Road Tripping through Switzerland: A Vanlife Journey

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Switzerland, with its dramatic alpine landscapes, pristine lakes and charming villages, is a dream destination for any vanlife, or camping enthusiast. With winding mountain passes, scenic lakeside routes and world-famous vistas, this country offers some of the most breathtaking road trip experiences in Europe. Whether you’re in a campervan, or motorhome, driving the Swiss roads promises an adventure at every turn. In this guide, we’ll explore the best scenic drives in Switzerland for an unforgettable campervan holiday.

Before you embark on your Swiss adventure, check out our comprehensive guide: Vanlife in Europe: Your Complete Guide to Driving Your Campervan or Motorhome from the UK to Mainland Europe and if you plan on travelling with your dog, check out Exploring the EU with your Dog: What Pet Owners Need to Know! These resources cover everything you need to know for a seamless road trip, from ferry crossings to essential documents.

The best scenic drives in Switzerland for a campervan, or motorhome holiday include:

1. The Grand Tour of Switzerland

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a tourist driving route designed to showcase the country’s most stunning landscapes, cultural sites and scenic roads, covering a whopping 1,643 km (1,021 miles)!  It takes road trippers through all four linguistic regions (German, French, Italian and Romansh), 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and five Alpine passes - making it one of the most comprehensive road trips in Europe. It is recommended to drive this route with at least a week (7-10 days, or longer for a more relaxed pace).

The Alpine Passes include:

  1. Furka Pass (2,429m)

  2. Grimsel Pass (2,164m)

  3. Susten Pass (2,264m)

  4. Gotthard Pass (2,106m)

  5. Albula Pass (2,312m)

Highlights:

  • Lakes. Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, Lake Constance, and more.

  • UNESCO Sites. The Lavaux Vineyards, the Old Town of Bern and the Rhaetian Railway.

  • Cities & Villages. Stops include Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt (via Täsch), Montreux, Lugano, and St. Moritz.

  • Border Crossings. Though it remains within Switzerland, it comes close to Italy, France, Germany, and Liechtenstein.

2. The Furka Pass

If you’re a fan of scenic mountain passes, Furka Pass is a must-drive route. This high-altitude road reaches 2,429 meters and is famous for its dramatic hairpin bends and panoramic views.

Highlights:

  • The iconic Hotel BelvĂ©dère and RhĂ´ne Glacier

  • Views of the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps

  • Thrilling switchbacks and steep climbs

  • Filming location of James Bond’s Goldfinger

3. The Gotthard Pass & Tremola Road

For history lovers and adventure seekers alike, the Gotthard Pass is an unforgettable experience. While the modern tunnel is a faster alternative, the old cobblestone Tremola Road offers a unique and scenic way to traverse the pass.

Highlights:

  • 24 switchback turns along the historic Tremola Road

  • Views of the stunning Ticino region

  • The Gotthard Hospice, dating back to the 13th century

  • Perfect mix of history and high-altitude adventure

4. The Bernina Pass

Connecting Switzerland with Italy, the Bernina Pass offers a spectacular drive through the Engadin Valley, following the famous Bernina Express train route.

Highlights:

  • Panoramic views of glaciers and alpine lakes

  • Stunning scenery along the route to St. Moritz

  • The dramatic Morteratsch Glacier

  • Easy access to Livigno, a tax-free shopping paradise in Italy

5. The Susten Pass

One of the most scenic yet lesser-travelled roads in Switzerland, the Susten Pass offers a jaw-dropping drive with glacier views and lush alpine meadows.

Highlights:

  • The Steingletscher (Stein Glacier) viewpoint

  • Sweeping hairpin bends and mountain tunnels

  • Tranquil nature spots, perfect for a campervan stop

  • Connects to the Furka and Grimsel Pass for a thrilling mountain loop

6. The Klausen Pass

An underrated gem, the Klausen Pass takes you through deep valleys and alpine meadows, making it a peaceful yet exhilarating road trip route.

Highlights:

  • Traditional Swiss chalets and pastures

  • Sweeping views of the Glarus Alps

  • Fewer tourists compared to other passes

  • Great for a relaxed and scenic campervan experience

7. The Great St. Bernard Pass

This legendary pass, one of the oldest in the Alps, takes you along the route used by Napoleon’s army in 1800.

Highlights:

  • Historic landmarks and the famous Great St. Bernard Hospice

  • Breathtaking alpine views at 2,469 meters

  • A mix of Swiss and Italian landscapes

  • Possibility to spot the famous St. Bernard dogs (during the summer only). During summer months, The Barry Foundation brings St. Bernards to the pass for visitors to see.

    • Stunning high-altitude location at 2,469m on the Swiss-Italian border.

Tips driving a campervan, or motorhome in Switzerland

  • Vignette & Tolls. Switzerland requires a motorway vignette (CHF 40), which can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations, and online. For more information about what you need to drive your campervan, or motorhome from the UK, check out this useful blog post - Vanlife in Europe: Your Complete Guide to Driving Your Campervan or Motorhome from the UK to Mainland Europe

  • Wild Camping. Official wild camping spots are limited, but designated campervan areas and campsites are well-maintained. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, check out Make the Most of Your Camping Trip to Switzerland on a Budget for tips on affordable stays and hidden gem locations.

  • Fuel Up. Fuel stations in remote areas are sparse and expensive, so plan your fuel stops accordingly.

  • Weather Considerations. Many high-altitude passes close during winter (October–May), so check conditions before heading out. 

Switzerland’s scenic roads make it a paradise for campervan travellers. Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, historic passes, or tranquil lakeside spots, this country offers some of the most unforgettable road trip experiences in Europe. Take it slow, soak in the views  and enjoy the freedom of vanlife in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

For an even smoother and stress-free experience, check out our Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide, a huge time-saving resource that will help you plan your family-friendly adventure with ease - so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making unforgettable memories on the road.

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