LIFESTYLE Swiss-made adventure time: Peaks, Passes & Urban Trails

Welcome to the breathtaking wonderland of Switzerland, where winding roads and picturesque vistas come together to create a driver’s paradise. As the nation’s special day is here, we gear up to explore some of the best scenic drives this alpine jewel has to offer. From adrenaline-pumping hairpin turns that make time fly by, to leisurely cruises along serene lakes that seem to slow time down, get ready for an exhilarating journey through Switzerland’s most fabulous roads, where every moment behind the wheel is a timeless adventure.

Timeless thrills: the Gotthard Pass

Why settle for the tunnel when you can embark on an Alpine adventure through the Gotthard Pass? The 2108m pass bridges the Italian-speaking region of Ticino and the German-speaking region of Uri. The wild and quiet scenery brings you to the seasonal Museo Nazionale San Gottardo, built in an old customs house, where you can explore the history and culture of this famous route. Some stories tell how it was even feared by the Romans and was non transversable until the Devil’s Bridge was built in the 1300s. Some other highlights include the bridge over Schöllenen Gorge, and the grand finale: a cobblestone descent on the Tremola road all the way down to the city of Airolo. 

Time tips: Just like the Furka Pass, the Gotthard Pass is usually open from June-October, or anytime it isn’t snowing. 

Urban-Nature trail: from Zürich to Bern 

If high-altitudes are not quite your thing, this road trip has the best of both worlds: city life and Switzerland’s famous nature. From Zürich’s cultural hotspots and cool waterfront bars, drive along the scenic shores of Lake Zürich, with changing views of the Alps around you. Some towns you can explore along the way are Rapperswil with its fairytale feel and hilltop castle, or Einsiedeln with its Benedictine abbey. But, the best part about this route is the ability to pick and choose your stops according to your interests. Not to miss, however, is Lucerne, with its unique Old Town and exciting art galleries. Before reaching Bern you can detour to Lake Uri to see its turquoise waters and fjord-like scenery, or Emmental if you prefer a food-centric tour. 

Time tips: As this tour is not dependent on weather conditions, you can plan your trip anytime you like, but we suggest you set aside around a week to enjoy all that it has to offer. 

Time-travellers’ paradise: La Vallée de Joux 

No true Swiss adventure is complete without a trip to the horology capital of the world: La Vallée de Joux, where nature’s wonders blend with timeless watchmaking. Connect with nature at Lake Joux and Risoud Forest or uncover your passion for watchmaking at the interactive museum, Espace Horloger, which aims to ignite the passion for the industry. 

Whether you’re conquering the mountains on the Furka Pass, embarking on thrilling roads through the Gotthard Pass, or exploring the way from Zürich to Bern, Switzerland’s scenic drives promise to be an unforgettable trip.

And while we encourage you to have fun, keeping track of time on the road is essential. And if you need some help to pick out a road-trip companion you can have a look at our selection here.