Final Up to date on December 5, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Dreaming of an epic Switzerland highway journey? Right 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, however it certain packs a punch with landscapes of epic proportions.
Having performed a number of Switzerland highway journeys (and traveled to many chilly nations), I can safely say that Switzerland has a number of the most spectacular mountainscapes on this planet. For many who are eager to see the perfect of Switzerland in 2 weeks, right here is our Switzerland itinerary.
The Final Switzerland Itinerary
Easy methods 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 too can fly into Zurich Airport, simply an hour’s drive to Basel. There are many low-cost flights from numerous cities round Europe to Basel. You may get price range flights from London to Basel for €50 return. From the US, you could find flights from New York to Basel for as low-cost as $500 return.
.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
Present Switzerland Journey Restrictions
Presently, people who find themselves vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 don’t must current a detrimental take a look at earlier than coming into Switzerland. People who find themselves not vaccinated or who haven’t recovered will nonetheless must take a take a look at to enter the nation. Nonetheless, vacationers will now not must take a second take a look at taken 4 to seven days after coming into. Verify the Swiss data web site for up-to-date data.
It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage for journey throughout the pandemic. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Easy methods to Get Round Switzerland
By Automobile
For this Switzerland highway journey itinerary, we suggest hiring a automotive or driving your personal automobile. Switzerland has exceptional infrastructure and transport community. Plus it’s a small nation and driving distances are by no means greater than a few hours.
Automobile rental in Switzerland can also be comparatively cheaper than practice journey. A 1-week automotive rental in Switzerland prices round US$365 or €300. Presently, petrol prices round €1.3-1.5 per liter.
E book Your Automobile Rental!
By Campervan
We drove our camper van and cherished 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 could 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 many campsites in Switzerland although and so they prices round €20-30/night time for a parking spot and a pair of adults.
You possibly can you’ll be able to rent a campervan in Switzerland on Indie Campers from €50/day and it comes with the whole lot you want together with outside desk and chairs, bedding, cooking gear. Simply be sure you choose a van with hotter should you’re coming in winter!
By Prepare
Most individuals would say the easiest way to get across the Switzerland is by practice as that’s the quickest mode of transport. Nearly each nook of Switzerland could be accessible by practice — the truth is some mountain cities like Wengen can solely be reached by practice and never automotive.
In case you’re meaning to discover Switzerland by practice, it’s finest to get a Swiss Rail Move as that can prevent fairly a few cents. You should buy it right here prematurely and test practice schedules on the Swiss Federal Railways web site.
Finest Time to Go to Switzerland
It actually will depend on what kind of expertise you’re in search of in Switzerland. We discover winter (November to February) the perfect time to discover Switzerland’s charming alpine villages and snow-covered mountains. Nonetheless, count on sub-zero temperatures and ensure you are comfy driving in snowy situations. Consult with my information on driving in Switzerland.
In case you’re after lengthy hikes and heat climate, then summer time (June – August) is the perfect time to go to. Every thing 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 choose nature to huge cities, and so I’ve designed this Switzerland itinerary with a give attention to 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: Again to Basel
Switzerland Itinerary Days 1-2: Discover Basel
Basel is a superb start line because it’s inside a brief driving distance to the perfect elements of Switzerland. Basel’s medieval outdated city is among the most lovely wherever in Europe, dominated by the red-sandstone City Corridor, Its medieval outdated city facilities round Marktplatz.
Its Twelfth-century Gothic cathedral has metropolis views, and comprises the tomb of the Sixteenth-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. The town’s college homes a few of Erasmus’ works.
.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Basel
Price range: Resort & Lounge by Hyve Basel SBB
Situated in Basel, Hyve Resort is a contemporary price range lodge within the coronary heart of city with free parking. Rooms are spacious, nicely designed and cozy. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Hyperion Resort Basel
Inside Basel’s tallest liveable constructing, the Hyperion Resort Basel is only a quick stroll from the Outdated City. Extremely-modern rooms supply nice views by means of ceiling-to-floor glass home windows. Verify charges.
Luxurious: Grand Resort LES TROIS ROIS
Situated within the middle of Basel’s Outdated City, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Resort Les Trois Rois is considered one of Europe’s oldest metropolis accommodations, the place such personalities as Napoleon have stayed. (Pictured) Verify charges.
Itinerary Days 3-4: Drive to Bernese Oberland
Time to kickstart your Switzerland highway journey! As soon as you allow town behind, you’ll see the silhouette of the large Swiss Alps looming within the distance. Drive south, previous town of Bern, in the direction of Thun and also you’ll be there in two hours.
Situated 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 Outdated City 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 wonderful 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. A few of the highlights embrace the Hünegg fort in Oberhofen, and St Beatus Caves.
Discover the City of Interlaken
Constructed on a slender stretch of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is unquestionably 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 mountaineering and snowboarding trails. The city itself is a wonderful base for mountaineering excursions and boat journeys.
Top-of-the-line mountaineering routes is the 2-hour circuit from Panoramaweg. One other well-liked factor to do in Interlaken is paragliding, top-of-the-line views to see the formidable Swiss Alps, whatever the time of yr.
Base Your self in Unterseen
You possibly can select to remain in Interlaken or Unterseen, a neighborhood simply outdoors of city. We stayed in Unterseen as we wished to be nearer to nature (whereas Interlaken is extra of a metropolis). Unterseen actually means Decrease Lake, since Unterseen is positioned on the flat space on the jap shore of Lake Thun.
.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-3 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Unterseen
Price range: Tenting Manor Farm
We parked our campervan at this lakeside campsite in Unterseen and cherished having the ability to keep proper on the water. Amenities have been nicely maintained and costs have been nice. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: NO8 Boutique Resort
That includes a classic gents saloon character, this boutique lodge is trendy and reasonably priced. It’s additionally nice for households seeking to share a room. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Resort Central Continental
In fact should you’re seeking to splurge, test in to the luxurious Resort Central Continental positioned alongside the banks of the Aare River. It’s housed in a historic constructing, with views of the spectacular Jungfrau Massif. Verify charges right here.
Itinerary Days 5-7: Head into Lauterbrunnen Valley
Earlier than you allow Interlaken, take a scenic drive alongside Lake Brienz enroute to Lauterbrunnen. The views listed below are much more beautiful than at Lake Thun because the mountains loom larger over the glassy spearmint waters of the lake.
In case you’re touring Switzerland in summer time, catch a ship journey on Lake Brienz to see all of them. Top-of-the-line locations to cease is the village of Iseltwald. The attractive village backdropped by snowcapped mountains appears straight out of a fairytale.
You probably have 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 gorgeous outdated city and many cool museums and mountain hikes. Try this listing of issues to do in Lucerne.
Weave by means of the Lauterbrunnen Valley
It’s time for the perfect a part of this Switzerland highway journey! Drive 2 hours southeast into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, some of the spectacular trough valleys within the Alps.
The identify ‘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 nearly 300m from an overhanging rock face, they’re one of many highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
One other deafening pure phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls within the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. As much as 20,000 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 time by tunnel carry.
Go Snowboarding in Grindelwald
Proceed driving in the direction of the ski resort of Grindelwald, simply 20 minutes away by automotive. 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 should 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 may simply ski off the slopes outdoors your lodge or go sledding proper outdoors your entrance door.
In summer time, 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.
.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-4 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Grindelwald
Price range: Gasthof Panorama
Top-of-the-line 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. Verify charges.
Mid Vary: Resort Gletscherblick
We shared a 2-bedroom duplex with associates at this lodge throughout Christmas and had a wonderful time hanging out, cooking and taking part in in snow! The balcony views have been astounding and the lodge location improbable. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Belvedere Swiss High quality Resort
Providing panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, this family-run 4-star superior lodge with a wonderful spa and outside saltwater sizzling tub within the backyard. Verify charges right here.
Itinerary Day 8: Go to 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 too can proceed onto the Kleinen Scheidegg, and alter trains for the onward journey to the High of Europe, Jungfraujoch*.
Take the Prepare to Murren
On the other aspect 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.
.reading-box-container-5 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-5 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
*High Factor to Do in Jungfrau Area: Go to the High of Europe
Top-of-the-line issues to do within the Jungfrau area is to take the gondola as much as Jungfraujoch, the best practice station in Europe. Perched at 3,571m above sea degree, the Jungfraujoch observatory gives 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 a substitute). However the ticket value contains the cable automotive journey there, and visits to the Ice Palace and The Alpine Sensation. E book your ticket right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 9: Head to Glacier 3000
The following 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. However ticket costs are half of Jungfrajoch costs, and so we selected to go to Glacier3000 as a substitute. E book your tickets right here!
One distinctive attraction that Glacier 3000 has is the Peak Stroll. The The 107m lengthy bridge is the one suspension bridge on this planet that connects two mountain peaks. It takes simply minutes to stroll it; however it’s not for the faint-hearted. We have been fortunate to go to on a transparent, sunny day, however we nonetheless skilled 70km/h winds and -12degC temperature.
.reading-box-container-6 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-6 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Les Diablerets
Price range: Bauernhotel Gässlihof
Situated above the village of Feutersoey by Gstaad, that is an natural farm providing rustic rooms with mountain views. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Auberge de L’Ours
Inbuilt 1833 on the principle sq. of Vers l’Eglise, this lovely Swiss chalet gives Alpine-style rooms, an enthralling backyard, and free parking on web site. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Chalet des Bovets
Top-of-the-line accommodations within the space, this historic lodge is filled with character, with conventional picket interiors, Scandinavian type design and a big artwork assortment. Verify charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 10-12: Go to Montreux
For the final a part of your Swiss highway journey, head west in the direction of Montreux, some of the charming cities in Switzerland. The town is constructed alongside Lake Geneva and oozes a chic European type.
Identified for its gentle microclimate, Montreux has colourful promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean timber and grand Belle Époque buildings. One lovely spot to go to is the offshore medieval island fort, Château de Chillon, full with ramparts, formal halls and 14th-century murals.
Wander the Outdated City of Lausanne
Only 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 essentially car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques form the streetscape within the medieval metropolis centre. The Nineteenth-century Palais de Rumine homes tremendous artwork and science museums.
Discover Medieval City of Gruyères
It’s nearly the top of your journey. In your method again to Basel, make a cease on the medieval city of Gruyères, 1 hour away from Lausanne. The city gave its identify to the area La Gruyère and its scrumptious cheese, Gruyère. Make sure you attempt 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. Contained in the car-free city, you’ll discover postcard-perfect cobblestoned streets, fountains and fairytale-like homes. The thirteenth century Fortress of Gruyères dominates the city.
.reading-box-container-7 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-7 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Gruyères
Price range: Gruyère Rooms
Resorts in Gruyères should not low-cost, and that is the most affordable possibility if you wish to keep on the town. A few of the rooms supply views of the pedestrian zone or the Gruyère Fortress. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Resort de Ville
Each city in Switzerland has a lodge de ville, and this city’s important lodge is ready in a historic chalet with lovely picket options. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Le Saint Georges
The very best lodge on the town is positioned proper in the principle sq., with an impressive view of the city. It’s additionally acquired huge household rooms. Verify charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 13: Proceed to Stunning 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 long-lasting Matterhorn. Its important road, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique retailers, accommodations and eating places, and in addition has a energetic après-ski scene.
Admire the normal Walser structure and sip sizzling chocolate on the streetside cafes. Don’t miss the wonderful 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 Categorical from St Moritz to Zermatt. The views by means of the open-roof home windows have been spectacular, the journey itself was one epic journey: it introduced us by means of 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It was undoubtedly one of many most lovely practice journeys we’ve ever taken.
.reading-box-container-8 .element-bottomshadow:earlier than,.reading-box-container-8 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}
The place to Keep in Zermatt
Price range: Zermatt Youth Hostel
The very best price range possibility 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 cherished the views of Matterhorn from right here. Verify charges.
Mid Vary: Mont Cervin Palace
Opened in 1851, the 5-star lodge stands within the coronary heart of Zermatt, with fashionable interiors and an infinite wellness and spa space. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Resort Zermatterhof
One other historic landmark lodge, this grand dame of Zermatt is an ultra-luxurious property in a central however peaceable location in Zermatt. Company are picked up from the practice station by an electrical automotive or in a blue horse-drawn carriage. Verify 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 ensure you can catch your flight house.
It’s also possible to fly house from Geneva Airport which is 2h 45m by automotive, or Zurich Airport barely additional at 3h 45m away. Alternatively, you’ll be able to proceed on to discover the neighboring nations as Zermatt is true throughout the border from France and Italy.
Price of this Switzerland Highway Journey Itinerary
Let’s be clear: Switzerland IS an costly place to journey. Costs of points of interest, lodging and meals could be exorbitant. Restaurant meals are costly — put together to spend no less than $40 on every meal. Fortunately supermarkets are fairly nicely priced. Even low-cost hostels are round $50 per individual per night time.
In case you’re touring Switzerland on a good price range, cooking your meals and staying at low-cost Airbnbs, then you may get by on as little as $120 per individual per day.
Packing for this Switzerland Highway Journey
What you pack will depend on once you’re planning on doing your Switzerland highway journey. If you’re visiting Switzerland in winter, be sure you carry heat garments together with a top quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s vital to put money into a very good pair of winter boots or sturdy mountaineering sneakers for snow situations.
As well as, bear in mind to get snow chains on your automotive/rental should you’re planning to drive in winter. They aren’t required by regulation, however they’ll hold you secure within the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and located the snow chains to be very helpful. If you’re driving a camper van, it’s additionally helpful to carry a thermos and pouch hotter to maintain your self heat.
Wish to Learn Extra about Switzerland?
That’s a wrap! Thanks for studying all the way in which to the top. We’ve undoubtedly packed so much into this 2-week Switzerland highway journey itinerary. However 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 perfect elements of the nation, whether or not you’re visiting in winter or summer time. You probably have any query, be happy to go away me a remark beneath!
Learn my articles on Switzerland beneath:
- Driving the Glacier Categorical
- 15 Most Stunning Locations to Go to in Europe
- Finest Winter Locations in Europe
Impressed? Pin it!
