Bern tightens parking rules for motorhomes and private parking space owners

Due to the camping boom, cities lack parking space for motorhomes during holiday trips. Drivers often use two car spots or truck spaces, which is not always permitted. Fines for improper parking range up to 100 francs for 10 hours, and obstructing parking or exceeding this time can lead to prosecution with higher costs. Overnight stays in motorhomes are only allowed on designated sites.

From July 7, 2026, all new motorhomes and campervans up to 3.5 tons registered in the EU and Switzerland must be equipped with eight assistance systems, including preparation for an alcohol interlock. Switzerland adopts the rules via ASTRA. Owners of already registered vehicles are not required to retrofit.

In 2025, Swiss campsites recorded 5.2 million overnight stays, an increase of 8.2%. Popular spots are near water or in mountain regions. For a camper trip in 2026, it is recommended to book the first nights during peak season, check tire pressure, oil level, brakes, and battery. In Switzerland, a category B license is valid for motorhomes up to 3.5 tons; exceeding this requires an additional category. Wild camping is regulated by cantonal and municipal laws; official parking spots are preferred.

Switzerland has over 400 campsites. A ranking of the top 10 was compiled based on Google reviews. In 2025, overnight stays increased by 8.2% to 5.2 million, with the majority in Ticino (1.04 million). The top spots are mostly small campsites with ratings from 4.79 to 4.88 stars. The leader is Ferienhof Rüti (4.88) in Schwyz, which has no tent pitches but offers spaces for motorhomes and vans.

On Saturday, a heavy motorhome and a semi-trailer truck collided on the A23 near Müllheim TG. The motorhome broke through a guardrail, overturned, and came to rest on its side on the opposite carriageway. The 50-year-old driver sustained minor to moderate injuries, and his 74-year-old passenger minor injuries; both were taken to hospital. The affected section of the motorway was closed for several hours.

A motorhome collided with a semi-trailer truck on the A23 near Müllheim (Thurgau). The camper overturned; the driver and passenger were hospitalized. Damage estimated at several hundred thousand francs.