Stealth Camping in Northwest Germany
11-12-07, 06:23 PM
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Stealth Camping in Northwest Germany
Hi everyone,
I am a Canadian cyclist and I usual stealth camp while touring. You can go to my journal for more info on stealth camping, but basically it consists of camping over night, out of sight on common land. I've already stealth camped in England, Wales, Netherlands and Belgium and of course my home country.
I'm planning on visiting northwestern Germany in May of 2008. Right now I'm thinking of entering Germany from east of Eindhoven. I have a booklet called "Discovering Germany by Bike" that shows some great routes. What I need is some advice on how Germans feel about stealth camping, and some possible routes I could take on a 2-3 week trip.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
I am a Canadian cyclist and I usual stealth camp while touring. You can go to my journal for more info on stealth camping, but basically it consists of camping over night, out of sight on common land. I've already stealth camped in England, Wales, Netherlands and Belgium and of course my home country.
I'm planning on visiting northwestern Germany in May of 2008. Right now I'm thinking of entering Germany from east of Eindhoven. I have a booklet called "Discovering Germany by Bike" that shows some great routes. What I need is some advice on how Germans feel about stealth camping, and some possible routes I could take on a 2-3 week trip.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
11-25-07, 04:49 PM
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Hi stokell,
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed...
At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.
Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany...
Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.
Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed...
At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany...
Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
11-25-07, 06:37 PM
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Hi stokell,
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed... At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.
Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany... Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.
Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed...
At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany...
Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
I hear you! Canada's population density is 3 people per kilometre. Germany is 323. Netherlands is 392.
Thanks for your input.
03-15-08, 03:19 PM
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Hi stokell,
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed... At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.
Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany... Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.
Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
I don't know it exactly and "goggled" a bit, but found different hints. I thought Camping outside signed camping sites ought to be not allowed in Germany; "biwaking" (without tent, but e.g. biwak bag) might be allowed. On the other hand camping in nature ought to be generally allowed, except in woods. But woods are public, entering is generally allowed...
At any case, camping is not allowed if it is forbidden at special areas or places as lakes etc, usually signed on labels.Anyway, "where no prosecutor, there no judge" as we say (translated) in Germany. Means even If you are discovered, there should be no greater problem if you look half-decent -remember we are in Germany...
Or better if you behave responsible, but I surely think you do so. And in the most cases if you ask for a sleeping site, you will get the permission I think.Some hints: Germany is very densely populated, in some regions it might be difficult to find hidden places. And important because of this reason, there are some areas you should better do not forbidden camping, even biwaking. This are restricted or protected areas, there you can really get trouble. Theese are for example:
"Nationalpark" - highest protection zone, but AFAIK there is no one in Northwest Germany
"Naturschutzgebiet" (nature protection area)
"Landschaftsschutzgebiet" (landscape conservation area)
"Wasserschutzgebiet" (water protection area)
and "Truppenübungsplatz" (military training area) -OK, here YOU should be protected...
And of course any fenced area, tree nurseries and so on.
BTW, the translation of what you do is "wild / wildes zelten", with the meaning of stealth and uncivilised as well.
On the other hand, I live in an industrial but yet green area, there's a canal nearby where camping (and partying) is tolerated. As far as there is no open fire or barbecueing, due to danger of forest fire. But I assume you consider this anyway.
So I wish you a lot of fun on your trip to Germany. I took a short sight at your trip to Netherlands and belgium, there should be no great difference. Very great what you do! BTW, accidentally I saw your mentioned booklet at a bookshop some days ago, but unfortunately it was seald. Do you already know where you will go to?
Salamander,
I'm sorry to take so long to reply. My job is very demanding and so is SWMBO and my son (university next year). Maybe that is why I need my yearly tour. I'm booked on the plane, so I will be in Germany for 3 weeks starting the last week of April.
Right now I'm checking equipment, including my hammock and starting to think about camping in a German forest. Someone told me that there are wild boars in the forest. Is this true? Are they dangerous?
Also what type of trees are in a German forest, and what age might they be? I'm also thinking about a Canadian forest in April. There would be a lot of blackflies and later mosquitos. Are there any biting insects in Germany?
04-26-08, 02:36 PM
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Salamander,
I'm sorry to take so long to reply. My job is very demanding and so is SWMBO and my son (university next year). Maybe that is why I need my yearly tour. I'm booked on the plane, so I will be in Germany for 3 weeks starting the last week of April.
Right now I'm checking equipment, including my hammock and starting to think about camping in a German forest. Someone told me that there are wild boars in the forest. Is this true? Are they dangerous?
Also what type of trees are in a German forest, and what age might they be? I'm also thinking about a Canadian forest in April. There would be a lot of blackflies and later mosquitos. Are there any biting insects in Germany?
I'm sorry to take so long to reply. My job is very demanding and so is SWMBO and my son (university next year). Maybe that is why I need my yearly tour. I'm booked on the plane, so I will be in Germany for 3 weeks starting the last week of April.
Right now I'm checking equipment, including my hammock and starting to think about camping in a German forest. Someone told me that there are wild boars in the forest. Is this true? Are they dangerous?
Also what type of trees are in a German forest, and what age might they be? I'm also thinking about a Canadian forest in April. There would be a lot of blackflies and later mosquitos. Are there any biting insects in Germany?
They are definitely not something to mess around if you see one.
04-28-08, 05:11 AM
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I have stealth camped quite a bit in Germany, and I've never had a problem. Maybe because I've never been caught.
Have heard about ticks being a problem though in some areas.
Have heard about ticks being a problem though in some areas.
