Last August, my 10-month-old, Inoa, and I took our beloved van, Furgamor, on a vanlife roadtrip with a baby in Switzerland and Austria — an adventure I’ll never forget. It was a journey that blended the freedom of vanlife with the thrill of discovering stunning destinations, while, let’s be honest, navigating (and overcoming) a whole new set of challenges that come with parenting on the road. From scenic bike rides to peaceful wild camping spots, every day brought something new — and a few hard-earned lessons along the way.
And me, wouldn´t be me, if I wouldn´t share some inside tricks and tips. So if you’re planning a road trip with your little one, here are the do’s and don’ts I picked up from our experience, so you can enjoy a smooth(ish) and at least memorable journey just like we did.
Do’s for a Vanlife Roadtrip Across Switzerland and Austria with a Baby
1. Embrace Family-Friendly Biking Adventures
One of the highlights of our vanlife journey was exploring the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland and Austria by bike. It´s something I always enjoyed doing by myself, but I wasn’t sure how it would go with our 10-month-old, but she absolutely loved it!
It´s true that you have to wait until your baby is a minimum of 9 months old or can held her/his head up by him/herself, but it´s such a lovely way of exploring and moving around together. We have the front-mounted baby carrier from Thule (The Thule Yepp Mini) which we totally love! And every time we rode along the peaceful lakes or through the charming villages, her giggles literally made people stop and point. Ok, and there were the casual naps on the bike as well (for Inoa). For me, it was a perfect way to combine our love for biking and being outdoors with the needs of our baby.
Though there is quite a lot of altitude difference in the Alp countries, in general, I found some stunning and family-friendly bike rides. For example, in Switzerland, we rode around the Interlaken Lake. I left the van in Boningen and we road to Iseltwald and back. In Austria, for example, we road along a cycling path from Egg to Schrocken. It was incredible to experience the countries in a way we hadn’t before — so much more immersive and enjoyable with our little one along for the ride.
Tip: Make sure to have lots of snacks for both you and the baby. Also, in Switzerland and Austria a helmet, at least for the baby, is obligatory. Also, lots of water and sun protection. Finally, I made sure to make many stops as well so Inoa could play around a bit.
Opt for Flexible Accommodation: Campsites and Wild Camping
Campsites
One of the best parts of vanlife is the flexibility in where you sleep. We alternated between staying at campsites and wild camping, and both were great experiences. The campsites we stayed at in Switzerland and Austria were well-equipped for families, offering hot showers, clean facilities, and even playgrounds where our baby could have some fun. After a day of hiking or biking, the campsites offered a nice, comfortable space to relax. For example, in Austria, we stayed at Camping Feuerstein. The downside is that in August, campings tend to be fully booked. So, or you book in advance which takes away a bit your flexibility (and I loved having this flexibility with a baby) or you always have a plan B at hand. I have had luck at all campsites, and our van has always been able to be squeezed somewhere.
Wildcamping
On the other hand, wild camping gave us a deeper connection to nature. We parked our van by peaceful lakes and in forests, where the stillness and beauty of the surroundings felt like a dream. It was an incredibly serene experience to wake up with the mountains or lake in front of us, but wild camping requires careful planning, especially with a baby. We always made sure to check local regulations, choose safe spots, and be respectful of the environment.
An option in between is to stay at farms. I used our Park4Night app to find this option and we stayed with people at farms, in their parking lot, etc. It tended to be around 10,- for the night and we had running water, a place to play and sometimes a toilet. It was also a great way to get in touch with the locals. This one time we even got invited to join our host family and their children for lunch and Inoa had the best time playing with their four kids.
Tip: Bring a portable baby bed or crib for your baby to sleep comfortably wherever you stay, and make sure to pack all your essentials for both campsites and wild camping.
3. Take Advantage of Baby-Friendly Hikes
Switzerland and Austria are hiking havens, and luckily, our 10-month-old was small enough to enjoy hikes with us in a front-facing baby carrier. We loved being able to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views while our baby nestled comfortably in the carrier. Since she wasn’t walking yet, hiking with her was so much easier — we carried her on easy trails through Alpine meadows and along Austrian lakes.
The great thing about these countries is that many hiking routes are beginner-friendly, making them ideal for families with babies. Though I didn´t, but you can also opt to take lifts up and start hikes from there, taking out a bit of the intensity. We did several short and moderate hikes that were safe and enjoyable for all of us, and it allowed us to explore beautiful corners of nature that we otherwise might have missed. Also, at many ski stations, even in summer, there is lots of life and many playing facilities for children as well as bathrooms.
Tip: Choose trails that are not too challenging and have plenty of places to stop and rest. Bring snacks and a hat for sun protection, and always check the weather before you head out.
Don’ts for a Vanlife Roadtrip Across Switzerland and Austria with a Baby
1. Don’t Overpack Your Van
Before we hit the road, I made the rookie mistake of overpacking. With a baby, it’s easy to feel like you need everything, but trust me — less is more. A cluttered van can make life on the road more stressful, especially when you’re trying to find space to rest. I quickly realized that prioritizing essentials was the best way forward.
We focused on baby gear that was both functional and compact, like a lightweight baby carrier, a portable crib, and very few toys and books. By simplifying, we had more room to relax and breathe, which made our journey so much easier.
Tip: Only bring what you truly need, and always consider multi-purpose items. For example, a travel playmat doubles as a changing mat or a comfy spot for your baby to play.
2. Don’t Forget to Plan Breaks for Baby
While driving from one picturesque spot to the next, we quickly realized that long stretches of driving aren’t ideal with a 10-month-old. Babies need breaks — lots of them! Whether it was a quick stop for a diaper change, some stretching, or just to give her a snack, regular breaks were crucial. I found that planning our driving schedule around her nap times made the trip much smoother.
Tip: Plan for plenty of pit stops every couple of hours to keep your baby comfortable and happy.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Weather
Switzerland and Austria have beautiful, but even in august, quite unpredictable weather. We experienced everything from sunny days to surprise rain showers, so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions. On some hikes, we were caught in light rain. Here I was grateful we had a rain cover for the baby carrier. During bike rides, we layered up our little one in warm clothing. We also made sure to pack a cozy blanket for when we were in the van.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. A rain cover for your stroller or carrier and extra layers for your baby are essential. And never leave without sunscreen and a hat either!
After all
Our vanlife road trip across Switzerland and Austria with our 10-month-old baby was nothing short of magical. From biking along beautiful paths to wild camping in tranquil spots, it was a true family adventure. The freedom of the open road, combined with the opportunity to connect with nature, made it all worth it.
If you’re planning a similar road trip with your little one, remember to embrace the flexibility of vanlife, plan for baby-friendly activities, and always keep comfort and safety top of mind. With the right preparation, vanlife with a baby can be an unforgettable adventure.
Have you ever taken a road trip with a baby? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments — I’d love to hear from you! Ah, and in case you are more about flying than vanlife, check out my blog on flying with a. 6-month old!
