Wild camping in Europe: the ultimate bikepacking experience with alternative camping methods for each country
The best tips and tricks for camping off the beaten path

Are you looking for a unique way to explore Europe by bike? Wild camping might be the ultimate solution for you. By setting up your own camp in nature, you end up in the most beautiful places and get an authentic experience of the country. But what about the rules for wild camping in Europe? And what are the alternative camping methods if wild camping is not allowed? In this text, we give you all the information you need to enjoy an adventurous bikepacking trip in Europe.

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What is wild camping?

Wild camping means camping in a place in nature, outside of campgrounds or other official campsites. This can be in a forest, on a mountain top, by a river, or in another place in nature. Wild camping is a popular way of camping for people who love adventure and who like to be close to nature.

Wild camping in Europe: the rules by country

Although wild camping is popular in Europe, the rules for wild camping vary by country. Below is an overview of the rules for wild camping in different European countries:

  • Belgium: Wild camping is not allowed on public domain in Belgium, except on campgrounds. In the forest, wild camping is allowed, but only in places that are not close to a residence or on a prohibited area.

  • Germany: In Germany, wild camping is allowed in certain places in the forest, as long as you are more than 100 meters away from inhabited areas. In the Alps, wild camping is prohibited in some places due to the high tourist season.

  • France: In France, wild camping on public domain is prohibited, except on campgrounds. In the forest, wild camping is allowed in certain places, as long as you are at least 200 meters away from inhabited areas.

  • Netherlands: In the Netherlands, wild camping is not allowed on public domain, except on campgrounds. In the forest, wild camping is allowed in certain places, as long as you are more than 100 meters away from inhabited areas.

  • Austria: Wild camping is not allowed on public domain in Austria, except on campgrounds. In the forest, wild camping is allowed in certain places, as long as you are more than 50 meters away from inhabited areas.

  • Switzerland: Wild camping is not allowed on public domain in Switzerland, except on campgrounds. In the forest, wild camping is allowed in certain places, as long as you are more than 300 meters away from inhabited areas.

  • Denmark: Wild camping is allowed on certain sites in the forest in Denmark, provided you are more than 50 meters away from built-up areas.

  • Finland: Wild camping is allowed on certain sites in the forest in Finland, provided you are more than 150 meters away from built-up areas.

  • Sweden: Wild camping is allowed on certain sites in the forest in Sweden, provided you are more than 50 meters away from built-up areas.

Alternative camping methods in Europe

If wild camping is not allowed in the country you are traveling to, there are other options available for camping. Here is an overview of alternative camping methods in Europe:

  • Campgrounds: Campgrounds are a popular way to camp in Europe. There are many campgrounds in Europe where you can stay with your tent, caravan, or camper. Many campgrounds also have tents and caravans available for rent.

  • Ter beschikking gestelde tuinen: Sommige mensen zetten hun tuin gratis ter beschikking via platformen zoals Welcome To My Garden en 1NITE TENT. Deze initiatieven zijn over het algemeen meer lokaal gericht dan bijvoorbeeld Warm Showers.
  • Glamping: Glamping is a combination of glamour and camping. There are many glamping accommodations available in Europe, where you can stay in luxurious tents, cabins, or caravans.
  • Farms: Some farms in Europe have camping sites available for guests. This is a great way to interact with the local community and learn more about the countryside of the country.

  • B&Bs: B&Bs (Bed & Breakfast) are a good option if you are looking for comfortable and private accommodation. B&Bs are often small, family-run accommodations where you can stay in a room with a private bathroom.

  • Hostels: Hostels are a good option if you do not want to camp but still want to travel on a budget. Many hostels have rooms with bunk beds available, and some also have tent sites.

  • Warm Showers: Warm Showers Warm Showers: Warm Showers are popular overnight accommodations for hikers and cyclists in Europe. These places are often set up by volunteers and offer simple sleeping arrangements, such as a roof over your head and a bed.

  • werken in ruil voor onderdak: Zeker voor fiets-reizigers die meerdere maanden of jaren onderweg zijn kan het interessant zijn om ergens langere tijd te blijven en in ruil de host te helpen. Dit kan gaan van hulp bieden op een boerderij tot helpen renoveren van een woning. Enkele platformen hiervoor zijn HelpX en Workaway.

Tips for wild camping in Europe

If you decide to go wild camping in Europe, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Find a good spot: Look for a spot that is not too close to inhabited areas and that provides sufficient shelter from the weather. Also consider the rules for wild camping in the country you are in.

  • Leave no trace: Make sure you leave no trace at the campsite. This means not making a fire and taking your trash with you when you leave.

  • Have enough water and food: Make sure you have enough water and food for the night. If you are in an area with no water sources, bring enough water with you.

  • Be respectful: Be respectful of the nature and environment where you are camping. This means not making noise and not causing damage to the environment.

  • Let someone know where you are: Make sure you tell someone where you are if you go wild camping. This way they can send help if something goes wrong.

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Gert Pellin EZ, Gert Pellin 19 December, 2022
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