Swiss Alps: Destinations, Drives & Planning Guide

Overview

The Swiss Alps are the heartland of Alpine road trips. From the turquoise lakes of the Bernese Oberland to the dramatic passes of Valais and Graubunden, Switzerland offers some of the most rewarding driving in Europe. The road infrastructure is excellent, the scenery is world-class, and the network of mountain towns makes it easy to build flexible multi-day itineraries.

Best Destinations

• Interlaken: Gateway to the Bernese Oberland, positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
• Zermatt: Car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn with year-round Alpine access.
• Grindelwald: Mountain village beneath the Eiger with strong infrastructure for day trips.
• Lauterbrunnen: Valley of 72 waterfalls and the gateway to Jungfrau.
• Lucerne: Lakeside city with excellent onward road connections to every major Swiss pass.
• St Moritz: Engadine resort town and gateway to the Bernina Pass.

Best Scenic Drives

• Furka-Grimsel Pass Loop: Iconic high-altitude loop through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
• Susten Pass: One of Switzerland's most photogenic mountain passes.
• Bernina Pass: The highest paved pass in the Eastern Alps.
• Gotthard Pass: Historic route connecting northern and southern Switzerland.

Best Bases

• Interlaken: Central hub with easy access to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and multiple passes.
• Lucerne: Best starting point for road trips heading south toward the passes.
• Andermatt: Crossroads town connecting Furka, Gotthard, Oberalp, and Susten passes.

Travel Tips

• A Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is required for all motorways and is valid for the calendar year.
• Mountain passes typically open between May and October; check live status before planning pass routes.
• Zermatt is car-free. Park in Tasch and take the shuttle train (12 minutes).
• Fill up on fuel before entering remote valleys as stations can be sparse.
• Book accommodation with parking included, especially in popular towns during peak summer.

Continue planning

• Switzerland Road Trip Guide
• 7-Day Switzerland Road Trip
• Swiss Lakes Road Trip (5 Days)
• Driving in Switzerland
• Swiss Vignette and Toll Guide
• Car Rental in the Alps
• Austrian Alps Region Guide
• Dolomites Region Guide