Wild camping in Denmark

Table of contents

• 1. Tips, tricks and alternatives for wild camping in Denmark

• 2. Rules - Is wild camping allowed in Denmark?

  • 2.1 Fines for wild camping in Denmark

  • 2.1.1 Experiences

• 3. Alternatives to wild camping in Denmark

  • 3.1 Pitches from VanSite

  • 3.1.1 Motorhome or caravan pitches in nature

  • 3.1.2 Tent nature campsites in Denmark

  • 3.1.3 Parking freely with a roof tent

  • 3.1.3.1 Free overnight stays with the VanSite AnnualPass

  • 3.1.3.2 VanSite app for on the road

  • 3.1.3.2.1 Map for nature campsites in Denmark

  • 3.2 Bivouacking by bicycle

  • 3.3 Ølejr tent island camp

• 4. Conclusion

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Wild camping in Denmark - tips, tricks and alternatives

In this blog post you'll find everything you need to know about wild camping in Denmark. Whether you're travelling by tent, motorhome or caravan. We share useful tips and tricks, so your adventure in the great outdoors becomes unforgettable.

You'll learn which laws apply, what experiences other campers have had, and how to find the best spots with a wild camping feel. We'll introduce you to great alternatives to wild camping that offer you nature-based camping experiences without breaking Danish rules.

Whether you're an experienced camper or want to wild camp in Denmark for the first time - this post has something for everyone!

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Rules for wild camping in Denmark - allowed or not?

As you may already know from other European countries, wild camping in Denmark is not permitted.

Some campers mistakenly believe mistakenly, that they can invoke the right to roam in Denmark. The right to roam is a traditional right that applies in some Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. It allows people to enjoy nature freely, regardless of who owns the land. For example, under the right to roam you may pitch a tent in the wild for one night, as long as you don't disturb the landowner and keep a sufficient distance from inhabited houses.

Although Denmark is also a Nordic country, the right to roam does not apply here. Camping in the wild, for example at the sea, in the dunes, on the coasts, in the forests or in open countryside, is not allowed.

Even if you want to camping vehicle at a public place park freely, for example at the roadside or in the towns, you are breaking the country's laws.

If you feel tired, you may generally stop briefly to rest at brieflyat rest areas and car parks until you feel fit enough to continue driving. Signs usually tell you whether or how long you can stay at the location.

Despite permission to stay one night to restore your fitness to drive, camping at Danish rest areas or car parks still prohibited. This means you may not set up any camping equipment in front of your vehicle and make yourself comfortable there. One advantage of rest areas, though, is that they often have a place to empty your toilet, dispose of grey water and fill your water tank.

Although wild camping in Denmark is officially banned, there are specific spots in some forests where overnight stays are permitted for one night. More information is available from the Danish Nature Agency. You cannot drive your camper into the forest - you have to park it at the edge of the forest. With a maximum of two tents and no more than six people, you may stay in the special areas until the next day.

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Fine: wild camping in Denmark can be expensive

If you are caught tent, campervan, or another vehicle illegally camping overnight in the wild, it can get expensive. The fines range between 5 and 500 euros. Overnight stays in nature reserves are punished most severely. To avoid costly fines, you'd better stick to legal options for camping.

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Experiences of other campers

Many campers report unforgettably beautiful experiences in Denmark, but also about how they got illegal camping on the North Sea or Baltic coast caught and pay fines. Even when the dreamlike view is tempting, they advise against wild camping and recommend legal nature campsites, which you can find for example at VanSite.

Some tell of friendly encounters with locals, who are often willing to give campers helpful tips. Despite the strict regulations, many emphasise that camping in Denmark is safe, which makes the country a popular destination for families and also solo travellers .

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Alternatives to wild camping in Denmark

Anyone who, despite the wild camping ban, does not want to spend their holiday at a traditional campsite, will find the best alternatives at a glance.

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VanSite pitches in Denmark as a legal alternative to wild camping

You long for camping in nature away from traditional campsites, but don't want your camping fun to be spoiled by trouble with the Danish authorities and expensive fines? Then the VanSite nature pitches the perfect solution for you! Here you'll find spots where you can stay close to nature and enjoy your camping holiday individually with plenty of privacy.

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Wild camping feeling in Denmark with a motorhome or caravan

The VanSite pitches for motorhomes and caravans give you the adventurous wild camping feeling, without breaking the country's camping rules. On private land with views over the wonderful Danish countryside, you can several nights stay and relax while camping.

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Wild camping feeling in Denmark with a tent

Even if you're planning a stay without a motorhome or van, and camping with a tent, you'll find at VanSite along your travel route plenty of campsites of a special kind. In the forest, on wild meadows, near the sea, or on farms - there are a wide variety of special spots to discover.

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Wild camping feeling in Denmark with a car and rooftop tent

Travelling with a car rooftop tent is growing in popularity for easy summer road trips. Unlike travelling with a motorhome, a car gives you more flexibility when you also want to spend time in cities and need to find a parking spot there. And the view you get from up in the tent on the roof is simply unbeatable! With VanSite you'll also find great spots for this type of camping in Denmark - pitches in the green.

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Camp for free in Denmark with the VanSite AnnualPass

If you're planning a longer stay with a motorhome, caravan, van, or tent, or if you regularly do short weekend trips, the camping costs can quickly add up. Campsites are often expensive and above all, due to their high popularity, long booked up.

The ultimate solution is the VanSite AnnualPass. You buy it at a fixed price and can then use it from the date of purchase to stay overnight at all VanSite pitches in Europe,for one year on all VanSite pitches in Europe,without any further overnight costs coming your way.

Even if you went camping every day of the year, at the current price you would get a pitch in nature for less than one euro per night a pitch in nature.

Find legal pitches in Denmark on the go with the VanSite app

If you don't want to plan your camping holiday long in advance, but instead want to find places to camp spontaneously along your route, that's no problem at all with the free VanSite app! Here you can use your tablet or smartphone to find idyllic pitches for camping, your motorhome, or other vehicle types book spontaneously.

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The map that's a little different, for a wild camping feel in Denmark

In the VanSite App you can either directly search for pitches at your destination or browse the map where the spots with a wild camping vibe are. That gives you a great overview. To see more detail, just pinch to zoom in.

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Bivouacking - wild camping in Denmark by bike

Denmark has a beautiful landscape and a surprisingly well-developed network of cycle paths. When travelling by bike, you can explore the magical nature up close. Especially in summer this is a great option.

You could take a ferry for example from Travemunde to Malmo into northern Denmark and start your route along the coast from there. Bivouacking outdoors, meaning without a tent, is permitted in Denmark. As long as you leave no litter or damage trees, you may sleep in a hammock or a sleeping bag out in nature.

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Olejr - Danish island camps with tents

A Danish tradition that exists nowhere else are the so-called Olejr. Translated directly, this word means "island camp" and describes typically Danish tent camps on various small islands, such as Lyo, Drejo, Skaro and Samso.

An Olejr typically has a large communal tent set up in the Danish island landscape. Various activities are on offer, or people cook and eat together. All you need to bring is good spirits, a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat.

Everyone is welcome at the traditional Danish island camps, except dogs - they unfortunately have to stay at home.

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Conclusion on wild camping in Denmark

In summary, wild camping in Denmark is a grey area. In nature reserves and in many other locations, both tents and all vehicles used for overnight stays strictly forbidden. In some forests , camping is permitted. If you don't want to wild camp or stay on a campsite, the VanSite pitches are just the thing for you.