Wild camping in Denmark: is it allowed? (2026)

Denmark is the exception in Scandinavia: there is no allemansrätten here. Pitching your tent freely wherever you like is illegal. But that doesn’t mean sleeping in nature is impossible — Denmark has built up an extensive network of free designated camping spots.

Where it is allowed

The Danish nature agency (Naturstyrelsen) has designated spots in more than 275 state forests, and over 1,000 places in total, where you may stay overnight legally. Many of them have an open shelter, a fire pit, drinking water and a dry toilet. You can find and book them via udinaturen.dk.

The general rules at these spots:

• Usually a maximum of one night in the same spot (small camping areas sometimes two).
• A small tent (often max. 2 tents, up to 3 people) or sleeping in the shelter.
• No camping right next to a road or building.

As an alternative to a tent, in Danish forests you may also sleep freely on a mat, in a sleeping bag, under a tarp or in a hammock (“fri teltning” / sleeping in the open).

Open fire

Making a fire is allowed only in the built, marked fire pits. Anywhere else, open fire is forbidden, and during drought a general fire ban may apply. Otherwise, use a gas stove.

Fines

Anyone who does wild camp freely outside the designated zones risks a fine that can range from a few dozen to a few hundred euros (roughly €5 to €500). If you travel by motorhome, you may sleep in a permitted rest area along the road, but not in a tent beside it — unless a sign forbids it.

Practical tips

• Reserve popular shelters in advance via udinaturen.dk or book.naturstyrelsen.dk.
• On the island of Bornholm there are separate, slightly more relaxed rules for sleeping in the open.
• Leave the spot clean and take all your litter with you.