5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Bern traveling south to Lucerne and Lausanne

Say hello to Bern! Your exciting road trip through Switzerland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Bern for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Bern 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 Rose Garden Bern or 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 Bern. 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bern. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bern by reserving a table at ZOE. Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of vegetarian and modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Steinhalle, renowned for its delectable creative and international dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Wein & Sein, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bern.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Adrianos Bar & Café.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Switzerland!

On day 2 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 Bern. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lucerne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make UNESCO - Bern Old Town your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Zytglogge. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,374 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this astronomical clock every year.

Bern Minster is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This church building has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,813 visitors.

When you’re finished at Bern Minster, the perfect next stop is bear pit. This architectural structure is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,960 reviews.

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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Lucerne by securing a reservation at Lucide. This renowned restaurant offers an exceptional menu of contemporary and classic cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Colonnade, celebrated for its delectable modern french and seasonal menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Also, be sure to check out Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lucerne.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar 59, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar 58 is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Café Tacuba Neustadt offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lucerne and Geneva. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lausanne, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Chapel Bridge. This extraordinary sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Geneva. This car ride takes around 2 hours 49 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Bains des Pâquis is a great place to start. This public bath is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,194 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is The Geneva Water Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,281 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Jardin Anglais. The urban park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 18,129 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,614 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Lausanne. Lausanne offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Lausanne by booking a table at Le Berceau des Sens. This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of modern french and classic cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Anne-Sophie Pic, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover La Table du Lausanne Palace, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Continue your lively evening at Captain Cook Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. King Size Pub is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Pin Up Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Lausanne, Veytaux, and Lavey-Morcles. 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.

Journey into the unknown at Lausanne Cathedral, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,766 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, The Olympic Museum is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,534 reviews.

After soaking in Lausanne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Veytaux. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 36 min. When you arrive in Veytaux, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Chillon Castle. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,331 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bern, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, a top-rated dining spot in Bern. If you're in the mood for something new, try Aarbergerhof, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Hotel Bellevue Palace. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bern.

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

Day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bern before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Bern’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Switzerland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Switzerland alive with these special souvenirs.

Make Bundesplatz one of your first sightseeing stops in Bern. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,059 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bern.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Bowling Company AG, another premier location with a delectable menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Bern. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Switzerland!