The Grand Tour Of Switzerland: An Epic Road Trip Itinerary

An unforgettable self-drive holiday in Switzerland from Alpine Heights To Lakeside Towns with Budget Car Rentals.

Switzerland captivates visitors with the allure of exotic Swiss chocolates and artisanal cheeses, and of course breathtaking landscapes and scenic train rides through majestic mountains and pristine lakes. However, a lesser-known allure is its suitability for a driving holiday. The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a perfect route to explore this mountainous country, and for me, traveling by car offered a greater choice of accessible destinations.

Imagine endless stretches of smooth roads meandering through snowy mountain passes, flanked by Alpine meadows and towering peaks. Even more captivating than the vistas are the scenes visible from the driver’s seat. The routes are spectacular, offering everything from long straightaways to sweeping S-curves and sharp hairpin turns.

Great roads deserve a good car, so when my family and I landed in Zurich, we rented a car from Budget Car Rentals for the 1,000-odd kilometer journey ahead. Budget’s lineup caters to those looking for the best city cars with matching fuel efficiency ratings, in addition to offering minivans and sedans, as well as compact and eco-friendly alternatives. The rental counter at Zurich Airport is within the terminal with a short walk to the car lot.

The first leg of our journey was an 86-kilometer drive east to St. Gallen, located on the northeastern edge of Switzerland. The real excitement began the next day as we drove 200 kilometers from St. Gallen to St. Moritz. Although Google Maps suggests a slightly longer route, we recommend the road we took, which traverses the stunning Flüela Pass in the canton of Graubünden. This road, which reaches a height of 7,818 feet, connects the town of Davos to the municipality of Susch in the Engadin Valley. Davos ( best known for hosting annual meetings of the World Economic Forum) has an electric vibe, featuring several museums dedicated to traditional Alpine life, trendy cafés, and restaurants including the ‘Chesa’, a distinguished luxury hotel and dining venue. Frequented by a roster of celebrities, from Greta Garbo to Princess Diana, The ‘Chesa’ is renowned not only for its international cuisine but also for its extensive wine cellar, adding to its allure. For a coffee break in Davos, make your way to Kaffee Klatsch. This local favorite has become an institution known for its wide selection of coffee and homemade cakes. Their breakfast and lunch menus highlight regional specialties, including hearty soups, salads, and delicious vegetarian options.

Flüela Pass lies just six kilometers east of Davos. One of the highlights of driving in Switzerland is the splendid Road Number 28 that leads to it. We stopped at Schottensee Lake along the pass, spending around 45 minutes exploring the area. The crisp, icy fresh air we breathed in left us feeling exhilarated.

As we descended towards the village of Susch, the landscape appeared rugged, with shrubs struggling to thrive on the stark mountain slopes, still dotted with snow and remnants of an old glacier. Upon reaching the high-altitude Engadin Valley, the scenery transformed into a pastoral paradise, with emerald conifers, grassy hillsides, and sparkling brooks. From Susch, an additional 40 kilometers of scenic drive along Highway 27 brought us to the glamorous town of St. Moritz.

St. Moritz, an acclaimed Alpine resort since the mid-19th century, draws visitors with its stunning mountains, luxurious spas, and the visionary efforts of Johannes Badrutt, who significantly promoted it as a winter destination. The town is renowned for its natural mineral springs, valued for their medicinal qualities, historically attracting European royalty seeking their therapeutic benefits. Today, at the Heilbad St. Moritz spa, visitors can not only drink the natural sparkling water but also immerse themselves in its soothing baths. St. Moritz remains a vibrant hub with renowned slopes, lively après-ski activities, and unique events like golf and cricket tournaments on frozen lakes, making it a premier winter holiday destination. During our delightful two-day stay, we explored its scenic trails and leisurely enjoyed views while rowing across the lake. We recommend dining at Chesa Veglia, nestled within the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. The hotel boasts six other restaurants where guests can indulge in Swiss favorites and French haute cuisine at Le Restaurant or relax with a drink at the Renaissance Bar – Davidoff Lounge.

The leg of our Grand Tour journey from St. Moritz to Täsch, situated at the base of the Matterhorn, was the highlight of our trip and stands out as one of my most unforgettable drives in Europe. While Google Maps suggests a more straightforward southern route through Italy, passing Lake Como, we opted to enhance our journey by manually inputting each town into the Budget car’s navigation system, guiding us over three picturesque mountain passes.

Our journey began with a 275-kilometer drive north over the Julier Pass (7,493 feet), leading us to Chur, the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Archaeological findings indicate that Chur has been inhabited since 3900 B.C., making it one of Switzerland’s oldest settlements. Continuing westward, our route ascended to the Oberalp Pass (6,706 feet), connecting the cantons of Graubünden and Uri with its winding path.

The most thrilling part of our journey was crossing westward over the Furka Pass (7,992 feet), linking Realp in the canton of Uri to Gletsch in the canton of Valais. Hoping for clear skies, we encountered breathtaking views around every bend: majestic Alpine peaks, verdant meadows, serene lakes, and cows adorned with musical bells. This was the Switzerland we had earlier witnessed in the cinematic universe.

As we neared the town of Brig, a massive massif caught our eye to the right, towering above the surrounding peaks. We immediately recognized it as Jungfrau, a majestic mountain that has been prominently featured in numerous Bollywood romantic films, often earning it the title of a cinematic icon in Indian cinema.

Thereafter upon reaching Täsch, situated beneath the car-free village of Zermatt, we transferred our luggage to one of the designated baggage trolleys for the train journey up to Zermatt. There, we indulged in two days exploring the majestic Matterhorn. Zermatt’s Matterhorn Glacier Paradise provided exhilarating activities such as year-round skiing, snowboarding, and scenic gondola rides. We also savored unforgettable fondue at the Whymper-Stube Restaurant, featuring a delectable assortment of cheeses and dips that left a lasting impression.

After thrilling drives through mountain passes, we relaxed on the leisurely 139-kilometer journey from Täsch to Montreux, beautifully situated on Lake Geneva’s shore. Music permeated this quintessential Swiss Riviera town, with its lakefront hosting more buskers than any other promenade in Switzerland combined. Montreux provided the perfect blend of urban charm following a week amidst rugged landscapes. We enjoyed breakfast at Confiserie Zurcher, a charming Swiss tea room known for its assortment of sandwiches, pastries, and hearty meals. Be sure to try their renowned Bircher Muesli, a beloved Swiss breakfast staple. For a taste of luxury, visit the Montreux Jazz Café, an elegant spot directly inspired by the atmosphere of the legendary music festival offering generous cuisine paired with the region’s finest wines and enticingly named aperitifs, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a family meal in style.

Our last stop before heading to Zurich was Interlaken, renowned among Indian tourists due to its frequent appearances in Hindi movies. Prior to this, Arthur Conan Doyle immortalized nearby Reichenbach Falls as the dramatic site of Sherlock Holmes’ fatal plunge. As enthusiasts, we traveled 30 kilometers to Meiringen, situated at the falls’ base. Standing by Reichenbach Falls, I spotted a white star placed by the Sherlock Holmes Society, marking the spot where Holmes supposedly met his end.

While in Meiringen, a local resident recommended taking Road Number 6 instead of the Autostrada 8 for our return journey. Following this advice proved worthwhile. Along this scenic route, which winds along the north shore of Lake Brienz, we stopped at the charming village of Brienz. Here, we enjoyed coffee amidst breathtaking views of the lake. The village’s Alpine charm was evident in every house, constructed in the traditional wooden chalet style adorned with flower-filled window boxes on balconies and windows.

Opting to drive with a car from Budget Car Rentals, allowed us the flexibility to explore these delightful detours, a decision I was grateful for. They offer a compelling blend of affordability, convenience, and quality service, making it an excellent choice for travelers exploring Europe. They provides competitive rates and special deals, such as their UK and Europe Summer Deal, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on comfort or reliability. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including compact cars ideal for city exploration and spacious options for family trips, Budget caters to diverse travel needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in easy booking processes, flexible rental periods, wide selection of loyalty programs and memberships and comprehensive support services. Book your Budget Car Rental today on the Budget India website.

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