The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a meticulously designed 1,600 km driving circuit that offers travelers a rich exploration of the country’s landscapes, culture, and architectural heritage. Developed by Switzerland Tourism, the route connects major cities, alpine passes, lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites while promoting responsible travel and sustainable mobility.
This guide presents the 12 most popular regional and themed routes that form part of the Grand Tour, allowing travelers to tailor their journey to personal interests such as nature, culture, food, history, or scenic mountain roads.
What is the Grand Tour of Switzerland?
The Grand Tour is Switzerland’s flagship self-drive itinerary, covering:
- All four language regions: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
- 45+ top tourist attractions and scenic routes
- 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Over 20 lakes and five alpine passes
- Infrastructure supporting electric vehicles (more than 300 charging stations as of 2024)
It is suitable for car, campervan, and motorbike travelers and is best driven between April and October.
Official source: myswitzerland.com
How Long Does the Full Tour Take?
- Full loop: 10–14 days
- Segmented routes: 2–5 days each
- EV version: All charging points are integrated into the main loop
Travelers can either complete the full tour or select regional themes based on time, interest, or season.
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1. Grand Tour Classic Loop
- Duration: 10–14 days
- Route: Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken – Bern – Lausanne – Zermatt – Lugano – Chur – St. Moritz – Appenzell
Highlights:
- Famous mountain passes: Furka, Grimsel, Klausen
- Iconic sites: Matterhorn, Aletsch Glacier (UNESCO), Rhine Falls
- Urban charm in Zurich and Geneva
Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, long-distance road trippers
Recommended season: May to October
2. Swiss Culture and Heritage Trail
- Duration: 4–5 days
- Route: Lucerne – Bern – Fribourg – Gruyères – Lausanne – Geneva
Highlights:
- Historic city centers and cathedrals
- Cheese-making in Gruyères
- Olympic Museum and art collections in Lausanne
Best for: History lovers, cultural tourists
Recommended season: Year-round
3. Alpine Pass Challenge
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Route: Andermatt – Susten – Grimsel – Furka – Gotthard – Nufenen
Highlights:
- Five major mountain passes above 2,000 meters
- Glacial valleys and remote alpine landscapes
- Suitable for experienced drivers and motorcyclists
Best for: Mountain enthusiasts, driving enthusiasts
Recommended season: June to September (passes closed in winter)
4. Ticino and Italian-Speaking Switzerland Tour
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Route: Bellinzona – Lugano – Locarno – Mendrisio – Blenio Valley
Highlights:
- Bellinzona’s castles (UNESCO)
- Lake Lugano and palm-lined promenades
- Italian-Swiss cuisine and culture
Best for: Food lovers, lake tourists
Recommended season: March to November
5. Glacier Express Drive & Rail Combo
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Route: Zermatt – Andermatt – Disentis – St. Moritz
Highlights:
- Parallel route to the famous Glacier Express train
- Scenic drives through Upper Valais and Graubünden
- Ideal for combining car and train travel
Best for: Scenic travelers, slow tourism
Recommended season: Year-round
6. Eastern Alps and National Park Tour
Duration: 4–5 days
Route: Davos – Engadine – Scuol – Zernez – Swiss National Park
Highlights:
- Wildlife-rich national parks
- Romansh-speaking alpine villages
- Hiking, wellness, and eco-tourism opportunities
Best for: Nature travelers, hikers
Recommended season: June to September
7. Castles and Fortresses Route
Duration: 3 days
Route: Montreux – Chillon Castle – Sion – Bellinzona
Highlights:
- Château de Chillon by Lake Geneva
- Hilltop fortresses of Sion and Bellinzona
- Medieval towns and history museums
Best for: History buffs, family travelers
Recommended season: April to October
8. Swiss Culinary Trail
Duration: 3–4 days
Route: Emmental – Gruyères – Broc – Lavaux – Vevey
Highlights:
- Cheese tasting (Gruyère, Emmental)
- Chocolate factory visits in Broc
- Lavaux wine terraces (UNESCO)
Best for: Food lovers, cultural travelers
Recommended season: April to October
9. Jungfrau & Bernese Alps Circuit
Duration: 3–4 days
Route: Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen – Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch – Kandersteg
Highlights:
- Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” viewpoint
- Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls and alpine hikes
- Access to cable cars, cogwheel trains
Best for: Adventure seekers, mountain lovers
Recommended season: Year-round
10. Campervan-Friendly Grand Tour
Duration: 7–10 days
Route: Zurich – Lucerne – Bern – Zermatt – Lugano – Chur – St. Moritz
Highlights:
- Dedicated campervan sites
- Scenic overnight stays by lakes and mountains
- Budget-friendly, flexible travel
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, long-term explorers
Recommended season: May to October
11. Art and Design Trail
Duration: 3–4 days
Route: Basel – Zurich – Winterthur – St. Gallen
Highlights:
- Modern and classical art galleries
- Abbey Library of St. Gallen (UNESCO)
- Vitra Design Museum (just across the border)
Best for: Art lovers, architects
Recommended season: Year-round
12. Lakes of Switzerland Circuit
Duration: 5 days
Route: Lake Lucerne – Lake Geneva – Lake Zurich – Lake Thun – Lake Lugano
Highlights:
- Boat rides and lakeside towns
- Swimming, hiking, water sports
- Lakeside accommodations and restaurants
Best for: Summer vacationers, family trips
Recommended season: May to September
Practical Information and Driving Tips:
- Vignette (toll pass): CHF 40 annual fee required for Swiss motorways
- EV infrastructure: Routes marked for electric vehicle access; over 300 charging stations
- Weather warnings: Mountain passes may be closed during winter and early spring; always check road conditions in advance
- Travel Apps: Use Swiss Travel Guide, SBB Mobile, and GPS navigation for route planning
Final Recommendations:
The Grand Tour of Switzerland can be done in full or broken down into manageable parts based on your time and interest. Most roads are safe and well-signposted, and tourism infrastructure is excellent throughout the country.
To plan your itinerary more precisely, visit the official site:
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/route/grand-tour-of-switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Switzerland?
If your license is in English or an EU language, you typically don’t need an International Driving Permit. For licenses in other languages, an IDP is recommended.
Are there tolls or driving fees in Switzerland?
Yes. You’ll need a motorway vignette (CHF 40/year) to use Swiss highways. It can be bought at border crossings, gas stations, or online.
What is the best time of year for a road trip in Switzerland?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the best weather and open mountain passes. Some high-altitude roads close in winter due to snow.
