7-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel traveling east to Zurich and Bern

Welcome to Basel, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Switzerland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Basel's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Basel 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 middle bridge or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Basel. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Basel. 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Basel by booking a table at Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional classic french menu. For a different culinary experience, roots shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern and seasonal cuisine in Basel. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Stucki - Tanja Grandits is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative and modern cuisine in Basel. This 2-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Switzerland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Basel. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zurich, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Journey into the unknown at Basel Minster, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Fine Arts Museum Basel is a recommended place to visit. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Basel is Tinguely Fountain. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Basel offers an experience you will remember.

Basel Zoo is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Basel. This zoo promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,178 reviews. Each year, approximately 2,012,511 people travel to visit Basel Zoo.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zurich. 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 an outstanding dining experience at Widder Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern french and contemporary menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, known for its delicious sharing and modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Zurich is The Restaurant, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious creative and modern menu.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Rio Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, La Stanza offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring Zurich. You have 1 night left in Zurich. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Swiss National Museum. This much-appreciated organization is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,085 reviews.

Next up is Lindenhof. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,365 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Grossmünster. This church building has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

Zürich Zoo is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This zoo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Aurora, 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 satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Ebrietas Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Rimini Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Neuhausen 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 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Neuhausen. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 41 min. Upon reaching Neuhausen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rhine Falls is a great place to start. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 70,505 visitors.

Lucerne’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Neuhausen behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min. Lucerne welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss Museum of Transport. This extraordinary technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 visitors. Each year, around 562,605 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Lion Monument Lucerne. This top attraction is a sculpture with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Chapel Bridge. This point of interest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 travelers.

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

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at ZOE in Bern by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, ZOE offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious vegetarian and modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Steinhalle, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative and international cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Wein & Sein, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Adrianos Bar & Café stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

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

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bern, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Innertkirchen, Meiringen, Lammi, Harderkulm, and Beatenberg. You still have 1 night left in Bern.

When you arrive in Innertkirchen, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Titlis Cliff Walk one of your first sightseeing stops in Innertkirchen. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,537 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Meiringen.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Aare Gorge. This extraordinary narrow canyon has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,257 visitors.

Set your GPS to Harderkulm and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 43 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Harderkulm beckons with new experiences!

Make Aare Gorge - West Entrance one of your first sightseeing stops in Lammi. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,078 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bern.

Enjoy a delicious meal at McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern, a top-rated dining destination in Bern. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Aarbergerhof, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Bellevue Palace. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bern this evening.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Bern, Gruyères, and Pringy. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Basel, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to UNESCO - Bern Old Town. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Next up, make your way to bear pit. This architectural structure has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,960 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Gruyères. This drive usually takes around 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Gruyères Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,612 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Basel. Basel 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 you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Basel. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try KLARA 13 AG? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Basel.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Basel 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 Basel’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.

Journey into the unknown at Gate of Spalen, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable tower has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,475 reviews.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Unternehmen Mitte, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Basel. 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!