9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bern to Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zurich

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Bern and Thun. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Interlaken, where will spend 2 nights.

No visit to Bern is complete without Bundesplatz. This curiosity-inducing public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Bear Pit, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Bern, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Rose Garden Bern. This up-and-coming botanical garden is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Zentrum Paul Klee, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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

Our first attraction recommendation in Thun is Thun Castle, a frequently visited castle that draws attention for its enchanting features.

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

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 Coop Restaurant Interlaken Ost, 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 Taj Palace, 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 OX Restaurant & Grill, a hidden gem nestled in Interlaken. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Brasserie 17. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Interlaken, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Fürgangen, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren.

Fürgangen is brimming with adventures.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Fürgangen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Interlaken behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 17 min. Fürgangen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Goms Bridge (hängebrücke Fürgangen - Mühlebach) is a beloved canopy walk we recommend visiting today. Discover its peaceful features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lauterbrunnen may take around 3 hours 25 min. Upon your arrival in Lauterbrunnen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Staubbachfall Waterfall, an up-and-coming waterfall that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking in Lauterbrunnen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Mürren. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 5 min. When you arrive in Mürren, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Trümmelbach Falls, a beloved waterfall known for its instagrammable features.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pizzeria Horn, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Indian Tandoori offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Chalet Beizli. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Interlaken.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Switzerland.

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 4 stops and features some of the highlights of Lucerne, Schwanden bei Brienz, Brienz (BE), and Axalp. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lucerne, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Interlaken, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lucerne. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne, a locally appreciated historical landmark in Lucerne. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Lion Monument Lucerne. This well-known monument is a top recommendation in the area.

After soaking in Lucerne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Schwanden bei Brienz. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 55 min. When you arrive in Schwanden bei Brienz, it's time to take a break from the road.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Ballenberg, Swiss Open-air Museum, a frequently visited museum that everyone visiting Schwanden bei Brienz should see.

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

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Brunngasse Brienz. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the street before you continue to your next stop.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Valentino, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurant Weisses Schloss offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bolero is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Lucerne.

Continue your lively evening at Bar 58, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Penthouse ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 5 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Bern. You’ll stay in Lucerne for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Awaiting your discovery is the well-known Swiss Museum Of Transport, a photogenic museum in Lucerne. Next, go to Chapel Bridge.

After visiting Swiss Museum Of Transport and Chapel Bridge, have a stroll along Lucerne's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Sammlung Rosengart Luzern. This eye-catching art gallery offers a unique experience.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Ampersand, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Made in Sud Italienisches Restaurant Luzern is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Lucerne.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Switzerland.

Wake up to day 7 of your road trip in Switzerland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, and Stein am Rhein. With 1 night to stay in Zurich, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Rhine Falls, a famous 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Neuhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Schaffhausen. This drive usually takes around 10 min.

Kloster Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen is an underrated monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Schaffhausen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Stein am Rhein. This drive usually takes around 22 min.

Savor the day by heading to Museum Lindwurm, an underrated museum that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cantinetta Antinori, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider El Lokal, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Aurora. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.

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

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 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Gruyères are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bern, where you will stay for 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gruyères may take around 2 hours 9 min. Upon your arrival in Gruyères, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Château De Gruyères, an interesting castle that everyone visiting Gruyères should see. Next, head to Hr Giger Museum. This instagrammable museum is one of the most beloved attractions in the region.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at The Fork - Alimentarium and explore the picture-perfect features. Next, make your way to Chillon Castle, another highlight in Gruyères.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Volver BarTapasCafé, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Gourmanderie Moléson offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss McCarthy's Irish Pub Bern. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bern.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Ebrietas Bern, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Adrianos Bar & Café, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Les Amis / Wohnzimmer likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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