Climate change shifts European camper routes: North and mountains replace South

The Eschenbach municipal council is reviewing next steps after a series of court decisions regarding the Atzmännig campsite, located in an area of significant flood risk. In January 2023, the council ordered the evacuation of the lower part of the site by the end of May 2025, citing the official natural hazard map. Sportbahnen Atzmännig AG appealed, and in July 2025 the St. Gallen Administrative Court overturned the previous ruling, sending the case back for reconsideration. In April 2026, the Building and Environment Department annulled the evacuation order and referred the matter back to the municipal council for further clarification.

From July 1 to August 31, the Espace Gruyère parking lot in Bulle, Switzerland, introduces discounted rates. First 20 minutes free, then CHF 0.50 for the first hour, CHF 1 per hour thereafter, with a daily cap of CHF 5. Motorhomes may park overnight, but the lot lacks Eurorelais hookups. Total capacity: 268 spaces, including 6 accessible and 12 for motorcycles.

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.