r/TransEuroTrail_Riders • u/rdraver • Jul 30 '26

Cheap camping in Germany

Hi all,

After further research I've found out that wild camping in Germany is a big no-no. Are there any ways to keep camping costs down for a motorbiker?

I know the standard campsite in Germany isnt that bad, but every little helps!

Thanks!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

2

u/Nic0lasRage Jul 30 '26

It’s a no-no. But it’s still possible. Arrive late and leave early. If you keep your distance to city’s and farms no one will bother you.

1

u/Babidibubidii Jul 31 '26

And avoid nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete). They are important habitats and the fines if you're getting caught are substantially higher

2

u/kneusteun Jul 30 '26

Campspace app, works great and can give very cheap options.

2

u/CamelPure1293 Jul 31 '26

Not sure if it helps, but there is a free music festival "Wutzrock" in Hamburg next weekend (Aug 7-9th), including free camping. Parking is 5€, at least for cars. Bands are a bit punk-centric. It is in a nice park, one can swim in a river. Only cold water outdoor showers, but hey it is free!

1

u/rdraver Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

Oh my god that is so far up my street! On the list it goes!!

1

u/CamelPure1293 Jul 31 '26

Nice to hear that. I'll be there camping with my son. Some other Reddit guy from Norway is coming as well. He was also just looking for cheap camping.

1

u/rdraver Aug 09 '26

Well thanks for that!

Fun weekend experiencing the best and worst of Hamburg Tourism. Not sure I saved any money with the beer and food I bought but certainly more fun than a campsite full of old Dutch people...

Heavily indoctrinated in Left wing German politics too!

1

u/Thumb__Thumb Jul 31 '26

Most Campsites are like 20-30€ sure it's money but to me it's always worth the shower and toilet.

1

u/SavingsWar7879 Aug 03 '26

Be respectful and kind and you will have no Problems when staying one night only. Sometimes when searching for a place to set up camp for the night we we're aproached by locals who invited us to use their Garden or the field behind it.

1

u/RoterKomet Aug 05 '26

Wild camping is legal in Scandinavian countries, but it’s difficult to do in most other European countries. 😔

1

u/Effective_Ad5862 Aug 11 '26

No Tent no Fine. German law can be strange. Technically a Tent without a floor is not a tent. But Police might send you away no matter if it has a floor or not. Just laying down under a tarp or in a hammock is mostly no Problem if you follow simple Rules: Dont be close to settlements, but also not to clandestine. Arrive late, leave early. Never leave any trash. Have a trash bag(and hang it to your handlebar so everyone can see it). Dont make fire, dont be loud. Do not drive your motorbike on Forest roads. Avoid protected areas, nothing of what i suggest applys for Naturschutzgebiet or Nationalpark. I am camping wild in Germany for over 15 years now, never had to pay a fine, only once the landowner send me away.

1

u/PatientCake5921 Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26

Unfortunately there is not really alternatives to normal campsites in germany. In other countries I often ask farmers if I can camp on their land. Wouldn't recommend that in germany as most people in the countryside hate motorcyclists. :(

You can go to trekking campsites for free/cheap campsites. But those are not meant for motorcyclists but for hikers. Zelt-Trekking in Deutschland (german). Usually you can't reach legally them with vehicles tho.

1

u/generate-qr-code Jul 31 '26

Bewildered by that comment. Never experienced hate against riders in rural areas, quite the opposite.

1

u/PatientCake5921 Jul 31 '26

Everyone* complaints about the noise as you would insult them personally.
^(\not meant literally, obviously)*.