Copy my trip: Ultimate Switzerland road trip

27.08.2024 - 19:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 26, 2024 • 0 min read

Lonely Planet’s Aoife Breslin is just back from a week of road-tripping around Switzerland. She shares some of her top tips and insights on exploring the country by campervan.

As a 'van life' newbie, I was initially skeptical that it might not live up to the hype, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The convenience of having a home on wheels provided a level of freedom and flexibility I've never experienced while traveling before. This mode of travel allowed me to adapt my itinerary on the fly, whether pulling over at roadside lakes for an impromptu swim or stumbling upon charming little villages that we would have otherwise never known existed. The ability to explore at our own pace and discover hidden gems along the way made the trip truly unforgettable.

Here is a snapshot of what I got up to in Switzerland!

Switzerland has a well-known reputation for being expensive, so you’re probably wondering how three 20-something-year-olds could afford a week in this pricey paradise? The answer: rent a campervan. By combining accommodation and transport into one cost, we saved money while enjoying an unforgettable adventure. 

Traveling this way allowed us to experience Switzerland's stunning beauty at our own pace, from waking up to majestic mountain views and enjoying breakfast by tranquil lakes to taking spontaneous detours through charming villages.

We rented our campervan, the Family Finca, from Roadsurfer in Zurich. It comfortably fits three adults, making it the perfect home for our week-long vacation. Their professional and responsive service was a lifesaver. When we punctured a tire mid-week of the trip, they had us back on the road within an hour, ensuring a stress-free trip.

Switzerland offers an abundance of campsites, but booking in advance is wise, especially during the high season. A standout campsite was Camping Gletscherdorf Grindelwald, where the sunrise over the mountains created unforgettable mornings. Its proximity to the town center and train station made it convenient for daily excursions and dining out. Another favorite of mine was Easybuchen Camping Eichholz in Bern, a well-organized site with excellent facilities like a restaurant, kitchenettes and free train tickets into the city center. Its location along the River Aare provided perfect opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on lush green banks.

After flying into Zurich, we started our journey with a delicious breakfast at Babu’s Bakery and Coffeehouse before picking up our campervan and heading to Lucerne. Arriving in the historic city center, we explored medieval architecture, exploring iconic landmarks like the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower.

Our next stop was Interlaken for two