One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany With Itinerary from Zurich to Interlaken, Basel, Constance, and Innsbruck
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Set off on a grand 8-day Euro trip through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Visit multiple cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Freiburg im Breisgau, Hinterzarten, and Innsbruck, each offering a unique experience unlike any other.
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 3 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 5 nights in Switzerland, 1 night in Austria, and 1 night in Germany.
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, Lucerne, Interlaken, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Bern, and Basel, 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, where every street tells a story.
Continuing your journey, you'll step into the captivating realm of Germany. This country's charm is boundless, and you'll be impressed by the wonders of Freiburg im Breisgau, Hinterzarten, Constance, Hohenschwangau, and Waltenhofen.
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, Austria, and Germany 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 8-day self-drive adventure in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. 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, Austria, and Germany.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
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Day 1
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- Old Town (Altstadt)
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany 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.
Zurich 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 Old Town (Altstadt), a must-see neighborhood, and 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 Zurich. 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.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Zurich’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, Austria, and Germany.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Differente, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? zum Kropf offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Babu's. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zurich.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Widder Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Rio Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Cp First - Cocktailbar & Lounge is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Your multi-country road trip in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany 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
- Interlaken
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Drive 131 km, 2 hours 44 min
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Jesuitenkirche Hl. Franz Xaver
- Spreuerbrücke
- Mount Pilatus
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On day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, 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 Lucerne in Switzerland. In the evening, you’ll end up in Interlaken, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the popular Lion Monument Lucerne, a picture-perfect monument in Zurich. Next, go to Chapel Bridge.
After visiting Lion Monument Lucerne and Chapel Bridge, have a stroll along Zurich's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Jesuit Church, Lucerne. This romantic church offers a unique experience. Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Mount Pilatus, one of the most eye-catching places to visit in Zurich.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Interlaken. 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.
Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Switzerland's delectable cuisine at one of Interlaken'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 town’s most recommended bars.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Taj Palace? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at OX Restaurant & Grill as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Interlaken.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Brasserie 17, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.
As the night falls in Interlaken, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.
Day 3
- Interlaken
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Drive 60 km, 2 hours 12 min
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Poblado lauterbrunnen
- Wengernalpbahn
- OUTDOOR - Glacier Canyon Grindelwald
- Photopoint Grindelwald
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Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Mürren in Switzerland. With 1 night left in Interlaken, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Interlaken. Some of the village’s most loved attractions await! Trümmelbach Falls is the perfect place to start. This waterfall is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Interlaken. Next, head to Poblado Lauterbrunnen, a curiosity-inducing waterfall, known for its instagrammable features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Wengernalpbahn. This visually striking heritage railway is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Outdoor - Glacier Canyon Grindelwald and Photopoint Grindelwald. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the town of Interlaken boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Switzerland.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Pizzeria Horn, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Indian Tandoori? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Chalet Beizli as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Interlaken.
Take in the ambiance of Interlaken 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
- Interlaken
- Basel
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Drive 157 km, 2 hours 27 min
- Bundesplatz
- Zytglogge
- UNESCO - Bern Old Town
- bear pit
- Rosengarten Bern
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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 Bern in Switzerland. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Basel, your home for 1 night.
Interlaken is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures! Start at Bundesplatz, an often recommended public square that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Zytglogge, enchanting visitors with its culturally significant appeal. Continue your exploration at Unesco - Bern Old Town. This historical landmark is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Interlaken at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Bear Pit. After exploring the zoo, head to the often recommended Rose Garden Bern.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Basel. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Basel's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Switzerland to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Basel has them.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Cargo Kultur Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, KOHLMANNS offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, tibits is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Basel.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Schall Und Rauch Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Grenzwert Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is 8 Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Take in the ambiance of Basel 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 5
- Basel
- Constance
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Drive 213 km, 3 hours 26 min
- Martin's Gate
- Bertoldsbrunnen
- Freiburg Minster
- Stadtgarten Freiburg
- Schwarzwälder Skimuseum
- Island Mainau
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On day 5 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany. When you’re not exploring the town and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Constance, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Basel’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Martin's Gate. This culturally significant monument is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the historic features of Bertoldsbrunnen, a must-visit public square in the city.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Freiburger Münsterbauverein, a popular church. For a change of scene, check out Stadtgarten Freiburg, known for its eye-catching features. We also recommend visiting Schwarzwälder Skimuseum. This museum is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest. Lastly, end your day with a visit to Island Mainau, yet another popular attraction in Basel.
An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Constance’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.
As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the town of Constance boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Germany.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Defne, a top-rated dining spot in Constance. If you're in the mood for something new, try Il Boccone, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Schwarze Katz. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Constance.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Destille Café Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Einstein Bar Konstanz offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.
Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!
Day 6
- Constance
- Innsbruck
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Drive 244 km, 3 hours 48 min
- Ambras Castle Innsbruck
- Triumphal Arch
- Golden Roof
- Alpenzoo Innsbruck - Tirol
- Innsbrucker Hofgarten
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Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Today's main destinations are Innsbruck in Austria, 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 Innsbruck. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in the charming city of Constance. Your adventure starts at Ambras Castle Innsbruck, an intriguing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Triumphpforte. This beloved monument is known for its romantic appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Constance's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Golden Roof. This history-steeped historical landmark offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Alpenzoo Innsbruck - Tirol is also worth visiting, along with Innsbrucker Hofgarten. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Innsbruck.
If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Innsbruck. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Stiftskeller, a popular restaurant in Innsbruck. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Innsbruck at Thai-Li-Ba, 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 Breakfast Club. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Innsbruck tonight.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Café Bar Dinzler after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Music-bar Zappa, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Cafe Katzung also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!
Day 7
- Innsbruck
- Zurich
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Drive 352 km, 5 hours 28 min
- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Marienbrücke
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- St. Coloman
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your multi-country journey across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Hohenschwangau in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Zurich where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.
Begin your adventure at Hohenschwangau Castle. This is a captivating castle you should not miss. Another must-see is Marienbrücke, an underrated sightseeing destination in Innsbruck.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Neuschwanstein Castle. From there, take a leisurely stroll to St. Coloman, another of the village’s up-and-coming attractions.
Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Zurich. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.
After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Zurich’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Cantinetta Antinori, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? El Lokal offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Aurora. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zurich.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Eldorado, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Gotthard Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, La Stanza is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!
Day 8
- Zurich - Departure day
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- Bahnhofstrasse
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On day 8 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, Austria, and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Zurich’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Sihlcity. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland.
One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Bahnhofstrasse, a street that captures the true essence of Zurich. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
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, Austria, and Germany.
Savor the flavors at Alpenrose, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kafi Dihei beckons with its unique menu offerings.
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 8-day European road trip in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!
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