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Compare Campervan Hire In Switzerland

Begin your Swiss journey with our user-friendly comparison platform. SEARCH, COMPARE, and SAVE on your ideal campervan rental while we ensure a seamless booking experience.

Compare campervan rentals from several companies at once with Camper Champ. In Switzerland, motorhomes are available in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne among others.

Rental rates for campervans in Switzerland range between CHF 100 to CHF 300 for most vehicles, but vary based on vehicle type and booking period. Popular campervan models include the McRent Urban Standard and Anywhere Campers Adria Matrix.

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The Self-drive Holiday in Switzerland

Switzerland is a fantastic country filled with cheesy fondues and legendary chocolate. The nation provides an incredible variety of scenic drives, from twisting mountain passes to peaceful riverside roads, making it an excellent choice for a campervan road trip. It also happens to have some of the best ski resorts in the world.

The biggest cities in Switzerland are Bern, its capital, Zürich, Geneva, and Basel. While these large urban spaces have modernised, traces of the nation’s long cultural history are evident in each city’s medieval old centres. Friendly lakeside towns that are popular destinations for both summer and winter holidays include Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Lausanne, and Lugano.

Switzerland also has a range of national parks, nature parks, wildlife reserves, and biospheres that preserve and present the country’s enduring natural beauty. As Switzerland is an Alpine nation, many protected areas are mountain ranges, such as Parc Ela, Gantrisch, and Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut. For a change of scenery, visit Diemtigtal, Binntal, and Sihlwald to see rolling hills, fauna-filled forests, and picturesque river valley villages.

Here’s why a campervan is an ideal companion for a trip to Switzerland:

  1. Campsites are Cheaper than Hotels: Although campsites in Switzerland are pricier than in other European countries, they still beat the average Swiss hotel cost of £140 a night.

  2. Wild Camping is Allowed: Many of Switzerland’s cantons allow campers to sleep in wild places overnight for free.

  3. Give Yourself More Flexibility: A campervan gives you a huge amount of freedom and flexibility on the road, meaning you can adjust your holiday on the fly if you find something you don’t want to miss out on.

  4. Breathtaking Alpine Views: Switzerland is famous for its forest and mountain landscapes, with dozens of roads that twist their way through the Alps, offering panoramic views from every window.

Travel Tips for Switzerland

How can you save money on a campervan holiday in Switzerland?

There’s no doubt that Switzerland is an expensive country, especially when compared to its Central European neighbours. But you don’t have to worry about going over your budget if you travel smart and take advantage of all your resources. With that in mind, here are the top 4 ways to save money on a campervan holiday in Switzerland:

  1. Sleep For Free Whenever Possible: You can camp for free at rest stops or in rural areas in many cantons. There’s no guaranteed access to electricity or bathrooms, but on nights when you can manage it, you get to save cash and have a wild camping experience.

  2. Cook Your Own Meals: Eating out every night is tempting, especially with Switzerland's renowned cuisine, but you can stretch your budget by cooking a few meals in your campervan or in a campsite kitchenette.

  3. Visit Free Attractions: There are many free things to do in Switzerland, from exploring nature parks and strolling around historic town centres to touring museums and art galleries. You can even take a free guided tour of CERN, home to the world’s# most powerful particle accelerator.

  4. Get Discounts For Booking Early: The simplest way to save money is by booking your motorhome rental, and your campsite pitches well in advance to benefit from any Early Bird Discounts.

When is the best time to go campervanning in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a country made for cold weather, with world-famous ski slopes, delicious cheese fondues, and soul-warming hot chocolates, making it a perfect place to visit in the Winter. The frosty temperatures ranging from -2°C to 7°C in the winter mean there will always be a fresh layer of snow on the mountains.

If you prefer warm-weather sightseeing to winter sports, then visit in the Summer, when daytime temperatures bounce between 18°C and 28°C. More campsites are open in the hotter months as the snow recedes and the clear blue skies allow you to see further across the Alpine landscapes.

Spring and Autumn are the cheapest seasons as fewer tourists visit during these months, and the weather is mild, with average temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. An explosion of colour characterises the Swiss springtime as wildflowers cover the mountainsides, whereas autumn brings fiery hues when the valley forests prepare to lose their leaves for the winter.

How long do you need in Switzerland for a campervan holiday?

If you were to stay in one area of Switzerland, you could explore a few nature parks, small villages, and big cities in 5 to 7 days. You would need at least two weeks to travel around the country and see all the natural attractions and famous cities.

Are there toll roads in Switzerland?

You don’t have to pay to drive on specific toll roads in Switzerland. Instead, you must pay a flat rate of 40 CHF (£35) for a vignette which allows you to drive on the main roads. This may already be included in the cost of your hired vehicle, so please check with your rental company before purchasing a vignette for your trip.

Top 10 Things To Do in Switzerland

Alongside driving to all the captivating nature parks around the country, here are the 10 best things to do in Switzerland:

Explore The Capital City of Bern

The centre of Bern is a UNESCO-listed medieval old town filled with sandstone buildings hiding indoor markets and shady cafés. The best sights are the Zytglogge, an 800-year-old mechanical clock in the historic western gate, the majestic architecture of the Bundeshaus (Parliament), and the gothic towers of the Berner Münster Cathedral. Once you leave the old town, you can head to higher grounds for a stroll around the romantic Rose Garden or visit the Hammam & Spa Oktogon to soak your stress away.

Tour a Historic Castle

Dozens of grand medieval castles dotted around Switzerland open their baroque doors and vibrant gardens for interested tourists. If you enjoy a hilltop castle, the forts of Castelgrande and Castello di Montebello in Bellinzona or Sion’s towering Tourbillon Castle are your best bet. The oldest castles with the richest histories are the 10th-century Schloss Spiez and the 13th-century Schloss Oberhofen in the Bern canton.

Try Cheese & Chocolate in Gruyères

The quaint hilltop town of Gruyères is the birthplace of Gruyère cheese, the main ingredient in an authentic Swiss fondue. To get the best fondue, head to Le Chalet de Gruyères and eat your meal inside a cosy log cabin in the heart of the historic centre. While you’re there, sample Switzerland’s other popular delicacy: chocolate. Visit the Chocolaterie de Gruyères to taste traditional chocolate treats made from regional Swiss products.

Spend the Summer in Interlaken

If you’re only staying in one spot this summer, make it the leisure town of Interlaken. A popular tourist resort that’s literally wedged between two lakes, Thunersee and Brienzersee, Interlaken has a range of exciting summer activities, including hiking, canyon climbing, and parasailing. Of course, being near the lakes means there’s a wide variety of water sports, such as kayaking, white water rafting, water skiing, and windsurfing.

Visit the Famous Lakes

Scattered across Switzerland’s Alpine landscape are vast, crystal-clear lakes that are fed by melted glaciers and snow banks from the tallest mountains. These calm, fresh waters offer a perfect setting for a peaceful nature hike or canoe ride. The biggest and best ones to visit are Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, and Lake Neuchâtel. Beautiful lakes can also be found near the towns of Lugano, Zürich, and Lucerne.

Walk Around the Medieval Town of Lucerne

Lucerne’s historic centre runs along the bank of the river Reuss and is formed of narrow buildings and cobblestone streets. The colourful yet austere houses provide a romantic setting for a day of historical exploration. Interesting attractions include the wooden 14th-century Chapel Bridge, the old city defences known as the Musegg Wall, and the fossil-filled Glacier Garden. If you’re up for the challenge, try to summit the nearby Mount Pilatus to get a 360° view of the region’s peaks and lakes.

Drive Through a Moutain Pass

Switzerland’s Alpine landscape has led to the creation of some incredible roads that wind back and forth along the side of a mountain before cresting the peak and arriving at a pristine view. These scenic switchback routes are called mountain passes, and the most iconic one is the Furka Pass near the country's centre. The best routes in the east of Switzerland are the Bernina Pass and the Maloja Pass. The Great St Bernard Pass is the most popular drive in the West. Please note that some of these roads are only accessible when the snow has melted, so check that the route is open in advance.

Witness the Largest Waterfall in Europe

Stretching across the Rhine River, which acts as the border between Switzerland and Germany, is the Rhine Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Standing at an impressive 150 metres wide, the average summer water flow is 600 m3/s, enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool every four seconds. Opposite the falls is Laufen Castle, a medieval stone structure now serving as a restaurant and youth hostel.

Go Skiing in Saint Moritz

Switzerland’s vast Alpine ranges have made it a world-famous haven for winter sports fans. The best ski resort is Saint Moritz which has hosted two Winter Olympics, followed closely by Klosters, which is favoured by both celebrities and members of the British Royal Family. A more affordable and family-friendly option is the resort town of Arosa, which offers ski passes for as little as £27 per day if you book in advance.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Zürich

Switzerland’s central city is brimming with cultural excursions, like the Swiss National Museum, the FIFA Museums, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Architecture fans will enjoy the historic Rathaus (Town Hall), the Grossmünster Cathedral, and the delicate stain-glass windows of the Fraumünster Church. Travellers arriving near the end of the year will be able to shop at Zürich’s Christmas Markets, including the massive indoor market at the main station.

Parking a Campervan in Switzerland

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan in Switzerland?

You can park your campervan in public or private car parks during the day, provided you pay for the spot, and you aren’t blocked by any height restrictions. Watch out for signs prohibiting motorhomes from parking in a certain zone. If you are driving late into the night, most regions allow you to park your camper in a public car park or rest stop and sleep until the morning. The laws vary between Switzerland’s different cantons, so double-check the regulations before sleeping outside a designated campsite.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Switzerland?

The ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws allow for Wild Camping in many of Switzerland’s natural areas. You may camp in your motorhome for one night, so long as the land you’re on is above the forest line, on an alpine pasture, or rocky terrain, and the area shows no sign of excessive or damaging use. Once parked, you can not set up tables and chairs or unfurl your awning, and all of your litter must be taken with you. The same laws apply to anyone who needs to camp in a public car park or an aire, a roadside rest stop.

Tighter camping restrictions and prohibitions will apply in certain towns and cantons, so it’s best to check the rules on a regional website or at a local tourist office before you depart. Wild Camping is illegal inside any nature parks.

National Parks in Switzerland

Which are the best national parks to visit in Switzerland?

Switzerland only has one national park, aptly named the Swiss National Park. However, the country has 18 other regional nature parks, wilderness parks, and reserves with unbeatable views. Here are the best nature parks in Switzerland and their closest campsites:

The Jura Vaudois Nature Park, near the French border, is a picturesque Swiss mountain and gorge region, complete with woodland pastures and old stone walls that run along the rural property boundaries. Camping des Cheseaux is neatly located 25 minutes away from the main entrance to the park, 20 minutes from Lake Geneva, and 40 minutes from the city of Geneva. An electric hookup pitch goes for £27 to £34 and the campsite amenities include mini golf, table tennis, and a communal kitchenette.

With rolling green pastures blending into jagged rocky peaks, the Gantrisch Nature Park provides an easy way to view the famous Alpine landscape. To the south of Gantrisch is the Diemtigtal Nature Park, which has higher, colder mountains that enclose crystal-clear lakes formed from melted glacier waters. Camping Stuhlegg is less than a 30-minute drive from both nature parks, near the border of Thun Lake. The campsite features a bistro with a sun terrace, a natural swimming pond, a small camp shop, and laundry facilities. Electric hookup pitches are £35 to £40 per day, depending on the season.

The Swiss National Park is the country’s largest protected natural space. Sprawling over the Western Rhaetian Alps, Switzerland’s only official national park is a hiking wonderland with gentle and challenging trails running through gorges and over snow-capped peaks. You must stick to the paths inside a protected area; from these paths, you can spot ibex and chamois goats, red deer, and Eurasian lynx.

If you make it to the eastern edge of the Swiss National Park, you can venture into the Val Müstair Biosphere, a UNESCO reserve with classic valley villages and quaint organic farms. In the town of Zernez, near the outer boundaries of the Swiss National Park, lies Camping Cul, a £41-a-night campsite with a café and snack bar, a kiosk, an all-ages playground, laundry facilities, and a kitchen house.

Zürich Sihlwald Wilderness Park is a large forested area to the south of Zürich that is split into two sections: the Langenberg Zoo and the Zürich Sihlwald. Langenberg is the oldest zoo in Switzerland and accommodates animals, including bears, moose, lynx, otters, wolves, and bison, in spacious, natural enclosures. The adjacent Sihlwald is formed of ancient beech trees once part of a greater forest that spread across 80% of Central Europe. Camping Sihlwald is a peaceful campsite in the middle of the woodlands that offer pitches for £30 per day, with access to hot showers, laundry facilities, and a games area with ping pong, billiards, and darts.

The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, near the town of Lucerne, is comprised of moors and bogs at the base of frosty mountains, which are critical to local biodiversity. These immense wetlands help keep the Biosphere sustainable, even under layers of snow. Hasle Stellplatz is a basic campsite, not much more than a car park with a bathroom and shower, but it makes up for the lack of amenities by being in the very heart of the Biosphere. The perfect base for a day of exploration, a stay at Hasle costs £22 a night plus £0.50 per kWh of electricity.

How much is campervan entry to a National Park in Switzerland?

Entry into the 19 national parks, nature parks, and biosphere reserves is free. Some have free visitor centres, while others contain park museums that charge a small admission fee. The cost of campervan parking averages between £2.50 and £6 for four hours.

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campsites in Switzerland

Here are the best campervan-friendly campsites in Switzerland. Some of them are only open seasonally, from around March to October, so please check your dates with the camp before you travel.

Camping Arosa

in Arosa: Another great base for skiers is at the foot of the Alpine slopes in the Schanfigg Valley, a gorgeous and popular spot in the winter. Water and electric hookup pitches go for £40 during the ski season, and a kitchenette with laundry facilities and a snack machine is available for guests to use.

Bella-Tola Camp

near Leuk: This friendly hilltop campsite is in the stunning Rhône Valley and features a large swimming pool with views across the forested mountains. The camp also has a restaurant with a sun terrace, outdoor leisure activities, an indoor games room, and laundry services. Electric and water hookup pitches with access to hot showers cost £40 per night.

Camping Eichholz

in Bern: For £41 per day for an electric hookup pitch, stay in the capital at this riverside camp, complete with hot showers, an onsite restaurant, and free travel throughout all of Bern’s public transport network.

Haute Gruyère Camping

in Gruyères: This campsite is located on the slopes of the Gruyères Mountains in a large meadow enclosed by shady pines. Pitches with an electric hookup cost a flat total of £40 daily, and the camp has a refreshment hut, laundry facilities, and an outdoor games area for guests to use.

TCS Camping Interlaken

in Interlaken: Perched on a river bank on the outskirts of Interlaken, this campsite is a great base when visiting the summer city. The facilities include a dishwasher and washing machine, a tv lounge, a kitchenette, ping pong tables, and a natural beach. Prices start at £39 a day for a pitch with an electric hookup.

Camping Club Léman

near Lausanne: This lakeside camp is a naturist site, although children are allowed. The camp features a swimming pool, lake beach, cycle paths, refreshment bar, and community kitchen. Electric pitches start from £35 a day.

Camping Lido Luzern

in Lucerne: This camp is situated less than 2 miles along the lakeside from the centre of Lucerne. The campsite comes equipped with washing machines and dishwashing stations, a library lounge, BBQ areas, and a bistro and kiosk. Electric hookup pitches go for £48 per night.

Campingplatz Maurholz

near Zürich: This campsite is based in the heart of a nature reserve on the border of Greifen Lake, about 25 minutes away from Zürich. Electric pitches are available for as low as £30 a night, and you can take advantage of the on-site camp shop, kiosk, snack bar, washing machines, and outdoor leisure activities.

Camping St. Moritz

in Saint Moritz: The ideal stop for any Saint Moritz skier, this hillside camp has amazing views and helpful facilities, including a restaurant, a mini market, kitchenettes, and washing machines. For £40 for a hookup pitch, you can benefit from a football field, tennis courts, and exotic excursions like clay pigeon shooting and mushroom hunts.

Camping Paradiso Lago

near Lugano: The peaceful Paradise Camp is nestled against the edge of Lake Lugano beneath the Val Mara mountains. Leisure activities include ping pong tables and e-bike and paddleboard rentals. The sanitary facilities contain showers, washing machines, and dishwashing sinks. Electric pitches start at £38.50 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Switzerland?

You must have a valid Type B (Standard) Driving Licence to rent a motorhome in Switzerland. You must also be at least 21 years old to rent a campervan and have at least one year of driving experience, although some companies prefer drivers to be at least 23 years old.

Is wild camping in a motorhome permitted in Switzerland?

Wild camping in a motorhome in Switzerland or “overnighting” is strictly prohibited.

Switzerland has over 350 campsites, starting at around 22 Swedish francs per night.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.