Ex. 28.12: Allemansrett – Culture

ALLEMANNSRETT. If you are traveling in sparsely populated areas in Norway, you should be familiar with the concept of allemannsrett.  This term translates to “every person’s right” and was put into law in 1957. This law safeguards “the public right of access to and passage through the countryside and the right to spend time there, so that opportunities for outdoor recreation as a leisure activity that is healthy, environmentally sound, and gives a sense of well-being are maintained and promoted.”

In practice this means that individuals are allowed to picnic, hike, and pitch a tent in areas that are not cultivated and are located at least 150 meters away from cabins or other buildings for up to two days. Visitors are expected to show respect for the farmers, landowners and the environment while traveling.