Wild camping in Germany – what is allowed?
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the fascination of wild camping and show you what is allowed, what is not and what alternatives you have.
Get out of everyday life and into adventure! Wild camping promises true freedom, untouched nature and high fines? Although wild camping sounds so incredibly romantic and tempting, it can be quite expensive under German law. While in the Scandinavian countries you enjoy the “everyman’s right” and can enjoy free wild camping, things are much more complicated here in Germany. Are you a real outdoor fan, do you love being out and about and are wondering what you can and can’t do when wild camping?
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the fascination of wild camping and show you what is allowed, what is not and what alternatives you have.
What is wild camping?
Wild camping is generally understood to mean spending the night in the great outdoors and at non-officially designated camping sites. This is possible in a tent as well as in a motorhome or camper. Here are a few examples to illustrate wild camping: if you pitch your tent by a lake, park your motorhome on a forest path to spend the night or camp in the middle of a forest, this falls under wild camping. But here’s the crux of the matter: what is permitted, however, is camping or taking a short break in a place in nature, for example to protect yourself from the weather or to recover after a long tour before continuing your journey.
The Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) Chapter 7 § 59 (1) applies here:
"Everyone is permitted to enter the open countryside on roads and paths and on unused land for the purpose of recreation (general principle)."
The boundary to wild camping is therefore blurred and not always clear and difficult to recognize for law enforcement officers, who can punish wild camping with fines of up to € 2,500.
What does German case law say about wild camping?
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany. Strict laws apply to nature reserves and private land in particular. If you act contrary to the guidelines here, you could be reported to the police and face a hefty fine. However, the legal situation varies from state to state, so it is best to find out about the applicable paragraphs before embarking on a tour.
The Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) Chapter 7 § 59 (2) :
"Access to the forest shall be governed by the Federal Forest Act and the forest laws of the federal states, as well as other state laws. In particular, it may equate other types of use in whole or in part with trespassing and restrict trespassing for important reasons, in particular for nature conservation and landscape management, field protection and agricultural and forestry management, for the protection of recreational users, to prevent significant damage or to safeguard other interests of the landowner worthy of protection."
You can obtain an overnight permit from the authorities or private owners. Good opportunities for “permitted” wild camping exist with farmers, who are sometimes happy to provide a place on their farm for a small overnight fee.
If you are traveling with a camper or motorhome, it is possible to take a break in public places where you are not prohibited from doing so by signs or the general guidelines of the Road Traffic Act (StVO). According to the law, you can stop at such a place for around 10 hours and “wild camp” to restore your fitness to drive. However, it is forbidden to set up as a camper – i.e. to set up camp with camping furniture, a barbecue and the like.
Good to know: Our lithium batteries with BMS and Bluetooth 4.0 ensure a reliable power supply even when "wild camping". This means you are completely self-sufficient when traveling with your motorhome and can operate all common camping devices at any time, even simultaneously. So nothing stands in the way of a dinner on the road in your caravan.
What alternatives are there to wild camping in Germany?
Although wild camping is prohibited in Germany, there are a few loopholes that offer a charming alternative:
Bivouacking
The best-known and probably most popular alternative to wild camping is bivouacking or, to put it simply, sleeping in the open air. With the exception of Berlin, you are allowed to set up a so-called tarp in all other federal states. This is a type of protective tarpaulin that protects you from wind and weather. However, it is not a tent, as this would fall under wild camping and is therefore prohibited. Bivouacking is certainly a legal gray area, but it has been possible up to now. Nature reserves are of course excluded.
Trekking sites
As a result of the increasing number of wild campers, more and more so-called trekking sites have opened their doors in recent years. These are campsites with minimal basic facilities where you can pitch your tent with permission and for a small fee.
Private parking spaces
As already mentioned, you can ask private individuals whether they will let you wild camp in their meadow, garden or yard. On sites such as alpacacamping.de you can find owners online who will make a piece of land available. Here you can also book a pitch straight away. Although wild camping is prohibited in the strictest sense, there are many other interesting ways to enjoy nature at its best. And with us, you know you have a reliable power supply for every adventure.
The topic of wild camping fascinates not only us, but also many of you! That’s why we’ll tell you in our blog exactly what the rules are for wild camping in Germany, Holland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Croatia and Slovenia, Norway, Spain and in the Switzerland apply! You will also find Blog exciting installation reports and many more articles!
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