The first hints of autumn are sweeping across Europe—leaves beginning to turn, a cool edge to the morning air, forests readying their annual burst of colour. Many people think of camping as a summer sport, but fall is arguably the best season: fewer bugs, gentler temperatures, and quieter trails bring a freedom midsummer can’t match. With more than 200 Tentsile camps worldwide, here are three European spots that feel especially magical right now.
Pilatus - Switzerland
Standing on the summit of Mount Pilatus in Switzerland, looking across the top of world, North Face took on a whole new meaning. No longer was it just the fashion brand of choice for every teenager in the UK—including my own. Now it was real. Out on the horizon was the (north face of the) Eiger (so I was told), along with other legendary mountains like the Mönch and the Jungfrau. Whether it really was the actual North Face, I couldn’t say. But I was happy to believe one of the world’s most famous mountains was in my sights.
Pilatus is less well-known, of course. But it stands just outside Lucerne – one of the prettiest, sooo-Swiss Swiss towns in Switzerland, ringed by mountain peaks, sat at the edge of a lake (you guessed it, Lake Lucerne!). And if you can believe it, in this environment, you can go halfway up Mount Pilatus and get to Fräkmüntegg, where, nestled in a small glade, is a camp of Tentsiles - floating above the forest floor like something from a climbing magazine (or Tentsile’s Instagram photos!). You can get there on foot or by gondola, and from there take off in all sorts of directions, including up towards the summit. The perfect basecamp from which to head out of hikes, and enjoy the awe inspiring natural beauty of the forest. Simply book your spot on their website and turn up to a ready made camp – saving you all the fuss of carrying your shelter with you!
Find out more and book here: https://pilatus.ch/en/activities/tree-tents
Tentsile camps really do turn up in some fun and adventurous places. And sleeping in the Swiss Alps has to be one of the more spectacular ones—proof that sometimes the best way to face the north is simply to lie back and enjoy it.
Jethro Shirley-Smith – Finance Director
France - Arbocamp
“A night at ArboCamp is an experience you won't soon forget. An evening around a camp fire, a night under the stars, waking up to the warmth of the first rays of the sun... Admiring the beauty of nature, comfortably settled in your cozy little nest.’
Each of Arbocamp’s pitches is hidden away, nestled in nature.
In addition to the suspended tents with duvets and soft cushions, the site is equipped with chairs and a table, a fireplace to enjoy a small fire if conditions permit, toilets and a trunk where you will find all the things you need for your stay. The latter includes the necessary equipment for your meals (food, drinks, stoves, coffee maker, pots, cutlery, etc.) as well as all the essential equipment you might need. There is also the option to have freshly prepared local cuisine – so whether you prefer the luxury of fine dining in the mountains, or would rather keep it rugged, its up to you!
To book your spot, find more details here: https://www.arbocamp.ch/reservations/
Schwarz Wald Camp – Germany
Deep in the Black Forest, you’ll find Schwarz Wald Camp. Book a night or two’s stay in a Tree Tent here and you can soak up the outstanding natural beauty this region is so famous for. A typical stay at this site offers a welcome escape from the stresses of everyday life; suspended among the treetops, you get to fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the gentle rustling of leaves and bird song. The height gives you a unique perspective—looking down on the forest floor, bathed in dappled light, with the Schluchsee lake just a short walk away for tranquil swims and peaceful reflection. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience a mixture of adventure, serenity and wonder that few conventional stays can match. Plus, as with all Tree Tent camping – you can guarantee it’s more comfortable and fun than camping on the ground!
For more info and booking: https://www.schwarzwaldcamp.com/
