13 of the Most Beautiful Places of Switzerland🇨🇭 A Scenic Road Trip through the Swiss Alps
- @epikdrives.com
- May 1, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Switzerland – a majestic jewel at the heart of Europe – is defined by its soaring alpine peaks, shimmering lakes, storybook villages, and perfectly maintained mountain roads. Whether you're seeking dramatic scenery, a touch of adventure, or luxurious tranquility, this curated guide unveils the most enchanting places to explore in the Swiss Alps.
👇 Spoiler: No. 7 is one for the bucket list.
Better yet, experience these sights behind the wheel of a luxury car on one of our meticulously designed Swiss Alps driving tours – with seamless navigation, curated stays, and a hint of Italian flair.
Why Road Tripping Is the Ultimate Way to Explore Switzerland
Switzerland isn't about rushing from point A to B. Here, the journey is the destination. And there's no better way to savor its diverse beauty than by car. Set your own pace, linger at lakeside cafés, pause for jaw-dropping photo ops, or chase the sunset over alpine passes — the choice is yours.
Let’s dive into 13 of the most captivating destinations Switzerland has to offer:
1. Lake Lucerne: Where Swiss Beauty Begins
Just 45 minutes from Zurich lies the postcard-perfect region of Lake Lucerne – or as locals call it, Vierwaldstättersee (Lake of the Four Forest Cantons). This region offers a spectacular fusion of shimmering lake views, jagged peaks, pine forests, and charming lakeside villages.
It’s no wonder that Switzerland’s story began here in 1291, when the first cantons united on its shores to form the Swiss Confederation.
🌄️ Don’t miss: Take in the sweeping aerial views of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains — a breathtaking welcome to your Swiss adventure.
2. The Ultimate Lakeside Drive: Brunnen to Altdorf
Follow the road that winds around Lake Lucerne’s dramatic shoreline, especially the segment from Brunnen to Altdorf — often hailed as the most scenic lakeside drive in the country. You'll cruise between vertical cliffs and serene water vistas, with alpine pass signboards tempting you towards high-altitude adventures.
🚣️ Pro tip: Make this your prelude to the Central Swiss Alps — the gateway to Susten, Grimsel, and Furka Passes.
3. Weggis: The View That Launched a Thousand Postcards
Hidden in a hairpin turn, just before the village of Weggis, lies one of Switzerland’s most iconic roadside viewpoints. There's nothing here but a single bench — but the panorama is pure magic. It's the kind of view that stops you in your tracks.
📸 Insider tip: Approaching from Lucerne, watch for the sharp left curve. Blink and you might miss it — but it’s absolutely worth the pause.
4. Coffee With a Riviera View in Vitznau
Palm trees. Lakeside serenity. And a dash of aristocratic charm. Vitznau, a serene bay along Lake Lucerne, feels like a slice of the Riviera nestled in the Alps.
For a taste of grandeur, stop at the century-old Parkhotel Vitznau. While staying here is a splurge, a coffee on the terrace is an experience all its own.
☕️ Try this: Order an espresso and take in the view of paddle steamers drifting past, framed by alpine peaks.
5. Lucerne: The Soul of Central Switzerland
The city of Lucerne offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The famous Chapel Bridge with its Water Tower is a symbol of the region and among Switzerland's most photographed landmarks.
Wander through the Old Town, stroll beneath centuries-old chestnut trees, and perhaps, give in to a bit of boutique temptation — this is also a hotspot for Swiss watch shopping.
💼 Wander wisely: Keep your wallet close. What starts as a lakeside stroll may end with a luxury purchase.
6. The Chedi Andermatt: Alpine Luxury Redefined
Tucked deep in the heart of the Alps, The Chedi Andermatt is not just a hotel — it's an experience. Think spacious suites with alpine-meets-Asian interiors, over 200 fireplaces, a serene spa, and cuisine that blends the best of Japan and Europe.
🏨 Luxury pick: Forbes Travel Guide crowned it one of Europe's finest. You'll know why the moment you step inside.
7. The Ultimate High Alpine Pass Loop: Susten, Grimsel & Furka
This is the crown jewel of scenic driving in Switzerland — a 120-kilometer loop of three legendary mountain passes:
Susten Pass: A favorite of car enthusiasts (and Porsche video directors), it features 26 tunnels and bridges etched into sheer granite.
Grimsel Pass: A gentler route winding past sapphire-blue reservoirs.
Furka Pass: Made famous by James Bond: Goldfinger, it's thrilling, steep, and best tackled after the first two.
🏋️ Best driven between mid-June and early October. Preferably in a Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini convertible.
With EPIKDRIVES, everything is arranged: pre-programmed GPS, a detailed Road Book, and a supercar of your choice. Want to experience this route as part of something even bigger? Check out our Stelvio Pass + 9 Swiss Alpine Passes Tour — an epic loop that includes this trio and adds the iconic Stelvio and Lake Resia in the Italian Tyrol.
8. Rhone Glacier & the Fading Ice Tunnel on Furka Pass
Near the summit of the Furka Pass lies the historic Rhone Glacier, home to a 100-meter-long ice tunnel and cave carved anew every spring since the 1870s. Though the glacier is sadly retreating, its eerie blue glow and proximity to the once-grand Hotel Belvédère offer a hauntingly beautiful stop.
9. Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of 72 Waterfalls
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is arguably Switzerland’s most picturesque. Sheer cliffs, lush meadows, and Staubbach Falls – Europe’s tallest free-falling waterfall – create a setting straight out of a fantasy film.
🌧️ Did you know? The name "Lauterbrunnen" means "many fountains."
10. The Swiss Skyline From Schilthorn
Hop on a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to reach Schilthorn – a 2,970-meter-high viewpoint with staggering 360-degree views. The panorama includes the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, and a rotating restaurant, Piz Gloria, famously featured in a James Bond film.
⛰️ UNESCO Highlight: These peaks are part of a designated World Heritage Site.
11. Oberhofen Castle: Switzerland's Fairytale Fortress
Perched on the shores of Lake Thun, Oberhofen Castle seems to float on water. Its turrets and gardens blend centuries of architecture, while the museum inside reveals the lavish lifestyle of Swiss aristocracy.
🏛️ Best view: Walk onto the pier for its most dramatic angle.
12. Aare Gorge: Nature’s Secret Passageway
The Aare Gorge near Meiringen is a hidden gem. Walk along wooden pathways suspended above a rushing river, between towering limestone cliffs up to 200 meters high. Cool, misty, and unexpectedly dramatic.
🌊 Best time: Visit in the heat of summer for the ultimate natural refresh.
13. The Glacier Express: The World’s Most Scenic Train Ride
Dubbed the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express links St. Moritz and Zermatt via 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and epic landscapes.
Leg 1: St. Moritz to Andermatt (4h45m), featuring the Landwasser Viaduct and Rhine Gorge. This is arguably the more scenic leg of the journey.
Leg 2: Andermatt to Zermatt (3h15m), passing the Rhone Valley and finishing beneath the Matterhorn.
Accessible only by train or electric taxi, Zermatt is a car-free mountain village that feels like something out of a dream. Towering above it is the Matterhorn, arguably the most recognizable peak in the world. Whether you’re hiking to the Gornergrat for panoramic views, sipping champagne at a mountaintop terrace, or skiing in summer on the glacier, Zermatt is pure high-altitude magic.
🏔️ Stay suggestion: Book a suite with a Matterhorn view and wake up to the most legendary skyline in the Alps.
🏎️ Driving Alternative: Want the scenic thrill with more freedom? Our Glacier Express & Drive Adventure offers the best of both worlds — combining the iconic train journey with the most scenic driving routes in the Swiss Alps and the Italian Tyrol.
Bonus: St. Moritz & the Engadine Valley
Nestled high in the southeastern Alps, St. Moritz is more than just a glamorous winter playground — it’s the crown jewel of the Engadine Valley, a region known for its wild beauty, shimmering lakes, and crisp, dry air. Surrounded by majestic peaks and sprinkled with traditional Engadine villages, this area offers some of Switzerland’s most serene and luxurious alpine escapes. In summer, the region transforms into a haven for hikers, cyclists, and drivers alike, with winding roads and scenic outlooks at every turn.
🏞️ Pro tip: Stay in nearby Pontresina — just as stunning, with fewer tourists and a more authentically Swiss atmosphere.
Before You Go: One More Pass Worth the Detour
Just an hour from Zurich, the Klausen Pass is where your alpine road trip dreams come to life. Switzerland’s very first alpine pass boasts 136 thrilling curves and views to match.
🌟 Bonus tip: It’s part of our EPIKDRIVES signature routes. Don't miss the drive.
Looking for more?
If this taste of the Alps sparked your wanderlust, don't miss our ultimate road trip package: the Stelvio Pass + 9 Swiss Alpine Passes Tour.
This extraordinary loop combines Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain passes with the iconic Stelvio Pass and even a detour to the surreal sunken bell tower of Lake Resia in the Italian Tyrol.
Whether you're chasing curves, panoramas, or that perfect driving playlist moment — this tour brings it all together in one epic, high-octane adventure.