Select currency
Popular
—
Report a problem
Choose one or more regions to personalize your feed
Switzerland
Filters
1
Switzerland
The municipality of Eschenbach (SG), Switzerland, is launching a pilot project to create short-term parking spaces for campers. From summer 2026 to autumn 2027, two to three camper van spots will be designated at the Churzhaslen and Holz car parks, managed via the 'Park’n’Sleep' platform. The initiative aims to reduce wild camping while providing low-threshold overnight options.
The Council of State of the canton of Ticino has approved a subsidy of up to 2.1 million francs for the local Patriziato and up to 242,000 francs for TCS for the construction of an alpine campsite in Brione Verzasca. The total cost of the project is estimated at 5.7 million francs. The campsite will include 46 equipped pitches for motorhomes and 13 pod/bungalow units, as well as common areas. It is expected to generate about 27,000 overnight stays per year from the third year of operation and create between 3 and 8 jobs.
The tenant family can continue operating the campsite for another six months. This was the only news from three political initiatives regarding the campsite at Schützenweiher. The city council extended the lease until March 2027, but a definitive solution for the site is not yet available.
MyCamper platform has recorded over 4,500 bookings for early summer 2026. A van owner earns an average of 6,685 Swiss francs in annual rental income. The trend is attributed to geopolitical instability driving travelers toward local trips.
The selection includes the Omnia portable oven, Porta Potti 145 mobile toilet, Katadyn Tactical BeFree filter bottle, Helinox Chair One folding chair, Ledlenser ML4 lantern, Safari Chef 30 HP Deluxe gas grill, ProPlus retractable clothesline, Front Runner Feather-Lite II roof tent, Berger RMC 40 compressor cooler, and Thule Epos ParkSecure bike carrier with parking sensors. All devices are self-contained, require no infrastructure connection, and are designed for travel use.
In the night of July 2, 2026, a motorhome caught fire on Rue de la Côte in Delémont (Canton of Jura). Firefighters extinguished the blaze around 2:30–2:35 AM; the vehicle was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
Espace Gruyère in Bulle (Canton of Fribourg) has introduced a mandatory tourist tax for motorhomes staying overnight on its parking lot. The decision follows complaints from campsite operators. A dedicated mobile application has been developed to process payments. The 268-space parking is open 24/7.
The Nidwalden Cantonal Police held its second Camper Day. About 70 owners of motorhomes, camper vans, and trailers took the opportunity to have their vehicles weighed for free and receive advice on traffic regulations and safety aspects. The focus was on checking total weight and axle loads, as well as topics such as correct loading, load securing, and driving license categories.
Camper Days took place in Ingenbohl and Pfäffikon, organized by TCS Schwyz and the cantonal police. Over two days, 150 vehicles were checked, ten more than last year.
The Nidwalden cantonal police held the second Camper Day in Stans. About 70 owners of motorhomes, campers, and trailers had their vehicles weighed for free and received advice on loading safety and traffic regulations.
An analysis of bookings on the PiNCAMP platform for 2023–2026 shows that due to heat, European motorhome tourists are increasingly choosing cooler regions and shifting trips to spring and autumn. Demand for campsites in Scandinavia in summer has risen by 68% since 2023.
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.
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, on Saturday. The camper overturned, the driver and passenger were injured. Damage is estimated at several hundred thousand francs.
On the evening of June 18 in Hasle (Lucerne), a van towing a caravan caught fire. The caravan was detached before the flames could spread, remaining undamaged. The van was completely burned out; no injuries were reported. The fire was caused by a technical defect.
Install OpenVan.camp
Get quick access and offline reading.
The app is already installed on this device.
Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.
