Is the squat toilet making a comeback?

The squat toilet, we know that from the French campsite, right? Definitely! For many campers, the French toilet is etched in the memory: a hole in the ground with two elevations next to it to put your feet down. Just bend down and let it all go. Just be careful not to accidentally splash your shoes or slippers. On most campsites, the squat toilet has now made way for a toilet bowl, although that is not always more hygienic.

Easy to clean

And that hygiene is now one of the reasons why the squat toilet is making a comeback. Not at the French campsite, but along the Austrian motorway. ASFiNAG (Autobahn and Schnellstraßen-Finanz-Aktiengesellschaft) is responsible for the operational management of motorways and S-wagen in Austria. ASFiNAG has now decided that there will be more squat toilets at rest areas along the motorway.

Health aspect

On the Austrian site Orf.at, Elfriede Mayr from Asfinag said that the company had already noticed ten years ago that the squat toilet is not a crazy invention. Among other things, because they are more resistant to vandalism and because of the cleaning. Mayr: “With the cleaning lance, it is certainly easier to clean. We clean our rest areas an average of five times a day.” And there is more according to Mayr: “If you believe the experts, this is the healthiest form of bowel emptying. So it always has a health aspect.”

Sit quietly

Asfinag initially planned the squat toilets for southern Austria, but is also introducing them in other places in the country. Don’t worry that you will only have to squat: the sit toilet will continue to exist in Austria.

Squat toilets in other countries

The squat toilet has never completely disappeared. This type of toilet is common in Asia, as well as in some southern European countries. And you can also still find them on campsites in countries such as Germany, France and Italy.

What do you prefer: sitting or squatting? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook page.