Wild Camping in Europe

Is wild camping allowed in Europe?

Wild camping – the dream for many campers. Untouched nature, complete peace, and pure relaxation. You want to take your campervan off the beaten path – far away from annoying people? Unfortunately, wild camping isn't allowed everywhere in Europe. We'll show you where it's possible and what you need to know.

Contents:

• What is wild camping?
• Where in Europe is wild camping allowed and where isn't it?
• Rules for wild camping

What is wild camping?

Wild camping means camping in the wilderness. Whether you're in a tent, campervan, caravan, or motorhome, as soon as you're in nature, you're a wild camper. If you're on a campsite or parked in a designated pitch, you're not wild camping.

An exception is emergency bivouacking or taking a break. Here, you're in a legal grey area. Bivouacking, meaning sleeping under the open sky in a sleeping bag, is forbidden in nature reserves. If you're traveling in your campervan, breaks are only allowed so you can regain your fitness to drive.

Where in Europe is wild camping allowed and where isn't it?

Wild camping in Austria

Austria has countless beautiful spots to discover. If you want to wild camp here, you should do your research beforehand. Wild camping is forbidden in Carinthia, Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Tyrol, and you could face hefty fines.

Styria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg are more relaxed, allowing individual municipalities to decide or permitting wild camping in barren land or above the tree line.

Find out exactly where wild camping is allowed in Austria and discover the beautiful country.

Wild camping in Slovenia

Bivouacking and wild camping are forbidden in Slovenia. However, Slovenians are generally tolerant of campers. If you ask for permission to stay overnight, you can often do so without incurring high fines.

Wild camping in Italy

Wild camping is forbidden in Italy, but there are exceptions. We recommend getting permission from the local municipality to be on the safe side. For example, in Tuscany, there's no specific law against wild camping, so inquire directly with the local municipality. Strict camping bans outside designated areas apply in Veneto.

Wild camping in Germany

Wild camping in Germany isn't clearly regulated by law. Without permission from the relevant authority, owner, or forestry commission, overnight stays with a campervan, motorhome, caravan, or tent are forbidden.

Wild camping in Sweden

Sweden has the "Right of Public Access" (Allemansrätten), which grants everyone the right to be in nature. This is provided you avoid residential areas and nature reserves. The most important rule is to leave your pitch clean and not pollute the environment.

Wild camping in the Netherlands

Wild camping is strictly forbidden in the Netherlands – even on private property. However, you'll find plenty of campsites here.

Wild camping in Poland

You can stay overnight in your campervan on roads and parking lots in Poland, but only if the local authorities have approved it. Wild camping is forbidden in nature reserves and coastal areas.

Wild camping in France

Wild camping is forbidden in France. You should definitely use campsites here.

Wild camping in Spain

Overnight stays away from a campsite are allowed in Spain. However, free-standing is not well-regarded on the popular Mediterranean coast, and overnight stays on the beach are also forbidden. Inland, you can relax and stay overnight, but to be safe, you should find the owner of your pitch and get their consent.

Wild camping in Portugal

Wild camping is prohibited in beautiful Portugal.

Wild camping in Switzerland

Switzerland, with its beautiful landscape, is a true paradise for nature lovers. There's no uniform regulation. Therefore, you should inquire with the respective cantons, as they regulate the provisions for wild camping in Switzerland. Overnight stays, whether with a tent, campervan, motorhome, or caravan, are forbidden in nature reserves, national parks, hunting areas, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Wild camping in Belgium

Wild camping is generally forbidden in Belgium. However, it is sometimes tolerated in parking lots, on roads, and on private property. You should not stay overnight on the Belgian coast.

Wild camping in Norway

Here in Norway, the "Right of Public Access" also applies, although this is actually only for non-motorized campers. However, motorhomes and campervans are often tolerated, provided no rubbish is left behind and you don't behave as if you are camping. This means: leave your chairs and camping table in the vehicle and behave quietly and discreetly.

Wild camping in Denmark

Wild camping is also forbidden in Denmark. With the owner's permission, you can stay on private land.

Wild camping in England

Wild camping is allowed in England. For some regions, you should obtain permission from the landowner beforehand. What's special about England is that free-standing with a campervan, motorhome, or tent is allowed in some national parks.

Rules for wild camping

When wild camping, it's especially important that you don't harm agriculture, nature, or tourism. This means you must never leave rubbish behind. No plants should be destroyed, and wildlife should not be disturbed by loud noise. No wastewater should be released into nature, and extreme caution is required when making a campfire.

You should leave your wild camping spot exactly as you found it. If not, you harm nature and the environment. Additionally, you increase the risk of wild camping rules being tightened. We all want to enjoy our beautiful nature for as long as possible. So please stick to the rules.

Another important point is your own safety. When wild camping in alpine wilderness, you should always keep an eye on the weather. The weather in alpine regions can change very quickly and become very unpleasant.

Start your adventure now and experience nature up close with your own campervan.

Rent a camper now!