Travelling by motorhome in Switzerland: vignette, nights and routes

Lakes, alpine passes, terraced vineyards: Switzerland is a dream destination by motorhome. It does require a little preparation, however, as traffic and parking rules are strict. Here is what you need to know to set off with peace of mind, alone or as a pair.

The must-see routes

• French-speaking Switzerland: Lake Geneva, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Montreux and Chillon Castle, Gruyeres and its cheese.
• Valais: the Rhone valley, the mountain resorts and the great passes. Zermatt is a car-free resort: you go up by train from Tasch.
• The Bernese Oberland: Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz, at the foot of the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau.
• The Swiss Jura: quieter, ideal out of season, with its pastures, its farms and Lac de Joux.
• Central Switzerland: Lucerne and Lake Lucerne.

Motorway vignette and heavy vehicles

• For motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes, the motorway vignette is compulsory on motorways and expressways. It costs 40 Swiss francs and each year's vignette is valid for 14 months, from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year (2026 vignette: from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027). There is no daily or weekly vignette.
• It exists as a sticker or as an e-vignette, linked to the number plate and bought online on the official e-vignette.ch portal.
• A caravan or a towed trailer needs its own vignette.
• Above 3.5 tonnes, no vignette: the motorhome is subject to the heavy vehicle charge, to be paid before driving on Swiss roads.

Where to sleep in a motorhome in Switzerland?

Wild camping is not banned by a federal law, but each canton and each municipality sets its own rules. Geneva, Ticino and Valais are among the strictest. In nature reserves and the National Park, it is forbidden. Where a night on a public car park is tolerated, it must not look like camping: no table, chairs or awning out.

The simplest is to favour campsites and official motorhome areas, and to ask the local tourist office if in doubt.

Other practical tips

• Customs: Switzerland is part of the Schengen area but not of the European Union. Customs checks remain possible, with limits on certain goods (meat, alcohol...).
• Currency: the Swiss franc. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Mountain passes: many alpine passes are closed in winter. Check that they are open and that your vehicle's size is suitable before setting off.

Find a travel companion in Switzerland

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