Camping in Switzerland

Much of Switzerland is covered by mountains and hills, crossed by large, sparkling lakes and washed by bubbling rivers. In short, Switzerland is a true camping paradise. Whether you want to unwind in the mountains, by a river or at a country campsite with cowbells ringing, there's sure to be a campsite to suit. Bring the tent or motorhome and visit one of these extraordinary places today.

We have then listed 10 beautiful campsites from Switzerland for you:

1. Camping Silvaplana

You have to be pretty rich, famous, or have virtually no scruples to fly to a campsite in a private helicopter. On the other hand, not many campsites have a helipad. But in Silvaplana, in the Swiss Alps, you'll be amazed because these huge winged creatures keep appearing on the horizon like big black insects, getting bigger the closer they get, like in a science fiction film. But actually they are on the way to St. Moritz, that ultra-exclusive ski resort where kings and celebrities plow down the slopes every year to delight the paparazzi and which, even in summer, is so scenic that celebrities fly in just for a weekend. And who can blame them? The view is simply incredible. When the snow has disappeared up to the highest peaks of the Upper Engadine, the landscape is as green as winter is white. From the mountain peaks, the melting snow falls in long white sheets through crevices in the rocks into the majestic turquoise Lake Silvaplana. The campsite sits on the banks of the Julier Pass and looks across the water to waterfalls, pine forests, meadows so smooth you could play billiards on them, and the mighty mountains, some of which are 4.000 meters above sea level the clouds tickle.

The lake, the campsite and the surrounding green areas offer perfect conditions for sport, sport and more sport. So if you're so inclined, you've come to the right place. You can take lessons in windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. The World Cup events that take place here in the summer ensure that your teacher has reached a fairly high level.

Out of high season the campsite is quieter and fishing and rowing attract a more reserved crowd, casting from the jetty or sitting in rowing boats offshore. The campsite is spread out generously along the lake so you can find some privacy and your own little slice of view if you like it that way.

Away from the lake there are various alpine walks and hikes that start from the campsite itself and lead into the surrounding area. If you're feeling very adventurous, you can try your hand at rock climbing, paragliding and horse riding under the guidance of local experts. Or rent a bike and explore the 100 miles (160 km) of official cycling and mountain bike routes. A cable car takes you to some of the best routes, which is a trip in itself.

The campsite is just a five-minute walk from the village of Silvaplana, but in St. Moritz has the most restaurants and bars. It may feel a little like everyone has closed their shops for the summer months, but the touch of glamor along the streets - think Gucci and Prada - tells you loud and clear how chic the place is when the mercury drops .

The distinctive architecture, including patrician houses from the 16th century. Century, gives the small villages hidden in the hills their typical Swiss flair. So if you feel a little yodel in your throat, there's no need to hold back. An impressive druid stone in St. Moritz, which dates back to the time when the Druids conquered the Engadine in the 1st century. century B.C. BC populated, gives an idea of ​​what awaits you when you visit the region's medieval city walls, Roman ruins and Gothic churches and castles, including the romantic Crap da Sass in Silvaplana. Combined with the numerous galleries and museums to explore here, these sights should satisfy even the most sophisticated camper, whether you own a helicopter or not.

2. Arolla campsite

Switzerland is of course a little strange. It's no coincidence that Einstein developed his theory of curved spacetime while working as a patent officer in Bern, or that the giant CERN particle accelerator buried in Swiss soil lets men with wild hair and Plexiglas goggles pore over pesky little particles , which may or may not exist. There's just something strange about the place that lends itself to mad scientists, twisted theories and strange coincidences.

Let's take the Arolla campsite for example. When Cool Camping first visited the site, we were struck by the inspiring views - an environment that called for activity and mountains that wanted to be climbed. But while we were writing our first reports and snapping away on camera, current owners Laurence and Georges were doing just that - climbing the local slopes and enjoying the undeniable beauty of this Swiss gem. When we pitched our tent and stuck our stakes into the fertile mountain soil, they too could have claimed their little piece of paradise next to us. Didn't someone help us with the guy lines? Who was the man who pointed out the quiet hiking trail nearby?

As we wound our way up the valley road to return to one of our favorite campsites in Europe, we could only be sure that the friendly owners had fallen in love with the Arolla campsite as much as we had. So it's easy to see why they came back in 2014 and took over the site, preserving its traditional camping charm. But was it a coincidence that they discovered the place just like we did? Is there a reason they are blessed with the right attitude to run this alpine campsite? Is there a science behind the perfect camping experience? Who knows? Who cares? Just take a look at the view and forget about the locals' desire for whimsical theories.

Arolla is almost 2nd.000 meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps and is a spacious course with grassy terraced pitches. From some places you have a wide view back of the valley through which you came. However, pitching your tent on the shoulder of the hill will give you the best views of the 4th.000 meter high summit of the north face of Mont Collon and the Pigne d'Arolla. Hovering over the site is a very unpleasant rock needle that looks like a giant hypodermic needle and would certainly bring tears to your eyes if your doctor came near you with it in hand.

Aside from the challenging climbing, there is also good hiking in this area and one of the many routes to keep in mind is to Lac Bleu, easily accessible from La Gouille. It is a relatively short hike that winds gently through forest and meadows before - admittedly quite steeply - leading up to the lake.

And when you get to the top, be sure to treat yourself to a reward. The reward is a crystal clear lake - watch the water cascade over the rocks into a series of pools trickling down the hill. Even better news is that there's a nice little cafe down at the start of the hike that serves a cold beer, which you'll probably desperately need after all that exertion.

But even if that seems too strenuous - after all, you are on holiday - you can sit down on the lush green grass on the grounds and end the afternoon comfortably. The altitude and the wonderful, pure mountain air are to blame for making you so dizzy that you urgently need a quiet, relaxing place. Or you blame it on the strange goings-on at CERN, where none other than Stephen Hawking warned that a giant black hole could emerge that could swallow us all. One more reason to make your way to Arolla while it's still there.

3. Camping des Glaciers

The Swiss don't use clichés - but if they did, they would probably be the best clichés in the world. Sure, there are a few images that immediately come to mind when you think of Switzerland - Heidi with flaxen pigtails or yodeling in tight lederhosen (choose to suit your taste), triangular chocolate bars and cuckoo clocks. Something like that.

And here at Camping des Glaciers there is everything that goes with it: Alpine meadows, forest clearings, mountain glaciers, rushing rivers, crystal clear air, wildflowers under your feet, white clouds in the sky. But somehow it all resists the cliché because it's just so refreshing. is refreshing. The site stretches like a huge green picnic blanket on the side of the hill at the end of the glacial moraine, and you can choose between three types of pitches: among the grassy rocks thrown down the mountain by the action of ice and gravity, overlooking the mountain peaks; on the open meadow with a view back into the valley; or among pine trees and wildflowers where you can't see the forest for the trees (and bees).

The owners of the site, Agathe and Michel Darbellay, have been managing it for almost 40 years and seem to know every blade of grass and every flower. Agathe will show you some of the seven different wild orchid species that grow on the grounds and can even occasionally show you the way to a rarer mountain flower, such as the Campagnola thyrsoïdes, which grows wild somewhere on the grounds. It's a big help that she speaks excellent English, along with several other languages. She's always on the move, drinking with guests who are at least 30 years old. Come here every year in a row, show them around and show them the flowers. It's a small miracle that she doesn't get dizzy.

In contrast, Michel is a quieter guy (you can't have two of them like Agathe - that wouldn't work), although his reserve comes as much from modesty as from the fact that he doesn't speak English. He is also as far from the type of fraudster as one can imagine. After all, he was the first person to climb the north face of the Eiger single-handed - a feat he achieved in 1963. Luckily, that was before Agathe showed up, because she claims that if they had already been married back then, she would never have let him near the north wall.

The resort is 10 minutes from the hamlet of La Fouly, which is a modest ski resort in the winter months with one black piste and a few red and blue pistes. But it's probably even more popular in summer, when the meadows are dotted with an abundance of wildflowers and the melon-green river cascades down from the glacier.

From the village or from Ferret, a few kilometers up the valley, there is a winding labyrinth of hikes and climbs, and although the mountains around La Fouly are not quite in the Eiger's league, they are still impressive. The twin peaks above the town and the Col (mountain pass) that leads into France are enough for most serious hikers, and you'd have to do more than strap a pair of crampons to your Gucci loafers if you're having lunch in Chamonix wanted to eat. Although Chamonix is ​​only 16 km away as the crow flies, it takes an hour and a half by car via the Col des Montets.

Not that you have to drive that far when you can find everything you need here - all that boring standard Alpine stuff.

4. Camping site Eiger north face

If you say the term "Hinterstoisser Traverse" most people won't be able to relate to it - it could mean a German action hero or a section of the Belgian motorway. But if you tell a few climbing connoisseurs, they'll immediately know that it's a section of the impressive north face of the Eiger, named in honor of the first mountaineer to successfully cross it in 1936.

Eiger means "monster", and it's easy to understand where the name comes from. The rock rises 1.800 meters from the valley and is so high that it creates its own mini-climate, producing storms on even the calmest days. That's one of the reasons why the climb is so strenuous and why it's better to sit at a campsite and watch others struggle. And this is exactly the right place for it. The Eigernordwand campsite is located at the foot of the Eiger. The site is run by a charming old gentleman, Rudi, who was here when canvas bags and cardigans were still the rage in climbing. He comes by every evening to say hello, but all the chairs are facing the north face as the campers look for tiny specks of human dust trying to climb the rock. Of course, there's more to Grindelwald than just a huge slab of rock, and the view from the site is just as inspiring when you turn your camping chair around and look down into the valley. It's just that everyone is staring at you now.

5. Gerbe campsite

The Gerbe campsite is located in the middle of hills, in the middle of the traditionally built farms near the Swiss city of Lucerne. At this small farm campsite near Lake Zug you can experience life on the farm up close. You can help feed the animals. And they also like to be petted!

The campsite has 60 spacious travel pitches and 25 permanent pitches. There is also the option to sleep in a teepee tent or in the dormitory on straw beds. There are no real parking spaces for motorhomes, but you can park the motorhome on the site near the stables. The campsite is particularly popular with campers in transit, to and from Italy and with anyone who enjoys camping on an original and traditional farm.

In high season, the Gerbe campsite has a temporary swimming pool, so your water fun doesn't last too long! You can also swim in Lake Zug or in Vierwoudstreek. Both bathrooms are approx.10 minutes drive from the campsite. Visit one of these beautiful lakes and spend a full day on and off the water. But if you have enough time, you can of course visit both!

This old Swiss stable has been converted into a reception room and restaurant. There you can choose from various dishes such as a hamburger or a steak from our own farm. In the morning you can enjoy breakfast with freshly baked bread. In the campsite shop you will find some everyday products, but mainly local products. Try the delicious apple juice or buy a piece of meat for your barbecue evening.

6. Camping Monte Generoso

Even if you consider Monte Generoso just a transit campsite, it would be a shame if you didn't stay a little longer. Because it is an ideal starting point for many beautiful trips by bike, on foot or on the water. The light but charming family campsite is located directly on the shores of Lake Lugano and promises many activities on the water. Here you always have a priceless view.

Monte Generoso is a large campsite with wonderful views of Lake Lugano. German, Italian and English are spoken at reception.

The parking spaces on the flat site are spacious and partly demarcated by hedges. Some pitches are completely shaded. You can even rent a caravan. Monte Generoso is located directly on the lakeshore, which begins with a (small) pebble beach.

The guests of the campsite are mainly Swiss, Germans and travelers from Western and Northern Europe; recently due to the location of the place on the Germany-Italy route. Monte Generoso is therefore also very suitable as a transit campsite. In summer, families with children also come because of the location right on the water and the water sports opportunities.

All water sports activities take place in the lake itself; There is no swimming pool on the campsite. The water from the lake is crystal clear and the lake bottom is made of pebbles. You can go into the lake directly from the campsite.

Take the cog railway to the top of Monte Generoso! There is a visitor center where activities take place and from which you have a view of the Po Valley and the Alps.

7. Camping Village Campofelice

At the entrance there is a high-rise complex that is part of the campsite. The reception is modern and large and has a large number of employees. At first glance you can see that the area is not only spacious but also very well maintained. The campsite is one of the top campsites in Switzerland.

The pitches are on level ground, spacious and arranged in rows along parallel, paved paths. Some of the pitches are not separated by hedges. There are pine and deciduous trees throughout the campsite, making it easy to find a nice spot in the shade. There are all types of rental accommodation such as: b the beautifully designed and modernly furnished bungalows/mobile homes.

The campsite is child-friendly (numerous play options) and is therefore popular with families with children of all ages. Most guests from Campofelice are enthusiastic water sports enthusiasts or water fun fans.

There is no swimming pool on site, but sunbathing and water fun is possible at and on the lake. The campsite is mostly located directly on the water. There are play equipment for children along the shore. There is a safe, separate area for the little ones. A high-quality entertainment program is offered for more than 50 hours per week (crafts, painting, games, theater).

8. Reussbrücke campsite

The Reussbrücke campsite is located half an hour's drive from the city of Zurich. This medium-sized campsite has 110 pitches. The Reuss flows alongside the campsite. There is a modest swimming pool to cool off. Camping guests enjoy fresh bread every day and can grab a bite to eat in the campsite restaurant.

A warm welcome awaits you at reception. You will then be taken to your parking space. The Reussbrücke campsite has a total of 110 pitches, of which 60 are permanent pitches and 50 are tourist pitches. Some pitches are paved, others are on a beautiful meadow. The most beautiful pitches are right on the river. Campers without camping equipment can rent a caravan.

If you want to take a refreshing swim in summer, just jump into the campsite's outdoor pool. It's not big, but perfect for cooling off. The Reuss River is right next to the campsite. Here you can take a nice trip in a canoe or kayak. There is a lot to do for little camping guests. There is a great table tennis table and the playground is also ideal for climbing.

You can order fresh bread every day. There is also a chic camping shop with a limited selection of groceries. There is a larger supermarket in the village of Ottenbach. In the evening you can also grab a bite to eat in the restaurant.

9. Camping Tamaro Resort

Holidays by the water and mountains everywhere you look. This is camping at Camping Tamaro Resort! You will find this campsite on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. The campsite is located right on the shore of this part of the impressive lake and has its own beach. The popular city of Locarno is only nine kilometers away. You can go there and back by boat for free. Are you coming here to camp?

The grounds are very well maintained and clear. There are pitches for mobile homes, (igloo) tents and caravans. Or perhaps you would prefer one of the modern bungalows. The pitches are spacious and shaded by trees. The Tamaro Night Sky accommodation is very atmospheric. This cube-shaped accommodation with a glass roof is designed to make the most of the starry sky. Romantic!

There is enough to do at Camping Tamaro Resort to keep you entertained all day long. Learn to juggle, let your children do crafts or let off steam at the Kids Dance. There is also a lot to experience for adults, for example yoga, Zumba, archery or SUPping. There is a playground for children and a sports field for adults. Workshops are also organized, e.g. b for making jewelry with gemstones.

Would you like to take a dip in the pool or swim in the lake? You can do both! There is no other swimming pool on the campsite, but Tamaro Resort guests can dive for free in the adjacent public swimming pool during high season. The campsite has its own sandy and pebble beach on Lake Maggiore. In summer you will also find a small bar here for a cool snack.

10. Unterägeri campsite

Do you like swimming and cycling? So the campsite at Lake Ägeri is just right for you. The campsite area is largely located directly on the lake and the campsite has a private pebble beach with a lawn reserved exclusively for guests. In the region you will mainly find lakes surrounded by mountains. The campsite's facilities are limited, but the beautiful and quiet lakeside location, expansive views, space and natural surroundings more than make up for it.

The "upper" part of this beautifully situated campsite is very hilly. However, the pitches are all on level ground. The pitches are well maintained. The size varies from small to reasonable and spacious. One option is to park your car in the campsite parking lot. The pitches are straight and are located on straight paths, on grass or on gravel (for caravans and motorhomes). Everyone is welcome at this campsite because it is not aimed at any specific group of people.

The Ägerisee is a wonderful place for swimming. You can also enjoy all kinds of water sports on this lake. The campsite has its own beach (with small and large pebbles) with a lawn for the exclusive use of guests. The playground is modest and there is no entertainment program. The children will mainly have fun by, in and on the water.

Did our article help you? Or do you have any questions or suggestions about our topic? Please feel free to leave your comment below. We welcome your questions, criticisms and comments and we will be happy to answer them.