Best Switzerland Road Trips: Grand Switzerland Tour, Alpine Passes, and more
If there’s one country that looks like it fell straight out of a magazine, it’d have to be Switzerland. Impossibly beautiful with towering mountains, rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and charming castles, Switzerland is every nature lover’s dream.
Try not to rush the experience; indeed, this is one country that demands for travellers to take their time exploring. Book a rental car, and slowly meander your way through these gorgeous routes and alpine passes on your next trip!
Switzerland car rental
Your trusty steed awaits — whether it be a roomy SUV for the kids, a sleek convertible, or a handy hatchback, Klook has every type of vehicle you can think of. Save yourself the hassle of going to different websites, and easily compare options between reputable companies like Budget, Avis, and Hertz.
When driving in all sorts of weather conditions; trust us, the best thing you can do is to go for the full insurance package. Easily add it on when you select your car with Klook, plus throw in other extras like a GPS, children’s car seats, and more. We love how everything can just be settled in one place!
When to go on a Switzerland road trip
Your best bet would be between the months of April and October. The summer months of June to August are naturally the peak season; with mild weather beckoning during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall as well. If you’re a fan of snowy winter wonderlands, a winter road trip is possible as well. However, do make sure that you familiarise yourself with these winter driving tips to stay safe!
#KlookTips for Driving in Switzerland
- You won’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in Switzerland, hooray! However, do remember to bring your local driving license along.
- You’ll drive on the right side of the road here.
- Take special care to stick to the speed limits: it’s 120km/h on motorways and freeways, 100km/h on highways, 50km/h within cities, 30km/h within city residential areas, and 80km/h in rural areas.
- It’s mandatory to keep your lights on, even during the day, to boost visibility.
- Children below the age of 18 months have to be seated in a car seat.
- Download the ‘EasyPark’ app to easily pay for parking, as well as extend or end the session early. Otherwise, you can pay at the designated parking machines.
- Some locations like Zermatt are car-free; you’ll then need to park at the nearest available carpark, and take a train or gondola.
- If you’re planning on driving in mountainous areas, always check weather forecasts and webcams beforehand to avoid getting stuck in inclement weather.
- Some routes close during winter; for example, the Furka Pass only opens from late June to early November. Check beforehand to avoid any disappointment!
Switzerland road trip routes
1. Grand Switzerland Tour
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Want to see it all? Go all out with the Grand Switzerland Tour. Spanning an impressive length of 1,643 kilometres, this aptly named route traverses the entire country and highlights some of its best sights. That’s not all: it even passes a whopping 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, plus a whole line-up of photo spots, along the way.
#KlookTip: Download the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’ app to help with your planning. You’ll find detailed routes, driving distances and durations, and much more.
It consists of eight stages:
- Stage 1: Zurich to Appenzell
- Stage 2: Appenzell to St. Moritz
- Stage 3: St. Moritz to Bellinzona
- Stage 4: Bellinzona to Zermatt
- Stage 5: Zermatt to Lausanne
- Stage 6: Lausanne to Neuchatel
- Stage 7: Neuchatel to Bern
- Stage 8: Bern to Zurich
This road trip can take up to ten days, or more if you’d like — it’s entirely up to you!
If the whole route is too daunting, you can consider doing various stages on their own.
#KlookTip: If you rented an electric vehicle, you’re in luck. The whole route has an abundance of charging stations, making sure that you’ll never run out of juice.
Highlights
The Rhine Falls
Marvel at the thundering Rhine Falls, which is the largest waterfall in Europe. Stroll along the boardwalks, or take a cruise to the castle of Worth and Laufen. For a unique perspective, take a boat to the middle island, where you can climb up to a viewing platform to literally be in the centre of all the action.
Fortress of Bellinzona
Photo credit: Fortezza Bellinzona
Travel back to the medieval ages at the Fortress of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of the three Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro castles. To learn more about the site, visit the Castelgrande Museum. Or, download a virtual guide to learn more at the Montebello Archaeology exhibition.
Chateau de Chillon
Perched on the banks of Lake Geneva in Montreux, the picturesque Chateau du Chillon was the inspiration for Prince Eric’s castle in the animated Disney film ‘The Little Mermaid’. Previously the official residence of the Counts of Savoy, the chateau is now open for guided or self-guided tours.
Other pitstops to check out:
- Gstaad
- Lavaux vineyards
2. Furka, Grimsel, and Susten alpine passes
Referring to mountain routes that traverse the Swiss Alps, Switzerland’s alpine passes make for a fun and unique drive — with splendid views around every corner.
Julier Pass; photo credit: My Switzerland
Other alpine passes include the Great St. Bernard, Bernina, Gotthard, Julier, San Bernardino, and Simplon passes. However, for a great road trip, take on the ‘Big Three’ passes — the Furka, Grimsel, and Susten passes — which link to one another.
This will take you just under four hours without making any stops, but set aside a day or two (or even a few!) to take in the sights, go on hikes, and more. There are plenty of hotel and camping options near or along the way too.
Furka Pass
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Any James Bond fans in the house? You might recognise the daring hairpin turns of the Furka Pass from the Goldfinger movie. One of Switzerland’s ‘Big Three’ passes, the 2,431-metre-high route starts at Gletsch, and winds through the Alps to reach Andermatt.
Warning, you’ll have to work for the views: take caution as you drive this route, as some parts can be narrow and steep. P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for the Furka cogwheel train too!
Highlights
Hotel Belvedere
Photo credit: LIU Xiao on Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1882, the Belvedere Hotel is one of the Furka pass’ most iconic sights. Sitting snug in the middle of a bend, the hotel interestingly looks like one with its surroundings. Designed to offer a panoramic vista of the Rhone Glacier, the hotel has unfortunately remained shuttered since 2016. This is due to the glacier retreating more than a kilometre, resulting in a decrease in the number of visitors. Nevertheless, many tourists continue to make a stop at the large open-air carpark opposite the hotel to snap an iconic shot.
Rhone Glacier
Photo credit: Tambako The Jaguar on Flickr Creative Commons
Despite its retreat, the Rhone Glacier is still accessible for a self-guided visit. Buy a ticket from the visitor centre, and walk along the boardwalk to reach a 100-metre-long ice grotto. This ice grotto has been carved from scratch every year since 1870! Now, parts of the glacier and ice grotto are covered by blankets to slow the rate of melting.
#KlookTip: Plan your visit from July to September, as the ice will start to melt by late October.
Other pitstops to check out:
- Realp village
- Summit photo stop
- Gletsch village
Grimsel Pass
Photo credit: Andrew and Annemarie on Flickr Creative Commons
The second of Switzerland’s ‘Big Three’ passes, the Grimsel Pass starts from Gletsch (where the Furka Pass ends). Passing through rugged natural landscapes, alpine villages, and lakes, the route leads to Innertkirchen Meringen. Comprising one of Europe’s highest paved roads, the pass typically doesn’t see much traffic along the pass, so enjoy the drive!
#KlookTip: There’s adequate space to safely pull over at the side of the road all through the route, so go ahead and make lots of photo stops.
Highlights
Oberaarsee reservoir and glacier
Photo credits: Cooper.ch on Wikimedia Commons
The Oberaarsee reservoir is a hydroelectric reservoir that’s located next to the Oberaar glacier. From the Grimsel pass, turn into the Panoramastrasse Oberaar. This is a one-way road that’s only accessible for ten minutes in each direction every hour. Interesting, huh! The road leads to a carpark, from which you can take on a ten-kilometre return hike to the glacier.
Reichenbach Falls
Photo credit: Paul Hermans on Wikimedia Commons
The Reichenbach Falls is a lovely cascading waterfall that has a drop of more than 250 metres. Fun fact: the upper falls (“Grand Reichenback Fall”) is one of the highest waterfalls in the Alps!
Other pitstops to check out:
- Grimsel Hospiz
- Guttanen, the ‘Crystal Village’
- Gelmerbahn
- Raterichbodensee dam
Susten Pass
Photo credit: European Roads on Flickr Creative Commons
Leading from Innertkirchen to Wassen, the Susten Pass is the first such pass to purposely cater to vehicles. The last of the ‘Big Three series’, it’s usually one of the last passes to be completely cleared of snow, and generally only opens from June to October. In fact, you’ll pass through 26 bridges and tunnels built into the rock, one of which even lies below a waterfall.
Aare Gorge
Photo credit: Tambako The Jaguar on Wikimedia Commons
A result of the Aare River cutting into the limestone, the Aare Gorge is almost 200 metres deep. In fact, at its narrowest point, it’s just over a metre wide! Go on a forty-minute walk along a 1.4-kilometre boardwalk. If you have the time, you can extend the walk with a one-hour hike over Lammi pass.
Stein Glacier
Photo credit: My Switzerland
From the carpark, a relatively challenging two-hour hike will bring you right to Stein Glacier. However, you’d be able to get really close, making that effort more than worth it! Even better, you can even go for a guided glacier adventure on the ice itself. Note that the hiking route is only open in summer.
#KlookTip: Either park your car in front of the Hotel Steingletscher, or pay a small fee to drive up a private road that will bring you nearer to the trailhead.
Other pit-stops to check out:
- Gadmen village
- Engstligennalp lake
3. Zurich to Montreux
This road trip blends the best of both worlds — cities and nature — into one. Kickstart your journey from Zurich, before making your way to Bern, Lausanne, and Montreux. The routes between Bern and Zurich, and Zurich to Montreux, will take you just 1.5 hours and 1 hour respectively without stopping.
Highlights
Baden
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Relax your body, mind, and soul at Baden, an invigorating spa town fed by 18 thermal springs. The best part? You can experience the thermal waters entirely for free! There are hot thermal fountains along the banks of the Limmat River, which are fed by waters ranging from 37 to 43 degrees Celsius.
Aarau
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Don’t forget to look up whilst you’re in Aarau to marvel at the elaborate roof paintings, which date back to the 16th century. These have earned Aarau the title of being the ‘town of beautiful gables’! For greater insight into how humans and nature co-exist and clash, drop by the fascinating Naturama Aargau nature museum.
Areuse Gorge
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Venture into the Areuse Gorge on a refreshing hike! Start from the village of Noiraigue, and meander along the railway line. Ending at Boudry, the entire route is 11 kilometres long, — but feel free to do as much or as little as you please.
#KlookTip: If you’d just like to see the iconic stone bridge, park at Restaurant de la Truite at Champs du Moulin, before going on a short two-kilometre hike to the bridge.
Other pit-stops to check out:
- Viewpoint over Creux du Van basin
- Fribourg
- Cailler Chocolate Factory
- Gruyeres
Things to do in:
Zurich
- Grossmunster church
- Lindenhof hill
- Thermengasse
- Schweizerisches Landesmuseum
Bern
- Medieval old town
- Cathedral of Bern
- Rosengarten
- Kindlifresserbrunnen fountain
- Bärenpark (bear park)
Lausanne
Photo credit: Lausanne Tourisme
- Sauvabelin Tower
- Parc Olympique
- Collection de l’Art Brut
- Lavaux vineyards
- Platforme 10
Montreux
- Chateau du Chillon
- Lake Geneva
- Montreux promenade
- Freddie Mercury statue
4. Lugano to Zermatt
Start your adventure from Lugano, which oozes a unique blend of Swiss Italian hospitality. Relax at Lake Lugano, go hiking in the mountains, or check out the bustling market in the city centre that takes place every Tuesday and Friday. Then, make your way through stops like Locarno, Airolo, and Andermatt — before ending up in Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn (also known as the famous ‘Toblerone mountain’).
#KlookTip: Zermatt is a car-free town, so you’ll have to return your car at Tasch before taking a 12-minute train. Without stopping, the route from Lugano to Zermatt will take you around 3 hours 20 minutes.
Highlights
Monte Tamaro
Photo credit: My Switzerland
There’s just so much to do at Monte Tamaro! Dine with a view at the restaurant, zip along on a toboggan or fly along a zipline in the summer months, or take on the adventure ropes park. For some cooling respite, the Splash and Spa Tamaro water park checks all the boxes.
Stockalper Castle
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Located in Brig, the Stockalper Castle was once Switzerland’s largest private building back in the 17th century. Topped with three unique onion domes, the castle contains a museum that elaborates on its history. If you have little kids in tow, they’d love the ‘Malo and the Castle Ghost’ guided tour, which uses games to introduce the castle’s history in an engaging and interactive manner.
Locarno
Photo credit: My Switzerland
Nestled on the shores of the sparkling Lake Maggiore, Locarno is a compact city that’s easily discovered on foot. Trawl the old town, people-watch at Piazza Grande, and visit the Madonna del Sasso church. In fact, Locarno is a good base for exploring Cardada, Verzasca Valley, and the Brissago Islands.
Other pit-stops to check out:
- Bellinzona
- Andermatt’s famous ski slopes
- Furka pass
- Aletsch Glacier
- The car-free Bettmeralp
Things to do in:
Lugano
Photo credit: My Switzerland
- Lake Lugano
- Centro Storico
- Parco Ciani
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo
- Monte Bre
- Olive Trail
Zermatt
Photo credit: My Switzerland
- Sunrise at Riffelsee
- Hinterdorf
- Matterhorn museum
5. Bernese Oberland
Covering central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland is a beautiful region that includes the smaller Jungfrau region. The Jungfrau region is a must-see for many travellers, comprising Interlaken, Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, and Lauterbrunnen. In fact, the drive from Interlaken to Grindelwald, with a side trip to Lauterbrunnen, will only take all of 45 minutes. The lovely turquoise lake of Blausee is well worth a 35-minute detour from Interlaken as well, together with Oeschinensee’s lake and toboggan run.
Highlights
Grindelwald First
Photo credit: Jungfrau Top of Europe
Known as the ‘Top of Adventure’, Grindelwald First promises a wild ride for thrillseekers. At the summit, the First Cliff Walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, comprising a see-through metal bridge that extends 45 metres out into the air. This is all on top of a zipline, mountain glider, mountain cart, and trottibike — all of which will bring you down the mountain in a unique fashion.
Mannlichen’s Royal Walk
Photo credit: Jungfrau Top of Europe
Mannlichen is best known for its Royal Walk, which is an easy hike suitable for all ages. It only takes 20 minutes one way, which leads you to the cutest crown platform at the summit. For a longer hike, go on the panorama trail to Kleine Scheidegg (2.5 hours), where you can take the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch.
#KlookTip: To get to Mannlichen, park at Grindelwald and take a cable car.
Jungfraujoch
Photo credit: Jungfrau Top of Europe
Call us touristy, but a trip to Jungfraujoch is a must for any first-timer to Switzerland. To get there, park at either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, and take the Jungfrau Railway. Experience an ice palace, enter chocolate paradise at Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, have a whirl at the Snow Fun Park, hike across the Aletsch Glacier, or take in the views from the Sphinx Observatory.
Other pit-stops to check out:
- Lake Brienz
- The car-free mountain villages of Murren and Wengen
- St. Beatus Caves
Things to do at:
Interlaken
- Unterseen old town
Lauterbrunnen
- Nordic walking trail
- Staubbach Falls
- Trummelbach Falls
- Schilthorn - Piz Gloria
- Lauterbrunnen Valley Museum
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