Winterthur to vote on new Schützenweiher campsite

In the commune of Les Fourgs (Jura, France), the municipality has set up an official motorhome parking area for up to 12 French workers who cross the border daily to work in Switzerland. Mayor Roger Belot reported that the influx of cross-border workers has increased the population from 1,100 to 1,450, pushing up housing prices by 20%. The parking fee is €200 per month, and the mayor plans to raise it to €400 to avoid excessive attractiveness.

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.