From Denamrk to Switzerland: a 10-day road trip through hidden gems.
- Oksana Simak
- Mar 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 30
There’s something special about road trips - the freedom to stop wherever you want, the changing landscapes and the little surprises along the way. Our 10-day adventure from Denmark to Switzerland took us through Germany’s charming countryside and deep into the heart of Switzerland, where we fell in love with its French-speaking region. Along the wa we stayed in cozy hotels, explored fairytale towns and indulged in delicious food. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable journey!
A Cozy Stop in Guxhagen, Germany
Our first stay on the way to Switzerland was at Hotel Bellini in Guxhagen, Germany, https://bellini-hotel.de/
This charming, family-run hotel felt like a little piece of Italy in the middle of Germany. With its warm hospitality, rustic decor and delicious breakfast, it was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of driving. We loved the cozy ambiance and the hosts made sure we felt right at home.
From Guxhagen, we explored the nearby Sababurg Zoo, https://www.tierpark-sababurg.de/ a hidden gem nestled in the Reinhardswald forest. The Zoo hosts a variety of unique and fascinating animal species in its expansive 130-hectare area. Some notable examples include:
• Native Wildlife: Wolves, lynxes, European bison, wild horses and reindeer.
• Rare Domestic Breeds: Heck cattle and old farm animal breeds resembling extinct ancestors.
• Exotic Species: Humboldt penguins, meerkats, Bennet wallabies (kangaroos) and budgies.
• Birds of Prey: Falcons, buzzards, eagles and owls showcased in flight shows.
• Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, storks and other aquatic birds.
This zoo is not just about animals - it’s also steeped in history, as it sits near the ruins of Sababurg Castle, often linked to the Sleeping Beauty legend, https://www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com/en/poi/sleeping-beauty-castle-sababurg
It rises above the treetops just beyond the Zoo. The sight of its ancient stone walls and towers looks truly magical. Unfortunately, the castle was closed during our visit, so we couldn’t explore it - but that just gives us the perfect excuse to come back!
Sababurg Zoo
We also took time to visit some of the smaller towns in the area, each offering its own unique charm.
Switzerland: A Love Affair with the French Side
After leaving Germany behind, we arrived in Switzerland and checked into our Airbnb apartment, which served as a perfect base for our explorations. While both the German and French-speaking parts of Switzerland had their beauty, we found ourselves drawn to the French side - mainly because of its outstanding cuisine. As passionate food lovers, we couldn’t resist the rich flavors, the cozy bistros and the refined yet hearty dishes that defined this region.
Here are some of the highlights from our Swiss adventure:
Guggershörnli
This hidden gem is a scenic peak with breathtaking panoramic views over the rolling Swiss countryside. The hike up wasn’t too challenging, and the reward at the top was worth every step. The peaceful atmosphere and the 360-degree views made it a perfect escape into nature.
Grindelwald and a Journey to the Top
From Gründlischwand, not far from Interlaken we took a train that slowly climbed to the top of the mountains. Once we reached our destination, we spent almost the entire day hiking, surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes. The crisp mountain air, the sound of cowbells in the distance and the sheer beauty of the Swiss Alps made this experience truly unforgettable.
A Hidden Gem in Rüschegg
One of the most unexpected highlights of our trip was in Rüschegg, a small municipality in the Swiss Prealps. This area turned out to be a true hidden gem for hiking lovers like us. We spent hours exploring its picturesque trails, surrounded by rolling green hills, alpine forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. The fresh mountain air and peacefulness of the region made it one of our favorite hiking spots.
After our long trek, we found a cozy little restaurant where we had an unforgettable meal. There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of warm soup after a chilly hike in the Swiss countryside!
Schloss Hünegg: A Castle Frozen in Time
Visiting Schloss Hünegg, https://www.schlosshuenegg.ch/ was like stepping into a different era. Unlike many castles that have been heavily restored, this one has been preserved exactly as it was in the early 20th century. Walking through its rooms, we could almost hear the echoes of history - beautifully furnished salons, delicate porcelain, and stunning architecture made it a highlight of our trip.
Schloss Hünegg
The City of Thun: A View from Above
Thun, https://www.thuncity.ch/en/home is a beautiful city by the lake, and we had a fantastic time exploring it. One of the highlights was taking a ride on the Ferris wheel, which gave us a stunning aerial view of the town, the lake and the distant mountains. We also visited museums and castles, immersing ourselves in the history of the region. Thun felt like a postcard-perfect Swiss town, full of charm and character.
The City of Thun
Gruyères: A Fairytale Town and the Art of Cheese-Making
We couldn’t visit Switzerland without stopping in Gruyères, https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/destinations/gruyeres/a picture-perfect medieval town famous for its cheese. Strolling through its cobbled streets felt like being in a storybook. We explored Gruyères Castle, enjoyed traditional Swiss fondue and admired the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of our visit here was a trip to La Maison du Gruyère, https://www.lamaisondugruyere.ch/homepage-en/ a cheese factory where we got to see the production of the famous Gruyère cheese. The experience was both educational and delicious! Watching the cheesemakers at work, learning about the aging process, and, of course, tasting freshly made cheese was an absolute treat. It was the perfect way to experience the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Schüpfenflue Panorama: A Swiss Gem
The Schüpfenflue, nestled in the Gantrisch Nature Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit at 1,721 meters. Here are a few highlights:
• Panoramic Views: Enjoy vistas of the Jura, Swiss Plateau, Pilatus, Bernese Alps and more.
• Nature Trails: Well-maintained paths suitable for all skill levels, lined with vibrant alpine flora.
The City of Vevey & The Chaplin’s World Museum
Vevey, https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/old-city-of-vevey/ located on the shores of Lake Geneva, stole our hearts. It’s a city of elegance and culture, but the highlight here was Chaplin’s World, https://www.chaplinsworld.com/ena museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin. Set in his former home, the museum is a fascinating mix of history, film and personal artifacts from his life. Walking through his beautifully maintained estate, we gained a deeper appreciation for his genius and the legacy he left behind.
The City of Vevey and
Chaplin's World Museum
The Road Back: Baden-Baden & A Hidden Castle Stay
As we made our way back home, we spent two wonderful days in Baden-Baden, https://www.baden-baden.com/en known for its thermal baths, elegant architecture and old-world charm. We stayed at a lovely hotel, Maison Messmer Baden-Baden https://www.hommage-hotels.com/maison-messmer-baden-baden/unser-hotel and took the time to relax, stroll through the parks and enjoy the luxurious atmosphere of this spa town.
Baden-Baden, Germany
But the true hidden gem of our return journey was Hardenberg Burg Hotel, https://www.hardenberg-burghotel.de/en/. This unique hotel is located next to the ruins of Hardenberg Castle, https://www.hardenberg-burghotel.de/en/activities/hardenberg-castel-ruins and here’s the best part—you get your own key to explore the castle at your leisure! There’s something incredibly magical about wandering through ancient stone walls without crowds or restrictions.
And the restaurant Novalis is just exceptional, https://www.hardenberg-burghotel.de/en/food-drink/restaurant-novalis, offering a refined dining experience that emphasizes regional and seasonal ingredients.
Guests can dine in an elegant setting or on the terrace overlooking the historic castle ruins. The restaurant is highly rated, with an extensive wine list featuring fine French reds.
Final Thoughts
Our road trip from Denmark to Switzerland was filled with unforgettable moments, hidden treasures and breathtaking landscapes. From cozy hotels and scenic hikes to medieval castles and delicious Swiss cuisine, every stop had something special to offer.
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, history and food, this route is definitely one to consider. Would we do it again? Absolutely - perhaps with a few new detours next time!
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