🇨🇭 Switzerland — OpenVan.camp
Switzerland
In Gandria (canton of Ticino), teams from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) and Lugano city police helped a tourist couple reattach the wheel of their caravan. The wheel had come off shortly before the border crossing. With the assistance, the couple was able to continue their journey shortly afterwards. The authority reminds travellers to regularly check wheel nuts, distribute loads evenly and ensure safety first in the event of a breakdown.
Pablo Ortiz works as a waiter in Switzerland, putting in 42.5 hours a week, and lives in a motorhome with his dog Bellota. On social media he documents how he combines restaurant shifts with life on wheels. On his two days off per week, he uses the motorhome to travel around the country. According to him, this lifestyle is possible in Switzerland with willingness and organisation.
On Saturday evening, a car collided with a motorhome on the A2 motorway near the Dagmersellen junction, causing the motorhome to overturn onto its side. Seven people were checked by emergency services, and no one was injured. The southbound carriageway was closed for about five hours; damage is estimated at 30,000 francs. While the first accident was being investigated, a second collision occurred on the opposite carriageway, closing the northbound lanes for about two and a half hours.
On Saturday at around 22:45 on the A2 motorway near the Dagmersellen junction in the canton of Lucerne, a car moved from the overtaking lane to the normal lane for reasons still unclear and collided with the left rear corner of a motorhome. The motorhome began to swerve and tipped onto its side. All seven occupants were checked by emergency services 144 but did not need to be taken to hospital. The southbound carriageway was closed for about five hours for recovery and cleaning; Lucerne police and fire services from Hürntal, Wiggertal, Sursee region and the Zofingen base fire service diverted traffic. Damage is estimated at 30,000 francs. While this incident was being processed, a single-vehicle accident occurred in the northbound direction: a driver hit the traffic divider at the Dagmersellen exit; no one was injured, but the northbound carriageway was also closed for about two and a half hours.
The foundation «die neue Zeit» must remove unauthorised structures at its nudist campsite near Lake Neuchâtel. The Administrative Court of the Canton of Bern dismissed the foundation's appeal against the refusal of a retroactive building permit. In the winter of 2016/2017, the foundation built four new jetties, two shore stabilisations and a slipway in Gampelen harbour without permission. The site lies within the «Grande Cariçaie» moorland and borders the Fanel nature reserve. The court ordered the restoration of lawful conditions by the end of February.
On Saturday in Eschenz (Thurgau), a 63-year-old driver overtaking a Wohnmobil sideswiped it and hit an oncoming car. Two people slightly injured, driver's license confiscated.
Swiss campers mainly cook meat on the grill. In Solothurn, three generations of the Müller family and the Niggli couple at Lake Sempach include mostly meat dishes in their menu. If charcoal grilling is prohibited, they use a blowtorch for cooking.
Switzerland
Pössl has unveiled the fully electric E-Vanster camper based on the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer. The model features a 75 kWh battery providing a range of 250 to 298 km (WLTP) and a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor. Its height of 1.99 m allows access to underground parking. Prices in Switzerland start at 60,000 francs, exceeding 72,000 francs with full equipment, about 15% more than diesel equivalents.
On June 14, Winterthur residents will decide on the construction of a new campsite at Schützenweiher. Opponents fear above-average prices and the end of alternative housing forms, while supporters argue that a no vote would mean no campsite at all.
Switzerland
A group of Roma from France has set up camp on a municipal meadow in Oberwinterthur. The move was necessary after their caravans were dangerously close to a high-voltage power line. They had previously left a field near Stadel. A hailstorm caused about one million francs in damage to uninsured travelers.
On the radio show 'La Matinale', comedian Nathalie Devantay shared her experience of a camper van holiday. Despite the growing popularity of such trips among the Swiss, she encountered crowded campsites and distant sanitary facilities. As a result, Devantay decided against buying a camper, preferring a secluded getaway on a deserted island or in Le Locle.
Several families in the Swiss canton of Ticino have been defrauded by a camper dealer who disappeared after taking payments. Some buyers received vehicles without registration papers, while another client was not fully paid for a camper sold on their behalf.
Demand for motorhomes in Switzerland has normalized after the boom, with buyers comparing more carefully on condition and price. Owners who rarely use their vehicle should consider whether ongoing costs for parking, insurance, and maintenance are justified. Well-maintained models with popular layouts remain in demand, while vehicles with repair issues may lose value.
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn seeks to ban vehicles over 3.05 m through the Furka tunnel from Nov 1. Affects RVs and buses. Decision pending.
Travelers in motorhomes continued their route from Germany to Switzerland, visiting the Rhine Falls near Neuhausen and the city of Lucerne. The falls, about 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, are among the most powerful in Europe by water volume. In Lucerne, they saw the Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge 204 meters long, rebuilt after a fire in 1993. The travelers left their motorhomes at a campsite near Mount Pilatus and used public transport.
In the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, farmer Max Mangold rented his field until the end of September for 10,000 Swiss francs, believing it would be used for hot air balloon launches. Instead, on Sunday evening, about 50 caravans from Switzerland, France, and Belgium moved in. The farmer chose not to demand their eviction, stating he does not depend financially on the money. Police arrived but did not evacuate. Local residents are concerned about makeshift showers and potential soil contamination, as well as the deception used to secure the lease.
From October 22 to 26, 2026, Bern will host the Suisse Caravan Salon. The show is fully booked and will occupy eleven halls and a large open-air area.
CampCycle, based in Faoug on Lake Murten, has developed and builds the RyB ('Ride your Bed') bicycle trailer. The two-part trailer measures about 70 cm wide and 90 cm long when folded, weighs 48 kg, and unfolds into a sleeping area of 206×87×120 cm. It costs 8,500 francs, with a weekly rental option at 569 francs during peak season. The manufacturer aims to source components from Switzerland and Europe.
Severe hail in the canton of Zurich caused damage to many properties, including the house, car and motorhome of a blue News reader. The man is enduring the damage with stoic calm.
The Lazy Rancho campsite in Unterseen has been adults-only since the start of the year, welcoming guests aged 16 and over. Owner Cheyenne Blatter reports a positive balance after eight months, noting that the adults-only area is more consistently occupied than the family section. Despite criticism and accusations of being anti-children, she stands by the decision. A recent group of teenagers arrived by tractor and, after being reminded of quiet hours, caused no issues.