Wildcamping in Germany and Europe
A controversial topic: wild camping – where is it allowed and what do you need to look out for
What exactly is wild camping?
The term wild camping basically refers to any form of camping in a tent, camper van or motorhome/caravan for the purpose of spending the night and spreading out the camping infrastructure (tables, camping chairs, awning, etc.), which does not take place on a site explicitly intended for this purpose, such as a campsite. This also includes spending the night in a car in places not designated for this purpose and camping in the wild. In Germany as well as in other European countries, wild camping is often not permitted.
Wild camping is not the same as bivouacking
There is a fundamental difference between wild camping and bivouacking and camping: bivouacking is the overnight stay without a tent or vehicle in the open air or a tarp, i.e. a tarpaulin without a tent floor, for one night. It is not only in Germany that bivouacking is tolerated in most cases, as long as you are not on private property or in a nature reserve.
The so-called “emergency camp”
“Emergency” camping, is used to rest after a long stretch of driving and to recover one’s suitability for driving. When “emergency” camping, it is important to ensure that you do not stay in one place for more than ten hours and do not engage in any camping activities – for example, extending the awning or setting up camping chairs and tables. Trailers, including caravans, may also not be uncoupled from the towing vehicle during “emergency” camping and you must be ready to drive off at all times. “Emergency” Camping is generally permitted in Germany at all public rest areas and parking lots, unless they have explicit signs prohibiting camping vehicles. The same applies to other public parking lots.
What you should be aware of when wild camping
In general: be considerate, don’t leave any garbage behind, respect the flora and fauna and refrain from lighting open fires. If you’re camping with your dog, this is especially important to remember, as it applies to your pets waste as well. We also have lots of other helpful tips on camping with dogs. Should you be caught camping incorrectly in the wilderness, bivouacking or setting up emergency camps, behave in a friendly and cooperative manner. This will usually save you from being reported and/or fined.
Certain areas are generally considered off-limits
Agricultural areas, nature reserves, nature reserves, landscape conservation areas and national parks are generally off limits. German coastal areas are also protected, which is why camping on German beaches and dunes is generally prohibited.
Our top 5 tips for you
1. Stay discreet
Anyone who arrives in large groups and sets up a wild campsite or plays loud music from a boom box during camping is naturally not a welcome guest and therefore attracts more negative attention. Alone, as a couple or small family, you will attract less attention and may disturb other people less or not at all.
2. Refrain from having an open fire
Lighting open fires in the wild is strictly prohibited and can result in severe fines if you get caught lighting it. You should therefore refrain from building a campfire or setting up a barbecue. Be careful: Gas-powered camping stoves are also defined as open fires, so it is better not to use them outdoors either. In areas where there is an increased risk of forest fires, police are keen to check and the fines are correspondingly high.
3. Setting up and dismantling quickly, short duration of stay
If you camp in one place for a longer period of time, you run a much greater risk of being caught and the argument that you are only camping for one night is no longer valid. Camping without a tent for one night is tolerated almost everywhere. The exceptions are Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece and Portugal, where overnight stays outside campsites, even for one night, are generally prohibited.
4. Leave the place as you found it
Piles of garbage, leftover food and human waste obviously have no place in nature and not only could have a negative impact on the local flora and fauna, but can also result in fines. So: take all your waste back with you to ensure that the area looks exactly as you originally found it. If you also want to do a good deed, set an example and take all the garbage you find with you, even if it’s not your own. This keeps the place clean and, in the event that you are caught, you can at least prove that you behaved responsibly.
5. Show a little empathy
If you ask yourself the simple question of whether you could disturb someone by spending the night or setting up camp in a certain place and the answer is “yes”, it is better to move on and look for another spot. Because within sight of residential areas, in front of tourist attractions or private stores, you can quickly be perceived as a disturbing element. So if you put yourself in the shoes of local residents, business owners or property owners, you run less risk of being identified as a disturbance and won’t get into trouble with the police.
Wildcamping in Europe
A rough overview of the various legal situations in other European countries
Generally speaking, every region has different regulations and laws that must be followed. So even if free-standing camping is generally permitted in a country, in case of doubt the regional regulations take top priority and must always be respected.
Generally, wild camping is permitted here
Lettland, Litauen and Estland
You are allowed to spend the night anywhere outside towns and villages. Unless explicit prohibition signs indicate a special camping ban.
Österreich
With the exception of the Tyrol and Vienna prohibition zones and a general ban on camping in nature reserves, you can camp almost anywhere without any problems, at least for one night.
Schottland
Scotland is the only country in the United Kingdom to offer campers an oasis of wild camping: here you can stay overnight in the wild for up to three days at a time by tent. Camper vans are allowed to camp freely as long as a minimum distance of 14m from the road is maintained. Just like in Scandinavia, you are not allowed to camp within sight of private houses.
Schweden, Finnland, Norwegen
Here the so-called Everyman’s Right applies, which states that although a piece of land may belong to one person, it must be available to everyone. You should be on the safe side if you make sure not to set up camp within sight of the landowner’s private house. As the rules here refer to an overnight stay, you should ask the owner for permission if you are staying longer. Naturally, you must behave well and dispose of your garbage correctly. As the Everyman’s Right applies primarily to hikers, you still have to observe a few things when wild camping with a camper van: As long as you are not obstructing traffic, you are allowed to spend the night in your campervan in public parking lots, roadsides and cul-de-sacs. Unfortunately, spending the night in a campervan in the forest is prohibited here as well.
Schweiz
Please pay attention to explicit prohibition signs. In addition, individual cantons have different legal situations. We recommend checking the current legal situation well in advance to ensure you find a place to spend the night before it gets dark.
Here free standing is allowed for one night
Belgien
You can spend the night at the roadside to restore your driving ability.
Deutschland
As long as you do not engage in any camping activities (erecting awnings, barbecues, setting up camping chairs/tables etc.) and do not stay in one place for longer than 10 hours, you can also camp in the wilderness in Germany for an overnight stay.
Italien
In Italy, you have to pay close attention to the regional prohibition signs and rules, but generally parking for one night is tolerated.
Spanien
In Spain, it is also permitted to spend the night in the vehicle to restore fitness to drive.
Niederlande, Polen, Luxemburg, Portugal and Dänemark
Wild camping is generally prohibited in these areas and may result in a ticket or fine.
Alternatives to wild camping
Campsites for clubs and youth organizations
In addition to visiting a traditional campsite, it is often possible to stay overnight at campsites run by youth organizations (e.g. scout camps, shooting club campsites, etc.) or clubs. Especially during the off-season, these are not frequented as much and they often offer the advantage of having some infrastructural facilities, such as sanitary facilities, showers or barbecue areas, which can be used.
Private farms and plots of land
If you know the destination or at least the region you are traveling to, it is worth doing a little research in advance to find out whether there are suitable plots of land nearby and simply ask the owners in a friendly manner. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in an apple orchard or next to a vineyard – all on your own and without any stuffy campsite rules.
You can also take a look at our article camping away from the crowds or alternatives to the classic campsite. There you’ll find lots more tips to help you easily choose your ideal pitch.
In a nutshell…
Even though camping in the wilderness is no longer possible without restrictions anywhere in Germany or Europe, you can still enjoy a great time in the great outdoors with a little preparation and good planning. If you adhere to the local regulations and show consideration for the country and its people, Europe offers campers some great hideaways in the wild. In our opinion, a camper van that is not too big, such as a VW Bus, is best suited for this. You can find all the information about our VW Bulli, the Dreamer, here.
If you still have difficulties choosing your vacation destination after reading this article, the VANTOPIA team will of course be happy to help you with recommendations and tips before your trip.
Due to constantly changing legislation, all our tips and information on laws and regulations are without guarantee.
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