

Thanks again
Grumpster

If you're on a tight budget DON'T bother getting up north, we did (even further - Nordkapp) this summer - it's more of a chalenge than anything else, and you have to bear in mind that Norway is huge and you have to travel slow (I really mean SLOW), ferry crossings are another problem up north, especially if you keep of the E6.

Enjoy the south and head off somewhere, Norway is BEAUTIFUL.

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Hiya,

I have been to Norway a couple of times as well. I found that the region around Bergen is beautiful but by Norwegian standards rather crowded. One of the longest tunnels is in that area and for me a nice experience.
Free camping is formally only permitted on non-privat owned land. I had some troubles since I forgot to ask the owner of the land if I could camp out there. This owner is often nowhere to be found but has to give permission anyway. Camping out on gouvernement owned land is almost never a problem only in Bergen there is not much of that around where you can also camp because of the steep hills. So, if you can, ask the owner of the land. Norwegians are generally nice people so you'll probalbly do fine!
When going north visit the town of Lom, it is near a glasier and worth your while. However, stay of the for prices are very high. If on a tight budget I would recommend going to Sweden if you have the time. Better prices, also beautiful nature and lots to do and see. For example, visit High Chapparel and ride the steam engines (trains) and get robbed bij Swedish speaking cowboys. I.m sure it I'll give you a laugh or two. If going to the polar circle, you'll find a monument besides the road on a plain. Further nothing to do or see so think twice on going all that way. I've been to the nordkapp as well twice but it is a long(er) road indeed!

greets and have fun!
Bootsman

Hmmm, some land-owners might like you to ask but as long as you stay 150 metres from his house (and not on farmed ground) he has nothing to say. There is a law which explain this, "friluftsloven", but I'm not able to find it in english at the moment.

The law is "everyman's right" and the farmer cannot prevent you from camping as long as the land is not under cultivation and more than 150 meters from a habitation. while in Bergen you might try the Sailor's (hotel, hostel, whatever). It was originally for sailors waiting for their ships to sail and had spent all their money on wine, women, and song--maybe invested in an IRA. I stayed there twice and it was about 10 bucks. Pretty seedy, but safe and clean enough. They even let me take my bicycle inside out of the wretched Norwegian rain. Ninety-two million Norwegians were swept out sea that afternoon what they called a mild afternoon sprinkle.