Camping Guide | Waadt

Vaud, in French Vaud, is located in Western Switzerland and extends from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Vaud Alps. It borders France to the west and the canton of Neuchâtel to the north. The capital is Lausanne. For your arrival by motorhome, various routes are available. From Munich, the best way to reach Vaud is via the A96 to Memmingen, then continue via the A7 and A5 into Switzerland. Note the vignette requirement on Swiss motorways! An annual vignette costs approx. 40 CHF (approx. 42 €) and is available at border crossings, gas stations, and post offices. The journey takes about 6.5 hours. Those starting from Hamburg drive via the A7 and A5 through Germany to Basel and from there continue to Vaud. This route is about 980 km long and takes around 10 hours. Vaud is also easily accessible by train. From Zurich, there are hourly connections to Lausanne. The journey takes approx. 2.5 hours. From Geneva, it is only about 40 minutes by train to Lausanne. The nearest airport is Geneva (GVA). From there, you can reach the various towns in Vaud by train or bus. Within Vaud, it is best to get around using the well-developed public transport network. The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) operates numerous train lines connecting the larger towns. In addition, there is a dense network of PostBus lines that also serve the smaller villages. For longer distances along Lake Geneva, a trip on the ships of the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman) is recommended. Those who want to explore the region actively can rely on a well-developed network of cycle paths. Along Lake Geneva and through the vineyards, there are numerous routes with varying levels of difficulty. Many places also offer bicycle rentals.

Vaud can be roughly divided into four subregions, each with its own charm: The Lake Geneva Region: This region extends along the shores of Lake Geneva from Geneva to Montreux. Here you will find elegant cities like Lausanne and Vevey, picturesque villages, vineyards, and numerous swimming opportunities. Lausanne, the capital of Vaud, attracts visitors with its historic city center, the Olympic Museum, and vibrant nightlife. Vevey is known for its chocolate museum and Chaplin's World. Numerous cafés and restaurants along the lakeside promenade invite you to linger. Families feel particularly at home here, as there are many child-friendly offers. The Vaud Alps: In the east of Vaud, the Vaud Alps rise with well-known places like Villars-sur-Ollon, Les Diablerets, and Leysin. Here you can hike, mountain bike, climb, and ski in winter. The region is ideal for active travelers and nature lovers. A visit to Glacier 3000 with its breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains is particularly recommended. In Les Diablerets, there are numerous via ferratas and mountain bike trails. The Vaud Jura: In the north of Vaud, the Vaud Jura extends with its rolling hills, forests, and pastures. Here you will find peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. The region is ideal for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Visit the small town of Romainmôtier with its Romanesque abbey church or explore the Parc Jura vaudois, a nature park with diverse flora and fauna. The Hinterland: Between the Lake Geneva region and the Jura lies the Vaud hinterland with its charming villages, vineyards, and fields. Here you can discover Vaud off the beaten tourist path. Visit the medieval town of Gruyères with its castle and cheese dairy or explore the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Couples and those seeking peace and quiet feel particularly comfortable in this region.

The camping landscape in Vaud is diverse and offers something for every taste. There are an estimated 150 campsites, ranging from simple tent sites to large resort sites with pools and entertainment. Many campsites are located directly on Lake Geneva and offer a magnificent view of the water and the surrounding mountains. Here you can swim, sunbathe, practice water sports, and unwind. Other campsites are located in the Vaud Alps or the Jura and are ideal for hikers and nature lovers. There are both large resort sites with all comforts and smaller, nature-oriented campsites. Some farms also offer agritourism/farm camping, where you can experience rural life up close. For motorhomes, there are special pitches with supply and disposal facilities. The prices for a pitch vary depending on location, facilities, and season. In the high season (July/August), you should expect to pay 30-50 € per night; in the low season (May/June, September/October), the pitches are often cheaper (20-35 €). The size of typical pitches also varies. Some are generously sized and offer plenty of space for your tent or motorhome, while others are a bit smaller. Many pitches are shaded, but there are also sunny spots. The sanitary standard at the campsites is generally good. Most sites have clean toilets, showers, and sinks. Some also offer washing machines and dryers. Wi-Fi quality varies. On some sites, Wi-Fi is free, while on others, you have to pay for it. The electricity connection is usually fused with 10 or 16 amps. It is advisable to reserve campsites early in the high season, as they are often fully booked. In the low season, there are often last-minute opportunities.

A toll fee in the form of a vignette is required for using Swiss motorways. The annual vignette costs 40 CHF (approx. 42 €) and is available at border crossings, gas stations, and post offices. There are no short-term vignettes. Diesel prices in Switzerland are slightly higher than in Germany. Expect to pay about 1.80-2.00 CHF (approx. 1.90-2.10 €) per liter. Gas stations are usually open from 7 am to 10 pm, some also around the clock. For shopping, there are numerous supermarkets in Vaud, including Coop, Migros, Lidl, and Denner. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 7 pm, and some supermarkets are also open on Sundays. Supplying gas cylinders can be a bit difficult, as different connections are used in Switzerland. It is recommended to bring an adapter or buy a Swiss gas cylinder. Disposal stations for motorhomes are available at many campsites and at some rest areas. Mobile network coverage is good in Vaud. However, roaming charges can be high. Check with your mobile provider about the costs in advance. Medical care in Vaud is very good. There are numerous hospitals and pharmacies. Tap water in Vaud is of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation. There are strict camping regulations in Vaud. Wild camping is prohibited and punished with high fines. Also, note the environmental zones in some cities. Inform yourself in advance about the applicable regulations.

The low season (May/June and September/October) is an ideal time to visit Vaud. The campsites are less crowded, prices are lower, and the weather is often pleasantly mild. You also have the opportunity to explore the region in peace without being overrun by crowds of tourists. A lesser-known place is the Vallée de Joux, a valley in the Vaud Jura with a beautiful lake. Here you can hike, cycle, swim, and enjoy the peace. The Vallée de Joux is located about 50 km northwest of Lausanne and can be reached via road No. 125. Another highlight is the Vevey Market, which takes place every Tuesday and Saturday on the market square. Here you can buy local specialties such as cheese, sausage, bread, vegetables, and fruit. In September, the Fête des Vignerons takes place in Vevey, a wine festival celebrated only every 20-25 years. The festival is a spectacle with parades, music, dancing, and of course, plenty of wine. Culinary-wise, you should definitely try Papet vaudois, a hearty stew with leeks and potatoes, traditionally served with Saucisson vaudois (Vaud sausage). Another must is the Cordon Bleu, which is offered here in numerous variations. Locals like to visit the restaurant Le Deck in Chexbres, which offers a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the vineyards. A worthwhile day trip is a boat ride to Yvoire, a medieval town on the French shore of Lake Geneva. The trip from Lausanne takes about 1.5 hours and costs approx. 30 € per person. Alternatively, you can visit Chillon Castle, which is located on an island in Lake Geneva and has a rich history.

Vaud offers a variety of campsites that differ in size, facilities, and location. Some of the most popular campsites are: Camping de Vidy: This large campsite is located directly on Lake Geneva in Lausanne and offers numerous pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. It has a pool, a restaurant, and a supermarket. Camping TCS Lausanne Vennes: This campsite is located just outside Lausanne in a quiet environment. It offers pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes as well as rental accommodation. Camping Les Grangettes: This campsite is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Noville and offers a magnificent view of the mountains. It has a pool, a restaurant, and a children's playground. Camping Yverdon-les-Bains: This campsite is located near the thermal baths of Yverdon-les-Bains and offers pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes as well as rental accommodation. Camping Le Signal de Bougy: This campsite is located on a hill with a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It offers pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes as well as rental accommodation.