My perfect road-trip in Switzerland
TRAVEL/ROAD-TRIP
Let yourself be seduced by Switzerland, a multifaceted country where spectacular mountains, shimmering lakes, and picturesque cities unite to create a breathtaking backdrop. This guide will introduce you to an eight-day itinerary through the country, from tranquil lake expanses to mountain peaks and charming villages. We’ll incorporate the most popular restaurants, welcoming hotels, and cultural must-sees to help you make the most of your stay.
Travel Tips for Switzerland
Before embarking on your Swiss adventure, it’s good to know a few essential pieces of information about the country.
Climate: Switzerland enjoys a temperate climate, but it is advisable to carry warm clothing if you plan to visit the mountainous regions, even in summer.
Transport: The highway vignette is a legal requirement for driving on Swiss highways. It is issued by the Federal Roads Office and is a major source of funding for the maintenance of the country’s highways.
The vignette is a sticker that must be affixed to your vehicle’s windshield. It is valid for one calendar year, from December 1st of the previous year to January 31st of the following year. This means that if you buy a vignette in December, it will be valid for thirteen months.
In 2023, the cost of the vignette is 40 Swiss francs (approximately 36 euros). You can purchase it in several locations, including post offices, gas stations, car garages, and at customs posts at the Swiss border. Some websites also offer to deliver it to you in advance.
Food: In terms of gastronomy, Switzerland is famous for its cheese and chocolate, but be sure to taste typical dishes such as raclette, fondue, or rösti. Additionally, Switzerland is a paradise for wine lovers, thanks to its long winemaking tradition and high-quality wines.
Currency: The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). For your information, 1 euro corresponds approximately to 1 Swiss Franc.
Day 1: Interlaken and Iseltwald Hotel Stalker
Your journey begins in Interlaken, a charming and vibrant Swiss town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by mountains. Its name literally means “between the lakes” in German. It’s a popular tourist center and an ideal starting point to explore the Bernese Alps. The town has a long history of tourism with hotels and tourist resorts dating back to the 19th century. Today, it is a sought-after destination for its spectacular setting, outdoor activities, and mountain excursions.
Next, head towards Iseltwald. The Hotel d’Iseltwald, officially known as the Seeburg Hotel, is a true gem for photographers and a popular tourist attraction in Switzerland. Nestled in the picturesque village of Iseltwald, on the shores of Lake Brienz, this timeless charm hotel offers a spectacular setting for memorable shots. The traditional Swiss architecture of the hotel, with its sloping roofs and wooden balconies, is perfectly contrasted by the turquoise lake and majestic mountains in the background.
Whether for a panoramic landscape photo or a picturesque portrait, the Hotel d’Iseltwald is an exceptional setting. What makes this place particularly photogenic is the serenity that emanates from this landscape. The hotel appears to float on the water, creating a shimmering reflection in the calm lake. This tranquility is often accentuated by the swans and other waterfowl that often wander near the hotel.
LOCATION: Iseltwald
Travel Tip: For a truly unique experience, rent an electric bike to explore Interlaken and its surroundings.
Day 2: Bachalpsee and Lauterbrunnen
Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee in German) is an alpine lake of extraordinary beauty, located near Grindelwald in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is nestled at an altitude of 2,265 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the imposing mountains of the Bernese Alps, including the peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The area around the lake is a popular hiking site in summer, with numerous trails of various levels of difficulty.
The most popular hike to reach the lake starts from the mountain station of First, located above Grindelwald. This hike of about an hour is relatively easy and leads through blooming alpine meadows and impressive mountain landscapes. The lake itself is divided into two parts by a natural build-up of debris, effectively forming two lakes.
The lake’s water is incredibly clear and reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks, making it a perfect spot for photography. Although the lake is located at a high altitude, it is easily accessible by a cable car to the First station, followed by an hour’s hike. Visitors should note, however, that the cable car and hiking trails may be closed due to weather conditions during the winter months.
LOCATION: Bachalpsee
Continue your journey to reach the typical Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen is one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe and a true hidden gem of Switzerland. Located in the Bernese Alps, this picturesque municipality is surrounded by impressive alpine peaks and is home to more than 72 waterfalls, massive limestone cliffs, and lush pastures that evoke an almost fairy-tale-like ambiance. The village is particularly known for the Staubbach waterfall, one of the highest in Europe, which falls nearly 300 meters from the top of a cliff directly into the valley. This impressive natural spectacle is even more magical in winter when the waterfall freezes and forms a huge ice pillar.
LOCATION: Lauterbrunnen
Travel tip: Always carry a water bottle and snacks for hikes.
Day 3: Lake Oeschinen
Lake Oeschinen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Switzerland’s most precious gems. Located near Kandersteg in the canton of Bern, at an altitude of about 1578 meters, this alpine lake offers an unforgettable natural experience, with its dazzling blue-green water framed by the imposing peaks of the Bernese Alps. Stretching over an area of about 1.2 square kilometers, Lake Oeschinen is fed by a series of glacial waterfalls descending from the surrounding mountains, including Blüemlisalp, Oeschinenhorn, Fründenhorn, and Doldenhorn.
In summer, when the ice melts, these waterfalls provide an impressive spectacle that complements the lake’s tranquil beauty. What makes Lake Oeschinen unique is its wild and preserved nature. The lake is not directly accessible by car or bus. Visitors can take a cable car to an upstream station and then walk for about 30 minutes on a panoramic trail to reach the lake. This walk through alpine meadows provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the local flora and fauna, including marmots, chamois, and a variety of alpine flowers.
LOCATION: Oeschinensee
Travel tip: Take advantage of pedal boat and rowboat rentals to explore Lake Oeschinen.
Day 4: Brienz and its Waterfalls
Brienz is a picturesque village nestled on the shore of the lake of the same name, Lake Brienzersee, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. It is known for its richly carved traditional wooden houses, passion for wood craftsmanship, and ideal location near some of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls. The village stretches along the shores of Lake Brienz, a deep blue lake with clear waters fed by the surrounding glaciers. The houses painted in warm tones and adorned with red geraniums are typical of the local architecture, offering a charming and authentic vision of traditional Swiss life.
LOCATION: Brienz
Brienz is near the impressive Giessbach Falls. These majestic waterfalls are located in a natural park and fall in 14 successive stages over a height difference of 500 meters. They can be accessed by a pedestrian path or a historical funicular. Once there, visitors can walk through the forest to admire the different cascades, enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Brienz, and even go behind the waterfalls for a unique perspective.
Travel tip: The town of Brienz is renowned for its long tradition of wood carving. Why not take home a craft souvenir?
Day 5: Travel to St. Gallen via Lucerne
Begin your fifth day with a visit to the Neist Point Lighthouse, the westernmost lighthouse on the Isle of Skye, offering incredible views of the coast and sea. It’s a perfect spot for observing local wildlife, such as dolphins and seabirds.
LOCATION: Lucerne
Day 6: Seealpsee and Hotel Aescher
Seealpsee is a small alpine lake nestled in the Alpstein massif in the canton of Appenzell, Switzerland. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush meadows, Seealpsee is one of the most picturesque lakes in Switzerland and a prime spot for photographers in search of wilderness.
The lake, located at about 1,144 meters altitude, is accessible by a moderately difficult hiking trail from the village of Wasserauen. The hike offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys, steep mountains, and, of course, the lake itself. Once at the lake, you can relax and enjoy the scenery, picnic, or even swim in the crystal-clear waters during the summer months.
Not far from Seealpsee, clinging to a steep cliff, is the Hotel Aescher, a small mountain hotel and restaurant. This unusual establishment, over 170 years old, is one of the most famous mountain refuges in Switzerland. Its unique location makes it a highly sought-after photography spot, often appearing on the Instagram pages of travelers from around the world.
The Hotel Aescher, only accessible by foot or cable car, offers spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. In addition to its unique location, the hotel is famous for its authentic cuisine, serving traditional Swiss dishes such as rösti and cheese fondue.
In summary, Seealpsee and the Hotel Aescher offer a real immersion in the natural beauty of Switzerland, far from bustling cities. These places perfectly embody the peaceful charm of rural Switzerland, and are a must-see for any photographer or traveler in search of tranquility and breathtaking landscapes.
LOCATION: Seealpsee
Travel tip: Plan for warm clothes, even in summer, as temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains.
Day 7: The Saxer Lucke
The Saxer Lücke is an impressive opening between two mountain peaks located in the canton of Appenzell in Switzerland, offering a spectacular viewpoint over the surrounding valleys and peaks. At an altitude of 1,640 meters, this natural gate between the mountains stands out for its particular topography and breathtaking beauty.
The site is accessible via a rather arduous hike through the mountain’s meadows and rocky areas. The hike to Saxer Lücke is typically undertaken from the village of Wasserauen and takes about four to five hours. Although the hike is considered moderately difficult, it is absolutely rewarding.
The panorama at the summit offers a spectacular view of the alpine landscape, with dramatic rocky peaks and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The Saxer Lücke is also a favorite spot for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts, thanks to its breathtaking alpine panorama. The view from the summit is simply sublime, especially early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sunlight creates dramatic shadows and colors on the surrounding landscapes.
In summary, the Saxer Lücke is a must-see destination for all who love hiking, nature, and photography. It is a place that captures the essence of the Swiss Alps with its exceptionally beautiful natural setting and stunning panoramic view. It is one of the most picturesque and photographed spots in Switzerland.
LOCATION: The Saxer Lucke
Travel tip: Start your hike early in the morning to take advantage of the best light conditions for your photos.
Day 8: Return via the Furkapass
Your last day takes you back across the country, with a stop at the Furkapass, known for its stunning views. The Furkapass pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Switzerland, peaking at an altitude of 2,429 meters. It is located in the Swiss Alps and connects the cantons of Uri and Valais. The pass offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and is one of the most popular mountain roads in the country for its wild and impetuous beauty.
The Furkapass pass is particularly famous for its winding and spectacular road, with numerous tight bends, steep climbs, and sharp descents. It is a real paradise for driving and cycling enthusiasts, offering a truly unique and thrilling driving experience. It was also immortalized in the James Bond film “Goldfinger” where a memorable chase took place on this road.
Moreover, the Furkapass pass also houses the Belvédère hotel, a historic hotel nestled on the mountainside, offering a breathtaking view of the Rhône glacier. The hotel, though no longer operational, remains a popular stopover for travelers thanks to its privileged position and characteristic architecture. The Furkapass is also an ideal starting point for many hikes, including one leading to the Rhône glacier. Hikers can walk on the glacier or visit an ice cave carved each year inside the glacier.
The Furkapass road is generally open from June to October, depending on weather conditions. When the road is closed due to snow, a car transport service by train is available between Realp in the canton of Uri and Oberwald in the canton of Valais.
In summary, the Furkapass pass is an exceptional destination that offers a thrilling driving experience, a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps, and a multitude of opportunities for hikers and nature lovers. It is a place that is sure to make the heart of any adventure and natural beauty enthusiast beat faster.
LOCATION: Furkapass
Conclusion
This eight-day journey through Switzerland offers you a rich and varied adventure through breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and cultural sites. Whether it’s the tranquility of the lakes, the excitement of mountain hikes, or the charm of historical cities, each day brings a new discovery.
By following this guide, you are sure to have an authentic and unforgettable experience of Switzerland.
