Wild camping in Austria – What's allowed and what isn't

There's something to see for everyone here, whether in summer or winter time. In order to enjoy nature to the fullest wild camping is of course an option – but be careful: Austria is not Scandinavia where the so-called “right of public access” provides a relatively generous legal framework and concessions for camping in the great outdoors. In Austria, the legal situation is much more restrictive and particularly tricky: there are serious differences depending on the federal state.

Whether in a tent in the middle of the forest or in a camping vehicle at the side of the road: In Austria, spending the night away from official campsites is largely prohibited and can sometimes result in heavy fines. However, there is no uniform regulation for wild camping in Austria.

The legal situation for camping in the forest is absolutely clear. Camping in the entire forest area is prohibited by law! An exception exists only if there is an explicit consent of the landowner.

The specific regulations and penalties for camping outside the forest area are regulated differently in the individual federal states. It is therefore possible that you may be allowed to camp in your camper outside of campsites in certain places or on certain occasions.

Exceptions are also made for emergency bivouacking and taking a break in the camper off the campsites. However, you should not take advantage of this for your camping holiday because such a break is only allowed until you can drive again!

Disregarding the rules not only hurts your wallet. You can be fined between €5 and €500 for wild camping and camping away from officially advertised campsites. If you are caught wild camping in a nature reserve, national park or special protection area you can be fined up to €14,500. On the other hand, you also increase the risk that the respective municipalities will tighten the wild camping rules even more or that standing with the motorhome will be completely banned.

We have compiled a list of the federal states in which you are more likely to be tolerated with your camper and which areas you should avoid for wild camping.

Here, camping in a tent with fewer than ten people is permitted for a maximum of three nights. Wild camping – outside local areas and away from public campsites – is prohibited.

If you want to wild camp somewhere in Austria then you should go to Oberösterreich because there it's allowed above the tree line and away from fields. Even if it's difficult to camp in the airy heights with a camper – sleeping in a tent on a mountain is definitely a unique adventure!

Here, the mayor of the respective municipality determines whether penalties are enforced for wild camping and how much the fine would be. Camping in the alpine wasteland is allowed as long as it's done in harmony with nature. If wild camping goes against the interests of nature or agriculture the municipal leaders can ban it. You also need an extra permit near lakes.

For Steiermark there are no regulations that explicitly refer to the permissibility or prohibition of camping. It is advisable to obtain permission from the authorities for wild camping. But Steiermark is a good address for wild camping fans.

Kärtnen is one of the most popular destinations for a vacation in a motorhome. However, according to the local nature conservation law it is forbidden to camp or park caravans in the open countryside outside campsites and also in other areas such as front gardens, house gardens and orchards.

In Lower Austria you should definitely not camp in the wilderness. Mobile camping is strictly prohibited. However, the ban does not apply to alpine bivouacking. Planned bivouacking, on the other hand, is prohibited and fines of up to 3,630 euros may be imposed.

Tyrol has very strict regulations regarding camping outside of campsites. The Tyrolean camping law clearly states: “Camping outside campsites is prohibited, except on land for which an ordinance […] has been issued. Juicy penalties are awaiting you if you disregard this.

There are campsites in Austria for every taste and every budget. Some of them are located on lakes with a view on the mountains, others closer to cities. You can click through numerous apps and choose from around 600 campsites. Is that too stressful for you? Then let us plan your individual holiday for you. The Off Guide service gives you inspiration for campsites, restaurants and activities.

Above all, you should observe camper etiquette. It is important that you do not harm agriculture and tourism and that your behaviour is always in harmony with nature. Leave your campsite exactly as you found it – or more beautiful. Nobody benefits from polluting or destroying the environment!

You should also find out whether your tour leads through a protected area and whether special rain regulations apply. The Alpine Network of Protected Areas provides an overview of protected areas throughout the Alps.

For your own safety, it is important to always keep an eye on the weather as it can change relatively quickly in the alpine wasteland. If you are sure that you can stand freely, make sure that you are standing on safe ground with your camper and know where you can get help in an emergency.

A look at the legal situation shows that it is anything but uniform and particularly “wild camping friendly”. In Austria, it is always advisable to study the applicable framework conditions of the respective federal state in advance. But then nothing will stand in the way of your adventurous camping holiday.

By the way: According to a study by the ADAC, Austria is in third place among the cheapest campsites in Europe. Two adults and one child pay an average of €34.31 for an overnight stay at a campsite, including pitch and additional costs.