Can I make a campfire or a bonfire in Norway? What to DO and what NOT to do.

It’s Summer and grilling season is on. Are you outdoors and would like to make campfire to grill hotdogs and hamburgers? Or would you like to make a bonfire to celebrate Sankthans (St. John) ? You’d better check the rules first.

Allemannsrett is a Norwegian rule that allows citizens to enjoy nature. You can go hiking and camping pretty much everywhere. Except near houses. Check the post specifically about camping here.

June is when there’s the Summer solstice and many people like to make a bonfire to celebrate. It’s part of the Norwegian culture. Post about it here.

There are common rules for campfire in Norway and special municipal rules for Sankthans, the Summer Solstice celebration.

COMMON RULES:

Never cut trees to make campfire. Pick up the dry branches already on the ground.

Burning trash is forbidden. Always and Everywhere in Norway.

In Stavanger, it’s forbidden to burn garden waste all year round. Use the brown trash containers to get rid of them.

This post is based on the official information from the Firefighters’ website.

The Firefighters are asking citizens NOT to make bonfire in the nature, during the Corona pandemic. Here’s the information from their website:

• The risk of forest fires is great in several municipalities in Rogaland – even though it has rained
• The fire service monitors the danger of forest fires
• Respect and follow the general fire ban
• We do not recommend making fires outdoors now
• In case of fire – always call emergency number 1-1-0 !

Updated: 11.6.21In Norway, everyone must be careful and act in such a way that fire does not occur. This applies to everyone, all the time and everywhere.

From 15 April to 15 September, there is a general ban on campfire and bonfire in Norway. During this period, it is not permitted to light a fire and grill, including disposable grills, in or near forests and other outfields. 

Exception

• You are allowed to make a campfire if it obviously can not spread and start a fire. By obvious is meant that, for example, there is snow on the ground or that there has been a lot of precipitation over a long period of time
• Burner/camping stove or disposable grill can be used in cases where there is obviously no danger of a fire. At your own responsibility.
• Prefer to use the common grills at beaches instead of disposable grill. It’s safer and you avoid to produce unnecessary trash.
• It is allowed to grill on adapted barbecue and campfire sites.
• You can grill in your own garden.

And you can check their website here.

If you see a completely safe place, like in the sand at the beach, or on a long flat surface made of stone, then you’re allowed to make a camp fire. Check also the wind condition. You must predict accidents that may happen.

As I am used to hiking in the nature, I see many rests of camp fires. The last one I saw at a beach, there was a burning beer can inside. That is so stupid for three reasons. One: it’s forbidden. Two: it could have started a fire. Three: you can return the can and get pant money. 2 or 3 kr for each can.

More about life in Norway on my Instagram and Youtube.

The Sankthans is usually an exception, when people are allowed to make a bonfire, but them must apply to the municipality and get a license for that beforehand. At the Stavanger municipality website, there are the rules and the form to apply to make bonfire. Check my post about it here.

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