Cowbells tingling amid sensational Alpine scenery make Switzerland’s unique backdrops a source of inspiration for those seeking new experiences.

However, as Europe’s most expensive country, it’s not just the luscious landscapes which are jaw-dropping. A cappuccino in Zurich, for example, can set you back twelve euros compared to four euros in Madrid or Barcelona.

Motorhoming - where you can cook in your vehicle and not forced to eat out in pricey restaurants - is a great way to travel and prevent eye-watering costs blowing the budget.

Our motorhoming trio - Lifestyle & Travel Editor, Sharon Cain, series Photographer, Steve Hare, and travelholic golden retriever, Bracken, share their Swiss tips and insights.

Alpine Camping

Bidding ‘au revoir’ to elegant chateaus and luscious Crémant in Saumur on the Loire Valley in France, we set off for new landscapes, chocolate, and cheese fondus in Switzerland.

We were into week four of a Schengen shuffle motorhome trip which required us to dip in and out of non-EU - and non-Schengen countries - to avoid exceeding our allowance of days in Europe.

After a brief, uninspiring stay at campsite (25 euros with electricity), in Lausanne and a supermarket shop, our picturesque drive towards Bern was deliciously delayed by cows on the road.

At a quirky mountain park up outside a local tavern (20 euros with electricity) and not a soul in sight, I made a tasty chicken stir fry and we planned our sightseeing in Bern.

The joyous sound of cowbells woke us the next morning. I was beside myself with excitement at the handsome herd outside the van.

Reading how the bells help herders find their livestock across vast terrains, I also learnt that the bell’s size and sound is an indicator of the cow’s milk productivity.

Bracken’s bemusement at the charming cattle, which produce some of the world’s finest milk, made our breakfast diversion even more entertaining.


Bern: City of Legends

Knowing how narrow city streets and one way traffic are challenging to navigate in motorhomes, a car park just outside the centre was perfect.

Located on the Aare River, Bern is home to the Swiss Parliament but is not the country's designated capital. The city's old town has enjoyed UNESCO status since 1983.

Our first stop, the 13th Century astronomical Zytglogge clock tower, a magnet for visitors, performs a mini puppet show every hour.

We waited patiently as the crowds swelled. On the dot of 1pm the bell chimes and fascinating wooden figurines, including a bell-ringing jester and crowing golden rooster, perform with Swiss precision.

Excited expressions, rising in a sea of global languages, confirmed the Medieval engineering feat had gone down a treat.

Symbolising Bern's rich heritage are the bears of Bern who have been on show since 1513 and were formerly housed in the Bärengraben (bear pit).

We caught a glimpse of one of today's trio - Bjork, Finn and Ursula who roam around the spacious Bear Park and swim at the river edge.

It was time for a taste of decadence and we shared a mouth-watering cheese fondue at Restaurant Brasserie Anker, for just under 30 euros.

Lake Lucerne: Embodying Switzerland

Leaving Bern’s grey skies and heading east, two hours later we promenaded around Lake Lucerne’s turquoise blue waters in streaming sunshine.

Formed at the end of the last ice age, the lake was the location of a momentous milestone in 1291 when Switzerland’s oldest constitutional document, The Federal Charter, was sworn.

Surrounded by the Rigi and Piatus mountains, the lake covers 44 square miles and four cantons. A haven for water sports enthusiasts, it is fringed with cafes and restaurants with eye-watering prices.

After wandering around Lucerne’s well preserved old town with its charming Medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, we called it a day when everywhere became impossibly crowded.

Home that night was a 30 minute drive into the mountains where a stay with electric hook up had the additional bonus of a lakeside view.

The sound of silence in this heart-melting backdrop was something to cherish forever as the motorhomers saying ‘Home is where you park it’ came into its own.

Next Stop: World’s Richest Country

We made a deviation into German-speaking Liechtenstein, Europe’s fourth smallest country situated on the Rhein.

Covering just 62 square miles and nestled between Switzerland and Austria, it abounds with fairy-tale castles and landscapes.

There is nothing small, however, about its wealth. Ranked by Financer as the world’s richest country by GDP in 2026, it benefits from low taxes and thriving manufacturing and financial services sectors including private banking and wealth management.

A steep ascent by foot from Verduz, the capital, took us to the impressive 19th Century Schloss Lichtenstein castle. With panoramic valley views, its neo-gothic architecture pays homage to the middle ages.

We explored the sights including the Landtag Parliament building where elected members deliberate policy in a round table setting.

Towering above the city is Castle Verduz, the Royal Palace. On August 15 every year, Hans-Adams, the 81-year-old Prince and his family celebrate the country’s independence by inviting its 38,000 population to a party and fireworks on a meadow outside the castle.

Parked up in the city’s main car park that night, I made a modest chicken stir fry on our small gas stove while imagining the lavish royal banquets being consumed in the palace.

St. Moritz: Magnet For The Rich and Famous

Next day we were back in Switzerland at the Alpine resort of St. Moritz.

At almost 6,000 feet above sea level and a renowned playground for the rich and famous, residents include steel magnate and billionaire, Lakshmi Mittal.

The ski season (late November to April) attracts VIPs such as Robert De Niro and Naomi Campbell who mingle with Swedish, Dutch and English royalty. Prince William and Kate have been seen there.

Popular with A-listers, one night in Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in January 2027 will set you back a staggering £4,500 - the equivalent of us motorhoming in Europe for up to 12 weeks.

St. Moritz railway station car park and its magnificent mountain views was perfect with no overnight restrictions. We paid 8 euros for an amazing 18-hour stay and made friends with the station staff.

We didn’t spot any celebrities - they probably would not frequent the fabulous Café Spettaloco near the station with its addictive cappuccinos and affordable food.

Indulging in enchanting walks around Lake St. Moritz, we feasted on pasta and, surprisingly, found a replacement Calor gas bottle in town where ‘window shopping’ had to be taken literally.

Bernina Pass: Epic Mountain Road To Italy

Our route from Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, our next country, took us on the Bernina Pass, a spectacular mountain road which climbs to 7,638 feet.

Subject to snow for eight months every year, the pass experiences some treacherous conditions. Thankfully, we travelled on a crisp, clear day.

We were bowled over by the never-ending breathtaking scenery on the 33-mile route traders in the Middle Age traders first used to transport their wares to local markets.

Unlike many precarious, narrow roads we’ve experienced in countries including Albania, Turkey and Morocco, the clean wide carriageways of the pass enabled us to focus on its backdrops.

Our welcome to Italy was effusive. In Tirano we demolished a divine margarita pizza at a roadside restaurant where the gregarious waiter waved us goodbye as we shouted 'Viva Italia' to his delight.

Switzerland became a distant memory as we headed for our next motorhome adventure in Venice, 'The City of Canals'. Yes, you definitely read that right!

TRAVEL FACTS
Switzerland Travel & Holidays Switzerland Tourism:
Bern
Visit Bern
Bear Park, Bern
Restaurant Brasserie Anker, Bern
Lucerne
Visit lucerne
Liechtenstein
Official Tourism Website of Liechtenstein
St. Moritz
St. Moritz | Switzerland Tourism