Where Can You Sleep in Your Car in Europe (Without Getting in Trouble)

But here’s the truth — in Europe, “sleeping in your car” isn’t the same as “you can sleep anywhere you park.” Each country has its own rules, and sometimes even cities within the same country follow different laws. If you don’t want your peaceful night to end with a knock on the window and a fine slip in the morning, it’s worth knowing what’s actually allowed.

The Basics: Parking vs. Camping

Before we go country by country, here’s the golden rule: Parking is not camping.

Parking means you’re simply resting inside your car — no tables, chairs, cooking gear, or awnings outside. Camping means you’ve set up like you own the place — which, in many countries, is where the law draws the line.

If you keep it discreet, stay quiet, and move early in the morning, most European countries won’t bother you. But if you pop open the trunk, cook pasta in the parking lot, and start hanging laundry… expect company (not the good kind).

Where It’s (Mostly) Legal or Tolerated

Norway & Sweden — The Wild Camping Dream

These two are every vanlifer’s paradise thanks to the Right to Roam law (often called Allemansrätten). You’re legally allowed to sleep almost anywhere in nature as long as you’re respectful and stay at least 150 meters away from houses. Forests, lakesides, mountain roads — all fair game.

However, stick to rest areas or quiet countryside spots — some national parks and private lands have separate restrictions.

Finland — Similar Freedom, Few More Rules

Finland also embraces wild camping culture. You can sleep in your car as long as you don’t block private roads or damage the environment. But avoid obvious city parking or crowded tourist zones. Locals generally don’t mind if you’re tidy and move on quickly.

Germany — Legal for “Rest,” Not for Living

Germany’s rule is interesting: you’re allowed to sleep in your car to rest if you’re too tired to drive. That’s a legal safety exception, not an invitation to turn your car into a home. So, one night? Fine. Multiple nights? That’s technically “camping” and can get you fined.

Tip: Autobahn rest stops and Stellplatz (motorhome areas) are safe and common places to park overnight.

France — Road Trip Friendly, With Limits

France is great for car camping if you stay smart. It’s legal to sleep in your car in many areas, but not if you “set up camp” or park on private or protected land. Many small towns and coastal areas even provide Aires de Service — designated parking zones with toilets and waste disposal for campers and vans. Just don’t park near beaches or nature reserves; local police are strict there.

Spain — Allowed (Kind Of)

Spain’s law allows “parking and resting” inside your vehicle, but not camping outside of it. So if you stay inside, you’re usually fine. If you open the doors, pull out chairs, or cook — fine incoming. Rules vary by region though: coastal areas (like Costa Brava or Andalucía) are more heavily patrolled than the north.

Tip: Use apps like Park4Night to find legal overnight spots — the Spanish vanlife community uses it religiously.

Portugal — Stricter Now, But Still Doable

Portugal used to be a wild camper’s dream until over-tourism changed things. Since 2021, overnight stays are banned outside designated camper zones. However, many official motorhome parks and private spots welcome cars and small vans for a small fee. Avoid beaches and national parks — police actually check there now.

Scotland — Wild, Open, Beautiful

Scotland’s Right to Roam law allows wild camping, and sleeping in your car is generally tolerated in rural areas. But local councils can have restrictions, especially near Loch Lomond or popular tourist trails. Stick to remote laybys or village car parks and you’ll be fine.

Where It’s Tricky (or Mostly Illegal)

Italy — Pretty, But Picky

Italy doesn’t like people sleeping in cars, especially in touristy or coastal areas. You can nap at motorway rest areas, but not overnight in most towns. Carabinieri (local police) often patrol beach roads — if you’re caught sleeping, expect a polite but firm “no.”

Your best bet: campsites or agriturismos that allow overnight parking.

Switzerland — Beautiful Views, Expensive Fines

Switzerland’s local laws are strict. While there’s no national ban on sleeping in your car, most cantons have local regulations that prohibit it outside official camping zones. You might get away with a night in the mountains if you’re discreet — but if there’s a “No Camping” sign, take it seriously.

Austria — Strictly Regulated

Austria allows rest stops on highways, but not wild camping unless you have landowner permission. Tyrol and Salzburg regions are especially strict — people have been fined €200–€500 for it.

Netherlands — A Big No

Wild camping and sleeping in vehicles overnight is banned everywhere in the Netherlands. Even resting in a van for a few hours can attract police attention. Use paid campsites or camperplaats areas — they’re usually well-equipped and affordable.

Denmark — Only on Private Land

In Denmark, you need the landowner’s permission to park overnight. There are some “free tenting” areas, but they don’t allow cars. Stick to official camper spots or rest areas.

Best Places to Sleep in Your Car (Safely & Legally)

1. Highway rest areas or truck stops — common across Europe and generally safe.
2. Designated camper or motorhome zones (Aires, Stellplatz, Camperplaats).
3. Rural parking lots — especially near hiking trails or lakes (check signs first).
4. Campsites — many allow small cars or vans for low fees.
5. Private property with permission — sometimes locals don’t mind if you ask nicely.

Pro tip: Download these apps — Park4Night, StayFree, and iOverlander. They show legal overnight spots, reviews, and photos from other travelers.

Safety & Comfort Tips

• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t leave anything flashy visible from the window.
• Stay low-key. Curtains, sunshades, or window covers help you blend in.
• Avoid isolated spots. Quiet is good, but too remote can feel sketchy.
• Lock doors and crack windows slightly for ventilation.
• Don’t leave the engine running. It’s noisy, polluting, and illegal in many countries.
• Bring essentials: water, snacks, flashlight, power bank, and a warm blanket.
• Use restrooms at fuel stations — they’re open late, sometimes 24/7.

How to Avoid Fines or Trouble

Don’t stay multiple nights in one place. Move early in the morning. Respect local people and property. Always read signs — even if it’s in another language, “No Camping” is universal. If police approach, be polite and explain you were just resting for safety. Most of the time, they’ll just ask you to move — unless you’ve made a mess or overstayed.

The Spirit of Car Camping

Sleeping in your car isn’t just about saving money — it’s about freedom. You get to chase sunrises, wake up next to lakes, or stop whenever your gut says “stay here.” Europe rewards travelers who travel respectfully — the ones who leave no trace and stay humble.

If you’re planning a trip, think of your car as a temporary shelter, not a hotel room. Follow the unspoken rule of the road: be invisible, be kind, be clean.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can sleep in your car in Europe — but not anywhere. Some countries love vanlifers, others just tolerate them. Do your homework, stay respectful, and you’ll be fine.

And honestly? The best nights aren’t always the ones with perfect comfort. Sometimes it’s just the stars through your windshield, the soft hum of a distant road, and that quiet feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.