How to drive your van, caravan or mobile home in Switzerland

Must-knows about driving with a caravan or camper

Driving on Swiss mountain roads with a caravan or in a large motorhome requires excellent driving skills and sharp focus.

Some narrow pass roads aren’t accessible with large vehicles.

You’re not allowed to park your camper and spend the night in any location you like. There are designated camper sites.

On top of the general Swiss traffic rules, additional restrictions and requirements apply to larger vehicles.

All motorhomes, caravans and trailers need a Swiss motorway vignette.

How to drive on mountain roads

Driving in the Swiss Alps requires special skills and sharp focus. When pulling a caravan, or driving in a large motorhome, things don’t get easier:

With a caravan, your car engine will have to work harder during ascents.
You’ll have a long braking distance with a heavy vehicle, especially during descents. Adjust your speed and keep a safe distance from road users in front of you.
In narrow curves, your caravan or motorhome may take up the full road, including parts of the driving line for oncoming traffic. Drive carefully and stop if necessary, allowing you and other drivers to safely pass each other.
Even though heavier vehicles have way of right on mountain roads, take other road users into account and be patient. If you approach, drivers of smaller vehicles may need some time to stop or drive back.
Most mountain passes are accessible for larger vehicles, but only drive them if you’re skilled enough. Find an alternative route over regular motorways or highways in case of doubt.
On some pass roads, such as the Oberalp Pass, driving with a caravan or motorhome is advised against.
Make sure you know the Swiss traffic rules and the expected behavior on mountain roads.
It may help to use special camper navigation software.

All cars, motorcycles, caravans, campers and trailers using the Swiss motorways require a vignette. Learn all about it here.

The main Swiss rules and restrictions for heavy vehicles are:

Vehicles up to 3,5 tonnes have to stick to speed limits of 80 km/h outside of built-up areas, 100 km/h on highways and 120 km/h on motorways. Vehicles over 3,5 tonnes may never exceed 100 km/h.
A category B driver’s license is sufficient for vehicles up to 3,5 tonnes and for trailers/caravans of up to 750 kg. For heavier vehicles and trailers, a category C1 or D license is required.
A heavy vehicle fee applies to transport with a total weight of over 3,5 tonnes.
Swiss car trains have limitations for the size of motorhomes and caravans they can transport. Check restrictions in advance.

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