Driving around the scenic northern border of Lake Geneva, the picturesque resort town of Montreux is found just over an hour from the campervan depot. The Alps rise sharply to Montreux’s east, bordering the town as it spreads out along the lake’s pristine shoreline.
Located just off the shore is a medieval island castle, Château de Chillon, while the town itself is dotted with grand Belle Époque buildings and a modern casino.
The many towns that form the ‘Swiss Riviera’ are well connected by local train. Leave the campground and head into Vevey, a charming little village which has long attracted artists and intellectuals from Charlie Chaplin to Lord Byron.
Treat yourself to a splurge-worthy, Michelin-starred meal at the beautiful La Véranda for an elegant start to your Switzerland road trip. Be sure to devote a full day to the nearby Lavaux wine region, featuring 48.3 km of terraced vineyards running along the shores of Lake Geneva.
Nestled into the foothills of the Jura Mountains is Neuchâtel, an arguably undiscovered gem in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. We’re not sure why Neuchâtel isn’t on many travellers’ radar, but we’ll happily add it to this blissful Switzerland road trip itinerary.
Wander its medieval Old Town dotted with pretty, pastel mansions and numerous fountains, or indulge in some specialty shopping along its twinkling, modern boulevards.
With at least a full day to explore, get your fill of historic architecture like the Gothic cathedral Collégiale and the impressive, varied collections found at the Art & History Musem.
If you have your sea legs, a sailing excursion on Lake Neuchâtel is not to be missed. As it’s the largest of all the Swiss lakes, Neuchâtel is a popular place for sailors and boating enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the exciting Bol d’Or du Lac Neuchâtel regatta, held here every May.
Flick through any travel postcard rack and you’ll see photos of central Switzerland’s stunning Bernese-Oberland region. Settled between the bright blue waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken is the perfect base for exploring this area.
Speaking of postcards, your first road trip stop should be a visit to the fairy tale castle Oberhofen, with its dreamy turreted tower rising right out of Lake Thun.
If it’s an adventure you’re after, Interlaken’s incredible landscape makes it a popular destination for tandem paragliding. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, a worthy alternative is the viewing deck Harder Kulm, accessible by funicular with panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and beyond.
Leave a day to explore the surrounding villages, many just a quick drive from your campground. Lauterbrunnen is a must, a pretty little Alpine village tucked into a green valley at the base of a gushing 300-metre waterfall. Talk about a real-life postcard.
Pulling into the medieval town of Gruyères, the first thing you may notice is a certain pungent smell wafting through your windows. The town is home to one of Switzerland’s most popular exports, the melty and delicious Gruyère cheese.
Get your fix of the good stuff straight from the source. La Maison du Gruyère offers several daily tasty tours of their cheesemaking facilities, along with a traditional cheese shop where you can load up on goodies to take home.
Between all this fondue and chocolate, you might be feeling a bit over-indulged towards the end of your Switzerland road trip. Work off some of that excess with a refreshing hike around nearby Lake Montsalvens.
Starting in Charmey, the moderate trail circuit takes about three hours and affords gorgeous views of pretty Alpine vistas, the reservoir, and dam. Best of all, the trail ends close to the luxurious Gruyère Baths, the perfect final stop on a blissful Swiss road trip itinerary.
