Switzerland often feels like a destination reserved for the “some day when I’m rich” list. As someone living in Malta, I’m used to quick island hops, but I always assumed Switzerland required months of saving and weeks of planning. I was wrong.
By renting a car and choosing a strategic route from Zurich to Grindelwald and Bern, I discovered you can experience the “essence” of the Swiss Alps in just 72 hours without breaking the bank. Here is exactly how we did it.
The “Budget” Strategy: Why a Rental Car?
While the Swiss Travel Pass is famous, renting a car can actually be cheaper for 2+ people. It allowed us to:
- Avoid expensive mountain hotels: We stayed slightly outside main hubs.
- Picnic with a view: We bought supplies at Migros or Coop supermarkets instead of eating $40 lunches at restaurants.
- Freedom of movement: No waiting for trains or paying for extra luggage storage.
Day 1: Zurich & The Thunder of Rhine Falls
Our flight from Malta landed in Zurich before noon. After a quick car pickup, we skipped the city centre and headed north.
The Rhine Falls (A Budget Win)
Just 45 minutes from the airport lies the Rhine Falls. Coming from Malta, where water is a precious resource, the sheer power of these falls was mind-blowing.
- Budget Tip: You can view the falls for free from the northern banks, or pay a small fee to access the closer platforms at Schloss Laufen.
Evening in Zurich
We spent the evening exploring Zurich on foot (the best free activity!).
- Lindenhof: A hilltop park with the best free view of the Old Town.
- Niederdorf: Wandering the cobblestone alleys.
- Luxemburgerli at Sprüngli: Our one “splurge” was trying these famous mini-macaroons. It’s a taste of Swiss luxury for the price of a coffee.
Day 2: The Scenic Route to the Peaks
We left Zurich at 11:00 AM, heading toward the Bernese Oberland. This drive is where the “Postcard Switzerland” begins.
The Brünig Pass & Lake Lungern
Instead of the highway, we took the Brünig Pass. We stopped at Lungern, a lake so turquoise it looks photoshopped. Because we had a car, we could stop for 20 minutes just to breathe in the mountain air—something you can’t do on a high-speed train.
Arrival in Grindelwald
By mid-afternoon, we reached Grindelwald. Nestled under the North Face of the Eiger, this village is the heart of the Alps.
- Budget Tip: Skip the fancy sit-down dinner and grab local cheese, bread, and wine from a local grocery store. We ate on our hotel balcony with a million-dollar view of the Eiger for under €20.
Day 3: Alpine Heights & Medieval Streets
This was the “Big Mountain” day.
Kleine Scheidegg (The Smart Alternative)
Many travelers pay over €200 to go to Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe). To keep it budget-friendly, we took the Eiger Express cable car and the cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg instead.
- The Result: We got the same iconic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks for a fraction of the cost. The atmosphere at the plateau is incredible, and the hiking trails are free!
Bern: The UNESCO Finale
After descending, we drove 1 hour and 45 minutes to Bern.
- The Bear Pit (Bärengraben): Seeing the city’s namesake bears is a unique, free experience.
- Rosengarten: We climbed up here at sunset. It offers a panoramic view of the Aare River wrapping around the Old Town—the perfect way to end our final night.
Final Thoughts: Is 3 Days Enough?
For a traveller from Malta, the contrast is total: from sea levels to 2,000-metre peaks in a matter of hours.
My Budget Breakdown Tips:
- Drive, don’t just train: If there are two of you, the petrol and rental often beat the price of multiple train tickets.
- Supermarket meals: Swiss supermarkets have amazing fresh bakeries.
- Focus on one region: Don’t try to see Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Interlaken in 3 days. Pick the Bernese Oberland and do it well.
Switzerland isn’t just a dream destination—it’s a very accessible reality, even for a long weekend.
