In Denmark, we have the opportunity for wild camping. The concept is somewhat similar to the Swedish equivalent "allemansrätten," but with the difference that wild camping only applies in public forests where the Forest and Nature Agency has permitted it.
The following rules apply to forests with wild camping
- When you stay overnight, you may only do so for one night at the same location.
- You may set up a maximum of two tents. (But you have to be a cool bushcrafter, and then you either sleep under the open sky, build something yourself, or sleep under a tarp)
- The tents you set up may have a maximum capacity of three people.
- The tent or tents you set up must not be visible from residential and operational buildings, surrounding neighbors, roads, or campsites.
- Fire activities (that is, the use of open flames) must take place at designated fire pits. You may not dig your own fire pit and use it. This is strictly prohibited.
- Cooking and similar activities are allowed with a closed stove, and only in places where you have ensured the ground cannot catch fire. Use, for example, a large stone or other places where the ground cannot burn. Sorry guys... this part really isn’t very bushcrafty!!!
That’s just the rules.
- You may experience bans on the use of fire in a forest due to drought. In such cases, even closed burners are not allowed, as all use of fire is prohibited. Read more about this on the Forest and Nature Agency’s website. You may also be lucky to find signs posted at the forest.
- Motorized transport is not allowed inside the forest.
- It is not permitted to pitch tents on dunes and beaches that belong to certain parts of some forest areas. Here, you need to read more about the rules for the individual forests, as the general rules are somewhat unclear.
- Leave-No-Trace is simply common sense if you want to practice bushcraft. Forest littering is 100% not allowed. If you do not clean up completely after yourself, then stay home! Unfortunately, it is quite common to see people go out to practice "bushcraft" and just not care about how they leave the area behind. Of course, you are not like that, right!?
- When you are in the forest, do so quietly. Do not make noise with music or other loud behavior. The animals are easily frightened, and it is their home. You are just a visitor.
Always remember the ASF principle - Common Sense.
How many Danish forests allow wild camping?
The short answer is 201 forests.
You can find more information at the Forest and Nature Agency.