Motorhome Tour Switzerland: Verena Gorge & Chamois on the Grimsel Pass 🇨🇭
Campervan Tour Switzerland: Verenaschlucht & Chamois on the Grimsel Pass 🇨🇭
For Easter, we were drawn back to the Swiss mountains. We actually wanted to visit the Stäubi waterfall, but the pass road was closed. Instead, we discovered the Verenaschlucht (Verena Gorge), a wonderful Stellplatz (pitch), and surprisingly a lot of snow on the Grimsel Pass.
📍 Highlights & Chapters:
- Drive up to Klausen Pass
- Drone flight at Klausen Pass
- Verenaschlucht entrance
- Hike to the St. Verena Hermitage
- Drive towards Grimsel Pass
- Chamois up close in the snow
- End of the day
Drive up to Klausen Pass
The drive to Klausen Pass was our first goal on this Easter weekend in Switzerland. Even on the way, we were greeted with impressive views of the snow-capped mountains.
The higher we got, the more snow lay beside the road. The landscape showed its most beautiful side and quickly made it clear why we always love to travel to Switzerland.
Shortly before our destination, however, came the disappointment: the pass road was still closed and further travel to the Stäubi waterfall was not possible.
But precisely such moments are part of a campervan trip for us. So it meant: change the plan and make the best of it.
That looks airier.
Drone flight on Klausen Pass
After it was clear that we wouldn't reach the Stäubi waterfall that day, we wanted to capture the impressive mountain landscape from the air at least.
The conditions were perfect: the sun kept appearing over the snow-covered slopes, and the view of the surrounding mountains was simply fantastic.
So we launched the drone. Only from the air did it become visible how enormous the snow masses on Klausen Pass still were. The pass road wound through the snowy landscape and repeatedly disappeared between the mountains.
Particularly impressive was the view of the numerous hairpin bends and the still wintry mountain world. While spring had already arrived in the valley, much here still reminded of the past winter.
Even though our original plan hadn't worked out, we were able to take some beautiful photos and enjoy the special atmosphere in the Swiss Alps.
Free pitch Stansstad
Since we couldn't drive further on Klausen Pass, we started looking for a suitable place to stay overnight. Finally, we found a pitch in Stansstad, directly on Lake Lucerne.
We were particularly surprised that the pitch could still be used for free at this time of year. Its location directly by the water and the view of the surrounding mountains made it a perfect stopover on our journey through Switzerland.
In the evening, clouds repeatedly moved over the lake, but that's exactly what created a very special atmosphere. While we went for a walk with Dayo, we could enjoy the peace on the shore and end the day relaxed.
Overnight, the pitch filled up completely. However, we didn't notice anything, as we slept wonderfully. The next morning, we were greeted with a beautiful view of Lake Lucerne.
For us, this pitch was a real stroke of luck and a successful end to an eventful day in the Swiss mountains.
All our trips at a glance
On our interactive travel map, you'll find pitches, sights, and highlights of our campervan trips through Europe.
Verenaschlucht Entrance
After a peaceful night in Stansstad, we set off the next morning for the Verenaschlucht near Solothurn. Right at the entrance, it quickly became clear why this place is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the region.
The hiking trail begins very relaxed and leads along a small stream into the wooded gorge. The sound of the water, the moss-covered rocks, and the springtime nature create a special atmosphere that immediately invites you to slow down.
Although there were already some visitors that morning, the gorge didn't feel overcrowded at all. Thanks to the surrounding trees and impressive rock formations, you quickly feel far away from everyday life.
Even the first few meters made us want more, and we were excited to see what impressions awaited us on the rest of the way through the Verenaschlucht.
Hike to the St. Verena Hermitage
The further we followed the Verenaschlucht, the more impressive the landscape became. The narrow hiking trail led us along the stream through the wooded gorge, past moss-covered rocks and small watercourses.
Again and again, the quiet spots along the way invited us to stop for a moment and enjoy the special atmosphere. Despite the visitors, the gorge seemed surprisingly calm and almost a little enchanted.
After a relaxed walk, we finally reached the St. Verena Hermitage. The small chapels and historic buildings nestle harmoniously against the rocks and give this place a very special character.
For centuries, people have sought peace and solitude here. Even today, the hermitage radiates a special serenity and invites you to escape everyday life for a moment.
For us, this place was definitely the highlight of our visit to the Verenaschlucht. The combination of nature, history, and the special atmosphere makes the hike an experience that we can recommend to every Switzerland traveler.
Drive towards Grimsel Pass
After our visit to the Verenaschlucht, we set off again. Our next destination was the Grimsel Pass, one of Switzerland's most famous Alpine passes.
Even during the drive, the landscape changed more and more. The green valleys slowly faded behind us, and the mountains became increasingly rugged. With every kilometer, our anticipation grew for the impressive mountain world that awaited us on the Grimsel Pass.
The higher we got, the clearer it became that winter wasn't quite over up here. Larger and larger snowfields lay beside the road, and the temperatures became noticeably cooler. The view of the surrounding peaks and valleys was simply breathtaking.
Precisely this varied route is what makes a campervan trip through Switzerland so appealing to us. A new panorama awaits around every bend, and you never know what surprises the next section holds.
What we didn't suspect at that time: a very special nature experience was to await us on the Grimsel Pass shortly thereafter.
Chamois up close in the snow
On the Grimsel Pass, a very special highlight awaited us. Directly next to the road, we discovered a herd of chamois moving between the snowfields.
Of course, we stopped immediately to enjoy this moment. It's always something special to observe wild animals in their natural habitat – and from such a short distance.
The chamois seemed hardly disturbed by our presence. They moved calmly through the snow and searched for food between the snow-free spots. This offered fantastic photo opportunities against the impressive mountain backdrop.
Precisely such unexpected encounters are what make a campervan trip through the Alps so appealing to us. You can plan the route, mark the most beautiful places, and prepare excursions – but often it's precisely these spontaneous moments that remain in memory the longest.
While we observed the animals, we realized once again how impressive the nature of the Swiss Alps is. The combination of the mighty snowfields, the tranquility of the mountains, and the free-roaming chamois made this moment one of the highlights of our entire travel day.
Our personal travel equipment
This equipment accompanies us on our travels through Norway, Scotland, Iceland, and Switzerland. Here you will find our proven products for photo, video, and camping.
The links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you. Thank you for your support.
End of the day
After an eventful day, we set off again in the late afternoon. Behind us lay the impressive Verenaschlucht, the St. Verena Hermitage, the snowy landscapes on the Grimsel Pass, and the unforgettable encounter with the chamois.
For the night, we found a nice pitch near the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. Surrounded by the impressive mountain world of the Bernese Oberland, we could let the day come to a peaceful close.
As the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, we reviewed the day's experiences. It's precisely such days that make a campervan trip so special for us: discovering new places, enjoying nature, and always experiencing surprises.
Even though our original plan on Klausen Pass didn't work out, this day ultimately became a real highlight of our trip to Switzerland.
With many beautiful memories and anticipation for the next adventures, we let the evening at Ballenberg end relaxed.
🎥 You can find the complete video for this travel day here:
Discover Iceland with a campervan
Spectacular waterfalls, mighty glaciers, active volcanoes, and endless landscapes – for us, Iceland is one of Europe's most impressive travel destinations.