Tips for sleeping outdoors

This issue is regulated differently in the nature conservation and forestry laws of the respective federal states. While in Scandinavian countries in particular, all citizens enjoy basic rights when using nature thanks to the so-called "everyman's right", things are a little different here. As a general rule, overnight stays in nature reserves and on private land or gardens are not permitted. What otherwise applies to public spaces and forests varies depending on where you are staying. We therefore recommend that you find out in detail what is specifically permitted before your planned overnight stay. Once you have found a place, it is also advisable for safety reasons not to spend the night near high stands, feeding areas or bodies of water.

Important when choosing a place to sleep: leave it as you found it!

Of course, this rule does not only apply to an overnight stay in the countryside, but should be observed in general. When you leave your campsite the next morning, you must take any rubbish back home with you. You should definitely think of a suitable bin liner for this. Of course, it is always advisable to think about which items you really need before you stay overnight and only take these with you. This way you can avoid unnecessary plastic waste and other rubbish from the outset. And it also saves you a lot of tidying up.

As is so often the case, it is difficult to give a generalised answer to this question and it always depends on personal preference. However, you should always find out about the conditions in advance and refrain from spending the night outdoors if there is snow, a possible thunderstorm or acute heat. As a general rule, it is best to spend the night in the great outdoors in moderate temperatures. It also makes sense if the sleeping area is not too far away from home, especially for the first few nights. This way, you can always return home spontaneously if you feel unwell or the weather changes, for example.

The same applies here as for almost all hikes: limit yourself to the essentials and avoid unnecessary luggage!

You should never be without a warm sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. A narrow tent or a bivouac sack are also highly recommended. A mosquito net or something else that protects you from unwanted small animals and insects is also a must. You should also think about a supply of water and small snacks as well as a thermos flask with tea or something similar. As it often gets very cold at night, warm clothing is also essential. A torch or head torch and a small first aid kit should also be on your packing list. As usual, you should of course also have a mobile phone with you so that you can be contacted at any time.

When spending the night out in nature, it is of course quite possible to encounter one or two forest dwellers. However, wild boar, wolves and the like are often even more afraid of humans than vice versa. An active attack by these mostly shy animals is considered rather unlikely. The situation is somewhat different with small animals such as spiders, beetles or flies. They recognise the body heat of humans even in the dark and therefore also approach them at night. Depending on the time of year, you should also be particularly wary of ticks. It is essential to check yourself thoroughly the next morning for bites.

You should also be aware of this:

When spending the night outdoors, many of you are probably also thinking about a campfire. Gathering the necessary wood yourself during the day will provide the necessary warmth and cosiness in the evening. Of course, we can clearly understand these thoughts. However, a campfire in the great outdoors is prohibited in most federal states due to the dangers involved. For example, if the wood used is still a little damp, sparks are quickly generated, which pose a major fire hazard. In addition, other forest dwellers may feel disturbed by the flames, which is why you should generally refrain from having a campfire during your overnight stay.