Camper van and van rental in Switzerland

Switzerland, a top destination for camper van enthusiasts! Whether you want to discover majestic alpine landscapes, historic cities, or crystal-clear lakes, renting a camper van in Switzerland offers you unparalleled freedom of movement. Hit the road and explore at your own pace the wonders of the Confederation, from Geneva and its Lake Geneva to Lucerne and its famous medieval bridges. From lush valleys to snow-capped peaks, let yourself be seduced by the diversity of Swiss panoramas. Set off to discover this unique destination, where nature, culture, and gastronomy come together to offer you an unforgettable stay.

Set off on an adventure and experience freedom on Swiss roads

Traveling in a camper van or van in Switzerland

Switzerland offers spectacular alpine landscapes and quality camping infrastructure, ideal for a road trip in a van or camper. With its mountainous regions, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, the country invites you to explore its picturesque roads according to the seasons and rates.

When to go: the best time to camp

The best time to camp in Switzerland extends from mid-May to early October, depending on the altitude. In the mountains, some campsites only open in June. The month of September is particularly ideal: the days remain long, the weather stays stable, and tourist attendance decreases. The months of June and September allow you to avoid the summer crowds while enjoying a pleasant summer climate. However, avoid the month of November, as most cable cars are under maintenance, which would limit your hiking opportunities in the Alps.

Nights can remain cool, even in summer, especially at altitude. A warm sleeping bag and good ground insulation are essential for your comfort. In June, you can expect temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees during the day, but nights at altitude can drop to 7 degrees.

Weather and seasonality: adapting your trip to the climate

The climate in Switzerland is quite diverse depending on the relief, as 60% of the territory is occupied by the Alps. Winters are very cold and snowy, while summers are warm in the valleys with increasingly cooler temperatures at altitude. In spring, temperatures become pleasant, and from April, the days are very sunny. Due to the many mountains, precipitation can be frequent, but you can quickly head south to Switzerland where a slightly Mediterranean climate prevails.

Winter camping in Switzerland is possible and economical, especially in regions like Valais or Ticino. The Alps seem to display their majesty in the low season, offering spectacular snowy landscapes. However, if you prefer to avoid harsh winter conditions, prioritize the months from May to October to explore iconic sites like Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland or campsites at the foot of the Eiger.

Rates and budget: understanding camping costs

A night in a campsite in Switzerland costs on average 40 euros, with variations depending on the season, facilities, and location. Campsites in Switzerland are expensive, generally between 30 and 60 euros for 2 people with a van, depending on the available services and the tourist appeal of the location. For example, Camping du Grand-Paradis offers rates of 13 CHF in low season for a caravan or camper, while Camping Simplonblick in Valais has rates starting at 26.83 euros per night.

The low season offers significant discounts through packages like the CampingCard ACSI, allowing stays starting from 13 euros per night for 2 people. TCS also offers a Stop & Go package at 25 CHF for two people, or a monthly summer rate of 450 CHF for a full month stay. Plan your budget considering that fuel costs an average of 2 euros per liter in Switzerland, and campsites in tourist areas like Ticino can exceed 60 euros per night.

Practical tips for traveling in a camper van or van in Switzerland

Switzerland, with its alpine landscapes and majestic lakes, provides an ideal setting for traveling in a camper van or van, but imposes specific rules for driving, parking, and safety.

Driving and regulations

To drive a camper van in Switzerland, a category B license is sufficient for vehicles up to 3.5 tons, while heavier vehicles require a C1 or D1 license. The speed limit is 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on national roads, and 120 km/h on highways for light camper vans. Vehicles over 3.5 tons must adhere to a maximum speed of 80 km/h on highways. The Swiss highway vignette, mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons, must be affixed to circulate on the national network. For heavier camper vans, a distance-based toll applies. It is also mandatory to drive with low beam headlights on at all times, especially in cantons like Geneva or Vaud.

Sleeping and connecting

Wild camping is strictly regulated in Switzerland. In Swiss national parks like Central Switzerland or in nature reserves, wild camping is prohibited. However, some municipalities allow overnight parking, often under conditions, particularly in mountainous regions or on private land. It is advisable to use designated camper van areas, for example around Lake Geneva or in the Bernese Oberland region, which offer electrical connections and adapted services. Disposing of wastewater is prohibited outside designated areas, under penalty of fines.

Local tips and safety

Cantonal authorities, such as in Geneva, may impose specific rules, particularly regarding the parking of camper vans in the city or taxes related to vehicle weight. It is important to respect parking limitations and not to use awnings, tables, or chairs outside the immediate perimeter of the vehicle. Switzerland also requires safety equipment on board, including a warning triangle, a reflective vest, and a first aid kit. Finally, caution is advised on mountain roads, especially in the Swiss Alps, where weather conditions can change rapidly.