Wild Camping in Austria: Rules You Need to Know!

Crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking mountain panoramas – Austria offers so many beautiful spots for all camping enthusiasts. Camping in nature, in particular, is an absolute dream for nature lovers here. But is wild camping even allowed in Austria? We'll clear things up and tell you what you need to know.

For some campers, wild camping is the epitome of freedom and adventure, but for some communities and regions, it's a nightmare.

Wild camping refers to spending the night in a tent, campervan, or motorhome in the great outdoors, away from tourist campsites. This includes forests, public parking lots, alpine pastures, or other beautiful natural spots.

Because some wild campers didn't follow the rules in the past, there are now many regulations regarding wild camping. Even in Austria, there's no uniform rule on whether wild camping is allowed or not.

Although it's mostly forbidden to park your motorhome or campervan and pitch a tent in nature, there are exceptions in some federal states.

Where can you wild camp in Austria?

Whether you're breaking the law by wild camping with an planned overnight stay in the open in Austria largely depends on the federal state. This is usually determined by the country's nature conservation and camping laws.

In general, however, wild camping is not allowed in Austria and can result in hefty fines.

The laws are relatively strict in Tyrol, Lower Austria, Carinthia, and Burgenland, whereas the regulations in Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, and Vorarlberg are more open.

Wild camping in Austria is allowed if you get permission from the forest or landowner. Parking in public parking lots or on the roadside is sometimes permitted for camping, but only for a maximum of one night.

But let's take a closer look at the rules for free standing in each federal state.

Free standing in Burgenland

Outside of local areas and public campsites, wild camping is forbidden. This applies to both pitching a tent and parking a motorhome or caravan.

Wild camping in Austria: Rules in Carinthia

Wild camping is not allowed in Carinthia and can result in high fines. However, bivouacking in the mountains is permitted, but only in an emergency. This should not be exploited, though. Landowners or police officers can easily distinguish between wild camping and an emergency situation.

Wild camping in Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, wild camping and free standing with a tent, campervan, or motorhome are forbidden.

Rules for free standing in Upper Austria

If you're thinking about wild camping in Austria, Upper Austria is the best place for it. There, you're allowed to camp above the tree line and away from alpine pastures. Even if it can be difficult to get a motorhome to such heights, sleeping in a tent on the mountain is definitely an adventure worth experiencing!

Wild camping in Austria: Salzburg

Just like with wild camping in Switzerland, in Salzburg, too, local community law determines whether wild camping is allowed. The mayor decides whether it negatively affects agriculture or tourism.

Camping in alpine wilderness is permitted as long as it's done in harmony with nature. To be safe, check with the relevant nature conservation department.

Free standing in Styria

Styria is also a good option for wild camping in Austria. Apart from pastures and alpine meadows, camping in the wilderness is allowed. However, if you want to stay longer than one night, you'll need permission from the municipality.

Wild camping in Tyrol

Unfortunately, the laws in the Tyrolean mountain paradise are very strict, and camping outside of campsites is not allowed. Those who violate this face severe penalties, so it's best to stick to the guidelines.

Wild camping rules in Vorarlberg

In Vorarlberg, just like in Salzburg, the respective mayors decide whether wild camping is allowed or not. However, near lakes, you'll need special permission.

What are the alternatives to wild camping in Austria?

Do you want to spend your camping holiday surrounded by nature? No problem! In Austria, you'll find several pitches that offer a nature-oriented camping experience.

Farmers, winemakers, and private individuals offer their most beautiful spots. On their properties, you can spend the night in nature without breaking any laws.

All you need to find these nature-oriented campsites is to install the SchauaufsLand app. Here you'll find all sustainable and regional businesses that provide a pitch near you.

How should I behave when wild camping in Austria?

1. Basic rules for wild camping

Generally, respect the law and nature. Do not enter private property without permission. As a rule, it's better to politely ask for permission than to stay without it.

Not everyone has had good experiences with campers. Therefore, when camping in Austria, you still run the risk of being caught and warned. General rules for wild camping apply here, which can be used for any country.

2. Don't camp in national parks

Camping in national parks, nature reserves, nature sanctuaries, hunting ban areas, and landscape protection areas is forbidden. If you're caught and there are additional offenses – such as littering – high fines can be imposed.

3. Avoid agricultural areas

Avoid agricultural areas such as fields, driveways, or private farms. There are numerous alternatives where you can stay for little money on farms, wineries, or other regional businesses.

4. Get permission

Never camp on someone else's property without permission. This leads to high penalties and harms the camping community. Get permission from the municipality or the landowner.

5. Don't leave any trash behind

If you decide to wild camp in Austria, leave your pitch as you found it. Never leave trash or waste behind. On soft ground, unevenness can be caused by tires. Prevent such damage by placing wedges or boards under the wheels.

6. Dispose of your wastewater correctly

Never dispose of your wastewater and the contents of your toilet cassette in lakes or rivers; only do so at designated disposal points. Ask other travelers, locals, or dispose of your wastewater at campsites.

7. Avoid campfires

When wild camping, you should avoid campfires. Especially in forest and bush areas, an open fire can be dangerous. Forest fires, which destroy resources, occur repeatedly.

8. Pay attention to your behavior

Avoid loud music or manual work that causes a lot of noise. You'll not only disturb residents but also wild animals.

9. Leave a good impression

If you're allowed to park on a private property, it shouldn't just be clean. Show your gratitude with a small donation or express your thanks again when you leave. The next camper will thank you for it!

Conclusion: Wild camping in Austria

Wild camping is a dream for many campers. Pure nature, freedom, and adventure. Unfortunately, free standing is forbidden in many countries. Wild camping is also not allowed in Austria. There are only a few exceptions. If you want to camp close to nature and safely, without worrying about where you're allowed to stay, then discover idyllic pitches throughout Austria with SchauaufsLand.

Rent a camper now!