Exploring landscapes without barriers
The public’s right to roam, the freedom to explore natural landscapes on foot, seems to be a topic on many adventurers’ lips. After a controversial High Court decision ruled that landowner’s permission is now needed to wild camp on the Dartmoor Commons, the last remaining area in England and Wales where it was legal to wild camp.
With many national parks such as Dartmoor having to settle for a permissive system of wild camping (where the landowner’s permission is needed before settling), let’s roam around Europe and find some of the best places where you can wild camp.
1. Norway
Well-maintained hiking trails, beautiful coastal lines and unbelievable mountain views – it’s simply impossible not to include Norway on our list. Perhaps the country’s greatest asset is its accessibility to all forms of nature from major cities – you could book a holiday to the town of Bergen and still enjoy a few days away in the mountains camping.
2. Switzerland
There’s no surprise that Switzerland has made it here. Best known for its magnificent mountains and landscapes, it’s the perfect attraction for skiers and winter retreaters. Despite wild camping being prohibited in national parks, hunting grounds, various natural reserves, and wild rest zones, the notion of camping freely is widely accepted in Switzerland, and the country remains a very popular destination even for summer holiday-makers.
3. Sweden
Although you can only pitch in a certain area for a maximum of two days, Sweden offers some of the best areas for wild camping in the world. Allemansrätten, the people’s right to roam, is so important to Swedes that it’s written in their constitution – one of only four of the grand laws.
Understandably, wild camping in a foreign country may be overwhelming. But once you’ve spent the night under the Northern Lights, a warm summer’s day walking along the Baltic coast, or a weekend hiking up Sörmland mountain, this Scandinavian oasis will leave you with a lifelong impression of solitude and euphoria.
4. Scotland
Under the Land Reform Act 2003, wild camping in Scotland is permitted almost anywhere with very few restrictions. For this reason, Euronews Travel names Scotland as one of the best places in Europe to wild camp. Immersing yourself in the rugged beauty of barren desolation is why a trip to the Ardnish Peninsula is a must, according to an article written by Jim Butler of RedBull.
“Dramatic landscapes combine rough mountains and desolate glens with shimmering beaches and beautiful bays,” Butler writes. “This is wild camping at its most adventurous.”
5. Finland
In Finnish culture, wild camping is known as Jokamiehenoikeudet, which means “everyman’s right” and the Finns embrace their natural landscapes with ease and tranquillity. Known as the land of a thousand lakes (it’s actually nearer 2,000), Finland offers high-end camping, or glamping as it’s best known. Plus, since there are thought to be more saunas than cars in Finland (yes, really), the majority of sites will likely have access to these steaming hot rooms.
Alternatively, if you’d rather rustle up your tent and take to the wilderness, you are completely free to do so. It’s also legal to fish and pick berries, wildflowers and wild mushrooms for your consumption.
Read the full article – including recommendations on where you should camp in these countries – in the latest issue of GORP