Skip to main content
Edited in the current situation in the Netherlands.
Source Link
Willeke
  • 4.7k
  • 2
  • 18
  • 46
  • 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.)

    Note: German wild zelten [zelten = camping] does not mean wilderness camping. The wild here means illegal/without permission. With permission, camping is OK in many places and there are a few places where blanco permissions exist for particular situations. More details in this other answer

  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen) '2020 note, the end of paalkamperen is announced, it is currently suspended due to COVID 19 but is said not to return.'

  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

  • 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.)

    Note: German wild zelten [zelten = camping] does not mean wilderness camping. The wild here means illegal/without permission. With permission, camping is OK in many places and there are a few places where blanco permissions exist for particular situations. More details in this other answer

  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)

  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

  • 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.)

    Note: German wild zelten [zelten = camping] does not mean wilderness camping. The wild here means illegal/without permission. With permission, camping is OK in many places and there are a few places where blanco permissions exist for particular situations. More details in this other answer

  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen) '2020 note, the end of paalkamperen is announced, it is currently suspended due to COVID 19 but is said not to return.'

  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

added link to detailed answer about situation in Germany
Source Link
cbeleites
  • 4.3k
  • 17
  • 20
  • 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.

    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.)

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.)

    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.)

    Note: German wild zelten [zelten = camping] does not mean wilderness camping. The wild here means illegal/without permission. With permission, camping is OK in many places and there are a few places where blanco permissions exist for particular situations. More details in this other answer

  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)

    Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)

  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

    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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

  • 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.

    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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

    Norway Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

    Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

    Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

  • 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.

    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.

    Estonia (See above link) A legal grey area, widely tolerated but best to obtain permission from the land owner beforehand.

  • Albania Legal here on public land, but sometimes restricted for environmental reasons. Check first.

    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.

    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.

  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

    Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

  • 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.)
  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)
  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)
  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.
  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.
  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.
  • 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.)

    Note: German wild zelten [zelten = camping] does not mean wilderness camping. The wild here means illegal/without permission. With permission, camping is OK in many places and there are a few places where blanco permissions exist for particular situations. More details in this other answer

  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)

  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)

  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.

  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.

  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.

  • 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.)
  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)
  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)
  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to RoamRight to Roam.
  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.
  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.
  • 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.)
  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)
  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)
  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.
  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.
  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.
  • 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.)
  • Netherlands Generally not allowed. There are a few spots where it is allowed, near a designated pole for so called 'pole camping' (paalkamperen)
  • 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. (Edit: This may be a little harsher than reality, see Tullochgorum's comment below.)
  • 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 Legal pretty much anywhere. Right to Roam.
  • Sweden Legal pretty much anywhere. Outdoor Access Rights.
  • Finland Legal pretty much anywhere. Everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Faroe Islands Not permitted. Camping is only permitted at designated campsites.
Removed "Iceland" because the only thing listed was a link, which no longer works.
Source Link
Loading
Added permalink to the official everyman’s rights and the code of conduct on private land in Finland. Outdoor Access Rights for Sweden and Right to Roam for Norway.
Source Link
Loading
added 85 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
added 406 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
added 1458 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
added 500 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
added 500 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
added 26 characters in body
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading
Source Link
berry120
  • 22.6k
  • 9
  • 74
  • 158
Loading