Swiss Lakes Itinerary
The Swiss Lakes Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in Switzerland. Starting in Romanshorn and ending in Interlaken, the route covers a distance of 308 km and is recommended to be completed in two days. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Rapperswil, Zug and Kuessnacht, with plenty of attractions to explore in each. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the summer months, when the views of the surrounding lakes and mountains are at their most breathtaking. The road conditions are excellent throughout and are mostly straight, although there are some more curvy sections along the way. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and is sure to provide an experience and memories that will last a lifetime. However, it should be noted that this trip can be managed on a very high budget only.
2
number of days
334 km
route length
extreme
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Romanshorn
Distance 334 km
Driving time 7.6 h
Pace: slow
76.9 kWh
Airports
ZRH
,
FDH
[detailsContainer]
Romanshorn is a small town situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Constance in Switzerland. It is the perfect starting point for the Swiss Lakes Road Trip, as it is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is home to many local attractions.
The town is a great place to explore, with its beautiful harbor, narrow cobbled streets, and colorful buildings, as well as its many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the lake, or take a cable car ride to the nearby mountain of Hoher Kasten.
Other attractions include the historic Church of St. Gallen, the nearby Roman-style amphitheater, and the ancient ruins of Augusta Raurica. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and galleries.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH). There are car rental services available at the airport for those who wish to start their Swiss Lakes Road Trip in Romanshorn.
Romanshorn is a great destination for travelers looking to explore the beauty of Switzerland. With its picturesque harbor and many attractions, it is the perfect starting point for the Swiss Lakes Road Trip.
1
Romanshorn
- Rapperswil
Distance 88 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
22.8 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you through Switzerland's beautiful Eastern region. Starting in Romanshorn, you'll make your way to St. Gallen, and then onwards to Rapperswil. The entire trip will take you less than two hours, and is a mere 87km.
In Romanshorn, you'll find the delightful Lake Constance, with its stunning views and plenty of activities to enjoy. St. Gallen is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Abbey Library of St. Gall and the St. Gallen Textile Museum.
Finally, your journey ends in Rapperswil, where you can explore the Rapperswil Castle, visit the beautiful rose garden, and take a leisurely stroll around the lake.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Rapperswil - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
Rapperswil - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - pxhere.com
❯
❮
2
Rapperswil
- Zurich
Distance 32 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
7.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the beautiful stage of your road trip starting in Rapperswil and ending in Zurich! This 32 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Switzerland.
Your journey will start in the historical city of Rapperswil, with its medieval castle and the picturesque lake promenade. Make sure to take a stroll around the old town and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the Alps.
The next stop on your journey is the city of Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Here you can explore its many attractions such as the old town, the churches, the museums, the shopping district, and the beautiful lake promenade.
As you drive through the stunning Swiss countryside, make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic roads. You will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Swiss Alps, the rolling hills, and the picturesque villages.
At the end of your journey, you will arrive in Zurich, where you can explore its many attractions. From here, you can continue your road trip to explore the rest of Switzerland.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Zurich - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
Zurich - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.goodfreephotos.com
Zurich - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
3
Zurich
- Zug
Distance 38 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
8.7 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Zurich-Zug stage of your road trip! This beautiful 35 km route can be completed in less than an hour and will take you through some of the most stunning sites in Switzerland.
Start your journey in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. Visit one of the many art galleries or take a stroll through the old town, with its cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. Don't forget to explore the Limmat river, which runs through the city, and the beautiful Lake Zurich.
As you drive along the road, you will be able to admire the picturesque scenery of the Swiss countryside. Pass through the quaint towns of Adliswil, Horgen, and Steinhausen, before arriving in Zug.
Once in Zug, take some time to explore the medieval old town. Take a walk along the lakefront, visit the Zug Castle, and explore the many shops and restaurants.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip, but more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Zug - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
4
Zug
- Kuessnacht
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
5.9 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Zug-Kuessnacht stage of your road trip! This scenic drive is only 23 km long and will take you less than an hour to complete. Start in Zug and make your way to Kuessnacht. Along the way, you'll find some of the most interesting places in Switzerland, including the historical center of Zug and the beautiful lakeside promenade at Kuessnacht.
In Zug, make sure to explore the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and charming churches. Don't forget to visit the Zug Castle, a stunning medieval fortress with sweeping views of the lake.
When you reach Kuessnacht, take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, where you can admire the stunning views of Lake Lucerne. You can also take a boat tour of the lake and explore the charming villages and towns that line its shores.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Kuessnacht - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Max Pixel
❯
❮
5
Kuessnacht
- Interlaken
Distance 154 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: modest
40.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a scenic road trip from Kuessnacht to Interlaken? With 131 km of winding roads, you can make the drive in less than three hours. Get ready to explore the beauty of Switzerland!
Start your journey in Kuessnacht. Here you can visit the Kuessnacht Church, a beautiful church dating back to the 12th century. You can also take a stroll along the shore of Lake Lucerne and admire the view of the mountains and the lake.
Continue your journey to Interlaken, a popular tourist destination. Here you can explore the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. You can also visit the Harder Kulm, a viewpoint with stunning views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Thun.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Start planning your road trip from Kuessnacht to Interlaken today!
Interlaken - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
❯
❮
Interlaken
[detailsContainer]
Interlaken is the perfect ending point for the Swiss Lakes Road Trip. Located between two beautiful lakes, this stunning town features some of the most breathtaking views in Switzerland.
Interlaken is known for its many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hang gliding, paragliding, and hiking. There are plenty of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, which give visitors a chance to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. The town also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Interlaken Monastery, the museum of art and history, and the Höhematte Park.
Interlaken is also home to some of the best restaurants in Switzerland. From traditional Swiss dishes to international cuisine, visitors can find something to please every palate.
For travelers arriving by car, Interlaken is easily accessible from the A8 motorway. Those coming from further afield can fly into Zurich International Airport (IATA: ZRH) or Geneva International Airport (IATA: GVA).
Interlaken is an ideal destination for those looking to end their Swiss Lakes Road Trip in style. With its breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, this stunning town has something to offer everyone.
Interlaken - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
❯
❮
Swiss Lakes at a glance
-
Start:
Romanshorn
-
End:
Interlaken
-
Distance:
334 km
-
Stay:
2 days
-
Getting there:
Zürich Airport (ZRH),
Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)
-
When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the exquisite Swiss Lakes Road Trip, a captivating 308 km journey from Romanshorn to Interlaken, traversing the heart of Switzerland's enchanting landscapes. This route connects the shimmering waters of Lake Constance to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Bernese Oberland, passing through idyllic Swiss towns brimming with cultural heritage and natural splendor. Allocate at least two days to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary driving experience, which is accessible to all drivers in pursuit of memorable adventures.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Romanshorn: Embark from this lakeside town where you can admire the vastness of Lake Constance and explore its waterfront attractions.
- Rapperswil: Discover the charm of this medieval town with its iconic castle, vibrant rose gardens boasting over 15,000 roses, and the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland, stretching across Lake Zurich.
- Zug: Be captivated by the tranquility of Lake Zug and stroll through the well-preserved old town, where you can taste the renowned Zug cherry cake.
- Kuessnacht: Revel in breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and visit historic sites such as the Hohle Gasse, associated with the legend of William Tell.
- Interlaken: Your journey culminates in this picturesque town situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It's the perfect base for excursions to the majestic Jungfrau region and the towering peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Best Time to Go:
The prime time for embarking on the Swiss Lakes Road Trip is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for exploring the region's stunning lakes, mountains, and outdoor activities. The landscape is alive with vibrant colors, and the longer daylight hours provide ample time for sightseeing and leisure.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Switzerland's impeccable Road network makes for a smooth driving experience, and the country's commitment to cleanliness and order is evident on its highways and byways.
- The beauty of Swiss engineering can be appreciated in the numerous tunnels and bridges that facilitate travel through the mountainous terrain, showcasing a blend of technical prowess and landscape sensitivity.
- You'll find an abundance of well-marked hiking trails emanating from the Road Trip route, inviting you to explore the Swiss countryside on foot.
- Switzerland is home to four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. You'll notice the cultural diversity reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and customs of the towns you visit along the way.
A good choice for:
The Swiss Lakes Road Trip is more than just a drive; it's a high-budget, high-reward journey through one of Europe's most serene and culturally rich landscapes. It offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity, leaving travelers with a sense of wonder and an array of unforgettable memories. Whether you are a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this Road Trip is an essential addition to your travel bucket list.
-
