eng.diaksziget.com | the ultimate sziget guide

camping at sziget. an entire week on an island can get harsh. we'll help you get through it...

How much does the camping cost? To camp on the island, you must purchase a 'camping weekly pass' (see tickets page). There is an additional cost for entering the grounds with a camping vehicle. This is around 50 euros and can be purchased on location or online (it is valid ONLY with a weekly camping pass). There is a limited number of caravan camping tickets, so you should arrive as soon as possible.

When can I enter the camping grounds? One day before Sziget starts at 8 P.M. (this is the 'null day'). We highly recommend getting there as early as possible if you want good camping space. But if you come on the "null day" before the 8 PM opening, be prepared to wait for hours before you can get in. If you want calmer entry, come late at night on the day before Sziget, but understand that your camping choices will more and more limited the later you come (but there should be good spaces available until about the first morning of Sziget rolls around).

When do I have to exit? The day after Sziget, you need to exit the grounds by noon.

Will my stuff get stolen? Probably not. But still we highly recommend use of the 24 hour FREE guarded lockers located throughout the island. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR TENT! Go safe. Use the lockers. It's as simple as that.

Should I lock my tent then? No! Many people try to solve the problem by locking their tent with a small lock. This is the worst thing you can do. A lock tells the thief two important things: that noone is in the tent, and that there are probably some valuables in the tent. Tents are not lockers, and therefore even locked tents can easily be opened. Use the 24 hour, free, guarded lockers instead.

Will camping space run out? Should I come early? As we said before, coming early will let you get a good camping space. But do not worry, if you bought your ticket, you will get in, and you will find a camping spot. However it really kinda sucks to be right by the path, by the ToiToi mobil restrooms, or out in the middle of the field under the hot burning sun. :-) So anyway, come early if you want a good space.

What should I bring?

- A tent - pretty obvious. Though if you don't have a tent there is an area where you may rent a tent. But I don't know much about that. You can also sleep in the movie theatre area (lots of people do that) but it gets kinda cold, and if it rains that's even worse.
- Sleeping Bag - also pretty obvious.
- Foam - You will need something under your sleeping bag if you don't want to freeze. Also it makes it more comfortable.
- Flashlight - It gets pretty dark sometimes.
- Toilet Paper - Trust me. You will need it. (Though you can usually buy these in the stores on the island.)
- Food, cigarettes, etc. - Luckily food can be brought in. If you want to go cheap we recommend hanging around the Krisna Tent for a free warm vegetarian meal. Cigarettes are allowed in, but they'll kill you, so we dont recommend it...
- Money and ATM card - There are several ATMs around the island, so if you do not want to walk around with a huge amount of cash, bring an ATM card. Credit cards are NOT accepted at any of the buffets, restaurants or bars.
- Mobile phone - Can come in handy when trying to find your friends. The place is f***ing big and there are a ton of people, so do not count on accidentaly running in to anyone (though it will happen).
- 2 Litre water bottle - There are several water fountains around the island, but using those all the time to get water is a pain (walking to it, stand in line, etc.). So we recommend bringing 1 or 2 bottles (2 liter) that you can fill up with water and take back to your tent. This is kind of obvious, but it is also important, since to the best of my knowledge 2 litre bottles are not available on the island (only half litre ones).
- Aspirin and other basics - Although there is 24 hour, free local medical service, its always good to have a few pills of your own.
- Garbage bags - Good so your tent area doesnt become such a mess. Plus they are also handy rain coats.
- Ear plugs - Loud music for a week is bad for your ears. So if you care somewhat about your hearing, you might consider packing a few ear plugs.
- Sun glasses - They help to ease the bright summer sun.
- Good walking shoes - The island is big, and its on 24 hours a day - so you will probably walk a bunch. Make sure your shoes are comfortable
- Flip-flops - I love flip-flopping across the island to take my "morning" shower - you know, with the unbelievably cold water...
- More to come. - If you have any ideas of your own of what needs to be on this list, send it to us.

What should I NOT bring?

- Knifes and other weapons - they will be taken away at the gate.
- Alcoholic beverages - Sziget wants your money. So no alcohol can enter.
- Soft drinks larger than 2 liters - Once again. You are allowed to bring 1 bottle no larger than 2 liters per person. Trying to pour alcohol in a coke bottle to get it in usually does not work.
- Locks - As we have said many times before, do not lock your tent.
- Drugs - It's illegal, so if you get caught that sucks big time.

More about the Camping Experience

Will I be able to take a shower? - Yeah. There is plenty of relatively good quality showers around the island. But be prepared that the water is probably the coldest water ever! I swear, it is intensly freezing. Very refreshing. :-)

What if I get sick? - There is 24 hour first aid on the island. They have basic medication and all sorts of other stuff, and there are always a couple of ambulances ready to swift anyone to the hospital. They are well prepared.

Is it safe? - This festival has been around for 10 years without any problems. There are lots of people around 24 hours a day, and security is generally very high. No need to worry.

How many people are there from outside of Hungary? - More than 25-30% of the visitors are from outside Hungary, but among the campers, the percentage is even higher. The largest group comes from Germany, but there are lots of people from all around Western Europe. There are also a number of Eastern Europeans. The beauty is that everyone communicates with everyone, so no need to think you won't be able to get to know others.

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