5-Day Road Trip in Switzerland and Germany from Zurich to Munich

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Switzerland 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.

A tour of Zurich is not complete without a visit to the famous Lindenhof. This incredible square and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,259 travelers.

You’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in Zurich. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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 and Germany.

Elevate your stay in Zurich by dining at this Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. Renowned for its prestigious 2 Michelin-star rating and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, Widder Restaurant consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern french and contemporary cuisine.

Another popular dining spot in Zurich is IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, which holds a rating of 2 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting atmosphere and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its sharing and modern menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada’s culinary excellence.

If you’re in the mood to try something different, consider reserving a table at The Restaurant. This celebrated dining spot in Zurich is renowned for its creative meals and creative and modern menu. Countless guests have praised this Bib Gourmand restaurant, adding to its 2 Michelin-star status.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Kennedy's Irish Pub, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Kennedy's Irish Pub has earned an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 customers.

Your multi-country road trip in Switzerland 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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across Switzerland and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Zurich in Switzerland and Munich in Germany. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat for a restful slumber at one of the best hotels in Munich. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A tour of Zurich is not complete without a visit to the famous Grossmünster. This incredible church building and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,203 travelers.

Make the most of your Zurich travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Zürich Opera House. This opera house and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,119 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Zürich Zoo for an experience worth remembering. This local zoo and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,031 visitors.

Feel the freedom as you navigate your way from Zurich to Munich, Germany. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 32 min without stops.

Elevate your experience in Zurich by engaging in exhilarating activities and joining tours that uncover the hidden wonders of this beautiful city.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to include a unique blend of top-rated experiences to your travel diary. Browse all of your options below and reserve your slot before it's too late.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Munich of your choice.

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 and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Munich’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.

Atelier is the Bib Gourmand restaurant to visit if you’re craving culinary excellence. This 2-star Michelin restaurant has a diverse and enticing menu selection, which includes its delicious and signature creative french meals.

Elevate your dining experience at a 2-star Michelin restaurant in Munich, EssZimmer. At this Bib Gourmand awardee, savor a combination of exceptional flavors with a memorable dining experience. This renowned restaurant’s meal selection includes its signature modern french and creative dishes, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Another culinary gem in Munich you shouldn’t miss is Alois - Dallmayr Fine Dining. Enjoy a menu that has earned it a prestigious 2-star Michelin rating. Delivering a food experience like no other, this Bib Gourmand restaurant’s creative and modern menu and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional dining in the area.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Hofbräuhaus München. This bar is among the most recommended in the region, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 65,884 customers.

Take in the ambiance of Munich 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!

Wake up and see what day 3 of your great European road trip in Switzerland and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Munich for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Stachus is a travelers’ favorite in Munich, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,450 visitors.

In Munich, don’t miss BMW Museum, a great automobile museum and place to see in the region. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,819 reviews. Going here means you’ll be in the great company of 250,000 other travelers who visit this attraction every year.

Check other top attractions in Munich off your list when you visit the wonderful BMW Welt. This popular sight is an outstanding music venue, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,532 travelers. Approximately 3,000,000 people visit this attraction each year.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Olympiapark. This olympic park and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 67,532 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic English Garden awaits. This park is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,263 visitors.

While in Munich, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in Switzerland. Check out all the tours Munich offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the region.

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 and Germany by rewarding yourself with a taste of Munich’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.

Reserve a table at Ratskeller München, a renowned restaurant in Munich. This culinary gem and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 6,121 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Nuernberger Bratwurst Gloeckl am Dom while in Munich. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 3,035 discerning diners.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Schneider Bräuhaus München, a top-notch spot in the region scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Schneider Bräuhaus München has charmed many with its 4.4 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 9,282 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant captures hearts with its 4.4 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 5,885 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Kilians Irish Pub, another local party gem in Munich. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,188 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Switzerland and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Munich in Germany and Zurich in Switzerland. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

In Munich, the extraordinary Marienplatz awaits. This attraction is a valued square that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 116,399 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Munich is the spectacular Viktualienmarkt. This attraction is a sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,932 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Switzerland, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zurich. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Upon your arrival in Munich you’ll be greeted with an exciting opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of this region and discover some of its most popular sights.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Munich is the magnificent Marienplatz. Around 116,399 visitors have rated this excellent square and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Viktualienmarkt on this leg of your adventure in Germany. This attraction is a well-known sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 57,932 travelers.

We recommend checking out all the tours and activities you can add to your package. Embarking on a tour is an excellent way of learning something new in Munich, Switzerland.

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.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Zurich. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Switzerland in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Markthalle, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,771 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Rimini Bar. It is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.

As the night falls in Zurich, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 5 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 and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Optimize your last day in Switzerland and go on a shopping spree in Zurich’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Switzerland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Arboretum Zürich. This outstanding arboretum and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 2,782 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Arboretum Zürich is worth pages in your travel diary.

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 and Germany.

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 5-day European road trip in Switzerland and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!