Bivouacking on the Alpine Pass Route
A traveler plans to hike the Alpine Pass Route in July, intending to camp mostly at official campsites but also hopes to try some wild camping. They ask for advice about the rules surrounding wild camping and any personal experiences from others who have hiked this route.
- Wild camping is only allowed above the tree line, so it's important to follow the rules carefully.
- There are many official campsites and hostels in Switzerland, making wild camping unnecessary in lower terrain.
- Always keep a safe distance from huts and avoid conservation areas when wild camping.
AI-generated summary-
Hello!
I plan on solo-hiking the Alpine Pass Route in July 2016, sleeping in my tent, most nights. Whenever possible, I will sleep at official campsites along the way, but I would also like to wild camp a couple of nights. I am aware that wild camping is forbidden in the Swiss Alps, but how strict is this rule? Is there anyone on this forum who has walked the same route and tried some wild camping along the way? If so, could you kindly share your experience with me?
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Hi hikerbiker, welcome to MySwissAlps,
Wild camping is allowed in some cases. The rules about it (and actually about anything else in Switzerland) are very strict, so I would recommend to obey them for multiple reasons. Additional information and links can be found on the below pages:
- https://www.myswissalps.com/campsites/wildcamping
- myswissalps.com/forum/topic/camping-above-the-tree-line-in-switzerland
- myswissalps.com/forum/topic/hiking-alpine-pass-route-starting-mid-june
Does this get you started?
Hi Arno!
Many thanks for your quick reply, as well as for the useful links. I hiked through the French Alps recently and am very much looking forward to experiencing the Swiss Alps, next. 🙂
If anyone has personal experience of wild camping in spots where it was allowed on this trail, that would be of great interest to me.
Also: I would be interested to hear if anyone has ever asked a farmer for the use of a patch of field (offering some payment, of course, in return), in the absence of an official campsite?
Hello hikerbiker,
Wild camping is only allowed above the tree line, with the exception of conservation areas. As far as I know camping in farm land is prohibited, even if the farmer would allow it. There are plenty of camping sites and hostels in Switzerland, so with a bit of preparation there’s no need for wild camping when you’re in lower terrain. As said, one can wild camp in the high mountains if one follows the rules (not close to huts, not in conservation areas, don’t dump waste, etc.).
There are some interesting links under “More on other websites” on the first page Arno mentioned. I attached a brochure from one of those sites.
I hope this helps!
Hi Annika,
Thanks for your input and for the brochure. 🙂
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