Winter Camping Switzerland – Switzerland is a paradise for many tourists from all over the world. The popular travel destination is recommended not only in summer, but especially in winter.
The best way to travel is with a roof tent or tent trailer, giving you the flexibility to explore the various regions around Grindelwald, Ticino, Davos and Valais. In Valais you will find the highest mountains in Switzerland, which are ideal for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as exploration tours, while guaranteeing a picturesque panorama. Here are our tips for winter camping, popular regions and essential accessories.
Camping Guide
Grindelwald, Ticino, Davos or Valais? Tips in Winter
A winter holiday in Switzerland is highly recommended. Even though camping is often preferred in summer, winter camping also has its appeal here.
Illuminated and decorated streets in the winter wonderland charm and numerous opportunities for winter sports are just some of the advantages of coming here even in cold temperatures. During the day you can explore the area by hiking, while in the evening a comfortable and, above all, warm place to sleep awaits you in the roof tent. 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 place to sleep 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 holiday 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 gateway 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. Sledding and tobogganing are recommended for children, for example, and there are also some idyllic hiking trails with picturesque panoramas for winter hikes. Numerous ice sports are also offered in Grindelwald. After an eventful day, après-ski awaits you, if you like.
Also recommended is a trip on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch. The journey alone is a highlight, but once you reach the top, you will find the highest railway station in Europe.
Our winter tips in Grindelwald:
- Winter sports, e.g. skiing, tobogganing, winter hikes or ice sports
- Ride on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch
This is where Grindelwald is located:
Ticino: wellness and restaurants with Italian charm
Ticino is a small region in the south of Switzerland. The Italian-speaking area is characterised by picturesque lakes surrounded by palm trees and mighty peaks. The streets and buildings are all characterised by historic Italian charm, guaranteeing a very special flair.
But Ticino is not only recommended in summer. Even in winter with snow and cold, the quaint town is worth a visit. You can stroll along the winterly decorated streets, take advantage of one of the wellness offers, explore the architectural sights or try the culinary specialities of the Italian restaurants.
Our winter tips in Ticino:
- Wellness and spa in the evening
- Taste the culinary specialties of Italian restaurants
Here you can find Ticino:
Davos: Skiing on idyllic slopes at sunrise
The city 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 enjoy skiing, 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 train, which runs from Davos to the Matterhorn, is also highly recommended.
A very special tip in winter is skiing or snowboarding on the slopes directly in the early morning at sunrise. You can enjoy a picturesque view and at the same time comfortably ski along the empty, fresh slopes.
Our winter tips in Davos:
- Skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, especially at sunrise
- Glacier Express panoramic train from Davos to the Matterhorn
This is where Davos is located:
Valais: natural panorama with the highest mountains in Switzerland
Valais is a well-known ski resort and alpine region in southern Switzerland.
In the region are 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 holiday. You can hike and walk wonderfully on one of the idyllic routes, but also ski or take a mountain railway to the top of the Matterhorn.
A holiday in Valais is absolutely recommended for passionate mountaineers as well as nature lovers and families – if only because of the picturesque scenery, but also the many winter sports offers 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
This is where Valais is on the map:
But what are actually the highest mountains in Switzerland?
The highest mountains in Switzerland: Matterhorn to Dufourspitze
Would you like to learn more about the mightiest mountains in Switzerland?
Especially in Valais you can find some of the highest mountains. Here there are numerous different hiking routes, which are suitable for beginners as well as experienced mountaineers. Read here everything about the top 5 of the highest mountains in Switzerland – from the Matterhorn with a height of 4,478 m over the Lyskamm with 4,527 m to the Dufourspitze with 4,634 m:
Whether in Grindelwald, Davos or Valais – what should I definitely pack for winter camping on holiday?
Accessories: clothing, gas heating & other equipment
So that you can optimally enjoy your holiday in Switzerland even in cold temperatures, wind and rain, you should get some winter-proof things in advance. These definitely include suitable clothing, winter-proof shoes and heating accessories for the campsite.
Weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear
Whether it’s a short trip or a longer holiday – the most important thing is the right clothing to be prepared for all temperatures and weather conditions.
This definitely includes sturdy, water-repellent shoes, a rain jacket and an outdoor jacket, jumper and winter trousers. But thermal underwear, gloves, hat and scarf are definitely a good idea. This means you are not only protected for the night, but also optimally protected for any kind of excursion.
You should pack these clothes 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 tours, is a heater for on the go. You can set this up, for example, at the campsite in your awning or annexroom, so that the entire living area is filled with a pleasant warmth.
Of course, there is a selection of different heaters, which are suitable for you depending on the itinerary, duration, means of transport and region. For a holiday with a roof tent, a gas heater is particularly recommended. This is the optimal solution to enjoy the advantages of camping in nature even in winter. Read here everything you need to know about this variant of heat without electricity:
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, a heating blanket is a must-have in winter. Whether in the car while driving, in the evening on the mattress or at the campsite in the camping lounger – with a heating blanket you can always snuggle up when you are cold, so that you can get the best out of your time in nature.
Also practical when camping in the cold is a seat heater. Especially if you are travelling with your own car and a roof tent on top, you should definitely get a seat heater. This adapts optimally and individually to your seat and warms your bottom and back comfortably on the way to the next destination. It is also great as a seat cushion for camping chairs, so you can end your evening at the campsite without any worries even in cold temperatures.
Read more about heating blankets or 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 holiday, but also Germany, Holland and Austria are recommended in cold temperatures. Here you can learn more about the respective top regions, as well as further tips for camping in winter.
Experience Germany: Camping at home
Of course, it doesn’t necessarily have to be too far away for a holiday in winter. There are also some beautiful regions in Germany that are ideal for winter camping.
Whether in NRW, in the Allgäu, Bavaria, the North Sea or the Baltic Sea – during the day you can explore the fairytale areas, discover the highest mountains in Germany and enjoy the winterly charm and then make yourself comfortable in the evening with your loved one at the nearest campsite. The pre-Christmas period is particularly recommended, as the winterly feeling is most beautiful at this time. Read more about a winter holiday in Germany here:
With the family in Holland: Winter by the sea
A holiday in winter is also particularly recommended in Holland. Even though most people prefer a holiday by the sea in summer, it is also worth it 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. In addition, the regions radiate so much winterly charm and are ideal for a bike tour or a long walk. Afterwards, you can warm up in one of the nice cafés. Whether Zeeland, Renesse, Noord or Amsterdam – while you can explore the fairytale areas during the day, a cosy place to sleep awaits you in the evening at the nearest campsite. Read more here:
Discover Austria: ski resorts and wellness
Austria is a paradise for winter sports. Therefore, a holiday in winter and in cold temperatures is particularly recommended here.
But also because of the many unspoilt hiking trails on the highest mountains in Austria, wellness offers, winterly decorated cities and Top of the Mountain concerts, a trip here is absolutely worthwhile. With a roof tent or tent trailer, you can organise your day as you wish and have a comfortable, warm place to sleep ready on a centrally located campsite in the evening. You can enjoy the idyllic flair until the evening hours without having to freeze. Read more here:
Have you only camped in summer or in very warm regions so far? Then here are our beginner tips for winter camping:
Winter camping: 12 tips for beginners
Although winter camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old and definitely convinces with picturesque landscapes, it can get quite cold even in the roof tent or tent trailer. So that this cold doesn’t spoil your time in nature and you can enjoy and make the most of your holiday, you should prepare yourself optimally in advance. Here are our 12 tips for winter camping beginners so that you can do this without any problems:
