Switzerland, with its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, charming villages, and world-class roads, is tailor-made for a road trip.
If you’re dreaming of chocolate-box towns, glacier-strewn mountains, and some of the most scenic drives in Europe, this two-week Switzerland itinerary will show you the very best of the country whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler.
Overview of the 2-Week Switzerland Road Trip
- Duration: 14 Days
- Distance Covered: ~1,000 km
- Starting/Ending Point: Zurich (can also be Geneva)
- Recommended Vehicle: Compact car or SUV (4WD for winter)
- Best Time to Go: May–October (for hiking and green scenery); December–February (for winter sports)
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich | Old Town, Lake Zurich, Swiss National Museum |
| 2 | Lucerne | Chapel Bridge, Mt. Pilatus, Lake Lucerne |
| 3-4 | Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen | Jungfrau, Trümmelbach Falls, Paragliding |
| 5 | Bern | Clock Tower, Rose Garden, UNESCO Old Town |
| 6-7 | Zermatt | Matterhorn, Gornergrat Railway, Hiking |
| 8 | Montreux | Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva, Lavaux |
| 9 | Lausanne | Olympic Museum, Vineyard strolls |
| 10 | Gruyères | Cheese factory, Medieval town, Cailler chocolate |
| 11 | Gstaad | Luxury village, scenic drives |
| 12 | Lauterbrunnen (again) | Staubbach Falls, Wengen, Alpine villages |
| 13 | Lucerne (return stop) | Lion Monument, Swiss Transport Museum |
| 14 | Zurich (departure) | Shopping, chill before flight |
Day-by-Day Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Start your adventure in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
It’s clean, cosmopolitan, and surprisingly full of history and charm.
Top Things to Do:
- Stroll through Altstadt (Old Town): cobbled alleys, boutique shops, medieval buildings.
- Visit the Swiss National Museum for a crash course in Swiss history.
- Relax by the scenic Lake Zurich.
- Have a drink at Frau Gerolds Garten, a cool urban hangout near the railway viaduct.
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Hotel Marta (~CHF 110/night)
- Mid-range: Hotel Adler Zurich (~CHF 180/night)
- Luxury: Baur au Lac (~CHF 600+/night)
Day 2: Zurich → Lucerne (1 hr drive)
Take a scenic drive to Lucerne, a picturesque lakeside city nestled beneath snow-capped mountains.
Must-See Attractions:
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower
- Lion Monument
- Mt. Pilatus via the world’s steepest cogwheel train or cable car
- A boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
Pro Tip:
Purchase the Tell-Pass for discounted mountain and transport access in Central Switzerland.
Where to Stay:
- Mid-range: Cascada Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne
Day 3: Lucerne → Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen (2 hrs)
Get ready for a stunning drive into the Bernese Oberland.
Make Interlaken your quick stop before heading into the storybook valley of Lauterbrunnen.
Highlights:
- Adventure activities in Interlaken (paragliding, canyoning)
- Drive to Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls
- Visit Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls
- Overnight in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen
Where to Stay:
- Budget: Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen
- Luxury: Hotel Silberhorn
Day 4: Day Trip to Jungfrau Region
Take the world-famous Jungfraujoch Railway to the “Top of Europe.” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Things to Do:
- Visit Jungfraujoch: Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory
- Hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
- Explore the car-free village of Mürren
Cost:
Jungfraujoch trip ~CHF 100–150 (book early for discounts)
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen → Bern (1.5 hrs)
Drive northwest to Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Things to See:
- Zytglogge Clock Tower
- Federal Palace (Bundeshaus)
- Rosengarten for panoramic city views
- Visit the Einstein Museum
Where to Stay:
- Boutique: Hotel Savoy Bern
- Budget: Hotel City am Bahnhof
Day 6-7: Bern → Zermatt (2.5 hrs + train)
Drive to Täsch, then hop on a short train to Zermatt, the car-free mountain resort.
Highlights:
- See the iconic Matterhorn
- Take the Gornergrat Railway for unmatched panoramic views
- Hike the 5 Lakes Trail
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum
Where to Stay in Zermatt:
- Budget: Youth Hostel Zermatt
- Luxury: The Omnia (~CHF 500+/night)
Day 8: Zermatt → Montreux (2.5 hrs)
Drive along the Rhône Valley to reach lakeside Montreux, famed for its jazz festival and Belle Époque vibe.
Things to Do:
- Visit Chillon Castle, perched on Lake Geneva
- Walk the Lakeside Promenade
- Explore the Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO-listed)
Where to Stay:
- Mid-range: Eurotel Montreux
- Luxury: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Day 9: Montreux → Lausanne (30 mins)
A short drive brings you to Lausanne, a lively cultural hub on Lake Geneva.
Don’t Miss:
- Olympic Museum
- Lausanne Cathedral
- Strolling through Ouchy, the lakefront district
Day 10: Lausanne → Gruyères (1 hr)
Today is all about Swiss indulgence!
What to Do in Gruyères:
- Tour the Maison du Gruyère cheese factory
- Visit the HR Giger Museum
- Stop by the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in nearby Broc
Entry fees:
- Cheese Factory: CHF 7
- Chocolate Factory: CHF 12
Day 11: Gruyères → Gstaad (1 hr)
Drive into the chic alpine resort of Gstaad.
Top Activities:
- Explore the luxe village center
- Ride the Glacier 3000 cable car (summer + winter activities)
- Scenic drive through Pays d’Enhaut
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: The Alpina Gstaad (CHF 600+)
Day 12: Gstaad → Lauterbrunnen (return, 1.5 hrs)
Loop back to Lauterbrunnen for another chance to soak in the Alps or enjoy a scenic train ride to Grindelwald or Wengen.
Optional Experiences:
- Sunrise at Schilthorn
- Dinner with views of the valley cliffs
Day 13: Lauterbrunnen → Lucerne (2 hrs)
Return to Lucerne for some final exploration.
Things to Do:
- Glacier Garden
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Relax at Lake Lucerne in a lakeside café
Day 14: Lucerne → Zurich (1 hr)
Your final day! Return to Zurich for some last-minute shopping or visit the Lindt Chocolate Museum before flying out.
Practical Tips for Your Switzerland Road Trip
- Toll & Vignette: Buy the CHF 40 motorway vignette sticker (mandatory).
- Driving Rules: Drive on the right, seatbelts required, headlights on at all times.
- Parking: Use blue zones (free 1-hour), white zones (pay), avoid yellow (private).
- Language Zones: German in Zurich, Lucerne, Bern; French in Geneva, Lausanne; Italian in Ticino.
Estimated Budget for 2 Weeks in Switzerland (Per Person)
| Category | Approximate Cost (CHF) |
|---|---|
| Car Rental | 600–900 |
| Fuel + Vignette | 150–200 |
| Hotels (Mid-range) | 2000–2500 |
| Food | 500–700 |
| Activities | 600–800 |
| Miscellaneous | 200 |
| Total | ~4050–5300 CHF |
What to Pack
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Rainproof jacket
- Travel adapter (Type J plug)
- Reusable water bottle (clean spring water everywhere!)
- Layers (weather can change quickly)
Final Thoughts
A Switzerland road trip is more than just a vacation it’s an experience filled with postcard-perfect landscapes, unforgettable train rides, and alpine adventures that feel like something out of a fairy tale.
This two-week itinerary balances city life, nature, culture, and relaxation for the ultimate Swiss adventure.
Ready to hit the road?
Let us know in the comments: What part of Switzerland are you most excited to explore?
