We're traveling around Europe with our daughter (10) in an RV, and are about to head into Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland if possible, for a week of scenery, day hiking, and good Swiss food. Perhaps Lauterbrunnen? We hadn't planned to go to Switzerland at all, which is why I haven't done proper research on RV travel there, but I'm hoping you can help. The camper is the tricky part. Our rig is an old Ford Rimor, not too powerful, and we don't want to get stuck in the alps. We're trying to find an RV-accessible location, probably lower down in a valley, that will allow us to access funiculars and beautiful alpine day hikes. Does anyone have a recommendation for us? Thanks to all who reply! Happy travels,
Renee
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
I have driven to Lauterbrunnen and on to the end of the valley many times. I drive a car, not an RV, and its reasonably powerful so maybe I haven't noticed, but I don't remember any part of the road being steep. You run near the train line, through a forest, alongside a river (its coming down while you are going up). It comes down at quite a clip so must be a little steep. Lauterbrunnen can be quite crowded but once past it is a simple Swiss country road through the valley. The valley is reasonably wide as you approach the cable car up to Gimmelwald, Murren and up. I don't have a clue what a Rimor is but if it struggles maybe you could make a deal with a local farmer to have a couple of his goats pull the RV up ;-)
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"The camper is the tricky part. Our rig is an old Ford Rimor, not too powerful, and we don't want to get stuck in the alps." Let me see if I understand correctly. Are you currently in Europe already and this is the RV you have now? Or, are you planning a trip and you know you will have access to this particular RV that is already in Europe? Or, are you planning to ship the RV to Europe? I'll wait for your response to comment more. But in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, there's a not particularly attractive campground near the gondola station. If I recall the drive, there's one short steep climb as you leave Interlaken, then the rest of the road isn't too bad.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
Camping Jungfrau in lauterbrunnen is on the valley floor and very nice. They take reservations and are very popular, so you should call or book on their website.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Last year we were walking from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen along the little farm road and saw the camp/rv site, and it looked very nice. So I would agree with Lola if you must drive through Switzerland in an RV then the place to park it would be in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I've only driven to Lauterbrunnen one time (but trained extensively), and I don't remember the drive being too steep or dangerous.
Posted by
OP
full-time world nomad
8 posts
Thanks, everyone. Tom - We're in Europe now with our camper. We'll be in Switzerland next week. How's that for advanced planning? ;-) Lola & Tim - Thank you. That's great news. I've been to the Camping Jungfrau website, and it looked good, but wasn't sure about getting up there. I really appreciate the recommendation. Nigel - Goats. Now why didn't I think of that? Thanks for the info on the area.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Does your RV have a 2011 Swiss Vignette? If not, you will need one if you plan on driving on the Swiss motorways. You can purchase it at the border. You will also need one for Austria if you're going to be in country. However, you can buy one for a shorter amount of time and, therefore, less money. Have fun on your trip!