Embark on the Ultimate Swiss Campervan Adventure Pt 1: Scenic Journeys and Hidden Gems Across Switzerland
Welcome to the quick version of our travel diary/guide to Switzerland; the full 96-page PDF version is also available for Free when you sign up to our very infrequent newsletter. In it we go into more detail about all the places we visited, the drives, and the campsites.
Hello there! We’re Marcus & Louise, and for several years now, we’ve been joyfully exploring the UK in our beloved campervans. It all started with Flossy, the cutest pink VW T2 van we hired, which truly introduced us to the magic of the campervan lifestyle. After Flossy, we embraced the adventures with Bellamy, our rusty/trusty 36-year-old VW T3, for five wonderful years. Now, we’re hitting the road with Amberly, our vibrant orange Ford Nugget. We absolutely love discovering new places and immersing ourselves in the great outdoors we’d love to share our adventures with you!
Planning
Our Switzerland trip was our first-ever European camper van adventure, and let me tell you, we were both excited and a little nervous! Our style is to park the van for a couple of nights in one spot and then explore the local area by foot, bike, or public transport. Of course, there’s always the chance we might just cozy up, pop open a bottle of Malbec, and dive into a good book for a couple of days instead of venturing out!
Before heading off, we dived into YouTube, travel blogs, and books to gather all the info we could. We jotted down places we wanted to see and scoped out nearby campsites, planning a somewhat loose route across this amazing country. We went ahead and booked five Swiss campsites and even figured out a few Aires for our journey through France. Plus, we were all set to sprinkle in some day trips to cool spots along the way as we moved from one campsite to another. We had a plan—or at least something like it!
Our adventure was set to kick off from Hampshire, UK, with a ride on Le Shuttle into France. We planned to spend the night at a French Aire as we made our way toward Switzerland. Our campsites were gems located in Interlaken, Lugano, Lauterbrunnen, La Fouly, and Lausanne. The routes we found were brimming with breathtaking scenery, mountain passes, and some of the most gorgeous campsites we’ve ever seen.
The Campsites
Our adventure was filled with delightful stays at various campsites, each with its own special charm and a unique taste of Switzerland. Imagine waking up to the beautiful shores of Lake Thunsee at Manor Farm, or enjoying the natural beauty at Camping Lugano Lake. We were awestruck by the breathtaking landscapes at Camping Jungfrau, and we found peace in the serene mountains at Camping des Glaciers. And who could forget the picturesque views of Lake Geneva at Camping de Vidy-Lausanne? Each spot was like a little slice of paradise!
Useful Apps
To make our adventure even more enjoyable, we used a bunch of handy apps! MeteoSwiss kept us updated with the latest weather news, while Outdooractive guided us with maps and hiking routes. Park4Night helped us find great spots for stopovers, and Alertswiss made sure we stayed informed about any severe weather or emergencies in Switzerland.
Maps & Locations
To help you plan any journeys, the full PDF version of this guide includes all of the notable locations and campsites in a handy Google Maps List and Craft.do document you can access online.
A ROAD TRIP FROM THE UK TO INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
Setting Off From Hampshire
As we set off from Hampshire in early June 2023, our destination, Interlaken Switzerland, was over 700 miles away. The plan for our first day was pretty straightforward: drive to Folkstone, board the Le Shuttle, and then drive as far as we felt comfortable from Calais thru France. Then, when we felt like it, we’d stop at one of the 3 or 4 Aires I had researched in advance, depending on how the drive progressed.
We arrived at Folkestone earlier than we had expected, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. We were offered an earlier train at no extra cost, how great is that? After a quick browse around the shops at the terminal and admiring the impressive +50 supercars headed to France with us, we whizzed through customs and onto the train for the 30-minute crossing in no time.
Choosing the French Motorway system with its handy toll roads was a great call. We could’ve skipped the tolls to save a bit, but we opted for convenience. We even ordered a ‘blip&go’ tag from emovis-tag.co.uk ahead of time to sail through the toll booths without a hitch. Soon, the picturesque French countryside was flying by, and we were delighted at how quickly we got used to driving on the right side of the road in our van for the very first time.
Getting into France a whole two hours earlier than we planned was an unexpected twist. We had scoped out a couple of Motorway Aire stopovers a few hours from Calais, but stopping at any of them meant pulling over earlier than we wanted. So, we decided to keep going and find a new Aire further along the motorway.
After a full day of driving, we finally stumbled upon an Aire to park up for the night. Finding one was a bit more challenging than we had anticipated, but we were super relieved to have campsites booked for the rest of our journey. It was quite the adventure, and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the trip had in store for us!
From France, Into Switzerland and Towards Interlaken
We kicked off our day bright and early at the Aire, feeling a bit toasty after a night without popping the roof, just in case we needed to hit the road quickly. But as it turned out, our worries were for nothing because the Aire was wonderfully clean and safe. With Interlaken just 4.5 hours and 230 miles away, we set off on our adventure, making a delightful pit stop at a French petrol station and finding a fantastic bakery to satisfy our cravings. The French roads welcomed us warmly once again, and before we knew it, we found ourselves at the Swiss border checkpoint. There, we picked up a 40CHF Vignette, giving us the freedom to roam all Swiss motorways and roads for the rest of 2023.
As soon as we crossed the border, the stunning Swiss mountains greeted us. They whisked us into tunnels that tunneled right through, giving us just enough time to take in the breathtaking views before they disappeared. We treated ourselves to a short break, soaking in the fresh air.
Our journey took us through Bern, where we encountered some traffic due to major road upgrades. But soon enough, we found ourselves driving along the picturesque shore of Lake Thun, edging closer to our highly anticipated campsite near Interlaken. The excitement was palpable as we realized we were just moments away from our first campsite adventure!
In just two days, we’ve journeyed through three amazing countries, taking in beautiful landscapes and soaking up diverse cultures, all to arrive at one of the most stunning places on earth: Interlaken, Switzerland.
This adventure has been all about embracing spontaneity, going with the flow, and trusting our instincts. It’s been such a joy to relish the open roads, watch the scenery shift, and feel the excitement of exploring new horizons. Arriving for our first night in Switzerland, it feels like the incredible experiences we’ve had so far are just the beginning of this amazing road trip. Here’s to many more unforgettable moments ahead! 🚗🌍✨
MANOR FARM CAMPING: AN AMBLING ADVENTURE IN SWITZERLAND
Manor Farm Camping is a delightful gem in the heart of Switzerland, right near the charming city of Interlaken and beautifully placed on the shore of Lake Thun. Our trip to this enchanting campsite was filled with anticipation and excitement, and it certainly lived up to our expectations! Let me share our little adventure with you, from our arrival at Manor Farm to our explorations around the area.
We got to Manor Farm, Interlaken at around 1 pm, our bags packed with delicious local wine and goodies from a nearby supermarket. Checking in was a fun little twist from what we’re used to. We wandered around the site to find the perfect pitch, then headed back to let the reception know our choice. Although the pitches were a bit cozier than expected, the stunning crystal-clear lake and the promise of adventure made it all worthwhile. We spent the afternoon happily exploring the campsite and strolling along the lake shore. The nearby Lido area was a big hit, with families enjoying the refreshing water. After two days on the road, we decided to kick back, relax, enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine, and soak up some sun.
Exploring Harder Kulm and Interlaken
Our first full day in Switzerland was an absolute delight as we set out to visit Harder Kulm and explore the charming town of Interlaken. Rather than taking the free bus into Interlaken, we opted for a scenic 3-mile stroll to the rail funicular that would whisk us up to Harder Kulm. The walk along the picturesque river and the mountain’s base was simply lovely, with the leafy shade providing a cool escape from the morning sun and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains — and even a peek into the beautiful gardens of the lucky Swiss folks who call this area home.
We playfully dubbed Harder Kulm as “Heidi Klum,” and from the top, the views were nothing short of epic! We took an early funicular ride up, with plans to explore, savor a coffee at the restaurant, and embark on a ridge hike before heading back to Interlaken for lunch. The funicular ride might be around 40CHF per person, but trust us, those breathtaking views were worth every single penny!
After taking in the spectacular sights from Harder Kulm, we spent the rest of the morning wandering through the delightful streets of Interlaken. Nestled between the clear and sparkling lakes of Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is filled with a variety of hotels and shops offering typical Swiss goodies like watches, chocolates, and souvenirs.
When it came to food, Interlaken truly spoils you for choice. We stumbled upon a real treasure at the Reinle Bakery, where we curated a little picnic of delicious baked treats and irresistible strudels. We enjoyed our picnic by the enchanting blue-green river, sipping on hot coffee and soaking up the stunning view. What a perfect day!
Day Trip to Thun.
On our last full day at the wonderful Manor Farm, we had the delightful chance to explore Thun, a charming old town nestled at the far end of Lake Thunersee. We kicked off our day with an early bus ride (a small fare, but totally worth it!) right from the campsite entrance. Our morning was filled with joy as we wandered through the cobbled streets, sipped on soothing coffee, and treated ourselves to a lovely lunch by the river. The views from the 12th-century castle overlooking the city were simply breathtaking—definitely a must-see!
While we were in Thun, we stumbled upon the adorable Hotel Restaurant Rathaus, tucked just off the main square by the river. Their menu, brimming with pizzas and pasta, hit the spot perfectly. We savored some excellent dishes and drinks while enjoying the lively scene around us.
Our return journey to the campsite was a treat in itself! We hopped on the BLS ferry service, which offered fabulous views of the lake. It was the perfect way to soak in the sun and wrap up our day.
LUGANO LAKE CAMPING ADVENTURE
Our adventure to Lake Lugano Camping could have been a simple 3.5-hour drive on the main roads, but who wants that when there’s so much to explore? We decided to take the more scenic and winding route through the charming village of Meiringen and over the stunning 2429m high Furkapass. We started our day with excitement, leaving Manor Farm campsite bright and early so we could savor a delightful breakfast in the picturesque town of Meiringen, nestled snugly between two majestic mountainsides.
Our breakfast at Frutal Versandbäckerei AG on Bahnhofstrasse was absolutely delightful! Picture yourself enjoying buttery croissants and aromatic coffee. Oh, and their cheese flans? Simply amazing! 🍴😊 Feeling full and happy, we took a relaxing walk through the village and visited the Sherlock Holmes Museum. You might find it a bit surprising to have a museum dedicated to the legendary English detective here, but Meiringen is close to the stunning Grand Reichenbach Falls. This is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned the famous final showdown between Sherlock Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty.
With hearts brimming with curiosity and excitement, we set off on our amazing journey over the stunning Furkapass. The climb was an absolute thrill, full of dreamy switchbacks, breathtaking views, and that refreshing mountain air that just makes you feel alive. Now, the descent? That was its own little adventure, with the road narrowing to a single track in spots. But thanks to our careful driving, we made it through without a hitch—proving that slow and steady really does win the race!
After our exhilarating ride over Furkapass, we still had about two hours left before reaching our cozy spot at Campsite Lugano Lake. As we drove, the scenery changed right before our eyes—from majestic snow-capped peaks to lush, rolling hills—and we could feel the warmth in the air. It was like stepping into a whole new world, with charming Swiss cottages giving way to the elegant style of Italian architecture. How exciting!
We finally made it to Lugano Lake Campsite, and let me tell you, we were in for a delightful surprise! We grabbed the perfect spot with a breathtaking view of the lake. Plus, here’s a fun little tidbit: the campsite is right at the end of a local airport’s runway, so every now and then, we get the thrilling sight of planes soaring overhead—giving our camping adventure a unique and exciting twist. 🏕️✈️
Lugano to Morcote Ferry
The very next day, we were up bright and early, ready for our adventure to Morcote! The best way to get there is by hopping on a ferry, which is really a fun part of the journey. We started by catching a train close to our campsite and made our way to Lugano. Before we knew it, we were boarding the first ferry of the morning. It’s such a peaceful and relaxed trip, taking about an hour to glide across the beautiful Lake Lugano. We couldn’t get enough of the stunning views of the mountains and the charming little towns along the way. As we got closer to Morcote, the sight of its famous center gave us a warm welcome, perched so gracefully on the hillside just above the lake.
Morcote, often called “Little Italy,” is a delightful mix of natural beauty and Italian charm. We spent a lovely day wandering through its narrow, winding streets, taking in the historic architecture and treating ourselves to some delicious local dishes at Ristorante Battello. It’s a fantastic lakeside spot where you can enjoy an array of traditional Italian delights. What a perfect day it was!
Part 2 of the Adventure continues HERE.
Useful Links
- Manor Farm Camping: Link to the official site of Manor Farm Camping in Interlaken for more details on booking and facilities.
- Harder Kulm: Information about the funicular and activities related to Harder Kulm in Interlaken.
- Camping Lugano Lake: Official site or booking page for Camping Lugano Lake to provide more visitor information and facilities available.
- MeteoSwiss: The app used by Marcus & Louise for weather updates. Link to the MeteoSwiss website or app download page to provide practical planning resources.
- Interlaken Tourism: A comprehensive resource for activities, accommodations, and attractions in Interlaken.
One Comment
Pingback: