Switzerland on a Self-Drive Tour: A Handy Guide

Majestic Swiss Alps, crystal blue lakes, sparkling glaciers and quaint villages – if this is not paradise, then what is? If you like the idea of seeing the best of Switzerland in a single scenic journey, go on a self-drive trip across 1,600 kilometres of breathtaking vistas. On this road journey, you will travel through four linguistic regions, over five Alpine passes, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves and along 22 lakes.

That’s how you start: Zurich

Start your trip from Zurich, the beautiful city by the water, with a magnificent view of the snowcapped Alps on the horizon. Pick up your car from the airport and head towards your hotel. After checking-in, explore the city as it offers over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries. Spend your evening walking by the lake or go hiking up the Uetliberg Mountain offering a panoramic view of the entire city. If you enjoy the escapades in the night, you’ll love this place as Zurich has the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Stay overnight in the hotel as you gear up for Day 2 of your trip.

Zurich to St. Gallen

Rev your engines and kick-start your next day driving towards St. Gallen. Take a break at the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. While you drive, the compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland, has a charming, traffic-free Old Town. You will love the views of the colourfully painted oriel windows that are a town feature. A quick selfie photo-stop is a must here.

St. Gallen to Davos

Start off this lovely day as you drive past the village of Appenzell, situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. This region is known for its rural customs and traditions. If you like peace and quiet, you will like this place. Once you’re done admiring the quaint village, you may continue with your drive. Another pit-stop could be at `Heidi`s Village` in Maienfeld. The name of this village was kept after the poetess Johanna Spyri who got inspired to write her novel Heidi here.

Davos to Lugano

The next stop that awaits you on your road trip is Lugano. On your way, stop for a hiking excursion on Mount Muottas Muragl near Pontresina. Perched high atop the mountain, you can see the entire Upper Engadine region. The breathtaking views of the four lakes and the world-famous resort town of St. Moritz extend far beyond the mountain ranges into the distant horizon.

Lugano to Zermatt

While you leave Lugano for your next destination,Zermatt, do not miss out on visiting Monte Brè. Famous for being the sunniest point in Switzerland, Monte Brè is a small mountain that lies to the east of Lugano and offers a spectacular view of the Pennine Alps and the Bernese Alps. Later, continue on the wheels towards Ascona, a city with an old world charm and a mild climate. Do have a cuppa coffee at one of the lake promenade cafes that boasts of a Latin ambience. Making your way further, cross the beautiful St. Gotthard Pass and Furka Pass along the Aletsch Glacier – the biggest glacier in the Alps that stretches up to 23 kilometres. The stunning world of ice and rocks, flowers and forests will not only mesmerize you but will leave you craving for more. Continue your drive to Täsch, your last stop for the day.

Zermatt to Montreux

Wake up fresh as more stunning views and routes await you. Today, drive through the Valais, home to the highest concentration of snowy peaks in the Alps. The river and forests will give you company as you enter the French speaking part of Switzerland, heading through Sierre and Sion. Further, drive along the shores of Lake Geneva to Montreux, one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Lake Geneva region. The major highlight here is a visit to Castle Chillion, located on the banks of the lake. This water castle happens to be the most visited historic building in Switzerland. Next up is Gstaad.

Montreux to Gstaad      

The longest and most fascinating drives await you today. Drive through the beautiful orchards and terraced vineyards of the Lavaux and move further ahead towards Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. Enroute, visit the Olympic Museum as you continue your drive to Fribourg. This is a great opportunity for clicking pictures as Fribourg on the Swiss plateau is surrounded by the Saane/Sarine River on three sides. Have a cup of coffee, admire the old facades and fountains or gaze from the 0.074 kilometre spire of the cathedral far into the countryside. Moving on, pass through the rolling green landscape of Greyerzer (Gruyère) region, home to the world-famous Gruyère cheese. Later, relax in the comfort of your hotel as you get ready for the last day of the trip.

Gstaad to Lucerne

Today you will continue your journey to Lucerne. But before that, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the chalet village in Gstaad, which attracts countless stars and starlets. Next, drive to Interlaken. On the way, you can enjoy a lake cruise on the turquoise Lake Brienz and neighbouring Lake Thun, situated in the spectacular mountain setting of the Bernese Oberland. From Interlaken, drive past and experience the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau summits. Post a day full of activities, you will reach your final destination – Lucerne. The bends of Lake Lucerne, a 700-year-old bridge and the imposing Swiss Alps in the distance beckon you to ageless beauty. Do not miss out on the highlight of this trip – a visit to the Chapel Bridge with its wooden pedestrian walkway.

Like all good things come to an end, your self-drive trip through Switzerland also ends here. Whether it is the gorgeous natural vistas, the spectacular views of the mountain fringed lakes or the old-world charm of its towns, Switzerland will make you fall in love all over again. And I’m sure every time you watch Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayengey, you will re-live your journey!

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