Most people who fly a camera drone in Norway must be registered as a drone operator. A camera drone under 250 grams normally requires registration, but not necessarily courses and exams. Drones under 250 grams without a camera and drones that are actually CE marked as toys may be covered by exemptions. Always check the rules for your specific drone with the Civil Aviation Authority.

The requirements depend on the type of drone and the category of operation. For drones under 250 grams, there is normally no requirement for an exam, while larger drones usually require a relevant certificate of competence.

The drone should normally be kept within direct line of sight during the entire flight. The camera image on the screen does not replace the requirement that the pilot must be able to see the drone and follow the airspace around it

In the open category, the main rule is a maximum of 120 metres from the nearest point on the earth's surface. This is especially important in the Narvik region's steep mountainous terrain: the height must be considered in relation to the terrain around the drone, not just vertically down to the ground.

You should not fly over crowds. The distance requirements from individuals who are not participating in the drone operation vary with the drone's class and which subcategory you are flying in.

Drones of 250 grams or more are normally covered by liability insurance. Drones under 250 grams that are flown in the open category are exempt from the statutory insurance requirement.

Drones and photography

Fjords, mountains and Arctic light make the Narvik region an attractive place for aerial photography. Large parts of the region can be explored with a drone, but as a drone pilot, you are responsible for checking that the flight is both legal and safe right then and there.

The Narvik region has relatively large natural areas, but also airports, military activity, protected areas, manned aviation and areas where photography from the air may be limited. Temporary restrictions may also occur at short notice.

In practice, this means that you should not rely on a single map or on information you found before your trip. Before each flight, check the applicable airspace, NOTAM, any sensor bans, and local regulations.

Before you fly – five things to check

Do you have the right registration and expertise for your drone?
Check the requirements with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Is it allowed to fly right here?
Check Avinor's drone map and current airspace.
Are there temporary restrictions?
Check the NOTAM through Avinor's IPPC.
Is aerial photography or filming allowed?
Check NSM's map of sensor ban areas.
Do local rules apply?
Check any safety regulations, activity in the area and conditions on site.

This is the safest routine even when the area at first glance looks free.

The most important drone rules in Norway

Most regular leisure flights and other low-risk operations take place in the open category, but the requirements that apply depend on the drone's weight, class and how you want to fly, among other things.

Registration: Most people who fly a camera drone in Norway must be registered as a drone operator. A camera drone under 250 grams normally requires registration, but not necessarily courses and exams. Drones under 250 grams without a camera and drones that are actually CE marked as toys may be covered by exemptions. Always check the rules for your specific drone with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Courses and exams: The requirements depend on the type of drone and the category of operation. For drones under 250 grams, there is normally no requirement for an exam, while larger drones usually require a relevant certificate of competence.
Range of vision: The drone should normally be kept within direct line of sight during the entire flight. The camera image on the screen does not replace the requirement that the pilot must be able to see the drone and follow the airspace around it
Maximum height: In the open category, the main rule is a maximum of 120 metres from the nearest point on the earth's surface. This is especially important in the Narvik region's steep mountainous terrain: the height must be considered in relation to the terrain around the drone, not just vertically down to the ground.
People: You should not fly over crowds. The distance requirements from individuals who are not participating in the drone operation vary with the drone's class and which subcategory you are flying in.
Liability insurance: Drones of 250 grams or more are normally covered by liability insurance. Drones under 250 grams that are flown in the open category are exempt from the statutory insurance requirement.

Check Avinor's drone map

Avinor's drone map should be one of the first places you check before departure. The map shows, among other things, zones around airports and information about where special restrictions apply.

Around Norwegian airports, the main rule is that you cannot fly closer than five kilometers without permission from the local air traffic service.

This is particularly relevant at Harstad/Narvik Airport Evenes, which in addition to civilian air traffic is also a military air station. Other restrictions or temporary measures may therefore be in addition to the ordinary zone around the airport.

Don't assume that it's free to move just because you're more than five kilometers from an airport. Always check the current map and other restrictions.

Check the NOTAM before each flight

NOTAM – Notice to Air Missions, is used to publish important and often temporary information about the airspace. Among other things, you can create temporary restricted areas that weren't necessarily active when you planned your trip.

Avinor's IPPC provides access to updated NOTAM and visualization of them in maps.

This is especially important in the Narvik region because military exercises and other air activity can lead to temporary restrictions. During Cold Response 2026, for example, several areas were established where civilian drone flying was prohibited while the restrictions were active.

Therefore, check the NOTAM on the same day as you are flying, even if you already know the area.

Military areas and censorship bans

The Narvik region has considerable military activity, including at Evenes and in Bjerkvik. The Civil Aviation Authority states that military areas and vessels are among the areas where drone flying may be prohibited or restricted.

At the same time, it is important to distinguish between where you can fly and what you can photograph from the air.

The National Security Authority, NSM, has its own no-go areas for airborne sensor systems. These are intended to protect military and other critical national objects against photography, filming and other information gathering from the air. NSM has its own map that shows the areas.

If you are flying near Bjerkvik, Evenes or other places with military activity, you should therefore check both the airspace, NOTAM and NSM's sensor ban map.

During major military exercises, temporary restricted areas can also be established over large parts of the region. The geographical scope and time period of the restrictions vary from exercise to exercise.

Manned aviation has priority

Helicopters and other manned aircraft can also appear in places where you normally experience very little air traffic.

In the Narvik region, this can include rescue and ambulance helicopters, military aviation or other operational helicopter traffic. The drone pilot will be able to react if another aircraft enters the area.

If you see or hear a manned aircraft nearby, you must keep a good distance. If you are unsure whether a conflict may arise, land the drone and wait until the airspace is ready again.

Never fly a drone near the scene of an accident or an ongoing rescue operation.

Narvikfjellet

Narvikfjellet is undergoing extensive development towards the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2029. The development includes new lifts, slopes, snow production and other facilities, and construction activity will continue through 2026 and beyond.

Here you should pay special attention to people, ski lifts, construction machinery, work areas and any other air activity.

If you want to fly close to the ski resort itself, the lift routes or the construction areas, we recommend that you contact Narvikfjellet in advance and clarify local conditions.

The mountain areas

The large mountain areas around Narvik may look empty, but the absence of buildings does not necessarily mean that the airspace is empty.

Always keep the drone within visual range and within the height limit, even when following a steep mountainside.

Also note that mountains, ridges and steep formations can quickly hide the drone from direct view. Follow the manufacturer's restrictions for wind and temperature, and abort the flight if conditions mean that you are no longer in full control.

Stetind and other popular mountains

Stetind and other prominent mountains in the region are popular with photographers, climbers and mountain hikers alike.

Never fly so close to climbers or other people that the drone could be a nuisance or pose a risk. In steep terrain, it is also important to remember that the 120-meter limit follows the distance to the nearest point on the terrain, while the drone must always be within direct visual range.

A good picture is never more important than the safety of those who are in the mountains.

Nature reserves and wildlife

Narvik municipality has nine nature reserves with their own protection regulations.

However, that does not mean that drone flying is automatically banned in all nine. The rules vary between protected areas, and it is the individual protection regulations that determine which restrictions apply. The Norwegian Environment Agency therefore recommends checking the provisions for the specific protected area before flying.

Also show consideration for birds and other wildlife even where there is no explicit drone ban. If animals react to the drone, increase the distance or end the flight.

Privacy and photography

The fact that you are allowed to fly somewhere does not necessarily mean that all photography and publication is unproblematic.

Show consideration for people and privacy. Avoid close filming of people, homes or private situations, and be aware of the privacy policy if people can be identified in the material. The Norwegian Data Protection Authority has its own guidance on the use of cameras on drones.

There is no general rule that any overflight of private property requires the landowner's permission. The decisive factors include the type of drone operation you carry out, the safety distances that apply and how you safeguard your privacy.

Are you flying on the Swedish side of the border?

The Narvik region is close to Riksgränsen, Björkliden and Abisko, and many guests take the drone on to Sweden.

Norway and Sweden largely follow the pan-European EASA regulations, but you must check Swedish geographical restrictions and national rules before flying. The Swedish Transport Agency has its own drone guide for flying in Sweden.

Sweden also has a rule that is particularly important for photographers: If you photograph or film Swedish land from the air and want to publish, share or sell the material, you must normally apply to the National Land Survey for a distribution permit before the material is disseminated.

Therefore, check Swedish rules before taking the drone across the border.

Fly with respect for the place

Drone images can show the Narvik region from perspectives that are difficult to experience in other ways. At the same time, you share the airspace and landscape with others, from helicopters and military aviation to climbers, skiers, wildlife and people who want tranquility.

Plan your flight, check the current information and be prepared to leave the drone in the bag if the conditions are not right.

Before departure, we recommend that you always check the Civil Aviation Authority, Avinor's drone map, NOTAM/IPPC and NSM's sensor ban map and any local protection regulations for the area you are going to visit.