The best things in life are free. Sleeping above 2000 meters in your own, or rented camper, tent or just a sleeping bag might the life-changing experience. Why would you decide for 5 stars if you can have millions of them? 🙂
I live in Zurich and travel by camper in central Switzerland almost every weekend – for hiking, climbing or ski touring. Over the last 2 years I discovered my affection to the mountain passes, not only related to the activities you can do there, but also to camping – yes! They are high, remote and give the best mountain views possible.
Sleeping in camper is forbidden in many places in Switzerland, but not all. General rules are:
Here is my personal, subjective list of the best park 4 night spots:
My number 1 in Switzerland and beyond. You drive to the Steingletscher Alpine Lodge and take a very narrow asphalt road leading to the glacier itself. During the season, there is a parkometer at the entrance to the road (5CHF only). The road has about 2-3 km long and 3 different parkings on the way to the glacier. One overseeing the lake and 2 more with the glacier view, Umpol being the last one. A view that normally takes you 4+ hours of a hike, here you can reach by car and stay there for a night even. It is unbelievable and it is my top of the tops. Another benefit – all 3 parking have a water stream access.
Number 2 on my list. This Alpine Pass usually gets very busy in the summer. It is the highest Mountain Pass in Switzerland and is a big attraction not only for people who come here for climbing, but also for motorcyclists, unfortunately. Nevertheless, it is quiet in the night and moreover there are 2 places, where you can make a small road detour and find a remote smaller parking.
Driving from Andermatt, Realp, you will have at least 2 opportunities for overnight sleep in a remote place:
A paradise for climbers at any level and flat surfaces enthusiasts. A see of hike routes as well with Eldorado routes being well known. A spectacular dyke and a lake.
All of above mentioned makes it a very attractive overnight spot as well, although it gets busy at times, and you will be surrounded by others like you.
Fluellapass is Davos’s pearl of outdoor sports. I know it mainly from ski touring, but I am sure there is much more to this place than snowy adventures. I really like the view, the calmness and the fact that you can reach it in 1.5 hours drive from Zurich. Not too far at all.
Much below 2000 meters, and not as wild, but it is a beautiful spot with a view over Brüggler climbing wall and still in the forest line. This spot is paid (only 10CHF per person though) and you will not be alone here. I thought of adding it to the list as it has good toilet and basic bathroom facilities, a couple of fireplaces and generally great vibe 🙂
Stay tuned for more spots being added to the list!
3 Comments
Hi Ania,
Somehow my search Camping in internet turns to you page, and I am really lucky, really appreciate so useful information that I do not know.
May I know if these spots allow the wild camping with tente? I do not have a van, but I plan to drive there with my tent.
Thanks
Leon
Hi Alex! I’m glad you found it useful ☺️ if course you can camp there with a tent as well. A general rule in Switzerland is that you can camp wild anywhere above forest line (echo usually is at nearly 2000 meters). This means that most of mountain pases can be camped.
Camping means anything from vans, full size campers and tents.
Many thanks Ania. Looking forward more spots. Alex