One-Week Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich to Interlaken

Wake up to day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Zurich and Neuhausen. With 1 night to stay in Zurich, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Old Town (Altstadt) is one of the highlights of today. Take your time exploring this iconic neighborhood in Zurich, which offers a perfect blend of history and culture. Plus, it's close to many must-see landmarks in the city.

To truly experience Zurich, make sure to drop by Zürich Zoo. This captivating zoo is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Grossmünster, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Fraumünster, one of the most up-and-coming places to see in Zurich. This church is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Lindenhof. Wander around and soak in the romantic atmosphere this historical landmark offers.

Upon reaching Neuhausen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Rhine Falls, a top-rated waterfall known for its instagrammable features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Zurich.

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 meal at Cantinetta Antinori, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, El Lokal is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Aurora. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Zurich tonight.

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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Lucerne. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Interlaken, where will spend 4 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Lucerne. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 39 min. Upon reaching Lucerne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Chapel Bridge. This well-known historical landmark is a traveler-favorite in the town.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Lion Monument Lucerne. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Mount Pilatus, an underrated mountain range that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Interlaken. 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 Interlaken's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, a top-rated dining spot in Interlaken. If you're in the mood for something new, try Taj Palace, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at OX Restaurant & Grill. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Interlaken.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Brasserie 17 after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

On day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland, you’ll start and end your day in Interlaken, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 3 nights to spend in Interlaken, there’s no need to rush. Experience Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Grindelwald. This car ride takes around 32 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Outdoor - Glacier Canyon Grindelwald, an increasingly popular canyon 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 in Grindelwald’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lauterbrunnen. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 28 min. When you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Staubbachfall Waterfall. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop.

When you’ve had your share of Lauterbrunnen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Mürren. Your travel time is around 5 min.

Trümmelbach Falls is an intriguing waterfall we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Interlaken and your accommodation.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria Horn, a top-rated dining destination in Interlaken. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Indian Tandoori, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Chalet Beizli. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Interlaken this evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Switzerland!

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 2 nights to stay in Interlaken, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Axalp, Schwanden bei Brienz, Meiringen, and Schattenhalb.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Axalp may take around 14 min. Upon your arrival in Axalp, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Giessbach Waterfalls, a worthwhile waterfall known for its romantic features.

Schwanden bei Brienz’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Axalp behind. This drive usually takes around 11 min. Schwanden bei Brienz welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Savor the day by heading to Ballenberg, Swiss Open-air Museum, an increasingly popular museum that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Schwanden bei Brienz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Meiringen. This drive usually takes around 18 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Aare Gorge, an often recommended canyon that everyone visiting Meiringen should see.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Interlaken.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Hüsi Bierhaus, an iconic dining spot in Interlaken. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurant Tenne, a popular restaurant in Interlaken. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Café de Paris, a hidden gem nestled in Interlaken. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Switzerland!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Bern. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Interlaken’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bern. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 47 min. When you arrive in Bern, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to Bundesplatz, an increasingly popular public square that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Zytglogge, where you can soak in the culturally significant surroundings.

Next, explore Unesco - Bern Old Town, yet another up-and-coming place to see in the area. After the historical landmark, make time to go to Bear Pit. This picturesque zoo is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Rose Garden Bern, an underrated botanical garden you won’t want to miss.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zurich, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Alpenrose, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Kafi Dihei offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Weisses Rössli. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Zurich.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Babalu, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Kon-tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Nelson likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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