Re: [Paddlewise] Public beaches - was Saturation Point

Philip Torrens wrote:

> ...<snip>...
> A couple of people observed that having beaches public was an indicator of
> how civilised a place was or wasn't. By this standard, Norway ranks as one
> of the most civilised places on Earth. We paddled in the Lofoten Islands
> above the Arctic Circle. Anywhere that is even remotely landable has a
> village or a few houses using the "port". They still honour a common law
> left over from the days when people used to come north to the islands in
> open boats to take advantage of the rich fishery there: you can land and
> camp even on "private" land so long as you are not visible from anyone's
> house (I'm sure there must be limits to this - you can't "squat" and acquire
> title). For kayakers and other tourers, it's ideal.

This basic right applies not just in the north, but throughout Norway (and
Scandinavia, for that matter). Known as "allemannsrett", it is frequently
translated as "Every Man's Right" (but perhaps could more appropriately be
translated as "Common Man's Right").  It allows people to travel and camp on
noncultivated land throughout Norway, including on private property, subject to
very modest restrictions (such as not camping in close proximity to private
residences).  You can read more about this right at the following site:

In English:
http://www.willassen.no/guide/generelt/allemannsrett.en.html

In Norwegian:
http://www.willassen.no/guide/generelt/allemannsrett.no.html

I agree with Philip that this is very civilized! I wish we had such a right here
in North America. (And before some private property right advocate makes a snide
comment, yes I am a land owner, and no I would not mind having this apply on my
properties.)

Dan Hagen


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