Travel advice

How does the saying go? Good preparation is half the battle. Are you planning a camping trip to the Interlaken holiday region with your caravan, motorhome or tent? Here are our recommendations and tips:

Planing your campingtrip

How to get here

The campsites around Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are easily accessible all year round via the public transport network. Before setting off, find out about the route and the general road conditions. If you are planning to travel over a mountain pass, check whether it is already open or still closed (see alpen-paesse.ch).

Please note the seasonal opening hours of the campsite. Even sites that are ‘open all year round’ sometimes close for a few weeks or months during the holidays.

Arrival: Reception opening hours / check-in

Please note the reception opening hours when you arrive. Especially in the off-season, the reception may not be staffed at all times. To avoid unnecessary waiting times or problems, you should plan your arrival within the specified times (because your hosts also need a break). If you plan to arrive earlier or later, we recommend that you discuss this with your hosts in advance. Also, keep in mind that it gets dark early in the winter months, which can make it much more difficult to set up your pitch.

For check-in, you will need a valid official ID document such as an identity card or passport. A driving licence is not sufficient.

Cash

Even though card payments are widely accepted today, it is advisable to always carry some cash in Swiss francs – especially coins – with you. Some campsites require small change for washing machines, showers or hot water. In addition, small farm shops and direct sellers may not accept card payments.

CAMPING CARD BERNER OBERLAND

Upon arrival, you will receive a free CAMPING CARD BERNER OBERLAND from your host, which entitles you to discounts at many participating partners throughout the entire Bernese Oberland. This is particularly useful if you do not have a Swiss Half-Fare Card or General Abonnement. So check in at your campsite first, then explore the surrounding area on foot, by bike or by public transport. Please also note that many excursion destinations do not have parking facilities for motorhomes.

Motorway tolls / vignette

For vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, you need a vignette to use motorways and national roads in Switzerland. This is valid for 14 months (from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year). All motor vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes are subject to this charge. Therefore, make sure that you also purchase a vignette for your trailer/caravan.

• Information on the vignette
• Information on the e-vignette

Vehicles with a maximum authorised weight of over 3.5 tonnes are subject to the so-called performance-related heavy vehicle tax (LSVA) in Switzerland. Detailed information about the tax and an example of how it is calculated can be found on the official website of the Federal Customs and Border Security Office: www.bazg.admin.ch

Wild camping or free camping? Sorry, not with us.

Spending the night in your vehicle outside of official campsites or caravaning areas is not permitted in the Interlaken holiday region. Please adhere to this rule, as violations will result in further restrictions and fines.

Camping with dogs

Dogs (and cats) are welcome at almost all campsites. Please check before you leave which pets are allowed and how many. Be sure to mention this when you make your reservation, as dogs are not always free of charge. Also check that you have all the necessary vaccinations and documents for entry (and in some cases also for exit). You can find these on the website of the

Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.

Further information on camping holidays with dogs and a packing list can be found here.

Keep an eye on roaming charges

Depending on your mobile phone provider and tariff, significant roaming charges may apply when entering Switzerland. To help you stay connected without breaking your budget, we have a few tips for you:

• Use an eSIM: Modern smartphones often support eSIMs. Providers such as Airalo and Holafly offer digital SIM cards with attractive data tariffs, without the need to physically swap cards.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card locally: Immediately after arrival, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from a Swiss mobile phone provider – ideal for inexpensive phone calls and mobile internet.
• Use Wi-Fi connections: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi in cafés, restaurants or at our campsites to save data volume.
• Check your provider's roaming options: Many mobile phone providers offer special roaming packages for Switzerland – usually significantly cheaper than standard tariffs.
• Mobile Wi-Fi router as an alternative: Rent or buy a portable Wi-Fi router with a Swiss data plan. This allows you to surf the internet at low cost – and several devices can go online at the same time.

What to pack

Around Interlaken, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the weather can vary greatly depending on the season and altitude. Even on hot summer days with temperatures above 30°C, it often cools down considerably at night – especially at higher altitudes. If you are going camping, you should therefore pack warm clothing and an extra warm blanket, even in summer.
Our tip: Dress in layers like an onion so you can adapt to changing conditions at any time. Perhaps our packing list will help you prepare for your trip?

Winter camping

In the Interlaken holiday region, you can also go camping in winter. The campsites are easily accessible by public transport, but it is essential that your vehicle is well prepared for winter road conditions. Especially in the ski areas, temperatures can easily drop well below zero at night, so you should definitely be equipped with winter tyres and snow chains if necessary. With the right equipment and careful planning, your winter camping adventure will be an unforgettable experience.