6-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Switzerland and Austria With Itinerary from Zurich to Innsbruck and Schaffhausen
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Description
Get ready for an exhilarating 6-day European road trip. This trip will take you through Switzerland and Austria and immerse you in the diverse tapestry of European culture.
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 2 nights in Austria.
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, Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, and Lucerne, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Austria. Immerse yourself in the allure of Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Marktgemeinde Wattens, where every street tells a story.
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 Austria 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 6-day self-drive adventure in Switzerland and Austria. 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 Austria.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- UBS Polybahn
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Switzerland and Austria 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.
Something that makes Zurich the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding tramway, Polybahn. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 712 visitors.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Zurich. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Zurich. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Differente, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try zum Kropf? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Babu's as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick 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 Widder Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Rio Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Cp First - Cocktailbar & Lounge, another top-rated place in the area.
Your multi-country road trip in Switzerland and Austria 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 and Innsbruck
- Zurich
- Innsbruck
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Drive 297 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Zürich Zoo
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Grossmünster
- Lindenhof
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On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Austria, 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 Zurich in Switzerland. In the evening, you’ll end up in Innsbruck, where you will stay for 2 nights.
A tour of Zurich is not complete without a visit to the famous Zürich Zoo. This incredible zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,599 travelers.
Make the most of your Zurich travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Kunsthaus Zürich. This art gallery and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,760 travelers and gets around 382,603 annual visits.
You can then move on to the incredible Grossmünster for an experience worth remembering. This local church and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,428 visitors.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Innsbruck. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Innsbruck’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Switzerland and Austria.
Make sure to reserve a table at Stiftskeller, an iconic dining spot in Innsbruck. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Thai-Li-Ba, a popular restaurant in Innsbruck. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Breakfast Club, a hidden gem nestled in Innsbruck. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Café Bar Dinzler, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Music-bar Zappa, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Cafe Katzung provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!
Day 3 – Innsbruck and Salzburg
- Innsbruck
- Salzburg
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Drive 379 km, 4 hours 44 min
- Hellbrunn Palace
- Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Mirabell Palace
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Greet day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Switzerland and Austria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Innsbruck for your remaining 1 night 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 Salzburg in Austria.
After soaking in Innsbruck’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Salzburg. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 4 min. When you arrive in Salzburg, it's time to take a break from the road.
A tour of Salzburg is not complete without a visit to the famous Hellbrunn Palace. This incredible palace and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 19,177 travelers.
Make the most of your Salzburg travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Fortress Hohensalzburg. This castle and unique destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 43,742 travelers.
You can then move on to the incredible Mirabell Palace for an experience worth remembering. This local palace and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,975 visitors.
Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Austria's delectable cuisine at one of Innsbruck's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Gasthof Goldener Adler, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Sixty Twenty Bar und Cafe is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Café Central. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Innsbruck tonight.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Montagu Bed & Beers, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dom Cafe-bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Plansch Bar provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Take in the ambiance of Innsbruck 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 4 – Innsbruck, Marktgemeinde Wattens, and Schaffhausen
- Innsbruck
- Wattens
- Schaffhausen
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Drive 327 km, 4 hours 7 min
- Altstadt Innsbruck
- Golden Roof
- Bergisel Ski Jump
- Swarovski Crystal Worlds
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Innsbruck in Austria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Schaffhausen, your home for 1 night.
In Innsbruck, the extraordinary Innenstadt awaits. This attraction is a valued public square that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,186 travelers' reviews.
Another of the best travel destinations in Innsbruck is the spectacular Golden Roof. This attraction is a historical landmark that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,922 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.
You could then travel to the amazing Bergisel Ski Jump. This local observation deck and wonder has an overall review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,708 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.
After soaking in Innsbruck’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Marktgemeinde Wattens. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 20 min. When you arrive in Marktgemeinde Wattens, it's time to take a break from the road.
One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Swarovski Kristallwelten. This outstanding art installation and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 30,185 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Swarovski Kristallwelten is worth pages in your travel diary.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Schaffhausen of your choice.
As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Schaffhausen's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Switzerland to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the town’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Schaffhausen has them.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at D'Chuchi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Theaterrestaurant is another top choice with a popular menu.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Eckhaus Gmbh, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bar No13 is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Tabaco Lounge provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Celebrate day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 5 – Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, Lucerne, and Zurich
- Schaffhausen
- Neuhausen
- Lucerne
- Zurich
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Drive 170 km, 2 hours 47 min
- Rhine Falls
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Spreuerbrücke
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On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Switzerland and Austria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Neuhausen in Switzerland. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Schaffhausen behind. This drive usually takes around 7 min. Neuhausen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
A tour of Neuhausen is not complete without a visit to the famous Rhine Falls. This incredible waterfall and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 71,797 travelers.
Set your GPS to Lucerne and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 24 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lucerne beckons with new experiences!
One place travelers keep coming back to in Lucerne is the magnificent Swiss Museum Of Transport. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes over 562,605 travelers from across the world. Around 11,843 visitors have rated this excellent museum and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
We also recommend you explore the amazing Lion Monument Lucerne on this leg of your adventure in Switzerland. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 20,757 travelers.
The remarkable Chapel Bridge is known to be one of the best places to visit in Lucerne, and its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 30,595 traveler reviews is proof.
Dive deeper into Lucerne by exploring the captivating Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. With a stellar average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,153 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Lucerne exploration list!
After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Zurich. 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.
As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Zurich. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Switzerland in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.
Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Zurich by securing a table at Widder Restaurant. An esteemed 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, famous for its scrumptious sharing and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover The Restaurant, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative and modern cuisine in Zurich. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative and modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Eldorado, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Gotthard Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, La Stanza also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Take in the ambiance of Zurich 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 6 – Zurich - departure day
- Zurich - Departure day
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- Lindenhof
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On day 6 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 Austria. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
On your last day in Switzerland, take time to indulge in shopping at Zurich’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
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 Austria.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Alpenrose, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kafi Dihei offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Weisses Rössli.
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 6-day European road trip in Switzerland and Austria with fond memories. Safe travels!
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