Camping, hiking and mushroom picking in Austria: what is allowed in nature?

In Austria, anyone may enter a forest for recreation and hiking. However, this right does not cover every activity: camping, lighting a fire, cycling and riding generally require the forest owner’s permission. The federal Forest Act (Forstgesetz) sets the main forest rules, while the federal states and municipalities regulate camping outside forests.

What can you do in a forest without permission?

The basic rule is straightforward: anyone may enter and stay in a forest for recreational purposes. Activities beyond this require the consent of the forest owner (Waldeigentümer); on forest roads, you may also need the consent of the road operator (Forststraßenerhalter).

Without permission, you may not:

• camp or stay overnight in darkness (Lagern bei Dunkelheit),
• put up a tent,
• drive a vehicle (Befahren),
• ride a horse.

Some areas are completely off-limits. These include places subject to an entry ban, for example because of fire risk; forestry facilities such as nurseries, timber yards and buildings; newly afforested or newly planted areas less than 3 metres high; and areas closed by the owner because of logging, construction or Christmas-tree plantations.

Littering in a forest is also prohibited and can result in a fine of up to 150 euros.

Tents, caravans and sleeping in a vehicle

Camping in a forest is regulated uniformly throughout Austria. Without permission, you may not put up a tent, camp with a caravan or sleep in a vehicle in a forest. These activities are allowed if the owner has given consent.

The maximum penalties depend on the offence:

• Camping without permission or littering: 150 euros
• Using a visibly closed forest road: 730 euros or 1 week of imprisonment
• Damaging an afforestation area: 3.630 euros or 2 weeks of imprisonment

In addition to a fine, the owner may also take civil legal action.

Camping outside forests: rules by federal state

Camping outside forests is governed mainly by federal-state rules and municipal regulations rather than by one federal law.

• Vienna: On public land, putting up a tent, using a sleeping bag, living in a vehicle or sleeping in a vehicle is prohibited.
• Tyrol: Generally prohibited; exceptions include high-alpine bivouacking above the tree line.
• Lower Austria: Caravans, motorhomes and tents may not be set up on green areas.
• Burgenland: Prohibited in open countryside; short-term parking with a caravan is allowed at designated places.
• Carinthia: Prohibited in open countryside; planned bivouacking is also prohibited and is permitted only in emergencies.
• Upper Austria: Not generally prohibited, but municipalities may impose restrictions.
• Salzburg: Not generally prohibited, but the mayor or municipality may prohibit it.
• Vorarlberg: The mayor may prohibit it, and the municipality may designate camping places.
• Styria: There is no specific rule, but nature conservation requirements may impose restrictions.

Camping may be completely prohibited in national parks and nature conservation areas. In Burgenland, a youth camping camp with more than ten people or lasting longer than three days must be registered with the municipality at least one week in advance.

Mushroom and berry picking

Mushrooms (Schwammerl) and berries legally belong to the forest owner. You may collect them for your own needs unless the owner expressly prohibits or restricts this, or charges a fee. A prohibition is usually indicated by a sign.

The Forest Act nevertheless prohibits:

• taking more than two kilograms of mushrooms per day without permission,
• organising or taking part in mushroom- or berry-picking events.

Collecting more than two kilograms of mushrooms can result in a fine of up to 150 euros. A picking event can lead to a fine of up to 730 euros or 1 week of imprisonment. In national parks and nature conservation areas, mushroom picking is often restricted or prohibited.

Forest protection officers (Forstschutzorgane) and the police may confiscate illegally collected mushrooms. They may also search bags and vehicles for this purpose.

Lighting fires and collecting wood

In a forest, a fire may be lit only by the owner, forestry personnel or someone who has the owner’s written permission. Throwing away a burning match or cigarette is also prohibited. The ban may extend to the immediate surroundings of the forest if there is a fire risk.

• Creating a fire site without permission: 3.630 euros or 2 weeks of imprisonment
• Lighting a fire or throwing away a burning cigarette: 7.270 euros or 4 weeks of imprisonment

Collecting fallen branches (Klaubholz) is also prohibited without the owner’s permission. Removing an individual twig without substantially damaging the plant is permitted.

Cycling, horse riding and winter sports

Cycling and horse riding are generally prohibited in forests, including on forest roads, unless the owner permits them by means of a sign or in another way. Sledging also requires consent.

Near ski lifts—from the mountain station up to a 30-minute walk, but at least 500 metres—skiing is allowed only on marked pistes. Cross-country skiing away from a piste is cautiously permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Can forest protection officers ask for my identity card?

Yes. In certain cases involving offences, forest protection officers may establish your identity, order you to leave the forest and report you. If asked, they must show their service identification.

Can I sleep in my car on a forest road?

Not without permission. Sleeping in a vehicle in a forest is prohibited unless the owner or the road operator has agreed.

How many mushrooms can I take home?

Without permission, you may collect up to two kilograms per day, and only for your own needs.

Where can I check the rules in a federal state?

Contact the relevant federal state government office (Amt der Landesregierung). In Salzburg and Vorarlberg, the municipality may also provide information.

Practical steps before heading outdoors

1. Check whether you are entering a forest, a national park or a nature conservation area.
2. Look for signs showing entry, camping, mushroom-picking or fire restrictions.
3. Ask the forest owner or Forststraßenerhalter for permission before camping, sleeping in a vehicle, cycling, riding or lighting a fire.
4. Check the rules of the relevant federal state and municipality before camping outside a designated site.
5. Keep mushroom picking within two kilograms per day and only collect for your own needs.
6. Take all rubbish with you and do not collect fallen branches without permission.

This article is based on information available online and is not legal advice. Use the information at your own responsibility. If you need professional advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional or another relevant specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at