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Switzerland Driving Trip Planner |
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Have fun driving in Switzerland! |
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This driving trip planner has been especially written for Switzerland. |
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Switzerland is a name that conjures up many images, but think of this little gem of a country and you cannot help thinking of a place where snow-capped mountains flirt with verdant hillsides and crystal lakes catch the rays of a winter sun. A trip to this magical country will open up many more beautiful vistas, providing you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1
First stop Geneva, It’s impossible not to notice the international aspect of this delightful little city, Switzerland’s third largest and home to some 200 world organisations, among them the World Health Organisation and the International Commission for Human Rights. The city enjoys a stunning aspect on its lake whose famous jet d’eau water fountain is one of the symbols of the city. A boat trip on the lake is an absolute must, after which you can dine in some style at one of the city’s renowned restaurants offering stunning international cuisine. Visit St Peter’s cathedral in the city centre or take a stroll through the charming Promenade des Bastions, a pleasant nearby park. Visit the winding cobble streets of the old town and try and spot a bargain in the many antique shops or simply sit and enjoy a coffee while this cosmopolitan city goes about its business.
Day 2
Travel northeast along the E25 to Lausanne, a hilly city that enjoys a thriving arts scene and boasts brilliant lake views overlooked by snowcapped peaks. Take a gentle walk around Lausanne, being careful not to miss its 12th-century cathedral or its unique Musee de l’Art Brut, a fantastic museum devoted to art by those on the fringes of society. Complete a gently taxing hike around this sunny city by visiting the Olympic Museum, a brilliantly conceived museum containing interactive features, some amazing memorabilia and temporary exhibitions. It also enjoys an unbelievable site overlooking the lake.
Day 3
Travel eastwards along the banks of the lake towards Montreux, a real jewel of a city that has enjoyed a deserved reputation for live music and culture for decades. Make the worthwhile journey to the fantastic Chateau de Chillon, perhaps Switzerland’s most popular tourist attraction. This castle is set on a stunning promontory overlooking the lake and a walk around its towers and cloisters guarantees a breathtaking view at almost every turn. Prepare a picnic and sit and marvel at the vistas below and around you.
Day 4
Take route 11 towards Interlaken and use this delightful town as the base for exploring the surrounding Jungfrau region, which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. Here you will find a series of mountains strung out like pearls glistening in the afternoon sun. Some of these peaks reach over 3,000 metres and these rugged, almost savage snow-blessed triumphs of nature are contrasted by some of the most idyllic pastoral landscape anywhere in Europe, with the nearer, lower hills resplendent in green, golden and brown hues. Take a mountain excursion to appreciate the view from on high, or simply be content to stroll idly through the lush grassy hillside dotted here and there by alpine cattle oblivious to the beauty around them. Take time to enjoy the sights and sounds here and enjoy the hospitality of the locals as you watch the sun set behind this most theatrical of backdrops.
Day 5
Route 4 in a northerly direction will take you to Lucerne, the historic and cultural capital of Switzerland. Located on the western edge of Lake Lucerne, this world-famous town boasts an intriguing medieval town centre whose architecture takes you back to yesteryear and some truly unique covered bridges that represent an unmissable photo opportunity. Pay a visit to the amazing Glacial Garden, a natural outdoor museum explaining the geological history of Lucerne that also features a baffling mirror maze. If you can find your way out of the maze, take a walk around the twisting lakeside before enjoying a jolly jaunt around the lake on board a delightful paddlesteamer in preparation for the journey ahead.
Day 6-7
Rejoin route 4 and continue northwards to the millionaires’ paradise of Zurich. Presenting you with a bewildering array of shopping opportunities, Zurich offers a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds and has an enchanting old centre and many museums and galleries. Pay a memorable and worthwhile visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, which presents a wide range of art dating from the 15th century to the modern movements. Move on to the outdoor delights of the Zoo Dolder, presenting over 250 species and located close to the Zurichberg wood, an oasis of calm just outside the city centre. Spend your final day in the environs of Zurich by traveling northeast up the A1 E60 to Winterthur, a quaint, artistic town featuring a compact town centre and the historic 10th-century Kyburg castle, once a residence of the world-famous Hapsburg family.
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