Wild camping in Velten: Farmers issue an ultimatum for 40 caravans!

Wild camping in Velten: Farmers issue an ultimatum for 40 caravans!

In Velten, a small community in the Oberhavel district, around 40 caravans are currently camping in a field on the Tonberg. The situation is not only causing some excitement among residents, but has also set the administration in motion. A farmer who cultivates the field in question has already made a clear statement: As long as his meadow is completely clear again by the end of June and no garbage remains, he has no objection to the campers. The administration, on the other hand, is informed about what is happening and a report has been lodged with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority.

Wild camping, a question that causes many mixed reactions, is generally not allowed in Brandenburg. This is particularly true for agricultural land and fallow land, which is often used without appropriate permission. The legal situation stipulates that such activities can be classified as unauthorized special use, which constitutes an administrative offense. Interestingly, the term “wild camping” does not exist in German law, which doesn’t make things any less complicated. In case of doubt, whether it is a harmonious night under the stars or a serious violation of the law can become a gamble.

Fines and regulations

The regulations on fines differ significantly from state to state. For example, in Brandenburg the fine for wild camping with a tent or caravan varies between 100 and 400 euros if you stay on unauthorized terrain for up to 10 days. For each additional day there is a fine of 5 to 100 euros. For comparison: In Bavaria, wild camping with a tent can cost up to 500 euros and with a caravan up to 2,500 euros. The catalog of fines in other federal states is just as diverse and varies depending on the region and type of camping, so precise knowledge of the local regulations is essential. Bussgeld-Info.de provides information about the various costs and legal regulations.

• Brandenburg: 100 – 400 Euro für bis zu 10 Tage, danach 5 – 100 Euro pro Tag.
• Bayern: 25 – 2.500 Euro für Wohnwagen.
• Nordrhein-Westfalen: 10 – 300 Euro für bis zu 10 Tage.

Wild camping is not just an issue for Brandenburgers, but a nationwide phenomenon. In many federal states, camping in nature reserves and landscape protection areas is vehemently prohibited. But pitching a tent on private property without the owner's permission can cause significant problems.

Rules of conduct for campers

Campers should also adhere to a few rules of conduct. For example, open fires are strictly prohibited in forests and protected areas. Being considerate of nature and wildlife should be a given for every outdoor enthusiast. If you follow the rules, you can, in the best case scenario, enjoy your time in nature without getting into legal trouble. And for the adventurous who are considering this, there is the option of using legal campsites: Germany has over 2,800 campsites that offer the right setting for a carefree holiday. The Bussgeldkatalog.org also thinks that these options are promising in order to avoid unpleasant encounters with law enforcement.

With this in mind, we can only hope that the farmer in Velten has his say and that the caravans will be released into the wild by the end of the month without causing any major problems. Nature is big enough for everyone – as long as we stick to the rules.