Holiday Destinations

Extreme camping in the trees

Extreme camping in the trees
At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
The tents are suspended from thick branches of large free-standing trees (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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The tents are suspended from thick branches of large free-standing trees (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
An extreme camping experience, on an overhanging platform, positioned over a huge mountainous cliff face (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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An extreme camping experience, on an overhanging platform, positioned over a huge mountainous cliff face (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
In the winter months, campers can build their own igloo and sleep close to the summit (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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In the winter months, campers can build their own igloo and sleep close to the summit (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Adventure activities at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Adventure activities at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Tree rope course at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Tree rope course at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Tree rope course at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Tree rope course at Waldseilgarten (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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Sleeping in a tree platform, suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
In the winter months, campers can build their own igloo and sleep close to the summit (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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In the winter months, campers can build their own igloo and sleep close to the summit (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
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At Waldseilgarten, guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
View gallery - 12 images

Located in Pfronten, Bavaria in Germany, Waldseilgarten is an adventure mountain resort that offers guests a thrilling night in the wilderness. Nestled at the top of a mountain summit, daring guests can spend the night hanging off the tree tops, suspended over a cliff face, or within a hand built igloo.

During the warmer months, the resort hosts adventure nights out, where guests can sleep in their very own portaledge, hanging several meters above the ground. A portaledge is a deployable hanging tent system that is generally used by rock climbers on multiple day climbs. The hanging tent features a fabric-covered platform supported by a metal frame, that is suspended from a secured single point. At Waldseilgarten, the tents are suspended from thick branches of large free-standing trees, where guests can only ascend or descend with rope assistance.

Guests looking for more air and an extreme camping experience can choose to sleep on an overhanging platform, positioned amongst huge cliff faces measuring between 1000 and 2000 meters (3280 - 6562 ft) high. However, if that's just a little too extreme for your liking, the resort also offers easier sleeping options, including cliff platforms between 100 and 300 meters (328 - 984 ft) high, or tree platforms suspended between two or four trees, with easy descent to the ground at any time.

An extreme camping experience, on an overhanging platform, positioned over a huge mountainous cliff face (Photo: Waldseilgarten)
An extreme camping experience, on an overhanging platform, positioned over a huge mountainous cliff face (Photo: Waldseilgarten)

All guests partaking in an adventure night out will receive rope climbing training before spending a night in nature. Trained staff teach simple rope climbing techniques for ascending and descending the portaledges, and other useful skills for hiking and rock climbing. Toilet facilities are located a few minutes away from the the sleeping spots, but the local waterfall will have to suffice for a shower - a refreshing experience none the less!

In the winter months, campers can build their own igloo and sleep close to the summit. Warm clothing is essential, as the igloos are guaranteed to maintain an inside temperature of 3-4°C (37-39°F), regardless of the outside temperature. Resort activities include hiking, tree rope courses, archery, rock climbing and snow walking or skiing in the winter months.

Waldseilgarten seems to offer a camping experience you will definitely remember, however that experience doesn't come cheap. A night sleeping in the trees in a portaledge will set you back EUR250 (US$336) per person, whilst the cliff face ledges go for EUR890 (US$1199). The cheapest option is the tree platforms, at EUR125 (US$168) per person per night.

View gallery - 12 images
6 comments
6 comments
yrag
\"At Waldseilgarten, the tents are suspended from thick branches of large free-standing trees, where guests can only ascend or descend with rope assistance\"
So it\'s BYOCP--bring your own chamber pot--in the eventuality that you need to relieve yourself in the middle of the night. Ugh.
Brakalooloo
Recreational treeclimbers in the US (and elsewhere, obviously) have been camping in the treetops for decades. And it doesn\'t take a ridiculous amount of money per night - just the money for a decent hammock tent (or portaledge), arborist gear, and transportation to your favorite tree. Anyone can do it.
Burnerjack
After finding no level places to pitch a tent in the 100 mile Wilderness with all the LeanTo\'s taken up (THAT\'S the big hurry...) on the Appilacian Trail just south of Mt. Katahdin, This occured to me. But an extemely violent lightning storm on the same hike dissaded me from acting on this idea. All fun an\' games until someone gets electrocuted. J guess it\'s a McAdventure. I mean who is going to pack all that? One 50 mile hike should cure just about anybody less than Army Recon grade from doing it twice.
Gabriel Grove
\"goodnight Neverland!!!\" such a great idea! i want one for my backyard!
Bas Klein Bog
A sheet of nylon separating 6000 feet of empty space and my butt is not really my idea of fun, and a peaceful night's sleep in such a location is even more outside of my enjoyment envelope. At US$1200 a night.. well have fun, I'll just take my tent along and pitch it in a spot wilt a nice view. Free.
Jim Sadler
In many areas up in the air is not only the safe way to camp but also the most comfortable. Bugs are a huge issue in many areas as are snakes, bears or a moose with a grudge. Getting a few feet off of the ground can be much cooler in the tropics and it is lovely not to wake up with a coiled snake on your chest. I was once badly bitten by a donkey that had been put out to pasture in its old age. It clamped down dead center of my chest in the wee hours.