Sleeping in a Tent in the Swiss Alps – What I Was Told While Preparing for Greenland
Sharing my findings for those interested, please always check local rules and respect the environment.
Sleeping in a Tent in the Swiss Alps – What I Was Told While Preparing for GreenlandAbout two years ago, I contacted various mountain locations in Switzerland with an unusual request:
I wanted to spend one night in a tent high in the mountains – not to save money, but to test my expedition gear for an upcoming mini-expedition to the Greenland ice cap.
Here’s a summary of the replies I received between December and February:
Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch – 3,545 m)Jungfrau Tourism: “We don’t know – ask Jungfrau Railways.”
Jungfrau Railways: “We don’t know – ask the site manager and facility manager.”
Site Manager:“You’re welcome to sleep on the glacier at your own risk and discretion.
Please stay outside of our piste grooming zones and guest attraction areas.”
So I went. And it was a dream.
After the last train left, I had the entire site to myself – the glacier, the platforms, even the Sphinx Observatory.
The next morning, before the first train arrived, the whole mountain was still mine.
When I boarded the very first train down, the ticket inspector stared at me in disbelief:
“Wait… how come you’re already going down with the first train?”
Mönchsjoch Hut (3,657 m) – Highest Hut in the Swiss Alps
“Fine by us. Just take everything back down to the valley with you.”
But a year later, I received a message from the Fiescheralp town hall:Camping near Top of Europe or the hut is now forbidden.
You may be fined up to CHF 5,000.
Saas-Fee – Mittelallalin (3,500 m) & Längfluh (2,870 m) Tourist office: “No, it’s not allowed.” But the head of the local mountain rescue team gave me explicit permission for one night only, both at Mittelallalin and later at Längfluh.“From our side, it’s fine – just make sure to pitch your tent outside the ski pistes, as we prepare them overnight.
For your safety, we’d appreciate it if you notify us a few days in advance so we’re aware.”
Oberalppass (2,044 m) One of the piste grooming staff (ratrac operator) told me:“Sure, go ahead – it’s okay with me.
I’ve never heard of anyone sleeping up here in a tent during winter!”
Rigi Kulm (1,797 m) “You must first contact the landowner for permission.The local municipality can provide the owner’s contact information.
More info on wild camping is available online.”
Stoos – Fronalpstock (1,907 m) “Wild camping isn’t outright forbidden in canton Schwyz,but you must get landowner permission in advance –
For Stoos, contact the Morschach municipality.”
Andermatt – Gemsstock (2,962 m) “This is not possible in our ski area due to safety concerns.We conduct avalanche blasting, and groom the pistes before opening.
Also, weather conditions at this altitude can be extreme – with storms and sub-zero temperatures.
We are responsible for anyone knowingly in our terrain.
Therefore, we cannot approve your request.
We hope you’ll find another place outside ski zones to test your gear for Greenland.”
Saas-Grund – Hohsaas (3,200 m) “We checked with the municipality: camping (even pitching a tent)on public ground is not allowed.
Only valley campsites are officially authorized.”
Ibergeregg – Hotel Passhöhe (1,410 m) “Camping is prohibited in the Ibergeregg nature reserve.Please contact the Oberallmeindkorporation Schwyz for any exceptions.”
Elm – between Schabell and Steinböden (2,100 m) “After consulting with our safety team, we must decline your request.Camping is not allowed in our area.
In Switzerland, wild camping is generally prohibited.”
Hotel Grawand (3,212 m) – Val Senales, South Tyrol – Highest Hotel in Europe “Look – if you book a hotel in Rome, you don’t sleep on the roof or out front.Same applies here. If people saw a tent on our terrace, they’d take pictures and post them online – it would damage our image.
Also, we’re currently repairing storm damage to the terrace – it’s closed.
Temps drop below –15°C. If someone spots you in a tent in those conditions, they might assume you’re mentally unwell – and in Italy, that means they’ll likely call the police.”
Diavolezza (2,973 m) & Hotel Ospizio Bernina (2,253 m) Both locations said it’s okay to camp, but not right in front of the hotel:“Please set up your tent a bit further away from the building.”
