6 Days from Rotterdam to Switzerland and Back: Memorials, Mountain Air, and Car-Free Surprises

We took the long road south for this one—crossing borders, climbing altitudes, and winding around alpine lakes—all in our trusty rental car. This road trip from Rotterdam to Switzerland (with scenic detours through Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium) was packed with sobering history, jaw-dropping nature, and one very unexpected citywide celebration.

Day 1 – Sobering History & German Wine Towns

🚘 Rotterdam → Kamp Vught → Neustadt an der Weinstraße

We picked up our rental car just steps from Rotterdam Centraal and hit the road early, making our first stop at Nationaal Monument Kamp Vught. This former WWII concentration camp has been transformed into a powerful memorial and museum. Walking the grounds—particularly the reconstructed barracks and crematorium—offered a stark and moving reminder of the region's past.

From there, we crossed into Germany and continued on to Neustadt an der Weinstraße, a charming wine town nestled in the Palatinate forest. I had booked a budget-friendly hotel with great reviews and beautiful views—what the listing didn’t mention was that the “hotel room” was actually reserved for relatives of residents in the attached assisted living facility. We ended up sleeping in motorized hospital beds, which led to a lot of laughter, jokes, and impromptu demonstrations of bed-lifting features. Not exactly what we expected—but definitely memorable.

That night, we ate at Gasthaus Zur Post, a cozy spot serving traditional German fare and local wine. The food was hearty and satisfying, the kind of meal that grounds you after a long drive.

✨ Pro Tip: Sometimes a good view comes with surprises. If you’re booking a hotel based on price and scenery, double-check room details or call ahead to avoid "medical-grade" surprises.

🗺️ Local Find: Try a glass of Riesling or Dornfelder at a local wine stuben—many are family-run and tucked into historic half-timbered buildings around Neustadt’s old town.

Day 2 – A Fairytale Castle & Alpine Arrival

🚘 Neustadt → Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg → Oberried am Brienzersee

We kicked off the morning with a surprise highlight: breakfast in the facility’s dining room with the senior residents. The food was unexpectedly delicious, and we shared a warm conversation with two lovely older women who invited us to sit at their table. It was the kind of genuine local connection you can’t plan—and it set the tone for another great day on the road.

We left Neustadt behind and wound our way toward the Alps, but not without a detour to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg in Alsace. Perched dramatically above the plains, this fully restored medieval castle looks like something out of a fantasy novel. You can wander its turrets, ramparts, and armories while soaking in panoramic views stretching all the way to the Black Forest on a clear day.

After that castle fix, we continued through southern Germany and into Switzerland. Our day ended at a beautiful Airbnb in Oberried am Brienzersee, nestled on the hillside above the lake. The balcony views alone made it worth the drive.

✨ Pro Tip: Arrive early at Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg to beat the tour buses—parking fills fast and the castle gets busier by late morning.

🗺️ Local Find: If you're hungry before or after your visit, check out La Table du Château nearby for hearty Alsatian dishes with a view.

Day 3 – Paragliding over Interlaken

🪂 Interlaken

This was the thrill day. We booked our tandem flight with Skywings Paragliding Interlaken, and it did not disappoint. After a quick, winding drive up to the launch point, we suited up and got ready. To take off, you have to sprint full speed off the edge of a cliff—yes, really—before tucking the paragliding seat underneath you as the canopy catches air and lifts you into the sky.

Once airborne, it’s incredibly peaceful. Floating high above Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the green valley in between felt both surreal and serene—equal parts adrenaline and awe.

After landing, we headed to Balmer's Hostel, a local institution known for its laid-back vibe, for lunch and drinks. With a cold beer and a view of the mountains, it was the perfect way to come down from the high (literally). We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through Interlaken, browsing outdoor shops and soaking in the alpine town charm.

✨ Pro Tip: Wear hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip—you’ll want traction for that cliffside run.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop at Bäckerei-Konditorei Mohler in Interlaken for a buttery Nussgipfel (hazelnut croissant) to fuel your post-flight adrenaline crash.

Day 4 – Lakeside Wandering & Alpine Magic

🏞️ Brienz and Villages Around Lake Brienz

After the adrenaline of paragliding, we slowed things down and gave ourselves over to the rhythm of the lake. Lake Brienz is pure alpine beauty—milky turquoise water backed by steep cliffs, wildflower-dotted trails, and charming villages that seem untouched by time.

We started the morning in Brienz, a serene town known for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition. You can still visit the woodcarving school or pop into local artisan shops to browse hand-carved figures, furniture, and keepsakes that reflect the region’s deep craftsmanship.

One of our favorite stops was Giessbach Falls, a dramatic cascade that spills down the forested hillside above the lake. We parked near the lake and took the historic Giessbach funicular—one of the oldest in Europe—up to the Grandhotel Giessbach, a 19th-century stunner that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson set. From there, we hiked the path that winds behind the falls for misty views and a few fun photo ops.

The rest of the day was spent meandering around the lake’s edge, stopping in tiny hamlets and scenic viewpoints, and simply enjoying the slower pace that’s easy to find in this part of Switzerland.

✨ Pro Tip: The funicular is seasonal and weather-dependent—if it’s not running, you can hike up from the parking area near the boat landing in about 20–30 minutes.

🗺️ Local Find: Along rural roads near Brienz, keep an eye out for self-serve cheese huts. These honor-system fridges are stocked with handmade cheeses—just drop your francs in the box and take what you need.

Day 5 – Swiss Caves & Luxembourg Charm

🚘 St. Beatus-Höhlen → Luxembourg

We said goodbye to Lake Brienz with one last stop that felt straight out of a legend. St. Beatus-Höhlen is a network of limestone caves nestled into a cliffside above Lake Thun, tied to the story of Saint Beatus—who supposedly chased a dragon out of the mountain. Whether or not you believe the myth, the setting is magical. A short uphill walk leads to a cascading waterfall spilling from the cave’s mouth, with mossy bridges and a sweeping lake view behind you. Inside, the tunnels wind past underground rivers, chambers lit in amber glow, and eerie rock formations shaped over millennia.

After our subterranean adventure, we began the long but scenic drive north to Luxembourg City. Tucked between Belgium, France, and Germany, Luxembourg often gets overlooked—but this capital is compact, cultured, and incredibly picturesque. We checked into a small hotel and spent the evening walking through the Old Quarters and Fortifications, a UNESCO site with sweeping views from the Chemin de la Corniche—often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony.” The mix of medieval stonework and manicured green spaces made it feel like a fairytale finale to the day.

✨ Pro Tip: The caves are cool and damp—bring a light jacket even on a warm day, and plan to spend about an hour exploring the interior.

🗺️ Local Find: Stop into Konrad Café & Bar in Luxembourg’s old town for great drinks, cozy vintage décor, and a refreshingly local crowd.

Day 6 – Car-Free Brussels & Homeward Bound

🚘 Luxembourg → Rotterdam

We left Luxembourg in the morning and set our sights on Brussels for one last day of exploring before heading home. But as we neared the city, traffic signs and detours told a different story—it was Car-Free Sunday, a city-wide initiative that bans cars from the center for one day each year. What could’ve been a hassle turned into a highlight.

We parked on the outskirts and took the train in, stepping into a Brussels that felt transformed. Even the highways leading into the city had become pedestrian playgrounds, with people walking, biking, and rollerblading along routes normally packed with cars. Inside the city center, boulevards were filled with families, cyclists, and kids on scooters—all moving freely where traffic usually roars. Without the noise and fumes, Brussels felt alive in a different way—like a local block party on a grand scale. We wandered past iconic sights like the Grand Place, browsed flea markets and food stalls, and grabbed a cone of fries to enjoy on a traffic-free curb.

After soaking it all in, we made our way back to Rotterdam, dropped off the rental car, and looked back at a route that spanned six days, five countries, and more unforgettable moments than we could count.

✨ Pro Tip: If your trip happens to align with Car-Free Sunday (usually in September), embrace it! Plan to park outside the city and enjoy Brussels in a way few travelers get to experience.

🗺️ Local Find: Near the Place Sainte-Catherine, check out Noordzee Mer du Nord, a seafood stand where locals gather for fresh fish, wine, and a casual streetside lunch.

Inspired to plan your own Europe-by-car adventure? I can help you map the route, choose scenic stops, and prep for smooth transitions (and delightful detours). ✨ Let’s create a custom itinerary that’s as wide open—or tightly planned—as you want it to be.