Responsible hiking

The right to roam

One unique aspect of Norway's outdoor culture is the right to roam, or "allemannsrett" in Norwegian. This right is protected by the Outdoor Recreation Act of 1957 and allows anyone to access and enjoy the country's natural spaces, regardless of who owns the land.

The right to roam includes the ability to hike, camp, and pick berries and mushrooms on public and private land (with a few exceptions, such as cultivated fields and private gardens). This means that Norwegians and visitors alike can explore the countryside freely, without worrying about trespassing or obtaining permission from landowners.

The Outdoor Recreation Act of 1957 also encourages landowners to provide access to their land for recreational purposes, and it allows local governments to set aside areas for public use. This ensures that even privately owned land can be enjoyed by all.

Overall, the right to roam is an important part of Norway's outdoor culture, and it allows people to connect with nature in a way that few other countries allow.

Be aware of your impact on nature

The natural beauty that surrounds Oslo is a treasure to be cherished and protected by all who visit. This means that we should strive to leave these areas in the same or better condition than we found them. This means not only respecting the flora and fauna that call these areas home, but also taking responsibility for any impact we may have on the environment.

With the right to roam comes a responsibility to respect the natural environment and other people's property. For example, hikers are expected to stick to established trails and not damage vegetation, while campers should not leave any traces of their presence when they leave a site.

You should:

• dispose of waste properly, this can mean that you need to bring it back home.
• leave what you find, leave rocks and plants as you find them, they are a part of the ecosystem.
• respect wildlife, observe wildlife from a distance and never feed wildlife. Make sure to check when it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash.
• minimise campfire impacts, keep fires small and burn them to ash and make sure to put out the fire completely. Use established fire areas where available. Remember that wood and logs are a part of the ecosystem.

Clothes and equipment

There is usually no need for special equipment for shorter walks in Oslo's outdoors, but you should wear footwear suitable for hiking. Remember to bring plenty of water, and check the weather conditions before embarking on your adventure.

You should consider bringing trekking clothes and equipment for demanding or long hikes. Since the Norwegian weather can be unstable, it can be a good idea to have rain gear in your backpack and a warm sweater and extra socks.

Maps

Keep in mind that Google Maps may not contain enough information about trails, terrain or topography to properly plan hiking routes and may not be suitable as a tool to assess hiking difficulty and elevation gain.

Not all places in Oslomarka have mobile coverage, and if the weather is cold or wet mobile phones can be difficult to use.

Consider using a paper map. Paper maps made for hikers provide the information you need about trails and topography, and gives you an overview of the entire area you are in making it easier to understand where you are and where you are going. The Norwegian Trekking Association in Storgata, as well as many bookshops, sell maps suitable for adventuring in the outdoors.