Nature enjoyment and recreation; entering the great outdoors
The "enjoyment of the beauties of nature and recreation in the great outdoors" constitute a fundamental right under the Bavarian Constitution. However, not every form of recreation and sporting activity is generally permitted. The use of private paths and other areas in the great outdoors may be restricted.
Description
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 without official permission and without the consent of the landowner or other person entitled to do so, in order to enjoy the beauty of nature and for recreation. 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 restrictions, restrictions for cyclists or horse riders).
Restrictions on outdoor recreation 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.
Further information on any restrictions can be obtained from the competent district administrative authority (lower nature conservation authority).
In the Internet guide Leisure and Nature of the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (see under "Further links") you will find a general overview of rights and obligations for various leisure activities as well as tips on correct behaviour and links and tips.
Links to more information
Status: 16.12.2021
Responsible for editing: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
- Online transactions, Bavaria-wide
- Online transactions, locally limited
- Prefillable Form, Bavaria-wide
- Legal bases, Bavaria-wide
- Legal bases, locally limited
- Fees, Bavaria-wide
- Fees, locally limited
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