Glamping continues to expand across Switzerland as operators introduce more upscale accommodations to attract new visitors, even as some long-time campers express concerns about changing traditions.
At TCS Camping in Solothurn, located along the Aare River, guests can now book wooden-framed tent lodges, according to a report by TravelNews.
The structures are equipped with features more commonly associated with holiday homes than campsites, including a kitchen, shower, toilet, sofa bed, two double beds, and a terrace that can accommodate up to five people.
Prices range from 145 Swiss francs per night during low season to 245 francs during high season.
In July 2025, visitors staying in these lodges experienced both heavy rain and sunshine within hours, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Swiss summers.
The campsite’s location offers easy access to Switzerland’s largest swimming pool—entry is included in the lodge price—as well as the nearby old town of Solothurn, just two kilometers away.
While these offerings appeal to families and new campers seeking comfort, they have also generated tension within the camping community. One camper, when asked if he welcomed the new accommodations, said simply: “Not really. They take up a lot of space.”
This sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift as permanent pitches, once used as affordable second homes for decades, face increasing restrictions by municipalities.
TCS Camping has indicated its direction by planning 17 additional tent lodges at its La Tène site on Lake Neuchâtel.
The move highlights the organization’s strategy to grow glamping as a profitable segment, despite resistance from traditionalists who prefer simpler, more communal camping experiences.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, Switzerland’s experience underscores a challenge that is increasingly relevant worldwide: balancing tradition with modernization.
Operators must weigh profitability and the opportunity to attract new demographics against the risk of alienating established clientele. For some, this transition means redefining what camping looks like; for others, it raises questions about the long-term identity of their parks.
The shift suggests that while classic tent camping will remain part of the culture, the industry trend is moving toward offering more comfort, convenience, and amenities, aligning with broader consumer expectations in travel and leisure.