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Enjoying nature and recreation; information on entering the great outdoors
The "enjoyment of natural beauty and recreation in the great outdoors" is a fundamental right under the Bavarian constitution. However, not every form of leisure and sporting activity is generally permitted.
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Description
The use of private paths 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 great outdoors free of charge for the enjoyment of natural beauty and for recreation without official permission and without the consent of the landowner or other authorized person. However, this right of access does not apply to all forms of recreation and sporting activities; in particular, it is subject to official and statutory restrictions (e.g. trail bans, restrictions for cyclists or horse riders).
Restrictions on recreation in the great outdoors by the lower or higher nature conservation authorities are possible by statutory order or individual order for reasons of nature conservation or to regulate recreational traffic.
There are also restrictive regulations in protected area ordinances. Furthermore, in individual cases, the owner of the land may restrict or deny the use of private paths and other areas in the open countryside if there are legitimate interests on the part of the owner.
For more information on any restrictions, please contact the relevant district administrative authority (lower nature conservation authority).
In addition to a general overview of rights and obligations for various leisure activities, you will find tips on correct behaviour as well as links and information in the Internet guide Leisure and Nature from the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection (see "Related links").
Related links
Related issues
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Outdoor fires; application for a special permitIf you wish to light an open fire (e.g. a campfire), special attention must be paid to the dangers posed by open fires. In particular, certain distances from flammable objects must be maintained.
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Landscape conservation areas; designationIn contrast to nature conservation areas, landscape conservation areas primarily serve to protect the ecosystem and its functionality.
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Nature conservation; consulting, information and public relationsThe governments and district administrative authorities have a variety of tasks to fulfill in the area of nature conservation. These include providing advice, information and public relations work on nature conservation issues.
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Wild plants; application for a permit for commercial removal, treatment or processing
Without prejudice to the rights of the owners and other authorized users, the commercial removal, treatment or processing of wild plants requires the approval of the authority responsible for nature conservation and landscape management.
Status: 10.09.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
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