Right to roam and wild camping in Sweden, Norway and Finland
Pitching your tent by a mirror-smooth lake and being the first in the water in the morning: in Scandinavia that’s often possible, thanks to the right to roam. But each country has its own rules. We read them for you directly at the authorities.
Researched by Arjan from Zuidlaren, so you don’t have to · Sources: Miljødirektoratet, Naturvårdsverket, Luontoon · updated 24 October 2026 · About this page
Sorted before you leave
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- Norway: in the “utmark” up to 2 nights in the same place, at least 150 m from the nearest inhabited house (Miljødirektoratet). Fire ban 15 April – 15 September in or near forest and utmark, unless there’s obviously no fire risk (Lovdata).
- Sweden: “one or a few days”, out of sight and earshot of homes; motorhomes not off-road (Naturvårdsverket).
- Finland: staying overnight temporarily is allowed, at a reasonable distance from homes (Luontoon).
Details: Dutch version.