A new, representative study by AutoScout24 confirms the Swiss population’s enduring fascination with holidays on four wheels. The camper proves to be a true dream vehicle.
Swiss people particularly appreciate camping for its closeness to nature and the sense of freedom it provides. When it comes to purchasing, used camper vans are especially in demand. Good news for prospective buyers: the current price levels of the most popular models on the marketplace match buyers’ expectations exactly.
Freedom and closeness to nature as key drivers
Camping is deeply rooted in Swiss travel culture: 23% of the population have gone camping in the past three years, and among those under 50, the figure rises to 36%. For 72% of respondents, camping simply means “freedom.” The most valued aspects are proximity to nature (47%), flexibility (41%), and the simple, down-to-earth style of travel (40%). Camping also scores financially: 69% consider camping holidays to be generally cheaper than traditional hotel stays or air travel. Those looking to buy a camping vehicle most often prefer bus or van campers (61%) and favor the used vehicle market (49%). When searching for information, online vehicle marketplaces like AutoScout24 are the clear number one, used by 55%.
Aligned price expectations
Buyers’ price expectations align perfectly with the current market offerings on the AutoScout24 platform. A majority of study participants (54%) consider a budget of CHF 40,000 to just under CHF 80,000 to be appropriate. The most popular used models on AutoScout24, the VW California and the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, fall exactly within this target range, with average prices between CHF 71,000 and 75,000. In addition to price (73%), buyers primarily pay attention to vehicle condition and mileage (74%), as well as size and everyday usability (67%).
Swiss camping infrastructure scores highly
Domestic holidays remain very popular. 52% of respondents perceive that camping in Switzerland has become more popular since 2020. According to respondents, the country’s strong appeal is mainly due to its excellent infrastructure, such as campsites and services (55%), family-friendliness (39%), and short travel distances (36%). “Swiss people are specifically searching for used camper vans. The fact that the majority use AutoScout24 confirms that we provide exactly the information they need to make their purchasing decisions,” says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director Automotive at SMG Swiss Marketplace Group.
Data basis
The representative study was conducted by TX Group Market Research via an online survey between February 10 and 24, 2026. A total of 1,032 German- and French-speaking Swiss residents aged 18 and over, who use the internet at least once a week, were surveyed. The price and market analysis was provided by AutoScout24.
