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.
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through Switzerland. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. 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 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.

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, accommodations, 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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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day1

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 here for 3 nights and explore what to see in Bern, 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. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bern. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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.

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

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Zum Kuckuck, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Piazza Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Die Taube provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

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Day2

Day 2

  • Bern
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Drive 4 km, 1 hour

  • Rosengarten Bern
  • bear pit
  • Museum of Communication
  • Matte
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Day 2 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Bern. You have 2 nights left in Bern. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Matte is a fantastic place you can explore today in Bern. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Bern-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Visiting Rose Garden Bern is always a good idea. This intriguing botanical garden is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the stunning wonders of Bear Pit, a must-see zoo in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Museum Of Communication. This intriguing museum offers an enriching experience.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Have a memorable dining experience in Bern by booking a table at ZOE, a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional vegetarian and modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Bern, Steinhalle shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and international cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Wein & Sein is known as a top local spot in Bern for its delicious modern cuisine. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Ebrietas Bern, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Adrianos Bar & Café offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bern. Les Amis / Wohnzimmer is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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Day3

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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Greet day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Bern, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Geneva.

Whether you decide to explore Geneva on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Bains Des Pâquis brings Bern's character to life. This romantic swimming pool is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy The Geneva Water Fountain, another romantic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Jardin Anglais, one of the city’s most captivating attractions, known for its instagrammable features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of L'horloge Fleurie. This noteworthy art installation is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Parc Mon Repos, an often recommended park, and take a stroll around the area.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Rösterei Kaffee und Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Kesar offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Aarbergerhof is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bern.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Attika Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

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Day4

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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Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Basel and Neuhausen. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Schaffhausen, where you'll spend 1 night.

Basel Minster brings Bern's character to life. This culturally significant church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Middle Bridge, another symbolic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Basel Zoo, one of the city’s most interesting attractions, known for its eye-catching features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Rhine Falls. This stunning waterfall is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Schaffhausen by securing a reservation at D'Chuchi. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. Or, for a change of pace, Theaterrestaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Eckhaus Gmbh, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar No13 offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Tabaco Lounge provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Schaffhausen
  • Bern
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Drive 215 km, 3 hours 8 min

  • Zürich Zoo
  • Lindenhof
  • Chapel Bridge
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On day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Zurich and Lucerne are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bern, where you will stay for 1 night.

Zürich Zoo is an ideal stop early in the day. This interesting zoo is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Lindenhof, which may be one of the most enchanting places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Schaffhausen 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 Chapel Bridge, an interesting historical landmark in the city.

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

Bern is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bern.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Hotel Bellevue Palace, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurants Terrasse? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Jack's Brasserie as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bern.

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

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Day6

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 history-steeped public square before you head out.

For a last-minute shopping spree in Bern, Bern's Old City is nearby. Enjoy a variety of retail stores, dining options, and essential services in one convenient location. Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.

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

Dine in style at Brasserie Bärengraben, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The BEEF Steakhouse & Bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

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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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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