Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park?

Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park? - Red 5-door Hatchback Near the Brown Wooden House in Daytime

I'd like to explore Switzerland with a car, because it gives me the opportunity to stop wherever I want. I see some interesting chapel or church or a rock - I stop there and explore. I can also park anyway near the entry to the trail and walk a while.

But wait... I've heard that Switzerland has taken extreme anti-car measures and in many places it's forbidden to park anywhere outside marked parking zones, which are both expensive and limited. How does it look like outside big cities, in mountains, forests, small villages? Can I simply stop anywhere on the roadside for a while? Are there plenty of places to park a car for a few hours or days, or I can do that only on marked parking places?






Pictures about "Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park?"

Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park? - Unrecognizable person holding can of power drink while standing on parking lot near sport car
Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park? - Contemporary white car decorated with blue World Health Organization flag and sticker parked on street
Exploring Switzerland with a car - where can I park? - Lighted Roadside Rings



How can I park for free in Switzerland?

Free parking space can mostly be found in the smaller towns or suburbs, for example at shopping centers, hotel car parks (for guests only) or in the street. There are time-limited free parking blue zones as well.

Can I drive in Switzerland as a tourist?

The country's transportation ordinance reads that foreign tourists need either a valid national, foreign, or International Driving Permit to drive in Switzerland. This entitles holders to drive all categories of vehicles that their licenses allow them to. If you're driving in Switzerland with a US license, you're good.

Is it safe to travel by car in Switzerland?

Road travel. In 2019 there were 187 road deaths in the Switzerland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 2.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.

Can you sleep in your car in Switzerland?

Staying in the car overnightIt is generally not permitted to stay overnight in a car on a public parking lot. It is therefore recommended to find a campground or any other accommodation where you can spend the night. In some regions, sleeping for one night in the car is tolerated.



Swiss Travel Pass Or A Rented Car For Exploring Switzerland on a Budget - All You Need To Know..




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Matheus GuimarĂ£es, Erik Mclean, Asad Photo Maldives, Pixabay