What do I have to bear in mind when picking up a hire car and is there a minimum age?

The minimum age for most vehicle categories is 21 years, for higher vehicle categories 25 years. In addition, driving experience of at least three years is required. For young drivers under the age of 25, there is often a surcharge . A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented when picking up the hire car. A valid driving licence is also required. Additional drivers can be registered on pickup for a surcharge .

How do I find my way around the Grand Tour of Switzerland?

The route is well signposted with over 650 signs . Motorways are only used if necessary. You will also receive a guidebook and a Hallwag map so that you don't miss any highlights. The Grand Tour of Switzerland app also provides you with further information about the route and a practical navigation system.

How many kilometres do I drive each day on the Grand Tour of Switzerland?

The driving times of the Grand Tour of Switzerland vary , but you can expect a figure of around 3 to 5 hours per day . The exact number of kilometres for each day are specified in the programme . Depending on the route, stops and traffic , the journey time may also vary slightly.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Demand is particularly high for the high season (see above). You can book your package online at the touch of a button or via our travel experts .

Road Trip

Grand Tour of Switzerland – Original

The original route of the Grand Tour of Switzerland spread over eight unique stages. The route covers over 1,600 kilometres through the most beautiful regions of Switzerland. Past green meadows and deep blue lakes, over winding mountain pass roads and from picturesque mountain villages to vibrant city life.

9 days / 8 nights

from CHF 1’040

Direction

Vineyards by a lake with mountains in the background.

View of Zurich with church, river, and bridge in sunny weather.

A mountain landscape with a green valley, cloud-covered hills, and a turquoise river.

4 Images

Highlights

Famous mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau or the Matterhorn
Picturesque landscapes – past 22 unique lakes and over five Alpine passes
UNESCO-World Heritage Sites – 13 cultural and natural treasures of Switzerland
Four language regions – linguistic diversity on one route
Excellent road infrastructure - well-maintained roads and numerous petrol stations or charging stations

A snowy mountain landscape with the Matterhorn under a blue sky.

A winding mountain road surrounded by green hills and blooming plants.

5 Images

Itinerary

Direction

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Tour of Switzerland – Original from Zurich to Lucerne

Day 1

Travelling to Zurich

Itinerary

Travel from your individual starting point to Zurich.

Overnight stay in Zurich

Aerial view of a historic town with river, bridge, and church steeples.

Day 2

Journey from Zurich to St. Gallen

Itinerary

From Zurich, take the car past the Rhine Falls to St. Gallen.

Distance: 150 km

Overnight stay in St. Gallen

A view of the Rhine Falls with a "Grand Tour of Switzerland" sign in the foreground.

Day 3

Journey from St. Gallen to Davos

Itinerary

Travel from St. Gallen to Davos. The route takes you through Appenzell and past Maienfeld. Enjoy the scenery on your journey!

Distance: 183 km

Overnight stay in Davos

A city in a valley, surrounded by mountains and forests.

Day 4

Journey from Davos to Lugano

Itinerary

From Davos, travel via the Engadine to Lugano. You can expect great scenery along the way.

Distance: 290 km

Overnight stay in Lugano

A beautiful lakeside landscape with houses on the slope and a mountain in the background.

Day 5

Journey from Lugano to Zermatt

Itinerary

From Lugano, the journey continues via Bellinzona and the St. Gotthard and Furka passes to Täsch. From there, take the train to Zermatt.

Distance: 260 km

Overnight stay in Zermatt

View of an alpine valley with a town, surrounded by green mountains and a prominent mountain peak in the background.

Day 6

Journey from Zermatt to Montreux

Itinerary

Travel from Zermatt to Montreux. The route leads along the Rhône through Valais, past Sion and Martigny.

Distance: 150 km

Overnight stay in Montreux

A hillside town surrounded by trees with a lake in the foreground.

Day 7

Journey from Montreux to Gstaad

Itinerary

Travel from Montreux through the Lavaux wine region, via Lausanne, Fribourg and the Gruyère region to Gstaad. Enjoy the varied landscape on your journey.

Distance: 160 km

Overnight stay in Gstaad

A picturesque landscape with a village, terraced vineyards, and a large lake in the background.

Day 8

Journey from Gstaad to Lucerne

Itinerary

From Gstaad, the route continues to Lucerne. The route leads via Interlaken, Bern, the Emmental and Entlebuch.

Distance: 207 km

Overnight stay in Lucerne

A vast mountain landscape with green hills and snow-capped peaks in the background.

Day 9

Return journey from Lucerne via Zurich

Itinerary

Travel from Lucerne along Lake Lucerne via Altdorf and Schwyz to Zurich. Your journey ends there – or extend your stay.

Distance: 140 km

A historic wooden bridge and a tower by the water, with mountains in the background.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June to September

High season

July, August

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Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

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Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Following the photo spots
After the obligatory photo at one of the famous picture frames of the Grand Tour of Switzerland, nothing stands in the way of the onward journey.
Melanie