7 Breathtaking Road Trips in Switzerland

Switzerland may seem small on the map, but with the Alps dominating its landscape, this compact European country offers an abundance of elevated terrain.

No matter your route, prepare for an unforgettable journey: roads meander along the shores of magnificent lakes and glaciers, mountain passes twist up to enchanting medieval castles, and on the scenic routes, every stunning curve makes you want to stop and yodel in joy.

Crowning it all is the grand 1,643km (1,021-mile) Grand Tour of Switzerland – a magnificent, well-signposted circuit that connects 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites and showcases the Alpine country in its most picturesque light.

Pressed for time? No worries – here are seven alternative road trips in Switzerland to help you get started.

1. Furka Pass

Ideal road trip for glaciers and towering mountains Obergoms–Andermatt; 35km (22 miles)

The breathtaking views will leave you speechless, and the Alps will always be in your rear-view mirror on this incredibly steep, winding drive from the secluded valley of Goms in Valais to the mountain-clad Andermatt in Uri.

If you start feeling a bit like Bond while driving, it’s no accident: this road featured in the car chase of the 1964 film Goldfinger, igniting the 007 spirit in everyone.

Navigating the sharp switchbacks, you’ll reach the 2,429m (7,969ft) peak of the Furka Pass, offering views of a stark, wind-swept plateau and the chance to explore the crevassed Rhône Glacier and its ice grotto before descending toward Andermatt.

Planning tip: Travel the Furka Pass from west to east for dramatic hairpin turns and breathtaking sights of rugged peaks and glaciers that will leave you gasping. It's open from June to October, with summer being the prime time to visit, as the road closes with the arrival of snow. Always check conditions before setting off.

2. The Appenzell rural route

Ideal road trip for exploring rural Switzerland Appenzell–St Moritz; 200km (124 miles)

The Appenzell region, nestled next to Liechtenstein in northeastern Switzerland, showcases the country's charming rural heart. This underrated area offers an ideal backdrop for a road trip, transitioning from rolling dairy farms to beautifully frescoed towns. A week is manageable; two weeks opens up exciting possibilities...

This route leads you past the towering Säntis mountain, where six countries can be spotted from the summit, as well as the undulating limestone peaks of the Churfirsten range and the quaint medieval village of Werdenberg. You'll also traverse the delightful Liechtenstein, with a must-visit stop in its capital, Vaduz, crowned by a castle.

As you head south, the mountains rise dramatically, guiding you to the vine-draped Maienfeld, the backdrop for the beloved children’s book Heidi, and the stunning Salginatobel Bridge, an engineering marvel considered a masterpiece.

Fairy-tale villages like Guarda and Zernez, adorned with fountains and frescoed homes, draw you into the untamed beauty of Swiss National Park before you continue your journey to St Moritz, where towering peaks invite Alpine exploration.

Planning tip: Set aside time for a refreshing hike in the Swiss National Park to stretch your legs. The visitor center in Zernez can connect you with rangers for an enhanced experience.

3. Peaks of Southern Switzerland

Ideal road trip for stunning mountain views Lugano–Zermatt; 264km (164 miles)

This breathtaking drive through the southern Swiss highlands showcases the Alps as your ever-present backdrop, incorporating both the Gotthard and Furka passes. Plan for at least a week to fully appreciate its beauty.

Start your journey in the lakeside town of Lugano, which borders Italy and offers a taste of la dolce vita with its cafe-lined squares and palm-shaded parks. The route then heads north to Locarno, known for its stunning botanical gardens and Renaissance Old Town, followed by the UNESCO-listed Bellinzona, featuring three impressive medieval castles perched on hills.

As you drive northward into the heart of the Alps, the language shifts from Italian to German, arriving at Airolo near the Gotthard Pass. This scenic drive is best enjoyed slowly, so take a break in Andermatt, where vast wilderness, high-altitude hikes, and breathtaking Alpine views await.

Just west of here, the exhilarating Furka Pass twists and turns through the glacier-laden mountains of Valais. The trip culminates with Bettmeralp, the magnificent Aletsch Glacier, and Brig, home to the enchanting Stockalper Palace, before reaching Zermatt, where the iconic Matterhorn captivates your attention.

Planning tip: This route is only accessible during certain seasons, as both the Furka and Gotthard Passes close in winter. Be sure to check the Alpine Passes website for the latest information on opening dates and current snow and road conditions.

4. Gotthard Pass

Best road trip for gorges and canyons Andermatt–Airolo; 26.5km (16.5 miles)

Sure, you could opt for the tunnel—one of the longest in the world—through the St-Gotthard Massif, but where’s the adventure in that?

If you seek Alpine thrills, the historic road over the 2,108m (6,196ft) Gotthard Pass captivates. Buckle up, lower the window, and get ready for breathtaking, rugged mountain vistas on this winding route that connects the Italian-speaking region of Ticino to the German-speaking area of Uri. If today’s twists and turns feel daunting, remember the travelers of old who navigated this path on foot with pack animals.

At the summit of the pass, the former customs house houses the seasonal Museo Nazionale San Gottardo, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the area, but it’s the breathtaking views that will linger in your memory.

Even the Romans avoided the Gotthard Pass until the construction of the Devil’s Bridge in the 1300s made it accessible. This remarkable bridge spans the Schöllenen Gorge, where sheer granite walls drop dramatically to the turbulent Reuss River below. On the southern side, the cobblestone Tremola features an impressive 37 switchbacks that take you zipping down to Airolo.

Planning tip: The road's availability is weather-dependent, typically remaining open from May to November.

5. Julier Pass

Best road trip for getting off the beaten track Chur–St Moritz; 157km (98 miles)

Such breathtaking scenery deserves a grand introduction. Winding through the surreal, jagged, moraine-laden Alps of Graubünden, the 2,284m (7,494ft) Julier Pass is the crowning glory of a beautiful, lengthy drive linking the Alpine city of Chur to St Moritz in the Engadine Valley.

Wild and little-traveled, this pass has been a route since Roman times, with remnants of an ancient Roman temple still visible. The road plunges into the heart of the Albula Alps, showcasing stunning mountain vistas, including Parc Ela, Switzerland’s largest nature park, tempting you to trade the road for a hiking path or two.

The Julier Pass unfolds like a ribbon, consistently ranking among Switzerland’s most picturesque drives, and for good reason: its sense of remoteness enhances its allure significantly.

Planning tip: Although the road is generally open throughout the year, exercise caution during snowy and icy conditions. Winter tires and snow chains are necessary in the colder months.

6. Explore Western Switzerland by Car

Best road trip for scenic lakes and forests Geneva–Neuchâtel; 190km (118 miles)

While the Alps receive plenty of attention, the charmingly hidden Jura region in Switzerland’s tranquil west offers its own serene beauty, featuring lakes and vineyards that lead to châteaux and hills draped in pine forests.

Begin your adventure with a rich cultural experience in cosmopolitan Geneva, gracefully positioned along the shores of its crescent-shaped lake. From there, the route gently veers north into the Jura Vaudois Nature Park, where you can hike with stunning lake views and enjoy Gruyère cheese tastings at rustic Alpine huts.

Allocate at least a few days for the latter part of this journey as you head north to the tranquil Lac de Joux, known for its watchmaking legacy, and Vallorbe, home to Switzerland’s breathtaking limestone caves showcasing a marvel of underground rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations.

Close to Lac de Neuchâtel lies the rolling hills of Val-de-Travers, famous for being the birthplace of the 'green fairy' (absinthe) and the striking crescent-shaped canyon of Creux du Van. The route culminates in Neuchâtel, featuring an enchanting turreted medieval castle.

Planning tip: This journey is part of the well-marked Grand Tour of Switzerland. Visit the website for information on stages and key highlights along the route.

7. Switzerland's premier cities

Best road trip for experiencing nature within urban Switzerland Zürich–Bern; 315km (196 miles)

Starting and ending with Switzerland’s unofficial capital Bern and its largest city Zürich (often wrongly thought to be the capital), this remarkably diverse road trip transitions delightfully from bustling urban life to breathtaking nature, taking you from culturally rich cities to majestic abbeys, medieval castles, serene lakes, and legendary mountains.

With a bittersweet farewell to Zürich’s vibrant museums and trendy lakeside bars, the route glides south along Lake Zürich, offering stunning alpine views on clear days. Be sure to visit charming towns like the picturesque, castle-adorned Rapperswil before continuing to Einsiedeln and its grand Benedictine abbey.

Lucerne perfectly embodies culture with its stunning Old Town and art galleries. Take a detour to the fjord-like, brilliantly turquoise Lake Uri for a glimpse into the nation's geographical and spiritual core. Enjoy dairy tours and leisurely walks through the lush meadows of Emmental as you make your way southwest to Bern, home of Einstein, elegant arcades, and refreshing swims in the Aare River.

Planning tip: Set aside at least a week for your drive – ideally, even longer.

Ready to organize your Swiss adventure? Here’s what to do next:

• Add these must-see destinations to your itinerary

• Begin budgeting with these helpful tips

• Traveling with children? They’ll enjoy these fun activities

• And here’s everything you should know before you set off