Winter camping in Switzerland - your next adventure awaits you
If you love the outdoors and the thrill of braving the elements, then winter camping in Switzerland should be at the top of your list.
Are you ready for a winter adventure in the Swiss Alps? If you love the great outdoors and the thrill of braving the elements, then winter camping in Switzerland should be at the top of your list. What could be more beautiful than white-covered meadows and mountains, your breath smoking like a chimney, huddled close to a campfire with a hot drink in your hand? Winter camping - a truly romantic experience for the whole family and your loved ones.
The adventure begins
Wild camping during the cold season is an unforgettable adventure that will stay with you for a long time. Guaranteed. Before embarking on a road trip through snowy landscapes and snow-covered forests, however, it is important to be well prepared. The weather can be harsh and the conditions unforgiving, so it's important to pack the right equipment and follow some basic safety guidelines.
Check the weather, pack up and go!
The weather can change very quickly in winter and in the mountains. It is therefore advisable to be well prepared for all eventualities. It is best to analyze the MeteoSwiss
and Landi
weather forecasts carefully and adapt your adventure planning accordingly. Shopping before a road trip is essential. All options should be considered here too. Write a short list of all the important things you need and might need: Tea? Firewood? Kindling? Raclette stove? Thermos flask? Flashlight?
Tips for winter camping
Warm clothing
It may be a platitude, but it's true. There is no good or bad weather, only the wrong clothing. Be well equipped for any temperature and pack spare clothes and shoes. It's not so easy to dry wet clothes and shoes quickly in a motorhome. It can also be very chilly at night. Pyjamas and woolen socks should never be missing!
Parking
Reach your camp when there is still enough daylight so you can get your bearings and explore the surroundings. Is the camp covered in snow and are stones or puddles not visible underneath? Or is there a wind blowing and the vehicle should be sheltered from it? Is the ground soft and do wooden planks need to be placed under the wheels? Is the parking direction ideal for driving off the very next day? Make these considerations and nothing can surprise you.
Heating
Camping without heating is also possible in winter in our latitudes. With a thick sleeping bag, you can even spend the night in a tent. Nowadays, however, many motorhomes and buses are equipped with heaters that allow pleasant temperatures inside. However, a heating failure overnight can be very unpleasant. Test the heater before you set off and fill up with enough diesel/petrol/gas so that it can perform its valuable service overnight without any problems.
Insulate
To ensure that the heat generated is not wasted, optimum insulation of the cold bridges is recommended. These three measures can make a big difference: a curtain between the driver's cab and the living area, draught excluders on the sliding door and thermal mats on the windows. The greatest heat loss occurs at the windows. From plastic insulating mats with suction cups to tailor-made fabric mats with magnets, there are numerous products on the market that insulate the heat. The company [Project Camper
](http://www.project-camper.de/) offers high-quality thermal mats for a wide range of vehicles.
Electricity
Most motorhomes are equipped with a second battery for the living area. However, this does not mean that the power is infinite. Lights and heating are heavily used during long winter nights. So make sure you have enough voltage, be economical and only use the electricity when it is really necessary. Or when choosing a camp, look for one with a shore power connection. On Nomady you can use the "Electricity" filter to see only camps with shore power.
Water
In winter, everything can freeze, especially drinks that are left outside overnight. Caution is advised here with glass bottles, which can explode when the water expands. Equally at risk are gray and fresh water tanks in camping vehicles, which are often located outside on the underbody. It is advisable to fill the tanks to a maximum of ¾ full. This allows the water to expand. In an emergency, take a five-liter canister with you into the living area. This way, your coffee and tea in the morning is not at risk.
Must-haves
- Winter tires and snow chains for non-slip pass roads.
- Ice scraper and snow broom so you can set off in the morning with a clear view and without a white cap.
- Door lock de-icer so that you can get in when you need to.
- Snow shovel, for a shovel-free camp.
- Thermal clothing, gloves, hat and woolly socks for warm and cozy moments.
Even for those who don't own a motorhome or bus, camping adventures in winter are no longer a dream. On Nomady you will find numerous offers of winter cabins and accommodation in the middle of nature. With cozy fireplaces, saunas or hotpots. Also check how your accommodation is accessible, whether by car or on foot. Do you need snowshoes? Is there a fireplace with enough wood? Are the water pipes frozen? Is electricity available or do you need power banks?
Winter activities - plan your day
With its snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and picturesque villages, Switzerland is a winter wonderland that offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and dog sledding - there's everything your heart desires. During the winter months, the days are shorter. Therefore, make sure that you have enough light or a flashlight with you on the way back when you go on activities and excursions.
A romantic night under the stars - tips for little dreamers
Lighting
Whether with fairy lights, Finnish candles or lanterns. With soft and warming light, you can create a romantic ambience.
Campfire
Campfire & lambskins: Sitting around the campfire on soft lambskins. It's slowly getting kitschy ;)
Hot drinks
A fine soup, tea or mulled wine. The main thing is that your hands and soul are warmed.
