Camping in Austria

All about Camping in Austria

Whether you’re visiting in summer or in winter, there’s a campsite to suit every camper's needs in Austria. Pitches are often located on the lakeshore, so you can look out at the water and enjoy the mountain view right from your motorhome. In the warmer months, you can head out from the campsite and go hiking in the mountains. Numerous paths lead you through deep-green forests, past fragrant fields of flowers and into beautiful valleys. Winter camping is also popular in Austria, as many campsites are located directly in ski resorts and have drying rooms for ski equipment. Whether you’re craving a holiday to relax or to see the sights — here, you’ll find the most beautiful travel destinations in Austria.

Top Travel Destinations for Campers in Austria

Camping for Culture and Sports Fans on Achen Lake

Achen Lake is in the heart of Tyrol, surrounded by the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. Athletes will find plenty of opportunities to go climbing or mountain biking in the area, and those interested in the local culture will love the traditional events like the Almabtrieb, the ceremonial driving down of cattle from the mountain pastures into the valley in autumn. The cliff-diving show, Chill & Jump, also takes place annually on the shore of Achen Lake. You’ll find the best campsites on Achen Lake here.

The Mountain Calls: Camping on Lake Ossiach

Nestled between Gerlitzen and the Ossiach Tauern ridge, Lake Ossiach is a fantastic destination for campers that love the mountains. Green meadows and Alpine pastures are perfect for hiking in the summer. In the winter, you can take a cable car up the snow-capped peaks and ski your way down. The Gerlitzen ski resort has around 41 km of slopes at all levels of difficulty, perfect for beginners and advanced skiers. Here’s where you’ll find a selection of campsites on Lake Ossiach.

Under the Spell of Cosmopolitan Vienna

Impressive Vienna is a tourist magnet, and it’s no wonder why: The city is a fascinating mixture of historical, stately buildings and modern culture. Its tourist destinations are just as diverse as its architecture, and there’s something for everyone here. This city in the heart of Europe is known for having a high quality of life, and visiting campers benefit from it as well. You’ll find top-rated campsites in Vienna on camping.info.

Camping on Lake Constance for City-Goers

Three countries meet at idyllic Lake Constance: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, of course. Lake Constance is the perfect travel destination for nature-loving campers who love city breaks. Bregenz and Hard are easy to reach and definitely worth a visit. Take a three-country cruise and experience the countries around Lake Constance all in one day! Here you’ll find campsites on Lake Constance with breathtakingly beautiful views.

What Campers Should Know About Camping in Austria

Fees for Using the Motorways

You need a valid toll sticker to drive on Austria’s motorways. If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, and the total weight of both is less 3.5 t, you only need a normal sticker for your car — you do not need a separate sticker for your caravan or trailer. For vehicles over 3.5 t, lorry toll provisions apply. Toll stickers are available at all Austrian Car, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) locations. Affix the sticker on the windscreen as instructed to ensure its validity.

Wild Camping is Prohibited

Unfortunately, as in many other European countries, wild camping is prohibited in Austria. Spending one night on the side of the road or on a public car park is only allowed in instances where the driver absolutely has to stop and recuperate from the drive. Of course, if you ask for permission from the owners beforehand, you can also spend the night on private property. The authorities keep a sharp eye out for wild camping, and if you’re caught, you could be charged several hundred euros!

Bring an Additional Safety Rope

In order to avoid significant fines, you’ll need additional securing measures when towing a caravan. In Austria, all unbraked trailers require an additional safety rope or chain, regardless of their weight. It’s generally enough if you lay the locking chain over the hitch.

Avoid the Flood of Tourists

When you plan your trip, you should keep the dates of the Austrian summer holidays in mind. Their summer holidays start at the beginning of July and end in the middle of September. If you want to snag a pitch in this time frame, you’ll have to book in advance.