Road Trip Recommendations

Switzerland is particularly well suited for a road trip: short distances, excellent infrastructure, spectacular Alpine passes, crystal-clear lakes, and charming cities are often only one to two hours apart by car. In this guide, we present three varied road trips (5 to 10 days) through Switzerland, including specific route suggestions, information on hiking and ski areas, as well as a compact overview of the vignette, special tolls, heavy vehicle charges, and car shuttle trains. Before you set off, secure the right digital vignette for Switzerland so you can use motorways and expressways conveniently.

Before You Go: Planning Is Everything!

The ideal route for your road trip through Switzerland depends primarily on the time you have available, the season, and your personal priorities. You can choose from cities such as Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich, impressive natural landscapes such as the Swiss National Park, Zermatt with the Matterhorn, or Lake Geneva, as well as numerous hiking areas and ski regions. For a rough guide to planning your trip:

• 5–6 days: Focus on one region, for example Central Switzerland with Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, or the Bernese Oberland with Lakes Thun and Brienz.
• 7–10 days: Ideal for combining at least one major city such as Zurich or Bern with hiking areas such as the Bernese Oberland, Valais, or Graubünden.
• 10–14 days: Particularly suitable if you want to combine several regions, such as German-speaking Switzerland, Valais, Graubünden, and Ticino with detours to lakes, passes, and ski resorts.

Our Tips

Our sample routes offer you a reliable foundation that you can, of course, adapt flexibly to your preferences. A tried-and-tested rule of thumb for relaxed road trips is: plan for a maximum of 1 to 3 hours of driving per day and two activities. This leaves enough time to enjoy the journey instead of simply driving from one highlight to the next. When planning, also take the season and weather conditions into account:

• May to October: The best time for road trips focused on hiking, lakes, and mountain passes. Hiking regions such as the Bernese Oberland, Valais with Zermatt, Graubünden with the Swiss National Park, or Eastern Switzerland are easily accessible during this period.
• July and August: Peak season with lively cities and busy hiking trails. Popular regions such as Interlaken and the Jungfrau region, Zermatt, or Lake Geneva are especially popular at this time. Early reservations are recommended.
• Late autumn and spring: Particularly suitable for cities, thermal baths, lakes, and lower-altitude hiking regions. Higher mountain passes may already be closed or still closed during this period.
• Winter (December to March): Ideal for combining a road trip with ski resorts such as those in the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region, the Bernese Oberland, Valais with Zermatt and surroundings, or Graubünden. Please note winter equipment requirements as well as possible snow chain obligations and road closures at higher elevations.

If you are traveling during school holidays or long weekends, you should expect increased traffic, especially on transit routes and around Zurich, Bern, and popular hiking and ski regions.

Switzerland by Car: Arrival and Starting Points

Your starting point largely depends on where you live. However, some places are especially suitable as a “hub” for a road trip:

• Zurich: International transport hub and ideal if arriving from Germany or by plane. A perfect starting point for routes into Central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland, or Eastern Switzerland. (Read more: Zurich)
• Bern: The capital is centrally located and is excellent for combinations of the Bernese Oberland, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura & Three-Lakes region. (Read more: Bern)
• Lucerne: A charming city on Lake Lucerne and an ideal starting point for Central Switzerland with mountains, lakes, and panoramic mountain railways. (Read more: Lucerne)
• Lake Geneva region: Well connected for arrivals from France and an excellent base for combining the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region with Valais.
• Graubünden / Ticino: Particularly suitable if the focus is on Alpine passes, the Engadine, the Swiss National Park, or the Italian-influenced atmosphere in Ticino, for example in the Verzasca Valley.

As soon as you use Swiss motorways and expressways, you need a motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. The digital vignette, which is directly linked to your license plate, is particularly convenient. This allows you to travel without sticking on and later removing a physical vignette.

Road Trip 1: Cities, Lakes & the Bernese Oberland (7–10 Days)

This route is especially suitable if you are discovering Switzerland by car for the first time and are looking for a combination of city life, lakes, and mountains. It connects Zurich, Lucerne, the famous Jungfrau region, and Bern.

• Zurich: City, culture, and the Limmat River (1–2 nights)
• Lucerne & Lake Lucerne: Old town and panoramic mountains (2 nights)
• Bernese Oberland (Interlaken region): Lakes and peaks (2–3 nights)
• Bern: Federal city and old-town charm (1–2 nights)

Zurich (1–2 Nights)

Start your road trip in a relaxed way in Zurich. The old town, Lake Zurich, the lakeside promenades, as well as the wide range of culinary offerings and shopping opportunities make the city ideal for one to two days. You can find more information in our guide to Zurich.

If arriving by car, it is advisable to plan your arrival outside peak hours, as traffic can be heavy on access roads and in inner-city neighborhoods, especially in the mornings and evenings. Many hotels have parking garages or parking spaces. Alternatively, you can use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and continue to the center by public transport.

Lucerne & Central Switzerland (2 Nights)

From Zurich, the route continues to Lucerne. The Chapel Bridge, the Musegg Wall, and the city’s immediate location on Lake Lucerne make it a special highlight. Combine your stay with a boat trip and an excursion to one of the surrounding mountains.

In our article on hiking areas, you will find suggestions for popular excursion destinations.

Bernese Oberland (2–3 Nights)

The journey then continues toward the Bernese Oberland, for example to the Interlaken region between Lakes Thun and Brienz. From there, you can reach famous places such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, or Kleine Scheidegg. Depending on the season, you can choose between hiking, mountain railways, paragliding, or winter sports.

You can find further inspiration in our guides to hiking areas and ski areas in Switzerland.

Bern (1–2 Nights)

To round off your trip, a stay in Bern is a great choice. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the curve of the Aare River, and the view from the Rose Garden make for a relaxing end to your road trip. Spend one day strolling through the city and visiting cultural sights, and the other taking a detour into the Swiss Plateau or the Jura & Three-Lakes region. You can find more information in our article on Bern.

Road Trip by Car

Driving times between the individual stops are usually 1 to 2 hours. Many routes run along motorways, for which a motorway vignette is required. Scenic alternatives via country roads are especially attractive. Although they take more time, they offer deeper insights into smaller towns and valleys.

Road Trip 2: Lake Geneva, Vaud Alps & Valais (6–9 Days)

This road trip is for anyone who wants to combine vineyards, lakes, and high mountain peaks. It is ideal if you prefer to change locations less often while still enjoying a varied mix of nature, pleasure, and alpine panoramas.

• Lake Geneva region (e.g. Lausanne/Montreux): Lake and vineyards (2 nights)
• Vaud Alps: Mountains and panoramic views (1–2 nights)
• Valais (Zermatt & surroundings): Glacier world and the Matterhorn (2–3 nights)
• Fribourg region or Swiss Plateau: Return trip with city stop (1 night, optional)

Lake Geneva Region (2 Nights)

Begin in Lausanne or Montreux. The Mediterranean-style atmosphere, the lakeside promenades, and the vineyards of Lavaux offer an ideal start. Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva or enjoy a relaxed panoramic hike through the terraced vineyards. You can find more ideas in our article on hiking areas.

Vaud Alps (1–2 Nights)

From the lakeside towns, the route climbs into the Vaud Alps. Well-known destinations such as Les Diablerets or Leysin offer hiking trails, viewpoints, and attractive ski resorts in winter. Depending on the season, you can combine mountain railways, easy high-altitude trails, or ski days.

Valais with Zermatt (2–3 Nights)

Next comes Valais, an especially attractive region for mountain lovers. Zermatt and the Matterhorn in particular are outstanding destinations. Allow plenty of time for panoramic hikes, glacier experiences, and mountain railways. In our articles on hiking areas and ski areas, you will find specific suggestions.

Depending on your route, using a car shuttle train may be worthwhile, such as at the Lötschberg or Furka. Your vehicle is loaded onto a train while you comfortably remain in the car and travel through tunnel sections. Tickets for car shuttle trains are not covered by the vignette and must be paid separately. You can find more information on car shuttle trains in our guide.

Fribourg Region or Swiss Plateau (1 Night, Optional)

On the way back, a stay in the Fribourg region or the Swiss Plateau is worth considering. Historic towns, rolling hills, and lakes make for a pleasant finale. You can find more inspiration in our article on hiking areas in Switzerland.

Road Trip by Car

The distances between the individual stops are generally 1 to 3 hours of driving time. You will likely use both motorways and mountain roads. In alpine regions, you should always take steep gradients, tight hairpin bends, and possible winter closures into account. Information on the vignette and other toll types can be found in our detailed overview of tolls in Switzerland.

Road Trip 3: Graubünden, National Park & Ticino (8–10 Days)

The third road trip is aimed at nature lovers who want to get to know Eastern Switzerland, Graubünden, and Ticino in more depth. Alpine valleys, mountain passes, lakes, and Mediterranean flair provide plenty of variety.

• Eastern Switzerland (e.g. Appenzell region / Lake Constance): Hills, cheese, and views (1–2 nights)
• Graubünden (e.g. Engadine): Mountains and lakes (2–3 nights)
• Swiss National Park: Untouched nature and hiking trails (1–2 nights)
• Ticino (e.g. Locarno, Verzasca Valley): Southern flair (2–3 nights)

Eastern Switzerland (1–2 Nights)

Begin your journey in Eastern Switzerland, for example in the Appenzell region or by Lake Constance. Gentle hills, traditional villages, and scenic peaks provide ideal conditions for easy hikes. You can find further ideas in our article on hiking areas in Switzerland.

Graubünden (2–3 Nights)

The route then continues to Graubünden. Well-known places such as Davos, Arosa, or St. Moritz offer Alpine panoramas, lakes, and attractive ski resorts in winter. Depending on the season, you can choose between hiking, mountain biking, winter sports, or panoramic trains. Our guide to hiking areas in Switzerland will help you plan.

Swiss National Park (1–2 Nights)

A special highlight is the Swiss National Park, the oldest protected area of its kind in the Alps. Here you can expect marked hiking trails, strict nature conservation regulations, and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Plan at least one full day for this. Detailed information can be found in our article on the Swiss National Park.

Ticino with the Verzasca Valley (2–3 Nights)

To finish, the trip heads into Ticino. Around Locarno, Ascona, or Lugano, you can expect Mediterranean flair, palm trees, and lakes for swimming. A trip into the Verzasca Valley with its turquoise water and traditional stone villages is especially recommended. Specific tour suggestions can be found in our article on hiking areas in Switzerland.

Road Trip by Car

Driving times are usually between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours and often follow winding mountain roads. Car shuttle trains such as the Vereina Tunnel can be a practical option for traveling faster and independently of the weather from one valley to another. Please note: car shuttle trains are subject to a charge and must be paid for separately from the vignette. In addition, some Alpine pass roads and tunnels, such as the Munt la Schera Tunnel, are subject to special tolls and must be paid additionally.

Switzerland Toll Guide

Not sure whether you need a vignette for your road trip through Switzerland or which additional charges may apply? In Switzerland, four points are particularly relevant: motorway vignette, heavy vehicle charge (LSVA), special tolls, and car shuttle trains.

• Motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW: For cars, motorcycles, and most motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, a vignette is required on motorways and certain expressways. It is available as both a sticker vignette and a digital vignette. Buy your digital vignette for Switzerland from us now.
• Annual vignette only: Unlike in many neighboring countries, Switzerland offers only an annual vignette. Short-term or 10-day vignettes are not available.
• Special tolls: Some tunnels and passes, for example certain Alpine crossings or privately operated tunnels, are subject to special tolls. These charges are not included in the vignette and must be paid separately.
• Heavy vehicle charge (LSVA): For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW, the distance-based heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) applies. It is generally collected via on-board units or registration and billing systems and replaces the classic motorway vignette.
• Car shuttle trains: Car shuttle trains such as Lötschberg, Furka, or Vereina shorten travel times and bypass mountain passes. They are practical, but always subject to an additional charge on top of the vignette or LSVA.
• Checks and fines: Driving without a valid vignette or LSVA can lead to substantial fines. Checks take place at the border, at rest stops, and in flowing traffic.

You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in Switzerland. You will also find detailed information on the various car shuttle trains and tunnels in our article on car shuttle trains (car transport). You are also welcome to use our guide to vehicle classes to determine whether you need a digital vignette or have to pay the heavy vehicle charge.

Validity Period of the Digital Switzerland Vignette

In Switzerland, there is only an annual vignette. You can choose between a sticker vignette and a digital vignette. The digital version is linked to your license plate and can be conveniently ordered online, with no need to stick anything on.

If your road trip includes several countries, you need a separate product for each vignette country. With us, you can obtain digital vignettes for several countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, and Slovakia. This allows you to plan your route conveniently in advance.

Vignettes Are Country-Specific

Please note that the digital vignette for Switzerland is valid only in Switzerland. Different toll systems may apply in neighboring countries such as Austria, Italy, Germany, France, or Liechtenstein, partly with vignettes and partly with route-based tolls.

Why Our Digital Vignette Is the Right Choice

DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH makes your trip through Switzerland especially straightforward:

• Fast & digital: The vignette can be ordered online in just a few minutes, with no sticking and no postal delivery.
• Linked to your license plate: Checks are carried out digitally via the license plate; no sticker is required.
• Planning certainty: Ideal for organizing your annual holiday or multiple trips to Switzerland well in advance.
• Several countries from one source: Since 2019, we have offered digital vignettes for Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, and Slovakia. This is especially practical for longer road trips.
• Email support in 15 languages: Our team supports you with questions about tolls, vehicle classes, and the right vignette.

Order your digital vignette for Switzerland now and avoid unnecessary detours or fines.

Practical Tips for the Road

To make sure your road trip through Switzerland is a complete success, you should keep a few practical aspects in mind:

• Time planning: Avoid peak traffic times on Fridays, Sundays, and at the beginning and end of school holidays whenever possible. Otherwise, traffic jams may occur on transit routes such as north-south corridors.
• Traffic rules: Observe speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Find out in advance about the traffic rules in Switzerland, especially regarding speed limits on motorways, country roads, and in built-up areas.
• Parking in cities: In Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and other larger cities, parking is often limited. Whenever possible, use parking garages, park-and-ride options, or hotel parking.
• Nature and protected areas: Stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you, and observe the signs in national parks and landscape protection areas such as the Swiss National Park.
• Camping: Wild camping is restricted or prohibited in many places. Therefore, find out in advance about official campsites or designated motorhome pitches.
• Weather conditions: In the Alps, the weather can change quickly. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket as well as sturdy footwear.
• Winter equipment: In winter, winter tires, snow chains, and following the relevant signage are important. Mountain passes may be closed. Therefore, check the current situation before setting off.
• Safety on the road: Take regular breaks, use rest areas, and stop only where it is expressly permitted.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. You can contact us at any time by email.