Camping in Denmark, Germany & The Netherlands Dark Sky Reserves

Picture a getaway from the urban rush, where you exchange city lights for starlit skies and lose yourself in the majestic beauty of the cosmos. Dark sky camping presents a unique chance to forge a deep connection with the universe, a rarity in our contemporary lives. Whether you're an avid stargazer or an adventurer craving a novel experience beneath the night canopy, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands offer dark-sky camping destinations that guarantee unforgettable moments, leaving you mesmerised by the celestial marvels overhead.

Denmark

Denmark's Dark Sky Places, like Møn and Bulbjerg, offer stunning views of the stars free from light pollution. They're perfect spots for stargazing enthusiasts and anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

Bulbjerg IDS Park

Bulbjerg Dark Sky Park
Location Jutland, Denmark
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2023
Area 12.5km²

Bulbjerg International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Klim Strand Camping
Denmark, Jutland, Nordjylland, Fjerritslev

A large family holiday site right beside the sea, Klim Strand is a paradise for children. It is a privately-owned site with a full complement of quality facilities, including a fire engine and trained staff! The site has 460 numbered touring pitches, all with electricity (10A), laid out in rows, many divided by trees and hedges, with shade in parts. Some 220 of these are extra-large (180 sq.m) and fully serviced with electricity, water, drainage and TV hook-up. On-site activities include an outdoor water slide complex, an indoor pool, tennis courts and pony riding (all free). A wellness spa centre including a pirate-themed indoor play hall is a recent addition.

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Mandø IDS Park

Mandø
Location Jutland, Denmark
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2024
Area 8.5km²

Mandø, a small island in the Wadden Sea, has embarked on a journey to become an International Dark Sky Park, celebrated for its natural darkness and critical role as a wildlife habitat. Collaborative efforts led by the Mandø Joint Council and supported by various stakeholders have included replacing street lamps with dark sky-friendly lighting and implementing a lighting curfew. 

Endorsed by the Danish Minister for the Environment and other stakeholders, the Dark Sky Park initiative underscores the significance of preserving natural darkness on both national and international levels, as highlighted by the Wilhelmshaven Declaration. Despite its modest population, Mandø welcomes over 80,000 tourists annually, offering opportunities for stargazing and educational engagement amidst its pristine landscapes and unique tidal road access.

Mandø International Dark Sky Park Campsites

There is one campsite on the island, Mandø Brugs and Camping, alternatively, stay on the mainland:

Ribe Camping
Denmark, Jutland, Ribe

Ribe Camping, open all year, lies close to Ribe, Denmark’s oldest and best preserved city. This modern well-appointed campsite has 420 pitches with 300 level, grassy pitches for touring, some with shade and all with 10A electricity. Thirty-six large super pitches are fully serviced. There is a special area for motorhomes and one pitch is on a turntable allowing the unit to always face the sun. The modern facilities including kitchen and dining areas are kept very clean. There is a large heated pool complex with a children’s play area and large toboggans.

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Møn and Nyord IDS Park

Møn and Nyord
Location Zealand, Denmark
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2017
Area 11km²

Møn and Nyord, two islands nestled in the Zealand Region of southeastern Denmark, collectively span 223 km2 (86 square miles) of land area. While the larger island of Møn draws significant tourism for its iconic white chalk cliffs, the islands offer a serene escape from the bustle of urban life, boasting open countryside, sandy Baltic Sea beaches, and the charming market town of Stege. 

In 2014, residents of Møn initiated efforts to promote the islands' dark skies as a catalyst for economic development and tourism. This led to a joint endeavour to achieve Dark Sky certification, aiming to preserve current nighttime conditions across both developed and wilderness areas of both islands, thereby enhancing their appeal as destinations for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Møn and Nyord International Dark Sky Park Campsites

There are numerous campsites on the island of Møn, alternatively there are mainland campsites:

Feddet Strand Camping
Denmark, Islands, Sjælland, Faxe

This interesting, spacious site with ecological principles is located on the Baltic coast. It has a fine, white, sandy beach (Blue Flag) which runs the full length of one side, with the Præstø fjord on the opposite side of the peninsula. There are 413 pitches for touring units, generally on sandy grass, with mature pine trees giving adequate shade. All have 10A electricity and 20 are fully serviced (water, electricity, drainage and sewerage). The sanitary buildings have been specially designed, clad with larch panels from sustainable local trees and insulated with flax mats.

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Germany

Germany's dark sky spots, like Eifel National Park and Rhön Biosphere Reserve, offer stunning views of the stars away from light pollution. Perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky.

Eifel IDS Park

Eifel National Park
Location North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2014
Area 110km²

Eifel National Park, the sole national park in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, was established in 2004, covering 110 square kilometres near the Belgian border. Despite being surrounded by densely populated areas, it remains a dark sky oasis amidst urbanisation, presenting a challenge in preserving its pristine night skies.

Eifel International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Eifel-Camp - Freilinger See
Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Eifel

This delightful campsite offers spaciously arranged pitches on terraces set amongst lush greenery. All pitches are equipped with 220V/16 A electricity connection, and the long-term pitches have access to the community antenna/common aerial. You will also find a drain and service station for caravans and campervans, as well as well-grounded pitches for campervans.

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Heimbacher Campingplatz
Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Heimbach

Heimbacher Campingplatz is located in Heimbach. An idyllic little town nestled along the Rur Valley in the Eifel hills. Campers come and stay here for a quiet relaxing holiday. On-site, you will find a little restaurant serving traditional local cuisine, a games room, a football pitch and a children's playground for the younger campers. As the campsite runs along the river, you can kayak and fish direct from the site.

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Fulda IDS Community

Fulda 
Location Hesse, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Community (Provisional)
Year of Designation 2019
Area 104km²

Fulda, a key city in Hesse, central Germany, is famed for its baroque architecture and religious heritage dating back to its founding by followers of Saint Boniface. With a modern economy driven by manufacturing, it boasts one of the EU's lowest unemployment rates. 

Situated near the western edge of the Rhön International Dark Sky Reserve, Fulda, with a population of around 68,000, has been engaged in discussions since 2014 regarding its outdoor lighting to preserve conditions in the Reserve. Following the Rhön Biosphere Reserve's example, Fulda has secured recognition from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Fulda International Dark Sky Community Campsites

Knaus Campingpark Hünfeld
Germany, Hessen, Hünfeld

NAUS Campingpark Hünfeld is located in the region of Praforst, 4 km from the centre of Hünfeld. For those who love golf, the campsite is ideally located next to 2 golf courses ( 9 holes and 18 holes). This gives you the impression that the site is in a quiet location as open fields surrounding it. The campsite offers a bread service in the mornings, popular with campers, and if you don't want to cook, there is a restaurant on site with an outdoor terrace so you can watch the world go by whilst enjoying a cold drink and trying some local cuisine.

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Pellworm Star Island

Pellworm Star Island
Location North Frisian Islands, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Community
Year of Designation 2021
Area 37km²

Pellworm Star Island, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and the German National Park Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer, is vital for preserving a significant intertidal ecosystem and serves as a crucial resting spot for millions of coastal birds annually. By minimising artificial light, Pellworm supports bird migration and enhances habitat quality. 

Originally settled by Frisians in the 11th century, Pellworm offers a unique holiday experience with opportunities to interact with locals. To bolster sustainable tourism, the island integrates astrotourism into its economy, capitalising on its dark skies.

Pellworm Star Island International Dark Sky Community Campsites

There is one campsite on the island, Wattenmeerhaus Pellworm; alternatively, stay on the mainland:

Camping In Lee
Germany, Schleswig-Holstein, Westerdeichstrich

Nordsee Camping In Lee is situated near the North German village of Stinteck and is located on a well-maintained terrain with lots of grass. Here you will find several sports fields, catering establishments and hire facilities of (electric) bicycles and scooters. It is also within walking distance of green beaches which are a feature of this region. When you explore the grounds, you will notice that the site is spaciously laid out and very neat. A large playground, volleyball field, table tennis table, bouncy castle and entertainment team (in summer) offer endless fun to, especially, young children. A special game which can be played on the campsite is Pit-Pat, a fun combination of snooker and mini golf. The site has 330 grass pitches of which 190 are for touring units with 16amp hook-up point. 140 are occupied by seasonal units

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Rhön IDS Reserve

Rhön
Location Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Reserve
Year of Designation 2014
Area 1720km²

Established in 1991 by UNESCO, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve covers 1,720 square kilometres of protected lands in the central region of the Rhön Mountains, where Hesse, Bavaria, and Thuringia meet. Reaching elevations of up to 950 meters, the area is known as the "Land of endless horizons". 

Its darkest night skies are in the core zone, while responsible outdoor lighting policies in the buffer zone protect them. Unique within the Dark Sky Places Program, the Rhön Dark Sky Reserve's core consists of three distinct, non-contiguous areas: Hohe Geba in the northeast, Lange Rhön in the centre, and Schwarze Berge in the south.

Rhön International Dark Sky Reserve Campsites

Camping Park Bad Kissingen
Germany, Bavaria (N), Bad Kissingen

Bad Kissingen is a very attractive town and was a favourite of Bavarian Kings, Austrian Emperors and Bismark, who lived here for a while. This quiet site by the lakeside on the edge of town has direct access to the centre through the private entrance to the adjacent park. A grassy, partially shaded site with a tarmac service road, there are only 99 pitches (80 with 6A electricity, 40 with water and waste water connections), all well spaced out. Of these 20 are used by permanent units, so reservation is advisable.

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Spiekeroog Star Island

Spiekeroog Star Island
Location East Frisian Islands, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Community
Year of Designation 2021
Area 18km²

Spiekeroog Star Island, part of the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage in Lower Saxony's German National Park Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer, exemplifies the area's commitment to reducing light pollution.

As one of Germany's darkest places, it aligns with the Leeuwarden Declaration of 2018, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the Wadden Sea ecosystem. Serving as a model for other communities, Spiekeroog demonstrates how to minimise unnecessary light emissions while fostering a sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.

Spiekeroog Star Island International Dark Sky Community Campsites

Campingplatz Neuharlingersiel
Germany, Lower Saxony, Neuharlingersiel

Camping Neuherlingersiel is a very large campsite in Lower Saxony on the outskirts of Neuharlingersiel, a fishing village which lies on the shores of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. Of the 1,200 small to medium size, level, grassy, undelineated pitches, 850 are for touring. Most of the touring pitches are laid out in rows amongst the statics but a few are set aside for motorhomes and tents. Metered electricity is available and some pitches are fully serviced. There are very few trees or shrubs to give shade and privacy and pitches may be a long way from the beach and site amenities.

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Westhavelland IDS Reserve

Westhavelland
Location Brandenburg, Germany
Status International Dark Sky Reserve
Year of Designation 2014
Area 1380km²

Westhavelland Nature Park, Brandenburg's largest protected area, features Europe's largest contiguous wetland. Just 70 km west of Berlin, its Dark Sky Reserve offers nearly six million people in the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region access to pristine night skies. 

Covering 750 square kilometres of public and private land within the park, initiatives like the WestHavelländer AstroTreff star party and partnerships with private enterprises promote dark sky conservation and astrotourism.

Westhavelland International Dark Sky Reserve Campsites

Campingpark Buntspecht
Germany, Brandenburg, Ferchesar

Campingpark Buntspecht is a high quality, well-maintained site 85 km west of Berlin, lying alongside the large Ferchesarer lake and surrounded by the Brandenburg Forest and a large nature reserve. The pitches (90-120 sq.m) are laid out on grass in a parkland setting with tall pine trees offering some shade. There are 249 pitches, with 155 average-sized, fully serviced pitches for touring (16A electricity). Sixteen are alongside the lake, and seven are for short stays. The large lake has a sandy beach and is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing, with a range of boats for hire.

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Netherlands

The Netherlands offers excellent dark sky locations like Lauwersmeer National Park and the Wadden Sea Islands for stargazing. Minimal light pollution and stunning night views make them perfect for anyone who loves the stars.

De Boschplaat IDS Park

De Boschplaat
Location Terschelling, Netherlands
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2015
Area 40km²

De Boschplaat, a 40 square kilometre area on the eastern side of Terschelling Island, is a "Natura 2000" Nature Reserve recognised by the European Council and locally managed by the Staatsbosbeheer conservation agency. 

Except for conservation closures, the public enjoys unrestricted access to the entire property at all times. Additionally, eight locations within the park are specifically designated for nighttime stargazing.

De Boschplaat International Dark Sky Park Campsites

There are a number of camping options on Terschelling Island; alternatively, stay on nearby Vlieland Island or Ameland Island.

Recreatieoord Klein Vaarwater
Netherlands, Friesland, Buren

Recreatieoord Klein Vaarwater is a bustling family holiday park on the interesting island of Ameland. The site is 1 km. from the North Sea beaches and has its own indoor pool, with bars, restaurants, supermarket and party centre. Klein Vaarwater has 187 touring pitches (all with 16A electricity), of which 130 also have water, wastewater and cable. Pitching is off hardcore access lanes, on fields taking 6-10 units on grass. The level pitches are numbered and partly separated by young trees. Some of the pitches enjoy good views over the countryside.

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Kampeerterrein Stortemelk
Netherlands, Friesland, Vlieland

Camping Stortemelk is located on the West Frisian island of Vlieland, separated from a broad sandy beach by high dunes. The island is car (and caravan) free, therefore this is a traditional tent campsite. with around 900 pitches.

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Lauwersmeer IDS Park

Lauwersmeer National Park
Location Friesland / Groningen, Netherlands
Status International Dark Sky Park
Year of Designation 2016
Area 60km²

Lauwersmeer National Park, a former underwater area reclaimed in 1969, now thrives as a freshwater lake teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Grazing maintains its open landscape, attracting migratory birds. 

Its preservation efforts have kept artificial light minimal, making it a rare oasis of darkness in light-polluted Western Europe, ideal for stargazing.

Lauwersmeer International Dark Sky Park Campsites

Landal Esonstad
Netherlands, Friesland, Anjum

Esonstad is a member of the Landal group and is attractively located on the Lauwersmeer, close to the Schiermonnikoog ferry. There is an impressive range of facilities, including an all-weather tennis court, indoor pool and indoor play barn. This open site is situated on the edge of the National Park, in a landscape of lakes, forests and dykes – ideal for wildlife and watersports enthusiasts. It extends over five hectares and comprises 129 spacious pitches (100 sq.m) all with 16A electricity and a private water supply close by. Many pitches are close to the water. There are some tent pitches on a separate field and a few hardstandings.

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