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Visiting Switzerland by motorhome It is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can live as a lover of nature, mountains and adventure. 

This small country in the heart of Europe is famous for its alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes and fairy-tale villages, and travelling around it on wheels allows you to discover its essence in a unique way and at your own pace.

 In this article, I will share Our experience travelling by motorhome through Switzerland, both in winter and summer, and I will give you all the advice you need to plan your route and enjoy it to the fullest.

About us

Why choose Switzerland for a motorhome trip?

Choosing Switzerland as a destination for a motorhome trip is almost a dream come true for any traveler. Here are some of the reasons that make this country the ideal place:

1. Postcard landscapes on every corner: From the mighty Alps to the green valleys dotted with chalets, every kilometre travelled in Switzerland is a living postcard.
2. Excellent infrastructure: Switzerland has an impeccable road network and numerous campsites and service areas adapted for motorhomes.
3. Flexibility: Traveling by motorhome allows you to move freely between destinations, without depending on fixed schedules or accommodations.
4. Activities for everyone: Whether you are travelling with your family, as a couple or alone, you will find activities to suit all tastes, from skiing and hiking to cultural visits.
5. Connection with nature: The possibility of sleeping in the middle of the Alps or next to a lake gives you a unique experience of peace and relaxation.

Our experience travelling through Switzerland in winter and summer

We have been lucky enough to travel through Switzerland in two completely different seasons, and both have been unforgettable experiences:

• In winter: The snow-capped mountains, the Christmas markets of our 7-day route through Switzerland at Christmas, such as Bern In Christmas and the possibility of skiing in first-class resorts such as those in Jungfrau Ski Region from Interelaken, Aletch Arena, where the largest glacier in Europe is located, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Crans-Montana made our trip magical. Planning was key, though, to make sure the camper was prepared for the cold temperatures.
• In summer: We discovered a completely different Switzerland, full of green valleys, hiking trails and lakes where we could cool off. We loved the freedom to stop in small villages, see the Rhine Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, make the Lake Constance by bike or enjoy a picnic with views of the Alps anywhere.

Both seasons have their charm, and below I will help you decide which is best for your adventure.

Video manual on Switzerland by motorhome: everything you need to know

Discover in our Youtube video everything you need to know about Switzerland by motorhome in pictures.

Planning your motorhome route through Switzerland

Planning a motorhome trip in Switzerland requires attention to detail. From choosing the best time of year for the activities you want to do to preparing the itinerary, every decision will influence how you enjoy the trip afterwards.

Choosing the best time to travel: summer or winter?

• Summer (June to September): Ideal for lovers of hiking, water sports and unobstructed views of the Alps. The roads are easily passable, and the choice of campsites is wider than in winter.
• Winter (December to March): Perfect if you're looking to enjoy ski resorts, snowy landscapes and snow activities. You should make sure your motorhome is equipped with winter tyres and chains though.

Each season has its advantages, so your choice will depend on your personal interests and the type of experience you are looking for.

Switzerland outside the European Union: beware of roaming and healthcare

Travelling in Switzerland means taking into account some important differences compared to other European countries:

1. roaming: Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so roaming charges can be high. I recommend purchasing an e-SIM card before traveling to Switzerland from Holafly. Here is a list of all the available options. 5% discount on any Holafly card.
2. Travel insurance: Although Switzerland has an excellent health system, the costs are very high in terms of copayments because it is outside the European Union. It is essential to have good travel insurance that covers accidents and medical emergencies, especially if you are going skiing or trekking in the mountains. For us, the Iati Family is the bestand you can do it book here with a 5% discount.
3. Bullet point: To drive on Swiss motorways, you will need to buy a vignette, as it is called there, which is actually an annual fee that is bought at borders or at gas stations or online, linked to your license plate. Buy it online on the official website before you go, and be careful with intermediary websites, as you will pay more. This is the official website to buy the Swiss e-vignette 

How to prepare your itinerary and route: distances, times and stops

The key to enjoying Switzerland by motorhome is to plan a realistic route that allows you to make the most of each day without rushing and without unpleasant surprises. Here are some tips:

1. Short distances: Switzerland is a small country, but the mountain roads can be slow. Plan routes of less than 200 km per day to enjoy the trip and above all DON'T RACE.
2. Strategic stops: It includes comfortable campsites and motorhome areas for refuelling, emptying waste and resting. Camping and overnight stays in public places and car parks are prohibited in Switzerland.
3. Useful apps: Use apps like Park4Night or Campercontact to find the best campsites and motorhome areas, but be careful when it comes to parking, as you could be hit with fines.
4. Car trains: You should know that to cross mountains from one side to the other, in many cases you will find very long tunnels or some trains of cars in which you will be very, very tight on width. Look carefully at the dimensions of the train and your motorhome and evaluate the alternatives to decide your best route.

With good planning, your motorhome trip through Switzerland will be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Driving in Switzerland in a motorhome: essential tips

Travelling around Switzerland by motorhome requires adapting to the particularities of driving in this country. Follow these tips to ensure that your experience is safe and smooth.

Legal requirements: vignette, insurance and traffic regulations

Before starting your trip, it is essential to know the driving regulations in Switzerland:

1. Mandatory vignette: It is essential to purchase a vignette to drive on motorways. It costs around 40 CHF and you can buy it at borders or petrol stations or online on the official website. This is the official website to buy the Swiss e-vignette 
2. Vehicle insurance: Make sure your insurance covers Switzerland. If you rent a motorhome, check that it includes roadside assistance in this country, which is outside the European Union.
3. Traffic regulations: Respect the speed limits (120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on secondary roads and 50 km/h in urban areas) and beware of fines, which are very strict in Switzerland.

Driving in winter: chains, tires and precautions on mountain passes

If you plan to travel in winter by motorhome, here are some essential recommendations in a country where cold, snow and ice are the order of the day:

1. Winter tires: They are mandatory and essential to ensure safety on snowy roads. Always buy winter or 4-season tyres approved for snow (snow symbol) and CP, special for motorhomes and campers. For us, before using CP tyres, because of the weight, we would have put a little more on them and they would have burst, become deformed and why did a car stop us when it saw them.
2. Snow chains: Always carry a set in the motorhome and learn how to install them before you leave. In our experience, metal tires are better than fabric ones. Fabric tires don't work on ice and with winter tires you'll need to use ice tires.
3. Mountain passes: Check road conditions in winter, as some ports may be closed due to snowfall.

Parking a motorhome in Switzerland to avoid fines

Parking your motorhome in Switzerland can be tricky if you don't know the rules:

1. Avoid parking in prohibited areas. In Switzerland you will find many places where parking for motorhomes is prohibited. Sometimes it can seem like a scavenger hunt to find a parking space. Take advantage of the nearby campsite or motorhome area and walk to the places you visit or take public transport, which is often free if you stay at a campsite.
2. Park without leaving the markings:  In Switzerland, they don't beat around the bush and if you protrude 10 cm from a white marking in the parking lot, you'll be fined. We are living witnesses, it happened to us in a parking lot in Interlaken. Take advantage of the green areas to park the back of your motorhome and avoid fines.
3. Fines: Fines for parking in unauthorized areas or parking beyond the marked areas are high, between 40 and 100 Swiss francs, so be very careful and do your research before parking.

Spending the night and camping in Switzerland in a motorhome to avoid fines

In Switzerland, the legislation on free overnight stays and camping is strict:

1. Free overnight stay: It is only permitted in certain areas designated by municipalities or in private places, and is generally prohibited throughout Switzerland in public places and car parks.
2. Free camping:It is strictly prohibited outside of campsites or private motorhome areas.

Our motorhome routes in Switzerland: inspiration for your next trip

Travelling by motorhome in Switzerland gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover stunning landscapes. Here are two routes we have taken that could inspire you to plan your next adventure: one in summer and one at Christmas. Both are designed to be enjoyed as a family.

Summer route: cycling, Lake Constance and the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe

In summer, Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Our route began in the lake constance, where we combine bike rides with relaxing afternoons by the water in campsites, parking our motorhome to exchange it for the bike. This lake is perfect for families, with quiet beaches and well-signposted and spectacular bike paths.

From there we headed towards the Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing the force of the water from the nearby viewing points is an experience that will delight both adults and children. In the area there are also accessible hiking trails and water activities.

We continue our route towards Lucerne, where we enjoyed its old town, its famous Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne. 

Christmas route: Christmas and skiing in Switzerland with the family

Winter in Switzerland is magical, and our route through Switzerland at Christmas took us through some of the most charming destinations. We started in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, enjoying its Christmas market and the welcoming atmosphere of the town. From there, we continue towards Interlaken y Grindelwald, where we combine family skiing with walks along snowy trails.

Then we visited Aletch Arena, an essential destination for lovers of family skiing, with children and the Christmas alpine atmosphere, with views of the largest glacier in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We end our adventure in Crans-Montana, where the children enjoyed snow parks and activities adapted to their age, with its magical lantern path (Chemin des Linternes), and where the expert skiers at home (my husband) had a blast. Each stop on this route was a spectacle of lights, snow and dreamlike landscapes.

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Budget for travelling by motorhome in Switzerland

Travelling by motorhome in Switzerland can be an unforgettable experience, but it's important to consider the costs in order to plan accordingly. Here we break down the main expenses and some tips for saving.

Costs of camping, gasoline and tolls

• Campsites: Prices range from CHF 30 to CHF 60 per night, depending on location and season. Some campsites in tourist areas or near ski resorts may be more expensive. However, they are generally more expensive in summer than in winter, when many are closed and those that remain open have minimal services.
• Gasoline: Switzerland has higher prices than the European average. Expect to pay between CHF 1,8 and CHF 2 per litre. Plan efficient routes to optimise consumption.
• Tolls and vignette: To drive on motorways you need a vignette, which costs around CHF 40 and is valid for one year.

How to save on food, public transport and activities

• Food: Shop at supermarkets such as Coop or Migros, where you will find quality products. Cook in your motorhome to reduce costs. Restaurants are generally much more expensive than in the rest of Europe and are the ones that make the trip more expensive. A meal in tourist areas can cost between 20-30 CHF. Coffee and beer also cost at least 5 CHF.
• Activities and public transport: Many destinations offer discounts with local tourist cards, such as the Swiss Travel Pass where you can also travel by train, leaving your motorhome at a campsite with peace of mind.

Switzerland by motorhome with children: practical tips

Traveling with children in a motorhome can be a wonderful experience if you keep in mind some key details to keep them entertained and happy during the trip.

Keeping kids entertained during the trip

• Travel games: Bring compact board games, books, and electronic devices with downloaded content.
• Frequent stops: Plan regular stops at rest areas with room for them to run and play.
• Get them involved: Let them participate in simple decisions, such as choosing music or planning an activity.

Family activities that they will enjoy the most in Switzerland with children

• In winter: Sleigh rides, snow parks and panoramic train rides such as the Glacier Express or the Jungfrau are ideal activities for the little ones.
• In summer: Hiking on easy routes, cycling around Lake Constance and visiting towns like Gruyère or Appenzell, where you can enjoy ice cream and explore picturesque squares.

Playgrounds and spray parks: where to find them

Switzerland has many well-equipped playgrounds. Places like the Spray Park Interlaken or the playground in the Zurich Lake They are perfect for families. Many campsites also have recreational areas designed for children.

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Conclusion: Is it worth travelling around Switzerland by motorhome?

Travelling around Switzerland in a motorhome is an experience that combines freedom, adventure and the possibility of discovering dreamlike landscapes. However, like everything, it has its pros and cons.

Pros and cons according to our experience

Pros:

• Direct contact with nature and impressive mountain landscapes that surround you.
• Ideal for families, with well-equipped campsites and activities for all ages.

Cons:

• Costs can be high, especially during peak season.
• The rules on free overnight stays are strict and limit flexibility and make it difficult to even stop for a couple of hours and park in a town, since everything is full of signs prohibiting motorhomes.

Final tips to make your trip unforgettable

Here is a summary of what I would advise you to know before you go:

• Plan ahead: Reserve campsites, especially in winter and summer during peak season.
• Prepare for the weather: Whether it's winter or summer, bring the right equipment - it's cold out there. In winter, don't forget winter tires, chains, a folding ladder and a snow shovel.
• Plan the route to avoid fines and finding yourself without places to sleep.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by motorhome in Switzerland

Can I travel by motorhome in Switzerland without previous experience?

Yes, but it is not the best place and you can have a bad time. It is important to familiarize yourself with driving on mountain roads in a motorhome beforehand and with Swiss traffic regulations. Opt for easy routes if it is your first time, Switzerland may not be the place to start, my advice is to start with a route in France or Spain first.

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in Switzerland?

Prices vary depending on size and season. On average, renting a small motorhome costs between CHF 100 and CHF 300 per day. Some companies include basic insurance in the price, so be careful and always take out comprehensive insurance.

Is it safe to travel in the Swiss mountains in winter?

Yes, but it is crucial to be prepared. Bring winter tires, iron chains for snow and especially ice and check the road conditions before leaving. Avoid complicated routes if the weather conditions are adverse. The best thing to do in the event of snowfall is to cancel plans and stay 24 hours longer so that the roads are clear before moving.