Peruse the list of destinations or take a more direct route to book the most luxurious and ultimate scenic Swiss Alps Drives.
[No. 7 will blow your mind]
Situated at the heart of Europe, Switzerland, a mountainous nation, is graced with some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. From its numerous picturesque lakes, charming villages, majestic alpine peaks, and captivating scenic routes, we've curated a comprehensive guide to the most enchanting destinations in Switzerland for your exploration.
Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the world's top places to call home. Once an economically disadvantaged nation, it now boasts some of the highest living standards globally. Among the many things that make Switzerland extraordinary are its impeccably maintained, stunningly scenic roads.
For travelers seeking the most picturesque and enticing locations in Switzerland, we highly recommend embarking on your journey by car. This approach allows you to set your own tempo and determine how much time you wish to dedicate to each of Switzerland's numerous highlights. Switzerland has never been about reaching your destination as quickly as possible; rather, it's the journey itself that truly defines the experience.
We are delighted to share some of the most outstanding spots with you:
1. Undoubtedly, the Lake Lucerne region boasts Switzerland's most magnificent landscape.
A mere 45-minute drive from Zurich, you'll find yourself immersed in a diverse mountain and lakeside setting, featuring iconic peaks, dense forests, glistening waters, and breathtaking alpine vistas – precisely what a typical Switzerland tourist seeks.
The lake's German name, "Vierwaldstättersee," literally translates to "Lake of the four forested settlements." While this massive lake ranks as the fourth largest in Switzerland in terms of size, it played a pivotal role in the country's founding. It was along the shores of Lake Lucerne in 1291 that the Swiss Confederation was established.
2. Nestled between the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne on one side and the awe-inspiring towering mountain cliffs on the other, you'll discover a roadway that encircles the lake.
The journey between Brunnen in the lake's northern region and Altdorf in the south stands out as the most spectacular and visually captivating segment of the route. This stretch acts as a gateway to the Central Swiss Alps, with informative signs dotting the roadside, indicating which alpine routes are accessible, building anticipation for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.
3. Lake Lucerne's most renowned vantage point can be found along the roadside near the charming village of Weggis.
This picturesque vista has adorned countless Swiss postcards and is certainly a stop that should not be missed. The iconic spot is a modest rest area featuring nothing more than a bench tucked within a sharp left turn as you approach from Lucerne. However, the view it offers is nothing short of breathtaking. Exercise caution as you approach the village of Weggis, as it can be easily overlooked.
Take a few minutes to bask in the beauty of this scene before continuing on your scenic driving expedition to discover more of Switzerland's most exquisite locations.
4. Pause for a delightful coffee break at a terrace with the most enchanting view overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Shortly after your visit to Weggis, you'll arrive at the serene bay of Vitznau, which exudes a riviera-like ambiance. Here and there, you'll spot palm trees flourishing in gardens and along the roadside, thriving in the mild climate influenced by the lake amidst the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
Within this charming village lies a true gem of Swiss hospitality: the historic Parkhotel Vitznau, housed in a century-old castle-like structure. Even if you opt not to indulge in the substantial cost of staying here, we wholeheartedly recommend savoring a cup of coffee on its terrace.
5. The lake's English name derives from the largest and arguably the most impressive city nestled on its shores: Lucerne.
The iconic Chapel Bridge, housing the Water Tower, situated within the city's Old Town, serves as the hallmark of the entire region and stands as the most frequently captured monument in Switzerland. Along the lakeside promenade, where charming cafes and ancient chestnut trees offer comforting shade, it's an enticing environment for a leisurely walk.
However, a word of caution – this leisurely stroll may swiftly turn into an extravagant shopping spree, leading you to explore the tempting array of luxurious boutiques in the town and potentially ending with a purchase of a Swiss watch.
6. The Chedi in Andermatt stands as one of Switzerland's most exceptional luxury resorts.
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this state-of-the-art luxury hotel boasts a distinctive contemporary ambiance that sets it apart from the many upscale resorts in Switzerland. Each room offers the spaciousness of a suite and is tastefully adorned with an alpine aesthetic infused with an Asian influence. With over 200 fireplaces, you'll always find a cozy sense of home.
What truly sets this establishment apart, however, is its top-notch service coupled with a certain tranquil atmosphere and exceptional dining options that encompass both Japanese and European cuisine, sure to excite any culinary enthusiast.
But you need not take our word for it alone. The Chedi Andermatt has garnered the highest accolade from Forbes Travel Guide 2022, solidifying its position as one of the finest hotels in Europe once again.
7. Experience the most breathtaking collection of mountain passes in Switzerland (and the world)!
The Swiss High Alpine Pass Route includes the spectacular high alpine passes: Susten Pass, Grimsel Pass, and Furka Pass, creating an exceptional loop spanning approximately 120 kilometers.
The Susten Pass, nestled at the base of the Gotthard Mountain, is our absolute favorite Swiss Alpine Pass, boasting 26 bridges and tunnels chiseled into the solid rock. Even Porsche chose this route to film promotional scenes for the 2016 model of the 911 R.
The beautiful Grimsel Pass meanders gently through towering granite, tunnels, and past serene, azure reservoirs. Along the way, numerous lookout points allow you to capture the perfect shot of the landscapes from a high vantage point.
The Furka Pass, widely recognized for its appearance in the 1965 James Bond film "Goldfinger" with Sean Connery, features some exhilarating steep drops and a few narrow stretches along this alpine road. Rest assured, after conquering the wider and less dramatic Susten and Grimsel Passes, you'll handle the Furka without any issues. However, we strongly advise against attempting them in the reverse order, especially if you're new to driving on alpine roads.
This route is accessible outside of the winter closure period, typically between mid-June and early October.
Particularly when experienced in a convertible, this journey will leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. We recommend a high-performance car like a Porsche 911 to navigate the occasionally twisty and steep mountain roads with ease. And, of course, we wouldn't discourage the idea of a Ferrari or Lamborghini either.
This route unveils vistas of stunning mountain scenery, charming villages, deep valleys, and glaciers, ascending to altitudes of over two thousand meters above sea level.
With the EPIKDRIVES you will experience the Ultimate scenic Swiss Alps Road Trip Package including a pre-programmed GPS and a printed Road-Book for seamless navigation along your scenic journey. You can set out at your preferred pace in a luxury car of your choice.
8. The Rhone glacier features an easily accessible 100-meter-long ice tunnel and ice chamber that has been freshly carved each spring since approximately 1870.
At the heart of the renowned Furka Pass, make sure not to overlook the glacier located beside the once-thriving Hotel Belvedere. Unfortunately, this historic establishment has seen a decline in visitors over the years due to the glacier's continuous retreat, reflecting the alarming trend of glacial shrinkage.
9. The Bernese Highlands boast Lauterbrunnen, often regarded as Switzerland's most picturesque village.
This village is characterized by the presence of 72 waterfalls, which cascade along the valley's cliff edges during the summer as the snow melts. The name "Lauterbrunnen" itself signifies "many fountains," with the Staubbach Falls, in particular, maintaining a robust flow throughout the year.
Remarkably, it is also Europe's tallest free-falling waterfall. When it comes to describing Switzerland's natural wonders, superlatives are not an exaggeration.
10. In Lauterbrunnen, you can savor one of the most breathtaking alpine vistas in Switzerland.
The Schilthorn mountain's viewing platform is accessible via a cable car and offers a spectacular vista of the Swiss Skyline Mountains, including the renowned Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks (designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site), as well as an additional treat of 200 more alpine summits.
At this lofty elevation of 2,970 meters above sea level, revel in a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view and relish a delectable meal at the revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria.
11. Make sure to visit Oberhofen for Switzerland's most stunning castle.
The medieval keep and lakeside tower appear as if they are dipping a toe into Lake Thun. Since the 1200s, architects have skillfully blended various architectural styles, giving rise to a captivating, fairytale-like castle best appreciated from the nearby boat landing stage.
Exploring the living museum within Oberhofen Castle is a journey through time. The bedrooms, the refined dining room, and the servant quarters offer a vivid glimpse into the lifestyle of the noble family from a century ago.
12. With a length of 1,400 meters and depths reaching up to 200 meters, the gorge carved by the river Aare is undeniably the most captivating gorge in the Alps.
Over the course of approximately ten thousand years, the Aare River painstakingly carved a path through the rugged rock formations in the Swiss Alps. It's only been within the past century that the Aare Gorge has become readily and safely accessible through the use of wooden walkways.
Particularly on scorching summer days, the stroll amidst the towering rock walls with the cool river water flowing beneath your feet offers a unique and invigorating way to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
13. Embark on a journey along Switzerland's and the world's most picturesque train route—the legendary Glacier Express.
The world's slowest express train meanders through the Swiss Alps, shuttling passengers between St. Moritz and Zermatt. The complete train voyage spans approximately 8 hours, encompassing 291 bridges, and traversing 91 tunnels, all while passing through pristine landscapes, deep ravines, and ascending to an altitude of up to 2,033 meters.
LEG 1 — The stretch from St. Moritz to Andermatt stands out as the most picturesque segment of the journey, featuring iconic highlights such as the Landwasser Viaduct, the train route's highest point at Oberalp Pass, and the awe-inspiring Rhine Gorge. This leg of the journey covers about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
LEG 2 — The journey from Andermatt to Zermatt is equally breathtaking, ultimately leading to the car-free town of Zermatt. This portion of the trip lasts approximately 15 hours and encompasses the scenic Rhone valley and, of course, the iconic Matterhorn Mountain.
Before you go... check out this alpine drives:
A mere one-hour drive from Zurich will transport you to the Klausen Pass, marking Switzerland's first true alpine pass, with elevations reaching up to 1,948 meters (6,391 feet) above sea level. Spanning over 46 kilometers (29 miles) and boasting 136 challenging curves, this remarkable pass treats us to breathtaking vistas, a highlight also included in our Swiss Alp Drive.
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