Camping specialist gives insider tips: Legal “wild camping”: These alternatives offer a real nature experience
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 11:50 a.m
Camping season is just around the corner and many adventurers are wondering where they can and cannot pitch their tents. Camping specialist Jenny Krutzinna explains where it is allowed, where it is not – and which alternatives offer a similar natural experience.
What exactly does wild camping mean and is it allowed in Germany?
Wild camping originally describes spending the night in caravans, mobile homes or tents outside of designated campsites. Today, a distinction is often made between “freestanding” – spending the night in all types of camping vehicles, whether motorhomes, caravans, vans or self-construction – and “wild camping”, which includes camping or bivouacing in places that are not accessible to vehicles for practical or legal reasons.
In Germany, motorized campers are generally not permitted to spend the night outside of designated parking spaces, parking spaces or campsites. However, in some regions, such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg, hikers or canoeists who are traveling with tents have the opportunity to camp for a night in the great outdoors. However, camping remains strictly prohibited in landscape or nature reserves.
About the guest author
Jenny Krutzinna has a doctorate in philosophy and is a passionate camper. When switching from a tent to a motorhome presented her with challenges in finding a parking space, she quickly developed a digital solution with her partner. They have been running a leading one for eight years Camping app, which supports hundreds of thousands of campers throughout Europe in finding suitable overnight accommodations for them. Jenny also regularly gives lectures on camping and travel topics at camping trade fairs and vanlife events. She travels in the camper for about six months a year.
Due to the ongoing camping boom and the increasing popularity of freestanding, strict action is now being taken against illegal camping in many areas of Germany. Measures such as height restrictions on hiking car parks and the imposition of fines for violations are intended to help ensure compliance with the regulations and protect nature.
Anyone who wants to wild camp or stay free in Germany should therefore thoroughly inform themselves about the local regulations and respect them in order to avoid conflicts and penalties.
In which European countries is wild camping allowed and where are there special regulations?
In Europe, the regulations for wild camping vary greatly depending on whether you are using a motor or not. Spending the night in nature with a vehicle is prohibited almost everywhere unless you receive permission from the property owner. In Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, free standing is generally not permitted; local exceptions only exist where signs explicitly allow overnight stays.
In Northern Europe – i.e. Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Baltics – as well as in Scotland, free standing in parking and rest areas is permitted as long as it is not prohibited locally.
In Iceland and Denmark, however, you are only allowed to spend the night on official parking spaces and campsites.
In southern Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal, regulations are particularly strict and parking for campers is often restricted in coastal regions.
Freestanding is also not permitted in France and Italy, but both countries offer numerous legal parking spaces and campsites.
In Eastern Europe, such as Poland and Slovenia, free standing is also prohibited, and in large parts of Southeastern Europe it is partially tolerated but not officially permitted.
Free standing is currently still possible in Albania and Romania outside of nature reserves. To avoid penalties, it is crucial to do your local research and pay attention to local signage as regulations are subject to frequent changes.
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Are there legal alternatives to wild camping in Germany that offer a similar nature experience?
Although freestanding is not allowed in many parts of Europe, there are still legal alternatives that offer a camping experience close to nature. A popular model in Germany is Landfreuden. By paying an annual fee for a book/app, you can spend a night on farms and in agricultural businesses at no additional cost.
In contrast to freestanding, the focus here is on direct contact with the host and occasional purchases in the farm shop are a desired part of the concept. Hosts in ten countries are already represented in the largest network, although purchasing the book/app is necessary for each country individually.
Another option is micro-campings, which are offered by farmers, winemakers and private individuals either directly or via various platforms. These locations often only offer three to five sites, allowing for an almost exclusive camping environment. In contrast to the previous model, there are no annual costs. You pay per night, with the fee depending on the facilities, location and offerings of the place.
A key advantage of this option is the possibility of advance reservation without being limited to a single night. If there is space available, you can also spend several nights in one place.
Both options allow campers to stay overnight legally and in close contact with nature, without having to forego the freedom of freestanding.
Which platforms offer options for legal wild camping with a camper or motorhome?
In Germany, several platforms offer legal options for a camping experience that is close to wild camping, but with the necessary legal protection. The most important providers include:
- Nomady – This platform offers natural accommodation in various European countries, with the pitches often being in remote or particularly natural environments.
- Alpaca Camping – Here campers will find a large selection of natural locations provided by private hosts.
- VanSite – This platform focuses on campers who are looking for accommodation close to nature. An inexpensive annual pass for frequent campers is also offered.
- Hinterland – Offers a similar range of nature-based accommodation options, including tiny houses and cabins in natural surroundings.
The overnight places on offer range from simple meadows to better-equipped places with sanitary facilities. Leisure activities nearby are often shown or offered directly by the host.
These platforms are particularly suitable for offering campers an experience close to wild camping, but without the risk of a fine. The providers attach great importance to ensuring that the exact location information is only provided after a binding booking has been made. This protects the privacy of the mostly private hosts, who can only accommodate a limited number of overnight guests.
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