Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland Self Drive

Fly to Zürich and travel to Lucerne by train.

Spend a day exploring Lucerne, a charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by majestic snow-capped mountains. Begin your adventure by strolling across the iconic Chapel Bridge, a 15th-century wooden structure adorned with beautiful frescoes that illustrate significant historical events. Don’t miss the nearby Water Tower, which adds to the bridge’s picturesque setting. Wander through the enchanting medieval Old Town, where cobblestone streets and vibrant architecture await. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Pilatus to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Collect your rental car in the morning.
Leaving Lucerne, the first major highlight is Brünig Pass, which gradually rises to around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The road takes you through lush green forests and picturesque villages, with plenty of opportunities to make photo stops of the surrounding peaks and valleys below. From the pass summit, the road reveals sweeping views of Lake Lungern and its turquoise waters.
Starting your journey from Lucerne, the first major highlight is the Brünig Pass, which ascends gently to around 1,000 metres (3,280 feet). The road winds through lush, green forests and charming Swiss villages, inviting you to pause for photo opportunities of the majestic peaks and valleys below. At the summit, you’re greeted with sweeping views of Lake Lungern and its turquoise waters—a sight that perfectly captures Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Just south of Meiringen, you will pass near the Aare Gorge, one of Switzerland’s natural wonders. This gorge, carved by the Aare River over thousands of years, features narrow passageways, dramatic cliffs, and footbridges over the river. It’s a short, scenic walk if you’d like a break from driving.
The road continues winding through this valley, surrounded by tall peaks and forested slopes. As you approach Innertkirchen, the peaks become steeper, hinting at the more dramatic landscapes just beyond the Susten Pass areas. Innertkirchen is a charming town and a fantastic base for further exploration of the Swiss Alps, with quick access to hiking trails, mountain passes, and alpine lakes.
The drive from Innertkirchen to Andermatt via Wassen is an extraordinary journey through some of Switzerland’s most dramatic alpine scenery, showcasing towering peaks, winding mountain roads, and stunning viewpoints. This route takes you through the Susten Pass, one of the most scenic in Switzerland.
The road starts winding its way up the Susten Pass, reaching an elevation of about 2,260 meters (7,415 feet). The ascent is full of hairpin bends and sweeping views over lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks.
As you climb higher, you’ll notice the landscape shift from forests to alpine meadows with scattered wildflowers. Here, look for viewpoints to capture panoramic shots of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Stein Glacier, which is visible from several vantage points along the road.
At the summit of Susten Pass, you’re treated to some of the most breathtaking views in the Alps. Snow-capped peaks stretch out in all directions, with glaciers cascading down the mountainsides. There’s a small parking area where you can stop, breathe in the fresh alpine air, and soak up the grandeur of the scenery.
As you are approaching Andermatt, make a stop at the Devil’s Stone (Teufelsstein), a fascinating natural landmark with an intriguing legend about the construction of the Devil’s Bridge (Teufelsbrücke) across the Reuss River, which made it easier for people to traverse the treacherous Gotthard Pass
This historic bridge spans the Schöllenen Gorge and has been a landmark since the 13th century. Legend has it that the Devil helped build the original bridge, hence the name. It’s a dramatic sight, set against the rushing Reuss River and surrounded by rocky cliffs.

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Andermatt is a charming alpine town that blends outdoor adventure with rich cultural experiences. Ride the cable car up to Gemsstock for sweeping panoramic views over the Swiss Alps or take a mini gondola to the stunning high alpine lakes of Arnisee or Golzerensee, each offering scenic, easy lakeside trails. Enjoy a hearty picnic lunch at a cosy mountain hut or cool off with a refreshing swim as you soak in the breathtaking surroundings.

For hikers, Andermatt’s extensive network of well-marked trails caters to all levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging routes. Explore iconic paths like Gotthard Pass, the historic Devil’s Bridge, and the scenic Oberalp Pass for an unforgettable journey through some of Switzerland’s most inspiring landscapes.

Leaving Andermatt, the road quickly rises, drawing you deeper into the breathtaking alpine landscape as you approach the historic Gotthard Pass, one of Switzerland’s oldest mountain routes, dating back to medieval times. The ascent reveals rugged rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows. Travel along both modern roads and the famous cobblestone Tremola Road, known for its 24 hairpin bends and historic charm.

At the summit of Gotthard Pass (2,106 meters or 6,909 feet), there’s parking and several viewpoints of the surrounding peaks and valleys. A serene alpine lake, Lago della Piazza, mirrors the mountains on calm days, creating a magical scene. You’ll also find the historic Gotthard Hospice and a small museum that captures the significance of this ancient route.

Descending toward Airolo, the views remain dramatic, opening to expansive valleys. Airolo, a charming Swiss-Italian village, invites you to its cosy cafés and restaurants, where you can sample Ticino specialties.

From Airolo, descend back along the Gotthard Pass to Hospental, the start of the Furka Pass to Gletsch, known for its thrilling twists and dramatic views. The Furka Pass, at 2,429 meters (7,969 feet), offers breathtaking vistas over craggy peaks, deep valleys, and the impressive Rhone Glacier. As you descend toward Gletsch, grassy alpine meadows and winding streams provide a lovely contrast to the rugged peaks.

Leaving Gletsch, the road climbs up the Grimsel Pass, which reaches 2,164 meters (7,100 feet). Each turn reveals breathtaking views, with the Rhône Glacier often visible in the distance. The landscape feels raw and otherworldly, with jagged cliffs and vast open skies. Along the way, you’ll pass turquoise alpine lakes like Lake Totensee and Lake Grimsel, often reflecting the surrounding peaks in picture-perfect scenes. Nearby, the Grimsel Dam stands as an impressive feat of engineering, supplying hydroelectric power to the region.

At the Grimsel summit, enjoy the panoramic views of surrounding ranges, valleys, and lakes.  On the descent, take in views of the Aar Gorge, a spectacular 1.4-kilometer chasm carved by the Aare River, with footbridges and walkways allowing for close-up exploration.

Following two nights in Meiringen / Innertkirchen area.

Spend the day exploring Meiringen and its breathtaking surroundings. Begin with a ride on the historic funicular from Meiringen to the iconic Reichenbach Falls, where you feel the raw power of the 250-meter cascade up close. This dramatic spot is legendary as the setting for Sherlock Holmes’ famous showdown with his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. At the top, a memorial plaque commemorates Holmes, and back in town, the Sherlock Holmes Museum brings the detective’s world to life with fascinating exhibits, including memorabilia and a recreation of 221B Baker Street, complete with a life-sized wax figure of Holmes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Hasliberg mountain offers stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails. Ride the cable car from Meiringen to explore scenic trails winding through lush forests and wildflower-dotted meadows, with sweeping views of the Bernese Alps.

Another gem is the Rosenlaui Valley, a captivating area with cascading waterfalls and breathtaking alpine views. Follow trails through the valley or venture into the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge, where a wooden path guides you past intricate rock formations within the narrow gorge.

Back in the heart of Meiringen, stroll through the village’s charming streets, lined with traditional Swiss architecture, cosy cafés, and unique shops offering local crafts and delicacies. Be sure to sample the town’s most famous creation, the meringue, served fresh in local bakeries, often topped with whipped cream or paired with ice cream for a delightful Swiss treat.

The drive from Meiringen to Grindelwald takes you through the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, offering enchanting alpine scenery, picturesque villages, and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. This journey, about one hour long, combines leisurely valley driving with some winding mountain roads, making it both accessible and scenic.

A few kilometres into the journey, you’ll reach the edge of Lake Brienz, known for its striking turquoise water. The lake is flanked by steep, forested mountains, creating a serene yet dramatic landscape. As you drive along the lake’s eastern shore, there are plenty of spots to stop for photos or a quick lakeside picnic.

For a more scenic route, drive around the northern shore of Lake Brienz, passing through the traditional Swiss village of Brienz, famous for its woodcarving artisans. With its wooden chalets, flower boxes, and scenic lakeside setting, Brienz is an ideal place to stop, stroll along the lake promenade, or visit the woodcarving shops. You can also catch glimpses of the Rothorn mountain, which overlooks the village.

From Interlaken begin the gradual ascent into the Lütschen Valley where the landscape becomes more alpine, with dense pine forests, winding roads, and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks ahead. The Lütschen River flows alongside the road, adding to the valley’s natural beauty.

As you approach Grindelwald, the scenery becomes even more striking. Steep mountain cliffs rise on either side, and you’ll start to see the iconic north face of the Eiger looming impressively over the valley. Grindelwald is famous for its high peaks and glaciers, and as you descend into the village.

Grindelwald is a beautiful alpine town surrounded by towering mountains and green meadows, with traditional chalets scattered across the hillside. Once in Grindelwald, you’re at the doorstep of some of the region’s most famous attractions, including the Jungfraujoch, the First Cliff Walk, and hiking trails that offer unforgettable views.

For truly stunning alpine views, take the scenic train journey to Jungfraujoch. Marvel at the magnificent scenery along the way, and once you reach the summit, explore the captivating Ice Palace and soak in the panoramic vistas of the Aletsch Glacier.

Take a leisurely 2.5 hour drive to Zürich and drop off the rental car.

Explore the city’s charming Old Town, stroll along the scenic Lake Zürich promenade, or visit the renowned Bahnhofstrasse for shopping. Zürich is a wonderful blend of history, culture, and modern architecture.

Make your way to Zürich Airport for your flight back to the UK.

Alternatively, travel by train via Paris.