The Ultimate Guide to Wild Camping in Europe in 2025

What is Wild Camping?
Imagine falling asleep under a canopy of stars in the Norwegian fjords, or waking up to misty lakes deep in the forests of Sweden. Wild camping—setting up camp away from official campgrounds—isn’t just about saving money or dodging crowded tourist hubs. It’s about reconnecting with raw nature, embracing freedom, and experiencing Europe on your own terms. As more travelers seek unique and off-the-grid adventures, wild camping remains a secret passage to the heart of Europe’s landscapes—but it requires knowledge, respect, and a sense of adventure.

While some countries celebrate wild camping with open arms, others enforce strict rules to protect their natural spaces. This guide will steer you to the best wild camping opportunities and help you navigate where, how, and when you can set up camp responsibly. Pack your tent, lace up your boots, and let’s explore.

The Wild Camping Winners of Europe

1. Sweden
In Sweden, wild camping isn’t just allowed; it’s a way of life. The Allemansrätten (“Right of Public Access”) allows you to camp freely on uncultivated land for up to 24 hours. Think lakeside pitching under towering pines, open meadows under endless summer skies, and freedom to roam like a local. But this freedom comes with responsibility—keep 150 meters away from houses, leave no trace, and avoid fires in dry seasons. Sweden rewards campers with its serene landscapes, where silence stretches for miles and nature’s wonders await discovery.

2. Norway
Norway’s Allemannsretten mirrors Sweden’s right to roam, making it another haven for wild camping enthusiasts. Here, you can set up camp on uncultivated land, away from houses, for a single night. Whether it’s gazing at the midnight sun in Lofoten or bivouacking by icy glacial rivers, Norway offers some of Europe’s most breathtaking camping spots.

Pro tip: The coastal winds can be fierce, so pitch your tent with care, and keep a close eye on fire restrictions to protect these wild landscapes.

3. Scotland
Scotland’s rugged beauty feels like it was made for wild camping. Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you can camp almost anywhere on unenclosed land. The Scottish Highlands are a wild camper’s dream: endless valleys, dramatic cliffs, and lochs that reflect the sky like mirrors.

Adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, stay clear of busy trails, and leave nature as untouched as you found it and you'll be golden. In areas like Loch Lomond, a permit is required during peak seasons to prevent overcrowding.

4. Finland
In Finland, wild camping is embedded in the country’s "Everyman’s Rights". You can roam, camp, and immerse yourself in forests or beside one of the nation’s 180,000 lakes for a couple of nights.

A Finnish wild camping experience often involves deep silence, clear starry skies, and perhaps a sauna nearby (if you’re lucky!). Just respect private property, steer clear of reserves, and tread gently in these pristine spaces.

5. Estonia
Estonia might be Europe’s wild camping underdog. Its dense forests, quiet bogs, and untouched coastline make it a tranquil escape for travelers in the know. Wild camping is permitted on public lands, and Estonia even offers free camping facilities in protected areas.

Picture pitching your tent beside an untouched beach or wandering forest trails for days without encountering another soul. Estonia is an adventurer’s dream, wrapped in low-key charm.

6. Latvia and Lithuania
In Latvia and Lithuania, wild camping feels almost natural. While you can camp responsibly in forests and some coastal areas, these countries are also dotted with official (and often free) camping spots in national parks. Head inland for quiet rivers, expansive woods, and forgotten landscapes that beg for exploration.

7. Switzerland
Switzerland is where bivouac camping was born, popularized by mountaineers in the 19th century who needed minimal shelter while climbing the Swiss Alps. Today, it remains a top destination for wild campers, offering stunning high-altitude spots perfect for pitching a simple tent or using a bivy sack. While traditional camping is allowed in some areas, the Alps are ideal for a true wilderness experience. Just remember to camp responsibly, stay away from protected zones, and enjoy the majestic landscapes that made Switzerland a bivouac legend.

8. Georgia
Georgia, with its rugged landscapes and towering peaks, offers a unique wild camping experience. In this country, wild camping is generally allowed, especially in remote areas like the Caucasus Mountains. While camping is prohibited in some protected areas and near villages, you can pitch your tent in most rural and mountainous regions. From lush valleys to dramatic ridgelines, Georgia provides a diverse range of natural settings for campers seeking solitude. Just be sure to tread lightly, respect local customs, and avoid camping too close to historical sites or villages.