The dangers of wild camping in Norway

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The advantages and disadvantages of wild camping in Norway

 

Wild camping in Norway offers many advantages, here’s a small selection that should make you want to try a tent for your trip: 

  • Being able to choose where you want to sleep and wake up gives you a great sense of freedom. The most beautiful views are not the ones in the hotels, but the ones you choose. Waking up in the morning with a view over a fjord is a unique experience.
  • The second important point: the budget, and here it’s unbeatable, since it’s free.<
  • It’s the only way to stay in touch with wildlife. If you enjoy contemplating animals in their natural habitat, this is the way to go.
  • It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and embark on a little adventure of your own, camping out in the wild on your own.

 

However, be warned that you may also find some disadvantages to wild camping in Norway: 

  • Sleeping on a wild camping site means thinking carefully about where you’re going to pitch your tent, because if you choose the wrong spot, you could be in for some nasty surprises. For example, avoid wetlands or the banks of rivers that may rise without warning.
  • Having the right equipment for the type of wilderness camping you’re looking for is also very important, as weight can quickly become a problem if you don’t plan ahead. One solution is to have help in the form of a vehicle for part of the journey. 

Everyday hygiene can also become a concern, so it’s best to plan for each of your needs and be aware of your limits before starting your trip.

 

Wild camping in Norway: is it allowed?

 

In Norway, you can go wild camping without any problems. There is even a law allowing you to do so: “Norwegian Allemannsretten”. If you’re camping in the wild in a tent, there are few restrictions, but as in many countries, it’s important to respect the rules if you’re in a camper van or a converted van. Van Life is fun, but so is respect for nature and Norwegian citizens. For example, you must not park your vehicle within 150 metres of a dwelling, and you must park it in a space provided for this purpose.

Tip: park your motorhome in an authorised spot, set off with your little tent on a hike to find the best spot, sleep there, have your meals and come back the next day for a shower and the rest. It’s the best of both possibilities.

Moreover, Norway is very well equipped for motorhomes and Vans, there are plenty of places where you can park your vehicle and recycle your waste water. You can find the list on this website: camperstop.com

Otherwise, you’ll find signs on every road in Norway as soon as you get close to a dedicated motorhome park.

If you like barbecues, don’t forget that open-air campfires are prohibited from 15 April to 15 September.

 

 

Norway in summer ►
15-day itinerary in Norway ►

 

When should you go wild camping in Norway?

 

If you like adventure, it’s possible to go camping in winter, but it’s always more enjoyable in summer. The best period is from June to September, but this does not apply to the whole of Norway. The further north you are, the colder it will be. Temperatures will also be milder by the sea in winter and cooler in summer. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid any problems. Don’t forget that you’re in the north and that the cold can come down quickly from the North Pole. Be prepared and always have warm clothes on even when everything seems to be warm. It’s easier to take them off when it’s hot than to have nothing at hand when it’s cold.

You can find all the average temperatures on this website: climatestotravel.com .

 

 

Tours and experiences in Norway with our partner

 

 

 

Where can I camp legally?

 

Wild camping with your tent is the best way to discover nature in Norway. The country has a large number of parks (47 national parks) that you can visit during your stay:

  1. Jotunheimen National Park: this is Norway’s most popular park and is also home to Norway’s highest mountain: Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m) 
  2. The Hardangervidda National Park: if you like hiking on the flat, this is the place for you, as this park is home to Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau 
  3. The Rondane National Park: A mountain park, it is home to 10 peaks over 2,000 metres high 
  4. The Lofotodden National Park: certainly one of the most visited by tourists, as it is located in Lofoten. It’s a park where you can go from the mountains to the sea in just a few kilometres. 
  5. The Femundsmarka National Park: if you like lakeside bivouacs as well as the animals that go with them, don’t hesitate, as this park is located near Lake Femunden, which is Norway’s third largest lake 

Don’t forget that if Norway gives you access to its entire territory for wild camping, you must respect its inhabitants and its flora and fauna;

You’ll also find a large number of paying campsites, where you can take a break, find toilets and showers and set off again in the best possible conditions for your trip to Norway. The wilderness is not always kind to hikers, so planning to visit more “civilised” areas is sometimes a good way of keeping some great memories of your trip.

 

  

 

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Régis
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