12-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bern to Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zurich

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Bern and Köniz. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Interlaken, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Start your day with a visit to Bundesplatz. This up-and-coming public square is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Bear Pit, which may be one of the most idyllic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Bern on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Rose Garden Bern, a beloved botanical garden in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Zentrum Paul Klee and Gurten.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Interlaken. Interlaken offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Interlaken. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, a top-rated dining spot in Interlaken. If you're in the mood for something new, try Taj Palace, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at OX Restaurant & Grill. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Interlaken.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Brasserie 17, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Say good night to Interlaken and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Interlaken, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Interlaken, Harderkulm, Alte Aare Bucht, and Beatenberg. You still have 2 nights left in Interlaken.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Interlaken. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Yash Chopra Statue is the perfect place to start. This monument is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Interlaken. Next, head to Höhematte Interlaken, an up-and-coming park, known for its gorgeous features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Harderkulm. This instagrammable observation deck is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Weissenau Castle and St. Beatus-höhlen, Swiss Caves. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey. Finish the day with a visit to Lake Thun, a romantic lake in Interlaken.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Interlaken and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Interlaken's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Pizzeria Horn, a popular restaurant in Interlaken. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Interlaken at Indian Tandoori, 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 Chalet Beizli. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Interlaken tonight.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

On day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland, 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 in Lucerne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lucerne, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Interlaken. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Swiss Museum Of Transport is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Interlaken. Next, head to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne, an up-and-coming historical landmark, known for its visually striking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Jesuit Church, Lucerne. This history-steeped church is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Chapel Bridge and Sammlung Rosengart Luzern. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Lucerne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Lucerne. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Valentino, a top-rated dining destination in Lucerne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Weisses Schloss, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bolero. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lucerne this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Bar 58, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Penthouse. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Lucerne. You’ll stay in Lucerne for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in Lucerne. Begin your sightseeing with Mount Pilatus. This locally appreciated mountain range is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Church Of St. Leodegar, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Lucerne, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Bourbaki-panorama (building). This increasingly popular museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Lion Monument Lucerne, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lucerne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ampersand, a highly-rated dining destination in Lucerne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Made in Sud Italienisches Restaurant Luzern. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lucerne this evening.

Head back to your accommodation in Lucerne and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Greet day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Zurich for your remaining 3 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, and Stein am Rhein.

Get ready for an exciting day in Zurich. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a waterfall, a museum, a monastery, a church and much more! Begin your adventure at Rhine Falls. This is a widely recognized waterfall you should not miss. Another must-see is Museum Zu Allerheiligen, an increasingly popular museum in Zurich.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Kloster Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Reformierte Kirche St. Johann, another of the town’s frequently visited attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Museum Lindwurm, a historic place of interest in the town.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Zurich, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Dine in style at Cantinetta Antinori, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, El Lokal boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Aurora. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Zurich.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Eldorado. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Gotthard Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook La Stanza, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Zurich, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Zurich, including a library, a monastery, a church, a botanical garden, a wildlife reserve and much more! Start your day with a visit to Abbey Library Of St. Gallen. This curiosity-inducing library is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Abbey Of Saint Gall, which may be one of the most picture-perfect places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Zurich on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to St. Gallen Cathedral, a locally appreciated church in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Botanischer Garten and Wildpark Peter Und Paul.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Zurich.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Alpenrose, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kafi Dihei, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Weisses Rössli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Bar Babalu is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Nelson. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Wake up to day 10 of your extraordinary road trip in Switzerland. With 1 night left in Zurich, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Zurich allows for both. Start by heading to Barfussweg. This underrated hiking area provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Parish Church Of St. Mauritius, Appenzell, a picture-perfect church, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Museum Appenzell, a curiosity-inducing museum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Viadukt, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? La Pasta offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Best Western Hotel Spirgarten. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zurich.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Ebrietas Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Total Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Rimini Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 11 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Gruyères and Pringy. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bern. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Zurich allows for both. Start by heading to Château De Gruyères. This well-known castle provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Hr Giger Museum, a remarkable museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to La Maison Du Gruyère, a frequently visited museum.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bern. Bern offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bern's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Volver BarTapasCafé, an iconic dining spot in Bern. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Gourmanderie Moléson, a popular restaurant in Bern. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, a hidden gem nestled in Bern. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the evening going at Ebrietas Bern, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Adrianos Bar & Café, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Les Amis / Wohnzimmer, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!