Dienstleistungsportal Bayern

The use of private trails and other areas in the great outdoors may be restricted.

According to the Bavarian Constitution and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Act, anyone may in principle enter all parts of the open countryside free of charge for the enjoyment of natural beauty and for recreation without official permission and without the consent of the landowner or other person entitled. However, this right of access does not apply to all forms of recreation and sporting activities; in particular, it is subject to official and legal restrictions (e.g. trail bans, restrictions for cyclists or horseback riders).

Restrictions on recreation in the great outdoors by lower or higher nature conservation authorities are possible by legal ordinance or individual order for reasons of nature conservation or to regulate recreational traffic.
In addition, there are restrictive regulations in protected area ordinances. In addition, in individual cases the owner of the land can restrict or deny the use of private paths and other areas in the open countryside if there are justified owner interests.

The responsible district administrative authority (lower nature conservation authority) can provide you with more detailed information about any restrictions.

In addition to a general overview of rights and obligations for various recreational activities, you can find tips on proper conduct as well as links and tips in the Internet guide Leisure and Nature of the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (see under "Further links").