Why You Should Book Your Campervan for Switzerland Online

Planning a trip to Switzerland requires getting the details right, and that starts with the perfect vehicle. By using a platform like Campcruisers, you get the power of choice. You can easily compare prices, vehicle sizes, and layouts from various rental companies across Switzerland. This is crucial in a country with such diverse driving conditions. Do you need a compact, agile campervan to master the hairpin bends of the Furka Pass, or a larger, more comfortable motorhome for a family holiday by Lake Lucerne?

Booking online allows you to see all your options in one place, ensuring you find a vehicle that fits your budget and travel style. This freedom is what a Swiss road trip is all about: waking up to a mountain panorama, enjoying a lakeside lunch, and ending your day in a charming village, all on your own schedule.

Getting to Switzerland: Your Arrival in the Heart of Europe

Thanks to its central location, Switzerland is incredibly easy to reach from neighbouring countries and beyond. You have several excellent travel options.

• 🚗 By Car:

• For travellers from nearby countries, driving your own car is often the most flexible way to reach the campervan pickup point. The road network is excellent. Important: To use Swiss motorways, you must purchase a "vignette" (toll sticker), available at border crossings, petrol stations, or online.

• 🚆 By Train:

• A relaxing and scenic option is to travel by train. Switzerland's superb rail network (SBB) is perfectly integrated with the systems of neighbouring countries like Germany (DB), France (SNCF), and Italy (Trenitalia). High-speed trains connect major European cities like Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, and Munich directly to Swiss hubs like Geneva, Zurich, and Basel.

• 🚌 By Coach/Bus:

• For a budget-friendly option, consider long-distance coaches. Operators like Flixbus connect many European cities directly to major Swiss destinations, offering a great alternative if you're travelling light.
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• ✈️ By Plane:

• For those coming from further afield, including the UK, Ireland, North America, or Oceania, flying is the most practical choice. The main international airports are Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA), with numerous connections worldwide.

After your arrival in Switzerland, you can easily reach the pickup location for your campervan. The exact address of our partner's rental station will be provided in your booking documents. Depending on the location, pickup may be at or near an airport, train station, or in a nearby town.

The Best Campervan Tours in Switzerland: Our Route Ideas

Your campervan is your key to unlocking the legendary landscapes of Switzerland. The Campcruisers team has crafted three distinct routes to inspire your journey through the heart of Europe.

🚐 Tour 1: The Alpine Classics Loop – Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls

This tour covers the iconic, postcard-perfect heart of central Switzerland.

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Distance: approx. 450 km
• Ideal for: First-timers, hikers, landscape photographers

• Day 1-2: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen Valley: Start near Interlaken, the adventure capital nestled between two stunning lakes. Drive into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, a magical place with 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls. This is your gateway to the Jungfrau region.
• Day 3: Grindelwald & Mountain Passes: Explore the vibrant mountain village of Grindelwald. For a thrilling drive, tackle the Grosse Scheidegg pass (check for vehicle size restrictions) or head east towards Meiringen and the dramatic Grimsel Pass for spectacular reservoir views.
• Day 4-5: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus: Journey to the beautiful city of Lucerne. Walk across the Chapel Bridge, explore the old town, and then drive your camper along the shores of Lake Lucerne. A trip up the nearby Mount Pilatus offers an unforgettable panoramic view.

🏜️ Tour 2: The Lake Geneva & Cheese Trail – Vineyards & Medieval Towns

Experience the sophisticated charm of French-speaking Switzerland with this culinary and cultural route.

• Duration: 4-5 days
• Distance: approx. 300 km
• Ideal for: Foodies, culture lovers, wine enthusiasts

• Day 1: Geneva & the Lake Shore: Pick up your camper in or near Geneva. Explore the cosmopolitan city before driving along the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Pass through charming towns like Nyon and Lausanne.
• Day 2: Montreux & Chillon Castle: Visit Montreux, famous for its Jazz Festival. Just nearby is the must-see Chillon Castle, a stunning medieval fortress that appears to float on the lake.
• Day 3: Gruyères – The Home of Cheese: Drive inland into the rolling green hills of the Fribourg region to the medieval town of Gruyères. Visit the cheese factory to see how the world-famous Gruyère AOP is made, and maybe even the nearby Cailler chocolate factory.
• Day 4: Lavaux Vineyards: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Lavaux vineyard terraces. The narrow roads are challenging, so it's best to park your camper and explore a section on foot, enjoying breathtaking views over the lake and mountains.

⛰️ Tour 3: The Ticino Sunshine Route – Palm Trees & Italian Flair

Discover a different side of Switzerland in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, where Alpine ruggedness meets Mediterranean charm.

• Duration: 4-6 days
• Distance: approx. 350 km
• Ideal for: Sun-seekers, hikers, those looking for a relaxed vibe

• Day 1: Crossing the Alps (Gotthard Pass): The journey is the destination! Instead of the tunnel, drive the historic Gotthard Pass (summer only) for an epic Alpine experience before descending into the warm climate of Ticino.
• Day 2-3: Locarno & the Valleys: Settle in near Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Explore the city's piazza and take a day trip into the stunningly beautiful, emerald-green Verzasca Valley or the Maggia Valley for hikes and dips in the crystal-clear river.
• Day 4: Lugano & Lake Views: Drive to Lugano, a stylish city on the lake of the same name. Enjoy the Italian atmosphere, walk through the Parco Ciani, and take a funicular up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè for spectacular views.

A Taste of Switzerland: Fondue, Chocolate & More

A campervan trip in Switzerland is a feast for the senses, and that includes your taste buds!

What you absolutely must try:

• 🧀 Cheese Fondue & Raclette: The ultimate Swiss comfort food. Perfect for a cosy evening in your camper after a day of hiking. Melted cheese, bread, potatoes – what's not to love?
• 🍫 Swiss Chocolate: It lives up to the hype. Visit a "chocolaterie" like Läderach or Sprüngli for an unforgettable treat.
• 🥔 Rösti: A classic Swiss German dish of grated, pan-fried potatoes, often served with eggs or sausage. Simple and delicious.
• 🥖 Fresh Bread & Cheese: Stop at a local village bakery ("Bäckerei") and cheese dairy ("Käserei") to stock up on the freshest supplies for your camper kitchen.

Camping in Switzerland: Campsites, Rules & Tips

Switzerland is a camper's dream in terms of scenery, but it's crucial to understand the strict camping rules.

• 🏕️ Wild Camping:

• Wild camping is generally forbidden in Switzerland and is strictly controlled. Rules vary by canton, but as a general rule for tourists, it's best to assume it is not allowed. It is definitely illegal in nature reserves, national parks, and many other protected areas. To avoid heavy fines and respect the local environment, always use official sites.

• 🚐 Official Campsites:

• The network of official campsites in Switzerland is excellent, clean, and safe.

• High Standards: Swiss campsites are known for their high quality and stunning locations, whether by a lake or at the foot of a mountain.

• Book in Advance: They are very popular, especially in summer. It is highly recommended to book your spot well in advance, particularly in tourist hotspots like the Interlaken area.

• On Campcruisers, you'll find a selection of bookable campsites and private motorhome parks. Take a look, perhaps the perfect spot for your Swiss tour is already there!