Camping in Switzerland
Why we love holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls and flower-filled meadows are tailor-made for outdoor-style holidays. The kind of holidays we love, and we know you will too.
Throw into the mix a handful of picturesque alpine villages – seemingly plucked from a storybook – and tranquil lakes, and you’ve got the Bernese Oberland recipe for a magical summer. Think outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and family-friendly destinations, ready and waiting for you to create your own story.
Best places for camping holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland is a country of beauty, wherever you choose to visit and explore. Check out our favourite campsites in Switzerland and get started on your adventure.
Our favourite things to do in Switzerland
Fun days out
Let’s start at the top…Jungfraujoch, the ‘Top of Europe’, offers an unforgettable day out with its ice palace, snow fun park, and panoramic views perfect for kids (and you'll love it too). The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum near Brienz features interactive displays of traditional Swiss rural life (in English too). Or, for the real thing, visit Thun Castle, perched majestically above the old town, and explore a real medieval fortress.
A visit to Adventure Park Interlaken - a thrilling treetop course with ziplines and family attractions - should be high on your list, because it definitely will be top of your kids’!
Getting active
From gentle paddleboarding on the sheet-like waters of Lake Brienz to cycling along the valley-floor trails of Lauterbrunnen, the Bernese Oberland offers endless possibilities for family-friendly outdoor activities. Hike your way through the lush alpine meadows of Grindelwald and you'll find hidden mountain huts and abundant wildlife - play Heidi for the day! Horse riding through the rolling pastures around Habkern is fun too.
But our favourite has to be wild swimming - the refreshing waters and beach areas along Lake Thun, Switzerland's most inviting lake, are pure heaven. Oh, and there’s snow: sledding, tubing, skiing, snowboarding are all possible on Jungfraujoch from May to October. Amazing!
Cultural hotspots
A ramble through the old town of Unterseen, Interlaken’s confusingly named historic district, is a must. It’s built on the banks where the Aare River flows between two lakes. Take time to explore its cobbled squares housing traditional Swiss architecture. Discover the rich wood carving heritage in Brienz's Swiss Woodcarving Museum, (Swiss craftsmanship is excellent, and worth every Franc!), with interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
For living history, the Medieval Festival in Thun hosts reenactments where you can witness knights' tournaments while your kids can try ancient crafts and games. Museum Lötschental showcases traditions and customs of alpine life, including wooden masks (mask-wearing is a sacred tradition here).
Our favourite things to see in Switzerland
Historic sites
The imposing Thun Castle with its towering corner turrets offers a fairy-tale experience as you explore this beautifully preserved medieval fortress. Spiez Castle, dramatically positioned above Lake Thun, offers a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past with its elegant rooms and manicured gardens.
The Monastery of St. Beatus, carved into the cliffside above Lake Thun, allows you to experience centuries of spiritual heritage (and explore the mysterious caves behind it, should you need further encouragement). The archaeological site of Unspunnen near Wilderswil reveals the remains of a 12th-century castle, bringing history to life against that dazzling backdrop of alpine scenery.
Cities worth seeing
Interlaken, the regional hub and adventure capital, nestled between two stunning lakes, is home to the impressive Höheweg promenade. We especially love the riverside parks and mountain views from Harder Kulm: if shopping or dining on the lake is your thing, this is the place.
Thun captivates with its well-preserved medieval old town housing charming shops and panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. We also love Brienz's unique lakeside setting and woodcarving heritage, and Meiringen's attractive town centre with its blend of traditional Swiss architecture set beneath the dramatic Reichenbach Falls (although Sherlock Holmes wasn’t a fan).
Natural wonders
The crystal-clear waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz shimmer beneath the mountains, creating spectacular reflections, gentle shorelines, and tranquil bays perfect for family swimming spots and boating expeditions (or picnics along their beach-fringed banks).
The pristine Lauterbrunnen Valley forms a natural wonder with its 72 waterfalls, offering some of Switzerland's most dramatic scenery and beautiful hiking trails. Trümmelbach Falls' thundering glacial cataracts are pure magic, and carved inside the mountain itself. Don't panic, the viewing platforms are perfectly safe…trust us!
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