Camping in the Alps

Vanlife, tents, and the rules that keep it legal.

Dominik Ebner

Dominik Ebner

The Alps, Germany

Travelling the Alps by campervan is one of the best ways to explore, and it combines transport and accommodation in one. If you don't have your own van, renting a camper is easy through platforms like Indie Campers, Roadsurfer or PaulCamper.

Tent camping is more restricted. In most regions wild camping isn't officially allowed, especially in protected areas, so always check the local rules online for each region before pitching, as regulations vary a lot. To find good campsites, an app like Park4night is very helpful, and in summer it's worth booking your campsite in advance.

Some basics always apply: take all your trash with you, respect nature, and don't light fires where they aren't allowed. And don't just park anywhere overnight, fines can be expensive, so make sure you're in a permitted area.

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

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