For our family, Christmas on the road has become something of a tradition for the last few years. While others are unpacking gifts at home, we’re unpacking our camper at some of Europe’s most beautiful locations, exchanging the ordinary for extraordinary experiences. This year, we’ve ventured to Switzerland—a country that feels like it was designed for winter magic.

Instead of worrying about shopping lists (and spending fortunes on the Christmas food shop), festive cooking marathons, or the unpredictable weather back home on the Isle of Man, we’re soaking up snowy mountain views, sipping hot chocolate under twinkling lights, and creating memories that last far beyond the season. This road trip is about more than just a holiday—it’s about embracing freedom, adventure, and the beauty of family time away from the usual Christmas chaos. And it’s Guaranteed to be a White Christmas!

First Destination: Lauterbrunnen/Wengen

We only have 10 days this time so we’ve pretty much come straight to Switzerland. We had a couple stop offs on the way and I’ll add a separate post about our journey to get here.

Our journey has brought us to Lauterbrunnen, a fairytale village nestled in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This is as far as you can go in the Jungfrau region by car and after this it’s train or walking only. It’s the perfect place to settle in for a couple of nights and soak up the alpine charm. We arrived to find everything covered in fresh snowfall (around 30cm) and found out from the locals that it had all fallen in the last 24hrs, so it really was like a fairytale Christmas destination.

Our base here is Camping Jungfrau, an ideal spot for anyone looking to combine the comforts of a modern campsite with jaw-dropping scenery. Although we prefer to wild camp whenever possible, options are very limited here so we decided to book the campsite which is right at the heart of the village. We booked for 2 nights at 74 Swiss Francs per night (approx. £65). A little pricey compared to usual campsites but it is Christmas and once you see the scenery (and the amenities) it’s well worth the money!

From the warmth of our camper, we can hear the soothing roar of the nearby Staubbach Waterfall and admire the snowy peaks in the distance. The campsite itself is top-notch, offering heated facilities, a cozy restaurant, and easy access to some of the region’s best attractions.

Exploring Wengen

Tomorrow, we’ll hop on the train to Wengen, a car-free village perched high above Lauterbrunnen. Known for its stunning views of the Jungfrau region, Wengen offers a festive atmosphere during the holidays. Whether it’s wandering the Christmas market stalls or simply taking in the breathtaking mountain panoramas, this idyllic village is a must-see—even if skiing isn’t on the agenda.

The Beauty of Christmas on the Road

For those of you wondering if a Christmas road trip is right for your family, let us tell you: there’s something magical about trading the pressures of the season for a cozy camper and a new view every few days. A winter motorhome trip is beautiful, educational, and most of all it’s memorable!

It’s surprisingly budget-friendly too. Most of Europe caters for campers with free Aires (campsites/stop-overs) which will often have amenities like showers/toilets/water points for a very small charge. Wild Camping costs nothing or very little and when you do need to re-charge, Campsites like Camping Jungfrau offer modern amenities at a fraction of the cost of hotels, and having our own kitchen means we can save on meals while indulging in local treats like Swiss cheese and chocolate (although we do like to experience the local cuisine/restaurants too).

When you think about the cost of staying home—piles of groceries, extravagant decorations, and keeping everyone entertained (not an easy task on the Isle of Man in December)—a trip away in the camper makes for a relatively inexpensive alternative, and a new exciting adventure every time. And let’s not forget the joy of leaving behind the damp, dreary weather of the Isle of Man for the crisp alpine air and snowy landscapes of Switzerland.

The Adventure Continues

Lauterbrunnen is just the beginning of our journey. Over the next week, we’ll explore more of Switzerland, from its charming towns to its dramatic mountain passes. Along the way, we’ll share our experiences, tips, and plenty of photos to inspire your own winter escape.

If you’re looking for a Christmas that’s truly unforgettable, why not consider following in our tracks? There’s a whole world out there to discover—one road trip at a time.

Merry Christmas from all of us, wherever you may be celebrating!