Is wild camping allowed in the Czech Republic?

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed in the Czech Republic. However, there are a few exceptions that allow you to sleep in the open air.

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Written by: Monique

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Last researched: Winter 2021/2022

In principle, wild camping is forbidden, this even applies here to private properties. However, there is still no independent law for this. In rural areas, it is no problem to spend a night in a tent or camper. Also, one gets here usually the permission from farmers to spend a night on their meadow. The police frequently turn a blind eye here.

Since Czechs themselves like to spend a lot of time in nature, frequent checks are carried out. However, these mostly refer to motor vehicles. Even if wild camping and standing free with motor vehicles are not possible, you will have difficulties only in rare cases if you spend the night with a tent in nature and adhere to the general rules of conduct.

There are no legal regulations for staying overnight in a car park to restore driving ability, which means that there are typically no penalties or fines.

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Tips and tricks for wild camping in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is becoming an increasingly popular destination due to its extensive forest areas, which invite you to hike or cycle extensively, fantastic lakes in which you can swim or often sail, and a low mountain range landscape with many climbing areas. Even though wild camping and standing free is not officially allowed, you will often be turned a blind eye and can enjoy nature to the full. So that you can fully concentrate on it and enjoy it, we have put together a few tips for you to consider when traveling.

Road traffic regulations
In the Czech Republic, winter tires are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March, irrespective of the actual weather conditions. If you are stopped with summer tires during this period, you will have to pay a fine. Also, you must drive all day with low beam or daytime running lights.

Toll vignettes
On freeways and four-lane expressways, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must have a digital vignette. You should only buy these at official sales points such as gas stations or at the border crossing, as there are many forgeries. The classic toll stickers are no longer available.

Electronic toll
If your vehicle has a total weight of more than 3.5 t, you must carry an electronic toll device (a small box called "Premid") with you. You can rent this box for a deposit at the following locations: https://www.mytocz.eu/. You should note that on Fridays between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. increased toll rates apply.

Be ready to leave and attentive
The Czech population likes to be out in nature itself, so controls can occur more frequently. If you decide to wild camp, you should be ready for departure at all times, and keep your eyes and ears open. If you are respectful of others and keep your place clean, you will usually not be fined and only be asked to leave.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic without beer is unimaginable. Not only are they the inventors of Pilsner beer and already had their first brewery in 993 A.D., with beer consumption of around 140 liters per capita they are the world's number one beer consumers. But did you know that female surnames always end in -ová? Or what the Czech Republic has to do with sugar cubes? We have compiled these and other facts for you here.

Fact #1 - Last names
The surnames of Czech women always end in -ová. In news, foreign women's names are also given the suffix.

Fact #2 - Bribery
In Prague, you can visit a "Corrupt Tour," which takes you to places like ruins of new buildings or investment objects, for the construction of which bribes have been paid.

Fact #3 - West of Western Europe
In classical terms, the Czech Republic is usually considered Eastern Europe, and Austria Western Europe. Prague, on the other hand, is west of Vienna and most of the country is in the west.

Fact #4 - Lump sugar
The Czech Republic is the birthplace of cube sugar. The inventor is Jacob Christoph Rad, head of a sugar factory, who secured a patent for it in 1843.

Fact #5 - Hospitals
The Czech Republic has the highest number of hospital beds per inhabitant in the EU. Staying in a hospital is never nice, but at least there are free beds in case of emergency.

Fact #6 - The Oldest university in Central Europe
Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe. It was founded in 1348 by Charles IV and today has more than 50,000 students.

Fact #7 - Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge in Prague is one of the oldest preserved stone bridges in Europe. The bridge was built in the 14th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Fact #8 - Speaking of Charles Bridge
At the eastern end of the bridge, you will find a stone called Bradáč or Bearded Man. In the Middle Ages, this stone served as a warning signal for impending floods. When the water reached the head, a flood was imminent.

Fact #9 - Nickname Prague
Prague is also called the "city of a hundred towers." This nickname was given to the city by the author Josef Hormayer in the 19th century when it had over 100 towers. Today Prague has more than 500 towers.

Fact #10 - Heavy language
Czech is one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. One reason for this is that it does not require vowels. Here's a Czech tongue twister: "Strc prst skrz krk."

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest Yes
First aid kit Yes
Replacement lamp set Yes, except Xenon / LED
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher No
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
Vignete/Maut more info: https://edalnice.cz/en/index.html#/validation
Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

Is the tap water potable? Yes
Socket type: C+F
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Tschechische Krone (CZK)
Official Languages: Czech
Country licence plate code: CZ

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 2.25
Price beer rounded: 1.50

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No

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