Our Secret Tips for Your Switzerland Road Trip!

A road trip through Switzerland offers a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, impressive mountain panoramas, and charming villages. One route, which Simeon Baker himself traveled, leads over the Kunkelspass and Oberalppass, the Gotthard Pass, the Furka Pass, and finally to Arolla Camping and Zermatt.

Switzerland is known for its spectacular Alpine scenery, charming villages, and stunning lakes. A road trip through this beautiful country is one of the best ways to experience its beauty.

Driving through Alpine passes, along glittering lakes, and through picturesque villages offers unique experiences.

In this post, you'll learn about some of Switzerland's most famous and scenic places, including the Kunkelspass and Oberalppass, the Gotthard Pass, the Furka Pass, Arolla Camping, and Zermatt.

Whether you're adventurous or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, a road trip through Switzerland will give you unforgettable experiences and memories.

Switzerland Road Trip by Camper: Route and Tips

• Kunkelspass
• Oberalppass
• Andermatt
• Gotthard Pass
• Furka Pass
• Arolla
• Zermatt

Kunkelspass

On the first day, Simeon woke up at a beautiful campsite by a river. This camping spot is located here: 46°53'48.1"N 9°25'51.9"E. The municipality asks for a fee to help keep the place nice and clean. There's a sign with a QR code you can scan to pay online.

The spot is very quiet, and there were only a few other campers there. There are several fire pits you can use for free.

After breakfast, the journey begins at Kunkelspass, a scenic road connecting the cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden. The drive on this winding road takes you through breathtaking Alpine landscapes, forests, and along the picturesque Walensee.

Kunkelspass also offers several hiking opportunities that further highlight the beauty of the landscape.

The road is very narrow, but there are numerous places to stop and enjoy the views. Simeon stopped in the town of Tamins.

Oberalppass

From here, the journey continues to the Oberalppass, located 2,044 meters above sea level and an important crossing from Central Switzerland to the canton of Graubünden. Here, travelers can admire the majestic peaks of the Alps and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The scenery there is truly breathtaking.

At Oberalpsee, Simeon took a short break and decided to go for a hike. The hike led along a waterfall. No one else was around, and it was very quiet.

Andermatt

Afterward, the journey continued to Andermatt to enjoy a fondue. It's said to be the best in the area, and Simeon highly recommends it too. The restaurant is called "Ochsen".

Simeon stayed overnight at the "Gotthard Camping" campsite in town. Nothing fancy, but a good spot if you want to visit Andermatt.

Gotthard Pass

The next stop on this Switzerland road trip is the famous Gotthard Pass, which has been an important trade route through the Alps for centuries. Driving on this road is an unforgettable experience, as it leads through spectacular scenery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are also many hiking trails here that travelers can explore.

Simeon camped at the top of the Gotthard Pass at a beautiful wild camping spot next to a small river. No one was around, it was super quiet, and you have a beautiful view there.

Furka Pass

The famous Furka Pass, known from the James Bond film "Goldfinger," is a must-see. This road is particularly impressive because of the views of the Rhone Glacier and the majestic Furka peak. Here, too, travelers can take some hikes to enjoy the landscape.

Simeon stopped halfway to hike to the "Albert-Heim-Hütte".

From up there, you have a beautiful view, and there's delicious food and snacks. You can also stay overnight at the hut, which is certainly a nice experience.

Arolla

The next destination on this route is Arolla Camping, an idyllic place surrounded by a spectacular mountain backdrop. Here, travelers can relax and enjoy nature while staying in a cozy hut, camper, or tent.

On the way there, you'll pass the famous Hotel Belvedere, which is highly recommended for a visit.

After that, the journey continues towards Valais into a hidden valley to a town called Arolla.

There, Simeon stayed overnight at Europe's highest campsite – Arolla Camping.

A nature-oriented campsite with clean facilities. The staff is very friendly, and there's a small shop at reception with typical Swiss products like Rösti.

From the campsite, you can start various hikes in the region. For example, a short and easy hike to "Lac Bleu" lake.

Zermatt

The last stop on this trip is charming Zermatt, a picturesque town at the foot of the Matterhorn. Here you can take the famous cable car to the summit of the Matterhorn, go for a hike, or simply explore the cozy streets and local cuisine.

Zermatt is car-free. You can leave your car or camper in the town of Täsch. From there, you can quickly reach Zermatt by train and take the cogwheel train up the mountain to Sunegga.

From here, our hiking tip is the hike to the "Fluhalp" hut. Simeon spent the night there and enjoyed the sunrise the next morning with a view of the famous Matterhorn.

The hut is an experience in itself. Very old rustic rooms with a view of the Matterhorn, and you get a really good authentic dinner. Highly recommended if you visit Zermatt and want the best view of the Matterhorn.

> The best tips for off-road camping!

What other places should you visit during a Switzerland road trip?

During a Switzerland road trip, there are many other breathtaking places you can visit. Here are some stops you might consider adding:

1. Lucerne – A charming city on Lake Lucerne with a picturesque old town and majestic views of the Alps.
2. Interlaken – An idyllic town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Bernese Alps. Interlaken is known for its stunning landscapes and offers many activities like hiking, paragliding, and skiing.
3. Lauterbrunnen – A small village surrounded by towering rock faces and waterfalls. Here you can enjoy spectacular views and explore the surroundings on one of the many hikes.
4. Lake Geneva – The largest lake in Switzerland, surrounded by the Alps and the French and Swiss Alps. Here you'll find many picturesque towns and villages, including Lausanne and Montreux.
5. St. Moritz – An exclusive holiday region in the Engadin Valley, known for its luxurious hotels and ski resorts. There are also many high-end restaurants and boutiques here.
6. Lugano – A picturesque city on Lake Lugano, known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, historical sights, and excellent cuisine.

A road trip through Switzerland is a unique opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes and charming villages in the world. These additional stops can make your road trip even more unforgettable.

When is the best time to travel for a Switzerland road trip?

The best time to travel for a Switzerland road trip depends on individual preferences and travel plans. Switzerland is a year-round destination, so there's something to see and do in every season.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the best travel time:

Weather

The summer months from June to August are the warmest and sunniest months in Switzerland. Temperatures average between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Autumn, especially September and October, is also a good time to travel, as temperatures are mild and the colors of the leaves are spectacular.

In winter, the ski resorts in the Alps are open and offer snow lovers plenty of fun.

Tourists

The summer months are also the most visited months in Switzerland, especially in tourist areas like Zermatt and Interlaken. If you want to avoid crowds, you should consider traveling in the off-season.

Activities

The best travel time also depends on the activities you want to do during your Switzerland road trip.

If you want to go skiing, the winter months are ideal, of course, while hiking and other outdoor activities are possible in summer.

Overall, the best time for a Switzerland road trip is between June and October. However, spring can also be a good option to experience the beauty of the Alpine meadows, while winter is ideal for winter sports activities.

Conclusion: Switzerland Road Trip

A road trip through Switzerland is an unforgettable experience and offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. From scenic roads and picturesque villages to majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes, Switzerland has something for everyone.

The Kunkelspass and Oberalppass, Gotthard Pass, Furka Pass, Arolla Camping, and Zermatt are just some of the highlights of this unforgettable journey.