Gruyères to Varenna Road Trip Guide: Alps & Lakes

The 280-kilometer drive from Gruyères to Varenna takes you through three countries—Switzerland, Italy, and a brief pass through France—via the A9, E35, and A2 highways. The journey, typically 4 to 5 hours without stops, crosses the Simplon Pass if you choose the scenic route or tunnels under the Alps via the A9/A2 motorways. A little-known fact: the stretch from Brig to Domodossola passes through the ancient bed of the Rhône Glacier, visible via signs along the A9 near the 200-meter-long tunnel at km 78. This guide covers everything from fuel costs to hidden villages, ensuring you make the most of this transalpine drive.

Before diving in, learn more about optimizing road trip stops by reading our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route offers a dramatic shift from Swiss alpine meadows to Mediterranean lake shores, making it one of Europe's most scenic drives. Below, find a quick overview of key metrics.

The route traverses four distinct geographical zones: the Gruyères pre-Alps (rolling green hills), the Rhône valley (vineyards and orchards), the high Alps around Simplon (rocky peaks, sometimes snowy), and the Italian lakes region (olive groves, lemon trees). The transition is visible in under two hours—forests give way to vineyards, then to bare rock, then suddenly to Mediterranean vegetation.

• Natural Attractions at Specific Km: At km 45 (A9 near Aigle), view of the Grand Muveran peak; at km 90 (Simplon Tunnel south exit), panorama over the Ossola valley; at km 210 (A26 near Gravedona), first glimpse of Lake Como.
• Geological shift: The rock changes from limestone (Swiss Jura) to granite (Simplon massif) to sedimentary layers along the lake; visible in road cuts.

Local commerce includes Gruyères cheese shops (ask for Le Gruyère AOP aged 12 months), Swiss chocolate at Château-d’Œx, wine from the Rhône valley (Domaine Du Mont d'Or in Sierre is a detour 5 min off A9), and Italian olive oil from the Como area. At roadside stalls near Domodossola, buy Ossola honey or local salami. In Varenna, the weekly market on Wednesdays sells lake fish and ceramics.

The most efficient route follows the A9 from Gruyères south to Sierre, then the E35/A2 through the Simplon Tunnel (toll: CHF 15). An alternative is the scenic N509 via Simplon Pass (free, but adds 1 hour and is closed in winter). The A2 portion in Italy from Domodossola to Varenna is well-maintained but includes several tunnels and viaducts. Key highway numbers: A9 (Switzerland), A2 (Switzerland), A26 (Italy).

• Distance by sections: Gruyères to Sierre (60 km, 50 min on A9), Sierre to Domodossola (100 km, 1.5 hours via Simplon Tunnel), Domodossola to Varenna (120 km, 1.5 hours on A26/SS340).
• Fuel stations: Frequent on Swiss side (every 20 km), sparse on Simplon Pass (last station before summit at Simplon Dorf). On Italian A26, stations every 30 km. Costco A9 at St-Maurice has cheaper fuel.
• Fuel efficiency: The climb to Simplon Pass reduces mileage by 15-20%. If using tunnel, expect standard consumption. Fill up in Switzerland where fuel is about 5% cheaper than Italy.

Tolls: The Simplon Tunnel costs CHF 15 (€14) one-way; Italian A26 from Gravellona Toce to Lecco costs €8.50. No tolls on Swiss A9 except for a small vignette required for Swiss highways (CHF 40, valid for year). Vignette can be bought at border or gas stations. For the twisty SS340 lakeside road from Lecco to Varenna, no tolls.

Road quality is excellent on motorways but the Simplon Tunnel has narrow lanes (3m width limit, no bikes allowed). On SS340 along Lake Como, watch for tight curves and occasional falling rocks (signs indicate risk). Winter conditions from November to April may require snow chains on the Simplon Pass route (N509). Motorway illumination: A9 and A2 are well-lit; A26 has partial lighting.

• Family-friendly stops: Swiss Vapeur Parc (near Montreux, 20 min from Gruyères) is a miniature railway park; in Sierre, the Musée des Bains (Roman baths) for kids; in Bellinzona (detour 10 km from A2), the Three Castles UNESCO site with interactive exhibits; in Varenna, Villa Monastero's botanical garden.
• Pet-friendly spots: On A9, rest area Chavannes-de-Bogis has a dog walking area; Simplon Pass has meadows for breaks; in Domodossola, Parco della Frua allows dogs. Café La Corte in Bellinzona accepts well-behaved pets.

Fatigue management: Top rest zones—Aire de la Plaine (A9, km 30) with reclining seats, Simplon Tunnel south exit (large parking with mountain view), and A26 area Laghetto (small lake 200 m from road). A unique tip: on the A9 near Martigny, there is a free nap pod at the 'Restoroute' (Noville). The total recommended breaks are 2 stops: one 20-minute nap break after 1.5 hours, another for lunch at 3 hours.