Free camping in Switzerland

Switzerland has no nationwide ban on sleeping in your vehicle — and no right to it either. Cantons and municipalities set their own rules, and they differ: Graubünden is restrictive, other cantons tolerate one night on unmanaged car parks.

The no-go zones are clearly defined: nature reserves, wildlife rest zones, game sanctuaries and the Swiss National Park. Signage in Switzerland is reliable — if nothing is posted, municipal law applies; when in doubt, ask the municipality.

Above the forest line a single night is tolerated in many places as part of mountain sports — that applies to tents more than vehicles. For campers, managed pitches and farms (often with their own signage) are the relaxed choice; prices run higher than in neighbouring countries.