Resort countries also impose high fines: wild camping is illegal in many European countries

Wild camping is prohibited by law in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro – the same is true for Greece further south. Croatia, in particular, takes drastic measures against wild campers – an illegal overnight stay in nature costs up to 3000 kuna – almost 400 francs. Wild camping is also prohibited in Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia, but it is not actually controlled outside of metropolitan areas and in national parks. Be careful though: anyone illegally camping in a Bulgarian national park, for example, can be fined up to CHF 1,000. Open fire is also prohibited there.

Kosovo, on the other hand, is in a gray area: wilderness camping is neither explicitly prohibited nor allowed. Inconspicuous short stays aren’t a problem in most places – this is also because campsites in Kosovo are few and far between. Freedom seekers will find a true paradise in Albania, Moldova and Romania: wild camping is possible here with virtually no restrictions, whether by caravan or tent. Only nature reserves should be avoided here.

In almost all Balkan countries, it is worth asking the private owners for permission for an overnight stay, due to the great hospitality in the region. Warning: Some areas are still not cleared of war mines – be sure to pay attention to the signs!

The term “Everyone’s Right” will appear more frequently in this article and applies to the Baltic States, such as, among other things, Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania. What this means is that everyone – and of course every woman too – has the traditional right to enjoy nature. This unwritten law dates back to the Middle Ages and allows wild camping with a tent away from campsites, with certain restrictions on cultivated and fenced land. On the other hand, overnight stays in a car, camper or motorhome are only allowed in designated parking and recreation areas, some even have dry toilets – locals also wildly love to camp here.

In Germany and Austria there are large regional differences depending on the federal state. Basically, wild camping is not allowed in either country. Spending the night in the vehicle to “regain your driving ability” is tolerated – but you shouldn’t stay away from official places for more than ten hours. Anyone who camps in the wild usually escapes with a warning. However, anyone who causes too much noise, waste and a big fire in a nature park can be fined up to 500 francs per person.

However, there are areas in Germany where wild camping is allowed, such as the Palatinate Forest. Saxon Switzerland also has several official free overnight accommodations. In Austria, wild camping laws in Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria and Tyrol are particularly strict – they are more explicit in Upper Austria, the Salzburg region, Styria and Vorarlberg.

In France, too, freedom lovers are not allowed to pitch their tents or park their caravans anywhere. Especially on beaches and near tourist centers there are strict controls – sometimes even from the sea! In the worst case, there is a threat of fines of up to 1,500 francs. In national parks, the so-called bivouac, called camping without a permanent tent, is allowed between 7 pm and 9 am. However, only if you are at least an hour’s walk from the boundaries of a national park.

Wild camping is strictly prohibited in the Netherlands and is strictly controlled. Even the so-called “stack camp”, where the rules of a signposted place are written on a pole, have not been allowed since 2020. Anyone caught camping off the official site pays up to CHF 500 per person.

Especially during the peak tourist season, there are similarly strict controls and penalties on the Belgian coast. In the rest of the country, wilderness camping is allowed (with permission) in parking lots and on private property. Wild camping is also prohibited in Luxembourg and is only tolerated to restore driving ability.

In the UK, Scotland is considered a haven for wild campers. Officially regulated by the Scottish Outdoor Access Act since 2003, it allows people to access nature. Even an overnight stay in a mobile home is possible, but areas with crops, wildlife, and historic buildings should be avoided. Also, seasonal deer and grouse hunting in Scotland should not be interrupted!

Wild camping is also officially permitted in Wales and England, but permission must first be obtained from landowners or authorities. Even in national parks, sometimes with restrictions, you can spend the night in nature. In Ireland and Northern Ireland, wilderness camping is only allowed on private property with the owner’s permission – overnight camping is allowed in many national parks.

Sweet life? Not for wild campers in Italy! Four officials specifically inspect the coasts and tourist centers. Anyone who does not obtain an exceptional permit to spend the night in a tent or camper will be fined an average of CHF 300. In some cases, fines go up to 500 francs. Camping in Italy is only allowed on private property with a clear permit.

Wild campers enjoy the greatest freedom in Europe in the Nordic countries of Norway and Sweden. Tent can be set up for up to two days in areas where there is no agriculture and the land is not fenced. However, this aforementioned public access right only applies to tents – mobile homes and caravans should be parked at night in rest areas or car parks to avoid problems.

In Denmark, motor vehicles can usually only be parked in camping and tent areas. Wild camping in the vehicle can cost up to 500 francs here! However, if you’re traveling with only one tent, you’ll also get your money’s worth in Denmark: there are around 300 designated forest areas; there are also over 600 free cabins and over 800 canopies in nature. Most places even have sanitary facilities. Additionally, camping is allowed anywhere in nature. In Iceland, however, tents can only be set up on uncivilized walkways – sleeping in motor vehicles is not allowed.

Spain also has an absolute ban on wilderness camping, which is strictly followed. The Spanish Guardia Civil sometimes even uses helicopters to hunt wild campers near tourist strongholds and near the coast. If caught, you can expect fines of up to 800 francs – the penalties are highest in nature parks and nature preserves. There are even reports of him being fined almost CHF 5,000. Wild camping is also categorically prohibited in Portugal and carries heavy fines.

And in Switzerland with us? Is basically wild camping – allowed! Because the right of public access, which gives everyone a certain use of nature, also applies to us. But beware: Depending on the canton or municipality, the rules are interpreted very differently and wild camping is strictly not allowed everywhere. It is generally prohibited in national parks, many nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, but is tolerated by tenting, for example, in the mountains above the trees. This article comprehensively documents where and under what conditions wild camping is allowed in Switzerland.