The Best Itinerary for a Motorhome Rental in Switzerland

Explore the breathtaking scenery, exhilarating adventures, and delicious cuisine of Switzerland. As a relatively small country, it’s perfect for a camper road trip, as you can truly experience everything the country has to offer!

Today we’ll share with you some of our favourite places to visit; we’ll cover a full Switzerland itinerary 10 days long, but this can also serve as an easy guide to pick and choose destinations for a 1 week in Switzerland itinerary or even a 2 day itinerary Switzerland.

What to know about RV camping in Switzerland

Cross the border into Switzerland, and you’ll be met by stunning nature, friendly locals, and winding scenic roads. 

The motorhome rules in Switzerland give you a few options - you can opt for the comfort of a campsite in Switzerland for motorhomes, the convenience of an aires (motorhome stopover), or the adventure of overnight parking.

However, Wild Camping is strictly forbidden in an RV. The main difference between the two is that with overnight parking, you’re not allowed to have your camping spill outside of the vehicle, with outdoor seating or fire pits, for example.

10-day motorhome itinerary through Switzerland

Day 1: Basel - Zurich (1hr 40 mins)

Located on the banks of the river Rhine, the town of Basel is home to the renowned kunstmuseum, which opened in 1661 and was the very first public art collection in the world.

Continue to the next stop of Zurich - the financial centre of Switzerland, and along the way, you’ll pass the Aargau Jura Park, with breathtaking scenery that Switzerland is famous for.

Make sure to find time to visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum, and after a busy first day of exploration, a trip to the Rigi Kaldbad thermal baths is a great way to unwind.

Campsite Tip: Camping Sihlwald

Day 2: Zurich - Walensee (2hrs 23mins) 

Wake up bright and early and drive 45mins to Seeburg Park in Kreuzlingen on Lake Konstanz for a breathtaking breakfast location. 

After a relaxing morning, pack up and drive the 35 mins alongside the lake until you reach your next stop at Arbon and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants with outdoor dining areas overlooking the lake.

The day's final drive to Walensee will take you an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy a hike, swim, or boat ride - before enjoying a sunset dinner by the shore.

Campsite Tip: Camping Terza

Day 3: Walensee - St Moritz (1hr 47mins)

St Moritz is an alpine resort town and world-renowned as a winter sports destination. However, the town is equally as breathtaking for summer visits.

Enjoy a quieter day and explore the many hidden culinary gems of St Moritz, stop in at Conditorei Hanselmann to try the walnut tart, enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue while seated on the outdoor terrace at Chesa al Parc, and finish the day with a mulled wine at Roo Bar.

Campsite Tip: Camping St. Moritz

Day 4:  St Moritz - Locarno (2hrs 41mins)

Head south to Locarno; this Italian speaking Swiss city offers an excellent change of pace and a change of scenery.

Take a short detour to Verzasca Valley - the former home to a glacier now boasts clear emerald waters and polished rocks set within a cinematic landscape.

And for the adventure-seeking traveller, you can also find bungee jumping, paragliding, and canyoning nearby.

Campsite Tip: Campofelice Camping Village

Day 5: Locarno - Lucerne (2hrs 4mins)

What better way to mark the halfway point of your ten-day camper trip around Switzerland than with a drive across mountain ranges, through valleys, and beside crystal clear lakes?!

An hour and a half into your drive, you simply must stop at Seedorf for a snack break. This chocolate box town lies within a valley overlooked by snowcapped mountains and sits alongside the clearest blue waters.

Once at Lucerne, consider hiking Mount Pilatus for the best view over the area.

Campsite Tip: Campofelice Camping Village

Day 6: Lucerne - Interlaken (1hr 4mins)

Interlaken is often referred to as the adventure capital of Europe, and for a good reason. A hotspot for skydiving, paragliding and canyoning. 

For the RV traveller looking for a less adrenaline-filled day, head to St Beatus Caves or take a tour of Thun Castle. 

Just a short drive away are the towns of Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, where you can enjoy the serenity of the countryside - and perhaps spot some of the pretty cows that are synonymous with the Swiss countryside aesthetic.

Campsite Tip: Camping au Lac Ringgenberg AG

Day 7: Interlaken - Zermatt (2hrs 21 mins)

Wake up early and drive the 41 minutes to Kandersteg in time for a breathtaking sunrise, and hike to the ​​oeschinensee lake.

But don’t hang around too long because there’s plenty to see at your next stop - Zermatt. 

Make your way to Gorner Gorge for a view like no other! This natural wonder is reminiscent of Icelandic waterfalls and Mexican cenotes all at the same time. 

With a wooden walkway leading down between the imposing cliffs and guiding you into the deep chasm where the crystal waters lie - this is well worth the workout!

By now, you’ve seen so much for a Switzerland one week itinerary! And, of course, you can’t visit without seeing the Matterhorn, preferably at sunset from the Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint.

Campsite Tip: Camping Attermenzen

Day 8: Zermatt - Gruyères (2hrs 14mins)

On day eight, it’s time for all of the fun! Make a quick pitstop at Alpine Coaster before arriving at your final destination to climb aboard the longest toboggan run in the world and have the time of your life!

Then, arrive in Gruyères in time for dinner at Le Chalet de Gruyères and make sure to order the ooey-gooey raclette melted to perfection over a sumptuous bed of potatoes.

Campsite Tip: Camping Haute Gruyère

Day 9: Gruyères - Porrentruy (1hrs 53mins)

On the second to last day, why not take it easy and explore the town of Porrentruy, with a vibrant history - you can enjoy a day of quiet and calm after the adrenaline rush of yesterday’s tobogganing!

 Campsite Tip: Camping Les Grottes

Day 10: Porrentruy - Basel (1hr 6mins)

And to end the trip, it’s time to take the road less travelled and explore the scenic route back to Basel.

Now that you’ve found out just how much fun you could be having on a camper trip to Switzerland, the next thing you need is a motorhome to stay in. Fear not - because you can hire a motorhome with Yescapa right now, and start planning your Swiss family adventure!