Switzerland Road Trip: My 2-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Last Updated on March 7, 2024

Dreaming of an epic Switzerland road trip? Here’s my recommended Switzerland itinerary for those with 2 weeks in Switzerland.

Dramatic mountains, spearmint lakes, cute alpine towns blanketed in sparkling white snow — Switzerland is the winter wonderland that many dream of. Switzerland may be a small country, but it sure packs a punch with landscapes of epic proportions.

Having done several Switzerland road trips (and traveled to many cold countries), I can safely say that Switzerland has some of the most impressive mountainscapes in the world. For those who are keen to see the best of Switzerland in 2 weeks, here is our Switzerland itinerary.

The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary

How to Get to Switzerland

This Switzerland itinerary starts and ends in Basel Airport, which is located right across the border with France and Germany. Alternatively, you can also fly into Zurich Airport, just an hour’s drive to Basel. There are plenty of cheap flights from various cities around Europe to Basel. You can get budget flights from London to Basel for €50 return. From the US, you can find flights from New York to Basel for as cheap as $500 return.

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How to Get Around Switzerland

By Car

For this Switzerland road trip itinerary, we recommend hiring a car or driving your own vehicle. Switzerland has remarkable infrastructure and transport network. Plus it’s a small country and driving distances are never more than a couple of hours.

Car rental in Switzerland is also relatively cheaper than train travel. A 1-week car rental in Switzerland costs around US$365 or €300. Currently, petrol costs around €1.3-1.5 per liter.

Book Your Car Rental!

By Campervan

We drove our camper van and loved exploring the lakes and high mountains in the day and sleeping in our warm van by night As Switzerland is so expensive, driving a camper van can be a great way to save on accommodation and meals.

Wild camping is one of the best things about campervan travel, but technically it is not allowed in Switzerland. There are plenty of campsites in Switzerland though and they costs around €20-30/night for a parking spot and 2 adults.

You can you can hire a campervan in Switzerland on Indie Campers from €50/day and it comes with everything you need including outdoor table and chairs, bedding, cooking equipment. Just be sure to select a van with warmer if you’re coming in winter!

By Train

Most people would say the best way to get around the Switzerland is by train as that’s the fastest mode of transport. Almost every corner of Switzerland can be accessible by train — in fact some mountain towns like Wengen can only be reached by train and not car.

If you’re intending to explore Switzerland by train, it’s best to get a Swiss Rail Pass as that will save you quite a few pennies. You can buy it here in advance and check train schedules on the Swiss Federal Railways website.

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Best Time to Visit Switzerland

It really depends on what sort of experience you’re seeking in Switzerland. We find winter (November to February) the best time to explore Switzerland’s charming alpine villages and snow-covered mountains. However, expect sub-zero temperatures and make sure you are comfortable driving in snowy conditions. Refer to my guide on driving in Switzerland.

If you’re after long hikes and warm weather, then summer (June – August) is the best time to visit. Everything turns green and it’s an excellent time to go on boat trips, swim in the lake, hike the mountains and visit observatories in the Swiss Alps.

Travel Insurance in Switzerland

It’s important to have travel insurance for travel whether you’re going to Switzerland for a weekend or a month. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

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2 Weeks in Switzerland Itinerary

My recommended Switzerland road trip focuses on exploring the countryside, mountains and small villages. I prefer nature to big cities, and so  I’ve designed this Switzerland itinerary with a focus on nature, and skipped cities like Geneva and Zurich.

• Day 1-2: Basel
• Days 3-4: Interlaken & Lake Brienz
• Days 5-7: Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
• Day 8: Wengen & Murren
• Day 9: Glacier 3000
• Days 10-12: Montreux, Lausanne, Gruyères
• Day 13: Zermatt
• Day 14: Back to Basel

Switzerland Itinerary Days 1-2: Explore Basel

Basel is a great starting point as it’s within a short driving distance to the best parts of Switzerland. Basel’s medieval old town is one of the most beautiful anywhere in Europe, dominated by the red-sandstone Town Hall, Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz.

Its 12th-century Gothic cathedral has city views, and contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The city’s university houses some of Erasmus’ works.

Where to Stay in Basel

Budget: Hotel & Lounge by Hyve Basel SBB

Located in Basel, Hyve Hotel is a modern budget hotel in the heart of town with free parking. Rooms are spacious, well designed and comfortable. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Hyperion Hotel Basel 

Inside Basel’s tallest habitable building, the Hyperion Hotel Basel is just a short walk from the Old Town. Ultra-modern rooms offer great views through ceiling-to-floor glass windows. Check rates.

Luxury: Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS

Located in the center of Basel’s Old Town, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels, where such personalities as Napoleon have stayed. (Pictured) Check rates.

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Itinerary Days 3-4: Drive to Bernese Oberland

Time to kickstart your Switzerland road trip! Once you leave the city behind, you’ll see the silhouette of the massive Swiss Alps looming in the distance. Drive south, past the city of Bern, towards Thun and you’ll be there in two hours.

Located at the lower end of Lake Thun, Thun is the gate to the Bernese Oberland. You’ll get your first glimpse of the quintessential Swiss landscapes here: snowcapped peaks looming above the glassy waters of the spearmint lake. The historic Old Town is situated about one kilometer from the shore of the lake, on the river Aare.

Drive around Lake Thun

After exploring Thun, take a scenic drive around the pristine Lake Thun. First, stop for a picnic at Schadau Park, that has a beautiful marina, playground and lake views.

It takes just over an hour to drive a loop all around Lake Thun. This area is known as the Riviera of the Bernese Oberland and the scenic route has plenty of picturesque views. Some of the highlights include the Hünegg castle in Oberhofen, and St Beatus Caves.

Explore the Town of Interlaken

Built on a narrow stretch of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is definitely the highlight of Switzerland for many. It’s an outdoor lover’s playground, characterized by mountains, meadows and numerous hiking and skiing trails. The town itself is an excellent base for hiking excursions and boat trips.

One of the best hiking routes is the 2-hour circuit from Panoramaweg. One of the coolest things to do in Interlaken is paragliding, one of the best views to see the formidable Swiss Alps, regardless of the time of year.

 

Base Yourself in Unterseen

You can choose to stay in Interlaken or Unterseen, a neighborhood just outside of town. We stayed in Unterseen as we wanted to be closer to nature (while Interlaken is more of a city). Unterseen literally means Lower Lake, since Unterseen is located on the flat area on the eastern shore of Lake Thun.

Where to Stay in Unterseen

Budget: Camping Manor Farm

We parked our campervan at this lakeside campsite in Unterseen and loved being able to stay right on the water. Facilities were well maintained and prices were great. Check rates here.

Mid Range: NO8 Boutique Hotel

Featuring a vintage gentlemen saloon character, this boutique hotel is stylish and affordable. It’s also great for families looking to share a room. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Central Continental

Of course if you’re looking to splurge, check in to the luxurious Hotel Central Continental located along the banks of the Aare River. It is housed in a historic building, with views of the impressive Jungfrau Massif. Check rates here.

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Itinerary Days 5-7: Head into Lauterbrunnen Valley

Before you leave Interlaken, take a scenic drive along Lake Brienz enroute to Lauterbrunnen. The views here are even more stunning than at Lake Thun as the mountains loom higher over the glassy spearmint waters of the lake.

If you’re traveling Switzerland in summer, catch a boat trip on Lake Brienz to see them all. One of the best places to stop is the village of Iseltwald. The beautiful village backdropped by snowcapped mountains looks straight out of a fairytale.

If you have more than 2 weeks in Switzerland, I recommend continuing your journey to Lucerne from Brienz, as it’s just an hour drive away. Lucerne has an attractive old town and lots of cool museums and mountain hikes. Check out this list of things to do in Lucerne and hotels to stay in Lucerne with a view.

 

Weave through the Lauterbrunnen Valley

It’s time for the best part of this Switzerland road trip! Drive 2 hours southeast into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps.

The name ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (‘many fountains’) suggests the magnificence of this landscape. There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most famous being the Staubbach Falls right in the heart of town. Plunging almost 300m from an overhanging rock face, they are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.

Another deafening natural phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls in the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a total height of about 200m. This spectacle can only be reached in summer by tunnel lift. Read all about the things to do in Lauterbrunnen here.

 

Go Skiing in Grindelwald

Continue driving towards the ski resort of Grindelwald, just 20 minutes away by car. I recommend staying in Grindelwald for the next few days as it’s the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region and makes for an excellent base (even if you don’t ski).

Embedded in a welcoming hollow, Grindelwald is surrounded by the imposing mountains of Eiger and Wetterhorn. In winter, Grindelwald is blanketed in snow and you can easily ski off the slopes outside your hotel or go sledding right outside your front door.

In summer, there are 300 km of walking trails around Grindelwald. The high-altitude walk from Grindelwald-First along the Bachalpsee to the Schynige Platte ranks among the most beautiful hikes of the region.

Where to Stay in Grindelwald

Budget: Gasthof Panorama

One of the best budget options in Grindelwald, the Gasthof Panorama enjoys a quiet location at the Terrassenweg in Grindelwald, only a 5-minute drive away from the center. Check rates.

Mid Range: Hotel Gletscherblick

We shared a 2-bedroom duplex with friends at this hotel during Christmas and had an excellent time hanging out, cooking and playing in snow! The balcony views were astounding and the hotel location fantastic. Check rates here.

Luxury: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel

Offering panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, this family-run 4-star superior hotel with an excellent spa and outdoor saltwater hot tub in the garden. Check rates here.

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Itinerary Day 8: Visit the Alpine Village of Wengen

Head back to Lauterbrunnen for a day of excursions in the mountains. A rack railway links Lauterbrunnen with the mountain town of Wengen which can only be accessed by train. The train trip itself is well worth the journey, as it literally takes you up the mountain with steep cliffs right outside your window.

From Wengen, you can also continue onto the Kleinen Scheidegg, and change trains for the onward journey to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch*.

Take the Train to Murren

On the opposite side of the valley is the holiday resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cableway from Stechelberg continues to the peak of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, famous for being the setting where the 007 classic, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.

*Top Thing to Do in Jungfrau Region: Visit the Top of Europe

One of the best things to do in the Jungfrau region is to take the gondola up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. Perched at 3,571m above sea level, the Jungfraujoch observatory offers gobsmacking views of Mönch and Jungfrau.

Ticket prices are high, around 185 – 235 CHF (US$205-267) per person depending on the season (which is why we chose to visit Glacier3000 instead). But the ticket price includes the cable car ride there, and visits to the Ice Palace and The Alpine Sensation. Book your ticket here.

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Switzerland Itinerary Day 9: Head to Glacier 3000

The next day, drive 2 hours southwest to Glacier 3000 in Col du Pillon. It’s another observatory perched high in the Swiss Alps, with jawdropping views of Mont Blanc, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. But ticket prices are half of Jungfrajoch prices, and so we chose to visit Glacier3000 instead. Book your tickets here!

One unique attraction that Glacier 3000 has is the Peak Walk. The The 107m long bridge is the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. It takes just minutes to walk it; but it’s not for the faint-hearted. We were lucky to visit on a clear, sunny day, but we still experienced 70km/h winds and -12degC temperature.

Where to Stay in Les Diablerets

Budget: Bauernhotel Gässlihof

Located above the village of Feutersoey by Gstaad, this is an organic farm offering rustic rooms with mountain views. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Auberge de L’Ours

Built in 1833 on the main square of Vers l’Eglise, this beautiful Swiss chalet offers Alpine-style rooms, a charming garden, and free parking on site. Check rates here.

Luxury: Grand Chalet des Bovets

One of the best hotels in the area, this historic hotel is full of character, with traditional wooden interiors, Scandinavian style design and a large art collection. Check rates here.

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Switzerland Itinerary Day 10-12: Visit Montreux

For the last part of your Swiss road trip, head west towards Montreux, one of the most charming cities in Switzerland. The city is built along Lake Geneva and oozes an elegant European style.

Known for its mild microclimate, Montreux has colorful promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean trees and grand Belle Époque buildings. One beautiful spot to visit is the offshore medieval island castle, Château de Chillon, complete with ramparts, formal halls and 14th-century murals. 

Wander the Old Town of Lausanne

Just a 30-minute drive along the lake, you’ll find the city of Lausanne. The town is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes overlooking Lake Geneva.

The attractive old town of Lausanne is largely car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques shape the streetscape in the medieval city centre. The 19th-century Palais de Rumine houses fine art and science museums.

Explore Medieval Town of Gruyères

It’s almost the end of your trip. On your way back to Basel, make a stop at the medieval town of Gruyères, 1 hour away from Lausanne. The town gave its name to the region La Gruyère and its delicious cheese, Gruyère. Be sure to try some Gruyère quiche, raclette and fondue when you’re here.

The  hamlet is ridiculously charming, built on a hilltop surrounded by its fortress walls. Inside the car-free town, you’ll find postcard-perfect cobblestoned streets, fountains and fairytale-like houses. The 13th century Castle of Gruyères dominates the town.

Where to Stay in Gruyères

Budget: Gruyère Rooms

Hotels in Gruyères are not cheap, and this is the cheapest option if you want to stay in town. Some of the rooms offer views of the pedestrian zone or the Gruyère Castle. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Hotel de Ville

Every town in Switzerland has a hotel de ville, and this town’s main hotel is set in a historical chalet with beautiful wooden features. Check rates here.

Luxury: Le Saint Georges

The best hotel in town is located right in the main square, with a magnificent view of the town. It’s also got big family rooms. Check rates here.

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Switzerland Itinerary Day 13: Continue to Beautiful Zermatt

Head to southern Switzerland (a 2-hour drive) to visit what’s arguably one of the best winter destinations in Europe. This car-free village is where you’ll go for a full view of the iconic Matterhorn. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels and restaurants, and also has a lively après-ski scene.

Admire the traditional Walser architecture and sip hot chocolate on the streetside cafes. Don’t miss the excellent Matterhorn Museum, which details the harrowing stories of mountaineers who attempted to ascend the Matterhorn.

On our first trip to Zermatt, we took the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt. The views through the open-roof windows were spectacular, the journey itself was one epic adventure: it brought us through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It was definitely one of the most beautiful train journeys we’ve ever taken.

 

Where to Stay in Zermatt

Budget: Zermatt Youth Hostel

The best budget option in Zermatt is this youth hostel, just a 10-min walk from the ski elevators. We stayed here on our first trip to Switzerland and loved the views of Matterhorn from here. Check rates.

Mid Range: Mont Cervin Palace

Opened in 1851, the 5-star hotel stands in the heart of Zermatt, with modern interiors and an enormous wellness and spa area. Check rates here.

Luxury: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Another historical landmark hotel, this grand dame of Zermatt is an ultra-luxurious property in a central but peaceful location in Zermatt. Guests are picked up from the train station by an electric car or in a blue horse-drawn carriage. Check rates here.

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Itinerary Day 14: Drive back to Basel

Sadly, your trip has come to an end. The drive from Zermatt to Basel is around 3.5 hours. I recommend driving back to Basel in the morning to make sure you can catch your flight home.

You can also fly home from Geneva Airport which is 2h 45m by car, or Zurich Airport slightly further at 3h 45m away. Alternatively, you can continue on to explore the neighboring countries as Zermatt is right across the border from France and Italy.

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Cost of this Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary 

Let’s be clear: Switzerland IS an expensive place to travel. Prices of attractions, accommodation and food can be exorbitant. Restaurant meals are expensive — prepare to spend at least $40 on each meal. Thankfully supermarkets are pretty well priced. Even cheap hostels are around $50 per person per night.

If you’re traveling Switzerland on a tight budget, cooking your meals and staying at cheap Airbnbs, then you can get by on as little as $120 per person per day.

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Packing for this Switzerland Road Trip

What you pack depends on when you’re planning to do your Switzerland road trip. If you are visiting Switzerland in winter, be sure to bring warm clothes including a high quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s important to invest in a good pair of winter boots or sturdy hiking shoes for snow conditions.

In addition, remember to get snow chains for your car/rental if you’re planning to drive in winter. They are not required by law, but they can keep you safe in the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and found the snow chains to be very useful. If you are driving a camper van, it’s also useful to bring a thermos and pouch warmer to keep yourself warm.

 

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Want to Read More about Switzerland?

That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading all the way to the end. We’ve definitely packed a lot into this 2-week Switzerland road trip itinerary. But rest assured you’ll be exploring at quite a leisurely pace.

This Switzerland itinerary will give you a taste of the country and show you the best parts of the country, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer. If you have any question, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Read my articles on Switzerland below:

• Riding the Glacier Express
• 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
• Best Winter Destinations in Europe

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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