Switzerland by Motorhome: Routes, Camper Stops and Essential Documents

To travel by motorhome in Switzerland, you’ll need to buy a motorway vignette (including the digital version), comply with local waste and wild camping regulations, and have all necessary documents for entry, including the vehicle registration. Camper areas are well distributed, especially around lakes and alpine passes.

Before setting off on our adventure through Switzerland’s green mountains, it’s wise to check your list and make sure you have all the required documents and accessories for traveling by camper.

If you’re in a hurry. Switzerland has plenty of well-equipped camper areas, often managed by towns or campsites. Here are some reliable options, organized by region.

Recommended camper stops

Ticino

• Bellinzona – Via Henri Guisan, 6500 Bellinzona
• Locarno – Camper area Lungolago Motta
• Lugano – Camping Paradiso, Via San Salvatore

Central Switzerland

• Lucerne – Camping International Lido
• Interlaken – Jungfrau Campground (Lauterbrunnen)
• Brienz – Camping Aaregg

Zurich and surroundings

• Zurich – Fischers Fritz camper area
• Winterthur – Parkplatz Grüzefeld

If possible, add GPS coordinates or an interactive map.

Essential documents for motorhome travel in Switzerland

First, check the permitted total weight listed on your vehicle registration. Many Swiss rules and requirements for campers depend on weight. Generally, campers fall into two categories:

• motorhomes with total weight under 3.5 t
• motorhomes with total weight over 3.5 t

Swiss regulations allow no exceptions, so it’s best to spend a few minutes ensuring you have everything before crossing the border. To travel with your camper in Switzerland, carry a valid driver’s license suitable for the weight of your vehicle. Up to 3.5 t, a standard category B is sufficient; for over 3.5 t, you’ll need a C1 or D1 license. You also need your insurance, full vehicle documentation, an emergency triangle, and a reflective vest. It’s also wise to have a first aid kit and spare bulbs.

Another essential document for driving on Swiss highways is the motorway vignette (e-vignette), available online since 1 August 2023 via Vignetteswitzerland.com. The e-vignette is an annual road tax for traveling on all Swiss motorways and expressways, including tunnels such as the Gotthard and San Bernardino. Note: The vignette is mandatory only for motorhomes up to 3.5 t; above this weight, you must pay a heavy vehicle fee (TFTP).

Motorhome speed limits in Switzerland

Swiss speed limits for campers depend on weight, as stated by the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS):

For motorhomes under 3.5t

• 50 km/h in urban areas
• 80 km/h on rural roads
• 100 km/h on expressways
• 120 km/h on highways

For motorhomes over 3.5t

• 50 km/h in urban zones
• 80 km/h on rural roads
• 100 km/h on expressways
• 100 km/h on highways

Other important camper regulations

Another rule for motorhomes in Switzerland is about protruding loads, such as bike racks: you must display a warning panel when required. Children under 12, or shorter than 150 cm, must use an approved safety seat. Remember, driving a motorhome in Switzerland requires lights on at all times, even during the day.

Where to sleep in your camper in Switzerland

Finding a good overnight spot is one of the main concerns for motorhome travelers, both experienced and new. Especially in Switzerland, where each canton and municipality may have its own rules for camper stops. You can stay in official paid campsites or, if you wish to camp wild in parking areas, be aware of many restrictions—always check with local authorities. Generally, wild camping is always prohibited:

• in nature reserves
• in the Swiss National Park
• in federal exclusion zones
• in wildlife protection areas
• wherever general access is prohibited.

Fines for breaking these rules can reach 200 CHF.

Touring Switzerland by camper: Grand Tour of Switzerland

A camper trip in Switzerland brings you to spectacular sites within a short distance of each other. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, nature parks, medieval villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites could overwhelm even seasoned travelers. This is why the Swiss Tourism Board created the Grand Tour of Switzerland, a 1,643 km route linking the country’s most beautiful spots. It’s meant as a framework, customizable according to your interests and timing. Here’s a taste of the must-see stops along the way.

Chiasso – Locarno

Starting from Chiasso, on the border with Lombardy, you enter the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which leads to the first stop: Lugano, known for its mild climate, elegant parks and its lake, visible from the Monte San Giorgio viewpoint. Close by are more iconic towns: Bellinzona, with its UNESCO-listed medieval castles, and Locarno, on the northern tip of Lake Maggiore.

Locarno – Zermatt

The route continues into Valais (Wallis), to explore one of Europe’s best-loved mountain resorts: Zermatt. Here you’ll see two Alpine giants: the Matterhorn and Aletsch Arena, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO heritage site.

Zermatt – Lausanne

Descending from the snowy peaks, you reach the canton of Vaud: a perfect destination for culture and relaxation. Follow the route along Lake Geneva, with Montreux and its enchanting Chillon Castle, then onward to Lausanne. From here you can either continue to Neuchâtel or detour briefly to Geneva—to visit CERN, for example.

Lausanne – Neuchâtel

Heading northwest brings you into the Jura region, famed for natural wonders like the Gorges de l’Areuse—a series of gorges carved by dazzlingly clear waters. Not far lies another marvel: Creux du Van, a vast natural rock amphitheater with cliffs towering 160 meters high. Don’t leave without visiting Neuchâtel.

Neuchâtel – Lucerne

This stage takes you into the heart of Switzerland, first passing through the beautifully preserved medieval capital, Bern, with its UNESCO-listed old town. On the way to Lucerne, consider a stop in Thun, a picturesque village. Take time to explore the Entlebuch Biosphere reserve and the Trümmelbach Falls.

Lucerne – Schaffhausen

Spend at least a couple of days discovering Lake Lucerne, perhaps hiking or making Lucerne your base. Then continue north through Zurich, Switzerland’s economic capital, to Schaffhausen, renowned for the power and beauty of its Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe.

Schaffhausen – Chur

Leave Schaffhausen and its falls behind, heading south through two more historic medieval towns: Stein am Rhein, at Lake Constance, and San Gallo, where you’ll find several camper pitches for overnight stays.

Chur – Chiasso

From San Gallo, a scenic drive brings you to the next destination: Chur, lovely capital of the canton of Graubünden (Grisons). Take your time to experience the nearby Beverin Nature Park, the alpine lakes around Jöriseen and the Swiss National Park. Last but not least, the dreamlike Lai da Palpuogna: this emerald alpine lake, particularly magical in autumn when the surrounding trees turn golden, offers a perfect finale for your Swiss road trip.