Wild camping is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, but the legal situation is complex and many nature lovers are unsure what is allowed and what is not. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal situation regarding wild camping in Germany, explains the differences between the federal states and offers practical tips for anyone who wants to spend the night outdoors - without falling foul of the law.
Table of contents
Is wild camping even allowed in Germany?
Which federal states are particularly strict when it comes to wild camping?
Where is wild camping exceptionally permitted in Germany?
What are the penalties for illegal wild camping?
What is the difference between wild camping and bivouacking?
What alternatives are there to wild camping in Germany?
How do I behave correctly when wild camping?
What should I know about the legal right of access?
What is the situation regarding wild camping in other European countries?
Conclusion
Is wild camping even allowed in Germany?
Anyone dreaming of the adventure of simply packing their rucksack and pitching their tent somewhere in the great outdoors unfortunately has to put up with a damper in Germany: In principle, wild camping is not permitted in Germany. The legal situation here is clear. In general, wild camping is prohibited in German forests, on lakes and in the great outdoors - and for good reason.
The main reason for this ban is to protect nature and the environment. Germany is a densely populated country and our natural areas are under special protection. The Federal Forest Act and the various state forest laws regulate the protection of these valuable ecosystems and therefore generally prohibit wild camping.
Wild camping vs. bivouacking
Important to know: There is a legal difference between wild camping and bivouacking. While wild camping means spending the night in a tent or similar dwelling, bivouacking refers to sleeping in the open air without fixed accommodation - for example in a sleeping bag or under a tarpaulin. This distinction is legally relevant, as we will see later.
The legal situation regarding wild camping in Germany may seem strict at first glance, but it serves to preserve our natural landscapes. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions and opportunities to camp legally in the countryside - but we'll come to that later.
Which federal states are particularly strict when it comes to wild camping?
In Germany, the regulations on wild camping vary considerably depending on the federal state. Some federal states have particularly strict regulations, while others are somewhat more generous.
Strict regulations at a glance
Here is an overview of the federal states with particularly strict regulations:
- Baden-Württemberg: Fines of between 10 and 100 euros for unauthorized camping
- Schleswig-Holstein: Fines of up to 150 euros possible
- Brandenburg: Particularly restrictive with fines of up to 2,500 euros, especially in nature reserves
- Saxony: Fines between 25 and 1,500 euros
- Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Thuringia and Saarland: Fines of between 50 and 500 euros, depending on the severity of the offense
Special caution in protected areas
The highest fines generally apply in nature reserves and national parks, where wild camping is strictly prohibited. Depending on the federal state, the fines here can be up to 5,000 euros - especially if wild camping causes damage to nature or causes a fire.
It is therefore worth knowing the specific regulations of the federal state in which you are traveling. Wild camping in Baden-Württemberg is subject to different regulations than in Saarland, for example. If you are unsure, you can obtain information from the local forestry offices or nature conservation authorities.
Where is wild camping exceptionally permitted in Germany?
Although wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, there are some exceptions and opportunities to spend the night legally in the open air.
Legal options for outdoor overnight stays
- With the owner's permission: An important exception is permission from the forest owner or landowner. With their express permission, you can camp on their land. However, this permission should always be obtained in advance and ideally in writing.
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Designated trekking sites: In recent years, more and more designated trekking sites have been established in Germany. These special overnight campsites in the great outdoors allow legal wild camping. You can now find such trekking sites in several regions:
- Palatinate Forest
- Black Forest
- Harz Mountains
- Bivouacking: Spending the night without a tent in the open air is tolerated in some federal states, provided it is a one-off overnight stay and no traces are left behind. However, the legal situation here is often a matter of interpretation and it is advisable to check with the local authorities if in doubt.
Special projects for overnight stays close to nature
Projects such as the "trekking camps" in Baden-Württemberg or the "forest bivouacs" in Rhineland-Palatinate are particularly interesting. These official offers allow for an overnight experience close to nature without coming into conflict with the law. However, demand for these designated sites is often high, so you should book well in advance.
So the good news is: wild camping in Germany is not completely impossible. With a little preparation and research, you can find opportunities to spend the night in nature legally and still experience an adventure.
What are the penalties for illegal wild camping?
Anyone who camps in the great outdoors in Germany without a permit must expect the corresponding consequences. The penalties for illegal wild camping can vary considerably depending on the federal state and the severity of the offense.
In most federal states, fines start at around 10 to 50 euros for simple unauthorized camping. However, if you are caught in nature reserves or national parks, you can expect significantly higher fines. Fines here can quickly rise to several hundred euros and in particularly serious cases can even be as high as 5,000 euros.
It becomes particularly expensive if other offenses are added to wild camping, such as lighting open fires, leaving garbage behind or damaging plants and trees. Wild camping is expressly prohibited in national parks and is punished accordingly.
These regulations are enforced by various authorities: Foresters, rangers in protected areas or even the police carry out regular checks and can impose fines for violations. Checks are particularly frequent in popular excursion areas, especially in the high season and at weekends.
Important to know: Even if you are not caught camping directly, an unattended tent that has already been set up can lead to a fine. And in some cases, the authorities even have the right to remove and seize tents.
The legal bans are not intended as harassment, but serve to protect nature. Especially in nature reserves and national parks, it is important to respect the strict regulations in order to protect the sensitive ecosystems.
What is the difference between wild camping and bivouacking?
An important point that many outdoor enthusiasts do not know: There is a legal difference between wild camping and bivouacking, which may well be relevant in Germany.
Wild camping means spending the night in a tent, a hammock with a tarp or a similar dwelling in the great outdoors outside of designated campsites. This classic wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany.
Bivouacking, on the other hand, refers to spending the night in the open air without fixed accommodation - typically with just a sleeping bag and possibly a sleeping mat. Sometimes a simple tarpaulin is also used as weather protection. The key difference is that bivouacking does not involve building a permanent dwelling.
This distinction is legally significant, as bivouacking is tolerated in some federal states, while wild camping with a tent remains strictly prohibited. The idea behind this: Those who spend just one night in the open air without pitching a tent generally leave fewer traces in nature and move on the next morning.
In practice, this means that an unplanned overnight stay outdoors without a tent, for example on a hike, is often tolerated as long as you leave no traces behind and behave respectfully. However, there are also clear limits to bivouacking: In nature reserves and national parks, any form of overnight camping is generally prohibited.
For outdoor enthusiasts, bivouacking therefore offers an interesting alternative to traditional wild camping. It enables an intensive experience of nature and is less problematic in many regions of Germany. However, you should find out about the local regulations in advance and, if in doubt, play it safe.
What alternatives are there to wild camping in Germany?
If you want to experience nature without falling foul of the law, there are fortunately some good alternatives to classic wild camping in Germany.
Legal overnight accommodation in the great outdoors
Official campsites
The most obvious option is, of course, official campsites. Germany has a dense network of the most beautiful campsites in Germany, which offer everything from luxurious to natural. The advantages are
- The scenic location of many sites
- Comfort due to sanitary facilities and electricity connections
- Often surprisingly affordable, especially outside the main season
Nature campsites
Nature campsites are particularly interesting for nature lovers. These offer
- Reduced infrastructure
- A particularly natural location
- Perfect mix of legal overnight accommodation and nature experience
Trekking sites
The aforementioned trekking sites are an increasingly popular alternative:
- Specially designated overnight pitches in the countryside
- Enable a legal "wild camping experience"
- Deliberately kept minimalist
- Often away from roads and settlements
- Chargeable (usually between 10 and 20 euros per night)
- Advance booking required
Other alternatives
For motorhome campers
There are numerous designated pitches for motorhome campers in Germany, which are often cheaper than traditional campsites. Overnight parking is explicitly permitted here, but certain rules also apply: As a rule, you are not allowed to set up camping furniture or erect awnings.
Cabins and youth hostels
Youth hostels and huts in hiking areas are another option. Especially in the German low mountain ranges and the Alps, there is a well-developed network of huts that offer affordable accommodation in the great outdoors.
With these alternatives, you can fully enjoy the experience of nature in Germany without risking fines or harming the environment.
How do I behave correctly when wild camping?
Even if you are using one of the few legal options for wild camping in Germany or are abroad where it is permitted, responsible behavior in nature is always important.
The golden rules for wild camping
- Leave no trace: Leave no trace. The place where you pitch your tent should look exactly the same after you leave. Take all garbage back with you, even biodegradable waste such as fruit peelings do not belong in the wild.
- Choosing a campsite: Be particularly careful. Look for a place that is already somewhat worn out instead of polluting new areas. Keep at least 100 meters away from bodies of water, paths and roads.
- No open fires: Fires are taboo when wild camping, unless explicitly permitted (such as on some trekking sites with fire pits). The risk of fire is too great. Use a small camping stove instead.
- Sanitary requirements: Your "toilet" should be at least 100 meters away from bodies of water. Dig a small hole (15 cm deep), do your business and close the hole again. Ideally, you should take toilet paper with you or bury it.
Other important rules of conduct
- Avoid noise: Respect the peace and quiet of nature, other people and wildlife. Especially at dusk and at night, many forest animals are active and can be disturbed by noise.
- Stay limited in time: A maximum of one to two nights in the same place is appropriate, then you should move on. This way you minimize the impact on nature in one place.
- Prepare early: If possible, explore the location before dark and set up your tent in daylight. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and make it easier to find a suitable spot.
By following these rules of conduct, you will help to ensure that future generations can also enjoy nature - and reduce the risk of getting into trouble when wild camping in Germany.
What should I know about the legal right of access?
The right of access is an important aspect when it comes to wild camping and general movement in nature. In Germany, there are some basic regulations that you should be aware of.
In principle, anyone in Germany is allowed to enter forests and the open countryside for recreational purposes. This right is enshrined in the Federal Forest Act and the corresponding state laws. This means that you are allowed to explore nature on foot, on skis or by bike (usually only on paths) - even if it is a private forest.
However, this right of access only applies to "temporary stays" - and this is where the gray area regarding wild camping begins. Pitching a tent or even just spending the night in the open air is no longer legally regarded as a temporary stay and is therefore not permitted without the owner's permission.
However, there are differences between public and private land. In public forests, the general provisions of the federal and state forest laws apply. On private land, the owner has more far-reaching powers and can prohibit or restrict access under certain circumstances.
Foresters, rangers in protected areas and private landowners have the right to inform you of the applicable regulations and to take appropriate action in the event of violations. They can ask you to leave the site and call the police if you refuse or repeatedly violate the rules.
The regulations for camping in the forest are particularly strict. In most federal states, it is expressly forbidden to pitch tents or stay overnight. The only exception is with the express permission of the forest owner.
It is therefore worth checking the legal situation before planning an outdoor overnight stay and, if in doubt, obtaining permission from the landowner. This way, you can avoid legal problems and still enjoy your outdoor experience.
What is the situation regarding wild camping in other European countries?
German nature lovers who want to avoid the strict regulations on wild camping in this country can take a look across the border. The situation in other European countries differs considerably from the German legal situation in some cases.
In the Scandinavian countries, the so-called "Everyman's Right" (Allemansrätten) applies, which generally allows wild camping in the great outdoors. In Sweden, Norway and Finland, you can pitch your tent almost anywhere as long as you treat nature with respect, leave no garbage behind and keep a reasonable distance from residential buildings. This liberal regulation makes Scandinavia a paradise for wild campers.
In other countries, the situation is more nuanced. In France, for example, wild camping outside of national parks and nature reserves is generally tolerated, especially if you only stay for one night and behave inconspicuously. The situation is similar in Spain, although regulations may vary from region to region.
In the Alpine regions, the situation is mixed: in Austria, wild camping is largely prohibited, but is tolerated in some regions above the tree line. In Switzerland, similarly strict rules apply as in Germany, with regional differences depending on the canton.
Eastern European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states often have more liberal regulations, but here too there are restrictions in protected areas. In many of these countries, wild camping outside protected areas is at least tolerated.
A special case is Scotland, where the Everyman's Right applies in a similar way to Scandinavia and wild camping is largely permitted - a special feature within the UK.
For German wild camping fans, it is therefore well worth taking a look at other European countries. The Scandinavian countries in particular offer excellent opportunities for camping close to nature with their Everyman's Right. However, you should inform yourself thoroughly about the current local regulations before every trip, because even abroad, violations of camping regulations can lead to fines.
Regardless of the legal situation, the following applies everywhere in Europe: respectful behavior towards nature and the locals is the be-all and end-all when wild camping. This is the only way we can continue to enjoy the freedom of camping in the great outdoors in the future.
Conclusion
The most important facts about wild camping in Germany at a glance:
✅ Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, with only a few exceptions such as designated trekking sites or the express permission of the landowner.
✅ The regulations and penalties vary from state to state, but are particularly strict in nature reserves and national parks. Fines start at around 10-50 euros and can be up to 5,000 euros in serious cases.
✅ There is a legal difference between wild camping (with a tent) and bivouacking (without fixed accommodation), although the latter can be tolerated under certain circumstances.
✅ Legal alternatives to wild camping are campsites, special trekking sites or designated pitches for motorhomes.
✅ If you are traveling to other European countries, you should find out about the regulations that apply there, as these can be much more liberal in some cases (especially in Scandinavia with its Everyman's Right).
✅ Responsible behavior in nature is always important regardless of the legal situation: leave no trace, take garbage with you and show consideration for animals and plants.
Equipped with this knowledge, you can now plan your outdoor adventures in Germany and Europe - legally and in an environmentally friendly way!
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