Wild camping is not prohibited by law in Switzerland. However, the exact regulations for spending the night in a tent or camper outside a campsite are regulated by canton. Camping in national parks or nature reserves is prohibited everywhere. The cantons of Aargau and Obwalden allow temporary wild camping.
The basis for wild camping is the Everyman's Right of Access. This allows you to spend one or two nights outside nature reserves, while signs point out possible exceptions. The use of a motorhome or campervan is not prohibited by law.
Wild Camping is a different matter, and is forbidden in Switzerland. You will be asked to move on and/ or fined by the Police if you look like you are camping with your van.
In Switzerland, wild camping is allowed above the tree line in the mountains, on alpine pastures, and in rocky terrain, This is why overnight backpacking when hiking (means you have your backpack ready with your camping gear, just in case) is a common way to find camping spots.
Each municipality has its own rules, so pay careful attention to signage. Some car parks allow for overnight rest only — which means that you should not set up camp by using your outside table and chairs and should move on the very next day. Your campervan or motorhome must be parked in a designated spot.
Wild camping is generally tolerated in Switzerland above the treeline, with some restrictions. Wild camping is definitely not allowed in protected areas nature preserves, game rest zones, hunting grounds or Swiss National Park. Check the signs posted at the entrance to the nature area.
In Switzerland, wild camping is strictly banned in national parks, reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries–pitching up and lighting fires in these areas can result in a fine of up to €10,000.
The cantons to allow individual wild camping in the mountains are Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Country, Basel-City, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubünden, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Ticino, Uri, Vaud, Valais, Zurich, and Zug.
How expensive is camping in Switzerland? An overnight stay at a campsite in Switzerland costs on average €38.32. Prices vary depending on the season and the facilities and location of the campsite.
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.
Wild camping is technically not legal in Switzerland.
You can't just park your motorhome and spend the night on any beautiful spot along the road in Switzerland. You are only allowed to do so at designated campsites.
Today, at least one brown bear is seen in Switzerland every year. Mostly in the southern cantons of Tessin and Grisons. As you would expect, being in the wild, mountainous Northern Italy border region. And, there is also the protected and very wild area in Eastern Switzerland where the Swiss National Park is located.
The longer you stay at a pitch, the more likely you are to be caught by someone. So don't try to stay in one place too long. Environmental pollution is one of the reasons wild camping is forbidden in Germany.
Camping out in the wild
It is not permitted to spend the night in motorhomes outside of official campsites (i.e. on public parking lots, lakeshores, forest and woodland paths or other areas) in the Interlaken holiday region.
Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Sweden. To protect nature and the environment, however, some points should be considered. The freedom to stay and camp anywhere in nature is based on the Everyman's Right (Swedish Allemansrätten).
However the good news is that wild camping is well tolerated in the French Alps – but only if campers follow a set of general principles: Wild campers are expected to stay in the same place for one night only, and to camp in a rural place.
Switzerland trip costs roundup
If you want to keep your expenses under control, be prepared to spend something between Sfr 200 to Sfr 250 per person per day. For budget travelers, the average daily cost to travel in Switzerland is 80-100 Swiss Francs.
Strong Currency
Switzerland's currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF), is one of the strongest and most stable currencies in the world. This makes Switzerland expensive to visit as a strong currency means things cost more money essentially.
Switzerland is naturally predestined for Wilderness. It is home to many of the highest and least accessible mountains in Europe.
The Vagrancy Act officially made it an offence to sleep rough regardless of a person's reasoning behind doing so. This decree of parliament not only had devastating ramifications for the homeless but also hindered those wishing to sleep in the open such as during camping.
Is wild camping allowed in France? No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is not officially allowed in France. In some regions, however, camping and bivouacking on roads, parking lots and private properties is permitted with the permission of the local authorities.
The punishment for wild camping in the uk is to simply be asked to move. That is generally as far as the situation goes. It is extremely rare for the situation to escalate above this unless there is a repeated offence or other issues are at play. In a worst-case scenario, you may be dealt a fine.
Wild camping in Italy
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy with fines ranging from 100-500€.
Wild camping and free standing are not allowed in Croatia. You should absolutely follow this rule, not just because you could face a steep fine but because in many border areas there is still a danger of mines.