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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Switzerland - Camping Rules - Woodland Carpark
Hallo (as they say in the German part of Switzerland).

As per the question, is anyone on here an oracle, a sage, a wise man or women, an aficionado of all things camping in Switzerland?

I'm planning an overnighter with a mate, to watch the UCI men's road cycling race in late Sept. I have found THE spot to watch the race, but it also happens to have a small gravel carpark, by some lovely woodland and within a few hundred meters of a small restaurant.

I am not after the regs for a full-on wild camping set up, more the Def, with a couple of lumps in sleeping bags on cots alongside it. Likely with a basha slashed to it in the event of rain. No major camp set up. No tent. No cooking. No live flames. No camp fire. Just a def and two beds.

Anyone know what the rules are? I know the swiss authorities are an officious bunch and that there is a culture of 'denonciation' (basically 'dobbing in'), so keen not to cross paths with the Five-0.

Any thoughts? Will we be okay for one night? Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #1043222 19th Aug 2024 6:04pm
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BaronDefenders



Member Since: 28 Jun 2019
Location: London/Cotswolds
Posts: 895

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Santorini Black
I used to spend about 1/4 of the year in Switzerland for a number of years, and I don’t recall ever seeing wild campers. I expect each Canton will have different rules on the specifics. A quick Google suggests camping above the tree-line is acceptable. Charlie

1949 Series 1 80 (SOLD)
2002 Td5 90 (SOLD)
2008 Freelander 2 (SOLD)

1958 Series 2 88 Pastel Green (2019 LR Legends Best Restored)
1983 V8 110 Limestone (Previously owned by Tom Sheppard MBE)
2004 Td5 90 Santorini Black (Td5INSIDE Powered & Rebuilt by CSK)
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Post #1043263 20th Aug 2024 6:39am
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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2526

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Try contacting Touring Club Schweiz (TCS) who may be able to advise you. I think what you are referring to is sometimes called "free standing" where you are not actually setting up a camp. Have you tried contacting the police in the specific canton to ask their advice, they may well relax some of their restrictions for the UCI World Championships. Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy your trip across the border. Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #1043265 20th Aug 2024 7:12am
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Thank you both. Yes, I have had a quick Google search. Not very clear on my specific requirements.

As for 'relaxing their restrictions' Discomog, that NEVER happens with the Swiss Police. Apparently in some Cantons sleeping in a car is allowed, others illegal. But either way, the worst that can happen is we're either fined or asked to move on. Well, actually the worst is that we are arrested. But is a fine likely to be anymore than a night in Zurich at a few hundred CHFs? I'd hope not. For the location, it would be worth the risk, so I think I'm going to take a punt. If anyone knows any good Swiss lawyers.... Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #1043269 20th Aug 2024 7:33am
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BaronDefenders



Member Since: 28 Jun 2019
Location: London/Cotswolds
Posts: 895

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Santorini Black
I think for what you’re proposing, the location, and the circumstances, I would certainly chance it and see what happens. The likelihood of anything negative happening is low, and realistically you’ll be told to pack up and move on if anyone does take offence to your presence. Charlie

1949 Series 1 80 (SOLD)
2002 Td5 90 (SOLD)
2008 Freelander 2 (SOLD)

1958 Series 2 88 Pastel Green (2019 LR Legends Best Restored)
1983 V8 110 Limestone (Previously owned by Tom Sheppard MBE)
2004 Td5 90 Santorini Black (Td5INSIDE Powered & Rebuilt by CSK)
2012 Puma 110 Zermatt Silver (Overlanding Build)

Instagram: @BaronDefenders
Post #1043274 20th Aug 2024 8:04am
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NoLimits



Member Since: 29 Dec 2022
Location: Somerset
Posts: 58

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Havana
Not sure if this helps….

“Wild camping is not prohibited by law in Switzerland, but regulations vary by canton. In general, wild camping is permitted in the mountains above the treeline, on high-altitude alpine meadows, and on rocky terrain, such as around mountain lakes. However, it's not allowed in most places, including nature reserves, valleys, forests, and the Swiss National Park. Wild camping is also prohibited in wildlife sanctuaries, and pitching up and lighting fires in these areas can result in a fine of up to €10,000”
Post #1043285 20th Aug 2024 10:00am
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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2526

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
It would be nice to see some photos of your "accomodation" after the event, be it sleeping bags under the stars or the inside of a prison cell Very Happy Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #1043290 20th Aug 2024 11:47am
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Moo



Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 1338

Ukraine 
Why not approach the restaurant to see if you can camp in their car park? Send them a picture of your setup so that they understand what you're proposing. Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.
Post #1043293 20th Aug 2024 12:01pm
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Yup, have thought of that. The spot we've found is isolated. There is a nice restaurant we're aiming to eat in, but it's 2km from our 'pitch'. Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #1043305 20th Aug 2024 1:57pm
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
discomog wrote:
It would be nice to see some photos of your "accomodation" after the event, be it sleeping bags under the stars or the inside of a prison cell Very Happy


Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #1043306 20th Aug 2024 1:57pm
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
This is our proposed pitch. Fairly isolated. A few kms from Zurich centre, which will have the UCI in town for a week by then, so the five-0 may be well occupied and not venture up this far until the day of the event....



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 Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #1043307 20th Aug 2024 2:03pm
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kestrel



Member Since: 18 Jan 2024
Location: Stein
Posts: 8

Switzerland 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Blenheim Silver
In Switzerland, sleeping in the car is allowed if it is for the purpose of regaining the ability to drive. However, chairs in front of the car are not for regaining the ability to drive.
I looked at the place on Google Maps and there is a sign that regulates parking. I could see that the blue parking disc is required and the maximum parking time is most likely indicated in the red circled field.
If there are checks, it is difficult to say how high the fine could/will be.

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Post #1045515 11th Sep 2024 8:22am
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