Sleeping in the great outdoors: that’s wild camping!

Wild camping refers to camping or spending the night in the wild outside of campgrounds or private property. It means staying overnight in a place that is not specifically set up for camping purposes. Wild camping involves finding a suitable place in nature, such as a remote forest, field or mountain, to pitch your tent and spend the night.

Close to nature & freedom to choose sleeping place

Wild camping offers a more intense nature experience and greater freedom in terms of site selection and activities compared to camping at organized campgrounds. It allows campers to choose their own campsite according to personal preferences and the needs of the trip. This opens the possibility of discovering remote places and experiencing new adventures in nature.

Rest & relaxation: recharge energy reserves

Wild camping allows you to be away from the crowded tourist areas and enjoy the beauty of nature in a secluded environment. It provides an escape from stressful everyday life and offers the opportunity to relax and recover from physical and mental stress. Spending time in nature, away from urban noise and distractions, creates space for inner peace and recharging energy reserves. It helps that you experience the wild camping, the animal and plant world up close.

Self-sufficiency, but inexpensive

When wild camping, people are often on their own and must provide their own equipment, food, and preparation. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency as people learn to navigate the outdoors and be independent. Another advantage of wild camping is that it is a cost-effective alternative, as there are often no overnight fees. This allows travelers on a limited budget to experience and enjoy nature without the high cost of campgrounds.

That’s what wild camping is all about!

Quickly in the overview – that’s what’s special about wild camping:

• Camping in the great outdoors, away from campgrounds & private grounds.
• Freedom to choose where to sleep, such as remote forests, fields or mountain
• Intensive experience of nature & allows to discover remote places
• Rest, relaxation & recreation away from crowded tourist areas
• Promotes self-reliance, self-sufficiency & self-reliance in nature.
• Cost-effective alternative, as there are no overnight charges

Alternative to camping: Wild camping allowed!

When wild camping, it is important to note that in many countries and regions legal regulations apply or wild camping may even be completely prohibited. These rules are in place to protect nature, avoid danger, and prevent conflicts with landowners. To avoid fines or other legal consequences, you should inform yourself about the respective laws and regulations before wild camping.

Wild Camping in Germany: Allowed or forbidden?

In Germany, the following regulations apply:

In principle, wild camping is not allowed. However, briefly entering natural areas for recreation is allowed as long as you do not pitch a tent or give the impression of “living” there. It is allowed to sleep under the open sky, even with a tarp (also called a tarp). Except in Berlin, you are not allowed to do that. In Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein you are also not allowed to leave paths at night. It is also forbidden to camp in nature reserves, national parks or on private property without the owner’s consent.

When traveling by car, you are allowed to stop at the side of the road to “restore your fitness to drive.” This means you are allowed to rest briefly, but then you should continue driving. Again, you are not allowed to unpack your camping table and appear to be “living”. You should follow these rules to protect nature and avoid negative impact on the environment.

Alternative: trekking places in the open nature

However, there are also special trekking sites, which are smaller pitches for campers in the wild. Spending the night there is allowed. Usually these offer space for up to four tents, have a few simple seats and sparse sanitary facilities. However, you get closer to nature than in a conventional campsite. Surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest, you can slowly drift off to sleep or cook under the open sky – with the cooking tips you are suitably prepared.

In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited, but brief entry into natural areas for recreation is permitted. As an alternative, there are trekking sites that allow you to spend the night in the great outdoors and offer a more intense experience of nature.

Where to go? Travel tips!

In some countries, wild camping is even allowed, although there are certain rules and restrictions. It is of great importance to check the current information and regulations locally to make sure that you do not violate any laws or regulations. This article is for general information only and does not constitute binding legal advice.

Wild camping allowed: Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia

In these countries, wild camping is allowed as long as no noise is caused and no damage is done to nature. It is not allowed to camp in nature reserves and time and regional restrictions may apply. So please inform yourself thoroughly about the specific region you want to camp in.

Two days in one place: Finland, Sweden & Norway

Wild camping is also generally allowed in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway, as long as you stay away from agricultural land. You are expected to take your trash with you, and camping is usually allowed for a maximum of two days in one place.

You can find more vacation tips for the two countries here:

• Camping in Sweden
• Camping in Norway

Wild camping far from private land: Scotland

Wild camping is also allowed in Scotland as long as no pollution is left behind and no remains of tents and fires are left behind. However, there are regional restrictions and seasonal wild camping may not be allowed in some areas. Stick to the limit of three days in one place and camp only with a small group of people. In addition, stay away from farms, pastures, fields, private property and homes.

Preparation: Gather info & pack equipment beforehand

Before you set out on your wild camping adventure, it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations in your destination to avoid fines and legal consequences. Always think about your safety, learn about potential hazards and take a first aid kit and a communication device, such as a cell phone. Create an emergency plan and share your travel plans with someone for assistance if needed.

Wild camping holds the unique opportunity to experience nature intensively and enjoy greater freedom in site selection and activities. Respect nature, be responsible and don’t leave trash behind. By preparing yourself, respecting the environment and paying attention to safety, you can have an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors while ensuring that future campers can enjoy the beauty of nature.

You should pay attention to this before you set out:

• Find out about legal requirements & regulations
• Think about your safety & inform yourself about dangers
• First aid kit & care for functioning communication
• Create a contingency plan & share your travel plans with someone
• Respect nature & be responsible (no trash)

Equipment: Exciting days & cold nights

When you’re getting ready to go wild camping, keep these things in mind.

Maps or navigation aids and a headlamp are important so you can find your way without reception or light. A power bank is also helpful, as there are no outlets outside and you should keep your phone functional for emergencies. Remember to bring trash bags to make sure you don’t leave any trash or dirt in the environment. Also, warm clothing is crucial as it can get cold quickly at night and in bad weather.

In addition to these essential items, you should also have standard camping gear, such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cooking utensils. A suitable sleeping accommodation is also important, especially if you want to park anywhere but still want comfort. In this case, as before, it makes sense to take a roof tent. The roof tent you can quickly and easily unfold anywhere you want to camp and yet it takes up less space on the roof of your car than a caravan.

You can get help with setting up here: Sleeping & Living while camping!

With this packing list you are suitably prepared:

• Map or navigation aid
• Forehead or flashlight
• Mobile Phone & Powerbank
• Garbage bags
• Warm & weatherproof clothing
• Sleeping bags, camping mats & cooking utensils

If you want to read about it in more detail, you can read on here: Camping Packing List.

Diego’s passion: Golf and how it all began

The sport of golf finds its official beginning in the 16th century. Official because before it was authorized by the Scottish King James IV, it was played by the Scottish society as a form of pastime without any special records. Even when golf was banned by Parliament in 1457, royal permission was granted. Why the ban? Because it was seen as a distraction for soldiers shooting arrows and more people would be involved in the military. The Scottish population played golf despite the ban, and the sport, like soccer, became a fashionable sport in the independent nations of the time. Thus, the modern sport was invented by the Scots before the year 1500 and legalized at a later date. The first game of golf was practiced in 1574 on the Old Course at St. Andrews. The story continued to develop in the 16th century. Through Mary I of Stuart, the sport came to France and then spread around the world.

But a different origin?

However, there are other theories that see the origin of golf in continental Europe. The Netherlands and France are often mentioned. The reason for this is various documentation from the years around 1200, where there are references to games with clubs and balls. There are also such references in ancient Egypt and ancient Rome. Therefore, the origin of this sport is very controversial, but in general, the Scottish people are counted as the inventors.

Fashion and golf: does that go together?

The sport is generally considered very elegant, yet the players, counted as very poorly dressed athletes. At that time, golfers in Scotland and England had to fight against the elements, focusing on protection from water and wind. Therefore, the clothing consisted of kilts and leather. Over the years, fashion continued to evolve. The movie comedy “Caddyshack” in the 80s had a great influence on the golf world. Today, materials are used that block UV rays, are insect repellent, cooling and can be worn like a skin.

Prominent golfers

Among many celebrities are passionate golfers. Actors such as Sean Connery, Kevin Costner, Cameron Diaz, David Hasselhoff and Will Smith share a passion for golf. In the music industry, golf is also a respected sport. Tim Bendzko, Justin Timberlake and Howard Carpendale like to put themselves on the golf course. Footballers like Thomas Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, Michael Ballack and Uli Hoeneß also like to use a club to hit the ball into the hole.

3 Golfer Hotspots

Here you will find the three golfing hotspots worldwide:

1. St. Andrews in Scotland
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links in California
3. Son Vida Golf in Mallorca

St. Andrews in Scotland: Back to the Origin

One of the most popular golf hotspots is St. Andrews in Scotland.

California in the USA: Tropical climate on the green

Besides St. Andrews very popular with golfers, professionals and stars is the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

Mallorca: Besides party also golf

Last but not least, Son Vida Golf in Mallorca.

Explore Europe with light luggage and a small purse

Nevertheless, you don’t have to dig deep into your pocket or accept long journeys. Some of our insider tips are located directly in Germany and can be reached in just a few hours by train or car. For other highlights abroad, you can reach your destination quickly with a short flight.

Please inform yourself in advance about the Corona regulations at the respective destinations!

Short trips in vogue: the advantages

Shorter trips over a long weekend are trendy anyway and so you can get to know many more different destinations within a year instead of one big holiday on several breaks. If you are flexible, you can also benefit from short-term offers and often save a lot of money. To fill vacant rooms in the hotel or on the plane, there are then special bargains.

The advantages: Several short holidays a year, different destinations & lots of flexibility!

Collect bonus miles, credits & Co.

If you travel more often, you can also collect bonus miles and use your credit card for this purpose. With special programs, various expenses are booked as credits that you can convert into air miles. However, there are differences depending on the program and card. It helps to compare in advance what is the best solution for you. If you prefer to travel by train, you can also participate in a bonus programme with Deutsche Bahn. Points are credited for each journey, which you can convert into upgrades or even international free j ourneys.

Five short trips for the long weekend: Our tips!

Now you have the choice – which of our destinations will be next? Stunning beach, pristine jungle or modern skyline, Europe is diverse and has something for everyone. Here we show you our favourite places.

Peenestrom in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: The Amazon of the North

If you’ve always wanted to experience the jungle-like wetlands around the Amazon, you don’t have to leave for South America right away. A short trip to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can also help. The coastal river Peene with its Peenestrom delta is considered the “Amazon of the North” and flows through a similarly lush green belt as its famous relative. The Peene landscape stretches for around 100 kilometres and is home to some rare animal and plant species. The best way to get an idea of this is to glide along the river in a canoe, kayak or quietly motorised solar-powered boat. Don’t be surprised to see beavers, cormorants and sea eagles.

Our tip: Rent a canoe, kayak or boat to explore the river.

But be careful: the current is strong, especially in the direction of the delta! So before you let yourself drift down one of the numerous arms of the Peene into the Baltic Sea, try a detour to the beautiful little Hanseatic towns along the river. Demmin, for example, where the Peene flows together with the Tollense and the Trebel, has only about 10,000 inhabitants, but an open-air museum of Hanseatic history and medieval fortifications to marvel at. Anklam is not much bigger, but as the birthplace of Otto Lilienthal it has a museum dedicated to the aviation pioneer.

Tara Gorge in Montenegro: Dinaric Mountains & Rugged Canyons

Montenegro is a small country on the Adriatic Sea between Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania. The still young republic is still considered a real insider tip. Especially those who are looking for unspoilt nature will get their money’s worth here. The hinterland is sparsely populated and characterised by the Dinaric Mountains with high peaks and rugged canyons. The Tara Gorge, for example, is one of the deepest in Europe – it stretches for a total of around 78 kilometres. In some places, the cliffs drop up to 1,300 metres into the depths.

Montenegro is considered an absolute insider tip in Europe

The gorge towards the end is particularly impressive. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. On the eponymous Tara River, which meanders through the rocky landscape for a total of over 140 kilometres, you can go canoeing and kayaking or rafting over the rapids and through waterfalls.

The Durdevica Bridge towers 150 meters above the Tara Canyon in Montenegro.

Valhalla in Bavaria: Historical monument from antiquity

Temples like the ones in Greece can also be found above the Danube near Regensburg. Don’t you think so? Then go up to Valhalla on a long weekend. The monument, built in the middle of the 19th century, makes you think you’re on the Acropolis in Athens. The Parthenon temple there was the inspiration for the Valhalla, which King Ludwig I had built. The marble structure, 125 metres long and 55 metres high, towers impressively over the Danube and can be climbed on foot via almost 500 steps. This is especially worthwhile when the sun is setting, because the evening panorama is enchanting.

Our tip: Go there best in the evening to see the sunset here

In the monument itself, however, there is still enough to see. The visit is well worth it thanks to the moderate entrance fees. A marble-lined interior acts as an exhibition space for a large collection of busts. Once, there were 96 busts originally that were dedicated to selected rulers, generals, scientists and artists of the 19th century. Since the 1960s, new busts of contemporary personalities have been added again and again.

If you’re so close to Regensburg, you should treat the beautiful Bavarian city to a flying visit. The medieval old town is not only well preserved, but its monuments are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. With the official tourist app, you can put together your own city tour for the long weekend. Maybe you’ll even have time to take a boat trip on the Danube and admire the Valhalla from the waterline. By the way, there are many other mysterious and original places to experience along the river, once you have caught the fever around Regensburg.

Dream beaches in Scotland: Paradise coastlines

For a trip to the Caribbean, you’ll need a little more time than just a long weekend. But if you’re still craving turquoise waters and fine white sand, you’ll find it in Scotland. The country’s rugged west coast is home to a number of beautiful beaches that score one thing above all else: You’ll usually be completely alone here. The area around Loch Morar and Loch Nevis has a particularly large number of paradisiacal stretches of coastline. The Silver Sands of Morar or Camusdarach Beach are among the most beautiful in Scotland.

Worthwhile are also side trips to some of the numerous islands:

• Isle of Colonsay – Kiloran Bay
• Isle of Harris – Luskentyre Bay
• Isle of North Uist – Clachan, Sands, Traigh Iar Beach

These are indeed only single suggestions, because everywhere you can discover paradisiacal beach sections at the lonely coast in between.

Misty Jungle on La Gomera: National Park for Outdoor Friends

Our fifth tip is something for outdoor enthusiasts. A real jungle is not only to be found in Brazil or on the Indonesian islands. All you have to do is travel to the Spanish island of La Gomera, which is part of the Canary Islands. Monteverde is the name of the cloud forest in the middle of the Garajonay National Park on the 1490-metre-high mountain of the same name.

Unlike the dry and volcanic coastal regions, the climate in the centre of the island and especially in the extraordinary laurel forest is humid and tropical. The jungle also consists of huge, meter-high ferns and huge moss- and lichen-covered trees. The fauna is also unique – there are over 150 species living there that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You can theoretically observe more than 1,000 different species there. In the midst of the jungle and its animal inhabitants, it is therefore not difficult to feel as if you are in another world – a paradise for adventurers. Hikers in particular get their money’s worth, as there are various well-developed trails and tours through the national park.