Northern Switzerland Road Trip

Discover the beauty of Northern Switzerland on an unforgettable two-day road trip from Basel to Chur! This 368km route takes you through the charming towns of Kreuzlingen, Romanshorn, and St. Gallen, providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore the region's stunning landscapes and historical sites. The best time to make this trip is in the summer, when the roads are in excellent condition and the weather is ideal for sightseeing. Take in the breathtaking views of the countryside, visit the old-world monuments, and explore the quaint towns along the way. Treat yourself to the local cuisine, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the memories of this picturesque journey. With a high budget and a bit of planning, this road trip can be enjoyed by even the most inexperienced driver. Make sure to take the time to appreciate the beauty of Northern Switzerland on this amazing journey!

Basel is the perfect starting point for a road trip through Northern Switzerland. Located on the border of France and Germany, this city offers a unique blend of culture and architecture. The city has many attractions that are worth exploring, including the Basel Minster, the Old Town, and the Basel Zoo. The Basel Minster is a Gothic church that dates back to the 12th century and features a beautiful stained glass window. The Old Town is known for its cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. And the Basel Zoo is one of the top zoological gardens in Europe and home to more than 600 species of animals. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Basel Airport (BSL). There are many car rental companies at the airport, making it easy to get around the city and start your road trip. From Basel, you can head north to the stunning Swiss Alps, explore the charming cities of Zurich and Lucerne, and take in the natural beauty of Lake Constance. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Basel is the perfect starting point for your journey through Northern Switzerland.

Embark on an amazing road trip through Switzerland, starting in Basel and ending in Kreuzlingen! This 222 km drive will take you less than 3 hours, offering you the chance to explore the majestic beauty of the country. Start off your journey by visiting the Basel Minster, a stunningly beautiful medieval cathedral. Then, take a stroll around the city's charming old town, where you can find some of the most interesting shops and restaurants. Once you're done exploring Basel, head to the lovely lakeside town of Stein am Rhein. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Constance and admire the stunning views. As you continue on your journey, make sure to stop at the attractive town of Schaffhausen and its historic old town, home to some of the most beautiful churches and buildings. Finally, end your journey in the picturesque town of Kreuzlingen. Here, you can explore its picturesque parks and gardens and take in the breathtaking views of the lake. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Welcome to the Kreuzlingen – Romanshorn leg of your road trip! This 19 km journey should take you no more than an hour and it’s full of interesting places to visit. In Kreuzlingen, don’t miss the beautiful St. Mauritius Chapel, built in the Gothic style, and the excellent Swiss Miniatur, with its amazing miniature models of Swiss landmarks. On the way to Romanshorn, you can stop by the charming village of Berg, where you’ll find the 13th century St. Georgen Church, and the Kornhaus, a former granary which now houses a museum. Once in Romanshorn, you can explore the old town and its many historic sites, such as the St. Jakob Church, the City Hall, and the many restored buildings from the 19th century. Don’t miss the chance to take a stroll along the lake and admire the stunning views. Take your time and enjoy the journey; there is much to see and experience along the way. For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your tour will take you from Romanshorn to St. Gallen, two charming destinations in Switzerland. This stage is only 22km long and can be completed in less than one hour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore both locations. Romanshorn is a beautiful lakeside town, where you can explore the old quarter and the harbor. Don't forget to visit the Church of St. Urban, a beautiful Baroque church with a wonderful interior. As you continue your journey, you will arrive in St. Gallen. Here you can visit the Abbey of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the stunning Baroque Library Hall. You can also check out the city's old town center, with its winding streets and historic buildings. These two destinations offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and camping sites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Are you ready to take a road trip to the stunning Swiss Alps? This stage of your journey will take you from the city of St. Gallen to Chur, a distance of 104 km that can be travelled in under two hours. Along the way, you will get to explore the picturesque beauty of the Swiss mountains. Start your trip from St. Gallen by visiting the Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Baroque-style abbey and its accompanying library are a sight to behold. You can also experience the vibrant nightlife of this city, which is home to numerous pubs, clubs and theatres. As you drive to Chur, you will pass through many quaint villages. Be sure to take a break from the journey to explore the idyllic towns of Rheineck, Werdenberg and Schiers. In Chur, marvel at the city's historic architecture while sampling some of the local delicacies. If you are looking for adventure, take a cable car ride to the summit of the Weisshorn mountain. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through the cobbled streets of Chur's Old Town. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, explore the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Now, get ready to set off and explore the beauty of the Swiss Alps!

Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, is the perfect ending point for a road trip around Northern Switzerland. This charming city is filled with history and natural beauty, making it a great place to explore and relax. The Old Town of Chur is a must-see for all visitors. Here you can find the city's oldest church, the Romanesque Cathedral of Chur, and the City Hall, which dates back to the 16th century. The city also boasts the historic Chur Castle, which was built in the Middle Ages and now houses the Museum of Natural History. For a taste of the great outdoors, take a trip to the nearby Alps, where you can go skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking. Plus, with its picturesque lakes and rivers, Chur is the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. In addition to all of the great sights in Chur, the city also has plenty of excellent restaurants and shops. Whether you're looking for gourmet Swiss cuisine or just a quick bite to eat, you'll find it in Chur. For those traveling by air, Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the closest international airport. From there, it's a two-hour drive to Chur. So, if you're looking for a great ending point for your road trip around Northern Switzerland, Chur is the perfect destination. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and countless attractions, you'll find plenty to keep you busy in this charming Swiss city.

Before you set off

Embark on a two-day Road Trip from Basel to Chur, covering approximately 368 kilometers through the heart of Northern Switzerland's captivating landscapes and rich historical tapestry. This journey invites you to immerse yourself in the region's multifaceted cultural heritage, savor the unique local cuisine, and take in the breathtaking vistas that this part of Switzerland has to offer.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Kreuzlingen: Situated by the shores of Lake Constance, Kreuzlingen offers panoramic lakeside views. Don't miss the serene Seeburg Park and the chance to stroll along the promenade for a glimpse of the German border city of Constance.
• Romanshorn: Known for its picturesque harbor, Romanshorn is also home to the Romanshorn Railway Museum, where visitors can delve into the history of Swiss transportation.
• St. Gallen: A cultural and economic hub, St. Gallen boasts the Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey's library houses a priceless collection of medieval manuscripts, and its baroque cathedral is a masterpiece of architectural beauty.
• Chur: As Switzerland's oldest city, Chur offers a historic old town with winding alleys and ancient buildings. Nearby, the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the Swiss Grand Canyon, presents awe-inspiring views and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Best Time to Go:

The summer months are the perfect time for this Road Trip, providing excellent driving conditions and warm weather that's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural landscape.

Potential Risks:

• Navigating unfamiliar Roads requires caution and a dependable GPS.
• The weather in Switzerland can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on weather updates and Road conditions.
• Driving through mountainous areas may demand additional attention and readiness for sudden altitude changes.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• In Switzerland, driving is on the right-hand side of the Road, and adherence to speed limits is strictly monitored with heavy fines for violations.
• To use Swiss motorways, you need to purchase a vignette, which is available at border crossings, petrol stations, and post offices.
• Switzerland is known for its exceptional quality of life, which is reflected in its high cost of living. Plan your budget carefully, taking into account higher costs for hotels, restaurants, and services.
• Did you know? St. Gallen's Abbey Library is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world, with some documents dating back to the 8th century.
• Chur's history spans over 5,000 years, and the city's archaeological findings are displayed in the Rätisches Museum, offering a deep dive into the region's ancient past.

A good choice for:

A Road Trip from Basel to Chur is an enchanting way to experience the allure and grandeur of Northern Switzerland. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, Roadtrippers can discover the hidden gems and scenic splendor of this picturesque and culturally vibrant part of the globe.