Swiss Alps Road Trip: 15+ of the Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland (With a Bucket-List Pass Loop)🇨🇭
- @epikdrives.com
- Apr 30, 2020
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Switzerland is where the journey becomes the highlight: glacier-fed lakes, storybook villages, and mountain passes so perfectly engineered they feel made for scenic cruising. This Swiss Alps road trip guide is your curated hit list of the most beautiful stops—plus the iconic high-alpine loop that belongs on every driver’s bucket list.
Table of contents
Why a Swiss Alps road trip is the best way to explore
15+ beautiful places in Switzerland for epic scenery
1) Lake Lucerne
2) Brunnen to Altdorf
3) Weggis viewpoint
4) Vitznau + Parkhotel terrace
5) Lucerne old town
6) The Chedi Andermatt
7) Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop
8) Rhône Glacier + ice tunnel
9) Lauterbrunnen + Staubbach Falls
10) Schilthorn + Piz Gloria
11) Oberhofen Castle (Lake Thun)
12) Aare Gorge
13) Glacier Express
14) Zermatt + Matterhorn
15) Diavolezza + Bernina panorama
Bonus) St. Moritz + Engadine Valley
One more pass near Zurich: Klausen Pass
Suggested Swiss Alps road trip routes
Lake Como & Stelvio Pass in Italy Extension
FAQ
Why a Swiss Alps road trip is the best way to explore
A train is romantic. A guided tour is convenient. But a Swiss Alps road trip is where Switzerland truly clicks—because you control the rhythm.
Road tripping in Switzerland means you can:
Pull over for spontaneous photo stops (and there will be countless).
Chase the best light at golden hour on lakefront roads.
Take “just one more pass” because the sign looked tempting.
Swap a crowded hotspot for a quiet viewpoint five minutes away.
If you want the driving part to feel effortless (navigation, pacing, hand-picked hotels), this is exactly the logic behind EPIKDRIVES’ curated routes—especially the Big 3 passes and rail-and-drive itineraries.
Best time to go: Plan this route between mid-June and late September for the best chance of open high passes and clear viewpoints. For fewer crowds (with still-reliable conditions), early to mid-October is the sweet spot.
1) Lake Lucerne
Just outside Zurich, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) is the perfect “welcome to Switzerland” moment: glittering water, dramatic peaks, and lakeside villages that look unreal even in bad weather.
Don’t miss: An elevated viewpoint where you see the lake’s branching arms framed by mountain ridgelines—this is Switzerland’s postcard factory.
2) Brunnen to Altdorf
If you only do one lakeside drive early in your Swiss Alps road trip, make it Brunnen → Altdorf along Lake Lucerne’s shoreline. This stretch delivers cliff faces on one side, calm blue water on the other, and that feeling that the road is carved into the landscape.
Pro tip: Treat it as your warm-up lap before heading into the Central Swiss Alps passes.
3) Weggis viewpoint
There’s a particular roadside viewpoint near Weggis that proves Switzerland doesn’t need signage to impress you. It’s basically “one bench, one panorama, zero effort.”
Insider tip: Coming from Lucerne, watch for a sharp curve—blink and you’ll miss it.
4) Vitznau + Parkhotel terrace
Vitznau can feel like the Alps briefly borrowed a Riviera mood: palms, gentle water, and an unhurried elegance. If you want a luxurious micro-moment without committing to an overnight splurge, stop for coffee at Parkhotel Vitznau’s terrace.
Order: Espresso on the terrace
Do: Watch the paddle steamers drift past
5) Lucerne old town
Lucerne is the soul of Central Switzerland: compact, walkable, and ridiculously photogenic. The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower are the headline, but the real charm is wandering the Old Town streets at an unplanned pace.
Tiny warning: The “just browsing” watch-shopping temptation is real.
6) The Chedi Andermatt
Andermatt is strategically perfect for a high-alpine driving loop—and The Chedi Andermatt turns that location into a full luxury experience: warm interiors, spa-level recovery, and the kind of calm that makes you want to extend your stay.
If you’re planning the Big 3 passes, this is one of the most satisfying bases to do it from.
7) Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop
Here it is: the bucket-list moment. It’s Switzerland at full volume: big elevation, big views, and nonstop “pull over—now” moments.
The Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop is a 120 km trio of iconic alpine passes that many drivers consider the crown jewel of a Swiss Alps road trip.
Susten Pass: Tunnels, bridges, and sheer granite drama (it’s a favorite in car-filming circles).
Grimsel Pass: Reservoir blues, big skies, and a slightly gentler rhythm.
Furka Pass: Steeper, wilder, and famously linked to James Bond’s Goldfinger.
When to drive: These high passes are typically seasonal, with many closures outside late spring to autumn—always check current pass status before you go.
If you want this loop packaged into a larger “best-of” itinerary, EPIKDRIVES also combines it with additional Swiss passes and the legendary Stelvio in Italy.
8) Rhône Glacier + ice tunnel
Near Furka Pass, the Rhône Glacier is one of the most striking stops on the loop—but it’s also a reality check. What you see today is the remaining, retreating edge of the glacier, noticeably smaller than it was in past decades.
The ice tunnel still delivers that surreal, luminous blue glow, yet standing there makes one thing clear: this is not a timeless monument—it’s a landscape in motion, changing year by year.
Expect: An eerie blue glow, cold air, and a reminder that alpine landscapes are changing.
9) Lauterbrunnen + Staubbach Falls
Lauterbrunnen is the valley that makes people whisper “this can’t be real.” Sheer cliffs, green meadows, and waterfall spray hanging in the air—anchored by Staubbach Falls, one of the area’s signature sights.
Did you know? “Lauterbrunnen” translates to something like “many fountains”—and it earns the name.
10) Schilthorn + Piz Gloria
From the Lauterbrunnen region, ride up to Schilthorn (2,970 m) for a full 360° panorama that includes Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—peaks associated with the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage region.
And yes, the rotating restaurant Piz Gloria is part of the legend (Bond fans will understand).
11) Oberhofen Castle (Lake Thun)
On Lake Thun, Oberhofen Castle looks like it’s floating—turrets, gardens, and a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.
Best view: Walk out onto the pier for the full “castle-on-the-water” angle.
12) Aare Gorge
Near Meiringen, the Aare Gorge is a refreshing contrast to wide-open vistas: a narrow limestone corridor with walkways suspended above rushing water.
Best time: Hot summer days—this is nature’s air-conditioning.
13) Glacier Express
If you want to add a “wow” factor without driving every single day, the Glacier Express is the classic Swiss choice—panoramic windows through deep valleys and alpine scenery.
The line is famous for traveling over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels on its journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
If you like the idea of combining both worlds (wheel + rail), EPIKDRIVES builds an itinerary around exactly that.
14) Zermatt + Matterhorn
Zermatt is car-free, which makes it feel even more cinematic once you arrive. Above it: the Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable silhouettes on earth.
Stay move: Choose a room with a Matterhorn view and let the mountain be your morning alarm clock.
15) Diavolezza + Bernina panorama
Near St. Moritz, the Diavolezza cable car delivers one of the most dramatic glacier panoramas in eastern Switzerland—views toward Morteratsch Glacier and the Bernina range.
Don’t miss: A terrace lunch with the peaks right in your face.
Bonus) St. Moritz + Engadine Valley
St. Moritz gets the glamour headlines, but the Engadine Valley is the real secret: crisp air, shimmering lakes, and villages that feel quietly upscale rather than showy.
Pro tip: Base yourself in Pontresina for a more relaxed, authentically alpine vibe while staying close to the action.
One more pass near Zurich: Klausen Pass
Want one last “how is this road real?” moment close to Zurich? Add Klausen Pass to your plan. It’s a classic ribbon of curves and sweeping alpine views—and it’s also a pass that typically closes in winter, so it’s worth checking seasonal access.
Suggested Swiss Alps road trip routes
Here are three easy ways to stitch these places into a trip—without turning it into a race:
Route style | Best for | Highlights |
2–3 days: Central Switzerland sampler | First-timers | Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Weggis, Vitznau, Klausen (seasonal) |
4–6 days: Big scenery + Big 3 | Drivers who want iconic passes | Andermatt base, Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop, Rhône Glacier |
6–9 days: Road + rail “best of both” | Maximum variety | Drive to Engadine + St. Moritz, Glacier Express segment, optional Zermatt extension |
For done-for-you navigation, pacing, and hotels, start with the Swiss Alps “Big 3” driving tour or go bigger with the Stelvio + Swiss passes itinerary.
Lake Como & Stelvio Pass extension (Italy)
One of Switzerland’s biggest advantages is how effortlessly it connects to Italy. After your alpine pass days, you can swap mountain roads for lakeside elegance with the direct EuroCity train from Zürich HB to Como San Giovanni (around 2h30–2h40)—and in many cases, you won’t even need a car once you arrive. Lake Como is ideal for a car-free stay: explore by ferry, stroll the villages, and let the lake set the pace.
Want to turn your trip into a true “grand tour”? Add the Stelvio Pass as the finale. It pairs perfectly with the Swiss Alps because it’s another legendary high-alpine drive—best tackled in the same prime season (mid-June to late September, depending on yearly opening/closing).
A popular flow: Swiss passes → Engadine/St. Moritz → Stelvio hairpins → unwind at Lake Como (by car, or finish by train once you’re ready to go car-free).
FAQ
What is the best time for a Swiss Alps road trip?
Plan this route between mid-June and late September for the highest passes open and clear viewpoints. For fewer crowds, early October is the sweet spot.
When is the best time with fewer crowds?
Plan this route between mid-June and late September for the best chance of open high passes and clear viewpoints. For fewer crowds (with still-reliable conditions), early to mid-October is the sweet spot.
Can I drive the Big 3 passes (Susten, Grimsel, Furka) in one day?
Yes—you can drive the Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop in a single day, but it’s best enjoyed as a full-day experience, not a quick sprint. Plan for:
an early start
multiple scenic/photo stops
time for lunch or a terrace break
flexibility for weather, cyclists, and traffic
Tip: If your schedule allows, overnight in/near Andermatt and drive the loop without pressure—it transforms the day from “schedule” to “experience.”
If you want the turnkey version (no route planning, no navigation stress), we offer a 1-day Swiss Alps Porsche experience covering Susten–Grimsel–Furka, including pre-programmed GPS, an hour-by-hour Road Book, and car delivery/collection in Zurich. This specific 1-day tour is booked exclusively via the external booking platform (Viator), not directly.
Is the Susten–Grimsel–Furka loop difficult?
Not difficult for confident drivers, but it can feel demanding: hairpins, tunnels, changing weather, cyclists, and frequent “must-stop” viewpoints. The key is to drive smoothly, take breaks, and avoid rushing, especially on Furka.
Where is the Rhône Glacier ice tunnel—and is it worth it?
The Rhône Glacier ice tunnel is near Furka Pass and is famous for its glowing blue interior and the tradition of carving a tunnel each year. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re already doing the loop—especially as a short stop that adds a unique “glacier up close” moment to the day.
Can I combine the Glacier Express with a road trip?
Absolutely—this is one of the best ways to experience Switzerland. A road + rail itinerary lets you enjoy the freedom of the alpine roads, then relax while the panoramic Glacier Express handles a spectacular scenic leg. It’s also a smart way to add variety to a multi-day trip.
How many days do you need to cover the highlights?
2–3 days: a strong “highlights sampler” (Lake Lucerne + Lucerne + a pass or two, season permitting)
4–6 days: ideal for the full alpine-pass experience (Big 3 loop + glacier + Lauterbrunnen region)
6–9 days: best for the “everything” version (passes + Engadine/St. Moritz + Glacier Express + optional Zermatt)
Is Switzerland a good destination for a luxury driving tour?
Yes—Switzerland is one of Europe’s best countries for a premium self-drive: pristine roads, world-class scenery, excellent hotels, and a pace that’s perfect for luxury travel. It becomes truly next-level when routes, timing, and stays are curated for flow—so every day feels effortless.
