9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Basel to Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux
Description
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Switzerland as you embark on an unforgettable 9-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Basel, Lucerne, Goldau, Schwanden bei Brienz, Axalp, Interlaken, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Beatenberg, Montreux, Pringy, Gruyères, and Broc.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Switzerland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Basel, 2 nights in Lucerne, 2 nights in Interlaken, and 1 night in Montreux. 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 Basel, 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. Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument Lucerne are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Chillon Castle, learn more about the unique Basel Zoo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Swiss Museum Of Transport.
As you hit the open road and drive through Basel, Lucerne, Goldau, Schwanden bei Brienz, Axalp, Interlaken, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Beatenberg, Montreux, Pringy, Gruyères, and Broc, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Basel - Arrival day
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- Mittlere Brücke
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Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach Basel and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Basel for 2 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.
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 just 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Basel, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at Cargo Kultur Bar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, KOHLMANNS beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider tibits. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Basel tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Schall Und Rauch Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Grenzwert Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 8 Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Switzerland!
Day 2
- Basel
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Drive 13 km, 1 hour 2 min
- Spalentorweg
- Basel Minster
- Kunsthalle Basel
- Tinguely Fountain
- Zoo Basel
- Museum Tinguely
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Basel for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
A blend of fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots await you in Basel on today’s itinerary. First up is the intriguing historical landmark, Gate Of Spalen. Afterward, continue to Basel Minster, a church every traveler should visit.
As you explore Basel’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Kunsthalle Basel. This beloved art gallery is an essential stop. Following that, head to Tinguely Fountain, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Basel Zoo, an interesting zoo in the city. Finally, end your day with a visit to Museum Tinguely, an eye-catching museum that offers the perfect conclusion to your sightseeing of the day.
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.
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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Essential by Dorint Basel City, a highly-rated dining destination in Basel. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hasenburg, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Smilla Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Basel this evening.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Consum offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, L'atelier is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Landestelle - Freiluft-loung & Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.
Day 3
- Basel
- Lucerne
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Drive 103 km, 1 hour 55 min
- Swiss Museum of Transport
- Hofkirche St. Leodegar
- Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne
- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
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On day 3 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 Lucerne. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lucerne, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Basel. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Swiss Museum Of Transport is the perfect place to start. This museum is one of the most notable places to visit in Basel. Next, head to Church Of St. Leodegar, a curiosity-inducing church, known for its enchanting 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 Bourbaki-panorama (building). This history-steeped museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Lion Monument Lucerne and Chapel Bridge. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Lucerne, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lucerne. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Valentino, a top-rated dining destination in Lucerne. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Restaurant Weisses Schloss, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bolero. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lucerne this evening.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Bar 58, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Lucerne. Penthouse is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.
Day 4
- Lucerne
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Drive 95 km, 1 hour 44 min
- Nature and Animal Park Goldau
- Männliturm
- Nölliturm
- Spreuerbrücke
- Lucerne Needle Dam
- Mount Pilatus
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On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Lucerne, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Goldau and Lucerne. You still have 1 night left in Lucerne.
A blend of family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views await you in Lucerne on today’s itinerary. First up is the intriguing zoo, Nature And Animal Park Goldau. Afterward, continue to Männliturm, a monument every traveler should visit.
As you explore Lucerne’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the town. Next, make your way to Nölliturm. This up-and-coming monument is an essential stop. Following that, head to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Lucerne Needle Dam, an often recommended historical landmark in the town. Finally, end your day with a visit to Mount Pilatus, a mesmerizing mountain range that offers the perfect conclusion to your sightseeing of the day.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Lucerne and your accommodation.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lucerne's best restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Ampersand, a highly-rated dining destination in Lucerne. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Made in Sud Italienisches Restaurant Luzern. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Lucerne this evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!
Day 5
- Lucerne
- Interlaken
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Drive 78 km, 1 hour 37 min
- Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum
- Giessbach Waterfalls
- Lake Brienz
- Statue Of Yash Chopra
- Höhematte
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Switzerland. Today you will explore Schwanden bei Brienz, Axalp, and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Lucerne is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots! Start at Ballenberg, Swiss Open-air Museum, an intriguing museum that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Nearby, you’ll find Giessbach Waterfalls, enchanting visitors with its stunning appeal. Continue your exploration at Lake Brienz. This lake is one of the village’s most frequently visited spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Lucerne at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Yash Chopra Statue. After exploring the monument, head to the underrated Höhematte Interlaken.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Interlaken. Interlaken offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Interlaken's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, a popular restaurant in Interlaken. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Interlaken at Taj Palace, 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 OX Restaurant & Grill. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Interlaken tonight.
Keep the evening going at Brasserie 17, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!
Day 6
- Interlaken
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Drive 71 km, 1 hour 48 min
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Staubbach Falls
- Harderkulm
- St. Beatus Caves
- Lake Thun
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Greet day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Interlaken for your remaining 1 night in the town 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 Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Harderkulm, and Beatenberg.
Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at the worthwhile Trümmelbach Falls, a stunning waterfall in Interlaken. Next, go to Staubbachfall Waterfall.
After visiting Trümmelbach Falls and Staubbachfall Waterfall, have a stroll along Interlaken's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Harderkulm. This serene observation deck offers a unique experience. St. Beatus-höhlen, Swiss Caves is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Lake Thun, one of the most peaceful places to visit in Interlaken.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Interlaken.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Interlaken. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Pizzeria Horn, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Indian Tandoori offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Chalet Beizli is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Interlaken.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Switzerland.
Day 7
- Interlaken
- Montreux
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Drive 171 km, 2 hours 38 min
- Rochers de Naye
- Chillon Castle
- Promenade sur les quais de Montreux
- Freddie Mercury statue
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Montreux. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Montreux, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Rochers De Naye. This worthwhile mountain range is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Chillon Castle, one of the town’s best highlights.
Next, check out Promenade Sur Les Quais De Montreux, one of the most increasingly popular places to see in Interlaken. This boardwalk is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Freddie Mercury Statue. Wander around and soak in the picture-perfect atmosphere this monument offers.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Montreux. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Montreux. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at MONTREUX JAZZ CAFE, an iconic dining spot in Montreux. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Corsa Al Cilento, a popular restaurant in Montreux. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Rando Burger Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Montreux. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Riva Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Funky Claude's Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!
Day 8
- Montreux
- Basel
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Drive 210 km, 3 hours 3 min
- La Maison du Gruyère
- HR Giger Museum
- Castle of the counts of Gruyères
- Gorges de la Jogne
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Pringy, Gruyères, and Broc. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Basel. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today’s agenda in Montreux includes a museum, a castle, and a canyon. La Maison Du Gruyère is must-visit museum and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Hr Giger Museum, a curiosity-inducing museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Château De Gruyères, an enchanting castle, also available for your discovery today.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Basel, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Basel, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Hotel Les Trois Rois, a top-rated dining spot in Basel. If you're in the mood for something new, try HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant Atelier (im Teufelhof). Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Basel.
Head back to your accommodation in Basel and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland!
Day 9
- Basel - Departure day
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- Freie Strasse
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Day 9 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.
One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Freie Strasse, a street that captures the true essence of Basel. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Basel’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland.
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 Warteck Brewery Basel, 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!
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