Italy, Germany and the UK may produce the best supercars, but when it comes to driving them, Switzerland is always my first choice. It really is supercar paradise, and this is embodied in the roads around the magnificent Lake Lucerne.
In the second instalment of our series The Road Leading Up To, we take a closer look at these fantastic Swiss roads, the gorgeous alpine lake, and the enchanting Park Hotel Vitznau.
Our stunning journey through the Swiss Alps
The awesome Swiss Alps feature on many of our supercar driving tours and they are always a highlight, whether you’re enjoying the cosy ski resorts or the simply jaw-dropping views.
One of my favourite parts of an adventure through the alps comes during our drive from Zurich to Lucerne. Around the midway point, after a night in the upmarket ski town of Andermatt, we head west towards Interlaken and encounter one of the most magnificent Swiss mountain passes, Nufenen Pass.
Compared to the more iconic Swiss roads, Nufenen is lesser known and often overlooked, yet it would be a mistake to miss out on such an incredible drive.
The second highest paved mountain pass road in Switzerland, Nufenen features exquisite switchbacks, tight hairpin turns and generous straights, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of lakes, glaciers and the imposing Finsteraarhorn; the tallest mountain in the Bernese Alps.
Before we reach Nufenen, we warm up with the historic Gotthard Pass, which is 40 miles of sweeping views and stunning landscapes. This is always one to take slowly as the panoramas are just so addictive. It’s easy to see why these are often seen as the best driving roads in Europe.
The following day, we leave the scenic village of Interlaken and drive north towards Lucerne, where we take on the stunning Entlebuch Biosphere. Designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2001, this extensive area – known as Lucerne’s ‘Wild West’ – is full of natural treasures including pristine moorlands, serene alpine pastures, and the imposing Schrattenfluh mountain. Driving through in a high-performance supercar really is a moment to savour.
Following a stop for lunch at a beautiful historic hotel, we spend the afternoon on a slower jaunt through some flowing country roads before concluding on the shores of Lake Lucerne. This is when views of the azure lakes are at their finest, and such a relaxed cruise allows you to soak it all in.
Image: theluxevoyager.com
Discovering a fairytale landscape at Lake Lucerne
The final stretch of this Swiss adventure is undoubtedly the icing on a very delicious cake.
By the time we approach the area of Lucerne it’s later in the afternoon and the sun is beginning to lower, beaming through the trees as we wrap around the side of the lake. With beautiful lake views on one side and the mighty Swiss Alps on the other, it’s all a bit surreal.
Then we turn a corner and it comes into view – Park Hotel Vitznau.
Around this time, our in-car communication system lights up with gasps from our guests as they first set eyes on this mesmerising fairytale hotel. Built in 1903, this extensively renovated five-star residence sits on the shores overlooking the crystal clear waters.
As we approach the hotel, the hospitality team is waiting with champagne on ice. There’s no hassle with parking – our guests simply pull up, trade car keys for a cold glass of bubbly, and bask in the sense of accomplishment.
In such an incredible location, with award-winning restaurants, an exclusive spa, heated outdoor infinity pool, and a 32,000-strong wine cellar, Park Hotel Vitznau is just the perfect place to relax after an epic drive.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Switzerland is supercar paradise
This is something that surprises a lot of people, but the roads around the famous Italian lakes – particularly Lake Como – are not particularly pleasant to drive. There’s this fantasy of driving with the roof down and enjoying gorgeous panoramic views, but the reality is that these roads are tight, busy and in questionable condition.
Around Lake Lucerne, it’s a different story. With two proper lanes, the roads are wide and easy to drive freely, and very well maintained. Switzerland is a country with very high standards and this is reflected in the road system. This makes driving a supercar around Lake Lucerne as relaxing as it is invigorating.
Another thing I notice is that, unlike Italy, the locals aren’t instantly bowled over by the sight of our supercar fleet. It’s understandable – ultimately, Lake Lucerne is such a prestigious area, people don’t double take when a convoy of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches fly past.
While we love the wonderstruck feeling we bring to onlookers in Italy – especially on the scenic roads around Lake Garda – we also enjoy some serenity, and Swiss roads are the epitome of this.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
The arrival at Park Hotel Vitznau is only the beginning
Arriving into Park Hotel Vitznau is a magical moment, but it’s only the beginning of the adventures you can enjoy in this unique part of the world.
As one of the largest lakes in Switzerland, Lucerne offers plenty of action on the water. We love hiring classic wooden Riva boats for an elegant way to explore the lake. You can also jump onto the historic paddle steamers for panoramic sightseeing cruises, whether that’s a quick trip or a full day on the water.
Nearby, you’ll find the Pilatus Railway, which is the steepest rack railway in the world, crawling up the side of Mount Pilatus. With a maximum gradient of 48 percent, this is a novel experience and provides some astounding views of the lake and surrounding area, both on the way up and back down on the gondolas.
If you prefer to get your walking boots on, you will find a plethora of hiking trails that wind around the lake and up the mountains. Whether you want a pleasurable stroll or something more intense, there’s a route for every level.
You can also take some time to explore the picturesque medieval city of Lucerne, surrounded by 13th-century fortified walls. This is the quintessential Swiss village, with cobblestone streets, quaint shops and family run restaurants serving up typical Swiss dishes. You can’t leave without wandering the Chapel Bridge – the Kapellbrücke – which is the oldest covered bridge in Europe and adorned with historic paintings.
Culture, cuisine, history, nature and adventure, this area really does boast everything and you can fill a few days with activities before you even try.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Experience the magic of driving supercars in the Swiss Alps
Fairytale hotels, gorgeous scenery and the finest driving roads in Switzerland – the only way to experience it all is to join us on our luxury Swiss supercar driving tour.
During the days, we carve up winding alpine passes before retiring to ultra-luxe hotels for gourmet experiences in Switzerland’s most remarkable locations.
If you want to learn more about this exclusive Swiss tour or any of our European adventures, talk to our friendly travel concierge team today.
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