Final Up to date on December 5, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Dreaming of an epic Switzerland highway journey? Right here’s my beneficial 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 international locations), I can safely say that Switzerland has among the most spectacular mountainscapes on this planet. For individuals who are eager to see the very best of Switzerland in 2 weeks, right here is our Switzerland itinerary.
The Final Switzerland Itinerary
Get to Switzerland
This Switzerland itinerary begins and ends in Basel Airport, which is positioned proper throughout the border with France and Germany. Alternatively, it’s also possible to fly into Zurich Airport, simply an hour’s drive to Basel. There are many low-cost flights from varied cities round Europe to Basel. You will get funds flights from London to Basel for €50 return. From the US, you’ll find flights from New York to Basel for as low-cost as $500 return.
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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 getting 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. Nevertheless, vacationers will not must take a second take a look at taken 4 to seven days after getting into. Verify the Swiss data web site for up-to-date data.
It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage for journey through the pandemic. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Confer with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Get Round Switzerland
By Automotive
For this Switzerland highway journey itinerary, we advocate hiring a automotive or driving your individual car. 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.
Automotive rental in Switzerland can also be comparatively cheaper than prepare journey. A 1-week automotive rental in Switzerland prices round US$365 or €300. Presently, 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 evening As Switzerland is so costly, driving a camper van may be a good way to avoid wasting 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/evening for a parking spot and a couple of adults.
You’ll be able to you may rent a campervan in Switzerland on Indie Campers from €50/day and it comes with the whole lot you want together with out of doors desk and chairs, bedding, cooking tools. Simply make sure to choose a van with hotter in case you’re coming in winter!
By Practice
Most individuals would say the easiest way to get across the Switzerland is by prepare as that’s the quickest mode of transport. Nearly each nook of Switzerland may be accessible by prepare — in actual fact some mountain cities like Wengen can solely be reached by prepare and never automotive.
If you happen to’re meaning to discover Switzerland by prepare, it’s finest to get a Swiss Rail Cross as that can prevent fairly a few cents. You should buy it right here prematurely and examine prepare schedules on the Swiss Federal Railways web site.
Finest Time to Go to Switzerland
It actually is dependent upon what kind of expertise you’re in search of in Switzerland. We discover winter (November to February) the very best time to discover Switzerland’s charming alpine villages and snow-covered mountains. Nevertheless, anticipate sub-zero temperatures and be sure you are comfy driving in snowy situations. Confer with my information on driving in Switzerland.
If you happen to’re after lengthy hikes and heat climate, then summer season (June – August) is the very best time to go to. The whole lot turns inexperienced and it’s a superb 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 beneficial Switzerland highway journey focuses on exploring the countryside, mountains and small villages. I want nature to massive cities, and so I’ve designed this Switzerland itinerary with a concentrate on 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 good start line because it’s inside a brief driving distance to the very best components of Switzerland. Basel’s medieval previous city is among the most lovely wherever in Europe, dominated by the red-sandstone City Corridor, Its medieval previous city facilities round Marktplatz.
Its Twelfth-century Gothic cathedral has metropolis views, and comprises the tomb of the Sixteenth-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. Town’s college homes a few of Erasmus’ works.
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The place to Keep in Basel
Finances: Lodge & Lounge by Hyve Basel SBB
Positioned in Basel, Hyve Lodge is a contemporary funds lodge within the coronary heart of city with free parking. Rooms are spacious, nicely designed and comfy. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Hyperion Lodge Basel
Inside Basel’s tallest liveable constructing, the Hyperion Lodge Basel is only a quick stroll from the Previous City. Extremely-modern rooms supply nice views by means of ceiling-to-floor glass home windows. Verify charges.
Luxurious: Grand Lodge LES TROIS ROIS
Positioned within the heart of Basel’s Previous City, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Lodge Les Trois Rois is certainly one of Europe’s oldest metropolis resorts, 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 the town behind, you’ll see the silhouette of the huge Swiss Alps looming within the distance. Drive south, previous the town of Bern, in the direction of Thun and also you’ll be there in two hours.
Positioned 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 Previous 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 an exquisite 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 number of the highlights embrace the Hünegg citadel 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 certainly the spotlight of Switzerland for a lot of. It’s an outside 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.
Among the finest climbing routes is the 2-hour circuit from Panoramaweg. One other common factor to do in Interlaken is paragliding, the most effective views to see the formidable Swiss Alps, whatever the time of yr.
Base Your self in Unterseen
You’ll be able to 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 Decrease Lake, since Unterseen is positioned on the flat space on the japanese shore of Lake Thun.
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The place to Keep in Unterseen
Finances: Tenting Manor Farm
We parked our campervan at this lakeside campsite in Unterseen and beloved having the ability to keep proper on the water. Services had been nicely maintained and costs had been nice. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: NO8 Boutique Lodge
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: Lodge Central Continental
In fact in case you’re seeking to splurge, examine in to the luxurious Lodge 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 here are much more beautiful than at Lake Thun because the mountains loom increased over the glassy spearmint waters of the lake.
If you happen to’re touring Switzerland in summer season, catch a ship journey on Lake Brienz to see all of them. Among the finest locations to cease is the village of Iseltwald. The gorgeous village backdropped by snowcapped mountains seems straight out of a fairytale.
When you 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 horny previous city and plenty of cool museums and mountain hikes. Try this checklist of issues to do in Lucerne.
Weave by means of the Lauterbrunnen Valley
It’s time for the very best 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 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 top of about 200m. This spectacle can solely be reached in summer season by tunnel elevate.
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 superb 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 may simply ski off the slopes outdoors your lodge 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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The place to Keep in Grindelwald
Finances: Gasthof Panorama
Among the finest funds 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: Lodge Gletscherblick
We shared a 2-bedroom duplex with buddies at this lodge throughout Christmas and had a superb time hanging out, cooking and enjoying in snow! The balcony views had been astounding and the lodge location incredible. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Belvedere Swiss High quality Lodge
Providing panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, this family-run 4-star superior lodge with a superb spa and out of doors saltwater scorching 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 prepare. The prepare 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, it’s also possible to proceed onto the Kleinen Scheidegg, and alter trains for the onward journey to the Prime of Europe, Jungfraujoch*.
Take the Practice to Murren
On the alternative 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 traditional, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.
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*Prime Factor to Do in Jungfrau Area: Go to the Prime of Europe
Among the finest issues to do within the Jungfrau area is to take the gondola as much as Jungfraujoch, the best prepare station in Europe. Perched at 3,571m above sea stage, the Jungfraujoch observatory affords gobsmacking views of Mönch and Jungfrau.
Ticket costs are excessive, round 185 – 235 CHF (US$205-267) per particular person relying on the season (which is why we selected to go to Glacier3000 as an alternative). However the ticket worth contains the cable automotive experience there, and visits to the Ice Palace and The Alpine Sensation. Ebook 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 an alternative. Ebook 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 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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The place to Keep in Les Diablerets
Finances: Bauernhotel Gässlihof
Positioned 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
In-built 1833 on the primary sq. of Vers l’Eglise, this lovely Swiss chalet affords Alpine-style rooms, a captivating backyard, and free parking on website. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Chalet des Bovets
Among the finest resorts within the space, this historic lodge is stuffed with character, with conventional picket interiors, Scandinavian model 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, probably the most charming cities in Switzerland. Town is constructed alongside Lake Geneva and oozes a chic European model.
Recognized for its delicate 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 citadel, Château de Chillon, full with ramparts, formal halls and 14th-century murals.
Wander the Previous City of Lausanne
Only a 30-minute drive alongside the lake, you’ll discover the town of Lausanne. The city is constructed on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes overlooking Lake Geneva.
The enticing previous 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 effective artwork and science museums.
Discover Medieval City of Gruyères
It’s nearly the tip of your journey. In your manner 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. You’ll want to attempt some Gruyère quiche, raclette and fondue whenever 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 Fort of Gruyères dominates the city.
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The place to Keep in Gruyères
Finances: Gruyère Rooms
Accommodations in Gruyères aren’t low-cost, and that is the most cost effective possibility if you wish to keep on the town. A number of the rooms supply views of the pedestrian zone or the Gruyère Fort. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Lodge de Ville
Each city in Switzerland has a lodge de ville, and this city’s primary lodge is about in a historic chalet with lovely picket options. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Le Saint Georges
One of the best lodge on the town is positioned proper in the primary sq., with a powerful view of the city. It’s additionally obtained massive 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 primary avenue, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique outlets, resorts and eating places, and likewise has a energetic après-ski scene.
Admire the standard Walser structure and sip scorching 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 Specific from St Moritz to Zermatt. The views by means of the open-roof home windows had been spectacular, the journey itself was one epic journey: it introduced us by means of 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It was positively one of many most lovely prepare journeys we’ve ever taken.
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The place to Keep in Zermatt
Finances: Zermatt Youth Hostel
One of the best funds 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 beloved 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 unlimited wellness and spa space. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Lodge Zermatterhof
One other historic landmark lodge, this grand dame of Zermatt is an ultra-luxurious property in a central however peaceable location in Zermatt. Friends are picked up from the prepare 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 be sure you can catch your flight house.
You can even fly house from Geneva Airport which is 2h 45m by automotive, or Zurich Airport barely additional at 3h 45m away. Alternatively, you may proceed on to discover the neighboring international locations as Zermatt is true throughout the border from France and Italy.
Value of this Switzerland Street Journey Itinerary
Let’s be clear: Switzerland IS an costly place to journey. Costs of points of interest, lodging and meals may be exorbitant. Restaurant meals are costly — put together to spend at the very least $40 on every meal. Fortunately supermarkets are fairly nicely priced. Even low-cost hostels are round $50 per particular person per evening.
If you happen to’re touring Switzerland on a good funds, cooking your meals and staying at low-cost Airbnbs, then you may get by on as little as $120 per particular person per day.
Packing for this Switzerland Street Journey
What you pack is dependent upon whenever you’re planning on doing your Switzerland highway journey. If you’re visiting Switzerland in winter, make sure to deliver heat garments together with a top quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s vital to put money into a superb pair of winter boots or sturdy climbing footwear for snow situations.
As well as, bear in mind to get snow chains on your automotive/rental in case you’re planning to drive in winter. They aren’t required by regulation, however they will preserve 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 deliver a thermos and pouch hotter to maintain your self heat.
Need to Learn Extra about Switzerland?
That’s a wrap! Thanks for studying all the way in which to the tip. We’ve positively packed quite a bit into this 2-week Switzerland highway journey itinerary. However relaxation assured you’ll be exploring at fairly a leisurely tempo.
This Switzerland itinerary offers you a style of the nation and present you the very best components of the nation, whether or not you’re visiting in winter or summer season. When you have any query, be happy to go away me a remark under!
Learn my articles on Switzerland under:
- Driving the Glacier Specific
- 15 Most Stunning Locations to Go to in Europe
- Finest Winter Locations in Europe
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