Switzerland has to be among the most beloved destinations for road aficionados, for a good reason. From dramatic alpine sceneries, purest lakes and rivers, delicate chocolate, and fairytale towns, there’s much more than meets the eyes in Switzerland. So much more.
Exploring the finest mountain roads in Switzerland – all from the comfort of your campervan -is a great way to discover Europe’s most scenic destination.
But, campervanning in Switzerland requires proper planning and research – especially if traveling for longer than a week. And this is where our handy road trip tips come in.
From France, Germany, Italy, or Austria, there are countless possible routes to visit Switzerland by motorhome. It all depends on whether you want to take the road trip through the majestic landscapes of Swiss nature or explore the country through its historical towns and landmarks.
Here are some ideas on how to know about hitting the road on the right foot.
1) A 7-Day Campervan Trip Itinerary in Switzerland
Campervanning across Switzerland for the week? Here is a neat 7-day road trip itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time.
Day 1,2: Geneva Old Town and Lake Geneva Shores
A full day in Geneva’s Old Town will more than impress you. The Old Town is a labyrinth of streets and allies, filled with charming cafes and restaurants. We loved how the Old Town features Geneva’s top landmarks and museums, and the incredible Saint Pierre Cathedral.
Parking a campervan in Geneva can be done at TCS Camping Geneva-Vésenaz, just 4 kilometers outside the city, with prices depending on your type of stay, the duration, and the amenities you’ll use. After parking for the day, we recommend you walk Lake Geneva’s shores for a picturesque view of the city and all the colors of the sunset.
Lake Geneva
Day 3: Lausanne
Lausanne deserves a whole day to be seen as it should. Take an hour’s time and make the drive there. Catch a breathtaking view of one of the many Lausanne national significant landmarks, or do what we did and visit its Notre Dame Cathedral – and peer at Geneva from the other side of the Lake. As for campervan parking locations, Lausanne offers Camping Lausanne Vidy, located right on the lake.
Day 4: Montreux
If you’re like us, you’d also want to come full circle around Lake Geneva and drive half an hour from Lausanne to Montreux. The town’s scenery is the epitome of campervanning in Switzerland on a high shelf. Montreux welcomes you with insane views of the Alps you can easily reach with a motorhome. Florals and a whiff of the Mediterranean make this spot the best for your around-Switzerland week tour. Campervanning areas to park your vehicle in Montreux include the city’s P+R Car Park, charged by the day or the hour.
Montreux
Day 5,6: The Vaudois Alps
For a proper campervanning experience in Switzerland, we recommend you hit the Vaudois Alps. A complex of forests, mountain passes and nature like you’ve never seen before is before you. Visit the charming village of Les Diablerets, the region’s leading ski center.
Or, head to the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park for a proper ‘wow.’
Campervanning parking options in the moutnain range include, Camping la Toundra les Mosses, Camping Frassettes, and Camping De Moratel.
Gruyère Regional Nature Park
Day 7: Fribourg
Settled among the clouds and built in medieval times, Fribourg takes you to a different era.
We found it to be the ultimate getaway spot for motorhome campers who want to captivate a sense of gothic with a dose of mystery as well. And if you can stay there for the night, by all means, go for it.
Fribourg old Town
15-20 Days: A Campervan Trip Itinerary in Switzerland
For a longer campervanning excursion, consider the 7-day Switzerland road trip itinerary we offered above and expand it with the following destinations:
Day 8: Neuchâtel Lake & La Chaux-de-Fonds
The Jura mountains are proud of their top-tier Neuchatel lake and adjacent town. Marshlands, bird varieties, and vineyards will welcome you in and see you out of this radiant paradise. Another town under the Neuchatel canton we loved visiting – and so will you- is La Chaux-de-Fonds, just a 20-minute drive from Neuchatel.
Day 9,10: Bern
UNESCO-backed, vivacious, and a true campervanning paradise, we feel that Bern deserves a spot on your Swiss to-see list. Take your time in the Swiss road trip OG and make the most of its campervan spots, free outdoor pools, traditional gelato, and offroad trails inside the Gantrisch Nature Park. Yes, a few days in the capital are due – if you can help it.
Bern
Day 11-16 Lucerne, Zurich, Basel
Reserve your ride at a different time and spend a day or two in Lucerne. This Swiss gem boasts fabulous Old Town, historic sites, and a medieval feel. And for all you roadies, this waterfront town explodes with the best viewpoints, mountain passes, trails, and panoramic spectacles.
Off to Basel in an hour and a half or so, and you’re greeted with another staggering city that’s made for a drive-through and a stay-in. Another hour and a half take you to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Also known as the world’s banking and finance center, Zurich completes this triangle of Swiss road trip gems to visit.
Sunset in Zürich
Day 17-20: The Honorable Mentions
Those wishing for a full-on Switzerland campervan road trip – sights, nature and all – here is what to do with a few extra days on hand.
- Ride off to the Oberland mountains for a royal spread of snowcaps.
- Pay Interlaken a visit, a city offering likely the greatest close-ups of the Swiss Alps.
- The Jungfraujoch glacier is left to the most ambitions, whereas the divine Rhine Falls will meet about anyone’s taste.
A Month or Longer Campervan Trip Itinerary in Switzerland
Staying for longer or up to a month? On top of the 20-day tour above, here’s what else not to miss on your Switzerland road trip.
The Elite Route: Valais, Lugano
As campervanners, we had a blast visiting Valais, Swiss’s undoubted paradise overlooking the everlasting Matterhorn. Alpine tracks, winter mountain passes, and divine routes are before you, enjoy. As for Lugano, it’s a few hours’ drive from Valais, so it’s best you combine it with a trip from Luzerne – or as its own Switzerland campervan road trip.
The Lakes: Maggiore, Constance, Walenstadt
One of the perks to driving through Switzerland is you get to see many, many lakes – for free. Lake Maggiore is the closest to Lugano, whereas Lake Constance is the nearest to Zurich.
As for Lake Walendstandt, it is the closest to Lucerne. These make the Swiss holy lake trio and deliver scenic routes for all eager drivers and campers.
The Alpine Feel: Punta Terrarossa, Binn Valley Nature Park, Graubünden
Thrill seekers with some time to spare in Switzerland can always opt for one of the many alpine routes in the country. Get a divine view of Punta Terrarossa – or climb, if you are up for the challenge.
A more all-around experience is a drive to the astonishing Binn Valley Natural Park rich in pastoral landscapes.
Finally, for any of your extra days in Switzerland, a visit to the country’s oldest national park, Graubünden, is a must.
2) How and Where to Rent a Motorhome in Switzerland?
If you are coming to Switzerland looking to rent a motorhome, you’ll be happy with the options. Near the border is the first place to check for Switzerland campervan rentals.
As a leading provider, Roadsurfer is always a reliable option. It is a German campervan rental provider trusted by many, with rentals across various EU countries. In Switzerland, their rentals can be booked at the border, in Geneva, or in Basel. The customer support team at Roadsurfer is available, efficient, and resourceful, and the company offers many budget-friendly options for van lovers.
Aside from Roadsurfer, you can also trust a few other providers, including Indie Campers and the popular My Camper.
3) Driving a Campervan and Motorhome Rules in Switzerland
Driving across Swiss territory requires becoming familiar with their rules and regulations, especially with a campervan. Some of the things to know here include:
Traffic
- Manage the technicalities. Keep your headlights on at all times and drive on the right.
- Drive within the speed limit. It’s not only safe but economical as well and prevents carbon emissions.
- Get a Swiss Vignette. You won’t be able to travel or enter the country without one and you can get it for about 40 CHF.
- Traffic coming from the right always has priority.
- The only vehicles that do not stop at a Zebra crossing are Trams.
- In some areas, it might be mandatory to turn off the engine when waiting at traffic lights.
- A parking disc might be mandatory to get in some places, so authorities know how long you have been parked.
Safety and Equipment
- Border crossing paperwork. Those coming from an EU country should know that Switzerland is not an EU-member state. The borders are recognized and clear for you to pass. If you are stopped, provide an EU-legal driver’s license.
- Have your campervan insurance paperwork on you at all times. Especially if renting.
- Legal props. All drivers are legally obliged to have a traffic triangle in the car and a safety vest.
- C02 and Carbon Offsetting. Campervans ought to use Diesel fuel with AdBlue. All campervans come with a carbon price, so keep an eye on the miles you drive throughout the trip. Following the trip, you will be able to carbon offset with Swiss-based MyClimate.
- Always have your seatbelt on – it’s a legal requirement.
- Have the essentials. You need a first-aid car kit, meaning spare tires and a rod to change the tires with. If you have a road accident, you need to create a separate lane so authorities can reach you.
Speed Limits & Signaling
- Know the speed limits. Every Swiss canton has different rules on this. Plus, speed regulations can change if the weather worsens. The driving speed limit in a Swiss town is 50km/h, 100km/h on highways, and 80km/h on roads out of town. A trailer vehicle can drive up to 100km/h.
- To help you navigate, the Swiss use different signals. Such include functional traffic light signals, alongside priority signs and road rings, and direction pointers.
- Have a language app working. Switzerland recognizes four official languages which change depending on the canton you visit. Get a translation app from and to German, French, Italian, and Romanish.
Alcohol Limit
- Across Switzerland, drivers are not allowed to drive if their blood level is over 0.05%.
- Over 0.05% to 0.079% of blood alcohol might cost you a fine of CHF 600-800. For other broken regulations, like speeding, you risk getting your license taken away for a month.
4) Motorway Tolls in Switzerland: Price for Your Motorhome Category?
In Switzerland, driving on motorways requires the use of an electronic vignette, for vehicles lighter than 3.5 tonnes. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you will pay tolls in accordance with the motorway distance you traveled. This is also referred to as distance-based tolling.
Then, there’s the Munt La Schera tunnel, which relates from Switzerland to Livigno and Bormio.
The tunnel has its own tolls and is open 24/7. It is the best route for all drivers, including campervan drivers traveling in the area, especially in winter. The toll price for the tunnel is CHF25.00.
5)Vignettes in Switzerland
- A vignette in Switzerland costs CHF 40, for all motorways.
- The vignette is valid for the remaining days of the current year and up to 31 January of next year.
- Yes. Driving without a vignette is illegal and might cost you a fine of CH 200, plus the purchase of a new vignette.
6)Motorhome Stopovers and Overnight Camper Parking in Switzerland
Overnight stops in Switzerland are abundant, with a few viable options to consider, including:
- Campsites
- Aires
- Other free and approved motorhome parking schemes
Switzerland Campsites for Motorhomes and Campervans
Swiss campsites operate quite the same as other campsites across Europe. The condition of campsites can vary from less than favorable to elegant, with both options available to choose from. Booking a campsite is not necessary so long as you are not arriving in the heat of the season or at a popular campsite.
To make a booking online and early, you can look at the many Swiss campervan websites that provide this and are open year-round.
Take note, some campsites might work off-season and some won’t. So, check the campsite status before visiting, especially if you are traveling out of the peak season. Another thing to keep in mind is that campsites might be the priciest option of all, so always have a plan B or a planned budget in mind.
Switzerland c and Campervans
Another stayover option when campervanning in Switzerland is aires. These are designated and approved overnight spots for campervans and usually come at a more favorable cost.
Some aires might even be free to use, but these are typically located out of town or in a more remote area.
Using an aire for the night will come with several rules to comply with, including the payment method and service cost, and the stay duration limitations.
In Switzerland, there are about 100 aires – not great, not terrible – but all are easily found and reachable.
Booking an aire in advance is not an option, so here, the early bird gets the cheese. Come around lunchtime (when others are typically leaving), avoid peak times, and reserve your spot for up to 48 hours. Aires don’t have restaurants or amenities in the vicinity, so ensure you have enough food and water on you.
Some of the leading providers of aires in Switzerland include Camperstop Europe and All the Aires France.
Other Free and Approved Schemes for Motorhomes and Campervans in Switzerland
A viable scheme for your campervan stay around Switzerland is Swiss Terroir. This option allows campervans and motorhomes to find safe havens to spend the night – or two. This is a great option to consider if neither aires nor campsites are to your liking.
We like this scheme since it’s quite simple – you join the site and will be given a list of businesses who offer overnight parking for campervans on their premises. Instead of paying for this service, you can dine and buy food on-site, so everyone wins and earns without breaking the bank.
7)Wild Camping
Check our complete guide of wild camping in Switzerland
Depending on the Swiss road trip you take and the canton you’re entering, the rules may vary and differ. In terms of wild camping itself, since it is forbidden, you are to avoid it at all times. Otherwise, you might have issues with the police.
In Switzerland, overnight campervan parking is forbidden in all National Parks, Federal Game and Nature Reserves, and Wildlife Protection or rest zones. Parking aside, lighting a fire in any of these locations or anywhere except for a designated fireplace is also forbidden and can cost you a fine of 10,000€. Other rules wild campers – with an appropriately parked motorhome – and visitors have to follow include:
- Respecting nature and not taking uncharted trails;
- Not making excessive noise or interacting with wildlife;
- Leaving the campsite in the same condition as you found it. Pick up your litter!
Overnight Campervan Parking
8) When is the Best Time to Travel by Motorhome in Switzerland?
For the smoothest campervan road experience in Switzerland, it is best to travel between April and October. In the summer, heading for the mountains is less crowded than visiting any of Switzerland’s busy cities.
Spring Campervanning in Switzerland
Likely the best time to travel with a motorhome in the country. Spring in Switzerland might take a while to arrive – given the snows – but once April kicks in, you can be on your way. Easter is a very busy time in the country, so you might want to avoid urban areas with festivities, which can get quite pricey.
Lauterbrunnen in Summer
Summer Campervanning in Switzerland
Summer is the new black for campervanners looking to embark on a Switzerland road trip. With a moderate temperature and a breezy climate, summer is the best time to get your motorhome on the road. But, summer in Switzerland is also appealing to other tourists, meaning things can get crowded in the most popular areas. During the summer, traffic is also greater, so drive early to avoid jams.
Fall Campervanning in Switzerland
Many love the autumn season in the Swiss alps and metropolitan cities. And for a reason, fall in Switzerland is dreamy, colorful, and mild. By October, the weather can get edgier so if traveling then, choose designated sights you want to see. All in all, you can expect warm days until November and the occasional rain that gives any Swiss scenery a special appeal.
Winter Campervanning in Switzerland
By the end of November and until the end of March, Switzerland is in full winter mode. Heavy snows are likely to happen and persist as will strong winds, lower temperatures, and icy trails. Bringing the right winter equipment for yourself and your campervan is essential to make your journey smooth, safe, and pleasant.
If traveling during the winter, it is recommended you avoid slippery and uncharted mountain roads, as well as icy mountain roads that have not been defrosted yet. In winter, the days are shorter, so you’ll need to move with the daylight to see everything on your list. For snow aficionados, the best time to see it in full swing is between December and March.
Switzerland in Winter
A Wrap on Your Switzerland Campervanning Trip
With all road trip tips and information in one place, your campervanning in Switzerland can happen during any season.
And with millions of tourists visiting Switzerland every year, it is easy to proclaim this Alps-rich country among the most popular destinations for motorhome owners.
Whether planning a 7-day, a 15-day, or a month-long trip to Switzerland, sticking by their main regulations and recommendations will make for a smooth-sail journey. Don’t let your dream Swiss voyage slip through your fingers – get packing, researching, and booking, and set yourself up for a majestic adventure ahead!
