Here are some facts worth knowing about temperature and weather, clothing, laws and regulations and equipment you need for camping in North Norway.

Camping equipment available at Tromsø Outdoor:

-Tent

-Sleeping mat

-Sleeping bag

-Reindeer hide

-Thermos

-Cooking set

-Headlight

-Gas burner

Weather and Temperature

Always check the weather forecast of the region you will be in before going. Norway has a coastal maritime climate and the weather can change very quickly. Inland areas can have very different weather conditions from coastal regions. Places such as Tamokdalen and the Finnish/Swedish border region regularly have temperatures -20C or lower. If you are a beginner, we encourage you to go on a day with a good forecast. Camping is possible all year round, provided you have the right equipment. Camping in winter requires more specialised equipment.

Clothing

As with all outdoor activities, layering is important.

In brief, we recommend that you have:

Have something warm to put on e.g fleece or woollen jumper, puffer jacket.
A wind/waterproof jacket e.g Goretex or similar.
A warm hat and gloves - even in the summer.
Suitable footwear - hiking boots, trail runners etc

For a more detailed overview visit the Norwegian Trekking Associations website. They have a comprehensive list of information and packing lists.

If you decide to go camping during the winter, Tromsø Outdoor also has warm clothing for rent.

Laws and regulations

In Norway, we have laws that say you are not allowed to camp within 150m of inhabited houses and cottages without the landowner's permission. You can not stay longer than two days in the same place without the landowner's permission. You may stay as long as you want and wherever you want in mountainous and outlying areas without additional consent.

From April 15th to September 15th it is prohibited to light open fires in the forest areas because of the danger of forest fires. This also helps to preserve the environment during the peak season of camping.

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Leave No Trace

We encourage following the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.

Plan Ahead & Prepare - An understanding of The Norwegian Mountain code is a good place to start.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others

Special considerations

Recycling is standard practice so sort your waste where possible.
Please don't leave toilet paper in the open. Dig a cat hole and bury it, or carry it out. Use toilets where possible.
Use existing fireplaces where possible. If you are in a popular area, someone has probably made one before.
Stay on the existing trails and try not to widen them.