Useful information for your camping stay in Switzerland

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Accessibility

Many scenic excursions are well-suited for persons in wheelchairs. There are also many walking trails, boats, cable cars and museums that are wheelchair-accessible. In addition, many campsites offer wheelchair-accessible sanitary facilities and rental accommodation so that people with disabilities can enjoy the adventure and recreation that camping offers.

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Campgrounds

You have the choice of around 175 campgrounds. These are inspected in a regular cycle by the evaluation commission and classified with stars. The association awards from one to five stars. The main criteria include location, development, sanitary facilities and service. The prices vary according to region and season.

If you like a solid roof over your head but do not want to miss out on the camping atmosphere, you are welcome to use some of the many rental accommodation options available at campgrounds. With rental caravans, bungalows, pods and circus caravans being available, there is something for every taste.

Climate and Weather

Switzerland has four main climate zones:
•    Jura Mountains (cold and wet winters, pleasant summers)
•    Central Plateau with a continental climate (moderate summers, fairly mild winters)
•    The Alps (incl. Bernese Oberland) with numerous microclimates depending on the elevation, aspect and alignment of the valleys
•    Ticino with a Mediterranean climate (hot summers, mild and sunny winters)

Weather forecast Switzerland

Coming by car

The motorway charge sticker (vignette) is valid for multiple re- entries into Switzerland. There is a one-off charge of CHF 40.– for the motorway charge sticker (vignette). The motorway charge sticker(vignette) is valid between 1 December of the previous year and 31 January of the following year. If taking a trailer or a caravan, you will need to purchase an extra motorway charge sticker (vignette). The motorway charge sticker (vignette) is available at border crossings, at Swiss post offices and service stations etc. 

Heavy vehicles with a total weight of over 3.5 t have to pay a lump-sum heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) for each day spent in Switzerland, even if they are only parked and not driven. The charge is payable on the entire road network. The rate is CHF 3.25 per day, the minimum amount per payment is CHF 25.–. 

The following are the maximum speeds allowed, The speed limit can, however, be regulated differently by means of traffic signs.
 

Km/h In built-up areas Outside built-up areas Dual carriageways Motorways
Car 50 80 100 120
+ trailer, caravan  50 80 80 80
Campervan > 3.5t 50 80 100 100

Cultures

Switzerland is a culturally diverse country, especially because of the four official national languages. So it is not surprising that the cultural mindset varies from region to region. The cultural characteristics of German-speaking Switzerland do not necessarily apply to French-speaking Switzerland. The differences between urban and rural regions can also be great.

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Emergency numbers 

International emergency number 112
Police 117
Fire brigade 118
Roadside assistance 140
Ambulance 144
Poisoning emergencies 145

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Getting here

Set in the heart of Europe, Camping Switzerland is extremely easy to access, whether by public transport, by car or by plane.

If you are driving a car, please note that for some destinations, it is recommended that you catch a train for part of the route. For example, if you use a car transport train you can travel directly from the Bernese Oberland to Valais or from Prättigau to the Engadin.

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National languages

Switzerland officially has four national languages. A Swiss greeting involves shaking hands and eye-contact. This also applies to greetings between men and women. The usual greeting formulas are "Grüezi", "Bonjour", "Buongiorno" and "Allegra" depending on the part of the country. In rural regions it is common to greet passersby even when one doesn't know them. Saying "thank-you" and "please" is very important: For example, saying "thank-you" and "please" multiple times in shops or restaurants is almost a ritual.

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PiNCAMP.ch powered by TCS - The biggest Swiss camping guide.

Pets

Dogs and cats traveling to Switzerland from abroad require a vaccination certificate stating that the animal is vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be made at least 30 days prior to entry and should not be more than 1 year old. This also applies to dogs and cats that are returning to Switzerland after a temporary absence. Since 1 July 2007, dogs, cats and ferrets have had to be identified with a microchip.

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Quick-Stop offers

Many campsites offer quick-stop offers for spontaneous visitors. You stay for one night in a secure environment, have the chance to enjoy the campground facilities, and benefit from a reduced tariff due to having a predetermined time of arrival and departure. As the offers and conditions are adapted individually, please inquire directly at the campsite.

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Switzerland facts and figures

Here you will find factual information that is also useful for you as a visitor to Switzerland: Facts and figures about Switzerland from Switzerland Tourism.

Welcome to Switzerland! Switzerland: How To is a practical guide with tips and up-to-date information from life in Switzerland to politics.

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Trailers and campervans

Trailers, mobile homes and caravans can be temporarily imported without formalities. No inventory is required except in case of articles of value. Trailers may not be driven in the lane furthest to the left on three-lane motorways.

Maximum dimensions m
Height 4
Width 2,55
Length (incl. shaft) 12
Overall length (car + trailer/caravan) 18,75

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Useful addresses

Camping Switzerland www.swisscamps.ch
Switzerland Tourism www.myswitzerland.com
Camping-Insider Guide www.camping-insider.ch
Travel information www.tcs.ch/ferien
Entry requirements www.sem.admin.ch
Federal Customs Administration www.ezv.admin.ch
Lump-sum heavy vehicle charge (on all roads) www.evz.admin.ch
Pets: Federal Veterinary Office www.blv.admin.ch
 Swiss Federal Railways SBB www.sbb.ch

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Wild camping (pitches on public ground)

It is generally not permitted to stay overnight in a car on a public parking lot. It is therefore recommended to find a campground or any other accommodation where you can spend the night. In some regions, sleeping for one night in the car is tolerated. You can ask at the local police station for more information.

Winter camping

Many campgrounds also welcome you during the winter months. Campgrounds in the mountains are specially equipped for winter sports

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