Sometime wild camping in Europe is completely legal, other times it’s banned in theory but not really and other times unfortunately it’s completely banned and even enforced so if you’re from Europe or you want to do some wild camping here in Europe then this blog will definitely be useful to you.
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I will only give you a rough overview of how wild camping works and is treated in each country. But if you’re planning to do a trip to a specific region then you should always do more research for that specific region. Because the wild camping laws might be different there and also even though I did quite a bit of research for this blog I can make mistakes so do not trust this information as you would the law and always do your own research.
1. Scandinavia
If you’re a big fan of wild camping then the best place to go in Europe definitely is Scandinavia. Because in Norway Sweden and Finland wild camping is allowed by their right to roam laws the exact wild camping laws differ for each country individually but in general terms you can set up your tent pretty much anywhere. Even on private property as long as the land doesn’t look like it’s actively used for grazing agriculture or other purposes and it’s at least 100 m away from Trails, roads, Rivers, houses, cities and so on.
In a lot of places you’re even allowed to build a fire which definitely isn’t common for Europe there are only a few restrictions for areas that are more popular with tourists and in areas that are natural preserves protected areas and so on personally I really like wild camping in Scandinavia especially during July August and September when the temperatures are cooler and fresher compared to the rest of the Europe.
2. Wild Camping in the UK
In the UK we essentially have to look at two regions separately in the first region which consists of England Wales and Northern Ireland. Wild camping is technically banned but in reality it’s often tolerated you can wild camp legally only in a few natural parks and open access areas that said most people usually don’t have any problems with camping. If they don’t do it on private property and if they do it’s somewhat stealthy. But again I want to emphasize that I’m not encouraging you to break any laws.
3. Scotland and Ireland
• Scotland
And the other region is Scotland and it’s a completely different Beast because wild camping is allowed there except on private property and a few Natural Parks and protected areas it’s pretty much almost like Scandinavia only with a bit more Restrictions.
• Ireland
In Ireland unfortunately wild camping is considered illegal except for a few areas like the Wicklow national park. Generally though in more remote areas of Ireland wild camping is usually tolerated if you leave no Trace if you do not camp near roads or cities and if you do not camp on land that obviously looks like it’s private property.
4. Wild Camping in Iceland
In Iceland generally wild camping is banned because of the sheer amount of tourists that it gets. Theoretically though you’re allowed to pitch up your tent on public lands which aren’t near public campsites roads and cities and if there aren’t any additional Regional restrictions. In practice though most people say that finding a place that matches these criteria which isn’t in an open area with a lot of open wind is near to impossible so most of them just stick to staying in public campgrounds.
5. Southern Europe: Italy, France, and Spain
In Italy, France and Spain wild camping is usually tolerated even though on paper a lot of times it’s considered illegal. They also have a specific term for wild camping in a tent which is called bivouac. In most areas except for a few specific regions or national parks or protected areas bivouac is allowed the exact term for bivouac differs a bit between each country. But in general you’re doing a bivouac if you’re setting up your tent between 1 hour before Sunset and 1 hour after Sunrise you’re setting it up only for one night and you’re doing it in a small single person or two person tent.
Usually when people bivouac in the Pyrenees the Alps or in other hiking areas in Italy France or Spain they don’t have any problems. Including me because I’ve done a lot of bivouacking in Spain and Italy and I’ve never had any problems for the last few years. The only thing to watch out for is if you’re planning to bivouac in a very popular hiking area which is swarming with tourists in those areas probably bivouac isn’t allowed and it’s allowed only in designated camping areas.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland is almost like Italy France and Spain but a bit more lags. Because of their laws about the right of Public Access essentially you’re allowed to bivouac almost anywhere above the tree line except for a few Natural Parks but again for it to be considered a bivouac you need to set up your tent very late in the evening and take it down as the sun rises.
7. Austria
Wild camping laws in Austria are also very similar to Italy Spain and France but a bit more strict and they differ a bit more between each region. Bivouac is usually allowed above the tree line but not in Natural Parks reserves protected areas and in some areas that are very popular with tourists. If you’re doing it in areas that are considered illegal then you could be facing a very big fine if you do get caught.
8. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands
In Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands unfortunately wild camping is prohibited by the law. It’s also very actively enforced by Park Rangers especially in very popular areas of course the locals still sometimes do it but only in a very stealthy way and only in somewhat remote areas in these countries honestly it’s just better to stick to public campgrounds to avoid getting those big fines.
I know that a lot of people will complain because I didn’t mention other countries but unfortunately in this blog can’t cover each and every country in Europe individually. But I did some research on every country in Europe and I made a map of some sorts which you can use as a reference for understanding whether wild camping is allowed somewhat allowed or completely prohibited in each country.
• Final Thoughts
Wild camping in Europe offers an incredible range of opportunities, from the open landscapes of Scandinavia and Scotland to the more regulated yet adventurous bivouacking in Southern Europe. While some countries embrace wild camping with open arms, others enforce stricter rules, requiring campers to tread carefully and responsibly. Always respect local laws, leave no trace, and be mindful of the environment. Wild camping is not just about pitching a tent—it’s about immersing yourself in nature, creating memories, and embracing freedom. Plan well, pack smart, and let the adventure begin!
FAQs
It depends on the country. Some countries, like Norway, Sweden, and Scotland, allow wild camping under specific guidelines, while others, like Germany and Iceland, enforce strict regulations.
This varies by location. In Scandinavia, fires are often allowed in certain areas, while in most other countries, it’s prohibited due to safety concerns. Always check local regulations.
Bivouacking is a form of wild camping, typically overnight with small tents, in places like the Alps and Pyrenees. It is often tolerated in France, Italy, and Spain when done responsibly.
Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles: pack out all trash, avoid damaging vegetation, and camp away from roads, trails, and water sources.
Yes, fines can be significant in countries like Germany, Belgium, and Iceland. Always research local laws before camping to avoid penalties.