Switzerland Road Trip from UK Itinerary
Oct 2, 2024
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Itinerary for the Best Switzerland Road Trip in a Campervan/Motorhome
Discover Switzerland: The Ultimate Campervan Adventure
Switzerland: a land of jaw-dropping mountain vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine villages. It’s a must-see destination for adventurers, romantics, and anyone who’s ever had the urge to twirl around singing "The hills are alive with the sound of music!" (No judgement here, we’ve all done it.)
But let’s be real—Switzerland can be pretty pricey. Fancy hotels, restaurant meals, and even a humble Swiss chocolate bar can add up faster than you can say "Gruyère". That’s where the campervan swoops in to save the day. With your own home on wheels, you’ll enjoy a Swiss adventure that’s not only cheaper but also gives you the freedom to explore on your terms. Plus, you can cook in the campervan (fondue, anyone?) and stay cosy with the van’s built-in heating—perfect for those winter months!
So, buckle up and let’s dive into a week-long Switzerland road trip itinerary, where we’ll hit up Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Brig, and Lugano—plus some scenic off-grid stays for the more adventurous travellers.
Camping in Switzerland will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and escape the bustle of daily life and technology. And to reduce stress levels further, here is our Switzerland self drive itinerary, so all you have to do is organise your campervan hire and begin!
Be sure to plan enough time in for your trip, as you may wish to stay longer in certain places. This is one of the top perks of campervan/motorhome travel, the flexibility it provides. Feel free to adjust the below itinerary to your needs and remember to always park in a secure location when not staying in campsites!
Day 1: Wellingborough to Folkestone
Your journey begins bright and early in Wellingborough. Start your campervan adventure by heading south towards Folkestone to catch the Channel Tunnel. After a scenic drive through the English countryside (don’t worry, it’s just the warm-up), you’ll board the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle at Folkestone and cross under the English Channel in just 35 minutes.
Did you know we have partnered with The Caravan and Motorhome Club? You will get discounted ferry crossings and stays at campsites. Just request the temporary membership by following the link in your booking confirmation email!
Once you arrive in Calais, you can take it easy for the night or drive further towards Zurich. You can stop at a campsite on the way. Stay at a peaceful stop near Calais or further down where you can rest up before the longer drive tomorrow. Enjoy your first night cooking in your campervan and prepping for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Calais to Zurich
Time to buckle up for a scenic drive from Calais to Zurich. As you cruise through France and into Switzerland, you’ll be treated to picturesque landscapes and maybe a few detours for coffee and croissants (hey, you’re on holiday). By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Zurich, where modern Swiss efficiency meets medieval charm.
No trip to Switzerland is complete without visiting this famous city. While we’ve scheduled just one day for Zurich, you might find yourself wanting to spend 2-3 days here to fully take in everything it has to offer.
Zurich has an abundance of attractions, and we’ve listed a few of our favourites below. You can drive your campervan/motorhome into the city.
Make sure to familiarise yourself with the Swiss toll road system to avoid any unexpected fees, and don't forget to purchase a vignette (a road tax sticker) before hitting the road!
Things to do in Zurich:
Lake Zurich: Take a stroll along the Lake Zurich Promenade, where you can enjoy the striking architecture and lively atmosphere. Alternatively, hop on a boat tour of the lake or venture along the Limmat River, which winds through the city. It’s a refreshing way to see Zurich from the water!
Kunsthaus Zurich: No sophisticated city like Zurich would be complete without an art museum, and Kunsthaus Zurich is one of the best. Here, you’ll find an extensive collection of artwork by renowned Swiss artists, as well as masterpieces by international greats like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso. The museum also features interactive exhibits, offering a unique cultural experience.
Historic Churches: If you’re keen on history and architecture, Zurich's churches are a must-see. Visit the Romanesque Grossmünster, or explore the ancient St. Peter Church, which dates back to the 8th century. Each church has its own fascinating story and architectural style.
Bahnhofstrasse: Need to pick up a few essentials for your Swiss road trip? Maybe a cosy jumper for those cool camping nights? Head to Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s main shopping street, where you’ll find plenty of stores to browse.
Day Trip to Uetliberg: If you’re staying in Zurich for more than a day, consider taking a trip to Uetliberg Mountain. With a Swiss Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass, you can take a train or cable car to the summit, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Zurich and even the distant Alps. Feeling adventurous? You can hike to the top and reward yourself with a meal at the mountaintop restaurant!
Campsite Stop: Camping Fischers Fritz
Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, this lovely campsite is the perfect spot to relax. After a long drive, fire up your campervan’s kitchen for a quick meal and enjoy the lake views. You've earned it!
Day 4/5: Zurich to Interlaken
After your stay in Zurich, it's a short and easy drive to Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most picturesque towns. With its iconic Chapel Bridge, stunning lake, and historic buildings, you’ll be feeling all the alpine vibes.
Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, or if you're feeling brave, venture up Mount Pilatus for some jaw-dropping views.
Then head to Interlaken.
Lucerne to Interlaken
Interlaken—the name says it all! Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this charming town is known for its adventure sports and dramatic scenery. Whether you’re paragliding over the mountains or taking a leisurely boat ride across the lake, Interlaken offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to admire the towering Jungfrau mountain!
Things to do in Interlaken:
Head to the top of Harder Kulm for a view of Interlaken!
Hop on the Jungfraujoch Railway, the highest railway station in Europe, for breathtaking views of the Alps.
For something a little more mystical, explore the St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun, where legend says a dragon was driven out by the Irish monk Beatus.
For a quieter experience, take a trip to Unterseen, a charming medieval town that’s just outside Interlaken. Less touristy and full of history, it’s a great spot to explore.
Campsite Stop: Camping Alpenblick
Park your campervan at this beautiful campsite right on the shores of Lake Thun. With excellent facilities and easy access to Interlaken, it's a great spot for cooking a meal in the van and staying warm with the heating system after a day of excitement.
Day 6/7: Interlaken to Zermatt
No Swiss road trip is complete without a visit to Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn. While you can’t drive directly into Zermatt (it’s a car-free village), park your campervan in Täsch at the campsite and take the scenic train ride into town. Whether you’re skiing or hiking, Zermatt is a winter wonderland in any season.
Campsite Stop: Camping Alphubel, Täsch
Park the campervan here, just 5 minutes from the Zermatt train, and enjoy a restful night after exploring one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain villages.
Day 7/8: Zermatt to Calais
Sadly, it’s time to start heading home. Begin your journey back to Calais, passing by the majestic mountains and serene lakes that have been your companions throughout the trip. Don’t worry, though—there’s one last scenic drive through Switzerland to remind you of the magic you’ve experienced.
After crossing the Channel Tunnel back into the UK, you’ll make the final leg of your journey from Calais to Wellingborough. As you return to Trekker Voyages, take a moment to reflect on all the incredible sights, sounds, and—let’s be real—cheeses you experienced along the way.
Why Travel to Switzerland in a Campervan?
Switzerland is breath-taking, but let’s face it—it’s also pricey! By travelling in a campervan, you’ve got your accommodation, transport, and meals all in one. Not only is it much cheaper, but it also gives you the freedom to travel off the beaten path. You can cook in the campervan (fondue on the go!), park off-grid when you want to get away from the crowds, and stay cosy with built-in heating during the winter months. The Trekker X also is an all-in-one campervan with a built in shower and toilet!
Ready to explore Switzerland in style? Book your campervan now with Trekker Voyages, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime—complete with alpine views, city charm, and a campervan that makes everything easier.
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