Road Trip Recommendations Switzerland

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

Before you set off: Planning is everything!

The ideal route for your road trip through Switzerland depends above all on the time 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 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 would like to combine several regions, for example German-speaking Switzerland, Valais, Graubünden and Ticino, with side trips to lakes, passes and ski areas.

Tips from us

Our sample routes offer you a reliable basis, which you can of course flexibly adapt to your wishes. A proven rule of thumb for relaxed road trips is: plan for a maximum of 1 to 3 hours of driving time 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 travel time for road trips focused on hiking, lakes and 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: High season with lively cities and well-frequented hiking trails. Popular regions such as Interlaken and the Jungfrau region, Zermatt or Lake Geneva are especially sought after. Early reservations are recommended.

• Late autumn and spring: Particularly suitable for cities, thermal baths, lakes and lower-lying hiking regions. Higher passes may already be closed, or not yet open, at this time.

• Winter (December to March): Ideal for combining a road trip with ski areas such as in the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region, the Bernese Oberland, Valais with Zermatt and surroundings, or Graubünden. Please note the requirements for winter equipment as well as possible snow chain requirements 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 depends largely 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 when 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 region 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 when arriving from France and an excellent base for combining the Vaud Alps and the Lake Geneva region with Valais.

• Graubünden / Ticino: Particularly suitable if you want to focus on alpine passes, the Engadine, 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 an motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The digital vignette, which is linked directly to your number plate, is particularly convenient. This way you can travel without sticking anything on and without the hassle of removing a sticker vignette.

Road trip 1: Cities, lakes & 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 links 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)

Start your road trip relaxed in Zurich. The old town, Lake Zurich, the waterfront promenades, as well as the varied 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 arrival by car, it is advisable to plan your arrival outside peak hours, as there can be heavy traffic on the access roads and in the inner-city districts, especially in the morning and evening. Many hotels have their own parking garages or parking spaces. Alternatively, you can use park-and-ride car parks on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the centre.

Lucerne & Central Switzerland (2 nights)

From Zurich, the route continues to Lucerne. The Chapel Bridge, the Museggmauer city wall and the immediate location on Lake Lucerne make the city 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)

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

In our guide to hiking areas as well as the ski areas in Switzerland you will find further suggestions.

Bern (1–2 nights)

A stay in Bern makes for a fitting conclusion. The medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aare loop and the view from the Rose Garden provide a relaxed end to your road trip. Use one day for a stroll through 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 via country roads are particularly scenic. These take more time, but offer deeper insights into smaller towns and valleys.

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

This road trip is aimed at anyone who would like to combine vineyards, lakes and high peaks. It is 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)

Start in Lausanne or Montreux. The Mediterranean-like flair, the waterfront promenades and the vineyards of Lavaux offer an ideal introduction. Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva or a relaxed panoramic hike through the vine terraces. You can find further 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, Valais awaits you, a particularly appealing region for mountain lovers. Zermatt in particular, with the Matterhorn, is an outstanding destination. Plan enough time for panoramic hikes, glacier experiences and mountain railways. In our articles on hiking areas and ski areas you will find concrete suggestions.

Depending on the route, it may be worth using a car train, for example at the Lötschberg or Furka. In this case, your vehicle is loaded onto a train while you remain comfortably seated in your car as you pass through tunnel sections. Tickets for car trains are not covered by the vignette and must be paid for separately. You can find further information on car 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 for a pleasant option. Historic towns, hilly landscapes and lakes provide a pleasant conclusion. You can find further 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' driving time. You will likely use both motorways and mountain roads. In alpine regions, you should always take gradients, tight bends and possible winter closures into account. Information on the vignette and other types of toll 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 would like 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. Engadine): 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)

Start your journey in Eastern Switzerland, for example in the Appenzell region or on Lake Constance. Gentle hills, traditional villages and scenic peaks offer 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, in winter, attractive ski areas. Depending on the season, you can choose between hiking, mountain biking, winter sports or panoramic train rides. Our guide to hiking areas in Switzerland will help you with planning.

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 requirements and good opportunities to observe wildlife. Plan at least one full day for this. Detailed information can be found in our article on the Swiss National Park.

Ticino with Verzasca Valley (2–3 nights)

The journey concludes in Ticino. Around Locarno, Ascona or Lugano, you can expect a Mediterranean flair, palm trees and lakes for swimming. An excursion into the Verzasca Valley, with its turquoise water and traditional stone villages, is particularly recommended. You can 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 trains such as the Vereina Tunnel can also be a sensible option for getting from one valley to another faster and independently of the weather. Please note: car trains are subject to a fee and must be paid independently of the vignette. In addition, some alpine pass roads and tunnels, such as the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel, are subject to a special toll and must be paid for separately.

Toll guide Switzerland

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

• Motorway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight: A vignette is required on motorways and certain expressways for cars, motorcycles and most motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. It is available both as a sticker vignette and as a digital vignette. Purchase your digital vignette for Switzerland from us now.

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

• Special toll: Some tunnels and passes, for example certain alpine crossings or privately operated tunnels, are subject to a special toll. These fees are not included in the vignette and must be paid separately.

• Heavy vehicle charge (LSVA): For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) applies. It is usually collected via on-board units or registration and billing systems and replaces the classic motorway vignette.

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

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

You can find a comprehensive overview in our guide to tolls in Switzerland. You will also find detailed information on the various car trains and tunnels in our article on car trains (vehicle loading). 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 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 sticking required.

If your road trip covers several countries, you will need a separate product for each vignette country. We offer digital vignettes for several countries such as Austria, Czechia, 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 neighbouring countries such as Austria, Italy, Germany, France or Liechtenstein, sometimes with a vignette, sometimes with a distance-based toll.

Why our digital vignette is the right choice

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

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

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

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

• Several countries from a single source: Since 2019, we have offered digital vignettes for Austria, Czechia, Slovenia, Romania, Hungary, Switzerland and Slovakia. This is particularly convenient for longer road trips.

• Email support in 15 languages: Our team is happy to help 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 on the road

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

• Timing: Wherever possible, avoid peak traffic times on Fridays and Sundays, as well as at the start and end of school holidays. Otherwise, traffic jams can occur on transit routes such as north-south routes.

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

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

• Nature and protected areas: Stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you, and observe the information signs 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 about official campsites or pitches in advance.

• 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 the 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 this is expressly permitted.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. 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 display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.