What to see & do with your IDP in Switzerland?
With your International Driving Permit sorted and car keys in hand, you’re ready to uncover Switzerland’s most stunning destinations. While the country’s trains are famously efficient, driving offers unmatched freedom — especially for travelers keen to veer off the beaten path.
Start in the Bernese Oberland, where a loop from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald takes you past waterfalls, cliffside chalets, and snow-draped valleys. Make a pit stop at Trümmelbach Falls — hidden inside a mountain — before continuing toward the Eiger’s towering face.
Next, head southwest toward the Lavaux Vineyards on Lake Geneva’s northern shore. This UNESCO-listed region combines terraced vineyards, castle views, and picture-perfect lake roads. A car gives you the freedom to stop and taste local wines in village cellars like Chexbres or Saint-Saphorin.
For mountain lovers, take the Furka Pass — one of Switzerland’s highest and most exhilarating alpine drives. With hairpin curves and sweeping glacier vistas, it’s a true bucket-list route. You might recognize it from the James Bond film Goldfinger.
Another must-drive region is the Engadin Valley in the east. Often overlooked by tourists, its mix of Romansh culture, quaint villages like Guarda, and turquoise lakes like Silvaplana make for a peaceful, photogenic road trip.
Lastly, consider a scenic drive through Appenzell — a charming, lesser-known region famous for its rolling hills, cheese-making traditions, and wooden houses. With fewer tourists and well-marked routes, it’s perfect for slow travel at your own pace.
No matter where you go, having an IDP adds confidence and flexibility. It helps you rent vehicles in any region, handle local police checks smoothly, and even cross into neighboring countries should your adventure expand. In a land this beautiful, every extra mile is worth it.
