The Ultimate Alpine Campervan Road Trip: Switzerland, Austria & Northern Italy

The Alps offer some of the most spectacular campervan driving in Europe. Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain passes, and postcard-perfect villages make this one of the ultimate European road trips.

This Alpine campervan route takes you through Switzerland, Austria, and Northern Italy, combining iconic roads with realistic driving days and campervan-friendly stops.

Route overview

• Countries: Switzerland, Austria, Italy

• Recommended duration: 10–14 days

• Driving distance: ~1,300–1,600 km

• Best time to go: June–September

• Route type: Mountains, lakes, scenic passes

Best for:
Couples, confident drivers, scenic-route lovers, first-time Alpine travellers.

TL;DR – why this Alpine route works

• Short daily driving distances

• Incredible scenery almost every day

• Excellent infrastructure for campervans

• Mix of wild nature and charming towns

• Easy to extend or shorten

Suggested route (multi-leg overview)

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt (or Täsch) →
Innsbruck → Grossglockner High Alpine Road → Dolomites → Lake Garda

Each leg is manageable in a campervan and designed to avoid burnout.

Leg 1: Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken (Switzerland)

This opening leg eases you into Alpine driving.

Highlights:

• Lucerne’s old town and Chapel Bridge

• Lake Brienz and Lake Thun

• Classic Swiss mountain scenery

Campervan tips:

• Switzerland is extremely campervan-friendly

• Use official campsites or Stellplätze

• Be prepared for higher costs than neighbouring countries

Leg 2: Interlaken → Zermatt (Täsch)

Zermatt itself is car-free, but campervans park in nearby Täsch and continue by train.

Highlights:

• Matterhorn views

• Hiking and cable cars

• Alpine meadows

Campervan tip:
Stay in Täsch overnight — it’s designed for campervan access.

Leg 3: Switzerland → Innsbruck (Austria)

Driving into Austria feels immediately different — cheaper fuel, relaxed parking, and excellent mountain roads.

Highlights:

• Innsbruck’s old town

• Cable cars straight into the Alps

• Easy city + nature balance

Leg 4: Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)

One of the most famous scenic roads in Europe.

What to expect:

• Hairpin bends

• Glaciers

• Viewpoints at every turn

Important campervan notes:

• Toll road (worth every euro)

• Check vehicle height and weather

• Take it slow and enjoy the stops

Leg 5: The Dolomites (Northern Italy)

The Dolomites feel different from the Swiss Alps — sharper peaks, warmer colours, and a more relaxed rhythm.

Highlights:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo

• Seceda ridgeline

• Mountain refuges

Campervan tips:

• Respect overnight parking rules

• Many mountain roads are narrow — drive cautiously

Leg 6: Dolomites → Lake Garda

End the trip with warmth, swimming, and Italian food.

Why Lake Garda works as a finish:

• Softer landscape after the mountains

• Great campsites

• Excellent food and wine

It’s the perfect decompression stop.

How long should you allow?

• 10 days: Highlights only, faster pace

• 12–14 days: Relaxed, with rest days

• 3+ weeks: Add side routes in Austria or Italy

This route scales beautifully.

Campervan-specific considerations

Driving

• Mountain roads are narrow but well maintained

• Take your time — this isn’t a high-speed route

• Avoid night driving in the Alps

Costs

• Switzerland is the most expensive

• Austria and Italy balance it out

• Budget for tolls and mountain roads

Overnighting

• Stick to campsites or official Stellplätze

• Rules are enforced in mountain regions

Who this route is for (and who it’s not)

This route is ideal if:

• You enjoy scenic driving

• You’re comfortable on mountain roads

• You want a “classic” European road trip

This route is not ideal if:

• You want fast motorway driving

• You dislike narrow roads

• You’re travelling in winter

When is the best time to go?

• June–September: Best conditions

• July–August: Busiest (but spectacular)

• May & October: Possible, but weather-dependent

Always check mountain pass conditions.

Planning this route efficiently

This is a classic multi-leg road trip, where:

• Daily driving limits matter

• Elevation changes affect travel time

• Small detours can dramatically improve the experience

This is exactly the kind of journey that benefits from multi-stage planning, realistic driving days, and flexible adjustments.

Final thoughts

The Alpine campervan route is a foundational European road trip. It combines:

• Iconic landscapes

• Logical route flow

• Excellent campervan infrastructure

If you do one mountain road trip in Europe, this should be it.