Switzerland Mountain Lakes Winter Road Trip + Map 🚗
Snow on the rooftops, steam on your hot chocolate, and lakes so still they look like glass. This Switzerland Mountain Lakes Winter Road Trip rolls from glamorous Montreux to storybook Lucerne, threading through Gstaad, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. You’ll drive easy valley roads, then switch to mountain railways for the big views: clifftop villages, glacier decks, and that turquoise winter glow on Lakes Brienz and Thun. Think fondue by candlelight, slow strolls along lakefront promenades, and first lifts on bluebird mornings. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is outrageous, and the plan is flexible enough to swerve around weather. Pack layers, download playlists, and leave room for a daily bakery stop. Alpine winter done right. ❄️🚗
Switzerland Mountain Lakes Winter Road Trip
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
- Start / End: Montreux → Lucerne
- Total Distance: 🚗 Approx. 155 miles / 250 km
- Recommended Time: ⌛ 5–7 days
- Best window: December to March for snow, Christmas markets, and winter railways.
- Driving style: Motorways mixed with scenic A-roads, valley lanes, a few mountain passes. Leave buffer time for weather.
- Winter driving: Winter tyres strongly recommended, carry chains if you’re heading onto higher routes.
- Parking + trains combo: Park in valley towns and use mountain railways for stress-free peaks.
- Top lakes en route: Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Lake Lucerne.
🚗 Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars
🗺️ 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Montreux: Lakefront sparkle on Léman 🎄❄️
Glide into Montreux for a mellow first day. The palm-lined promenade looks surreal in winter, with the Alps rising over Lake Geneva. If it’s running, hop the cogwheel up to Rochers-de-Naye for a snowy panorama and a hot chocolate that warms your soul. Chillon Castle on the water is moody and atmospheric in the cold months.
📍 Things to do:
- Lakefront walk from Montreux to Chillon Castle
- Rochers-de-Naye mountain ride for views and snow play
- Photo stop at Clarens pier at golden hour
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If the lake breeze bites, warm up in covered arcades along the old town, then time sunset at the statue of Freddie Mercury.
🔥 Recommended Tour: Montreux Lake cruise
🗺️ Must-Read: Reykjavik, Iceland: An In-Depth Guide for First-Time Visitors
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
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Day 2 — Gstaad: Alpine chic and cheese dreams 🧀⛷️
Wind through the Pays d’Enhaut to wooden chalets and snowy lanes. Even non-skiers have plenty to do: winter walks, horse-sleigh rides, boutique browsing, and the easy gondola to snow decks. Nearby Glacier 3000 (via Col du Pillon) delivers proper high-alpine drama.
📍Things to do:
- Winter walk from Gstaad to Saanen
- Gondola to Eggli or Wispile for views and warm decks
- Optional: Glacier 3000 for peak panoramas and the Peak Walk by Tissot (check opening)
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Fancy fondue outside? Ask for a fondue backpack in Gstaad and picnic on a signed winter trail.
🗺️ More info: All Our Guides to Switzerland
Day 3 — Grindelwald: Big peaks, Bigger Grins 🏔️🛷
Arrive beneath the Eiger’s north face. Choose First for the Cliff Walk and groomed winter trails, or head to Grindelwald Terminal for the speedy Eiger Express to the Jungfraujoch if skies are crystal. Sledging fans, the runs here are silly fun.
📍 Things to do:
- First Cliff Walk and panoramic winter trails
- Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
- Sledging on Bussalp or Faulhorn routes
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Book first lifts on clear days to beat crowds and catch sharper views, then slow-brunch back in the village.
🗺️ Guide to Grindelwald: Grindelwald First: The Ultimate Guide
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Day 4 — Lauterbrunnen: Waterfalls and quiet valley vibes 🧤🏔️
The valley of 72 waterfalls is peaceful in winter. Staubbach can freeze into a glassy veil, and Trümmelbach may be closed, but the mood is still cinematic. Park up, then take trains to Wengen or the cable car to Mürren for sunlit terraces above the valley.
📍 Things to do:
- Valley walk from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg
- Train to Wengen for views and gentle village laps
- Cable to Mürren for clifftop scenery and short winter hikes
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Save your knees and use rail day passes here. The views from car-free villages are half the magic.
🗺️ Guide to Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen Uncovered: Ultimate Guide for Your Swiss Alps Adventure
Day 5 — Interlaken: Twin lakes, easy base 🧊🚤
Interlaken sits neatly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Even if some viewpoints rest in winter, you’ll find cruises, lakeside strolls, paragliding on good-weather days, and quick train hops to photogenic spots.
📍 Things to do:
- Short lake cruise or shore walk at Brienz
- Unterseen old quarter wander
- Day hop to Iseltwald pier for icy-calm photos
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you’re chasing turquoise water, head for Lake Brienz on bright days. The colour pops even in winter light.
🗺️ Further Reading: Interlaken Intrigue: Adventure and Beauty Combined!
Day 6 — Lucerne: Bridges, confetti, and mountain railways 🌉🚞
Finish in Lucerne with its half-timbered old town, the Kapellbrücke, and mountain choices galore. Rigi and Titlis run year-round, so you can pick panoramic walks, glacier caves, or just cosy cafés beside the Reuss.
📍 Things to do:
- Kapellbrücke and Old Town loop
- Cogwheel or cable car to Mount Rigi or Titlis
- Lake Lucerne promenade at twilight
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you land in Lucerne near Carnival season, bring earplugs. The brass bands go hard, in the best way.
🗺️ Must-read: Lucerne Travel Guide
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
🛑 Pit Stops & Side Detours
- Chillon Castle (near Montreux): Moody lakeside fortress perfect for wintry photos.
- Gruyères old town: Creamy fondue, meringues with double cream, cobbles and views.
- Glacier 3000: High-alpine fix from Col du Pillon, weather dependent.
- Kandersteg & Oeschinensee: If the trail is open, Oeschinen is a frozen-lake heart-stealer.
- Mürren & Schilthorn: Car-free ledges and Bond-flavoured panorama if conditions allow.
- Giessbach Falls & Grandhotel terrace (Lake Brienz): Winter access varies, views don’t.
- Mount Rigi from Vitznau / Weggis: Dreamy cogwheel ride with gentle winter paths.
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Fondue or raclette after a cold day outside.
- Rösti with mountain cheese and a fried egg.
- Älplermagronen (alpine macaroni) with apple compote, salty-sweet perfection.
- Nidelkuchen in the Bernese Oberland, rich and celebratory.
- Meringues with Gruyère double cream, dangerously moreish.
- Hot chocolate that tastes like a hug.
🎶 Road Trip Playlist
A winter mix that feels alpine and a little cinematic:
- “Holocene” – Bon Iver
- “Midnight City” – M83
- “On Hold” – The xx
- “Let It Happen” – Tame Impala
- “Far Away” – José González
- “Leave a Light On” – Tom Walker
- “Retrograde” – James Blake
- “Young Blood (Acoustic)” – The Naked and Famous
- “Northern Sky” – Nick Drake
- “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Download offline – signal can drop out.
🎙️ Podcasts to Queue Up
- Armchair Explorer for story-led travel.
- Outside Podcast for mountain mishaps and lessons.
- Gastropod for food history between fondue sessions.
- 80,000 Hours Problem Profiles for big-thinking drives.
- The Rest Is History for castle days.
- Radiolab for curiosity hits on longer legs.
🎒 Road Trip Essentials
- Winter car kit: scraper, de-icer, gloves, small shovel, torch, blanket.
- Tyres & chains: winter tyres fitted, chains in the boot if heading high.
- Layers that actually work: base layer, insulating mid, waterproof outer, warm hat.
- Footwear: waterproof boots with grip. Pavements get icy.
- Power & payments: car charger, battery pack, contactless card, a bit of cash for small huts.
- Passes & tickets: check rail day passes for Jungfrau and Lucerne mountains if you plan multiple lifts.
- Wellness kit: lip balm, rich moisturiser, sunglasses. Winter sun on snow is strong.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Plan one “weather-flex” day. Swap mountain plans with lake walks if clouds roll in.
Rent a Car
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
When’s the best time to go?
December to March is ideal. Late January to February usually brings the most reliable snow. Expect shorter daylight and book ahead around Christmas, New Year and school holidays.
Do I need winter tyres and a vignette?
Winter tyres are strongly recommended for Swiss winter driving. Carry chains if you plan higher roads. You’ll need the Swiss motorway vignette for any motorway use.
How do I get the FREE map?
The free map is available via Google Maps with no signup required. After clicking the “View Map” link, go to “Your Places” > “Maps” in the Google Maps app to find the route. Save it for offline use, especially in areas with spotty signal.
Are the big mountain passes open in winter?
Many high passes close for the season, but this route sticks to valleys and main roads that are usually kept clear. For high-altitude extras like Glacier 3000, check daily conditions before you go.
Should I drive or use mountain railways?
Do both. Drive the town-to-town legs, then park and ride cogwheels and cable cars for the peaks. Consider regional rail passes if you’ll do multiple lift rides in the Jungfrau or Lucerne areas.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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