What do I have to consider when picking up a rental 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. There is often a surcharge for young drivers under the age of 25. A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented when picking up the rental car. A valid driver's license is also required. Additional drivers can be registered on site for a surcharge .

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

The route is well marked with over 650 signs . Highways are only used if necessary. You will also receive a travel guide 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 long does each daily stage take and how many kilometers do I drive per day?

The daily stages of the Grand Tour of Switzerland vary , but you can expect a driving time of around 3 to 5 hours per day . The exact number of kilometers / miles and driving time for each stage are specified in the program . Depending on the route, stops, and traffic , the travel time may also vary slightly.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with 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 kilometers / 994 miles 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 lively city life.

9 days / 8 nights

from $ 1,450

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 gas 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

Travel itinerary

Direction

Overview

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

Day 1

Journey to Zurich

Daily Itinerary

You 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

Travel from Zurich to St. Gallen

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 150 km / 93 mi

Overnight stay in St. Gallen

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

Day 3

Travel from St. Gallen to Davos

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 183 km / 114 mi

Overnight stay in Davos

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

Day 4

Journey from Davos to Lugano

Daily Itinerary

From Davos, you travel via the Engadine to Lugano. Great scenery awaits you along the way.

Distance: 290 km / 180 mi

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

Daily 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 / 162 mi

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

Trip from Zermatt to Montreux

Daily Itinerary

You drive from Zermatt to Montreux. The route leads along the Rhone River through Valais, past Sion and Martigny.

Distance: 150 km / 93 mi

Overnight stay in Montreux

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

Day 7

Trip from Montreux to Gstaad

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 160 km / 99 mi

Overnight stay in Gstaad

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

Day 8

Travel from Gstaad to Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 207 km / 129 mi

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

Daily Itinerary

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

Distance: 140 km / 87 mi

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.

Learn more

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

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

Tailor the trip to your needs.

9 days / 8 nights

from $ 1,450

Direction

Car rental
rent a car directly
Choose your accommodation
Select hotel and room category
Additional activities
Add activities and mountain excursions directly to your trip
Customize the duration of your trip
Extend your stay, as preferred