Is wild camping allowed? Wild camping is generally tolerated in Switzerland above the treeline, with some restrictions. Wild camping is definitely not allowed in protected areas nature preserves, game rest zones, hunting grounds or Swiss National Park. Check the signs posted at the entrance to the nature area.
Tips on wild camping in the Swiss Alps
The main mantra for wild camping is always to “leave no trace,” so leave any camping spot precisely as it was found. Arrive later in the day, and leave as early as possible. Only stay one night at each location and keep camping groups small.
In Switzerland, wild camping is allowed above the tree line in the mountains, on alpine pastures, and in rocky terrain, This is why overnight backpacking when hiking (means you have your backpack ready with your camping gear, just in case) is a common way to find camping spots.
Wild camping is technically not legal in Switzerland.
You can't just park your motorhome and spend the night on any beautiful spot along the road in Switzerland. You are only allowed to do so at designated campsites.
Whether you want to go glamping, sleep under canvas, relax in a cosy wooden pod or even sleep in a giant bubble while gazing at the stars, Switzerland has a huge range of camping experiences.
Regardless of the canton, wild camping is forbidden in Switzerland, for example, in national parks, nature reserves, federal hunting zones and wildlife rest areas. It is only permitted above the timberline in the mountains.
Wild camping in a tent, motorhome, or campervan is generally tolerated in Switzerland above the treeline, up high in the mountains. These locations are usually very remote and are often difficult to access especially in a vehicle, however not impossible.
Fines are a minimum of 1000 CHF and if you are caught in the moment, can be a lot more. While rangers are not in place on every peak in the Swiss Alps, if any locals see you wild camping in the wrong place they will report you to the police.
Must knows about wild camping in Switzerland
Wild camping is only allowed in the mountains above the tree line. Camping in nature reserves, wild rest zones and hunting ban areas is not allowed. Exceptions apply, so always contact the local authorities to double check where wild camping is allowed.
Although a holiday in Switzerland has become a bit cheaper for people with euros as the franc weakens, two adults and a ten-year-old will still pay on average €46.78 (CHF56. 10) for a night in a Swiss campsite.
Each municipality has its own rules, so pay careful attention to signage. Some car parks allow for overnight rest only — which means that you should not set up camp by using your outside table and chairs and should move on the very next day. Your campervan or motorhome must be parked in a designated spot.
It is generally not permitted to stay overnight in a car on a public parking lot. It is therefore recommended to find a campground or any other accommodation where you can spend the night. In some regions, sleeping for one night in the car is tolerated. You can ask at the local police station for more information.
Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Sweden. To protect nature and the environment, however, some points should be considered. The freedom to stay and camp anywhere in nature is based on the Everyman's Right (Swedish Allemansrätten).
Wild camping is generally tolerated in Switzerland above the treeline, with some restrictions. Wild camping is definitely not allowed in protected areas nature preserves, game rest zones, hunting grounds or Swiss National Park.
Not only does this disturb animals but it can also be very be dangerous. Especially in dry months as there is a danger of forest fires in Germany and the penalties exceed the fine charged for illegal wild camping by far.
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy with fines ranging from 100-500€. However, there are certain exceptions. You can get a permit from the local authorities then you're allowed to stand there freely.
Wild camping generally is not permitted in France, except when the landowner permits to do so. Pitching up in protected natural sites or near historic monuments is never allowed. Local authorities or other authorities in charge of these designated areas can establish specific rules regarding the area they govern.
Free camping, also known as wild camping or boondocking, is forbidden under the "Verkehrsreglement" (transportation regulations) of Zermatt and is punishable by a fine. Free camping or pitching a tent is forbidden in the Zermatt-Matterhorn destination.
Today, at least one brown bear is seen in Switzerland every year. Mostly in the southern cantons of Tessin and Grisons. As you would expect, being in the wild, mountainous Northern Italy border region. And, there is also the protected and very wild area in Eastern Switzerland where the Swiss National Park is located.
Campsites in Switzerland for Motorhomes and Campervans
They're pretty easy to find, especially if you're a member of ACSI or have a book! You normally don't need to book in advance unless you're visiting in peak season, are going to a VERY popular one (like up Jungfrau) or are visiting a specific ski resort in winter.
England & Wales
It's only classed as a civil offence (non arrestable), as opposed to a criminal offence (arrestable), so the police would most likely just ask you to move along if they caught you doing it. If you then refuse to move, you'll risk escalating it into the criminal offence of aggravated trespass.
It was legal, apart from in national parks, provided you asked the permission of the landowner if there was one. Unfortunately, larger numbers of campers and increasing lack of respect towards the environment got too frustrating for Iceland's inhabitants and governments, and the law was changed.
The good news is that wild camping in Finland is completely legal. It known as the Finnish “every man's rights” or Jokamiehen oikeudet, and it means that you can set up tent or hike on any public land – and even on private land, as long as it is clearly not being used.
FreeRoam's layers allow you to quickly determine whether a potential campsite is on BLM land or within a National Forest. Free camping is allowed within these boundaries most of the time. FreeRoam's layers make it the best app for finding your own free campsite. FreeRoam is available on Android and iOS.
Wild camping in Norway
Norway's right to roam law gives anyone the right to access public land, including for overnight camping: There are some limitations, but as long as you're respectful of nature, wild camping is a fantastic way to keep the costs down while enjoying the very best outdoor experiences.