Last Updated on December 5, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Dreaming of an epic Switzerland highway journey? Here’s my really useful Switzerland itinerary for these with 2 weeks in Switzerland.
Dramatic mountains, spearmint lakes, cute alpine cities blanketed in glowing white snow — Switzerland is the winter wonderland that many dream of. Switzerland could also be a small nation, nevertheless it certain packs a punch with landscapes of epic proportions.
Having accomplished a number of Switzerland highway journeys (and traveled to many chilly nations), I can safely say that Switzerland has a few of the most spectacular mountainscapes on the earth. For those that are eager to see the most effective of Switzerland in 2 weeks, right here is our Switzerland itinerary.
The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary
How to Get to Switzerland
This Switzerland itinerary begins and ends in Basel Airport, which is positioned proper throughout the border with France and Germany. Alternatively, you may also fly into Zurich Airport, simply an hour’s drive to Basel. There are loads of low cost flights from numerous cities round Europe to Basel. You can get price range flights from London to Basel for €50 return. From the US, you will discover flights from New York to Basel for as low cost as $500 return.
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Current Switzerland Travel Restrictions
Currently, people who find themselves vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 don’t have to current a unfavourable check earlier than coming into Switzerland. People who should not vaccinated or who haven’t recovered will nonetheless have to take a check to enter the nation. However, vacationers will not have to take a second check taken 4 to seven days after coming into. Check the Swiss information web site for up-to-date information.
It’s essential to have journey insurance coverage for journey in the course of the pandemic. Safety Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as every other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Refer to my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
How to Get Around Switzerland
By Car
For this Switzerland highway journey itinerary, we suggest hiring a automobile or driving your personal automobile. Switzerland has outstanding infrastructure and transport community. Plus it’s a small nation and driving distances are by no means greater than a few hours.
Car rental in Switzerland can be comparatively cheaper than practice journey. A 1-week automobile rental in Switzerland prices round US$365 or €300. Currently, petrol prices round €1.3-1.5 per liter.
By Campervan
We drove our camper van and beloved exploring the lakes and excessive mountains within the day and sleeping in our heat van by night time As Switzerland is so costly, driving a camper van might be a good way to save lots of on lodging and meals.
Wild tenting is among the finest issues about campervan journey, however technically it isn’t allowed in Switzerland. There are loads of campsites in Switzerland although they usually prices round €20-30/night time for a parking spot and a pair of adults.
You can you may rent a campervan in Switzerland on Indie Campers from €50/day and it comes with every part you want together with outside desk and chairs, bedding, cooking tools. Just you’ll want to choose a van with hotter in case you’re coming in winter!
By Train
Most individuals would say the easiest way to get across the Switzerland is by practice as that’s the quickest mode of transport. Almost each nook of Switzerland might be accessible by practice — in truth some mountain cities like Wengen can solely be reached by practice and never automobile.
If you’re meaning to discover Switzerland by practice, it’s finest to get a Swiss Rail Pass as that can prevent fairly a couple of pennies. You can purchase it right here prematurely and test practice schedules on the Swiss Federal Railways web site.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
It actually depends upon what kind of expertise you’re looking for in Switzerland. We discover winter (November to February) the most effective time to discover Switzerland’s charming alpine villages and snow-covered mountains. However, anticipate sub-zero temperatures and be sure to are snug driving in snowy situations. Refer to my information on driving in Switzerland.
If you’re after lengthy hikes and heat climate, then summer season (June – August) is the most effective time to go to. Everything turns inexperienced and it’s a wonderful time to go on boat journeys, swim within the lake, hike the mountains and go to observatories in the Swiss Alps.
2 Weeks in Switzerland Itinerary
My really useful Switzerland highway journey focuses on exploring the countryside, mountains and small villages. I favor nature to huge cities, and so I’ve designed this Switzerland itinerary with a deal with 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 superb start line because it’s inside a brief driving distance to the most effective elements of Switzerland. Basel’s medieval outdated city is among the most lovely wherever in Europe, dominated by the red-sandstone Town Hall, Its medieval outdated city facilities round Marktplatz.
Its Twelfth-century Gothic cathedral has metropolis views, and accommodates the tomb of the Sixteenth-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The metropolis’s college homes a few of Erasmus’ works.
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Where to Stay in Basel
Budget: Hotel & Lounge by Hyve Basel SBB
Located in Basel, Hyve Hotel is a contemporary price range resort within the coronary heart of city with free parking. Rooms are spacious, nicely designed and comfy. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Hyperion Hotel Basel
Inside Basel’s tallest liveable constructing, the Hyperion Hotel Basel is only a brief stroll from the Old Town. Ultra-modern rooms provide nice views by way of ceiling-to-floor glass home windows. Check charges.
Luxury: Grand Hotel LES TROIS ROIS
Located within the middle of Basel’s Old Town, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is one in every of Europe’s oldest metropolis accommodations, the place such personalities as Napoleon have stayed. (Pictured) Check charges.
Itinerary Days 3-4: Drive to Bernese Oberland
Time to kickstart your Switzerland highway journey! Once you permit town behind, you’ll see the silhouette of the huge Swiss Alps looming within the distance. Drive south, previous town of Bern, in direction of Thun and also you’ll be there in two hours.
Located on the decrease finish of Lake Thun, Thun is the gate to the Bernese Oberland. You’ll get your first glimpse of the quintessential Swiss landscapes right here: snowcapped peaks looming above the glassy waters of the spearmint lake. The historic Old Town is located about one kilometer from the shore of the lake, on the river Aare.
Drive round Lake Thun
After exploring Thun, take a scenic drive across the pristine Lake Thun. First, cease for a picnic at Schadau Park, that has a fantastic marina, playground and lake views.
It takes simply over an hour to drive a loop throughout Lake Thun. This space is called the Riviera of the Bernese Oberland and the scenic route has loads of picturesque views. Some of the highlights embrace the Hünegg fortress in Oberhofen, and St Beatus Caves.
Explore the Town of Interlaken
Built on a slender stretch of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is certainly the spotlight of Switzerland for a lot of. It’s an out of doors lover’s playground, characterised by mountains, meadows and quite a few climbing and snowboarding trails. The city itself is a wonderful base for climbing excursions and boat journeys.
One of the most effective climbing routes is the 2-hour circuit from Panoramaweg. Another common factor to do in Interlaken is paragliding, the most effective views to see the formidable Swiss Alps, whatever the time of 12 months.
Base Yourself in Unterseen
You can select to remain in Interlaken or Unterseen, a neighborhood simply outdoors of city. We stayed in Unterseen as we needed to be nearer to nature (whereas Interlaken is extra of a metropolis). Unterseen actually means Lower Lake, since Unterseen is positioned on the flat space on the japanese shore of Lake Thun.
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Where to Stay in Unterseen
Budget: Camping Manor Farm
We parked our campervan at this lakeside campsite in Unterseen and beloved with the ability to keep proper on the water. Facilities had been nicely maintained and costs had been nice. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: NO8 Boutique Hotel
Featuring a classic gents saloon character, this boutique resort is trendy and reasonably priced. It’s additionally nice for households trying to share a room. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Hotel Central Continental
Of course in case you’re trying to splurge, test in to the luxurious Hotel Central Continental positioned alongside the banks of the Aare River. It is housed in a historic constructing, with views of the spectacular Jungfrau Massif. Check charges right here.
Itinerary Days 5-7: Head into Lauterbrunnen Valley
Before you permit Interlaken, take a scenic drive alongside Lake Brienz enroute to Lauterbrunnen. The views listed below are much more gorgeous than at Lake Thun because the mountains loom larger over the glassy spearmint waters of the lake.
If you’re touring Switzerland in summer season, catch a ship journey on Lake Brienz to see all of them. One of the most effective locations to cease is the village of Iseltwald. The lovely village backdropped by snowcapped mountains seems straight out of a fairytale.
If you’ve got greater than 2 weeks in Switzerland, I like to recommend persevering with your journey to Lucerne from Brienz, because it’s simply an hour drive away. Lucerne has a sexy outdated city and plenty of cool museums and mountain hikes. Check out this listing of issues to do in Lucerne.
Weave by way of the Lauterbrunnen Valley
It’s time for the most effective a part of this Switzerland highway journey! Drive 2 hours southeast into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, probably the most spectacular trough valleys within the Alps.
The title ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (‘many fountains’) suggests the magnificence of this panorama. There are 72 waterfalls within the Lauterbrunnen Valley, probably the most well-known being the Staubbach Falls proper within the coronary heart of city. Plunging virtually 300m from an overhanging rock face, they’re one of many highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
Another deafening pure phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls within the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to twenty,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a complete peak of about 200m. This spectacle can solely be reached in summer season by tunnel elevate.
Go Skiing in Grindelwald
Continue driving in direction of the ski resort of Grindelwald, simply 20 minutes away by automobile. I like to recommend staying in Grindelwald for the subsequent few days because it’s the biggest ski resort within the Jungfrau area and makes for a wonderful base (even in case you don’t ski).
Embedded in a welcoming hole, Grindelwald is surrounded by the imposing mountains of Eiger and Wetterhorn. In winter, Grindelwald is blanketed in snow and you’ll simply ski off the slopes outdoors your resort or go sledding proper outdoors your entrance door.
In summer season, there are 300 km of strolling trails round Grindelwald. The high-altitude stroll from Grindelwald-First alongside the Bachalpsee to the Schynige Platte ranks among the many most lovely hikes of the area.
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Where to Stay in Grindelwald
Budget: Gasthof Panorama
One of the most effective price range choices in Grindelwald, the Gasthof Panorama enjoys a quiet location on the Terrassenweg in Grindelwald, solely a 5-minute drive away from the middle. Check charges.
Mid Range: Hotel Gletscherblick
We shared a 2-bedroom duplex with pals at this resort throughout Christmas and had a wonderful time hanging out, cooking and enjoying in snow! The balcony views had been astounding and the resort location incredible. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
Offering panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, this family-run 4-star superior resort with a wonderful spa and outside saltwater sizzling tub within the backyard. Check charges right here.
Itinerary Day 8: Visit the Alpine Village of Wengen
Head again to Lauterbrunnen for a day of excursions within the mountains. A rack railway hyperlinks Lauterbrunnen with the mountain city of Wengen which may solely be accessed by practice. The practice journey itself is nicely well worth the journey, because it actually takes you up the mountain with steep cliffs proper outdoors your window.
From Wengen, you may also proceed onto the Kleinen Scheidegg, and alter trains for the onward journey to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch*.
Take the Train to Murren
On the alternative facet of the valley is the vacation resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cableway from Stechelberg continues to the height of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, well-known for being the setting the place the 007 basic, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.
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*Top Thing to Do in Jungfrau Region: Visit the Top of Europe
One of the most effective issues to do within the Jungfrau area is to take the gondola as much as Jungfraujoch, the very best practice station in Europe. Perched at 3,571m above sea degree, the Jungfraujoch observatory affords gobsmacking views of Mönch and Jungfrau.
Ticket costs are excessive, round 185 – 235 CHF (US$205-267) per individual relying on the season (which is why we selected to go to Glacier3000 as an alternative). But the ticket value consists of the cable automobile experience there, and visits to the Ice Palace and The Alpine Sensation. Book your ticket right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 9: Head to Glacier 3000
The subsequent day, drive 2 hours southwest to Glacier 3000 in Col du Pillon. It’s one other observatory perched excessive within the Swiss Alps, with jawdropping views of Mont Blanc, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. But ticket costs are half of Jungfrajoch costs, and so we selected to go to Glacier3000 as an alternative. Book your tickets right here!
One distinctive attraction that Glacier 3000 has is the Peak Walk. The The 107m lengthy bridge is the one suspension bridge on the earth that connects two mountain peaks. It takes simply minutes to stroll it; nevertheless it’s not for the faint-hearted. We had been fortunate to go to on a transparent, sunny day, however we nonetheless skilled 70km/h winds and -12degC temperature.
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Where to Stay in Les Diablerets
Budget: Bauernhotel Gässlihof
Located above the village of Feutersoey by Gstaad, that is an natural farm providing rustic rooms with mountain views. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Auberge de L’Ours
Built in 1833 on the primary sq. of Vers l’Eglise, this lovely Swiss chalet affords Alpine-style rooms, an enthralling backyard, and free parking on website. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Grand Chalet des Bovets
One of the most effective accommodations within the space, this historic resort is stuffed with character, with conventional wood interiors, Scandinavian fashion design and a big artwork assortment. Check charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 10-12: Visit Montreux
For the final a part of your Swiss highway journey, head west in direction of Montreux, probably the most charming cities in Switzerland. The metropolis is constructed alongside Lake Geneva and oozes a sublime European fashion.
Known for its gentle microclimate, Montreux has colourful promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean bushes and grand Belle Époque buildings. One lovely spot to go to is the offshore medieval island fortress, Château de Chillon, full with ramparts, formal halls and 14th-century murals.
Wander the Old Town of Lausanne
Just a 30-minute drive alongside the lake, you’ll discover town of Lausanne. The city is constructed on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes overlooking Lake Geneva.
The enticing outdated city of Lausanne is basically car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques form the streetscape within the medieval metropolis centre. The Nineteenth-century Palais de Rumine homes advantageous artwork and science museums.
Explore Medieval Town of Gruyères
It’s virtually the tip of your journey. On your means again to Basel, make a cease on the medieval city of Gruyères, 1 hour away from Lausanne. The city gave its title to the area La Gruyère and its scrumptious cheese, Gruyère. Be certain to strive some Gruyère quiche, raclette and fondue once you’re right here.
The hamlet is ridiculously charming, constructed on a hilltop surrounded by its fortress partitions. Inside the car-free city, you’ll discover postcard-perfect cobblestoned streets, fountains and fairytale-like homes. The thirteenth century Castle of Gruyères dominates the city.
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Where to Stay in Gruyères
Budget: Gruyère Rooms
Hotels in Gruyères should not low cost, and that is the most affordable choice if you wish to keep on the town. Some of the rooms provide views of the pedestrian zone or the Gruyère Castle. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Hotel de Ville
Every city in Switzerland has a resort de ville, and this city’s important resort is ready in a historic chalet with lovely wood options. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Le Saint Georges
The finest resort on the town is positioned proper in the primary sq., with an impressive view of the city. It’s additionally acquired huge household rooms. Check charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 13: Continue to Beautiful Zermatt
Head to southern Switzerland (a 2-hour drive) to go to what’s arguably one of many finest winter locations in Europe. This car-free village is the place you’ll go for a full view of the enduring Matterhorn. Its important avenue, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique retailers, accommodations and eating places, and in addition has a full of life après-ski scene.
Admire the normal Walser structure and sip sizzling chocolate on the streetside cafes. Don’t miss the superb Matterhorn Museum, which particulars the harrowing tales of mountaineers who tried to ascend the Matterhorn.
On our first journey to Zermatt, we took the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt. The views by way of the open-roof home windows had been spectacular, the journey itself was one epic journey: it introduced us by way of 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It was positively one of many most lovely practice journeys we’ve ever taken.
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Where to Stay in Zermatt
Budget: Zermatt Youth Hostel
The finest price range choice in Zermatt is that this youth hostel, only a 10-min stroll from the ski elevators. We stayed right here on our first journey to Switzerland and beloved the views of Matterhorn from right here. Check charges.
Mid Range: Mont Cervin Palace
Opened in 1851, the 5-star resort stands within the coronary heart of Zermatt, with fashionable interiors and an unlimited wellness and spa space. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Another historic landmark resort, this grand dame of Zermatt is an ultra-luxurious property in a central however peaceable location in Zermatt. Guests are picked up from the practice station by an electrical automobile or in a blue horse-drawn carriage. Check charges right here.
Itinerary Day 14: Drive again to Basel
Sadly, your journey has come to an finish. The drive from Zermatt to Basel is round 3.5 hours. I like to recommend driving again to Basel within the morning to be sure to can catch your flight residence.
You may also fly residence from Geneva Airport which is 2h 45m by automobile, or Zurich Airport barely additional at 3h 45m away. Alternatively, you may proceed on to discover the neighboring nations as Zermatt is true throughout the border from France and Italy.
Cost of this Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary
Let’s be clear: Switzerland IS an costly place to journey. Prices of points of interest, lodging and meals might be exorbitant. Restaurant meals are costly — put together to spend not less than $40 on every meal. Thankfully supermarkets are fairly nicely priced. Even low cost hostels are round $50 per individual per night time.
If you’re touring Switzerland on a decent price range, cooking your meals and staying at low cost Airbnbs, then you will get by on as little as $120 per individual per day.
Packing for this Switzerland Road Trip
What you pack depends upon once you’re planning on doing your Switzerland highway journey. If you might be visiting Switzerland in winter, you’ll want to convey heat garments together with a top quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s essential to spend money on an excellent pair of winter boots or sturdy climbing sneakers for snow situations.
In addition, bear in mind to get snow chains in your automobile/rental in case you’re planning to drive in winter. They should not required by regulation, however they’ll preserve you secure within the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and located the snow chains to be very helpful. If you might be driving a camper van, it’s additionally helpful to convey a thermos and pouch hotter to maintain your self heat.
Want to Read More about Switzerland?
That’s a wrap! Thank you for studying all the best way to the tip. We’ve positively packed loads into this 2-week Switzerland highway journey itinerary. But relaxation assured you’ll be exploring at fairly a leisurely tempo.
This Switzerland itinerary gives you a style of the nation and present you the most effective elements of the nation, whether or not you’re visiting in winter or summer season. If you’ve got any query, be at liberty to depart me a remark beneath!
Read my articles on Switzerland beneath:
- Riding the Glacier Express
- 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
- Best Winter Destinations in Europe
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