Road Trip Recommendations Switzerland

Switzerland is especially 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' drive apart. In this guide, we present three varied road trips (5 to 10 days) through Switzerland, including concrete route suggestions, tips on hiking and ski areas, as well as a compact overview of the vignette, special toll, heavy vehicle charge and car-carrying trains. Before you set off, secure the right digital vignette for Switzerland so you can comfortably use motorways and expressways.

Read more: Castles and palaces in Switzerland.

Before you set off: planning is everything!

The ideal route for your road trip through Switzerland depends above all 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 rough guidance when planning your trip:

• 5–6 days: Focus on one region, for example central Switzerland with Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, or the Bernese Oberland with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

• 7–10 days: Ideal for combining at least one larger 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 side trips to lakes, passes and ski areas.

Tips from us

Our example routes provide a reliable foundation that you can, of course, flexibly adapt to your own wishes. 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, rather than 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 to travel for road trips focused on hiking, lakes and passes. Hiking regions such as the Bernese Oberland, the 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 in demand at this time. Early reservations are recommended.

• Late autumn and spring: Particularly suitable for cities, thermal spas, lakes and lower-lying hiking regions. Higher passes may already be, or still be, closed during this period.

• Winter (December to March): Ideal for combining a road trip with ski areas such as the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region, the Bernese Oberland, the Valais with Zermatt and surroundings, or Graubünden. Please note the requirements for winter equipment as well as possible snow chain obligations and road closures at higher altitudes.

If you are travelling during school holidays or on long weekends, you should expect increased traffic volumes, particularly on transit routes as well as around Zurich, Bern and popular hiking and ski regions.

Switzerland by car: getting there and starting points

Your starting point largely depends on where you live. However, some places are particularly well suited as a "hub" for a road trip:

• Zurich: An international transport hub and ideal if arriving from Germany or by plane. The perfect starting point for routes into central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland or eastern Switzerland. (Read more: Zurich)

• Bern: The capital is centrally located and ideal for combining the Bernese Oberland, the Mittelland 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 if arriving from France and an excellent base for combining the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region with the Valais.

• Graubünden / Ticino: Particularly suitable if your focus is on Alpine passes, the Engadin, the Swiss National Park or the Italian-influenced flair of Ticino, for example in the Verzasca Valley.

As soon as you use the Swiss motorways and expressways, you will need a motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The digital vignette, which is directly linked to your number plate, is especially convenient. This way, you can travel without sticking anything on and without the hassle of removing a sticker vignette.

Road trip 1: Cities, lakes & the Bernese Oberland (7–10 days)

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

• Zurich: City, culture and the Limmat (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 flair (1–2 nights)

Zurich (1–2 nights)

Begin your road trip relaxing in Zurich. The old town, Lake Zurich, the lakeside promenades, as well as the diverse culinary scene and numerous shopping opportunities, make the city ideal for one to two days. You can find more information in our guide to Zurich.

For arriving by car, it's advisable to plan your arrival outside of peak hours, as the approach roads and inner-city districts can experience heavy traffic, especially in the morning and evening. Many hotels have parking garages or parking spaces. Alternatively, you can use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and take public transport into the centre.

Lucerne & central Switzerland (2 nights)

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

In our article on hiking areas you'll find suggestions for popular excursion destinations.

Bernese Oberland (2–3 nights)

Next, continue towards the Bernese Oberland, for example to the Interlaken region between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. From there you can reach well-known places such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen or Kleine Scheidegg. Depending on the season, you can choose between hiking, mountain railways, paragliding or winter sports.

You'll find further suggestions in our guide to hiking areas and ski areas in Switzerland.

Bern (1–2 nights)

A stay in Bern makes a fitting conclusion. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Aare loop and the view from the Rose Garden provide a relaxed finale to your road trip. Use one day for a stroll around the city and cultural sightseeing, and the other for a side trip to the Mittelland 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 stages are usually 1 to 2 hours. Many routes run along motorways, for which a motorway vignette is required. Alternative routes along country roads are particularly scenic. While these take more time, they offer deeper insights into smaller towns and valleys.

Road trip 2: Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps & Valais (6–9 days)

This road trip is aimed at anyone who wants to combine vineyards, lakes and high peaks. It's ideal if you prefer to change location less often while still experiencing a varied mix of nature, indulgence 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 Mittelland: Return journey with a city trip (1 night, optional)

Lake Geneva region (2 nights)

Begin in Lausanne or Montreux. The Mediterranean-like flair, 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 vineyard terraces. You'll find more ideas in our article on hiking areas.

Vaud Alps (1–2 nights)

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

Valais with Zermatt (2–3 nights)

Next up is the Valais, a particularly appealing region for mountain lovers. Above all, Zermatt with the Matterhorn is an outstanding destination. Allow plenty of time for panoramic hikes, glacier experiences and mountain railways. You'll find concrete suggestions in our articles on hiking areas and ski areas.

Depending on your route, it may be worth using a car-carrying train, for example at the Lötschberg or Furka. Your vehicle is loaded onto a train while you stay comfortably seated in the car as it passes through tunnel sections. Tickets for car-carrying trains are not covered by the vignette and must be paid for separately. You can find more information on car-carrying trains in our guide.

Fribourg region or Mittelland (1 night, optional)

On the way back, a stay in the Fribourg region or the Swiss Mittelland makes a pleasant option. Historic towns, rolling hills and lakes provide an enjoyable conclusion. You'll find more suggestions in our article on hiking areas in Switzerland.

Road trip by car

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

Road trip 3: Graubünden, the 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 more intensively. Alpine valleys, passes, lakes and a Mediterranean flair provide plenty of variety.

• Eastern Switzerland (e.g. Appenzell region / Lake Constance): Hills, cheese and views (1–2 nights)

• Graubünden (e.g. Engadin): Mountains and lakes (2–3 nights)

• Swiss National Park: Pristine 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 on Lake Constance. Gentle hills, traditional villages and scenic peaks provide ideal conditions for easy hikes. You'll find more 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, in winter, attractive ski areas. Depending on the season, you can choose between hiking, mountain biking, winter sports or scenic train rides. Our guide to hiking areas in Switzerland can help with your planning.

Swiss National Park (1–2 nights)

A particular highlight is the Swiss National Park, the oldest protected area of its kind in the Alps. Here you'll find marked hiking trails, strict nature conservation regulations and good opportunities to observe wildlife. Allow at least a 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)

The trip concludes in Ticino. Around Locarno, Ascona or Lugano, you'll find Mediterranean flair, palm trees and lakes for swimming. A trip to the Verzasca Valley, with its turquoise waters and traditional stone villages, is especially recommended. You'll find concrete tour suggestions 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 run along winding mountain roads. Car-carrying trains such as the Vereina Tunnel can also be a sensible option for getting from one valley to another more quickly and regardless of weather conditions. Please note: car-carrying trains are subject to a fee and must be paid for independently of the vignette. In addition, individual tunnels, such as the Munt la Schera Tunnel or the Great St Bernard Tunnel, are subject to a special toll and must be paid for separately; the Alpine passes themselves are free of charge.

Toll guide Switzerland

Are you unsure whether you need a vignette for your road trip through Switzerland, or what additional charges might apply? In Switzerland, four points in particular are relevant: the motorway vignette, the heavy vehicle charge (LSVA), special tolls and car-carrying trains.

• Motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight: A vignette is required on motorways and expressways for cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight; trailers and caravans generally need their own vignette. It is available both as a sticker vignette and as a digital vignette. Get your digital vignette for Switzerland from us now.

• Only an annual vignette: Unlike in many neighbouring countries, Switzerland offers only an annual vignette. Short-term or 10-day vignettes are not available.

• Special toll: Certain tunnels, such as the Great St Bernard Tunnel or the privately operated Munt la Schera Tunnel, are subject to a special toll. These charges are not included in the vignette and must be paid separately.

• Heavy vehicle charge (LSVA/PSVA): For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the heavy vehicle charge applies instead of the vignette. Trucks pay the performance-related LSVA, which is collected via on-board units or registration on the Via portal; heavy motorhomes, caravans and coaches pay the flat-rate PSVA (e.g. motorhomes CHF 3.25 per day, minimum CHF 25, payable via the Via portal).

• Car-carrying trains: Car-carrying trains such as Lötschberg, Furka or Vereina shorten travel times and bypass passes. They are convenient, but always charged in addition to the vignette or LSVA.

• Checks and fines: Driving without a valid vignette or LSVA payment can result in significant fines. Checks take place at the border, at rest areas and in moving traffic.

You'll find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in Switzerland. You'll also find detailed information on the various car-carrying trains and tunnels in our article on car-carrying trains (vehicle transport). Feel free to also use our guide to vehicle classes to determine whether you need a digital vignette or must pay a heavy vehicle charge.

Validity period of the digital vignette for Switzerland

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 number plate and can be conveniently ordered online, with no need to stick anything on.

If your road trip covers several countries, you will need a separate product for each vignette country. With us, you can get digital vignettes for 8 countries: Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Switzerland. 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 rules apply in neighbouring countries: Austria has a vignette, while Italy and France have a distance-based toll; there is no toll for cars in Germany or Liechtenstein.

Why our digital vignette is the right choice

DMC Digitale Maut Consulting GmbH makes your drive through Switzerland especially hassle-free:

• Fast & digital: The vignette can be ordered online in just a few minutes, with no stickers and no postal delivery.

• Linked to your number plate: Checks are carried out digitally via the number plate; no sticker is required.

• Planning certainty: Ideal for organising your annual holiday or several trips to Switzerland well in advance.

• Several countries from a single provider: We started in 2019 with toll products for Austria, with further countries added later. Today, our Vignette Flat Rate covers 8 countries: Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Switzerland. This is especially convenient for longer road trips.

• Email support: Our team is happy to help with questions about tolls, vehicle classes and the right vignette for you.

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 goes smoothly, keep a few practical points in mind:

• Timing: Avoid peak traffic times on Fridays, Sundays and at the start and end of school holidays where possible. Otherwise, traffic jams can occur on transit routes such as north–south corridors.

• Traffic rules: Stick to speed limits and blood alcohol limits. Find out in advance about the traffic rules in Switzerland, particularly regarding speeds on motorways, country roads and in towns.

• Parking in cities: Parking spaces are often scarce in Zurich, Lucerne, Bern and other larger cities. Where possible, use parking garages, park-and-ride facilities or hotel parking.

• Nature and protected areas: Stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you, and observe the signage in national parks and protected landscape areas such as the Swiss National Park.

• Camping: Wild camping is restricted or prohibited in many places. Find out in advance about official campsites or pitches.

• Weather conditions: Weather in the Alps can change quickly. Pack in layers and bring a rain jacket as well as sturdy footwear.

• Winter equipment: In winter, winter tyres, snow chains and attention to relevant signage are important. Passes may be closed. Check the current situation before setting off.

• Safety on the road: Take regular breaks, use rest areas and only stop where it's explicitly permitted.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration of the country's impressive natural scenery. Please find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and show you the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we're of course happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.