Self Drive Tours in Switzerland

Exploring Switzerland by car is a breeze thanks to its well-maintained road networks. The key cities, Zürich and Geneva, are well-connected to the scenic Alpine regions, offering you the perfect blend of exploring urban and natural areas.

Here are some rules and guidelines to be aware of:

• 1. Take care when driving on mountain passes, especially with steep gradients and sharp turns.
• 2. Follow the speed limits. On highways, the maximum speed is usually 120 km/h (75 mph), while in urban areas, it’s around 50km/h (30 mph) or less.
• 3. Switzerland has zero-tolerance laws around drinking and driving.
• 4. Parking in cities can be a little tricky, so plan ahead to ensure a hassle-free experience.

In Switzerland, as in many European countries, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. This means your rental car will be left-hand drive, and you’ll change gears with your right hand.

While many locals drive manual (stick shift) cars, you can also choose to drive an automatic vehicle. This means you’ll be able to focus more on the road and the amazing views ahead of you.

From east to west, Switzerland is around 350 kilometres (220 miles) wide. But you won’t necessarily be driving to the farthest reaches of the country.

As well as your route choice, the amount of time it takes to drive across Switzerland depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. You can discover the nation’s highlights on a 7-day tour. But we recommend you opt for a 10-14 day itinerary to allow time to see more places, as well as to spend longer at each destination.

Switzerland has a wide range of destinations worth visiting in every season. But in summer, you’ll see Alpine meadows bursting with life, and get to enjoy alfresco dining in almost every town. Plus, you’ll have the option to try out various outdoor activities.

Here are some top destinations to explore during the summer months:

• • Bern: As well as being the nation’s capital, Bern is brimming with medieval charm. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed old town with its cobblestone streets, iconic clock tower, and gleaming Aare River.
• • Zermatt: Get a taste of Alpine living in Zermatt, nestled beneath the towering Matterhorn. Ride the Gornergrat railway up to 3,100 metres (10,170 feet) to see the jagged peak up close.
• • Locarno: This Italian-speaking region of Switzerland is known for its sun-soaked Piazza Grande, picturesque streets, and annual film festival.
• • Lausanne: Head to this cosmopolitan city for sprawling views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, as well as its impressive 12th-century cathedral. While you’re here, visit one of the nearby vineyards for a glass of locally produced wine.
• • Bernese Alps: Soak up the sights in the Jungfrau region. Here you’ll find quaint villages, lush green pastures, and mountain peaks including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
• • Lucerne: You’ll want to stop here to see the medieval architecture, including the 14th-century Chapel Bridge in the city centre. Consider hopping aboard the cable car that takes you up Pilatus mountain for unrivalled views of the lakes.

For more insight from local experts, check out our blog about things to do in Switzerland during summer. And get inspired by this guide to must-see mountains in the Alps. 

Your travel wish list in Switzerland will be lengthy, with plenty of activities to fill your itinerary. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a couple of weeks, read on for suggestions of things to do:

• • See crystal blue waters at places like Lake Lugano, Lake Lucerne and Lake Brienz.
• • Marvel at grand castles or chateaus sat on hills and lake shores.
• • Hop aboard a sleek, mountain railway for a day trip with unrivalled views.
• • Be enchanted by idyllic villages, like Grindelwald, perched among the mountains.
• • Hike winding trails that take you into the breathtaking scenery.
• • Soak up the sights as you drive the steep, meandering Gotthard Pass.
• • Sample local food, like rich cheese fondue and world-renowned chocolate.
• • Enjoy cosmopolitan Swiss living in cities like Bern, Geneva and Lausanne.

Switzerland is an enticing place to visit all year round, with countless things to see and do, no matter the season. The country is a lush wonderland in summer, and a top spot for snowsports in winter.

For a self-drive tour of Switzerland, visit between May and October when the roads are clear of snow. You’ll be treated to the year’s best weather, colourful plant life, and longer days.

For mild temperatures and fewer visitors around, come during spring or autumn, the "shoulder season". In Switzerland, this is during May and June, then September and October.

July and August is the height of summer, when you’ll experience the warmest weather and the most daylight hours. But you might also find certain areas are a little busier during this time.

Snow only lies in particular spots of Switzerland all year round. This means if you want to ski or snowboard in the likes of St Moritz, you’ll have to plan your trip during the winter months.

Instead of doing all the work yourself, why not leave the planning to us? All of our tours have been tried and tested by local experts so that you can simply take the wheel and enjoy the journey.

Book with Nordic Visitor, and you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant to organise your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

Your Lucerne-based travel consultant will provide personalised recommendations and a hand-marked map. With this insider knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll uncover the best of Switzerland on an unforgettable driving experience.

With a Nordic Visitor self-drive tour package in Switzerland, you’ll get a rental car complete with:

• Unlimited mileage
• GPS navigation system
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Third party liability
• Road fund licence (also known as a vignette)
• Theft protection
• 24/7 emergency roadside assistance

Extras like child seats and insurance upgrades can be added at your rental pick-up point. If you’d like to add anything else, such as additional drivers, contact your travel consultant before your trip.

Your rental car will already have a vignette sticker inside your front windscreen.

The vignette, or road fund licence, is required for all vehicles, including cars and motorcycles. It allows you to use the Swiss motorway network for a calendar year.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your driving licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official Swiss authorities before your trip.

Yes, of course. All of these self-drive tour packages are carefully designed to give you the best possible experience in Switzerland. But we understand that you’ll have your own travel wish list.

It's easy to customise your tour online. For instance, you could extend your stay with extra nights at the start or end of your trip. Or, consider treating yourself to an accommodation upgrade. You’ll also be able to choose optional excursions from a range of expert-curated activities.

If you'd like to personalise your itinerary further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dedicated travel consultant.

Absolutely. You can choose your ideal arrival date. All Switzerland self-drive tours run between May and October, so you just need to find the time that works for you.

Check out the online calendar of the tour that interests you to see up-to-date availability. Then, simply choose the date that suits you.

We highly recommend that you look at potential flights for timings and dates before booking. But it’s best to hold off on purchasing these until your tour package is confirmed. Once you’ve had a confirmation email from your travel consultant, you can go ahead and buy your flights.

Waiting for confirmation before purchasing your flights ensures you’ll have all the information you need to make the best possible choice on timings. If you have any questions, you can get in touch with your consultant.

What to pack for your trip will depend on the time of year you visit. For example, you’re more likely to experience rain in May and October. Whereas, July and August are usually the hottest months, with the average maximum temperature reaching 25°C (77°F).

Here is an essential packing list for your trip to Switzerland:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Short and long-sleeve shirts
• Light trousers or shorts
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• SPF lotion
• Reusable water bottle
• Day bag
• Two-pin EU adaptor

It’s worth bearing in mind that the temperature in the shoulder seasons can be much cooler, especially in the mountains. So make sure to pack a scarf, hat and gloves to keep you cosy.

In summer, you might want to bring sandals and a swimsuit. And if you plan on dining out, consider packing a change of smart clothes.