Self Drive Tours in Switzerland
Marvel at Alpine peaks, roam through beautiful valleys and become enchanted by medieval towns when you take the wheel on these Switzerland self-drive tours. Organised for you by a local expert, your package will include accommodation, car rental and 24/7 support during your trip.
-
Book with ConfidencePlan your travels with peace of mind
-
Trusted travel expertsProfessional service from local experts
-
Car insurance includedYou’re protected when you book with us
-
Great reviewsWe are proud of our reviews and customer satisfaction
-
You are in good handsAssistance is never out of reach with our 24/7 helpline
-
Full financial protectionQuick, secure payment and financial safety as standard
-
Handpicked hotelsStay in carefully selected accommodation
-
Flexible tour optionsOur packages can be personalised to meet your needs
Alps Self-Drive Tours
Experience the highlights of the Alps when you embark on a multi-country road trip. You could discover Austria, Germany, Switzerland & beyond on a self-drive tour designed by local travel experts.
Germany & Austria Express
1604EUR
Eur
Classic Alps
Germany, Switzerland & Austria
2745EUR
Eur
Classic Alps at Leisure
Germany, Switzerland & Austria
3253EUR
Eur
Complete Alps
Germany, Switzerland & Austria
4014EUR
Eur
Need any help so far?
Get in touch with us
Contact usAbout Swiss Self-Drive Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes on a Swiss Alps driving tour. Immerse yourself in the charm of Swiss villages, drive across iconic mountain passes, and explore glistening lakes at your own pace.
When you choose a self-drive package with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:
• An authentic travel experience planned by a trusted agency
• A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your tour
• A personalised Switzerland road trip itinerary with a hand-marked route map
• Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance
• Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay
• 24/7 phone support during your trip for peace of mind
Beginning your Swiss road trip with Nordic Visitor is simple:
1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
Why choose Nordic Visitor
Book with Confidence
Plan your trip risk-free with Nordic Visitor's Cancellation Protection. Add it to your booking to enjoy flexible terms and peace of mind. Purchase it with your package or secure it free of charge by booking a tour with 20% deposit or more. Terms & conditions apply.
Trusted travel experts
Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a leading travel agency in Northern Europe. You can trust our travel experts, based in Lucerne, to plan the ultimate Swiss getaway. They’ve travelled the routes, walked the trails, and visited the attractions that you’re about to see for yourself.
Car insurance included
All of these Switzerland self-drive tours include Collision Damage Waiver insurance, third-party liability, theft protection, and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. You’ll also have unlimited mileage because we know the journey is as important as the destination.
Great reviews
Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.
You are in good hands
There’s always a travel expert on call 24/7 to handle any unforeseen situations during your trip. Whether it's an unexpected event or weather issue, we will update your tour arrangements while keeping you safe and informed. This means you can take the wheel with confidence.
Full financial protection
With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event that the company experiences insolvency.
Handpicked hotels
There’s nothing like a good night's sleep after a day of exploring. That’s why we handpick every accommodation on your itinerary, based on its convenient location. Not to mention high standards of comfort and cleanliness.
Flexible tour options
While every Nordic Visitor package is created and tested by our expert trip designers, we can tailor your tour to suit you. Make your itinerary your own by adding extra nights or optional excursions. Make customisations when you book online or speak to your dedicated consultant.
Swiss Tour Reviews
Hear what our wonderful customers have to say about their self-drive Switzerland trip.
RichUnited States
Most gorgeous, clean country. We particularly liked the hotel in Grindewald. Accommodation was beautiful and the... read more
Most gorgeous, clean country. We particularly liked the hotel in Grindewald. Accommodation was beautiful and the owner couldn't have been more welcoming. Excellent. We didn't understand that the falls were a detour and had to go all the way back to Zurich to go to Bern.
LindaUnited States
The hotels were all lovely and in good locations. We used the suggestions of places to visit. We also appreciated the... read more
The hotels were all lovely and in good locations. We used the suggestions of places to visit. We also appreciated the extra hints about parking near the hotels.
Certificate of Excellence
Highlights of Your Switzerland Driving Tour
Imagine navigating the enchanting roads of Switzerland, where every twist and turn reveals postcard-worthy landscapes. Unfolding your map you see an adventure inviting you to...
- Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps with its snow-capped peaks
- Discover the medieval architecture of Swiss cities like Bern, the nation’s capital, and Lucerne
- Visit the historic Alpine town of Zermatt, nestled below the iconic peak of the Matterhorn
- Stroll around the chalet-style village of Grindelwald and enjoy one of the area’s stunning hiking trails
- Gaze across the shimmering waters of Lake Thun, one of the largest in Switzerland, and Lake Geneva
- Sample mouthwatering and famous local treats, like rich cheese fondue, raclette, and silky chocolate
- Head into the mountains on winding Alpine roads, like Gotthard and San Bernardino Pass
- See epic waterfalls such as Staubbach, cascading over towering cliffs above the village of Lauterbrunnen
- Travel by train to the summit of Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe", for incredible views
Frequently Asked Questions About
Switzerland Driving Holidays
If you want to know more before booking your Switzerland driving tour, read on for answers to these key questions. We're here to ensure you have all the details you need for a seamless road trip in Switzerland.
Plus, when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence, safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. Or, if you’re looking for information on our processes and payment details, check out our FAQ page.
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 top 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.
Get inspired by these popular Switzerland tours.
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.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to kickstart your adventure or want to ask some questions about Switzerland tours, our travel experts in Lucerne are happy to help. So please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Call
Our main phone number is
+354 578 20 80
Chat
How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts