French cross-border workers live in motorhomes due to housing shortage

Swiss tourists have started using e-bikes to tow compact living trailers. The setup offers comfort while maintaining mobility. It is presented as an alternative to traditional motorhomes and camper vans.

Swiss traveler Andreas Zimmermann built a motorhome on a single-axle tractor chassis and drove it to the North Cape. He presented his unusual vehicle on the show «Min Camper».

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reported a rise in overnight stays in parahotels and campsites in 2025. Total overnight stays in apartments, campsites, and collective accommodations reached 18.1 million, up 4.7% from 2024. Foreign guest numbers grew significantly, increasing by 10% to 6.3 million. Campsite overnight stays rose 8.2% to 5.2 million, with demand from German tourists surging 13%.

Switzerland's parahotel sector grew by 4.7% in 2025 to 18.1 million overnight stays. Camping sites were the main driver, with an 8.2% increase to 5.2 million overnight stays. Foreign demand rose sharply, particularly from German guests, who accounted for 875,000 overnight stays (+13%).

On June 14, Winterthur residents will vote on two proposals for the Rosenberg recreation area. The main point of contention is the construction of a new 4-star TCS campsite at Schützenweiher lake. The city council approved both projects, prompting the IG Camping group to launch a referendum.

In early May, a group of foreign travelers with about 20 motorhomes sought temporary parking in the canton of St. Gallen. They were turned away in Altstätten, and the site in Buchs was occupied. The canton has yet to establish any of the six required transit sites for travelers, despite the known issue and hundreds of child removals.