Where in Europe is wild camping permitted?

Question

Is there any resource (website, book, etc) that lists all European countries, and the state of free camping?

Specifically, I want to see in which European countries I'm not fined when I place my tent somewhere outside of an official camping ground.

Answer 1

After a bit of digging I found this, which covers some in Europe (not extensively as I first thought!)

It's worth pointing out that while for some (and probably most people here) wild camping means free-camping wandering around with a tent and supplies on foot, for many others it can mean driving around and parking up somewhere in a motor home. I refer to the first variety here, and this is the sort that is much less likely to give you problems (especially in countries where it's borderline.)

In any country, but especially those where it's more of a grey area, if you know where you're going beforehand then a quick call to the landowner (if any) to check that it's ok won't do you any harm. While it may not always be necessary, it may help to put your mind at rest so you're not worried about being approached or asked to leave during your stay.

Anyway, a general summary of countries in that link and elsewhere:

• France (See above link) A legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you're well away from tourist sites. Don't light any fires.
• England and Wales (See above link) Generally not allowed without prior permission, though there are some exceptions (Dartmoor being the biggest one.)
• Scotland (See above link) Legal pretty much anywhere.
• Ireland It's tolerated in the more rural places, though it may be wise to obtain permission beforehand if you can.
• Spain and Portugal I believe it's tolerated but only in certain locations. Best to check with the landowner first to be sure.
• Germany Most of the links I can find suggest that it's not strictly speaking legal, but that many people have done it without any issues (providing you follow sensible precautions of course.)
• Italy (See above link) It doesn't seem to be tolerated, in fact most sources I can find seem to say it's explicitly banned in many places. Having said that, the same link also says there's lots of good campsites in a lot of nice locations around, so that may be your alternative.
• Greece (See above link) Illegal, but the rule is apparently rampantly ignored, with many unpoliced areas. The risk is on you if you try it here.
• Norway and Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere!
• Finland Legal pretty much anywhere.
• Bulgaria (See above link) An interesting one - I can't find any sources saying whether it's legal or not, but in the summer apparently hundreds of hippy families relocate to the beaches, wild camp there and often strip nude for good measure.
• Estonia (See above link) A legal grey area, widely tolerated but best to obtain permission from the land owner beforehand.
• Iceland Camping with no more than three tents is allowed on uncultivated ground for a single night, unless the landowner has posted a notice to the contrary.
• Albania Legal here on public land, but sometimes restricted for environmental reasons. Check first.
• Austria Can't find any authoritative sources. General consensus is that it seems to be discouraged, but as long as you're sensible then there shouldn't be an issue.

Answer 2

It's allowed in Sweden. It's called Allemansrätten.

Answer 3

Generally in England and Wales it is illegal to wild camp anywhere without prior permission from the land owner. Although some UK national parks are more tolerant than others!! In my experience certainly in the English and Welsh national parks it is tolerated as long as you are not seen and you leave no trace including not starting any fires.

For more information check out the national parks website: http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/camping.htm

As @StephenPaulger says it is different in Scotland (thankfully) under certain conditions. Please check this link out:

http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/out-and-about/recreation-activities/wild-camping/

Being on holiday in France, some places get very iffy about wild camping!! So as in the UK its probably best to check with the land owner first.

Answer 4

don't wild camp in Italy. In most cities it is illegal, and more important it is highly dangerous. Depending on the area, you may be mugged, raped, stabbed, or flash flooded by a torrent of mud.

Answer 5

This is a pure theory, if you're asking about permission... you have to understand that the rules and laws are set up for people that park 3 cars, make 5 big tents, lot of noise and leave a lot of rubish. Practically, when you are a good outdoor person, quiet and never leaving any rubish behind you, and you need just sleep for one night somewhere with just a sleeping bag or maybe small tent when it rains / it's cold, then I think this is not a real "camping" and it's not a problem almost anywhere. I'm normally doing this without any problems even in countries like Austria (once we slept under the sign "Kampieren verboten" :-))

So, just don't provoke the land owners too much, build your tent somewhere hidden and after it gets dark, and leave the place soon in the morning. The less people know about you, the better, also for your safety. Sometimes the land owners notice you and are very friendly, especially in countries like Spain and even in Austria :) I didn't have any problems after years of this practice.

Don't sleep this way in big cities, it's dangerous. You may get robbed. The more abandoned / outdoor site it is, the safer for you.

Answer 6

It is allowed, with conditions, in Scotland.

http://walking.visitscotland.com/usefulinfo/wild-camping

One restriction that I know of is that camping is not allowed on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. There are likely to be restrictions during the hunting season as well, there are phone lines where you can find out about hunting activities.

Answer 7

I think this is also called "Freedom to roam". Here is a list of countries with detailed information of what is allowed and not allowed around Europe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_to_roam

Answer 8

I can only answer Switzerland. It's illegal to "wildcamp" but however most ground belongs to Farmers which can be asked anytime, and most of them will let you.

Answer 9

In Serbia it is legal and everywhere is free.

Answer 10

Camping by sml van or large estate car mpv, overnight without problems in spain, beach parking areas and beach! especially castel de ferro area almeria coast line, you come across a few camper vans and also local rod fishermen night fishing forming tents with umbrellas and the like.

France - parked all over BUT discreet!! Places in villages as in centre parking ,back lane, or grassed parking areas, some have designated areas in small towns, there's also lay-byes that are well off road in places, on the main route's lay-byes are used by many and some have toilets, I am always aware to park either where others are or completely out of vision for safety, I have only been moved once, there was a big boules tournament following day, I should have noticed adverts, so always check!!! Could end up in middle of a car boot sale in morning, thats neen done!!

So really just use common-sense and respect.

Happy days to all, Col