6 scenic Swiss road trips for every type of traveller

Switzerland’s trains may be world famous, but its road network is the country's unsung hero: efficient, easy to navigate, and offering access to the country’s most spectacular sights. Take the Grand Tour of Switzerland — celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this cross-country road trip comprises eight easy stages (and three access routes) that connect Switzerland’s most striking regions. Every season offers a unique appeal, whether it’s wildflower meadows in summer, russet red forests in autumn, snow-covered peaks in winter or lush green valleys in spring. But if you don’t have time to traverse the whole route — and at around 1,000 miles, a lot of time is required — even just a portion will give you a good insight into Swiss life. From architecture treks to food-filled odysseys, these are the best Grand Tour routes to suit every interest

1. Zurich to Appenzell

Ideal for: culture- and architecture-lovers
Rich in art and history (the anti-art movement dadaism started here in 1916), Zurich’s well-preserved institutions and creative spirit make it a must for culture seekers. Don’t miss the Kunsthaus Zürich, with its impressive collection of art spanning the Middle Ages to the present day, and the Swiss National Museum, which focuses on the country’s cultural history. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town — with its winding alleyways, pretty squares and medieval guild houses — or join a walking tour to learn about Zurich’s architecture, from stained glass-laden gothic churches to geometric Bauhaus masterpieces. Leaving Zurich behind, drive southeast and take a detour through the pretty villages of Trogen or Teufen, ending at Appenzell — a picture-book gem with colourfully painted houses.

2. Chiasso to Bellinzona

Ideal for: history buffs
On the Italian border, Chiasso grew from a Roman transit post to a key passport control point between Switzerland and Italy. Stop off at Lugano with its palm-lined streets and a grand main square ringed with pastel-coloured palazzos. Head north for a 50-minute drive to the old town of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore at the foot of the Alps. History-lovers will find much to intrigue them in Locarno — first mentioned in historical records in 789 CE, the town is full of gems like the Museo Civico, with its stone-walled roomed chock-full of Roman antiquities. After filling your boots with local lore, drive further southeast to Lake Lugano for a lakeside walk or boat trip. The final destination, less than an hour away, is Ticino’s capital Bellinzona. This jewel-box town has three medieval castles —Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro — each built on rocky peaks and offering panoramic views.

3. Bellinzona to Zermatt

Ideal for: adventure seekers
The drive from Bellinzona through the heart of the Swiss Alps is known for its dramatic mountain roads, including the Tremola, a 2.5-mile historic route that’s still partially cobblestoned. Popular with adrenaline-lovers for its 24 hairpin bends and steep gradients, the route climbs to the Gotthard Pass, a mountainous crossing connecting northern and southern Switzerland. At the summit, you can explore the historical significance of the pass at the National Museum of the San Gottardo. End at Zermatt, perched 14,690ft high and boasting stunning views of the Matterhorn. There’s plenty of adventure within easy reach of this dreamy Alpine town, from short, scenic walks to climbing and mountain biking.

4. Zermatt to Lausanne

Ideal for: foodies and oenophiles
Those with good taste will relish Switzerland’s southwest trail, where Zermatt’s world-class restaurants and Lavaux’s vineyards never fail to impress. Chez Vrony, high on the slopes above Zermatt, offers a gourmet twist on Swiss classics like raclette, all made with locally sourced ingredients. After filling up at this Alpine town, head towards the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through the centuries-old terraced vineyards of the Lavaux region. The region — vibrantly green in summer and gorgeously snow-dusted in winter — invites you to enjoy local wines in villages like Saint-Saphorin, whose vineyards are open to visitors year-round. Next up, set out for Lausanne, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva. The town is known for its diverse food scene, where traditional bistros mix with Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the luxurious Pic Beau-Rivage Palace.

5. Neuchâtel to Bern

Ideal for: nature enthusiasts
Start in lakeside Neuchâtel, where you can walk along the water’s edge and take in vistas of the Alps and Jura mountains. Explore Grande Cariçaie — Switzerland's largest lakeshore wetland, home to rare, endangered flora and fauna as well as 10,000 animal species. Drive south through the Bernese Oberland for epic mountain, lake and waterfall views, then continue southwest to the elegant mountain resort of Gstaad. Be sure to stop at Jungfraujoch — nicknamed the ‘Top of Europe’, this glacial ridge connects two major peaks. The Jungfrau railway, the highest on the continent, can take you there, offering spectacular views of mist-shrouded peaks and flower-specked valleys.

6. Bern to Winterthur

Ideal for: science geeks
A fairytale city sliced by the opal river Aare, Bern was Albert Einstein’s home in the early 20^th century, where he lived in a modest apartment — now open to the public — and developed the theory of relativity. The Einstein Museum is around a 15-minute walk away from the scientist's former home, housing a fascinating collection of his handwritten formulae and equations. An hour-and-a-half's drive northeast brings you to Brunnen — perched on Lake Lucerne, this pretty resort town is sometimes called the 'Cradle of Switzerland' for its proximity to the Rütli Meadow, where the Swiss confederation was founded in 1291. An hour away still, you’ll find Winterthur — home to the Technorama Science Center, one of the world’s largest and most renowned.

(Surprised by these Swiss road trips? Discover more of Switzerland here.)