The right to roam
The right to roam, the right of access to and the right to spend time in uncultivated land serve as the basis for being able to enjoy simple outdoor life. It gives us the right to go for walks in forests and in the mountains, to ski in winter, cycle, sledge and ride on paths and roads.
The right to roam is enshrined in the Outdoor Recreation Act and builds on respect for environmental values, owners and other users. The right of access to and to spend time in the countryside only applies to uncultivated land and on cultivated land when the ground is frozen and covered in snow. Uncultivated land comprises almost all lakes, beaches, marshland, woodland and mountains in Norway. Cultivated land is fields, meadows, cultivated pastures, gardens and young plantations. Cultivated land also includes farmyards, plots around houses and industrial areas. The right to roam does not apply to the use of motor vehicles.
On uncultivated land, you can walk, ski and take breaks wherever you like. Spending the night under the stars or in a tent is permitted on uncultivated land, but not within 150 metre of houses or cabins. If you are going to spend more than two days in the same place, you require the consent of the landowner. You can nonetheless camp without the landowner’s consent in the mountains far away from houses etc.
As a user, you also have duties pursuant to the public right of way. People shall behave considerately and with due care in order not to cause damage or inconvenience to owners, users or others. Also show due consideration for the environment. Everyone must tidy up after them and not leave the place in a condition that may be unsightly. Take care when using a naked flame, and respect the prohibition on lighting a bonfire in or close to wooded areas in the period 15 April to 15 September. You are allowed to pick berries, mushrooms and flowers in most areas. You must show due care wherever you go and you must not injure, damage or disturb livestock, game or nature.
Code of conduct
Park, as far as possible, in designated car parks, and never in a manner that blocks other traffic or damages the ground.
You can cross fences in uncultivated land, but you must not damage them. Use designated crossing points where possible and close all gates.
There are many special protected areas in Romsdalen. Read the rules that apply to these and respect them.
You can bring your dog, but remember that it must be kept on a lead in the period 1 April to 20 August. Dogs must be kept on a lead until 1 October in Isfjorden. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep their dog under control at all times.
Show due consideration for fauna and flora, particularly during the breeding and nesting seasons.
You are allowed to pick berries, flowers, mushrooms and nuts in uncultivated land.
You can light a fire when you are on a walk, but not in or close to wooded areas from 15 April to 15 September. Do not damage trees when you are looking for firewood, and build the fire on rock/stones to protect the ground.
Show respect for the cairns – they show the way. Do not therefore build cairns unnecessarily.
Everyone can fish in the sea. In freshwater lakes, not including watercourses that contain salmon or trout, children under the age of 16 are entitled to a free rod fishing licence until 20 August. People over the age of 16 who fish in lakes must have a fishing licence where this is required. Check the rules on fishing licences.
The salmon in some watercourses have parasites. Do not contribute to spreading them. This can occur if water is transferred between watercourses in water bottles, canoes, fishing equipment etc.
Act in a way that preserves nature, and always bring your rubbish home with you.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency in the mountains call emergencynumber 112.
An emergency situation is: servere injuries, enviromenta danger (flooding, avalanches, slips etc), standed or the like. It is NOT an emergency situation if you are being late to return home, you have forgotten somthing or need to contact someone.
Before setting out for a hike in Norway, it can be wise to download the 113 app - which can locate you easliy. Download the app here.
What you need to know:
a) Make sure you are safe before assisting others
b) Get an overview of the situation and raise alarm.
c) Give first aid
d) Call 112
What you need to tell tem:
a) Who you are and how you can be contacted
b) Where you are. The location/ terrain of you and the people in need. A map grid reference or GPS coordinates helps.
c) What happened. Details of injury conditions.
d) When it happened
e) How many you are
f) What kind of help you need
g) Weather conditions of the area
In the event of no communications: Send a menber of your party to get help (sometimes there a cellphone coverage on a hill nearby). Leave visual cues to lead back to your location.
Outdoor first aid
Before setting off, it is important that you know basic first aid as walks do not always go according to plan. Your knowledge of first aid is crucial to the outcome of an accident.
In the event of an accident you must:
a) Ensure your own safety, and that of the injured person
b) Protect the injured person from the cold
c) Monitor the injured person`s vital functions:
- Check wheter he/she is breathing - if not, start heart and lung resuciation immediately
- If the injured person is unconscious but breathing, put him/her in the recovery position
- Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound, e.g. with a pressure bandage. Elevate the the wounded area above the heart as much as possible.
d) If you need further assistence call the emergency number 113.
Sunburn
Prevent sunburn by regulary applying a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Wearing a visor and sunglasses is recommended if it is sunny. If you get sunburnt, cover your skin and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Dehydration
Headaches are often indicators of dehydration. Drink regularly, understand your limits and take regular breaks.
Blisters
Make sure to use footwear that properly fit your feet, are suited for use in mountain terrain, and has soles with good friction. Prevent blisters by taping your feet using sportstape, and carry blister plaster in case you do get blister sores on your feet.
Bee and wasp stings
Cool the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. An antihistamine tablet can help reduce the reaction. Monitor the affected person for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Fractures
Any fractures cause pain, swelling and reduced mobility. In the event of a compund (open) fracture, you must cover the fracture and stop the bleeding. Keep the injured person and the fractured area still, and make a splint if possible. Prevent hypothermia (keep him/her warm) and call for help.
Wounds
In the event of wounds, you must stop the bleeding and cover the wound with a clean gauze pad, pressure bandage etc. Do not remove any foreign bodies in the wound, as this may lead to increased bleeding and a risk of infection. In the event of more serious wounds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and call for help. Elevate the injured area above the patient's heart if possible. Remember to keep the injured person warm to prevent hypothermia.
Hypotermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body starts to become dangerously cold. Wet clothes combined with wind can lead to a drop in body temperature. This also applies during the summer months. It is important to keep an eye on one another in such situations. Shivering and chattering teeth may be early signs of hypothermia. The person affected may gradually become quiet, withdrawn, disoriented and apathetic. Seek shelter from wind and rain, and if possible, get him/her inside a shelter. Remove wet clothes and put on dry clothes, and if available, put him/her in a sleeping bag, plastic sack etc. If the affected person in conscious, give him/her something warm to drink (not alcohol).
If the person is injured, lay him/her down on a mat, empty backpacks etc. to serve as insulation from the cold ground. Shield him/her from wind and rain as much as possible, and pack extra clothes, a sleeping bag or other insulating items on and around the injured person.
Remember! If you are unsure about what you should do, call 113 for assistance.