Tent Pegs & Edelweiss: A 7-Day Wild Camping Road Trip Through Switzerland

Where glaciers meet larch forests, and every sunrise is set to the sound of cowbells

Fantastic mountain panoramas, picturesque lakes, and unspoilt natural scenery — Switzerland is the perfect destination for campers and anyone who loves spending their holidays in the great outdoors. But it's more than just a postcard. It's a country where you can fall asleep under 4,000-meter peaks, wake up to a glacier dripping into a turquoise stream, and spend an afternoon watching ibex navigate rocky ridgelines as if gravity doesn't apply to them.

This 7-day itinerary takes you through three of Switzerland's most breathtaking natural regions: the thundering valleys of the Bernese Oberland, the iconic pyramid of Zermatt and the Valais, and the high-altitude serenity of the Engadine (Graubünden). You'll camp in forest clearings, hike to mirror-still mountain lakes, ride cogwheel railways into the clouds, and eat rösti and raclette for far less than you'd expect.

Best time to visit: For the best camping experience, the months from June to September are highly recommended. The weather is conducive to outdoor activities, with long daylight hours allowing for extended hikes on some of the world's most beautiful trails. To avoid the largest crowds while still enjoying warmer weather, shoot for mid-September.

Wild camping note: In Switzerland, wild camping is not prohibited by law per se, but it is still not allowed everywhere. Permission is decided by the respective canton or even the various communities, so it is best to find out about the specific regulations locally. In general, however, the following applies: in the mountains, above the forest line, individual overnight stays are permitted. This itinerary relies on established campsites that combine affordability with stunning natural settings — the best of both worlds.

Budget note: Switzerland is famously expensive, but camping puts you in control. Expect to spend $40–$60/night per tent pitch (CHF is roughly at parity with USD), around $15–$25 on groceries/camp cooking per day, and $20–$40 on café/restaurant meals when you do eat out. Supermarket chains Migros and Coop are your best friends — both have in-store cafeterias that serve hot meals for very reasonable prices and are beloved by locals.

⭐ Hidden Gems are marked throughout this guide — these are lesser-known spots that locals love and tourists rarely find. You can also view this itinerary in the app and customize it for your own trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken — Gateway to the Bernese Oberland

Morning

You arrive in Interlaken, Switzerland's adventure capital, sitting neatly between two impossibly blue lakes with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau forming a cathedral wall to the south. There's no town quite like it in the world — part cowbell village, part adrenaline hub. Take the train into Interlaken Ost station, grab your bearings, and check into your campsite before the afternoon.

🏕️ Accommodation: TCS Camping Interlaken (Days 1–3)

The TCS Camping Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, directly on the Aare River, which connects the two lakes. Carefully sheltered by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, the campsite is located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, the number one destination for adventure sports. Despite its quiet location directly on the banks of the Aare, with the Harder forest behind you, you can reach Interlaken Ost station in just a few minutes on foot. From here you can start your adventures in the mountains in all directions.

The campsite offers free Wi-Fi, kayak and bike hire on site, RiverLodge group accommodation with communal kitchen and common room, swimming facilities, and much more. The guest card entitles holders to free use of public transportation in Interlaken as well as numerous discounts in the region — a genuinely valuable perk.

Pitch prices: Around CHF 40–55/night for a standard tent pitch for two. Book directly on the TCS website, especially for summer stays. The campsite is open from late March to mid-October.

Breakfast: Grab a coffee and a fresh Gipfeli (Swiss croissant) at ⭐ Bäckerei Konditorei Steinauer — a beloved local bakery and confectionery in the heart of Interlaken, known for its artisanal breads, delectable pastries, and mouthwatering cakes. This family-run establishment has been delighting locals and tourists for generations, with the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. A proper Swiss breakfast here costs around CHF 8–12 — a bargain by local standards.

Afternoon

Once you've set up camp, it's time for your first taste of the Alps.

Harder Kulm Funicular & Two-Lakes Bridge (2–5pm) — The funicular from Interlaken Ost whisks you up to the Harder Kulm summit in minutes. The spectacular two-lake footbridge at Interlaken's local mountain Harder Kulm offers an overwhelming panorama of the surrounding mountains. On a clear afternoon, you can see both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz shimmering below you, cradled by valleys that seem almost too perfect to be real. The funicular costs around CHF 34 return, but your guest card may offer a discount.

Stroll the Höheweg & Hohematte Park — After descending, walk along Interlaken's famous promenade, the Höheweg, a grand boulevard lined with century-old hotels that faces directly onto the impossibly green Hohematte Park, with the Jungfrau massif hovering behind it like a painted backdrop. It sounds dramatic because it is.

Evening

Dinner: Head to ⭐ Little Thai Streetfood near Balmers Hostel on Hauptstrasse. Little Thai is one of the best Thai restaurants in Interlaken, offering a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes bursting with flavor. The generous portions at reasonable prices make it perfect for sharing. Mains run CHF 18–27 — among the best value sit-down meals in town.

After dinner, wander back to camp along the Aare riverbank as the last light fades over the Bernese Alps, and marvel at the fact that you're sleeping at the foot of three of Europe's most famous peaks.

Day 2: Lauterbrunnen Valley — Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Morning

Travel: Train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (~20 minutes, CHF 7–10 one way, covered by Swiss Travel Pass)

Today you descend into one of the most otherworldly valleys in Switzerland. Speaking of waterfalls — Lauterbrunnen Valley is aptly nicknamed the 'Valley of Waterfalls' and is incredibly picturesque, with its chalet-style houses and mountainous backdrop. From the moment you set eyes on the town, the iconic Staubbach Falls captures and holds your attention.

Staubbach Falls Walk (9:30am) — The Staubbach Falls cascade 297 meters straight off a cliff above the village in a shimmering curtain of white mist. A free trail leads you behind the falls themselves, soaking you in spray if you're lucky enough to catch a windy day. It's one of Europe's most theatrical natural spectacles, and it costs absolutely nothing.

Breakfast/late morning snack: Pack items from the Migros or Coop in Interlaken the night before, and have a proper camp-cooked breakfast before the train. A bag of Birchermüesli, local yogurt, and fruit from the supermarket keeps you fueled for a fraction of restaurant prices.

Afternoon

Trümmelbach Falls (1pm onward, ~CHF 15 entry) This spectacular trail leads to two of the 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley: the Staubbach Falls (297m) on the western side and the Trümmelbach Falls on the eastern side, hidden inside the mountain itself. Along the way, there are also fantastic views of the Spissbach Falls (265m), Büchenbach Falls (380m), and the magical natural landscape of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The Trümmelbach Falls are unique in the world — ten glacial waterfalls thundering inside a mountain, carrying the meltwater of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers. You ride a tunnel lift into the rock itself, then walk gallery by gallery as the roar builds to something primal. Don't miss it.

⭐ Gimmelwald (3pm) — After the falls, catch the cable car from Stechelberg up to Gimmelwald, a tiny car-free village clamped to a clifftop above the valley. The trail that guides you through a landscape dotted with waterfalls, rivers, and traditional alpine meadows, winding up in the charming mountain village of Gimmelwald, is one of the most celebrated in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Almost no tourists make it up here — most stay in Mürren — which means you get the cowbells, the flower-draped chalets, and the jaw-dropping valley views essentially to yourself. Walk back to the cable car at leisure.

Evening

Dinner back at camp: Tonight is a campfire dinner. Pick up local Landjäger (Swiss dried sausage), bread, and cheese from the Migros — this is the experience. There's a fire pit on the tent meadow at TCS Camping Interlaken, as well as a large, well-equipped recreation room, great in the rain. Pour yourself a cold Feldschlösschen beer, watch the Eiger turn pink at sunset, and feel very smug about life.

Day 3: The Bachalpsee Hike — The Gem of Grindelwald First

Morning

Travel: Train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (35 minutes, ~CHF 11), then cable car to Grindelwald First (CHF 36 return)

Today is the day you earn your perfect Instagram shot — and more importantly, your mountain legs.

Breakfast: A freshly baked roll from the campsite's morning bread service (pre-order at reception the night before — a wonderful TCS perk) eaten by the Aare before you head out.

Bachalpsee Hike (10am–1pm) The Bachalpsee hike encompasses all that's most beautiful about Switzerland — stunning snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows and valleys, crystal clear lakes, and wildflowers, all to the soundtrack of ringing cowbells. You have to hike to admire the lovely Bachalpsee, but it's an easy walk on a gentle ascent and only about one hour from atop the Grindelwald First gondola. The sharp peaks of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn are visible on the opposite side of the valley as you hike along it.

The lake itself, at 2,265 meters, is a perfect mirror when calm — reflecting the snow-streaked peaks in colors that shift from pale gold in the morning to deep cobalt at midday. Sit on the grass, eat your packed lunch, and try not to cry from happiness. It's that kind of place.

Afternoon

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk & Activities (1:30–4pm) Back at the cable car station, the First Cliff Walk is a metal walkway bolted along a vertiginous ridge with nothing but air beneath your feet and the entire Grindelwald basin far below. Grindelwald First also has a thrilling cliff walk, first glider, first flyer, first mountain cart, and trottibike available at this mountain. These add-ons cost CHF 15–30 each, or skip them entirely and just stroll the free ridge path for the views.

⭐ Lunch on the trail: Instead of the pricey mountain restaurant at Grindelwald First, pack a picnic of local bread, Swiss hard cheese (Sbrinz or Gruyère), and dried meat from Migros. Eating with your feet dangling over a 2,000-meter drop with the Eiger as your dining companion is an experience money can't entirely buy.

Evening

Travel back to Interlaken Ost (~35 minutes by train)

Dinner: Tonight, treat yourself to Swiss classics at ⭐ Restaurant Taverne in Matten bei Interlaken (a 15-minute walk from the campsite). Taverne is a charming Swiss restaurant nestled in the village of Matten bei Interlaken, offering traditional Swiss dishes such as raclette, fondue, and an assortment of meat dishes. Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, guests can enjoy the beautiful dining room while savoring delectable offerings like cheese fondue, rösti, and chocolate fondue with fruits. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable. Reservations recommended in summer.

Day 4: Moving to Zermatt — Under the Matterhorn's Shadow

Morning & Travel

Travel: Train from Interlaken Ost → Visp → Täsch/Zermatt (2.5–3 hours total, ~CHF 50–70 one way or covered by Swiss Travel Pass). Note: cars must be left in Täsch (paid car park); take the frequent shuttle train to Zermatt (12 minutes, ~CHF 9 return).

Pack up camp with coffee and the last of your bread rolls. Today is a travel day, but Swiss train travel is part of the experience — the route through the Rhône Valley, climbing steadily toward the Matterhorn, is spectacular.

Zermatt itself is entirely car-free. Zermatt is like something out of a storybook — a car-free Swiss mountain village of postcard-perfect chalets, emerald alpine meadows, and charming streets framed by dramatic waterfalls and panoramic views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. It has a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere with a cozy alpine vibe.

🏕️ Accommodation: Camping Täsch (Days 4–5)

Täsch is a scenic base camp for exploring Zermatt, located at the last stop before the car-free town. Camping in Täsch is far more affordable than staying in Zermatt itself, and the shuttle train runs continuously. Tent pitches start around CHF 30–40/night. Book ahead in high season.

Lunch: Once you arrive in Zermatt, grab a doner or a quick wrap from one of the takeaway spots near the main street — budget around CHF 10–15. Or pick up supplies from the Coop in Zermatt.

Afternoon

Explore Zermatt Village (2–5pm) Wander the narrow lanes of Zermatt's old village, past ancient wooden barns called Mazots perched on mushroom-shaped stilts, past chalet windows spilling geraniums, past cheese shops and bakeries. Every twist of the alley eventually reveals a new angle of the Matterhorn — that impossibly sculptural, asymmetrical pyramid that somehow exceeds every photograph you've ever seen of it.

Walk up to the Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis if you want rainy-day backup (entry ~CHF 10), or simply head to the meadows above the village where the mountain fills the entire sky.

Evening

Dinner: ⭐ Grampi's Bar & Restaurant is Zermatt's best-value sit-down option. Grampi's is a cozy and charming Italian eatery in Zermatt village, offering authentic Italian cuisine with freshly made pizzas from a wood-fired oven, including a standout 'Raclettissima' pizza combining raclette cheese with onions and gherkins. The kitchen stays open late, and you can often walk in without a reservation on weekdays. Expect to pay CHF 20–30 for a main.

Back at camp in Täsch, the Matterhorn's silhouette is the last thing you see before sleep — and on clear nights, the stars above the Valais Alps are enough to make a grown adult weep.

Day 5: Zermatt — The Five Lakes Walk

Morning

Breakfast at camp — This morning, cook a full camp breakfast. Eggs, local Valais ham, and a strong stovetop espresso. You're going to need it.

Gorner Glacier Viewpoint & Gornergrat Railway (9am–12pm) Take the Gornergrat Railway for the best Matterhorn views, skiing, and hiking. The cogwheel train from Zermatt climbs to 3,089 meters in 33 minutes, delivering you to a panoramic terrace overlooking the Gorner Glacier — one of the largest ice fields in the Alps — and a 360-degree ring of 29 peaks above 4,000 meters. This is genuinely one of the most dramatic viewpoints accessible by public transport on the planet. The railway costs CHF 45–55 return; book online for slight discounts.

Afternoon

The Five Lakes Walk (1–4pm) This is the hike. The 5 Lakes Walk is a magnificent hike in the alpine universe of Zermatt through a former glacial area, connecting Lake Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. The Matterhorn is reflected in three of these beautiful mountain lakes, and the view of the many peaks is breathtaking.

The walk (approximately 10km, 3–4 hours) begins from the Blauherd cable car station and descends gently back to Zermatt through a landscape that feels ancient and sacred — glacial lakes in impossible blues and greens, each one framing the Matterhorn at a different angle. The Stellisee reflection at dawn or dusk is perhaps the most famous natural photograph in Switzerland. You'll understand why the moment you see it.

⭐ The Fluhalp Hut — The first part of the Five Lakes trail reaches Fluhalp (2,614m), where there is an old charming hut and restaurant, only open during peak seasons. Stop for a bowl of Älplermagronen (Swiss alpine macaroni with cheese and potato) or just a hot drink. It costs around CHF 15–20 and tastes like the Alps themselves.

Evening

Tonight, cook a one-pot pasta at the campsite using Valais ingredients — local air-dried beef (Trockenfleisch), herbs, and good Swiss cheese melted in. This is one of those recipes that is easy to prepare and requires only a pot, and it will taste better than almost anything you've eaten all trip.

Day 6: Journey to Graubünden — Camping Under the Bernina Glacier

Morning & Travel

Travel: From Täsch, take the train back to Visp, then connect via Brig → Chur → St. Moritz/Pontresina using the Glacier Express or Bernina Express routes (~4–5 hours total, one of the world's great train journeys, covered by Swiss Travel Pass with a scenic supplement of ~CHF 15–40)

Pack up Täsch and board what is arguably one of the most beautiful train rides on Earth. The route through the upper Valais, over the Furka Pass area, through the Rhine Gorge, and into the Engadine valley is a moving natural panorama. Keep your camera ready.

🏕️ Accommodation: Camping Morteratsch (Days 6–7)

The Morteratsch campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites in Switzerland. It lies at 1,860m above sea level in a forest setting amidst larch and stone-pine woods. The invigorating strength of this unique natural environment set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bernina Range and the nearby Morteratsch Glacier will soon help you forget the daily grind.

There are about 250 pitches for touring units and tents in summer, about half with electricity. Some are in small clearings amongst tall trees and some in a larger open space. They are neither numbered nor marked, and their size is dictated by the natural space between the trees. Being in a mountain valley, the grass is thin over a stony base, with four small streams running through this long, narrow site with lovely views on each side.

Campers rate Camping Morteratsch 4.7 out of 5, making it one of the top-rated campsites in Switzerland. Tent pitches run approximately CHF 40–45/night for two. Reservations are only taken for those staying at least 7 nights, so turn up and find your perfect spot among the larches. Call ahead to check availability in high season.

Afternoon

Morteratsch Glacier Walk (3–5pm) The entrance to the Morteratsch Glacier is a 15-minute walk from the campground but can also be reached by car. A visit is rather eye-opening, with signposts along the path indicating the glacier's recession — a great lesson in the reality of climate change. The trail leads through a moraine landscape, past wooden marker posts dated decade by decade showing how far the glacier has retreated. It is humbling, beautiful, and urgent all at once. The walk is free.

⭐ Lunch: Camp cooking with Graubünden flavors — Stop at the small campsite shop and the nearby village of Pontresina (3.5km away, accessible by bus) for local Graubünden specialties. The town of Pontresina is not far away and is a good option for a traditional Swiss meal. Why not try the traditional Graubünden Capuns? — chard leaves stuffed with a flour dough, Salsiz sausage, and speck, then simmered in broth. Find them at local delis or restaurants in Pontresina for around CHF 15–20.

Evening

The campsite sauna (the modern reception building houses a comprehensively stocked shop, bistro, TV lounge with kitchen, enormous drying room, and WiFi point, plus a new, state-of-the-art sanitary building and sauna) is the perfect end to a long travel day. Soak in the heat, then step outside into the cold mountain air under a sky that, this far from any city, is absolutely thick with stars.

Day 7: The Diavolezza Summit & Farewell to the Engadine

Morning

Your last day deserves to be your highest.

Breakfast: Fresh rolls from the campsite bread service (order the night before at reception — Camping Morteratsch offers this service), eaten by the camp's little lake as mist burns off the peaks. A small lake right at the campsite is a perfect spot for swimming and paddling. Cold, yes. Worth it, absolutely.

Diavolezza Cable Car & Summit (9am–12pm) Travel up to 2,900m by cable car for views over the entire Engadine valley. The Diavolezza is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Switzerland. From the summit platform, you look across the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers — vast, slow rivers of ice pouring between the highest peaks in the eastern Alps, including Piz Bernina at 4,049m. It's a view that resets something fundamental in the brain. Cable car return runs approximately CHF 40. For the experienced hiker, consider hiking back down the 10km trail. It is very steep, rocky, and narrow in places — only recommended for experienced hikers.

Afternoon

⭐ The Swiss National Park — Route 17 Hike (1–4pm) Located in eastern Switzerland, the Swiss National Park is the country's only national park and should be a must on your Switzerland list. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the landscape is so ancient and unaltered that some of the best-preserved dinosaur footprints in the world have been found here.

From the campsite, you can drive or bus (~30 minutes) to the park's entrance at Zernez. Take a 3.5km hike along Route 17 in the Swiss National Park which leads around Margunet, with a mission to search for edelweiss. This famous Swiss flower looks like an ordinary plant and is small so it can be easily missed — keep your eyes peeled. The Swiss National Park is also a place where ibexes, deer, and marmots roam freely. The marmot trail in the Avers-Bergalga explains interesting facts about the life of these charming animals. Entry to the national park is free; just park at lot P8 or P9.

Late lunch: The ⭐ Migros cafeteria in St. Moritz (a 15-minute bus ride from the campsite) is a reliable, good-value place for lunch and excellent value for Switzerland. Hot dishes run CHF 12–17 and the locals know it — at midday it's packed with Engadine residents, not tourists.

Evening

Final dinner: Campfire under the Bernina stars

There's only one way to end a trip like this. Build a campfire at your Morteratsch pitch, grill some Bratwurst sourced from the campsite shop or Pontresina, and open a bottle of Graubünden Pinot Noir (the canton produces some of Switzerland's best red wine, and a bottle from Coop costs CHF 12–18).

The Morteratsch Campsite is located in the midst of typical alpine scenery — a unique setting between little streams, lakes, and small woods, accompanied by a breathtaking view onto the peaks and summits of the famous Bernina range. This is Switzerland distilled to its purest form: enormous silence, unimaginable beauty, and the profound satisfaction of having slept inside all of it.

Practical Tips & Gotchas

🎫 The Swiss Travel Pass If you're moving between regions, the Swiss Travel Pass (from ~$244/3 days or ~$331/8 days for continuous travel) covers all trains, buses, and many cable cars, and pays for itself quickly on this itinerary. Many campsites also offer a Guest Card with free local transport.

🌡️ Alpine Weather For those interested in wild camping or using a tent for a more intimate connection with nature, it's crucial to be prepared for temperature variations, even in summer. Nights can be cool, and weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Always pack a proper sleeping bag rated to at least 5°C (40°F), waterproof layers, and sun protection. The altitude amplifies UV radiation dramatically.

💶 Money-Saving Tips

• The Coop supermarket near Interlaken Ost station is a reliable place for lunch and a good value for Switzerland, with a beautiful buffet including lots of vegetarian options.

• Buy a Swiss Vignette (~CHF 40) if driving — it covers all Swiss motorways for a calendar year.

• Many cable cars offer discounts with a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail Pass, or half-fare card.

• Many campsites are easily accessible by train and bus, reducing the need for car travel.

📅 Reservations & Closures

• TCS campsites book out fast in July and August — reserve 4–6 weeks ahead.

• TCS Camping Interlaken is open from March 28 until October 13.

• Camping Morteratsch is open from January 1 until December 31 — one of the few year-round Alpine campsites in Europe.

• The Diavolezza and Grindelwald First cable cars typically operate from late May to late October.

• The shores of Oeschinensee can get fairly busy on a sunny day; arrive early or visit in September for quiet.

🐾 Pets Most TCS and Swiss campsites welcome dogs (max. 2 per pitch). Always check individual campsite rules.

Sources & Inspiration

• TCS Camping Interlaken – Official Website

• TCS Camping Bönigen – Official Website

• Camping Morteratsch – Official Website

• Switzerland Tourism – Idyllic Campsites

• AllTrails – Switzerland Camping Trails

• Ayamaya – Swiss Alps Camping Insider's Guide

• My Faulty Compass – Hidden Gems in Switzerland

• Lost in Switzerland – Best Mountain Lakes

• Ghoomo Global – Best Camping Spots in Switzerland

• Journey Era – 50 Best Hikes in Switzerland

• Wander-lust.nl – Best Local Eats in Interlaken

• Balmers Hostel – Budget Restaurants in Interlaken

• Z'Nüni Magazine – Camping Morteratsch Review

• Timeout Switzerland – Where to go Camping

• Trafalgar – Natural Wonders of Switzerland

Turn This Itinerary Into Your Personal Trip Plan

If you're feeling inspired to plan your own adventure, BTravelrs is here to help! You can view this itinerary in the app, build and customize your own trip from it, and easily book through our trusted partners like Booking.com for flights and accommodations, Economy Bookings for car rentals, Viator for experiences/tours, and Airalo for eSIMs, all in one place.

Booking through us allows BTravelrs to remain free to use and us to bring more amazing articles like this! 😉

Happy Travels!