Grand Tour of Switzerland: a 8-day road trip
Zurich to Geneva via Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Zermatt, Montreux — about 499 km of driving across Switzerland, suggested over 8 days.
See the attractions & sights guide for this route →
Stops on this route
Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, sitting at the northern tip of Lake Zurich where the Limmat River begins. It combines a well-preserved medieval old town with a global reputation as a financial center, home to major banks and the Swiss stock exchange, alongside museums, guild houses, and a lakefront promenade.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a city on the shore of Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval old town and the wooden Chapel Bridge spanning the Reuss River. Its skyline is framed by Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, and painted building facades and lakefront promenades have long made it a popular tourist destination.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a resort town in the Bernese Oberland, situated on a narrow strip of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz; its name literally means 'between lakes.' A base for exploring the surrounding Alps since the 19th century, it has grown into a major hub for outdoor activities such as paragliding, canyoning, and hiking.
Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, built on a peninsula formed by a sharp bend in the Aare River. Its arcaded sandstone old town, largely rebuilt after a fire in 1405 and little changed since, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city houses the Swiss federal government and parliament in a domed building overlooking the river.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a mountain resort town in the canton of Valais, sitting at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable peaks in the Alps. The car-free village has drawn climbers, skiers, and hikers since the 19th century, and its narrow streets are lined with traditional wooden chalets, hotels, and mountaineering outfitters.
Montreux
Montreux is a lakeside town on the northeastern shore of Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, known for its mild microclimate, palm-lined promenade, and long association with jazz and music through its annual festival. The town rises steeply from the water into terraced vineyards, with Alpine peaks forming a backdrop across the lake.
Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest city, situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva where the Rhone River flows out toward France. It is a hub of international diplomacy, hosting the European headquarters of the United Nations and numerous humanitarian organizations, alongside a compact old town and a lakefront known for its towering water fountain.
Road charges and rules along the way
Switzerland
- Vignette required: CHF 40 (≈€42) — https://via.admin.ch
Mandatory equipment: Headlights (daytime running lights or dipped beam), Safety vest (reflective, high-visibility), Warning triangle, Snow chains
Driving in Switzerland: full guide →
Plan this route with EuroDrive Scout — tolls, vignettes, ZTL alerts, fuel and parking →