Ready to unleash your inner wild camper but stuck in a "no wild camping allowed" zone? Fear not, I've got a game-changer for you. While it might not be the swedish full-on, off-the-grid camping, consider it your backstage pass to a taste of that untamed outdoor life. I'm talking about Mittenwald's camping hotspots.
Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts! Are you looking for an escape into the wilderness without straying too far from the comforts of civilisation or worse, without breaking any law? As you might know wild camping is illegal in Germany, but how to live this experience without having to travel to another country? Well, let me tell you about Mittenwald, right here in Germany, a gem tucked away in the Bavarian Alps. This charming spot is a paradise for families who like the thrill of wild camping and for those who like the ease of modern amenities.
Why Mittenwald?
First off, let's get one thing straight – wild camping in Germany is a no-go. The only way you can truly spend the night in the wild here is if you didn't make back before dark and ended up having to camp over night. This can't be planned, it's only accepted in the misfortune case of extremely necessity with no other option. But hold your horses! Mittenwald offers a unique experience that's just as exhilarating. Some camping grounds here are a nature lover's dream, resembling an untamed wilderness with minimal concrete in sight. It's the perfect balance between rugged and convenient.
By the way, I did come up with another way of wild camping legally in Germany, just haven't been able to pull it off yet. I'll mention it lower bellow.
Discover the Legal Wild: Mittenwald, Germany – Your Family-Friendly Haven for Nature-Packed Adventures!
Imagine camping grounds with just the right touch of wilderness: few constructions and cemented areas. That's Mittenwald for you! Trails meander through lush greenery, immersing you and your family in the heart of nature. It's like wild camping, but legal!
Not all camping grounds in Mittenwald might be like that, but there are definitely some. I totally recommend the experience. Let me know if you have stayed in one of those camping grounds before or even better, if you have ever really done wild camping, the real deal, share with us.
My family was exhilarated as we're very immersed in nature, we could prepare our own meal in the fire —kids love it, camp right next to the river —go skinny dipping in the morning and exploded the area —going cycling, hiking and just playing in the woods.
I've always wanted to go wild camping but there was no possibility to go far for it. As it's not legal in Germany I've tried everything I cold think of to come up with a way of having this experience, until I found out about Mittenwald. However, if you are reading this and you own a big undeveloped land in the south of Germany, please hit me up, I would love to talk about going wild camping in your property. That's in fact my other option for legal wild camping in Germany.
In case you're afraid of being too far into the wild, let me say this, those camping grounds have the nature side and the regular camping ground side, so you get to choose and no matter on which area you stay you can still use all that the place offers. The areas are big enough that on the nature side you don't notice that there's a regular camping site 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) away from you.
Three of the photos in the photomontage of this article were taken at the campground where I stayed. You can see my son playing near the river and walking on one of the trails in the camping ground. From there, you can get a sense of how unspoiled and natural the surroundings are.
The fourth photo, the one on the top left is a few from the path of one of our hikes.
Can't Light a Fire? No Problem!
Sure, you can't strike up a campfire directly on the ground (let's keep it legal, folks!), but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good grill session or make your own meal in a camping stove. Very similar experience, you still get that taste in the food, that you only get when preparing it with real fire. And you still get the fun of making food with very little gear and utensils.
If it's of your preference, most campsites still offer grilling facilities through so you can still saver that smoky BBQ flavour under the stars if you like.
Nature's Playground: Isar River Adventures and Instagram-Worthy Hikes in Mittenwald!
The Isar River is a stone's throw away, offering plenty of spots for a refreshing dip or a leisurely paddle. Our kids loved it, as they could jump in the water in the morning, or just play safely in very shallow parts of it.
For the hikers and bikers in the family, Mittenwald is crisscrossed with trails that cater to all skill levels. The scenery? Absolutely Instagram-worthy!
We took a trail that was a bit too wild for one of our bikes, which ended up breaking. So check the options before you leave, to avoid frustrations.
When You Need a Touch of Comfort
If you're the type that after a day of exploring, would appreciate a hot shower more than keeping it adventurous, or if you're not in the mood for camp cooking, the campsites here come equipped with bathrooms, toilets and restaurants with Bavarian cuisine. So like I said before, they're really prepared to accommodate both type of visitors.
They probably even have facilities to wash your clothe, but I wouldn't know, as I didn't use any of those and stayed in the more nature side the whole time. We only used the showers once after our kids bathed themselves in a big puddle of mud.
Need a quick getaway from city life? Mittenwald is conveniently located near Munich, making it an ideal spot for a weekend escape or a longer retreat. To me that's a big plus as it allows you to have a weekend in nature without needing to plan a big trip.
A Word of Caution
Remember, the only time you're allowed to spend a night out in the wild in Germany is if you're caught by darkness unexpectedly – and it's strictly a one-night deal. Plan accordingly and respect the rules to keep this beautiful region pristine for everyone.
In Conclusion
Mittenwald offers an experience that's as close to wild camping as you can legally get in Germany. It's a haven for families seeking adventure and for those looking to be around nature without sacrificing comfort. Don't just take my word for it – Mittenwald is waiting for you to explore its wonders. Happy trails and remember, keep it wild, keep it legal!
Only last thing, if I ever manage to find an even wilder camping option in German, don't worry, I've got you, I'm letting you know right the way. Also, if you have got one, please share with us here, I would really much appreciate it. Thank you!
Comments