Driving through Switzerland

[Peddyboy]

Hi all,
I am planning a trip for the end of next May through Switzerland & was wondering if any of you that has driven through there might recommend places or drives that are a must.
I am planning to start in Basel then drive to Interlaken then down to lake Locarno via the Grimsel pass, then from Locarno up to lake Lucerne.
Any info on places to see & drive through will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

[pvr]

At least the poxy cyclists should have gone by now, so the passes should be great fun.

Stelvio pass is often ruined by cyclists, so not that great to drive then.

[revesby37]

Here's a tip - if you drive on the motorways in Switzerland you will need a permit - this goes on to your windscreen, and costs around £30. Even if you're just passing through.

My brother , who lives there, gave me a tip a while back - come off the motorway before you get into Switzerland, then pick the motorway up if you need to. Avoids the permit. I've done it lots of times and never had any bother.

[alexf65]

I have been there many times, try to look at http://www.alpineroads.com for some great advice.

Anyway for me the best are Lukmanier pass, San Gotthard pass (the old road on bricks and not asphalt), Bernina Pass, Splugen Pass. And then go to Stelvio too, you cannot miss it.

[Peddyboy]

Many thanks for your help so far.
Alexf, can you be more specific on where these passes are?
It will be easier for me to sort a route.
Thanks

[alexf65]

In the southern part of Switzerland, you can find them on Google Maps (unless you are on a iOS device ) and you can find them very easily.

Here a suggested trip:

https://maps.google.it/maps?saddr=Saint ... ls&t=m&z=9

[Peddyboy]

Many thanks.
Great help.

[ronk]

For thirty quid dont risk it! revesby37's brother lives there and knows all the little wrinkles - Dont bother to pre buy the vignette, just stop the border crossing and pay up - If the polizei catch you they will drain your wallet!
Oh and watch out for drivers joining the motorway, the all seem to have blinkers or tunnel vision!

[Guiseley]

Dont bother to pre buy the vignette, just stop the border crossing and pay up

slight tweak to that advice - buy from service station before border 35 euro buy at border 40 euro - that's what I found out about 6 weeks ago!

[3cfe]

St Bernard pass is worth a look. Stop in at Verbier and the local ski resorts I shall be driving down there this ski season.

[ronk]

The passes are good but I used the Spluga on the way to Italy and had traffic!!!! Had a quick squirt here and there but it was impossible to do a Top Gear impersonation. It was the same on the home trip via St Moritz - Plus a bit of rain!!!

[thauma]

check the weather before you go - not all of the passes may be open….. so have an alternative planned.


Great place, been there many times on the motorbike and absolutely loved it. (note to self, must take the car sometime)

Top tip….. drive the passes mid-week, because at the weekend with the sun shining, the motorbikes will be swarming like wasps round a honeypot

[Peddyboy]

Thanks for all your help so far.

The drive is not planned until the last week of May next year so hopefully the passes will be open by then.
Saying that, I have made alternative routes to each stop just in case they are still closed.
The drive is Monday to Friday as again, I imagined weekends are going to be busy.

Thanks again for the info up to now.