Explore Switzerland
Switzerland is properly memorable motorhome country. Alpine passes, mirror-flat lakes, and a country that runs like clockwork. It is also the most expensive destination in Europe by some margin, and it has its own rules on everything from vignettes to Sunday shopping. Here is the practical stuff worth getting straight before you cross the border.
Last verified: 3 April 2026
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Driving rules
Swiss speed cameras are everywhere and the fines are steep. Even 1 km/h over the limit in a built-up area will cost you. At 25 km/h over, you are looking at a court appearance. Stick to the limits and mean it.
Driving tips
- Roads outside towns are often narrow and winding. Conditions can change fast in wet weather or snow, so slow down early and give yourself plenty of room.
- Orange emergency phones are dotted along Swiss motorways. Use them if you need help after a breakdown or accident.
- In Ticino and St Gallen, it is illegal to cover your face in public, including with balaclavas or full veils.
- Observe bans on open fires; causing a forest fire is illegal and carries fines up to 20,000 Swiss francs.
- Always check weather and avalanche risks before traveling to mountainous areas.
Required kit
Vehicles over 3,500 kg
Towing a caravan
Alpine winters make Swiss driving genuinely demanding. Make sure you've got winter tyres on and a set of snow chains in the locker before you head into the passes.
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
You need a vignette for any Swiss motorway, full stop. Buy it online before you set off and you'll skip the queue at the border.
Vignette
The e-vignette is linked to your number plate from 2023. You can also buy a physical sticker at the border, petrol stations, or post offices. Either way, do not drive on a Swiss motorway without one, the fine is CHF 200 plus the cost of the vignette.
Low emission zones
Switzerland has no low emission zones for motorhomes.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
Closed Sundays, no exceptions other than train station shops and petrol stations. Do your big shop on Saturday or you'll be eating crisps. Some areas do a Thursday late opening to 21:00 if you need to dodge the weekend rush.
Alcohol
Expect to pay roughly double what you would in France or Germany for everything. Seriously, stock up before you cross the border. And Migros (the biggest chain) does not sell any alcohol. Head to Coop or Denner instead.
Local tips
- Migros does not sell alcohol, go to Coop or Denner instead.
- Everything is roughly double the price of France or Germany, stock up before crossing the border.
- Manor Food halls in department stores have excellent (if expensive) prepared food.
Motorhome LPG and Gas in Switzerland
Switzerland uses a mix of Dish and ACME fittings depending on the region, so carry both adapters. Autogas is limited and mostly found along the main motorway corridors; coverage in Alpine valleys is thin.
LPG vehicles are banned from some Swiss road tunnels, including certain stretches of the Gotthard network. Check signage carefully and plan alternative routes where necessary.
UK Calor bottles cannot be exchanged in Europe. Carry a 3-piece adapter kit or install a refillable system before you travel. Read our complete guide to motorhome gas and LPG in Europe.
Motorhome Electric Hook-ups in Switzerland
Swiss campsites typically provide 10A to 16A hook-ups, so the infrastructure is much better than Southern Europe. A domestic kettle will generally work, though running heating and kettle simultaneously can still trip a 10A bollard.
Electricity is metered on most Swiss campsites: the pitch fee does not include power, and you pay for the kWh you use at the end of the stay. Budget for this separately, especially if you plan to run electric heating in winter.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- UK photocard driving licence
- Passport (issued <10 years ago, 3 months validity remaining)
- Log book (V5C)
- Insurance certificate
- UK sticker
- Vignette (sticker for motorways)
Rental / hire vehicle
- UK photocard driving licence
- Passport
- VE103 certificate (if hiring/leasing in UK)
Travelling with dogs
Must be administered by a vet 24h-5d before scheduled UK arrival
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
No meat, milk, or dairy products can be taken from the UK into Switzerland.
Border and entry
Useful links
Common questions
Do I need a vignette for Switzerland and how much does it cost?
Yes. All vehicles under 3.5 tonnes using Swiss motorways must display a vignette. The 2026 e-vignette costs CHF 40 (roughly GBP 35) and is valid from December 2025 to January 2027. You can buy one online in advance or at the border. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes pay the Heavy Vehicle Fee (PSVA) instead, minimum CHF 25 per day.
Can I drive a large motorhome on Swiss alpine passes?
Most major passes are fine for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, though some narrow passes have vehicle dimension restrictions. Check individual pass status at the Swiss road conditions website before setting off; several close seasonally and some require snow chains.
Are Swiss supermarkets open on Sundays?
Almost all Swiss supermarkets are closed on Sundays. The exceptions are shops in train stations and petrol stations. Stock up on Saturday. Also note that Migros does not sell alcohol, so head to Coop or Denner instead.
Can I take my dog to Switzerland in a motorhome?
Yes. Same EU entry rules apply: microchip, rabies vaccination 21+ days before travel, AHC within 10 days. Switzerland has breed-specific restrictions, so check before travelling with bull terrier types or mastiffs. For the UK return, tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 5 days before arrival.