Short breaks by car from Switzerland: Discover top destinations

Contents:

• Milan, Italy – Style, culture and Italian joie de vivre
• Lyon, France – A culinary hub and a city of historic splendour
• Munich, Germany – where tradition meets modernity
• Colmar, France – A fairytale experience in Alsace
• Verona, Italy – Romance and history in the city of Romeo and Juliet
• Innsbruck, Austria – Alpine idyll and cultural highlights
• Annecy, France – The ‘Venice of the Alps’
• Konstanz, Germany – Historic charm on Lake Constance
• The Black Forest, Germany – A natural paradise and cultural heritage
• Conclusion: Spectacular short breaks – Discover the diversity of Europe

Milan, Italy – style, culture and Italian joie de vivre

Just a three-hour train journey from Zurich, Milan awaits – a city that perfectly combines style, culture and joie de vivre – ideal for a short break from Switzerland. Most of the sights are close together, so you can easily explore the city on foot. Visit the majestic Milan Cathedral, admire Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ or stroll through the trendy Brera district, known for its charming alleyways and trendy cafés. 

Our recommendation: take a detour to the Fondazione Prada, one of the city’s most avant-garde attractions. Here you can admire contemporary art in an impressive old distillery complex. As well as changing exhibitions, you’ll always find works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois and Dan Flavin. If you need a break afterwards, visit Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson, which, with its 1950s atmosphere, feels like a film set – the perfect place for a drink and a snack.

Teatro La Scala: One of Milan’s most glamorous attractions. To round off your day, be sure to plan a visit to the famous Teatro La Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. The opera season runs from December to June, and it’s advisable to book tickets as far in advance as possible. For last-minute visitors, there are often tickets available at the box office two and a half hours before the performance begins. An evening at La Scala is the perfect way to round off your stay in this fascinating city – an ideal destination for a stylish short break by car.

A short break in Lyon, France – a culinary hub and a city of historic splendour

Lyon, just about two hours by train from Geneva, is a true paradise for foodies and history buffs. As France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon offers a wealth of culinary experiences that you can enjoy in the traditional ‘bouchons lyonnais’. But the city has much more to offer: the well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its magnificent Renaissance buildings and picturesque alleyways that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Our tip: If you’re visiting Lyon in December, don’t miss the Fête des Lumières – a fascinating festival of lights that transforms the entire city into a sparkling spectacle. The festival dates back to 1852, when the people of Lyon first placed candles in coloured glasses in their windows to celebrate the unveiling of a new statue of the Virgin Mary on Fourvière Hill. Today, during the Fête des Lumières, buildings, squares and rivers are illuminated by impressive light installations that bathe Lyon in a magical and unique atmosphere – ideal for unforgettable short breaks – ideal for unforgettable short trips and special destinations accessible by car from Switzerland.

Munich, Germany – Where tradition meets modernity

A short drive from Switzerland to Munich – just about three-and-a-half hours by train from Zurich – offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Start your day at Marienplatz, the heart of the city, and explore the Old Town with its historic alleyways. A stroll through the English Garden, one of the world’s largest city parks, offers a chance to relax – perhaps with a Maß of beer in one of the traditional beer gardens.

Our recommendation: Discover the charming and authentic side of Munich at the Hofflohmärkte, which take place in the hidden courtyards of various neighbourhoods. These flea markets offer a unique opportunity to stroll through the lovingly designed courtyards and discover real treasures – from vintage clothing and antique furniture to handmade works of art. Here, you can not only take home some special finds, but also experience the lively and creative side of Munich’s neighbourhoods first-hand. A short trip from Switzerland to Munich by car – it doesn’t get much more authentic than this.

Tip: Discover the best sights in Munich in our blog post here.

A short break in Colmar, France – A fairytale experience in Alsace

Colmar, just an hour’s train ride from Basel, is a town straight out of a fairy tale. With its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and colourful floral displays, this Alsatian gem exudes an unrivalled romantic atmosphere. Here, time seems to have stood still, and every step through the old town transports you to a bygone era.

Our recommendation: Colmar lies at the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, one of the oldest and most beautiful wine routes in France. Make the most of the opportunity to sample local wines. Many wineries in and around Colmar offer tastings where you can discover the variety and quality of Alsatian wines. A visit to one of the charming wine cellars or a stroll through the surrounding vineyards is the perfect way to round off your stay.

Verona, Italy – Romance and history in the city of Romeo and Juliet

Verona, an ideal destination for a short break or a short road trip from Switzerland – located about five hours by train from Zurich – is a city that combines romance and history in a fascinating way. As the setting for Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*, Verona has a magical allure that is reflected in every corner of the city. The well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its blend of Roman ruins, medieval alleyways and Renaissance palaces.

Our recommendation: visit the Biblioteca Capitolare, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, dating back to the 5th century. This impressive library houses an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts and documents, offering a unique insight into Verona’s history and cultural heritage. A tour of the historic rooms is like a journey through time and a must for anyone wishing to discover the intellectual and cultural depth of this city.

A short break from Switzerland to Innsbruck, Austria – Alpine idyll and cultural highlights

Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is nestled amongst the majestic Alps and is only about three and a half hours by train from Zurich. This charming city uniquely combines alpine nature experiences with cultural highlights, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Our recommendation: An absolute highlight of your visit to Innsbruck should be the Bergisel ski jump, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. The ski jump, which hosts international competitions, not only offers a fascinating insight into the world of ski jumping but also a breathtaking panoramic view over Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps.

Annecy, France – The ‘Venice of the Alps’

Annecy, often affectionately referred to as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, is a picturesque little town in the French Alps, just about an hour by bus or 40 minutes by car from Geneva, and is perfect for a short break by car from Switzerland. This enchanting town, situated on the shores of the crystal-clear Lac d’Annecy, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic architecture and French charm.

Our recommendation: explore Lac d’Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, surrounded by impressive mountains. Take a relaxing boat trip or hire a kayak to enjoy the picturesque scenery from the water. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can cycle around the lake on the well-maintained cycle path, which offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding mountains. A picnic on the lakeshore is also highly recommended – let yourself be enchanted by the idyllic natural setting whilst enjoying regional delicacies. A short trip from Switzerland to France by car – it doesn’t get much more relaxing than this.

A short break in Konstanz, Germany – historic charm on Lake Constance

Konstanz, the largest city on Lake Constance, lies right on the border with Switzerland and can be reached from Zurich in about an hour by train or car. This lively university town combines historic architecture, an idyllic lakeside setting and a rich cultural scene, making it an ideal destination for a short break by car from Switzerland.

Our recommendation: Stroll through the Niederburg, Konstanz’s oldest district, which enchants with its medieval charm. Here you’ll find narrow alleyways that have existed since the Middle Ages, lined with historic buildings and charming front doors. Niederburg offers a special atmosphere that you can experience on a leisurely stroll past the small shops, inviting restaurants and wine bars. 

The Black Forest, Germany – a natural paradise and cultural heritage

The Black Forest, one of Germany’s most beautiful and diverse regions, lies just an hour or so from the Swiss border and is a true paradise for nature lovers and explorers. This picturesque landscape, renowned for its dense forests, rolling hills and idyllic villages, offers the perfect blend of tranquillity, adventure and cultural heritage – ideal for a short break from Switzerland by car.

Our recommendation: After an active day in the great outdoors, treat yourself to some downtime at one of the Black Forest’s many thermal spas. Here you can relax in soothing thermal waters, unwind and enjoy the healing effects of the warm springs. The idyllic surroundings and luxurious ambience make a visit to a Black Forest spa an unforgettable wellness experience.

What tips are there for a short break by car from Switzerland?

A well-planned short break by car from Switzerland is not only practical, but also opens up unexpected opportunities for spontaneous experiences and new sights right on your doorstep.

• Choose your destinations wisely: Ideal destinations are those that can be reached within 1–5 hours, such as the Black Forest, Konstanz, Annecy or South Tyrol. These places offer a mix of nature, culture and relaxation.
• Don’t forget tolls and vignettes: For many neighbouring countries, you’ll need a motorway vignette or will have to factor in toll charges – this is particularly important for a short trip by car from Switzerland.
• Plan well in advance: Especially at long weekends, it’s worth booking accommodation in advance. Some regions are particularly popular for short breaks in Switzerland by car.
• Plan in breaks: Make the most of the flexibility of travelling by car to visit scenic viewpoints, cafés or small villages along the way.
• Adapt your packing list: Remember to pack a charging cable for the car, snacks, a good playlist and weatherproof clothing – depending on your destination and the season.
• Travel sustainably: If you want to travel sustainably, you can carpool or use an electric car – many destinations accessible by car from Switzerland now offer good charging infrastructure.

Spectacular short breaks: Discover the diversity of Europe

Short breaks are a wonderful way to escape the daily grind and discover new places. Europe offers an impressive variety of destinations that are easy to reach – from vibrant cities and picturesque villages to tranquil natural paradises. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, culinary delights or breathtaking landscapes, Europe has something to suit every taste.

And best of all: on our Traveldeals page, you’ll find a wide selection of charming and affordable accommodation to make your short break unforgettable. So pack your bags and let yourself be inspired by Europe’s diversity – your next adventure is already waiting for you!