WILD CAMPING IN EUROPE

Going out with a tent and camping where it feels good would be something., but it's not as easy as you might think. In many European countries, wild camping is prohibited or subject to strict regulations. However, since there are no uniform regulations across Europe, you can quickly run into problems with local law enforcement. For this reason, we have looked at Germany's most important neighboring countries and will give you tips on how wild camping is regulated in each country.

However, the legal situation is sometimes very opaque and difficult to understand without legal training. In addition, there are different regulations in each country in the different communities, municipalities or regions. In extreme cases, what was clearly permitted can be banned with the stroke of a pen and vice versa. So our list is by no means exhaustive. So if you don't want to ruin your vacation budget with a hefty fine or be stranded overnight, you should find out exactly about the regulations at your destination before you leave.

TENTING OR BIVOACING?

This very question is often a point of contention. As we explained in the article about wild camping in Germany, there is often a big difference. Let's take Germany as an example: In Germany it is forbidden (with exceptions) to set up a tent for the night in a field, forest or meadow. Setting up an (emergency) campsite, i.e. H However, staying overnight with only a sleeping bag, mat and possibly a tarpaulin is not expressly regulated in Germany. This means that camping in the legal gray area is neither permitted nor prohibited. But only camping, not camping.

PROMISED LAND - YOU CAN WILD CAMP HERE

Yes, and hurrah, they still exist: countries where wild camping is generally permitted. But here too, as always, there are rules without exceptions. The rule that applies to these countries is to find out detailed information about local characteristics before traveling.

ESTONIA, LATVIA, LITHUANIA

Wild camping is permitted in the Baltic countries. Camping is permitted outside national parks, nature reserves and private property. However, there are some rules of conduct that must be observed. Noise is taboo because the rich wildlife must not be disturbed. In general, care must be taken to ensure that nature is not damaged. Although wild camping is generally permitted in all Baltic countries, there may be regional or temporary restrictions. Camping or camping is also not permitted in national parks and nature reserves.

FINLAND, NORWAY, SWEDEN

Scandinavia is probably a paradise for wild campers. Everyone has the right to camp and bivouac in the countryside. This generally applies to private property, but not to agricultural land. Also be careful not to set up a tent city near settlements or individual houses. On private property, for example in Norway, you are allowed to pitch a tent for a maximum of two days and at a reasonable distance, at least 150 m from inhabited houses. However, stricter regulations may apply in nature reserves and national parks. In all areas covered by the Right to Camp Regulation, camping is permitted for a maximum of two nights. However, the rule also applies here: don't destroy anything and take the rubbish with you. Further information can be found here: Finland, Norway and Sweden.

SCOTLAND

There are no uniform rules for wild camping in the UK. England, Wales and Scotland have completely different laws. However, wild camping is only permitted in Scotland. There, behavior in the wilderness is regulated by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is a kind of binding code of conduct with all the “do’s” and “don’ts”. Of course, there are places such as nature reserves and private properties where different rules apply, but outside of these areas camping and overnight stays are permitted.

YES, NO, MAYBE - WILD CAMPING IS PARTIALLY TOLERATED HERE.

In countries like Germany or France, wild camping is completely forbidden and can theoretically be punished. However, in some cases there are ways to legally (!) circumvent these bans.

DENMARK

Wild camping is also temporarily prohibited here. Checks are to be expected, especially in tourist areas, and fines may be imposed. However, there are places where you can camp outside of a typical campsite without any problems. There are countless forests in Denmark where you can legally camp. However, it is important to observe the rules that apply there. Here is a quick summary:

• Stay in the same place for just one night.
• A maximum of two small tents (for a maximum of 3 people each) may be set up on the same site.
• The tents must be out of sight of houses, roads, etc. be opened.
• Open fires may only be made in the fire pits provided for this purpose.
• Due to the risk of forest fires, only very safe storm stoves are permitted. In addition, some areas may be closed if there is a high risk of forest fires.

BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS

In Belgium and the Netherlands, wild camping is regulated similarly to Denmark. Camping is also prohibited here and fines may be imposed. However, especially in the Netherlands, but also in parts of Belgium, there is a completely legal method of setting up camp in nature: paalkamperen, literally "camping with poles". This has little to do with the fact that the tent or bivouac must be erected on a pole or similar element. Rather, it says something about the legal campsites themselves. Where camping is permitted, away from commercial campsites, there is a pole with a sign. Camping is permitted around this pole, usually within a radius of about 10 meters. There are other important rules, which are summarized here:

• A stay may not last longer than three days or 72 hours. In some areas only one overnight stay is allowed.
• A maximum of three small tents may be set up at once.
• Waste must be disposed of again.
• Open fire is strictly prohibited. However, gas stoves are allowed.
• The above rules are general basic rules. The local rules are stated on the relevant sign on the pole. Here you will also find overview maps of Belgium and the Netherlands.

GERMANY

As already mentioned, the legal situation in Germany is very confusing. However, if you are just camping (i.e. H If you stay overnight without a tent, you are not usually breaking the law. However, you should first find out about the exact laws in your state.

FRANCE

The situation in France is just as confusing as in Germany. Wild camping is generally prohibited here. There are strict controls and high fines are not uncommon, especially in tourist resorts and on the coast. But there are also communities that have approved certain areas for wild camping. This is marked by signs "Camping reglementé - s'adresser à la mairie". You should then contact the municipality/mayor's office for further information about wild camping. They will usually give you a list or a small map with information about where you can pitch your tent for the night in a large urban area. The situation is different in national parks, where camping is absolutely forbidden. Like in Germany, only without camping. Specifically, this means that camping is permitted between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at a sufficient distance from the exit of the national park (at least an hour's walk). At the entrances to national parks there is usually a list with information about camping options.

AUSTRIA

In Austria, wild camping is regulated differently in the individual federal states and can theoretically be punished with high fines. The confiscation of the tent is also theoretically possible. It is therefore important to find out about local regulations. In general, camping on forest land is not permitted under any circumstances or at any time. Camping is also prohibited on private property without the owner's permission. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly in high mountains above the tree line. In some federal states, such as b In Burgenland, small groups are allowed to camp for a maximum of three days, but in countries such as Lower Austria, setting up tents outside of designated campsites is strictly prohibited. Another tip: Unplanned camping in an emergency (e.g.b accidents or bad weather) is tolerated everywhere, intentional camping can be punished with expensive fines. A detailed description of where, how and what to do can be found on the Austrian Alpine Club website.

SWITZERLAND

Even in Switzerland, wild camping is not regulated uniformly, so there are different restrictions in the different cantons. In some areas there are also entry bans or stricter nature conservation regulations that automatically exclude camping. In general, however, it can be said that camping becomes less problematic the higher the altitude; The following rule of thumb can serve as a rough guide:

• Tenting and camping are generally prohibited in these nature reserves: Swiss National Park, federal hunting bans (wildlife reserves), various nature reserves, hunting areas (during the protection period).
• These areas should be avoided: forests, floodplains and wetlands.
• Particular caution is required in these areas: near shelters (consult with the owner), near climbing areas (attention: rock bird breeding season).
• Wild camping is safe here: above the tree line, on alpine pastures, in rocky areas.
• Important information about wild camping in Switzerland and correct behavior can also be found on the SAC website.

BE CAREFUL WHEN CHOOSING YOUR PLACE - WILD CAMPING IS PROHIBITED.

Wild camping is generally prohibited in many parts of Europe. In some countries you only face penalties on the coast and in tourist resorts, while in other places there are stricter controls. In general it can be said that in most countries camping etc. is not permitted outside designated camping areas. Private property is a special case. For example, a farmer's meadow. In many countries you can camp with the permission of the forest owner. A little tip: a few words in the local language or a bottle of wine as a gift can work wonders. If the farmer is an independent trader, it is often practical and useful to sell milk, eggs, fruit, etc. to buy from him. In many cases the ice melts quickly and you have bought yourself something delicious to eat.

ITALY

In Italy, wild camping is strictly forbidden and is punished with high fines. There are strict controls, especially in tourist areas and on the coast. Anyone who camps here with a tent or bivouac must expect fines that are often equivalent to the price of a luxury hotel room. The regulations are more lenient inland, but that doesn't mean they aren't banned there too. However, if you know even two words of Italian and can spare the money for a good bottle of wine, just ask the nearest farmer. The chances of success are usually good and you can camp legally.

POLAND

Here too, wild camping is prohibited by law and is punished with a fine of up to 150 euros. This ban is taken very seriously and monitored regularly, especially in national parks. Outside these areas the situation is somewhat different. Here, too, wild camping is prohibited by law, but in practice it turns out that in many places it is not taken very seriously. If you just want to camp somewhere in the wilderness for one night, that shouldn't be a problem. Wild camping is also common among locals. If you want to be on the safe side, you can ask the landowner for permission. Farmers are generally very helpful, especially outside the tourist centers.

SUMMARY

Yes, thank God: you can still stay overnight somewhere in the European desert. However, you should find out more about this “somewhere” beforehand. The actual legal situation is sometimes very unclear. Therefore, this blog post does not claim to be complete. But we are interested in the question: What experiences have you had with wild camping in Europe and what do you have to add? Just write a comment.