Wild camping in Europe - What is allowed where?

Especially in the peak camping season, when one overcrowded campsite follows the next, you may also dream of pitching your tent far away from the hustle and bustle. It's no secret that spending the night in the great outdoors is easier in some European countries than wild camping in Germany. But which countries are the most flexible when it comes to spending the night in the great outdoors and what things should you bear in mind before pitching your tent in the forest or parking your campervan at the nearest lake? We explain the rules in the most popular holiday destinations in Europe on the subject of wild camping and everyone's rights.

Everyman's right has been enshrined in Norwegian law since 1957. This means that anyone can spend time in the great outdoors for recreational purposes - even on private land. Of course, you should treat nature with respect and leave no trace. This means: If you are hiking or pitching your tent in nature, you should be careful not to leave any rubbish behind** and be considerate**. Wild camping in Norway is a special experience. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the *most beautiful views* in the morning.

In Norway, you can pitch your tent in the same place for two nights. You can also stay longer in more remote places. If you are on private land, you should keep a minimum distance of 150 metres from the nearest house. If you want to stay longer than two nights, it is important to ask the landowner's permission. You may stay in your campervan for a maximum of one night in the same place in a car park or at the side of the road. In addition, making a fire is not permitted in the summer months from 15 April to 15 September due to the drought.

Everyman's right in Sweden is very similar to that in Norway. It is important to respect nature and not to destroy private property. Only pay attention when certain places explicitly prohibit camping. This is always signposted, for example in nature parks or on beaches. Otherwise, you can pitch your tent anywhere you like - just always keep a safe distance from places of interest or residential buildings**. If you are travelling with a campervan, you can also park it in a car park or on the side of the road to spend the night. There may well be *exceptions* here, but this is labelled.

In Sweden, you are even allowed to fish for your own use with hand tackle. Very practical if you are camping right next to a lake. However, if you want to prepare the fish directly over an open fire, you should find out in advance whether this is currently permitted. If the summer is very dry, there may be temporary prohibitions.

In contrast to its northern neighbours, Denmark is stricter when it comes to wild camping. A general wild camping ban applies here. However, Denmark has declared around 40 designated forest areas with several tent sites as wild camping areas. Here, a maximum of two tents with three people per tent may be set up for one night per site. A small fee is charged at some of these sites. You must also leave the pitch as you found it. Spending the night in a campervan is only permitted for the purpose of restoring roadworthiness or you can obtain permission from a private site.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows you - similar to the Everyman's Right - to stand freely in the great outdoors. With scenery and landscapes as magnificent as the Scottish Highlands, wild camping is a dream come true. However, please note the rules set out in the Access Code. These state that you respect nature and act in an environmentally conscious manner, which means that you leave no rubbish, respect flora & fauna and your fellow travellers. In addition, wild camping in Scotland is prohibited in nature reserves, national parks and on agricultural land. There are also exceptions in very popular tourist regions such as Loch Lomond. Make sure not to pitch your tent in the same place for more than two to three nights** and preferably to travel in smaller groups.

You are allowed to stay overnight with your caravan in car parks or on the side of the road, but keep enough distance from residential areas and from the road so that you do not pose a danger to others. On private land, you should ask for permission to park your campervan.

Similar to Germany, each municipality or canton has its own laws on the subject of wild camping in Switzerland. In principle, however, camping in the mountains is not prohibited. This also applies to private land with the owner's permission. However, camping in nature reserves, national parks and hunting grounds is not permitted anywhere in the country. Find out in advance which rules apply in the respective canton so that you can pitch your tent there without any worries. You are also allowed to spend the night in your campervan in car parks, but you should not spread out your camping equipment too much.

In Austria too, each federal state has different regulations on wild camping**. In federal states such as Carinthia or Tyrol, you can expect *high penalties*. Other federal states such as Upper Austria or Vorarlberg, on the other hand, are not quite as strict. Here, *camping in remote areas and above the tree line is often permitted*. Check with the respective federal states and municipalities before travelling. So that you can restore your *fitness to drive* due to tiredness, for example, you are allowed to spend the night in your campervan, similar to Germany.

In Spain, each municipality regulates the rules on wild camping individually. Camping is permitted with a permit on private land and is also tolerated in higher regions. In Spain, sleeping in a campervan is permitted in certain regions if you don't spread out. This means that you should not unpack all of your camping equipment, such as table and chairs, but should keep yourself somewhat covered. This includes, for example, restoring your fitness to drive. Find out about your destination in advance, as each region has different regulations on wild camping in Spain.

Even though Portugal attracts travellers with campervans with its beautiful, wild stretches of coastline, you should be cautious about wild camping. Be aware that it is forbidden to park your campervan in nature reserves and other protected areas. A large part of the coast - such as the popular Algarve - is a nature park. Parking your motorhome overnight is therefore not permitted here. You are usually allowed to leave your motorhome in the same place for a maximum of 48 hours.

Note, however, that only certain motorhomes are included in this regulation, namely those authorised by the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT). Many car parks are gradually being provided with prohibition signs, which makes parking your vehicle overnight a little more difficult. However, as the rules change quite frequently in Portugal, you should alternatively choose one of the many official campsites and reserve your pitch in advance during the high season. You will find many natural campsites in Portugal where you can make yourself really comfortable.

The rules on wild camping in Europe are very different in every country. Check in advance where your next trip will take you and familiarise yourself with the laws that apply there. This way, you can enjoy your road trip or hiking holiday to the full with wonderful landscapes and avoid the risk of having to pay a high fine.