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Grand Tour of Switzerland

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Grand Tour of Switzerland

The grand tour at a glance.

To the Online Route

Ecological Variants

In an electric vehicle:.

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is an exciting road trip for electric vehicles, too – for the entire 1,600 kilometer (1,000 mile) route can be covered by electric vehicles, thanks to an extensive network of 200 charging stations along the way.

The journey through Switzerland is even more ecological on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland . With a single train ticket, guests travel in comfort through the whole of Switzerland: sit back, gaze out the window, and enjoy.

Charging Stations:

In the Zurich section, the charging stations for electric vehicles are located here .

The Zurich Section

From Einsiedeln to Schaffhausen

One section of the Grand Tour of Switzerland leads through the canton of Zurich. The route between Einsiedeln and Schaffhausen along the picturesque Lake Zurich offers a host of sights and attractions.

It is well worth stopping to take a stroll over the wooden bridge between Rapperswil and Hurden, for example. Or to admire Sechseläutenplatz and the Opera House in downtown Zurich. Zurich’s famous churches, the Grossmünster and Fraumünster , are even more interesting close up. The Fotomuseum Winterthur in the former industrial town of Winterthur provides fascinating insights into photography, while the Kunsthaus enchants art lovers with the most important collection of modern art in Zurich.

Restaurants Along the Route

On the Grand Tour of Switzerland, travelers can discover the most beautiful places in Switzerland. What’s more, the official Photo Spots guarantee the best snapshots of this adventurous trip.

The ideal restaurant before or after a visit to the Opera House, featuring market-fresh cuisine.

A place steeped in history, with delicious market-fresh cuisine and exciting events.

Bar-lounge in the old boiler room in Winterthur with a wide choice of drinks and US-style cuisine.

Gasthof zur Sonne in Stäfa

Fresh fish with seasonal side dishes – directly on Lake Zurich in Stäfa.

Hirschen am See

Seasonal delicacies with lake view: a culinary oasis of relaxation.

Kronenhalle

The Kronenhalle at Bellevue is absolutely legendary. Not just for its food, but for its art, too.

More than just a kiosk: in the heart of Zurich, directly on the lake – food with a view!

Löwen Meilen

Fish restaurant with garden terrace, bar, and banqueting rooms, directly on Lake Zurich in Meilen.

Restaurant Quellenhof

Swiss-Austrian cuisine in the heart of the Town of Roses, Rapperswil.

Sonnengalerie

Outstanding gourmet cuisine and down-to-earth beer garden-feeling directly next to Lake Zurich.

tibits Seefeld bistro

Vegetarian and vegan self-service restaurant near the Opera House and the NZZ.

Wirtschaft Ziegelhütte

People wishing to relax can find this tiny oasis surrounded by nature on the outskirts of the city.

The Most Beautiful Photo Spots

From the viewing platform by the Hotel Uto Kulm, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over Lake Zurich and the city.

Polyterrasse

From the Polyterrasse in front of the ETH Zürich, you can look out over the whole of Zurich’s Old Town.

Meilen Lakeside Promenade

In Meilen, the view extends over Lake Zurich all the way to the Alps. And if the ferry has just laid anchor, the scene could hardly be more perfect.

Lake Dam Meadow

The Photo Spot on the meadow opposite Rapperswil-Jona Tourist Information shows the most beautiful view of the picturesque Old Town and castle.

Laufen Castle

The viewing platform at Laufen Castle treats visitors to a spectacular view of the largest waterfall in Europe.

Stäfa Landing Stage

One of the oldest village scenes can be found in Stäfa on Lake Zurich. The harbor and guesthouses dating from the 17th century serve as photo motifs.

Klosterplatz

Locates slightly to the left of Klosterplatz, looking towards the abbey, the Photo Spot perfectly frames this impressive baroque building.

Hotels Along the Route

Travelers like to always be on the move, but even the most avid adventurers occasionally need to sleep. In these hotels along the Zurich section of the route, guests can be sure of getting a particularly good night’s sleep.

Seedamm Plaza Hotel

Modern amenities and thrilling entertainment with a casino, located at the upper end of Lake Zurich.

Hotel Marina Lachen

The varied designer hotel at the southernmost point of Lake Zurich.

Sorell Hotel Speer

A meeting place for people who want to explore the region ‒ whether on business or privately.

Gasthof Hirschen am See

A little piece of heaven on Lake Zurich, just 15 minutes from the city center.

Romantik Seehotel Sonne

The romantic hotel with its own sunbathing lawn, directly on Lake Zurich.

Sorell Hotel Seefeld

Relaxation and service at an international level in the beautiful Seefeld quarter.

Hotel Ameron Zurich Bellerive au Lac

Stylish and central ‒ the famous 1930s hotel combines modern comfort with the elegance of the past.

The Dolder Grand

The perfect hotel for all those who appreciate exclusivity, comfort, and Swiss luxury.

Hotel Europe

The hotel in the Seefeld quarter for a romantic stay in the heart of the city of Zurich.

Park Hyatt Zurich

Contemporary design and perfect harmony between modern concepts and personal service.

Design & Boutique Hotel Plattenhof

The stylish and quiet Design & Boutique Hotel in the heart of the city.

Sorell Hotel Rigiblick

Elegant apartments and regional specialties high above the rooftops of Zurich.

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Grand Tour of Switzerland – a road trip guide

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 11.10.2023

Switzerland — a destination you voted one of the most beautiful countries in the world — offers travellers a rewarding range of experiences. And there’s no better way to experience that range than on a Grand Tour of Switzerland. This unforgettable road trip route covers everything from glaciers and palm-backed lakeshores, to charming villages and buzzy cities.

Start — explore the city of Zürich

1st stage — zürich to appenzel, 2nd stage — appenzell to st moritz, 3rd stage — st moritz to lugano.

• 4th stage — Lugano to Zermatt

5th stage — Zermatt to Lausanne

6th stage — lausanne to neuchatel, 7th stage — neuchatel to bern, 8th stage — bern to zürich, grand tour of switzerland alternatives — start or end in geneva, basel or chiasso, best photo spots on the grand tour of switzerland, tips for a road trip in switzerland.

Better yet, set off with The Rough Guide to Switzerland on hand to enhance every stage of your road trip.

The Grand Tour takes in dozens of Switzerland’s top attractions — including five Alpine passes, thirteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and twenty-two lakes.

Divided into eight signposted segments, it's an awe-inspiring circuit of 1643km. Covering cosmopolitan Zürich, Italianate Lugano, and the majestic Matterhorn, it offers a unique road trip of a lifetime. And they're just a small sample of the route's attractions.

In good news for travellers who want to travel more responsibly, the Grand Tour of Switzerland is the world’s first road trip for electric vehicles .

Bern is a highlight of the Grand Tour of Switzerland road trip © 4kclips/Shutterstock

Travel ideas for Switzerland, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2700 USD

Special Golden Round Trip to Switzerland (small group or private)

Stay active on Switzerland's mountains with hikes and cable cars before indulging in delicious Swiss cheese and wines around Lausanne and Geneva. Is there a better way to get a taste of Switzerland than to actually taste it? Pricing is based on a small group tour, enquire for a private tour!

11 days  / from 3564 USD

Unforgettable Switzerland

Discover Switzerland's real natural paradise. Enjoy 11 relaxed days of picturesque scenery, breathtaking views, romantic towns, eternal ice and snow, rural villages and historic buildings. Visit Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva and many other highlights.

7 days  / from 2700 USD

Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

Spend your first 3 nights at Lake Como in Italy, discovering the area by boat or foot, before heading to Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt with its peaceful nature is the ideal backdrop for strolls, hikes and other activities with the whole family.

Zürich is the setting for the start of this Switzerland road trip. A vibrant city that blends urban verve with waterfront beauty and Renaissance grandeur. 

Zürich’s Old Town plays host to legend-steeped medieval churches, such as the mighty Grossmünster. It's also the stunning stage for Switzerland’s highest concentrations of clubs, and world-class museums. Kunsthaus , we're looking at you.

Head to hill-framed Lake Zürich to enjoy rewarding boat excursions. With its Mediterranean-style plazas, taking a trip to Rapperswil comes especially recommended. You also won't want to miss seeing the 15,000 rose bushes that gave rise to its “City of Roses” moniker,

Best places to stay in Zürich

• Best for culture vultures:  Alma Hotel . An upmarket hotel focused on sustainability.
• Best for couples:  Hotel Kindli . One of Zürich’s most charming small hotels.
• Best for nightlife-lovers:  Pension Furdich . Backing onto a park, this is close to funky bars and clubs.

Explore more accommodation in Zürich .

Zürich's Grossmünster church © S-F/Shutterstock

From Zürich, epic natural wonders await near Schaffhausen at Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall.

With  Schloss Laufen perched on a cliff directly above the falls, this top grand tour of Switzerland photo spot blazes with drama.

The Rhine Falls and Schloss Laufen — one of the best grand tour of Switzerland photo spots © maloff/Shutterstock

Schaffhausen itself is likely to be a highlight of your Grand Tour of Switzerland. Boasting one of the country’s most beautiful medieval town centres, its riverside Old Town is crammed with glorious guild houses.

More old-time magic can be found in tiny Stein-am-Rhein, an almost perfectly-preserved medieval village.

Best places to stay in Schaffhausen and Stein-am-Rhein

• Best for city slickers:  Vienna House zur Bleiche Schaffhausen City . A business hotel with contemporary design.
• Best for couples:  Park Villa, Schaffhausen . An atmospheric old mansion on the edge of the Old Town. 
• Best for foodies:  Garni Adler, Stein-am-Rhein . With a fine façade, this has a great Swiss restaurant.

Discover more  places to stay around Schaffhausen .

Scenic schaffhausen © Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock

No Grand Tour road trip around northeast Switzerland would be complete without spending time in relaxed St Gallen. 

Set in rolling wine country between the Appenzell hills and the Bodensee, St Gallen’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best places to stay in St Gallen

• Best for city centre style:  Einstein. A grand old hotel housed in a former textile factory.
• Best for the socially conscious:  Hotel Dom. Part of a project that trains and employs people with disabilities.
• Best for families:  Vadian . A friendly two-star on a quiet street near the cathedral.

Explore more  places to stay in St Gallen . 

The abbey of Saint Gall © Ruslan Kalnitsky/Shutterstock

The last leg of this stage of the Grand Tour of Switzerland takes you to Appenzell. In an area known for its traditional rural traditions, this impossibly quaint town has fairy tale allure.

Into the great outdoors? This region has lots of rewarding hiking trails to ramble in summer. Come winter, the hills are a paradise for cross-country skiers, with 200km of trails extending through the canton.  

All of which makes Appenzell a picture-perfect place to enjoy sports and outdoor activities in Switzerland . 

Best places to stay in Appenzell

• Best for foodies:  Hotel Appenzell . This gabled building on the square has a confiserie and top restaurant.
• Best for warm-hearted welcomes:  Gasthaus Hof . A friendly, old-fashioned hotel with rustic ambience.
• Best for luxury:  Romantik Hotel Säntis . This fine old hotel belongs to the prestigious Romantik group. 

Browse more  places to stay in Appenzellerland .  

Appenzell oozes traditional charm, making it one of the top grand tour of Switzerland photo spots © Sina Ettmer Photography/Shutterstock

This stunning segment of the road trip boasts more records than any other stage of the Grand Tour of Switzerland. These include Switzerland’s oldest city, and its only world monument,  Salginatobel Bridge .

The power of nature is uniquely presented at the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona UNESCO Heritage Site. Geological formations at this dramatic spot show the collision of the African and European continents. 

Meanwhile, if you’re travelling in Switzerland with children, you won’t want to miss exploring Heidi Village. Located in the Graubünden region, little ones will love following the idyllic Heidi Trail to the Heidi House. 

More charm can be found in Graubünden’s cantonal capital, Chur. Chockful of secret courtyards and cobbled alleys, Chur is Switzerland’s oldest town.

Cable car access to Brambrüesch mountain means Chur also has a host of hiking and biking trails on the doorstep. 

Best places to stay in Chur

• Best for couples:  Freieck . A comfortable hotel in sixteenth-century buildings.
• Best for foodies: Hotel Stern . Smart Old Town hotel with wood-beamed rooms and great food.
• Best for budget travellers:  Viva Hostel . This modern, lively hostel has a range of rooms.

Discover more  places to stay in Chur.  

Chur's charms are a highlight of the Grand Tour of Switzerland © Avatar_023/Shutterstock

If you fancy sampling some of Switzerland’s best outdoor experiences , you’ll want to explore the Swiss National Park in the Engadine.

For excellent hiking and scenery that’s inspired painters and poets for centuries, take a trip to Muottas Muragl mountain. Here the Panoramic Path traverses alpine hills and meadows, with views to glitzy St Moritz.

Meandering down from Alpine St. Moritz to Italianate Lugano, this stage of the Grand Tour of Switzerland has the most significant change in altitude and scenery.

With 350km of pistes, and no shortage of fine places to sleep, eat and make merry, it’s little wonder that St Moritz is esteemed as one of the world’s best ski resorts. 

Interestingly, though, thanks to its mineral springs St Moritz first came to fame as a summer spa town. And, to this day, there’s plenty to keep visitors happy in summer — from hiking and biking, to sailing, kitesurfing and Alpine golf.

Best places to stay in St Moritz

• Best for luxury:  Badrutt’s Palace Hotel . This legendary five-star is one of Europe’s swankiest hotels.
• Best for families:  Chesa Languard . A friendly little hotel with some of the best rates in the centre.
• Best for romantics:  Soldanella . A family-run hotel in an Art Nouveau building.

Explore more  places to stay in St Moritz . 

Swanky St Moritz © Shutterstock

From St Moritz, nature-lovers will want to continue their road trip to  Switzerland’s largest regional nature park, Parc Ela .

This stunning UNESCO Heritage Site is traversed by the Rhätische Bahn (Rhaetian Railway). One of the world's most scenic rail networks, this is travelled by the  Glacier Express  that runs from St Moritz and Davos to Chur. It then winds west over the Alps to  Zermatt .

To the northeast of Parc Ela, the Viamala gorge presents one of the best grand tour of Switzerland photo spots. Carved into rocks by glacial ice, the sheer 300m cliffs are a staggering sight. 

From here, the road trip route wends south to the Italianate-speaking canton of Ticino . 

Related articles from the blog

4th stage — Lugano to Zermatt

While you could explore this stage’s top sites on the way down, we’ll kick off in Lugano. This sits at the southern end of a segment that takes in an extraordinary number of bends. These comes courtesy of the Tremola road that snakes from Airolo. 

Basking in a sun-drenched bay of Lake Lugano, Lugano is framed by wooded hills and fronted by palm tree-lined promenades. It's also criss-crossed by winding lanes packed with places to enjoy some of the best eating and drinking in Switzerland . 

To the north, Locarno sits on the curve of a Lake Maggiore bay, with the surrounding valleys offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ticino canton.

Where to stay in Lugano and Locarno

• Best for families:  Lugano Dante, Lugano . A quality four-star by Lugano’s funicular station.
• Best for big spenders:  Splendide Royal, Lugano . Traditional style characterises this classic.
• Best for understated style:  Giardino Lago, Locarno. A quietly opulent waterfront hotel. 

Browse more places to stay in  Lugano  and  Locarno .

Locarno viewed from Cardada mountain © Eva Bocek/Shutterstock

Other highlights along the Grand Tour of Switzerland route that runs through Ticino include Ascona and Bellinzona, the latter of which has a trio of UNESCO castles. 

From Airola, the serpentine Tremola extends to Andermatt in Central Switzerland via the Gotthard Pass, which divides northern Europe from the south. 

Hair-raising hairpin bends characterise the Via Tremola of the Gotthard Pass © Freedom_wanted/Shutterstock

While journeying south towards Zermatt — the end point of this diverse stage of the Grand Tour of Switzerland — don’t miss seeing the Furka Pass on a steam train excursion. Enjoying fun train trips are among the best things to do in Switzerland with kids.

Alternatively, if you fancy finding serenity in truly sublime surroundings, the lesser-visited Goms area of the upper Rhône valley comes highly recommended.    

Presided over by (arguably) the world’s most famous mountain, the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the world’s prettiest vacation villages.

Zermatt also offers easy access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which includes 360 kilometres of pistes, over 400 kilometres of hiking trails, and 54 mountain railways. As such, it's a place to unleash your inner adventurer.

• Best for Matterhorn views:  Kulmhotel Gornergrat . The highest hotel in the Alps is uniquely atmospheric.
• Best for glamour:  Grand Hotel Zermatterhof . One of the finest hotels in the country.
• Best for cosy comfort:  Hotel Allalin. This boasts modern, folksy decor and a spa.

Discover more places to stay in  Zermatt .

The Matterhorn offers some of the best grand tour of Switzerland photo spots  © Shutterstock

The route to Lausanne will take you through sunny Sion. Capital of the canton of Valais , Sion is home to a charming old quarter and two ancient castles. 

Another major attraction along this part of the road trip is the adventure sport hotspot of Les Diablerets. This high profile ski resort village is located in the canton of Vaud, much of which sits on the northern shore of Lake Geneva .

Meanwhile, before reaching Lausanne at the end of this stage of your road trip, you'll want to visit enchanting Château de Chillon, and upmarket Montreux.

Home to an esteemed jazz festival, Montreux features in our calendar of festivals in Switzerland and run-down of the best things to do in Switzerland in summer .

Enchanting Château de Chillon, Switzerland © FenlioQ/Shutterstock

Taking in Switzerland’s renowned watchmaking region, this stage kicks off in Lausanne , a city that’s lively, cultured and scenic with it. Think steep wooden hills tiered above a lake, an alluring Old Town, with the Cathédrale Notre-Dame rivalling its Parisian counterpart. 

Lausanne’s many cultural highlights include the Olympic Museum , the  Collection de l’Art Brut, and the  Musée Historique . Then there’s the Ouchy waterfront to wander. This elegant beauty spot plays host to free festivals around the year. 

If you plan to linger in Lausanne, the train des vignes runs through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, offering views of the Savoy and Valais Alps from above Lake Geneva. 

Best places to stay in Lausanne

• Best for couples:  Angleterre & Residence . A classy hotel on the Ouchy waterfront.
• Best for luxury-lovers: Beau-Rivage Palace . Set in waterside gardens, this is one of Switzerland’s finest hotels.
• Best for families:  Elite . Lausanne's best mid-price hotel.

Browse more of the best places to stay in Lausanne .  

The Rough Guides to Switzerland and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Lausanne © Keitma/Shutterstock

The road trip route from Lausanne leads to  Jura Vaudois Nature Park — a magical landscape of forests, marshland and meadows. It also takes in the breath-taking  Creux du Van rock formation, around which a nature reserve protects animals and arctic-alpine flora. 

Southeast of Creux du Van, the route leads to Neuchâtel, home to Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum . With a charming lakefront promenade and enchanting 12th- century core, Neuchâtel inspires wonder as it transports visitors back in time.

From Lake Neuchâtel, the wateriest leg of the Grand Tour of Switzerland road trip leads you through the magnificent lake region. 

Along the way you won’t want to miss spending time in Fribourg. With its medieval Old Town set on a forested peninsula, this is one of Switzerland’s most magical spots. 

Best places to stay in Fribourg

• Best for affordability:  Hotel du Faucon . An excellent-value little hotel in the Old Town.
• Best for couples:  Hotel de la Rose . Cosy, comfortable and housed in a seventeenth-century building.
• Best for foodies:  Le Sauvage . A sixteenth-century townhouse with a fine restaurant. 

Find more  places to stay in Fribourg . 

Largely thanks to its fairy-tale castle, Gruyères is also a place of enchantment, with a strong tradition of cheese and chocolate-making.

As you route through the Bernese Oberland , opportunities for adventure present themselves. Gstaad, for example, is a mecca for celebrity winter-sports aficionados. Meanwhile, friendly outlying villages offer affordable family-oriented accommodation. 

Then there’s the mighty Jungfraujoch. The Jungfrau railway has been taking travellers to the highest station in Europe for over a century. This also happens to be one of the top grand tour of Switzerland photo spots. 

The same is true of the Lauterbrunnen valley, where a whopping 72 waterfalls rush from vertical cliff faces. 

Other highlights along the Bernese Oberland road trip route include Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Taking a paddle steamer cruise is the perfect way to soak up their splendour.  

Lake Thun © 9MOT/Shutterstock

On arrival in Bern , take an evening stroll around its UNESCO-protected Old Town to view the Zytglogge clock-tower, and find an atmospheric dinner spot. 

Of all Swiss cities, Bern is arguably the most immediately charming. Tucked into a peninsula of the River Aare and surrounded by wooded hills, the views over its Old Town roofs are spectacular. 

Alongside exploring the Old Town and Münster cathedral , art-lovers will want to visit Zentrum Paul Klee . To the east,  Bären Park  (Bear Park) is another Bern highlight. Bears have lived in a pit at this hilly beauty spot for centuries, with three of them currently residing in a new park.  

Best places to stay in Bern

• Best for history buffs:  Hotel Landhaus . The most attractive budget rooms in town.
• Best for character:  Hotel Marthahaus . A friendly, well-run hotel-pension.
• Best for budget travellers:  Bern Backpackers/Hotel Glocke . An Old Town fixture with excellent facilities.

Browse more of the best places to stay in Bern .  

Bern © Shutterstock

Further along this stage, you’ll want to stop off in Lucerne’s wondrous Wild West. Namely, the  UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch  — an unspoilt, romantic reserve of Alpine pastures, moorland and karst landscapes.

Lucerne itself is Switzerland’s geographical and spiritual heart— steeped in history, and a gateway to Central Switzerland . Lucerne is also the ultimate slow travel destination .

From the city’s medieval squares, ancient guildhalls, and lakeshore, it’s easy to explore Lucerne’s magnificent regional mountains – the Pilatus and Rigi — en route to Zürich. And so our Grand Tour of Switzerland comes full circle.

Best places to stay in Lucerne

• Best for romantics:  Art Deco Hotel Montana . With its own funicular, this is among Switzerland’s best four-stars.
• Best for families:  Seehotel Kastanienbaum . In a village outside the city, this has a lakeside terrace.
• Best for budget travellers:  Backpackers . A laidback hostel on the lakeshore.

Explore more  places to stay in Lucerne .  

Pilatus, Lucerne © Swiss Tourism

One of the beauties of taking the Grand Tour of Switzerland is that it’s a circuit. This means there’s flexibility around where you start your road trip of a lifetime , with awe-inspiring access road trip routes to follow, too. 

You could choose to begin your Grand Tour of Switzerland in Geneva . Compact and cosmopolitan, the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain sits at the city's heart.

Our tip — explore Geneva's Italianate Carouge area for innovative artists’ workshops and excellent cafés. 

From Geneva, the route continues to Nyon, with its historic Old Town and easy-access to walking through wine country. It then leads to Saint-George and Neuchatal.

Alternatively, you could start your Grand Tour of Switzerland in Basel and work your way down to Neuchatal. 

Located on the Rhine, Basel boasts around 40 museums. It also has masses of medieval charm, with two Old Town squares and countless leafy courtyards overlooked by the majestic Münster cathedral.

If you’re keen to explore Switzerland’s Ticino region, consider kicking off your Grand Tour of Switzerland in Chiasso, which lies on the southern border with Italy. 

After exploring the town’s museums and taking a trip to the breath-taking Breggia Gorges, the route winds to Lugano, Locarno and Bellinzona.

Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino © Shutterstock

While it’s nigh impossible to pick the best photo spots on the Grand Tour of Switzerland, here are a few of our favourites.

• Best for epic nature: head to the Rhine Falls to capture the cascading, crashing waters of Europe’s largest waterfall backed by a fairy tale castle. Magic. 
• Best for adventurers: head to the  Gotthard Pass along the Tremola to snap snaking hairpin bends. 
• Best for culture vultures: Bellinzona’s Montebello Castle  is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers mighty fine views of the region.

View of Castelgrande from Montebello Castle, Bellinzona © elesi/Shutterstock

• Best for winter wonderland fans: it goes without saying that the majestic Matterhorn offers countless opportunities to take sensational scenic shots.
• Best for bookworms: fans of children’s literature (and rustic charm) will take inspiration from their photos of Heidi House . 

For more inspiration, read up on the best photo spots on the Grand Tour of Switzerland that are marked along the route.

If you’re considering going on a Grand Tour of Switzerland road trip, you’ll want to arm yourself with rules and regulations of the road. 

Switzerland’s minimum driving age is 18 and third-party insurance is compulsory. It’s also compulsory to carry a red warning triangle, and the vehicle registration documents.  

If you plan to drive on Swiss motorways, you must stick a vignette inside your windscreen. Buy it from the customs officials when you first cross the border, or at post offices and petrol stations. 

Switzerland and Liechtenstein drive on the right, seatbelts are compulsory for all, and penalties for drink driving are tough. One glass of beer has you on or over the limit. 

Speed limits are 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on main roads, 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, and 30kph (18mph) or less on residential streets. There are dozens of cameras, radars and laser traps to catch speeders, with spot fines levied. 

Trams and buses have priority on Switzerland's roads © MrinaD_37/Shutterstock

At junctions, yellow diamonds painted on the road show who has priority. If in doubt, let trams and buses go first, and give way to traffic coming from your right. On gradients, vehicles heading uphill have priority over those coming down. 

If you hear a loud horn or klaxon sounding on country lanes or twisting mountain roads, it means a postbus is approaching. This always has priority.

In winter, signs indicate where snow-chains are necessary — practise fitting and removing them beforehand.

Switzerland's mountains make a stunning backdrop for road trips © 4kclips/Shutterstock

Want to know more before planning your Grand Tour of Switzerland road trip? Get your hands on a copy of The Rough Guide to Switzerland  and read up on things not to miss in Switzerland .

Our  Switzerland travel tips and guide to accommodation in Switzerland will also help you plan your trip.

Not a fan of planning? You could book a hassle-free tailor-made trip to Switzerland, with customisable itineraries covering the likes of  unforgettable highlights of Switzerland , and touring the Grand Circle .  

This article is brought to you in partnership with  My Switzerland .

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences .

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Travel advice for Switzerland

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Switzerland

• Geneva travel guide
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• Basel Switzerland Travel Guide (2022 update)
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• Northeast Switzerland and Liechtenstein Travel Guide
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• Zermatt and the Matterhorn travel guide
• Central Switzerland Travel Guide
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• Best accommodation in Switzerland
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• Eating and drinking in Switzerland
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Plan your road trip by defining the duration of your trip, your route and all the highlights you want to visit.

The app guides you along your set route taking in all the highlights and then always back to the main Grand Tour route.

Discover the many highlights along the Grand Tour, the best photo spots and get inspired for further adventures with the 'discover' function.

Grand Tour of Switzerland: Discover our country

Zurich - Schaffhausen

There is far more to Zurich than its airport, banks and Bahnhofstrasse. Winterthur is also worth a visit, with its museums and rich heritage.

read more...

Davos - St.Moritz

The canton of the "Grey League" – part of the old Roman province of Raetia – stretches from the Bünder Herrschaft to the southern Alps.

Furka - Visp

The Valais region comprises countless small valleys leading down to the Rhône Valley, sun-drenched villages on the plains and in the mountains, 45 peaks over 4,000 metres above sea level and a distinctive, bilingual culture.

Neuchâtel - Fribourg

The Pays des Trois Lacs, between the Jura and the Fribourg region, is remarkable for its lakes and for Mont Vully which lies in the middle.

Bern - Lucerne

The Emmental and the Lucerne hinterland are nestled beneath the Napf, a peak encircled by a 100- kilometre road.

Eastern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland offers the Rhine Falls, the orchards of Thurgau, the city of the Prince-Abbots of St. Gallen and – beyond the Appenzell hills – the impressive Alpstein range, Toggenburg, the Rhine Valley and the Glaris region.

Geneva region

This region between the Jura mountains and the Savoy Alps is marked not only by its river and lake, but also by the international city of Geneva.

«Palme e neve»

Tis is to define the most Italian of Swiss cantons in a nutshell. The shores of its lakes reflect an entirely Mediterranean lifestyle and nonchalance, while life in the mountains is harsh and rural.

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The Grand Tour of Switzerland

This road trip encompasses several top attractions and myriad new ways to absorb all the local flavors.

Though relatively small in size—roughly equal to New Hampshire and Vermont combined—Switzerland packs a big punch. It’s home to a dozen UNESCO sites, a topographic diversity that includes palm trees and glaciers (not to mention four languages to call them by), and some of Europe’s most modern cities contrasted with tiny Alpine villages.

Fuel up with snack boxes , available for purchase along the route, that contain regional specialties. And keep an eye out for the large red frames marking especially photogenic scenes. In 2017 the Grand Tour was fitted with electric car— charging stations , letting visitors explore one of the world’s greenest nations with a minuscule carbon footprint.

Explore some of the best stops, driving clockwise from Zurich.

1. IN THE SPIRIT: ZURICH

Zurich’s Romanesque Grossmünster church, dubbed Salt and Pepper for its twin spires, is said to have been commissioned by Charlemagne, but the current structure was not completed until around 1230, long after his death. As a reminder of his influence, figurative jambs of his likeness protrude from the spires, while the crypt displays a stone statue of him. Stained glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti were added in 1933 and a set by German artist Sigmar Polke in 2009.

2. PEAK PERFORMANCE: CHÄSERRUGG

In 2015 Basel-based architects Herzog & de Meuron planted their signature style on the Chäserrugg, a mountain rising 7,421 feet in eastern Switzerland’s Toggenburg region. The large Alpine hiking and skiing area is now home to dazzling mile-high modernism in the form of an elongated structure that serves as a gondola station and restaurant, offering cozy interiors and soaring sight lines to neighboring countries.

3. FLORA AND FAUNA: ZERNEZ

With 42,000-plus acres, the Swiss National Park is home to Alpine animals like ibex, chamois, and marmots, as well as endangered wildflowers. Another rare treasure found here? The sounds of Romansh, one of Switzerland’s four official languages, still spoken in these valleys.

Top attractions and locals flavors are just waiting to be explored on Switzerland's Grand Tour.

The views go on for miles and miles on Switzerland's Grand Tour.

4. JUMPING FOR JOY: LAVERTEZZO

Take a short detour to hike along the unfathomably turquoise Verzasca River, which weaves like a noodle through Italian-speaking Canton Ticino. If you dare, join locals for a bracing plunge into the chilly water from the ancient Roman bridge Ponte dei Salti.

5. LOCAL SIPS: EPESSES

In the Lavaux region of French-speaking Canton Vaud, terraced vineyards line the hills above Lake Geneva. One of the standout villages, Epesses offers spectacular views of the lake and the French Alps. Be sure to sample regional wine varietals like Doral, Gamay, and Plant Robert.

Terranced vineyards in Switzerland's UNESCO-designated Lavaux region is a must-see.

6. ON THE RHINE: BASEL

At the borders with France and Germany, Basel features a well-preserved old town, where walking tours explore sites like the bustling Marktplatz. Don’t forget to catch a ride on one of the Rhine River ferries, which are propelled solely by the current.

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7. CLOCK WISE : BERN

Keeping time since the 16th century, Bern’s ornate Zytglogge is an astronomical clock said to have inspired one-time resident Albert Einstein to develop his theory of relativity. To learn more about the famed physicist’s life in Bern, head to the city’s Einstein Museum.

8. SURPRISING SIGHTS : ENTLEBUCH BIOSPHERE RESERVE

A lesser-known landscape of moors, peat bogs, and karst ridges makes up this UNESCO-designated area in Canton Lucerne. Along with nature’s bounty, find fairytale themed hiking trails and the pilgrimage site of Heiligkreuz.

Discover the best offers for your holiday on the Grand Tour of Switzerland at MySwitzerland.com/grandtour

For hungry minds, related topics, you may also like.

10 best things to do in Switzerland

The essential guide to Switzerland

Is this the ideal Swiss road trip?

Ancient ruins, city tours and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily

Visit the picturesque Swiss valley preserving the art of watchmaking

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