This is how camping holidays in Switzerland are successful

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On vacation – and still sleeping in your own bed? A camper offers this freedom. Camping has been booming since the Corona crisis. Also, many new campers think: If we get tired, we can stop somewhere with the camper and continue on the next morning. But be careful: this is usually not the case.

Because this is where the dream of great freedom is shattered: as in most resort countries, wild camping is very rarely allowed. Also, the Cantonese spirit still reigns in Switzerland when it comes to camping regulations – in many places there are even different regulations from municipality to municipality.

Where can I stay for the night?

Outdoor camping is only allowed in the mountains above the trees, where you rarely go with a camper. It is also allowed on private property if the owner allows it. Which brings us back to official campsites or private campsites that provide a parking space or two. An overview is available on the stellplatz.info website.

It’s worth taking a look at this page. After all, spending the night in public places such as service areas, parking lots, off-road or large outdoors is prohibited in Switzerland and is only allowed under certain conditions in certain cantons. For example, the cantons of Aargau, Bern, Schwyz and Uri allow overnight stays in car parks and service areas. But be sure to pay attention to the signs. Also some highway rest stops allow you to spend a night on site.

However, if you want to spend the night in your caravan somewhere on the road, it’s best to check with the relevant municipality, tourist information office or local police in advance. If you search on the internet you will find some information under the relevant municipality’s camp ordinance, camp ordinance, police ordinance or police law (more on this: Wild camping is allowed here in Switzerland).

Important: A caravan is not a car

Drivers should keep in mind that a camper has different driving characteristics than a passenger car. They’re longer, have a larger turning radius, accelerate more slowly, and most importantly have a higher center of gravity, which means they tend to tip over more quickly.

Some campers weigh more than 3.5 tons and can only be driven with a C1 driver’s license. If you have a caravan, you need trailer attachment E for cars (BE) or small trucks (C1E). This also has an effect on the maximum allowable speed on the highway. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 100 km/h and with a trailer the maximum speed on Swiss motorways is 80 km/h, with properly approved trailers only 100 km/h.

Arrive well prepared, safe

Many holiday drivers are also unfamiliar with cargo safety. There are many clever ways to protect dishes from damage in modern campers, for example in walk-in closets, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh the subject. Stack heavy items on the axles near the floor. Light luggage, such as clothes, belongs in the upper lockers. Rubber mats, for example, help ensure that nothing slips (More on this: 5 tips for more safety in the mobile home).

Source: Blick