In 2018, my husband and I started what would become one of our favorite traditions: road trips across Europe. It was our first two-week car trip, carefully planned but filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Stick around to find out about our Switzerland road trip adventure.

We didn’t know exactly what awaited us — just that we wanted to explore, to enjoy the road, and to discover new places together. What we didn’t expect was that this journey would become one of the most meaningful in our lives — the trip where my husband proposed to me, in Salzburg.

We left Bucharest on a cool summer morning, the car packed and our hearts racing with anticipation. Ahead of us lay thousands of kilometers — and the promise of a dream experience.

The First Stop of Our Switzerland Road Trip: Arad

Our first leg took us from Bucharest to Arad. It was a long day on the road, but an important one to cut down the distance. We stopped there for a night to rest before the longest drive of the trip: Arad to Salzburg, around 11 hours behind the wheel.

Arad is a pleasant city for a short stop — with charming old buildings and good restaurants in the center. It’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Salzburg – The City of Our Engagement and Alpine Charm

The next day was the most demanding: Arad to Salzburg, with only a few short breaks along the way. As we crossed Hungary and Austria, the scenery grew more and more beautiful. By the time the Alps appeared in the distance, the exhaustion had faded.

Salzburg welcomed us with calm elegance. A small, tidy, romantic city surrounded by mountains, dominated by the Hohensalzburg Fortress watching from above.

But the memory that will stay with me forever is our walk up Kapuzinerberg Hill, where my (then) boyfriend nervously took out a ring and asked me to marry him. His clumsy, heartfelt proposal brought tears to my eyes — it was imperfectly perfect.

Later we wandered the old town streets, listened to street musicians, and soaked in the magic of the city. Salzburg is peaceful, picturesque, and ideal for couples seeking quiet romance.

After two nights here, it was time to head toward our main destination: the heart of our Switzerland road trip: Switzerland itself.

The Journey to Switzerland – Salzburg → Lausanne

The next drive of our Switzerland road trip was another long one — about seven hours — crossing Austria from east to west before entering Switzerland. The scenery along the way was spectacular: alpine lakes, winding tunnels, and postcard-perfect views.

When we reached Lausanne, a heavy rain was pouring down. We checked into our hotel, left our luggage, and found shelter in a cozy Italian restaurant nearby. It was the perfect ending to a long travel day.

We stayed at Tulip Inn Beaulieu Lausanne, and to our surprise, the staff offered a free room upgrade — from a standard double to a top-floor apartment. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was spacious, quiet, and had a lovely city view.

Switzerland Road Trip – Exploring Lausanne

Lausanne has a unique charm — built on steep hills that rise from the shores of Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) to the green parks above the city.

We strolled along the Ouchy promenade, admired the graceful swans gliding on the lake, and explored the upper town. The Lausanne Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and from Parc de l’Hermitage, you get a breathtaking panoramic view.

We spent three nights in Lausanne, using one day for a side trip to Geneva — one of the highlights of our Switzerland road trip itinerary.

Geneva – Elegance and Timeless Sophistication

From Lausanne, we drove to Geneva, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city just an hour away.

We admired the city’s famous landmark, the Jet d’Eau fountain rising high above the lake, and walked along the scenic waterfront. We visited St. Pierre Cathedral, which offers a stunning view from its tower, and explored the international district, home to the UN headquarters.

Geneva exudes elegance — it’s expensive, yes, but absolutely worth a day trip if you’re already in western Switzerland.

From Lausanne to Lucerne – A Lovely Stop in Bern

On our way to Lucerne, we made a half-day stop in Bern, Switzerland’s capital — and instantly fell in love with it. The city blends history, architecture, and nature in perfect balance.

From the charming old town, you can easily reach walking trails through the surrounding forest — where we were lucky enough to spot a deer. We also took a photo on a bench next to the bronze statue of Einstein, one of Bern’s iconic figures.

Bern truly deserves a place in any Switzerland travel guide — it’s beautiful, calm, and inspiring.

Lucerne – The City That Stole Our Hearts

While Lausanne impressed us with its sophistication, Lucerne felt like a living painting — the perfect midpoint of our Switzerland road trip. We stayed three nights at Altstadt Hotel Le Stelle, right in the medieval old town. It was convenient but not perfect — parking is tricky in the pedestrian area, and the rooms are small due to the historic buildings.

Still, waking up surrounded by cobblestone streets and frescoed façades was magical. The famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), decorated with colorful flowers, is every bit as stunning as in the photos.

The old town’s medieval charm, the reflection of the Alps on the lake, and the calm atmosphere make Lucerne one of Switzerland’s most romantic cities.

If you have extra time, add Lauterbrunnen — the village of waterfalls — to your itinerary. We didn’t make it this time, but it’s high on our list for the next trip.

Linz – The Last Stop Before Heading Home

On our way back to Romania, we stopped overnight in Linz, Austria. It’s a clean and pleasant city, though not as charming as the others we’d seen. Still, it was a good choice for a relaxing night before the long drive home.

Helpful Tips for a Switzerland Road Trip

• Plan ahead: Map out your route, book accommodations early, and calculate driving times between destinations.
• Tolls and vignettes: You’ll need a vignette for Austria and Switzerland (available at gas stations near the border). The Swiss vignette costs about 40 CHF and is valid for a year.
• Costs: Switzerland is expensive — expect 30–40 CHF per person for a simple dinner, and hotels starting around 120 CHF per night.
• Fuel: Gasoline is cheaper in Austria, so fill up before crossing into Switzerland.
• Parking: Often limited and costly, especially in historic centers. Choose hotels with parking included.
• Weather: Even in summer, pack a rain jacket — conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• Estimated budget for 2 people / 2 weeks:
  • Accommodation: €1,500–€2,000
  • Fuel & road fees: €400–€500
  • Food: €600–€800
  • Total: €2,500–€3,000

Switzerland Road Trip (FAQs)

1. What’s the best time for a road trip in Switzerland?
Between June and September — warm weather, long days, and open mountain roads. Avoid winter if you plan to drive across alpine routes.

2. Is it safe to drive in Switzerland?
Absolutely. Roads are excellent, signage is clear, and drivers are disciplined. Just make sure to respect speed limits — fines are steep.

3. Is Switzerland really that expensive?
Yes, but it’s worth it. You can save money by booking early, staying in simpler hotels, and buying groceries instead of dining out daily.

Conclusion – A Journey That Changed Our Lives

This Switzerland travel guide is more than just a list of destinations — it’s the story of two people, a ring, and the moments that shaped our relationship. From the emotional proposal in Salzburg to the rain-soaked evening in Lausanne and the swans gliding on Lake Léman, every stop held a piece of our hearts.

Every kilometer mattered. Every sunrise on the road taught us that the beauty of travel lies not only in the places you reach, but in the way you get there — together.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic European getaway or planning your own Switzerland road trip, this country is one of the most breathtaking destinations you’ll ever visit.