RV Rental Switzerland 🏷️ Compare Prices

There's no doubt that Switzerland is an expensive country, especially when compared to its Central European neighbors. 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 vacation in Switzerland:

1. Use Low-Cost Legal Overnight Stops: Instead of relying on free overnighting (which is often restricted), look for designated motorhome stopovers (stellplätze/aires) or approved private-host options. Rules vary by canton and municipality, so always check local signs and regulations.

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 areas and strolling around historic town centers to visiting viewpoints and lakes. You can also visit CERN—many visits are free, but you generally need to book ahead.

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.

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 28°F to 45°F 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 64°F and 82°F. 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 46°F and 59°F. An explosion of color characterizes 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.

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.

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

Note: Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes may be subject to Switzerland’s heavy vehicle charge, depending on the vehicle type and registration.

Switzerland only has one national park, aptly named the Swiss National Park. However, the country also has a wider network of parks of national importance—19 parks are operative and 1 is in the establishment phase. 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 is priced in CHF 12.50 to 15.00 per night, with electricity CHF 4.00 per night, plus per-person and visitor taxes).

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 pricing is listed around CHF 20 to 26 per night plus electricity CHF 4.00, plus per-person fees and tourist tax, 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 campsite with prices around CHF 13.00 per night plus electricity CHF 4.00, plus per-person fees such as adults CHF 14.00 and tourist tax CHF 4.00 per adult per night)

Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park is a large forested area to the south of Zurich that is split into two sections: the Langenberg Zoo and the Zurich 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 priced for CHF 15.00 per night, plus per-person fees and electricity where used.

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 CHF 25 per night (incl. tourist taxes) plus CHF 0.50 per kWh of electricity.

Entry to Switzerland’s parks is generally free. However, some visitor centers and park exhibitions or museums may charge an admission fee.

Campervan parking fees are set locally (by the municipality or facility), so costs vary by location and season. Always check signage at the car park or visitor center for current rates.