Driving from Milan to a Scenic Town in Switzerland

Living in Europe has its perks of traveling to multiple places without catching a flight. If you’re currently in Milan but want to travel to Switzerland, there are many routes. But which one is the most worth it?

Well, today we will discuss all the scenic towns you can travel to in Switzerland from Milan. So whichever you end up choosing, it’s bliss either way. We’ll also share some travel rules and some tips for safe travel. Let’s start!  

Scenic Town Recommendations

When choosing the town, it’s essential to consider the travel length. You need to also pick the type of view and activities you want. Here are some recommendations: 

Lugano: It’s over an hour from Milan and blends the Italian and Swiss culture together. It’s a great town if you’re used to the Italian way. You can enjoy the lake views and immerse yourself in the hiking trails. Try this location if you love nature or need a quick visit.

St. Moritz: It is known for being one of the most famous resort towns in the world. It has both summer and winter activities that you can do. This town is adorned with luxury places to see and mountains to adore. 

Lucerne: This is an aesthetic town which is situated at Lake Lucerne. There are wooden bridges and ancient architecture to see. This location’s also a tad far from Milan, but it’s worth it due to what it offers to travelers.  

Zermatt: Zermatt is an iconic destination for someone who wants to immerse themselves in the alpine scenery. It houses the Matterhorn and this also has a lot of mountains and trails to look at. It’s a lot farther than Lugano, but it is worth the visit. Lastly, if you want to visit the town, you have to swap vehicles as it’s a car-free zone. Overall, giving you a peaceful getaway without the extra buzz. 

Interlaken: It is located between Lake Thum and Brienz. If you love adventure, you’ll love this place. It has a bunch of activities you can do, from paragliding to hiking. So, if you want a break from peace and get into the thrill, consider this place!

The Best Routes to Choose

Depending on your location, there are a few locations we can offer. Pick any that you prefer:

Milan to Lucerne via Gotthard Pass 

One of the prettiest drives through Switzerland, this path follows the well-known Gotthard Pass, an old mountain route famous for its striking mountain views and cute villages. 

You can travel through the Gotthard Tunnel, or take the longer, but more beautiful, way over the pass itself giving you a true mountain driving experience.

Milan to Lugano 

This fast trip takes you through the beautiful Lake Como area before you cross into Switzerland. As you go, you’ll see peaceful lake views and hills that change into the mountain scenery of Lugano. This path works well for people with little time but still want to see amazing sights.

Milan to St. Moritz via Bernina Pass 

This is a typical mountain drive featuring the famous Bernina Pass where you’ll drive on twisting roads, sharp turns, and go through green valleys and snowy peaks. The route shows some of the most impressive mountain views in Switzerland and many driving fans love it.

Each route offers a different experience, so choosing based on your destination and the kind of views you’d like to enjoy during your drive is important.

Spots to Stop Along The Way

The drive from Milan to Switzerland has opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Here are some recommended stops along the way:

Lake Como: As you leave Milan and head toward Switzerland, Lake Como is the perfect place for a scenic break. Famous for its upscale villas and waterfront towns, stop for a quick sip of coffee or stroll by the lake before continuing your journey.

Bellinzona: Located just after crossing into Switzerland, Bellinzona is known for its three UNESCO-listed medieval castles. It’s an ideal place for a short stop to relax and learn about Swiss history.

Andermatt: For those driving through the Gotthard Pass, the village of Andermatt is a charming stop. Surrounded by towering mountains, this alpine village is the ideal place to eat while taking in the stunning views of the mountains. 

Tirano: If you’re taking the Bernina Pass route, consider stopping in Tirano, a small Italian town near the Swiss border. Known for its historic churches and the starting point of the Bernina Express, it’s a scenic spot before crossing into the Alps.

Each of the locations offer a way to discover something unique. Be it historic adventures, scenic views or just thrills. These stops can make your trip more than just a mere drive. 

Things to Know About Crossing the Border

When driving from Milan to Switzerland, there are a few things to be aware of when crossing the border:

• Requirements: According to the border guidelines of Switzerland, you must have your ID or passport with you. It’s not part of the United Nations so needs your identification. 
• Tolls and Vignettes: Switzerland needs a toll sticker, also known as “vignette” to drive on the highway. These are available at specific gas stations or at the border itself. 
• Driving laws: There are speed limits for Switzerland which are different from Milan. Like, always needing it to be at 50 km/hr. They also follow a strict rule when it comes to drunk driving. Do some research on it.

Driving Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

To enjoy a good trip, it’s important to be safe. Here are some of our tips to ensure a safe travel ahead:

• Check the Weather Forecast: When traveling the country, you can experience major weather changes. Switzerland tends to get extremely cold. So, before you make the move, check in with the weather to see if you’re comfortable with it. Carry emergency clothing in case it goes haywire. 
• Pack essentials: Road trips can take hours. Bring enough water, snacks, power banks and any travel guides. When traveling through remote areas, there may not be service available. 
• Altitude Changes: If you’re someone who struggles with breathing, pack any necessary medicines and precautions. Altitude changes can mess with your body quite a bit. Your vehicle might get affected by the mountain drive as well. 
• Have Enough Fuel: Plan fuel stops or carry portable fuel tanks throughout your drive. When you enter a remote area, there might not be places to stop. So, plan the trip accordingly. 
• Immense in the Journey: Every part of the trip is a memory. So, as you’re driving, savor the moments. Look into the views and all the sceneries it is offering. Indulge yourself in those moments. 

Conclusion

And there you have it, a detailed overview on discovering the best scenic towns in Switzerland from Milan. Depending on what you prefer, you can pick up any of the ones we discussed and have a blast. 

Make sure to follow the travel guidelines for Switzerland and respect the culture. Pack any essential items, and be alert. At our blog, we share every type of tricks and tips when traveling around Switzerland. So you can check us out. For any questions or just travel advice, we’re always here to answer. 

What are some of your favorite places you traveled from Milan? Let us know. Thank you for reading! Mach’s guet!