Romantik Blog
Grand Tour of Switzerland: A road trip through lakes, the Alps and Romantik® Hotels
The Grand Tour of Switzerland is an adventure that encapsulates the full diversity of the country. From the sparkling lakes of Zurich, through the imposing Alpine passes of the Bernese Oberland, to the sun-drenched shores of Lake Geneva, this 1,600-kilometre route takes you through Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, most charming towns and most spectacular panoramas. And best of all: hand-picked Romantik® Hotels await you along the route, ensuring that every stage of your road trip is an unforgettable experience.
Grand Tour - Key facts at a glance
- Route length: approx. 1,600 km
- Recommended duration: 7–10 days, depending on pace and stops
- Regions: Zürich, Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, Ticino, Lucerne, Lake Geneva, Appenzell, Western Switzerland
- Highlights: Alpine passes, Lake Lucerne, Jungfraujoch, St. Moritz, Lake Maggiore, Lake Geneva, historic old towns
- Best travel time: May to September (ideal weather for mountain passes and lakeside sections)
- Special tips: Several sections can also be combined with public transport; the route is perfect for road trips by car or classic car, motorcycle tours, or e-bike adventures
Zurich: Urban, vibrant, elegant
The Grand Tour begins in the metropolis of Zurich – urban, modern and full of energy. With its fascinating museums, luxurious shopping streets, trendy restaurants and summer swimming spots along the Limmat, this inspiring city on Lake Zurich has so much to offer. In the Zurich region, you’ll find three very different accommodation options: Das Romantik® Hotel Europe right in Zurich, the Sonne Boutiquehotel & Seeterrassen by Romantik® in Küsnacht and the Romantik® Hotel & Restaurant Schwan in Horgen. All are close to the route and promise a fantastic start to the Grand Tour of Switzerland.
Appenzell: Authentic Swiss hospitality
Anyone wishing to experience authentic, unspoilt, rural Switzerland should make a detour to the Appenzell region. Traditional half-timbered houses, green meadows, babbling brooks, traditional folk festivals and warm-hearted people characterise this region.The Romantik® Hotel Säntis is perfectly situated here for anyone wishing to take a break between St. Gallen and Appenzell. A hike in the surrounding hills or simply savouring regional specialities such as Appenzeller cheese will make your stay unforgettable.
Graubünden: Alpine freedom & endless panoramic views
Next, we head to Graubünden, where Flims and the Engadin await you. Here, the Alps reveal themselves in all their glory – from gentle alpine meadows to rugged rocky peaks. At the Schweizerhof Flims Romantik® Hotel & Spa modern design, wellness, yoga and forest bathing meet Alpine tradition, whilst the Romantik® Hotels Muottas Muragl situated almost 2,500 metres above the Engadin, offers fantastic views of St. Moritz and the mountain landscape.
Jungfraujoch & Interlaken: Wo die Alpen den Atem rauben
We continue our journey to the heart of Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region. Between Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, the Alps rise majestically, the valleys glisten in the morning sunlight, and the air is filled with the scent of adventure – of hiking, skiing and high peaks. If you’re looking to stay overnight, the Romantik® Hotel Schweizerhof in Grindelwald offers the perfect retreat with views of the famous Eiger North Face. Elegance, cosiness, wellness, fine dining and Alpine charm come together in this traditional Swiss hotel, located just a few minutes from the route. Tip: Head up to the Top of Europe, Europe’s highest railway station at an altitude of 3,454 metres.
Lucerne & Lake Lucerne: Water, Culture & History
The route continues to Lucerne, where the city, lake and mountains come together in a magical way. On the shores of Lake Lucerne, the water glistens in the sun, whilst the Alps tower in the background. A stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge, past historic façades and small squares, is just as much a part of the experience here as a boat trip across the lake on a historic paddle steamer. Those wishing to go even higher should head for Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi – with panoramic views you won’t forget in a hurry. And right in the middle of it all: the Romantik® Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne, a hotel steeped in history that offers the perfect setting for a relaxing stopover on the Grand Tour.
Ticino: La dolce vita on Lake Maggiore
Once you leave the Alpine peaks behind, the atmosphere suddenly becomes milder, brighter and more relaxed. Welcome to Ticino – where green palm trees line the shores and a Mediterranean way of life meets Swiss precision. Around Ascona and Locarno, Lake Maggiore glistens in the sun, surrounded by little cafés and promenades. An espresso with a view of the lake, a short stroll through the old town – here, it’s all about the moment. Right on the waterfront in Ascona lies the Romantik® Hotel Castello Seeschloss in Ascona, a historic little castle with a southern flair. And just a short detour away, the Romantik® Restaurant da Enzo in Tegna brings Italian lightness to the plate, without ever leaving Switzerland.
Lake Geneva: Wine, sun & lakeside promenade
The Grand Tour ends at Lake Geneva, one of the most elegant sections of the route. Between Montreux, Lausanne, Vevey and Hermance, the chic lakeside promenades, beautiful vineyards such as the Lavaux terraces, and urban cities like Geneva invite you to explore. You can stay at the Romantik® Hotel Mont Blanc au Lac, situated right on the lakeshore, or at the Romantik® Hotel Auberge d’Hermance, which offers a magnificent view of Lake Geneva. Here, French flair and the Swiss way of life blend to create an unforgettable experience.
Discover hotels along the route on the map
Hotels along the Grand Tour
Switzerland
Sonne
Boutiquehotel und Seerestaurants by Romantik®
Austria
FAQ Questions & Answers
The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a spectacular round trip through Switzerland, covering around 1,600 km and taking in all the country’s highlights – from lakes and Alpine passes to charming towns. It is ideal for road trips, motorbike tours or e-bike adventures.
You should allow around 7 to 14 days for the entire route. If you have more time, you can enjoy the trip at a leisurely pace in several stages and make additional stops for hiking, winter sports, dining or spa treatments.
The Grand Tour is a round trip and has no fixed starting point. You can start the route flexibly from any location. Starting points in Zurich, Lucerne or Geneva are particularly popular.
Highlights of the Grand Tour include:
- Lake Lucerne
- the Lavaux wine region (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen
- the Jungfraujoch
- the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Zurich and Lake Zurich
Yes, the route is signposted throughout with the official Grand Tour logo. There is also an app and maps to help you find your way.
Yes, the Grand Tour is very electric-car-friendly. There are numerous charging stations along the route, so you can easily complete the entire journey on electric power.
The best time to visit is between April and October. All Alpine passes are open during the summer months. In spring and autumn, you’ll enjoy less traffic and particularly beautiful scenery.
Yes, the route is ideal for breaking down into individual stages. This allows you to focus on specific regions, such as the Alps, the lake districts or the cultural cities.
Yes, you need a motorway vignette to use the Swiss motorways. However, many sections of the Grand Tour follow country roads that do not require a vignette.
Parts of the route are accessible in winter, but many Alpine passes are closed. We therefore recommend the warmer months for a complete tour.
Post your comment
Comments
No one has commented on this page yet.
RSS feed for comments on this page RSS feed for all comments
More interesting articles
Upper Italian Lakes - Time Travel into the Originality of Northern Italy
Romantik Country Hotels in Switzerland
