5-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Switzerland and Germany With Itinerary from Zurich to Interlaken and Freiburg im Breisgau
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Embark on an unforgettable 5-day multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Germany! If traveling through picturesque landscapes and immersing yourself in the captivating cultures of destinations like Zurich, Lucerne, Triberg im Schwarzwald, Freiburg im Breisgau, and Lindau sounds like your idea of a great vacation, this iconic European tour is for you.
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 2 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 3 nights in Switzerland and 1 night in Germany.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Switzerland, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Zurich and begin your adventure from there. Explore Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, and Basel, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Germany. Immerse yourself in the allure of Triberg im Schwarzwald, Freiburg im Breisgau, and Lindau, where every street tells a story.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Triberg im Schwarzwald’s Triberg Waterfalls. From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.
Your ultimate multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Germany will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy! Embark on a quest for a rare souvenir in each destination. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.
By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 5-day self-drive adventure in Switzerland and Germany. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail. This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries on one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in Switzerland and Germany.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
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Day 1
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- Old Town (Altstadt)
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Switzerland and Germany begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Zurich in Switzerland. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Zurich for 1 night.
Catch an early flight to Switzerland to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Zurich before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.
Zurich is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Old Town (Altstadt), a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Zurich. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Zurich boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Switzerland.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Differente, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider zum Kropf, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Babu's. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Widder Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Rio Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Cp First - Cocktailbar & Lounge provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Your multi-country road trip in Switzerland and Germany has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.
Day 2
- Zurich
- Interlaken
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Drive 136 km, 3 hours 8 min
- Üetliberg
- Uetliberg Lookout Tower
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Lake Brienz
- Harderkulm
- Höhematte
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across Switzerland and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Sellenbüren in Switzerland. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Interlaken where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Zurich, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Üetliberg, an intriguing mountain range in the hamlet. Then, head to Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting observation deck.
There are many interesting places to see in Zurich, and when you are ready for more, go to Lion Monument Lucerne. This is one of the hamlet’s most interesting culturally significant spots of interest. After exploring the monument, visit the interesting Chapel Bridge. Not far away, you'll also find Lake Brienz. This lake is a mesmerizing highlight in Zurich. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Harderkulm, a beloved observation deck in the hamlet.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Interlaken. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Interlaken’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the town’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Switzerland and Germany.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Taj Palace is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at OX Restaurant & Grill. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Interlaken tonight.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Brasserie 17, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.
Take in the ambiance of Interlaken as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!
Day 3
- Interlaken
- Freiburg im Breisgau
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Drive 335 km, 4 hours 52 min
- Zytglogge
- bear pit
- Basel Minster
- Triberg Waterfalls
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Germany. Today's main destinations are Bern in Switzerland and Triberg im Schwarzwald in Germany, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Freiburg im Breisgau. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Interlaken on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Zytglogge is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking historical landmark before continuing your journey. Bear Pit is your next stop. This popular zoo is one of the best-rated sights in Interlaken.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Basel Minster. This history-steeped church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Triberg Waterfalls.
An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Freiburg im Breisgau’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Freiburg im Breisgau boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Germany.
Savor the flavors at Hotel Oberkirch, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Süden beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider El Gallo Freiburg. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Freiburg im Breisgau tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Am Funkeneck, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Beat Bar Butzemann offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.
Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Zurich
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Drive 361 km, 5 hours 19 min
- Bertoldsbrunnen
- Freiburg Minster
- City Museum of Lindau
- Island Mainau
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On day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zurich, where you will stay for 1 night.
Freiburg im Breisgau is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a public square, a church, a museum, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Bertoldsbrunnen and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Freiburger Münsterbauverein, a picture-perfect church that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to City Museum Of Lindau, one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the interesting Island Mainau.
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Zurich.
After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Zurich’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Cantinetta Antinori, a popular restaurant in Zurich. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Zurich at El Lokal, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Aurora. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Zurich tonight.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Eldorado. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Gotthard Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, La Stanza provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!
Day 5
- Zurich - Departure day
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- Bahnhofstrasse
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On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Zurich before it’s time to leave.
Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Switzerland and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Zurich's best shopping area, Sihlcity. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Switzerland.
At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Bahnhofstrasse, a street that captures the true essence of Zurich. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
Get a last taste of Switzerland’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Zurich and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Switzerland and Germany.
The time has come to say farewell to Zurich for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Switzerland and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!
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