22 June 2023

Austrian Alpine Club provided tips on camping, huts and respectful behavior in the mountains

In summer, when the temperatures in the big cities rise, not only lakes, but also forests, mountains and alpine regions above the tree line are popular vacation destinations. Today, the Austrian Alpine Club (founded 1862) provided some practical tips on how to avoid getting into trouble with the legal rules for wild camping and bivouacking in the country's mountains. While there is no legal basis for wild camping in Austria, access to forests is guaranteed by the Austrian Forestry Act of 1975, but camping is expressly excluded unless the owner gives permission.

Different regulations apply outside of forests, varying by federal state. At the official website concerning administrative issues at oesterreich.gv.at, the current regulations in the nine federal states are published. The Alpine Club has summarized the rules in today's press release: Camping outside of campsites is not permitted in Carinthia, Lower Austria, and Tyrol, and violations can result in heavy penalties. In Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, and Vorarlberg, there is no explicit nationwide ban on wild camping, but municipalities can impose restrictions. Protected areas also prohibit wild camping. The Austrian Alpine Club recommends seeking prior clarification from the responsible authorities. However, mountain huts are available and can be used legally and are known for being inexpensive; the interactive Hüttenfinder is a practical tool for finding huts in Austria as well as in Germany, South Tyrol/Italy, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

In the case of an emergency or sudden weather change, unplanned alpine emergency camps are permitted throughout Austria.

The Alpine Club runs several campaigns to promote responsible behavior, including proper disposal of waste, especially concerning defecation in nature. Under the slogan 'Alles Wurst?!' (means translated 'Everything sausage?!'), the Alpine Club gives tips for emergencies and reminds nature lovers that what they leave behind can seriously alter the ecosystems of the Alps. At alpenverein.at, several recommendations are listed such as the right timing to use the toilet at the starting point and, if the timing wasn't calculated well, to keep away from streams, lakes and ponds. The usage of toilet paper instead of paper handkerchiefs should be preferred. Paper handkerchiefs take several years to decompose. Take used paper back with you.

Image: The picture shows a tent in the mountains. Photo: Archiv Alpenverein.