Camping in some of the globe’s most scenic topography is one of the best things about a trip to Norway. There is the reward too: it maintains costs down in what is otherwise a pricey land to travel around. Can you wild camp in Oslo? Stay tuned to find out more!
It’s not all about saving cash. There’s nothing like hearing the call of oystercatchers and splashing waves from the ease of your sleeping bag. Or waking up watching the sunrise, clinging your head out of your tent, and taking in the majesty of your environment, fjords, and so on. So, what’s the soundest way to go camping in Norway?
The primary choice to make is whether you want the installations of organized grounds, or whether you’re ready to rough it and hold more things with you, including meals and water.
You are able to set up a tent in the Oslo woodland, comprehended as “Marka”. Hold in mind that wild camping is planned for hikers, not only as a way to keep prices down. So, you must hold a reasonable space to built-up areas, you can’t camp on private properties, and no more than 2 nights in one spot.
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Wild Camping in Norway
Wild camping is permitted almost anywhere in Norway, and with a fjord or a lake just a couple of steps away, you can freshen up with a plunge in the morning – it provides an endorphin thrill like no other to start your day.
A time-honored law called allemannsretten (loosely rephrased as ‘the right to roam’) lets everyone wild camp nearly anywhere in open country, free of charge. It gives incredible liberation, with a few common-sense provisos. This is so that you don’t disturb the landowner or upset other people appreciating the country.
Note: Always be ready for your journey and seek to avoid snakes crawling in your sleeping bag at night.
The Essentials for Camping in Norway
- You can camp for up to 2 nights on any space of natural land without asking for approval from the landowner. This privilege applies to camping in an open country exclusively, not farmland under tillage, grass fields, or young farms. If doubtful, look for another location.
- Your pitch requires being 150 m away from the closest house, cottage, or other building that’s being used. You can’t set up camp on somebody’s lawn or the plot around a vacation home.
- In isolated areas, you don’t need to seek approval for longer stays as long as it doesn’t force inconvenience, and you’re not close to busy walking paths or touristy areas.
- In return for casting up in the wild, you’re asked to appreciate nature and the outdoors and leave no trash or other fraction of your stay.
Tip: We cannot talk about Norway without mentioning skiing! Have you been wondering if you can use a hiking pole as a ski pole? Still, is doing this safe?
Right to Roam in Norway
So, let’s look a little closer at the law that tolerates wild camping. The freedom to roam law lets you full entry to public land. Of course, you should be obedient to nature and leave no trace behind. In addition, there are two clear rules global travelers should be aware of.
You must stay at least 150 meters away from private property, such as inhabited homes, cottages, or private campsites. Also, you should not stay in the same location for more than one night.
Foraging for wild berries and mushrooms is allowed. But if you are unskilled, you should take particular care picking mushrooms and other plants to make sure they are not toxic. Also, be aware of precise laws on cloudberries in Northern Norway, by all means.
Other essential practices to check? Check whether you can build a fire in the specific area you select. You must also verify if it is completely extinguished before moving on. This is particularly important in the driest summer months to prevent wildfires.
Tip: It is crucial to think about the principal items you will bring for one night of camping. Don’t ignore this!
RV Camping in Norway
By now, we’ve only spoken about the idea of staying overnight in a tent or on a camp. Yet, you can also camp by sleeping in a car, or another vehicle of course!
Nevertheless, while the privilege to roam law lets visitors pitch a tent on public land, the same does not involve a vehicle such as a motorhome or a camper van. This truly goes without saying!
The Best Time to Camp in Norway?
Year-round camping is likely, but presumably not a good idea. Winters can be chilly but the lack of sunlight is assumably the biggest threat. Why is that? It lessens the amount of time you have to move around safely.
Camping in Norway is achievable during the winter, but many camps will be closed. Others will be open but will only deliver housing in on-site cabins, for instance.
Yet people still prefer to camp during the winter. Many with the expectancy of seeing the spectacular northern lights. February-March is presumably the best time as the days are brighter, although there may be more snow on the base so you shouldn’t try this as an amateur camper.
The regular camping season in Norway varies from the late spring through to the end of summer. July is the most active month. If you plan on staying on specific grounds, booking in advance is highly advisable.
Note: Remember to check out all the signs to safely avoid rattlesnakes while hiking. This is critical, by all means!
Camping Regulations in Norway
We’ve already summarized some of the regulations above. Yet, now it’s time for details, per se. You can camp on public land that is 150 meters far from private property, acquired land, buildings, or private grounds. You shouldn’t stay more than one night in any place.
Campers must obey the “leave no trace” practice. That goes without saying! This practice suggests clearing up all waste and being very cautious with campfires. In many locations, there will be warnings prohibiting campfires. Take additional care in the dry, summer months, by all means.
Swimming is allowed as long as there are no indications marking the lake as “drinking water” or another risk. Scouring for mushrooms, berries, etc. is allowed, only make sure you know what you’re choosing.
Tip: The Nordic Region is absolutely wonderful. Just like Norway, Iceland is a place that does marvels. Have you ever considered going camping in Iceland in August? If not, you definitely should!
So, Can You Wild Camp in Oslo?
As we have already indicated, there are many campsites all over Norway. Many are near national parks or rivers, others are within proximity to municipalities. Everything is fairytale-like and a good choice for spending the night in a tent. Can you wild camp in Oslo? Sure you can!
Here is a selection of some of the top camps in Oslo, founded on location and customer reviews.
- Bogstad Camping: A short bus ride from central Oslo, Bogstad is good for easy sightseeing but far enough for some relaxation. The year-round campground is by a lake, a golf course, and the extensive city woods of Nordmarka.
- Ekeberg Camping: Available each summer, Ekeberg Camping is well placed for a wonderful sight over central Oslo. It takes only 12 minutes to get to the city on everyday buses. The surrounding location is home to a farm with a zoo and horseback riding and the contemporary Ekeberg Sculpture Park.
Tip: Have you ever heard of skydiving? So, what does skydiving sound like to you? It is an extraordinary adventure, by all means!
Other Top Camps in Norway
- Lillehammer Camping: Following Norway’s largest lake (Mjøsa), Lillehammer Camping is a leading option for people wanting to visit the area’s numerous attractions. This includes the Maihaugen open-air museum, the areas of the 1994 Olympic Games, and Hunderfossen Family Park. The campsite is mainly appropriate for RVs.
- Preikestolen Camping: Entirely separate from other camps on this list, Preikestolen Camping mainly exists as a base camp for people making the Preiekstolen hike. Namely, it’s suited for both RVs and tents, even though costs are a tiny bit on the high side.
- Djuvik Camping: A fantastic surrounding on the coast of the Sognefjord, Djuvik is found on lane 13 between Vik and Vangsnes. Day journeys are available by craft across the Sognefjord to Fjærland, and boat ties to Flåm and Bergen.
