Swiss Grand Tour: How to Cover 1600 km on the Most Scenic Routes in Europe.

Magic Landscapes of Switzerland

According to The Sun: Traveling among picturesque lakes, hills, and charming villages, I discover Switzerland that can only be experienced on the road.

This journey resembles the European version of Route 66 — a route that surpasses the legendary highway in the USA.

The marina in Lausanne

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is meticulously planned to cover all of the country's main attractions: 46 landmarks, 22 lakes, five mountain passes, and 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This 1021-mile route celebrates its tenth anniversary, making it the perfect time to embark on a journey.

Lausanne — The Olympic City

I began my journey in hilly Lausanne, known as the 'Olympic City' due to the headquarters of the Olympic Games located here.

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, I decided to plunge into the inviting turquoise waters.

The healing water was so warm — 22 degrees in summer.

Lausanne has successfully utilized its proximity to the lake by creating numerous artificial beaches.

My favorite swimming spot is Ouchy beach, a free relaxation area with a platform hanging over the water, which opened last summer.

While Lausanne is known as a center for recreation and wellness, the city truly thrives. There is a medieval old town with cobblestone streets, the Olympic Museum, and a vibrant nightlife.

Journey to Neuchâtel

From here, the Grand Tour winds clockwise to Neuchâtel.

This trip is more about the journey than the destination.

Fortunately, the route is easy to navigate thanks to 650 distinctive road signs. It is one of the few routes that can be traveled by electric car due to the dense network of charging stations.

Setting out on my journey in a comfortable car, I enjoyed the views of green meadows and vast forests.

The freedom of traveling by car allows you to reach hiking spots that are hard to access by public transport.

One such spot is Creux du Van — a massive rock encircling a deep hollow, known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' in Val-d'Illiez.

The old town of Neuchâtel is the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

The Middle Ages and Swiss Cheeses

After a short hike from the roadside, I enjoyed a 360-degree panoramic view of the Alps and the Jura valleys.

Aside from the distant sounds of cowbells, it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

In addition to the luxurious landscapes, gastronomy also plays an important role in this journey, highlighting the country's mastery in cheese-making and chocolate production.

The picturesque town of Gruyères, located 269 feet above the Saane Valley, is famous for its renowned cheeses. The perfect place to try is the Table des Chevaliers restaurant.

This restaurant serves cheese in the traditional way — in fondue, with a pleasant view of the foothills.

At the center of Gruyères stands a medieval castle, which also features one of the 88 scenic photo spots on the Grand Tour for the perfect snapshot.

If you love cheese, don't miss a trip to the Emmental Valley and a visit to Emmentaler Show Dairy.

Here you can explore former dairy facilities and learn about the production process before tasting local delicacies.

My five-day adventure ended in Lucerne, where the most famous architectural landmark is the 672-foot Chapel Bridge, considered the oldest covered bridge in Europe.

I felt that I truly experienced the essence of Switzerland in the most authentic way, with a full stomach of dairy products.

This trip should be a must for everyone, even if it sounds a bit cliché.

The Chapel Bridge and the water tower in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Exploring Switzerland on the Grand Tour is not just a sightseeing trip but a true journey into the history and culture of the country. From ancient castles to the workshops of chocolate makers — every corner brings new experiences. This route offers the opportunity not only to enjoy natural beauties but also to feel the spirit of national identity, from famous Swiss cheeses to the grandeur of the Alps. This is why the Grand Tour of Switzerland is becoming increasingly popular among tourists from all over the world.