Allgäu: Rangers use thermal imaging cameras to track down unauthorised campers

It’s unlikely I’ll get caught if I simply pitch my tent here in this remote mountain forest. That’s probably what quite a few gravel cyclists might think, too. Unless, by chance, a forester or hunter happens to come along, that might well be the case. However, in the designated ‘Allgäu High Alps’ nature reserve, the number of people staying overnight appears to have risen so sharply that the authorities have been forced to take drastic measures. With immediate effect, rangers there are deploying autonomous drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to track down illegal campers in tents, as well as those in motorhomes (on hikers’ car parks). This allows campfires, as well as people, to be detected on screen even in the densest undergrowth. And that can prove costly: a fine of up to 600 euros is imposed for an unauthorised overnight stay in the nature reserve.

Why? In nature reserves, even straying from the paths is prohibited. Park rangers report incidents of “vandalism” in the form of illegal campfires – which are highly dangerous during the dry season – broken branches, damage to wildlife and litter left behind. Furthermore, wildlife is frequently disturbed during the breeding season. In the Karwendel Nature Park, too, typical ‘Insta-hotspots’ have been appearing for some time now. However, rather than relying on drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras, the park is currently using social media: if a camping photo is posted there along with the location, the rangers know where they need to step up patrols over the coming weeks to prevent the next dangerous campfire.

What exactly does ‘emergency bivouacking’ mean?

Wild camping is, in principle, prohibited in Germany, as it is almost everywhere in Europe. The only exception is ‘emergency bivouacking’ using a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and emergency blanket, or a simple tarp. In detail, this means: ‘Spending an unplanned night outdoors in order to protect one’s own life and health in an emergency situation.’ Such emergency situations may include:

• As darkness falls: You’ve misjudged the situation on a ride and, for example, the descent into the valley would be too risky without sufficient light.
• Change in the weather: Sudden thunderstorms, gales, fog, a sudden drop in temperature, mudslides or heavy rain make it impossible to continue the journey.
• Exhaustion or injury: You no longer have the physical strength, or an accident forces you to stop.

It is also permitted to spend the night in the forest at officially designated trekking camps. Almost every low mountain range in Germany now offers such small sites in the forest. They are usually large enough for four to five tents, with a fire pit, firewood provided and a composting toilet. You can book these sites online for one night and, for a small fee (approx. 5–15 euros), receive the GPS coordinates for the respective locations.

Please adhere to the ‘Leave No Trace’ code of conduct:

• Never leave rubbish behind – not even banana skins! European soil microbes find it harder to break down exotic material.
• Relieving yourself in the woods: Experts carry a small spade with them to bury their waste. You should take the toilet paper with you and dispose of it in the nearest dog waste bin.
• Washing and washing up: use no soap whatsoever. Even biodegradable soap without synthetic ingredients is harmful to micro-organisms in lakes and streams.
• Forest fires: Only at officially designated fire pits, and even then not after a prolonged dry spell.
• Respect the flora and fauna: do not place items in obvious wildlife crossing areas (look out for animal tracks and droppings on the ground) and do not damage plants unnecessarily.