On one of our trips to the Alps, we rented a car in Zurich and drove for nine days across the alpine regions of Graubünden in Southeast Switzerland, then northern Italy starting at Lake Como, Lake Endine, Lake Iseo, Lake Garda, Dolomites, Tyrol Austria, and finally the Principality of Liechtenstein. We had no schedules, no reservations nor plans, but a Google map itinerary we designed to make sure not to miss the most impressive places we had read about. So we prepared to camp or stay at budget hotels along the way.
Map of all the alpine destinations:
The Alps are the highest and the most extensive mountain group in Europe, extending across 8 countries: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
In this chapter, I focus on the road trip I did last year on the first nine days of May, driving from Southeast Switzerland to northern Italy, Tyrol Austria and Liechtenstein. If you prefer only to visit the Swiss Alps click here.
Roads From Switzerland to Vipiteno in Italy
Roads From Vipiteno in Italy to Zurich
1. St. Moritz in Switzerland
The last stop in Switzerland before crossing the border to Italy.
2. Italy
Lake Como
Driving along the lake’s road through the towns of Domaso, Menaggio, Lenno, Laglio…and at the southern tip Como, where we stayed a night.
“The beauty of the Lake Como has been shining for centuries within the region of Lombardia, from the title of most requested destination of the aristocratic Gran Tour of the 19th century to the honor of being proclaimed most beautiful lake of the world in 2014 by “The Huffington Post”.” (LovemeinItaly)
Como
Picturesque and romantic city
Lake Endine
A smaller lake also in Lombardy and the perfect stop to stretch our legs and have a lunch break before reaching Lake Iseo.
Lake Iseo
Views to Mont Isola at the island of Lake Iseo were breathtaking so we decided to stay here for the night.
Hiking trails connecting very small ancient villages, old churches, and olive fields with sheep and donkeys.
Lake Garda
Lazise
Bardolino and Malcesine
Riva del Garda
Famous for its beaches, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, hiking and cycling holidays. Here you can paraglide too.
The Dolomites — South Tyrol
Trento, Bolzano and Merano landscapes
Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano
In these gardens so carefully taken care of, you will find flora from different parts of the world, a labyrinth, educational games, experimental landscaping, a restaurant with tasty soup by the lake and views to Tyrol as a background knowing that Austria is right on the other side.
Sterzing — Vipiteno
Hiking in the morning and local market and shops in Vipiteno´s center in the afternoon before crossing the border to Austria.
3. Austria
“Tyrol is a western Austrian state in the Alps that’s known for its ski resorts, historic sites, and folk traditions.” Innsbruck is its capital.
Innsbruck
Ischgl
A famous ski resort, the season had ended a week before we visited it.
St. Anton am Berg villages
Feldkirch
4. Liechtenstein
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein or officially the Principality of Liechtenstein, a small country located in an alpine valley along the Rhine river. 38,557 German-speaking inhabitants.
Vaduz
We decided to visit the city half day, walking around the center and visiting the Museum of Art: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein and Liechtenstein National Museum. Here you discover the Arts, Crafts, and History of this micro-estate.
Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy.
- Bertrand Russell
More about the Alps:
Tailor your own trip:
Other mountains:
