Travel packages in Switzerland

Road trips in Switzerland

6-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bern to Schaffhausen and surrounding area

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Photo of aerial view of the old city center of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of cathedral in the old city of Bern in Switzerland.

Photo of historical Thun city with snow covered Bernese Highlands swiss Alps mountains in background, Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of streets with shopping area and Zytglogge astronomical clock tower in the historic old medieval city centre of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of outdoor activities, Canton of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of night view of the Federal Palace in Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of famous cathedral of Bern in Switzerland.

Photo of old town of Bern, capital of Switzerland, covered with colorful sunrise.

Photo of Aare river and cityscape of the old town of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of Impressive outdoor scene of Swiss Alps, canton of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of new Bern town and port, Switzerland.

Photo of tourist girl enjoying the scenic view of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of Zytglogge tower of Bern, Switzerland.

Photo of Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen in Switzerland by Albrecht Fietz

Rhine Falls, Rheinfall, Switzerland panoramic aerial view. Tourist boat in waterfall. Bridge and border between the cantons Schaffhausen and Zurich. Cliff-top Schloss Laufen castle, Laufen-Uhwiesen.

photo of view of Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

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Experience the freedom of the open road in Switzerland as you embark on an unforgettable 6-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Bern, Geneva, Basel, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Zurich, and Lucerne.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Switzerland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Bern and 1 night in Schaffhausen. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Switzerland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Bern, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Switzerland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Switzerland. Rhine Falls and Chapel Bridge are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Zürich Zoo, learn more about the unique Jardin Anglais, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The Geneva Water Fountain.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bern, Geneva, Basel, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, Zurich, and Lucerne, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.

Throughout your road trip in Switzerland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Switzerland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Switzerland today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65

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Itinerary summary

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Days

Destination

Attractions

Overnight

Day

City & Overnight

Attractions

Day 1

UNESCO - Bern Old Town

Day 2

Rosengarten Bern•bear pit•Museum of Communication•Matte

Day 3

Bains des Pâquis•The Geneva Water Fountain•Jardin Anglais•The Flower Clock•Mon Repos Park

Day 4

Basel Minster•Mittlere Brücke•Zoo Basel•Rhine Falls

Day 5

Zürich Zoo•Lindenhof•Chapel Bridge

Day 6

Bundesplatz

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Day 1

Bern - Arrival day
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UNESCO - Bern Old Town
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Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach Bern and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bern for 3 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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 Unesco - Bern Old Town, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bern. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Brasserie Obstberg, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Süder offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Leichtsinn. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bern.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Zum Kuckuck, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Piazza Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Die Taube likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2

Bern
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Drive 4 km, 1 hour

Rosengarten Bern
bear pit
Museum of Communication
Matte
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On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Bern. You’ll stay in Bern for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Don’t miss Matte in Bern today, a must-see neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming city of Bern. Your adventure starts at Rose Garden Bern, a curiosity-inducing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Bear Pit. This well-known zoo is known for its mesmerizing appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Bern's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Museum Of Communication. This respected museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable.

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.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Bern by securing a reservation at ZOE. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of vegetarian and modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Steinhalle, celebrated for its delectable creative and international menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Wein & Sein, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Continue your lively evening at Ebrietas Bern, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Adrianos Bar & Café is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Les Amis / Wohnzimmer ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 3

Bern
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Drive 320 km, 3 hours 52 min

Bains des Pâquis
The Geneva Water Fountain
Jardin Anglais
The Flower Clock
Mon Repos Park
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On day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Bern, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bern for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Geneva to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bern, including a swimming pool, a monument, a park, an art installation and much more! Start your day at Bains Des Pâquis. This enchanting swimming pool is a frequently visited place to see in Bern. Then, wander over to The Geneva Water Fountain. If culturally significant sites excite you, this monument will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Jardin Anglais. This noteworthy park is a favorite among visitors.

Bern offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, L'horloge Fleurie is a notable spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the art installation, don’t forget to check out the serene Parc Mon Repos. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this curiosity-inducing park.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Rösterei Kaffee und Bar, a popular restaurant in Bern. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bern at Kesar, 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 Aarbergerhof. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bern tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Attika Bar, a top-rated bar in the area.

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

Day 4

Bern
Schaffhausen
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Drive 195 km, 3 hours 6 min

Basel Minster
Mittlere Brücke
Zoo Basel
Rhine Falls
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On day 4 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 Basel and Neuhausen. In the evening, you’ll end up in Schaffhausen, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Bern. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a church, a historical landmark, a zoo, a waterfall and much more! Begin your adventure at Basel Minster. This is a locally appreciated church you should not miss. Another must-see is Middle Bridge, a beloved historical landmark in Bern.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Basel Zoo. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Rhine Falls, another of the city’s widely recognized attractions.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Schaffhausen by booking a table at D'Chuchi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Theaterrestaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Eckhaus Gmbh, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar No13 provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tabaco Lounge offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Switzerland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 5

Schaffhausen
Bern
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Drive 215 km, 3 hours 8 min

Zürich Zoo
Lindenhof
Chapel Bridge
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Zurich and Lucerne, 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 Bern. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. Start at the interesting Zürich Zoo, an awe-inspiring zoo in Schaffhausen. Next, go to Lindenhof.

After visiting Zürich Zoo and Lindenhof, have a stroll along Schaffhausen's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Chapel Bridge. This history-steeped historical landmark offers a unique experience.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bern. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Hotel Bellevue Palace, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Restaurants Terrasse is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Jack's Brasserie. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bern tonight.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 6

Bern - Departure day
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Bundesplatz
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Day 6 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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Bundesplatz, a visually striking public square before you head out.

As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Bern's best shopping area, Wankdorf Center. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Switzerland.

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

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!

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