Are you going camping in… Switzerland?

Do you want to escape the world for a while to relax? Then go camping in Switzerland, the country of majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, picturesque villages and cleanliness. The Alpine country is recommended for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Of course you can enjoy wonderful winter sports there, but Switzerland is also a great holiday destination in summer, spring and autumn.

Women’s European Football Championship

A nice extra for football fans: Switzerland will host the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in July.

General information

Location
Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and borders Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Capital

The capital of Switzerland is Bern.

Area and inhabitants

Switzerland has an area of ​​41,290 km² and has approximately 8.7 million inhabitants. The country has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh (only in the canton of Graubünden). Many people also speak English.

European Union

Switzerland is a Schengen country, but not a member of the EU.

Means of payment

In Switzerland you pay with the Swiss franc (CHF). In March 2025, 1 euro was equal to 0.8774 CHF (exchange rate). There are ATMs everywhere and you can often pay contactless. Payment in euros is possible, but then take into account an unfavorable exchange rate.

Climate

The climate in Switzerland varies per region. In the lower regions there is a temperate continental climate with mild summers, averaging 25°C, and cold winters. In the Alps it is cooler and temperatures can drop considerably in winter.

Tourist destinations in Switzerland

Lakes

For beautiful lakes, you have to go to Switzerland. Lake Geneva is the largest. In total, it has a surface area of ​​584 km², of which 345 km² is in Switzerland and the rest in France. Lake Constance, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Lake Maggiore and Lake Zurich are also very well-known.

Mountains

The Matterhorn is perhaps the most famous mountain in Switzerland. It owes this to its pyramid shape. This 4478-metre-high mountain can only be climbed by mountaineers. If you really want a beautiful view of this Swiss icon, take a cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. On the viewing platform of the 3883-metre-high Klein Matterhorn, the highest mountain station in Europe, you can admire the Matterhorn in detail. Other well-known Swiss mountains are the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau.

Glaciers

You will also find plenty of glaciers in Switzerland. The largest is the Aletsch Glacier, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the Jungfraujoch and in the Aletsch Arena you have a beautiful view of this glacier.

National parks

The oldest park in the Alps is the Swiss National Park in Engadin, which has existed since 1914. Hiking enthusiasts – young and old – will find plenty to enjoy here with the many hiking trails.

Cities

Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Lausanne; Switzerland has great cities that are definitely worth discovering. Geneva, with its old city center, is located on the lake of the same name. The UN headquarters are located here. In Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, historic streets and modern architecture come together. Basel is located on the Rhine, at the tripoint with France and Germany. The city is known for its leading museums and architecture. Lausanne is also located on Lake Geneva. This is a city with students, an impressive cathedral, a beautiful lakeside promenade and it is home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The capital Bern has a World Heritage city centre, a remarkable cathedral and a clock tower worth seeing, and the parliament building is located here.

Food and drink in Switzerland

Food

German, French and Northern Italian cuisine come together in Switzerland. For cheese lovers, Switzerland is a paradise. Famous cheeses come from the Alpine country, such as Emmentaler, Gruyère and Tête de Moine. Of course, you can enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, raclette or rösti on holiday here. Those with a sweet tooth can look forward to the typical Swiss chocolate.

Drink

Wine growers in Switzerland grow more than 250 different grape varieties, including pinot noir and chasselas. Prefer something fresh? Then choose a Rivella, that brand comes from Switzerland.

Tolls and vignettes

On Swiss motorways, a toll sticker is required for vehicles up to 3500 kg. This sticker is valid for one calendar year and costs (when purchased in the Netherlands) approximately 44 euros. An additional sticker is required for a trailer, such as a caravan or folding trailer. Stickers are available from the ANWB, among others. Vehicles heavier than 3500 kg pay different rates. This is explained on the website of the Federal Customs and Border Security (BAZG).

Additional tolls may also apply for some tunnels and mountain passes, although this is not the case for the famous – or infamous – Gotthard tunnel.

Camping in Switzerland: campsites

Switzerland is a wonderful holiday destination with many campsites in all kinds of beautiful places, for example on lakes or with a view of the mountains.

Do you want to go camping in Switzerland and find out more about it? Then take a look at the site below.