11-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Lugano, Lucerne, and Bern and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Zurich has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Zurich.

Catch Zürich Zoo before the crowds roll in. This eye-catching zoo is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the breathtaking features of Fraumünster, a must-visit church 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 Grossmünster, an intriguing church. For a change of scene, check out Zürich Opera House, known for its historic features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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 Zurich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Discover the culinary delights of Zurich by securing a reservation at Widder Restaurant. Esteemed for its 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern french and contemporary cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try IGNIV Zürich by Andreas Caminada, renowned for its delicious sharing and modern dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to The Restaurant, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative and modern menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Eldorado after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Gotthard Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, La Stanza also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 3 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start your day at Zürichhorn. This mesmerizing park is a curiosity-inducing place to see in Zurich. Then, wander over to Chinagarten Zürich. If mesmerizing sites excite you, this botanical garden will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Botanical Garden. This peaceful botanical garden is a favorite among visitors.

Zurich offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Kunsthaus Zürich is a beloved spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the art gallery, don’t forget to check out the photogenic Swiss National Museum. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this locally appreciated museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Zurich is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Zurich.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Alpenrose, a popular restaurant in Zurich. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Zurich at Kafi Dihei, 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 Weisses Rössli. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Zurich tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Babalu, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Nelson, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 places, which are Sellenbüren, Winterthur, Neuhausen, and Schaffhausen. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Schaffhausen, where will spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Zurich, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sellenbüren. Your travel time is around 30 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Aussichtsturm Uetliberg - Top Of Zurich. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the observation deck before you continue to your next stop.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Winterthur. This car ride takes around 39 min.

Savor the day by heading to Wildpark Bruderhaus, a locally appreciated wildlife reserve that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Swiss Science Center Technorama, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Winterthur, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Neuhausen. This drive usually takes around 29 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the hamlet's best attractions, visit Rhine Falls, an impressive waterfall that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Schaffhausen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Schaffhausen by booking a table at D'Chuchi, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Theaterrestaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Eckhaus Gmbh, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar No13. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Tabaco Lounge, another top-rated place in the area.

Head back to your accommodation in Schaffhausen and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Switzerland.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 5 stops and features some of the highlights of Salenstein, Kreuzlingen, Hagenwil, Bischofszell, and Hundwil. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in St. Gallen, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Schaffhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Salenstein. This drive usually takes around 41 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Napoleon Museum Arenenberg, an increasingly popular museum in Salenstein. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kreuzlingen. This drive usually takes around 15 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Seeburgpark, a locally appreciated park that everyone visiting Kreuzlingen should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Hagenwil. This drive usually takes around 25 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Hagenwil is Hagenwil Castle, an increasingly popular castle that draws attention for its history-steeped features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in St. Gallen. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

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

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Netts Schützengarten, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional international and country cooking menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Einstein Gourmet, known for its delicious creative and modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in St. Gallen is Jägerhof, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious modern and international menu.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting News Café Music Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Baracca Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Timeout Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 6 of your road trip across Switzerland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in St. Gallen. You have 1 night left in St. Gallen. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the town.

Let Wildpark Peter Und Paul set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this enchanting wildlife reserve before continuing your journey. Abbey Of Saint Gall is your next stop. This frequently visited monastery is one of the best-rated sights in St. Gallen.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit St. Gallen Cathedral. This historic church is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Drei Weieren.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in St. Gallen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Thai Dragon, a top-rated dining destination in St. Gallen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zur alten Post, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bistro St. Gallen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in St. Gallen this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Süd Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Einstein Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Øya Bar Kafé Klub also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

On day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Lugano, Melide, and Lavertezzo are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Lucerne, where you will stay for 1 night.

Awaiting your discovery is the locally renowned Parco Ciani, a mesmerizing park in Lugano. Next, go to Lugano Arte E Cultura.

When you’ve had your share of Lugano, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Melide. Your travel time is around 8 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Swissminiatur, a frequently visited miniature park in Melide.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Lavertezzo, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Melide to Lavertezzo may take around 55 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lavertezzo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Ponte Dei Salti, an increasingly popular stone arch bridge that everyone visiting Lavertezzo should see.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Lucerne. Lucerne offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Lucide, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible contemporary and classic menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Colonnade is one of the best restaurants for modern french and seasonal cuisine in Lucerne. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar 58, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Penthouse provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Lucerne. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bern, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Let Chapel Bridge set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this majestic historical landmark before continuing your journey. Swiss Museum Of Transport is your next stop. This captivating museum is one of the best-rated sights in Lucerne.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Lion Monument Lucerne. This breathtaking monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Church Of St. Leodegar and Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bern. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Bern is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Bern.

Discover the culinary delights of Bern by securing a reservation at ZOE. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of vegetarian and modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Steinhalle, renowned for its delicious creative and international dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Wein & Sein, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Zum Kuckuck stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Piazza Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Die Taube is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Say good night to Bern and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!