Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne
A covered bridge, the Furka hairpins and a valley of waterfalls.
- Distance
- 152 km (95 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 06 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Switzerland
- Updated
- August 9, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 152 km (95 mi) with 7 stops, from Lucerne to Mountain campsite, Lauterbrunnen. About 2 h 06 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Switzerland · More road trips from Interlaken
Route description
In Lucerne, walk across the Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden bridge with painted panels and a stone water tower, crossing the Reuss. Then drive south along Lake Lucerne on the A2 and up the Schöllenen gorge, past the Devil’s Bridge, to Andermatt.
From Andermatt the road climbs to the Furkapass, a 2,429 m pass with hairpins above the Rhône Glacier, usually open from June to October. On the far side, the Grimsel Pass leads north past reservoirs and granite slabs, down to Meiringen and along Lake Brienz to Interlaken.
Just south of Interlaken lies the Lauterbrunnental, a glacial valley with dozens of waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls beside the village. A mountain campsite in Lauterbrunnen is a good base, and Wengen and Mürren above the valley are car-free and reached by train or cable car.
A vignette is required on Swiss motorways, and motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes pay a separate heavy vehicle charge instead. On mountain roads, yellow PostBuses have priority, so be ready to pull over or reverse on narrow sections.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Lucerne
Switzerland - 20 km
Kapellbrücke
HistoryLucerne, SwitzerlandA covered wooden bridge with painted panels and a stone water tower, crossing the Reuss.
- 364 km
Andermatt
Switzerland - 419 km
Furkapass
ViewsAndermatt, SwitzerlandA 2,429 m pass with hairpins above the Rhône Glacier. Usually open June to October.
- 555 km
Interlaken
Switzerland - 614 km
Lauterbrunnental
NatureLauterbrunnen, SwitzerlandA glacial valley with dozens of waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls beside the village.
- 70 km
Mountain campsite, Lauterbrunnen
CampingLauterbrunnen, SwitzerlandCamping in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: a mountain setting for anyone who wants to spend time in nature.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Lucerne → Andermatt · 64 km · 0 h 53 minOn the way: Kapellbrücke.Overnight nearby, for example: Gotthard Camping Andermatt (< 1 km); Camp & Rail Göschenen (4 km).
- Day 2: Andermatt → Furkapass · 19 km · 0 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Gotthard Camping Andermatt (15 km); Camping Gadmen (19 km).
- Day 3: Furkapass → Mountain campsite, Lauterbrunnen · 69 km · 0 h 57 minOn the way: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnental.Overnight at the campsite itself.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in December–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Furkapass (2,429 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Furka car-carrying train (Oberwald–Realp) runs all year.
- Grimselpass (2,164 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via the Brünig and Furka car train.
- Gotthardpass (Tremola) (2,106 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Gotthard road tunnel is open all year.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne?
3-day road trip of about 152 km (95 mi) with 7 stops, from Lucerne to Mountain campsite, Lauterbrunnen. About 2 h 06 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 06 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne start and end?
It starts in Lucerne and ends in Mountain campsite, Lauterbrunnen.
Which countries does Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne pass through?
Switzerland.
Where can you camp along Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne?
OpenStreetMap lists 94 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Buochs-Vierwaldstättersee, Camping Seefeld and Gotthard Camping Andermatt.
When is the best time for Swiss Alpine passes from Lucerne?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
