Winter camping in Switzerland: Top destinations from Ticino, Davos to Valais – Mountains & Snow

Winter camping in Switzerland – Switzerland is a paradise for many tourists from all over the world.
This popular destination is not only recommended in summer, but especially in winter.
The best way to travel here is with a roof tent or tent trailer, giving you the flexibility to explore the various regions around Grindelwald, Ticino, Davos and Valais.
Valais is home to the highest mountains in Switzerland, which are ideal for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding as well as exploring, while also guaranteeing a picturesque panorama.
Here are our tips for winter camping, popular regions and essential equipment.

Grindelwald, Ticino, Davos or Valais?
Winter tips

A winter vacation in Switzerland is highly recommended.
Even though camping is often preferred in summer, winter camping also has its charm here.
Illuminated and decorated streets in winter wonderland charm and numerous opportunities for winter sports are just some of the advantages why you should come here even in cold temperatures.
During the day, you can explore the area while hiking, while a comfortable and, above all, warm place to sleep in the roof tent awaits you in the evening.
This not only offers space for up to 5 people, but also allows you to enjoy the closeness to nature and the feeling of complete freedom until late in the evening.
These are the advantages of winter camping in Switzerland:

• Natural panorama with the highest mountains in the region
• Illuminated streets in winter wonderland charm
• Numerous opportunities for winter sports
• Skiing and snowboarding in the Alps
• Mountain railroads to the highest peaks
• Beautiful nature and areas covered in snow
• Comfortable, warm sleeping area in the roof tent
• Cozy atmosphere at the campsite in the evening

Whether alone, as a couple or with the family – these are our top 4 destinations for a winter vacation in Switzerland:

Grindelwald: Winter sports and a ride on the Jungfrau Railway

The small village of Grindelwald is located in the Bernese Alps.
It is considered the entrance to the Jungfrau region, which is ideal for winter sports.
If you are in Grindelwald in winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding as well as other activities.
Sledging and tobogganing are recommended with children, for example, and there are also some idyllic hiking trails with picturesque panoramic views for winter hikes.
There are also numerous ice sports on offer in Grindelwald.
Après ski awaits you after an eventful day if you wish.
We also recommend a trip on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch.
The journey alone is a highlight, but once you reach the top, the highest train station in Europe awaits you.
Our winter tips in Grindelwald:

• Winter sports, e.g. skiing, tobogganing, winter hikes or ice sports
• Ride on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch

Grindelwald is located here:

Ticino: wellness and restaurants with Italian charm

Ticino is a small region in the south of Switzerland.
The Italian-speaking region is characterized by picturesque lakes surrounded by palm trees and mighty peaks.
The streets and buildings are all characterized by historic Italian charm, guaranteeing a very special flair.
But Ticino is not only recommended in summer.
The quaint town is also worth a visit in winter when it is snowy and cold.
You can stroll along the winter-decorated streets, take advantage of one of the wellness offers, explore the architectural sights or sample the culinary specialties of the Italian restaurants.
Our winter tips in Ticino:

• Wellness and spa in the evening
• Taste the culinary specialties of Italian restaurants

Here you will find Ticino:

Davos: Skiing on idyllic slopes at sunrise

The town of Davos is located in the Swiss Alps and is a popular ski resort that is visited by numerous tourists from all over the world every year.
Here you can not only ski perfectly, but also take a taster course in cross-country skiing, for example.
Winter sports beginners are also more than welcome in Davos.
Numerous ski schools offer beginners the opportunity to learn to ski in just a few days.
The Glacier Express panoramic cable car, which runs from Davos to the Matterhorn, is also highly recommended.

A very special tip in winter is skiing or snowboarding on the slopes early in the morning at sunrise.
You can enjoy a picturesque view and at the same time ski comfortably along the deserted, still fresh slope.

Our winter tips in Davos:

• Skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, especially at sunrise
• Glacier Express panoramic train from Davos to the Matterhorn

Davos is located here:

Valais: natural panorama with the highest mountains in Switzerland

Valais is a well-known ski resort and Alpine region in the south of Switzerland.
The region is home to the highest mountains in Switzerland, such as the Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze.
You are therefore guaranteed an amazing natural panorama with the mightiest peaks, especially on a camping vacation.
You can go hiking and walking on one of the idyllic routes, but you can also go skiing or take a cable car up to the summit of the Matterhorn.
A vacation in Valais is highly recommended for passionate mountaineers as well as nature lovers and families – not only because of the picturesque scenery, but also the many winter sports activities and natural highlights.
Our winter tips in Valais:

• Exploring the highest mountains in Switzerland
• Hiking on idyllic paths with a panoramic view of the Alps

Valais is on the map here:

But what are the highest mountains in Switzerland?

The highest mountains in Switzerland: Matterhorn to Dufourspitze

Would you like to find out more about the mightiest mountains in Switzerland?
Valais in particular is home to some of the highest mountains.
There are numerous different hiking routes here that are suitable for both beginners and experienced mountaineers.
Read all about the top 5 highest mountains in Switzerland here – from the Matterhorn at 4,478 m to the Lyskamm at 4,527 m and the Dufourspitze at 4,634 m:

• The highest mountains in Switzerland

Whether in Grindelwald, Davos or Valais – what should I definitely pack for my winter camping vacation?

Accessories: clothing, gas heating & other equipment

So that you can enjoy your vacation in Switzerland to the fullest even in cold temperatures, wind and rain, you should make sure you have a few winter-proof items in advance.
This definitely includes suitable clothing, winter-proof footwear and heating accessories for the campsite.

Weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear

Whether it’s a short trip or a longer vacation, the most important thing is to have the right clothing to be prepared for all temperatures and weather conditions.
This definitely includes sturdy, water-repellent shoes, a rain jacket as well as an outdoor jacket, pullover and winter pants.
Thermal underwear, gloves, a hat and scarf are also essential.
This means you are not only protected for the night, but also optimally protected for all kinds of excursions.
You should pack this clothing in winter:

• Waterproof footwear
• Winter jacket (hardshell jacket)
• Rain jacket
• Winter pants
• Winter sweater
• Thermal underwear
• Gloves

With the right clothing, even ice and snow can’t harm you!

Gas heating: heat on the campsite – without electricity

What is also super helpful, especially on longer trips, is a heater for on the go.
You can set this up in your awning or trailer tent at the campsite, for example, so that the entire living area is filled with a pleasant warmth.
Of course, there is a selection of different heaters that are suitable for you depending on the route, duration, means of transportation and region.
A gas heater is particularly recommended for a vacation with a roof tent.
This is the ideal solution for enjoying the benefits of camping in the great outdoors even in winter.
Read everything you need to know about this type of heating without electricity here:

• Gas heating

The advantages of gas heating

• Outstanding heat output
• Flexible use
• Works with gas cartridge
• No electricity is necessary
• Takes up hardly any space
• Easy to store and transport

Electric blanket and seat heater: advantages on a camping vacation

Above all, an electric blanket is a must-have in winter.
Whether in the car while driving, on the mattress in the evening or on the camping bed at the campsite – with an electric blanket, you can always snuggle up when you’re cold so that you can make the most of your time in the great outdoors.
A seat heater is also practical when camping in the cold.
Especially if you are traveling with your own car and a roof tent on top, you should definitely get a seat heater.
It adapts optimally and individually to your seat and warms your buttocks and back comfortably on the way to your next destination.
It is also ideal as a seat cover for camping chairs, so you can enjoy your evening at the campsite in cold temperatures without any worries.
Read more about electric blankets and seat heaters here.

The advantages of an electric blanket and session

• Warmth for on the go and at the campsite
• Several hours of mobile heat thanks to integrated power bank
• Easy to operate
• Various heating elements
• For camping furniture at the campsite in the evening
• Water-repellent and washable

Winter camping in Holland, Germany and Austria

Not only Switzerland has beautiful regions that are ideal for a winter vacation, but Germany, Holland and Austria are also recommended for cold temperatures.
Here you can find out more about the top regions and other tips for camping in winter.

Experience Germany: Camping at home

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to go too far away for a winter vacation.
There are also some beautiful regions in Germany that are ideal for winter camping.
Whether in NRW, the Allgäu, Bavaria, the North Sea or the Baltic Sea – during the day you can explore the fairytale regions, discover the highest mountains in Germany and enjoy the winter charm and then make yourself comfortable with your loved one at the nearest campsite in the evening.
The pre-Christmas period in particular is highly recommended, as the wintry feeling is at its best at this time.
Read more about a winter vacation in Germany here:

• Winter camping Germany

With the family in Holland: Winter by the sea

A vacation in winter is particularly recommended in Holland.
Even though most people prefer a vacation by the sea in summer, it is also worthwhile in cold temperatures.
The beautiful, long sandy beaches are completely empty, so you can make the most of your time here and enjoy it in peace.
What’s more, the regions radiate winter charm and are perfect for a bike tour or a long walk.
Afterwards, you can warm up in one of the lovely cafés.
Whether Zeeland, Renesse, Noord or Amsterdam – while you can explore the fabulous areas during the day, a cozy place to sleep awaits you at the nearest campsite in the evening.
Read more here:

• Winter camping Holland

Discover Austria: ski resorts and wellness

Austria is a paradise for winter sports.
Therefore, a vacation here in winter and in cold temperatures is particularly recommended.
However, the many natural hiking trails on the highest mountains in Austria, wellness offers, winter-decorated towns and Top of the Mountain concerts also make a trip here absolutely worthwhile.
With a roof tent or tent trailer, you can plan your day as you wish and have a comfortable, warm place to sleep at a centrally located campsite ready and waiting for you in the evening.
You can enjoy the idyllic flair well into the evening hours without having to freeze.
Read more here:

• Winter camping Austria

Have you only been camping in summer or in very warm regions so far?
Then here are our beginner’s tips for winter camping:

Winter camping: 12 tips for beginners

Although winter camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old alike and definitely impresses with its picturesque landscapes, it can get pretty cold even in a roof tent or tent trailer.
To prevent this cold from ruining your time in the great outdoors and to make the most of your vacation, you should prepare yourself in advance.
Here are our 12 tips for winter camping beginners so that you can do this without any problems:

• Winter camping: 12 tips