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8 Day Switzerland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Looking for the best Switzerland itinerary for your upcoming trip? You’re in the right place!

Switzerland is hands-down one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries that you could ever dream of exploring!

This 8 Day Switzerland itinerary includes a complete route guide and everything you need to know before you go, how to get around, the best places to visit, where to stay, and much more!

I’ve visited Switzerland on several occasions, so I think it’s safe to say that this is the only Switzerland travel guide you’ll need.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – BEST SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Here is a quick overview of an ideal Switzerland 8 day itinerary that starts in Zurich and also finishes in Zurich.

• Day 1: Zurich
• Day 2: Luzern
• Day 3: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen
• Day 4: Montreux
• Day 5: Zermatt
• Day 6: Glacier Express
• Day 7: St. Moritz
• Day 8: Zurich

This is the exact Switzerland by train route that I took, and although it was fast-paced, I found it to be a sufficient amount of time in each location to see the highlights.

If you have more time up your sleeve, feel free to add an extra day in each location, or venture to some other destinations not mentioned in this guide such as Bern and Geneva.

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR SWITZERLAND 8 DAYS ITINERARY

Arriving in Switzerland by plane is the easiest and most convenient way to begin your adventures in this picturesque country.

If you plan on following this exact itinerary, then your best bet is to fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH) and begin your trip around Switzerland from here.

HOW TO GET AROUND SWITZERLAND?

I have put together this 8 Day Switzerland itinerary based on my trip around the country by train using the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass .

Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Get unlimited rides on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

Simply show your Swiss Travel Pass e-ticket on your smartphone to instantly start your rail adventure.

Once you have purchased the Swiss Rail Pass to travel Switzerland, you’ll receive an email with your ticket and further instructions for activating your pass and reserving seats on trains.

I also recommend downloading the SBB Mobile App on your smartphone from the App Store. You can use this app to check all train, bus, and boat timetables in Switzerland when you’re on the move.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND?

I recommend spending at least one week in Switzerland and, if possible, following this Switzerland travel blog 8-day itinerary.

While it’s not enough to explore each corner of the country, you can definitely fit all the most beautiful places, including Zurich, Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Lucerne, and St. Moritz.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SWITZERLAND?

The best time to travel Switzerland depends on what you plan to do.

I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Switzerland (April – September) when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.

Note that when planning a Switzerland in June itinerary, accommodation prices will be higher since it’s the peak season.

My personal recommendation will therefore be to plan a Switzerland in September itinerary.

Alternatively, when planning a Switzerland October itinerary, you’ll get better prices for flights and accommodation, which is a good option.

However, visiting Switzerland in winter (December – March) is absolutely magical because the landscapes are completely covered in glistening white snow.

Visiting Switzerland in winter means you have to opportunity to go skiing in the Swiss Alps.

All in all, it’s a year-round destination suitable for all types of travelers in every season making it easy to plan your Swiss trip itinerary.

WHAT IS SWITZERLAND FAMOUS FOR?

Switzerland is a globally renowned country, well-known for its magnificent mountainous terrain and breathtaking alpine views.

It has also established itself as an industrial and financial powerhouse in Europe.

As a member of the United Nations, Switzerland is considered to be one of the most prosperous and stable countries in the world – with its citizens enjoying higher GDP per capita than many other nations.

On top of that, it’s known for its neutrality policy, which kept the country out of war since 1505.

Lastly, of course, Switzerland’s national dishes, such as fondue and raclette, only add a delicious layer to the trip!

SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Francs (CHF) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = $1 CHF.

All businesses accept debit and credit cards, and there are plenty of ATM machines around the country should you wish to withdraw any cash.

MOBILE DATA:

When you arrive in Switzerland, you’re going to want to get online, and purchasing a sim card is very simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival at one of the retail stores.

Alternatively, I recommend purchasing an eSIM in advance with pre-loaded mobile data so you can get online as soon as you land and stay connected on your Switzerland trip.

The weather in Switzerland can be very sporadic so be sure to pack suitable clothes for all seasons and be prepared for unexpected changes during your ultimate Switzerland itinerary 8 days.

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DAY 1: ZURICH TO LUCERNE

The first leg of this 8 days Switzerland itinerary begins in Zurich, where I recommend boarding a train at Zurich International Airport or Zurich Hauptbahnhof Train Station bound for Lucerne , which is a short one-hour journey.

There is no validation required for your Swiss Travel Pass , simply jump on board the train.

When onboard, a ticket inspector will ask to see your Swiss Travel Pass or fare card as well as your passport or ID card, so make sure to have these documents handy on the train.

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Lucerne is a must-see on any Swiss itinerary!

I have put together a separate guide on the best things to do in Lucerne which I highly recommend checking out.

Read It Here: 15 BEST Things To Do In Lucerne

I don’t want to crowd this blog post with every attraction in Lucerne, so below you will find a taste of the top 3 things to do in Lucerne.

#1 CHAPEL BRIDGE

When you arrive in Lucerne on day 1 of your Switzerland itinerary, I recommend checking out Chapel Bridge.

It’s the most iconic attraction in Lucerne and the oldest wooden bridge in Switzerland, dating back to the 14th century.

Chapel Bridge Lucerne stretches 200 meters across the Reuss River and attached to the bridge is an old water tower that served as a dungeon, an archive, and a treasury vault in medieval times.

It’s free to walk over Chapel Bridge and remember to look up to discover the colorful old paintings on the underside of the roof.

#2 BOAT TRIP ON LAKE LUCERNE

A boat trip on Lake Lucerne is a must on your 8 days in Switzerland itinerary.

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can take a round-trip boat ride on Lake Lucerne which is the best way to see the region at a slow pace.

There are daily departures on Lake Lucerne, usually every hour during the day. Just head down to the ferry terminal located across the road from the Lucerne Main Train Station and jump on board when a boat arrives.

Before boarding, you’ll be asked to show your Swiss Travel Pass and possibly your passport or ID card as well, so make sure to have these documents handy.

BEST LUCERNE TOURS

Enhance your experience in Lucerne by embarking on one of these 3 top-rated tours, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

• Top-Pick: Lucerne Walking and Boat Tour
• Best-rated: Mount Pilatus Summit From Lucerne With Lake Cruise
• Must-Do: Mount Rigi, Lake Lucerne Cruise, Mineralbath Spa From Lucerne

#3 MOUNT RIGI

Mt Rigi, also known as the queen of the mountains, is a large mountain range in the Lucerne region and a must-see during your visit.

The best way to get to Mt Rigi, using the Swiss Travel Pass, is to take the one-hour boat ride from the Lucerne Ferry Terminal and get off at Vitznau.

From here, there is a special cog-wheel train that will take you up to the summit of Mount Rigi. This was my favorite part of the adventure as I was able to hang outside the windows of the cog-wheel train to take photos!

Panoramic views await at the summit of Mt Rigi, overlooking three lakes and phenomenal alpine peaks in the distance.

If you want to grab lunch or a beer you can simply pop into one of the hotel restaurants on the mountain and most have outdoor terraces with stunning views.

MUST READ: 21 BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

There are hundreds of accommodations in Lucerne , so I’ve handpicked some of the best in town that you’ll find here below for the perfect 8 day itinerary Switzerland.

Luxury: Lucerne Lake View Apartments

Offering stunning lake views, free wifi, and just walking distance to the center of the city, this 5-star accommodation is hard to beat!

Each apartment is fitted with a balcony, fully-equipped kitchen, dishwasher, sofa, TV, dining room, washing machine, private bathroom with a bath, fridge and freezer, microwave, and coffee machine.

Mid-Range: Hotel De La Paix

This 3-star hotel is located right in the heart of town, just a 200m walk to the old quarter in Lucerne, and close to various restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.

There are single, double, and triple rooms available and breakfast is included for all guests.

Budget: Barabas Hostel

I personally stayed at Barabas Hostel, located just ten minutes walk from Lucerne Train Station.

Barabas Hostel is one of the coolest and most unique hostels in Luzern, the reason being that it was once an old prison.

The dorms and private rooms are the same rooms where prison inmates used to sleep back in the day (much cleaner and refurbished of course).

A buffet breakfast is also included with the room and the staff are overly helpful with their knowledge of the best things to do in Luzern and that’s definitely a great base for your Switzerland tour itinerary.

For All Other Places To Stay In Luzern, Search On Booking.com

DAY 2: LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN

Continue your 8 day Switzerland itinerary from Lucerne to Interlaken using the Swiss Travel Pass .

Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region and Bernese Oberland and a good location to base yourself when visiting Lauterbrunnen Valley , which is also referred to as The Valley of 72 Waterfalls.

Also, it’s worth noting that the Swiss Alps in the Jungfrau-Aletsch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and you’ll easily understand why when visiting.

HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN

From Interlaken East Train Station, using the Swiss Travel Pass , you can take a train to Lauterbrunnen Station.

The train takes only twenty minutes and you can disembark right in the center of Lauterbrunnen village.

9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

#1 visit staubbach falls.

Take a morning train on day 2 of your Swiss itinerary from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and from the station, it’s an easy walk through the village to a number of different scenic viewpoints of Staubbach Falls and upper Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Staubbach Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls I have ever seen! These glacial falls gush down from the 300m high peaks and emerge into the river that cuts through the village of Lauterbrunnen.

After taking some photos of the falls from Lauterbrunnen village, follow the road down till you reach the base of Staubbach Falls.

RELATED GUIDE: Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen

You can walk up the stairs and into a man-made grotto that leads behind Staubbach Falls.

From inside the grotto, peering out looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park, without the dinosaurs, unfortunately!

The view of the distant glacier-filled valley is mesmerizing and so insanely beautiful that you’ll feel like you are standing in a real-life postcard .

On a clear day, you can spot paragliders and base jumpers soaring around in the skies above and countless waterfalls flowing heavily over the edge of the towering cliffs into Lauterbrunnen Valley.

There is also an easy walking trail to the next village that will take you past several more Lauterbrunnen waterfalls and vast meadows.

#2 TRÜMMELBACH FALLS

Trümmelbach Falls can be found in the heart of Lauterbrunnen. They are the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are accessible underground by lifts, tunnels, paths, and platforms.

There is an easy walking trail from Lauterbrunnen Village that will take you through vast meadows in the direction of Trümmelbach Falls.

Trümmelbach Falls  carries the water from the glaciers of Jungfrau down to Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Up to 20,000 liters of water travel through the falls per second, they are a sight and a sound to behold.

This is one of the top things to see in Lauterbrunnen during your visit!

BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS

While I encourage you to do a Switzerland DIY itinerary, I recommend taking your experience in Lauterbrunnen further with these 3 top-rated tours to make the most of your visit:

• Best-Rated: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe Day Trip From Zurich
• Top-Pick: Schilthorn Piz Gloria Small Group Tour
• Must-Do: Day Tour to Wengen From Lauterbrunnen

#3 MÜRREN VILLAGE

This delightful village of Mürren lies at the very end of Lauterbrunnen Valley, filled with traditional chalets and idyllic village life.

And for the ultimate free and easy Switzerland activity, wandering around Mürren is a great idea!

You can jump on the public bus No. 141 which runs from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren every thirty minutes.

The bus departs from outside Lauterbrunnen Railway Station or you can hail it down on the main road near Trümmelbach Falls.

The bus journey time is around twenty minutes. Click Here to see Lauterbrunnen Bus No. 141 timetables.

Mürren offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful restaurants and cafes offering traditional Swiss dining and is also a great starting point for hiking, cycling, or skiing trails.

#4 MOUNT SCHILTHORN

Once you have visited Mürren, next on the list of places to see in Lauterbrunnen is Mount Schilthorn , a must-see location on your one-week Switzerland itinerary or even longer.

Head to Stechelberg Gondola Station which is located in Mürren at the base of Mount Schilthorn and using the Swiss Travel Pass, you can ride the gondola all the way up to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.

Note: Without the Swiss Travel Pass, a return trip on the gondola from Stechelberg to Mount Schilthorn will set you back 105 CHF ($105 USD).

Mount Schilthorn is a popular ski field in Lauterbrunnen if you wish to spend a day skiing in Lauterbrunnen.

Though if skiing is not your jam, you can still head up to the famous Piz Gloria viewpoint regardless to enjoy the view.

If you are a fan of James Bond 007, Piz Gloria located on the top of Mount Schilthorn is where one of the original 007 movies was filmed back in 1969. Expect to see James Bond memorabilia galore at Piz Gloria.

Aside from this, there is a 360-degree viewpoint at the summit of Mt Schilthorn, and the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering extensive views of the Swiss Alps in the Jungfrau Region.

Also, if you are not afraid of heights, I dare you to take the knee-jittering thrill walk around the front face of Mount Schilthorn.

#5 WENGEN VILLAGE

Before the day is out, ride the gondola back down to the Stechelberg Gondola Station and jump on the public bus No. 141 to return to Lauterbrunnen Station.

Disembark from the bus and walk down into Lauterbrunnen Railway Station. Ask one of the staff members at the station which platform you need to wait on to take the train to Wengen Village and they will point you in the right direction.

The iconic yellow train will take you up and over the mountainside to Wengen Village which is located in the opposite valley and it’s one of the best places to see in Lauterbrunnen!

There is another ski field at Wengen Village if you visit Lauterbrunnen in winter and from the town, you can enjoy another perspective of the Swiss Alps in the Jungfrau Region.

There is an old church in Wengen Village which is a great vantage point to get some photos of the village and surrounding mountains.

I recommend spending an hour or so wandering around Wengen Village and seeing how the locals live their lives up here on the mountainside.

#6 PARAGLIDING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

If you are a thrill-seeker looking for the ultimate experience and the best views of the valley then this activity is one of the best things to do in Switzerland.

Flying over the Lauterbrunnen U-Valley, you can book an all-inclusive tandem paragliding experience.

Flying tandem with an instructor allows you to focus purely on the flight. Full safety equipment and an experienced pilot are part of this must-do activity.

The tour takes care of all other logistics offering pick-up from your Lauterbrunnen hotel to the launch site and even a post-flight drink included.

The experience will cost you around $225 and can be booked online in advance .

It lasts for around 1 hour and 30 minutes and you can expect to take in all of the aerial views of breathtaking Lauterbrunnen.

#7 HIKING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

There are many designated hiking trails in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland catering to every ability!

Some of the best trails to take when hiking in Lauterbrunnen are:

• Path to Murren through Blumenthal takes you through the Flower Valley.
• The iconic Eiger trail, a high route brings you right in front of the famous Eiger Nordwand.
• The trail to Wengen ascends most of the way but gives you glimpses of the Breithorn and Staubbach Falls cascading into Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Related Article: Must-Do Hikes In Lauterbrunnen

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#8 CYCLING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

There are nearly 60 cycle routes dotted around Lauterbrunnen with something for every ability, ranging from the peaceful and relaxing to the hair-raising and thrill-seeking kind. 

There are trails allowing you to cycle to most of the surrounding villages including Grindelwald, Wengen, and Gimmelwald as well as routes to take in all of the iconic mountains surrounding the valley including Jungfrau, Eiger, and Breithorn.

Lauterbrunnen Valley is a must for any cycling enthusiast, and enjoying the trails on your Switzerland summer itinerary is an excellent option.

#9 SKYDIVING IN INTERLAKEN

Skydiving in Interlaken is one of the best experiences you can have during your visit to Switzerland and I guarantee you will remember it for a lifetime!

What better way to finish off your adventures than tandem jumping out of a helicopter from 15,000 feet, freefalling over the magnificent mountains in the Jungfrau Region?!

The Swiss skydive masters make sure your safety is their number 1 priority. All tandem instructors are trained, licensed, and experienced to ensure you have the most incredible experience knowing that you are completely safe at the same time.

One of the best parts about skydiving here during your Swiss Alps itinerary is the phenomenal view from 15,000 feet in the air!

But don’t get too comfortable, because your instructor will shortly be opening the doors of the helicopter to take the leap.

Can you think of a more exciting activity to take in Switzerland in 8 days? I certainly can’t!

WHERE TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN

Luxury: victoria jungfrau grand hotel.

This 5-star hotel is centrally located between two beautiful lakes in the picturesque town of Interlaken.

Victoria Jungfrau Hotel features a spa, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. WiFi is free and breakfast is included for all guests.

The spacious rooms have elegant interiors and marble bathrooms, boasting views of the snowcapped mountains in the Jungfrau region.

Mid-Range: Hotel Interlaken

Hotel Interlaken is where I based myself for one night because it’s conveniently located just five minutes walk from Interlaken East Train Station and a twenty-minute train ride to Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Hotel Interlaken is the perfect accommodation for couples, families, solo travelers, or friends, featuring large rooms, mountain views, and a delicious buffet breakfast.

Budget: Valley Hostel

If you would prefer to stay in Lauterbrunnen as opposed to Interlaken, Valley Hostel is your best option for cheap accommodation.

Located in the heart of Lauterbrunnen Valley, this hostel is within walking distance of nearby waterfalls, retail shops, restaurants, and the main train station.

Valley Hostel offers dorms and private rooms to suit every traveler’s needs.

For All Other Places To Stay In Interlaken, Search On Booking.com

DAY 3: INTERLAKEN TO MONTREUX

On day three of your itinerary, check out of your hotel in the morning and find your way to Interlaken East Station to take the train bound for Montreux.

I highly recommend taking the Belle Epoque train on the Golden Line for an unforgettable experience on your Swiss itinerary for 8 days.

Also, make sure to book your Golden Line pass beforehand, especially during the peak season.

The Belle Epoque is an absolute charm that will take you on a timeless journey between Zweisimenn and Montreux.

THINGS TO DO IN MONTREUX

Montreux is a beautiful little town located at the eastern end of Lake Geneva.

There is a strong French influence in Montreux, from the architecture to the people and a pleasant vibe fills the air.

One of the most relaxing things to do in Montreux is to take a stroll along the promenade that lines the water’s edge of Lake Geneva and enjoy the calmness of the lake and the impressive mountainous hills that surround it.

Dozens of bars and restaurants are dotted along the promenade, perfect for lunch or dinner with a view.

If you are up for a small adventure, take the local bus south to Chateau De Chillon , just fifteen minutes ride from Montreux.

Chateau De Chillon is an island castle located on the waters of Lake Geneva, an old medieval fortress that is now a museum.

The Swiss Travel Pass also gives you access to 500 museums in Switzerland and Chateau De Chillon is one of them.

There is the option of an audio headset tour when you visit Chillon Castle or you can just simply explore inside the walls at your own pace.

When planning a Switzerland in October itinerary, I also recommend saving one hour for the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory , where you can taste all the best treats in the country!

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTREUX

Luxury: montreux apartment on the lake.

These 5-star apartments are equipped with two bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher, fridge, and microwave.

If you want to splurge a little in Montreux and make the most of your 8 days itinerary in Switzerland, this is the perfect accommodation for you!

Mid-Range: La Rouvenaz Hotel

If you are looking for mid-range accommodation I highly recommend staying at La Rouvenaz Hotel during your visit to Montreux.

It boasts incredible lakeside views, a central location, a reputable restaurant, and comfortable rooms.

Budget: Montreux Youth Hostel

Montreux Youth Hostel is the best bang for the buck, located just a few steps away from the lakeside promenade and a few hundred meters from the train station.

There are dorms, private double rooms, and family-sized rooms available with free WiFi and breakfast included.

For All Other Places To Stay In Montreux, Search On Booking.com

DAY 4 & 5: MONTREUX TO ZERMATT

Continuing on to days 4 and 5, enjoy a slow morning in Montreux before taking the train to Zermatt train station around lunchtime.

This train journey takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes, passing by beautiful farmlands, vast mountains, and deep valleys.

THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT

Zermatt is home to the iconic Matterhorn mountain which stands at a dominating 4,478 meters at its highest peak!

This one-of-a-kind destination is NOT to be skipped on any Swiss itinerary.

The Matterhorn is known all around the world for its unique pyramid shape and the famous Toblerone chocolate takes inspiration from the Matterhorn mountain.

To get atop the mountain, you’ll have to take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car – the views on the way are incredible!

Apart from the incredible Matterhorn, Zermatt is renowned for skiing, climbing, and hiking all year round and the Walker’s Haute Route is definitely a site to behold.

If you love skiing or snowboarding, Zermatt is definitely the place to do it!

If you’re not a skier, it’s still possible to ride the world’s highest gondola to the Glacier Paradise Station at the top of the mountain regardless.

On a clear day, the panoramic views of Zermatt and the surrounding mountains are absolutely insane!

Note: The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover this gondola ride so you’ll have to purchase a ticket at the gondola lift station upon arrival or book online in advance here below.

If you didn’t have time for it in Lauterbrunnen, I highly recommend going paragliding in Zermatt , which is an activity you’ll never forget!

I recommend spending one day on the mountain and the second day exploring Zermatt’s main street, Bahnhofstrasse, which is filled with retail shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and an awesome apres-ski scene!

WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT

As Zermatt is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland there are hundreds of hotels, resorts, chalets, and lodges to choose from.

However, I have narrowed it down to a few of my recommended places to stay in Zermatt.

Luxury: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Absolute luxury can be found at the Grand Hotel, boasting three restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool, and a sauna – the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes.

The rooms and suites are beautifully furnished and most have a phenomenal view of the Matterhorn. The best part is the free wine and fruits upon arrival!

Mid-Range: Schlosshotel Life & Style Zermatt

One accommodation I can highly recommend in Zermatt is the Schlosshotel, a short two-minute walk from Zermatt Train Station.

I personally spent two nights here at the Schlosshotel and I can’t recommend it enough!

The staff members were super lovely, the room was very cozy, and it had an incredible view of the Matterhorn.

The hotel also features a sauna, spa, and an indoor heated swimming pool, and the buffet breakfast is to die for!

Budget: The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt

Enjoy easy access to the ski slopes and hiking when you stay at The Matterhorn Hostel.

A fun and friendly hostel with clean, comfortable rooms and a bar and restaurant to enjoy a nice meal and something to drink.

This is by far one of the best hostels in Zermatt.

For All Other Places To Stay In Zermatt, Search On Booking.com

DAY 6: ZERMATT TO ST. MORITZ

This leg of the Switzerland travel itinerary is an experience you will never forget.

The Glacier Express is an unforgettable eight-hour journey through the Swiss Alps, connecting Zermatt to St. Moritz and it is by far one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Top-to-bottom glass windows offer panoramic views, lunch is served to you in your seat and there is also a bar for refreshments on board the Glacier Express.

Note: The Glacier Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass though you must make a seat reservation at an additional cost which you’ll have to book online in advance.

When purchasing the pass, choose your desired day of travel, make seat reservations, and get a discount using the Swiss Travel Pass.

You’ll most likely arrive late into St. Moritz and there won’t be much daylight left to explore so my recommendation is to head straight to a hotel and rest up and feel fresh for the following day.

OPTIONAL DETOUR TO LANDWASSER VIADUCT

If you’re up for an adventurous on your Switzerland trip itinerary, disembark the Glacier Express at Filisur Station, which is a few stations before St. Moritz, and head over to the famous limestone bridge known as the Landwasser Viaduct .

This impressive 6-arch curved bridge boasts 65-meter tall pillars and a freshwater stream runs right beneath it.

From Filisur station, it’s approximately a forty-minute walk to get to the Landwasser Viaduct and there are a few good viewpoints to take photos.

One is down by the freshwater stream directly beneath the bridge and the other can be found up a dirt trail to the very top of the mountain to get a birds-eye view of the bridge.

The top viewpoint is by far the best spot to take photos of the train as it passes over the Landwasser Viaduct.

Click here or on the map below for the exact directions from Filisur Station to the Landwasser Viaduct.

WHERE TO STAY IN ST. MORITZ

Luxury: badrutt’s palace hotel.

A luxurious 5-star resort located in the center of St. Moritz, featuring six restaurants, an indoor pool, and free shuttle services.

Elegant rooms overlook the surrounding mountains, each with its own flat-screen TV, private bathroom, comfortable beds, and even a butler upon request!

In summer there is a tennis court for guests to enjoy that, funnily enough, turns into an ice skating rink in the winter. How freaking cool is that?!

Mid-Range: Hotel Piz St. Moritz

Both stylish and elegant, Hotel Piz is a 3-star hotel located close to the city center that features a pizzeria, free wifi, a sauna, and a steam room.

The rooms are spacious, each with its own TV, lock safe, and private bathroom.

Guests staying longer than two nights at Hotel Piz in summer will receive free tickets for the cable car, cog railway, and funicular.

Budget: St. Moritz Youth Hostel

Offering panoramic views of St. Moritz, the best feature of this hostel is the games room offering billiards and table tennis.

There are dorm rooms and private double rooms available that are bright and modernly furnished. This is the best place to stay in St. Moritz on a budget!

For All Other Places To Stay In St. Moritz, Search On Booking.com

DAY 7:  ST. MORITZ

This Swiss travel blog wouldn’t be complete without St. Moritz – a dreamy city located on the far eastern end of Switzerland.

It is here where the notion of winter holidays was born and its stunning imagery is jaw-dropping.

This place is as good as it gets and one of my favorite places I visited on this Switzerland itinerary.

I am impressed by how active all the locals are here – mountain bike riding, hang gliding, skiing, snowboarding, kite surfing, and sailing on the lake.

One of the best things to do in St. Moritz is to ride the famous Bernina Express train through the snowy mountains to a place called Alp Grum.

The journey takes approximately one hour until it reaches the top of the Bernina Pass at Alp Grum.

Note: The Bernina Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass though you must make a seat reservation at an additional cost which you’ll have to book online in advance.

Visit the Bernina Express website to choose your desired day of travel, make seat reservations, and get a discount using the Swiss Travel Pass.

There is not much more than a restaurant and bar up here at Alp Grum, but the views of nearby glaciers in the mountains are stunning!

Take the Bernina Express back down to St. Moritz to spend the second last day of your travel itinerary for Switzerland exploring this beautiful lakeside town.

DAY 8: ST. MORITZ TO ZURICH

The last leg of the journey is taking the train from St. Moritz to Zurich which takes approximately three to four hours depending on which connection you take.

Zurich offers a great street scene in the old town with dozens of shops, cafes, and small cobblestone laneways and there are also a number of historical sites to visit if you have the time on the last day of your 8 day Switzerland itinerary.

If you are interested in seeing all the sites in one day, see below for the best Zurich City Tours.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

To end this Switzerland trip blog, let’s go through the best accommodations in Zurich to consider for your stay.

Luxury: Park Hyatt Zurich

A contemporary 5-star hotel located in the heart of Zurich’s commercial district and within walking distance of the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

The rooms are very spacious with high-speed WiFi and there are restaurants, bars, and lounges inside the Park Hyatt.

Perfect for couples wanting a luxurious and unforgettable experience in Zurich.

Mid-Range: Motel One Zurich

An excellent 3-star hotel located in one of the best areas of the city.

There is free WiFi, private rooms with bathroom ensuites, and flat-screen TVs, and all of this is just within walking distance of Zurich’s main attractions, which is great for your itinerary for Switzerland.

Budget: Zurich Youth Hostel

One of the best hostels in Zurich with a modern design, various cuisines, and a cozy bar.

Its great location is just a stone’s throw from the lake’s shore and walking distance to train stations. Other features include a sunny courtyard and bright brooms.

With dorms and private rooms available, it’s the perfect place to stay in Zurich for travelers on a budget and to end this 8 nights Switzerland itinerary.

For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Zurich

MAP OF SWITZERLAND

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of the country and plan the best itinerary for Switzerland.

WHAT TO PACK FOR SWITZERLAND

When visiting Switzerland, here is a list of items I highly recommend adding to your travel packing list.

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Switzerland Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Switzerland!

FINAL THOUGHTS – SWISS ITINERARY

I hope you enjoyed reading this Switzerland blog post and if you have any questions at all about this Switzerland itinerary , please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions about this Switzerland travel blog to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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129 thoughts on “8 Day Switzerland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide (2024)”

Dear Jonny, your itinerary and comments are awesome, it has helped me a lot to design a 5-6 days trip to Switzerland between 20-25 Feb 2024 for my family of 6 people. My initial plan was: – Day 0: Our family visits friends and travelling from Vietnam to the UK, ends up in Edinburgh. – Day 1 (sleep at Interlaken): Flying from Edinburgh to Geneve airport before noon (Zurich already sold out), take a train to Interlaken. Going to visit Crash Landing On You filming site and around the town. – Day 2 (sleep at Zermatt): Take a train to visit Lauterbrunnen in the morning. Take a train to Zermatt trying to arrive before sunset (so can see the Matterhorn from the hotel) * If day 1 was not too tired, can try to do Lauterbrunnen so day 2 can leave early in the morning for Zermatt. – Day 3 (sleep at St Moritz): Take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz. – Day 4: I want to take the Bernina Express to Alp Grum and back to St Moritz in the afternoon so we can take a train to Zurich to have a full day 5 in Zurich. However, it looks like Bernina Express only ride at late afternoon. Day 5: Zurich Day 6: Zurich – Paris Day 7: Paris Day 8: Leaving Paris back to Vietnam Can you please advise: 1. Should I skip Zurich for one more day in either Interlaken, Zermatt or St Moritz? 2. Can I take other train than Bernina Express to Alp Grum because I don’t want to see the stunning view in the dark. Many thanks

Hi, thanks for reading and glad this itinerary of switzerland has helped with your trip! This itinerary looks great. I personally would skip the city (Zurich) for an extra day in Interlaken, I would suggest checking out Grindelwald a nearby valley. And yes there are other regional trains that you can take to Alp Grum. Hope this helps and enjoy!

Hi Jonny, excellent writeup! Thanks for framing it well and convincing us to go Switzerland, it worked! Can you advise if this itinerary works for Pre Xmas to early Jan period ie 24 Dec to 2 Jan? Will it be busy at those locations or packed on the train and I reckoned most of the place should be open? If we want to ski for a day or 2, are these 2 places recommended? We are thinking of something like below:

* Day 1: Zurich – Luzern (stay Luzern) * Day 2: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen (stay Interlaken) * Day 3: Skiing in Lauterbrunnen (stay Interlaken) * Day 4: Zermatt (stay Zermatt) * Day 5: Skiing in Zermatt (stay Zermatt) * Day 6: Glacier Express (stay St Moritz) * Day 7: St. Moritz (stay St Moritz) * Day 8: Zurich(stay Zurich)

Hi Derick, you’re going to love Switzerland, glad you found this guide useful! That itinerary looks perfect and yes you can go skiing in Lauterbrunnen (ski slopes in Lauterbrunnen itself include Murren and Wengen, and then you have Grindelwald which is a nearby valley from Interlaken) and of course Zermatt has plenty of ski slopes. Xmas and NY is one of the busiest times so I recommend booking all accommodation in advance, you can refer to my guide on places to stay, and also get the Swiss Travel Pass as mentioned in this guide, and you’ll want to pre-book the Glacier Expresse in advance too. Hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

Thanks for the great advice!. As we have difficulty trying to secure hotels in Zematt and St Mortiz in Dec because we are a large group of 5, will it make a difference if we do a clockwise route starting Zematt first (3 nights), then Morteux (1 night) , then Interlaken (3 nights), ending with Lucerne last(2 nights) ? We arrive into Zurich Early morning and depart Depart Zurich 10.35am.

Hi Jonny Thanks for sharing your travel guide! I’m travelling in early June and have some similar itinerary as yours. If I were to take the glacier express from Zermatt, how best can I get to Zurich on the same day (evening) if I do not stay in Chur or St Moritz? As I was hoping not to miss landwasser viaduct while on the glacier express, the travelling route gets a little complicated . Would appreciate your kind advice . Thank you.

Hi Choo, thanks for reading, i hope it has helped plan your trip. Upon reaching Chur or St Moritz, you can catch a direct train to Zurich. Check the train schedules in advance on the SBB website to ensure there is a suitable connection for your evening arrival in Zurich.

Thank you so much for your helpful info about Switzerland. If we want to spend about 8 days in Switzerland but we don’t want to spend every night in a different hotel, which location would you suggest to use as a base? We’d prefer just 1-2 hotels. Would that be possible to see some part of Switzerland just out of 1-2 locations?

Hi Marina, in your case I would suggest staying in three different locations, firstly in Interlaken, then moving onto Zermatt, and finally St. Moritz and after that end your trip in Zurich.

Hello Jonny, Planning on doing your trip next June 23 with the 15 Swiss rail pass. As we are coming from Australia and will be away for 6 weeks our cases will be large and as we are 65 we don’t want to drag our cases from train station to motels. Do the motels do pick ups?

Hi Catherine, yes not a problem at all with the large cases. You can either contact your hotel directly before you arrive and request a pick up or from the train stations you’ll find taxi’s to take you to your hotel. Have a great trip!

Love this itinerary! I hope we have 8 days to spend in Switzerland but we only have 6 days. We’d love to hear your suggestion on how we can shorten your 8-day itinerary and still be able to see Matterhorn, scenic falls, paraglide ( 🙂 ) and ride the trains (such as Glacier Express and similar)?

Thank you so much and hope to hear from you!

Hi Lani, I’m glad to hear that you love the itinerary for Switzerland! Here’s a suggested plan for your 6-day visit:

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich and explore the city and its highlights… Day 2: Travel to Lucerne and spend the day exploring… Day 3: Interlaken and Paragliding – take an early train to Interlaken for paragliding in the morning and then explore Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald… Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley… Day 5: Zermatt and Matterhorn… Day 6: Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

I hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

Is ski / snowboarding possible in early August anywhere in Switzerland? Also, do you recommend not going to Geneva?

Hello Munira, unfortunately it’s not possible to ski in August anywhere in Switzerland as this time of year is still very much summer. I do recommend Geneva if time allows, it’s a very charming city with lots to enjoy, and the lake Geneva is right there of course. Enjoy your trip!

Absolutely love your itinerary. I found it very informative and I have planned our family trip around it. My husband and I are traveling with our 7 and 9 year old girls and are planning on making Lucerne home base. We are driving from Paris to Switzerland and then head to South of France hence found it easier to rent a car. Reading your response to your comments, it appeared you have also done a road trip previously. Any adjustments to your itinerary you will recommend knowing we will have access to a car? Is it still worthwhile to get a swiss pass also? Thank you

hi Kenny, thanks for the feedback, super happy to hear you found this Swiss itinerary useful. I responded to you in a seperate email, but yes, you can follow this same itinerary by car and you may also like to check out some other places like Grindelwald (near Lauterbrunnen), Bern, Davos, and on your way down to France definitely check out Valle Verzasca near lake Locarno on the Italian border.

For your case, the Swiss Half Fare Card would be the better option. Here is a blog post with more details about the swiss travel pass and other alternatives: https://www.jonnymelon.com/swiss-travel-pass/

I hope this helps and enjoy!

Thank you for replying to my recent message. I am using your itinerary and it has been working quite well. Decided to go with a 4-day Swiss pass rather than half fare Swiss pass since plan on just using the train (parking car in the hotel) a lot in those 4 days and honestly love the convenience of not buying a ticket.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience. Love it! With your post, i really safe a lot of time planning my trip to Switzerland at the end of July. As i am going in summer time, which places should i skip as i might not see the nice scenery cover by snow? Alp Grum? And which places i must go in summer time.

Appreciate your advice. Thank you!

Hi Elaine, I’m glad to hear that my Switzerland itinerary has been helpful for you in planning your trip to Switzerland. Alp Grum is a beautiful destination to visit during winter when it is covered in snow, but during summer, it’s equally picturesque with lush greenery and stunning views of the Bernina Range. There are several other places you can visit in Switzerland during summer that offer breathtaking views and experiences. Some must-visit places include Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Geneva, and Zermatt. I hope this helps and enjoy!

Hi Jonny, This is such a detailed and easy to read itinerary, thank you. We are considering this trip for Early July.

I’m having trouble finding out whether the GoldenPass Belle Epoque trip from Interlakken to Montreux is included with the Swiss Travel Pass- Can you confirm? If it;s not included do you know how much it costs pp?

Also, what are the main differences between 1st and 2nd Class travel within the Swiss Travel Pass scheme? It would be an additional £500 to travel 1st class so is it good value in your opinion?

Hi Fran, regarding the Golden Pass Belle Epoque trip from Interlaken to Montreux, it is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass. However, you can still receive a discount on the ticket with the Swiss Travel Pass. The cost of the ticket varies depending on the time of year and the class of travel. It’s best to check the current prices and availability with the railway company.

As for the differences between first and second-class travel within the Swiss Travel Pass scheme, first-class generally offers more spacious seats, more legroom, and larger luggage space. Some trains also offer amenities such as complimentary drinks and snacks. It’s worth upgrading if you value the extra space and amenities!

Hi Jonny, thank you so much for your perfect 8 days itinerary. I has been reading several itineraries so far you are the best! Btw, just curious is all boat, ferry and train operate during winter? As I plan to visit Switzerland in Dec. Looking forward to your favourite response.

Hey Jimmy, thanks for your positive feedback and I am super happy to hear you found my swiss itinerary to be the best. From what I know, yes, boats, ferries, and trains operate year-round in all seasons. There may however be reduced services during weekdays and some transport options may not operate in bad weather conditions. I hope this helps and enjoy your trip 🙂

Thank you so much for this DETAILED itinerary. This is super helpful. My son and I are planning a seven night trip in May. We have a night in Zurich, then a night in Lucerne, and three nights in Lauterbrunnen. Where would you recommend we go for our final two nights from there? We do not have a vehicle and fly out of Zurich on day 8.

Hi Kristen, sounds like a great plan! I suggest checking out Bern after Lauterbrunnen, it’s relatively close, and Bern back to Zurich is an easy route! Hope this helps and have a great trip!

Thank you for your sharing. Lov it!

With swiss pass, possible a day tour ftom zurich to reinfall to stein am rain to konstanz? Appreciate your advise.

I will be staying in Soloturn. Can you suggest any day tour to nearby city aside Lucerne? Appreciate your advise.

Many thanks !

Hello, thanks for your positive feedback, glad you love this Switzerland itinerary by train. Yes you can use the swiss pass for that route. And I can suggest visiting Bern from Solothurn as an alternative to Lucerne. Hope this helps and have a great trip!

Since we are moving hotel from one city to another city almost daily, which would you advise changing hotel at the eve in new city or check out from hotel early morning before embarking to new city? Read that most activities or adventure should start early morning?

Appreciate your advise. Many thanks.

Hello, I suggest checking out of the hotel in the morning after breakfast. If your activity starts early, you can leave your luggage with the hotel reception, and pick it up before you depart onward to the next city. Hope this helps 🙂

Thanks so much JonnyMelon for this wonderful article!! I’m going to use this as a framework for upcoming travel to Switzerland!!

Hi Karen, you are most welcome, have a great trip!!

Hi Jonny – My husband daughter (adult) and myself are planning to the exact itinerary you did – Thank you for sharing

We would like to only move to 3 hotels – we are ok doing a bit more train travel

What are the 3 places we should stay ?

Your help is much appreciated Thank you once again

You’re most welcome, thanks for reading and enjoying this guide to Switzerland. I would say Interlaken, Zermatt, and Lucurne would be the 3 main places. Have a great trip 🙂

If you travel by rail what do you do with your luggage during the day. Do u check into hotel once u arrive then do the touring

Hi Lynn, yes exactly. Hotels will let you store your luggage if you arrive too early to check in and you can go explore for the day. Alternatively, you can find large and small storage lockers and most stations.

Hi Jonny, we are planing a trip this Feb around 10th for 10 days – will follow your suggested iterinary, wanted to know how much travel time is required between each day. And do we move or need a hotel to be booked at each place or can we stay in one place and take trains around?

Hi Neil, the distance between each location is around 2 hours give or take, some less. I would suggest making a hotel reservation in each place as you don’t want to be backtracking to one hotel. Hope this helps and enjoy you’re Swiss itinerary!

Hi Jonny I plan to travel in April where can I board the Glacier Express train from Zermatt

Hi Pauline, it departs from the main train station in Zermatt. Have a great trip to Switzerland!

Hello Jonny. I am planning a trip to switzerland in early july- 2 adults and a 12 year old. We will be there for 9 nights. Our general plan is to use public transport: zurich to luzern,luzern to wengen(in this area for 4 nights), wengen to zermatt, zermatt to montreux, and then montreux to zurich. Is the swiss rail pass worth it? I guess it comes out to $845 USD for the three of us. Its hard to tally the individual train prices as its too far ahead. I would love your input! Thanks!

Hey Claudette, that sounds like an awesome trip! The Swiss Travel Pass is absolutely worth it for the number of trains you’ll be taking on your route and it also gives you access to museums and other perks. Individual tickets will add up to more than the Swiss Travel Pass. Hope this helps and have a great trip!

Hi, I would love to know how do you get to Interlaken from Luzern? And from which station? Do we have to make a seat reservation like glacier express or should we just hop on to the Golden pass line and just sit wherever we want? Thank you, hope to hear from you soon.

Hello, I would recommend taking the Luzern–Interlaken Express from Luzern station to Interlaken Ost station. No seat reservation is required and you can use the swiss travel pass. Hope this helps and enjoy traveling in Switzerland!

We’re following this itinerary for our 8 day trip- in November ! thank you. however, we just realised the Glacier Express isn’t working until Dec 10.

Awesome, you’re going to have the best time following this Switzerland itinerary. Oh is that right, I was unaware of this, however, I believe there are other trains that you can travel on. Visit the SBB website to check available routes and timetables.

This is probably the best itinerary for the Swiss which I have come across.

We are a couple planning for a 8N/9D day trip in the 3rd week of Sept, we are going with the swiss travel pass for 8 days. Can you pls suggest 3/4 places to stay, asumming 2-3 nights per places which will be ideal to stay and travel acorss pls.

Warm Regards, Manish

Hey Manish, you are welcome!! Did you see the recommended hotels above which I have listed in the article, these are the places I recommend to stay on this Swiss itinerary! Enjoy 🙂

Hi Jonny, I just came back from Zurich yesterday and it was only a 3 days trip. I am planning to go back next year to explore all the remaining items that you have got on your guide. 🙂 May I check which month did you go as there are snow and sun and everything inbetween, not sure if I have to pack winter wear as well, however I live in Dublin so its always raining here and i always have a jacket on.

Hi Kala, sounds awesome!! I’ve been to Switzerland in all seasons and I always have some clothing to be prepared for the unexpected cold, rain, and snow. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip to Switzerland.

Thank you for this detailed itinerary. Just perfect for a 1st visit . Just wanted an indication of how much is the additional cost to reserve a seat on the 2 train rides ie Glacier and Bernina express . Thank you

Hello, you’re very welcome. For the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, you can find prices and timetables on their respective websites. Enjoy!

Jonny, my wife and I will be visiting CH on a break-trip from India to the US. We will have 4 large and 2 small suitcases though! How do we manage with that? Any idea??

Hey Jay, there should be luggage storage facilities at the airport and even at some train stations. Enjoy 🙂

Did you ever try going from Zermatt to St Mortiz using the normal train? Since I already have the Swiss Travel Pass, do not want to spend money on The Glacier Express. Also, for all normal trains, do I need to reserve seats, or I can sit any empty seats? Any experience a train is full and there is no seats? Standing allowed?

Hi Christopher, Yes there are normal trains available. You can search for all the info and timetables on the SBB website. Have a great trip!

On day 2 what time would leave Lucerne? Did you take you luggage around Lauterbrunnen?

Hello, I left around 9-10 am. Yes, I took one suitcase and one backpack around with me. Hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

Hello! I’m planning a solo trip in September 2022 for my 60th birthday (husband and son might catch up with me later). As I read this itinerary, I’m not sure if you should stay in a different city each day, or there is a city where you base off the trips for several days. Can you elaborate on that? Ideally, I’d like to move twice, perhaps three times during the 8 days for maximum enjoyment. Thank you for the wonderful itinerary. Oh, also, are the youth Hostel’s only recommended for youngsters?

Hey there! This is quite a fast-paced itinerary for those that have a time constraint of around one week. I haven’t done any other route other than this one that I have written about so I can’t personally elaborate, unfortunately. Youth hostels in Switzerland are great for all ages. Have a nice trip to Switzerland 🙂

Hi Jonny, Really loved your itinerary. Should I follow this since I would be visiting in month of July? Is it worth visiting Zermatt ?

Thanks in advance

Hi Neeti, glad you enjoyed this itinerary, you’re going to love Switzerland! Yes, this would be a great itinerary in July, and 100% worth visiting Zermatt, the Matterhorn is so iconic and there are some half-day and full-day hikes you can do in the summer. Enjoy!

What do you recommend for luggage? Since this a daily move from city to city, will you advise a backpack rather than a normal carry-on luggage. Me and my wife, both in early 50’s , plan to follow your itinerary. We plan to be mobile but unsure if backpacks will work for us.

Hi Gerry, I had one backpack and one suitcase and managed with this. A backpack would make it easier, but you shouldn’t have any issues with roller luggage. Enjoy 🙂

Hi Jonny! For Day 2, is it possible to cover #1 to #5 all in a day? We are family with elderly, ok with short and easy walk. Thank you!

Hello, yes indeed, you could cover spots 1 to 5 easily in one day. You can drive through the valley if you have a car and each of these locations is very easy to reach with minimal walking. Enjoy 🙂

Hai Jonny, Your itinerary help a lot… I just want to know the train belle epoque so I can took the train from Zermatt to Montreux? How to buy the ticket for belle epoque? I see in the website only destination info but we can’t choose the train

Hi Rina, for memory, you can ride the belle epoque on a standard train ticket. Search on the SBB website for the journey you wish to take and it will show you the name of the train and this is where you should be able to see belle epoque. I hope this helps and enjoy the ride 🙂

Hi JONNYMELON.this is indeed an excellent blog regarding 8 days swiss travel itinerary.very compact,lucid ,filled with almost all the important informations which everyone ask from the google.am really excited.planning to visit next august last week,2020.

Hello, that’s great to hear you enjoyed this article. Enjoy Switzerland!

I am assuming you did the 1st class travel passes?

Hello, Yes I was traveling 1st Class.

Love your blog. am looking at staying in Switzerland for 4 days . Stay at Interlaken and travel to Lauterbreunen and jungfraugh and Thun . then to zurich and do a 1 day tour in zurich. should i still get the 8 day pass? what are other alternatives? Are individual train ride tickets a better option?

Hey, sounds like a great trip! Yes I would recommend the 8 day pass because it still works out cheaper than individual rides. Enjoy!

hello. this is a very good itinerary and posting. i’m wondering if you could offer some advice. could this itinerary be applied in January or beginning of February trip? I’m not a winter sports fan but would love to hike if possible and go up to the alps.

thanks in advance!!

Hmm I am not sure if you would be able to go hiking in the middle of winter, best to go around March – April when the snow has melted some.

Hi Jonny! I am grateful for the itinerary as it helped a lot with my planning. Do you think Bern would be worth visiting too and any idea on the weather there in late April? Once again, Great help and may you have a blessed year!!

You are welcome! Yes Bern would be great, I didn’t make it there unfortunately but will have to go back and do it next time! End of April weather would be perfect!

Hi Johny, We are planning to travel next year April. If we follow your itinerary, do you advise buying a half fare pass instead?

I read some other blogger recommended half fare pass

Hi Syleen, there are pros and cons to each but I found the Swiss Travel Pass to be the perfect one to get for this exact itinerary. If you’d like more detailed info I recommend a quick google search on half fare card vs swiss travel pass and hopefully this will help you make a decision! Have a great time on your Swiss itinerary 🙂

Hi Jonny!! Thanks for the help on the Itinerary!! this is a huge help for me but I was wondering if Bern is worth the visit?? I am currently planning 9 days for Switzerland in April. TOP NOTCH itinerary!! God Bless!

Yes if you have extra days I would definitely include Bern on this itinerary. I haven’t been myself but it looks amazing! Enjoy!

Hi! Enjoying reading your blog on Switzerland. I am going next month with a group of friends to celebrate my 40th. We are going to Montreux, Zermatt, Launterbrunnen, Lucern, and Zurich. I can’t wait. Two questions if you have time. 1. Where was the picture “The beautiful town of Zermatt – Switzerland Itinerary” in the Zermatt section taken of the village. I would like to see the rooftops like that!

2. Did you do any sledding/Tobogganing during your trip in the winter? If so, any recs? We aren’t big into skiing but love the outdoors!

Hi Jamie, thanks for reading and glad you found the guide useful! Ahh I really can’t remember the exact location of this photo but if you search Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint on Google Maps, that’s another popular spot to take photos. I didn’t do any tobogganing in Zermatt but I did see some others doing it so it is possible! Hope this helps and enjoy!

Hello, Great article! Do you recommend a travel agent that would put this trip together, exactly how you described, for a small group? Thank you!

Hi Richard, glad you loved this article. I don’t know any travel agents in Switzerland I am afraid. This trip I went on was all DIY so this guide is based around that. I hope this guide is enough for you to make it work 🙂

I want to do Gelmerbahn Funicular, where is the closest place to insert it from this itinerary?

Perhaps between Lucerne and Interlaken you could squeeze it in. 🙂

This was super amazing guide I have ever read on the internet. I am planning to go Switzerland between 27 Feb to 2 March 2020. The trip will like 2 days in Zurich and 2 days in Lauterbrunnen. I was planning to rent a car but it would be better to have Swiss pass for all train and other activities right?

One question in my mind is; how much cold the weather at the end of Feb? Do you think we might able to explore places in that time.

It would be great if you can share your comments.

Keep up with good working!

Regards, Mesut from Turkey 🙂

Hi Mesut, I sent you a private email on this with more information 🙂

i was planning for a family trip there, and luckily found this amazing informational guide… thanks a lot as this guide will help me for my family travel trip… briefly explained travel guide…!!

Glad you found this guide useful and enjoy Switzerland!

Hi, I loved ur article, I’m staying in Lucerne on 26/27/28 December, but not yet decided where stay on 24/25 December with family . Kindly suggest best city at my train reaches at 3pm on 24th to BASEL from Paris.

Hi, if your train arrives in Basel I would stay there and check out the city. It’s also a very nice place! Enjoy 🙂

I am planning a trip in late October (28th) till 4 Nov. This was really helpful! Just wondering if you actually changed accommodation everyday. Or did you have a base city? I tried to follow your itinerary but found it really mind boggling to plan for daily check-in and check-out, though it may save some travelling time.

Glad you loved this article! I changed accommodations every day. You can definitely extend your stay in some of the places if you wish. Hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

Thank you for wonderful post. This is really helpful to give us an idea when we planned for our trip few months ago. We decided to stay a couple days more and now we’re at the end of our trip. Our plan worked out really well cause of your posting. Thanks!!

That’s awesome! I am glad this article helped you on your trip!

Excellent blog!! I’m here for work but I am planning to use the weekends to know CH! This was very helpful! Tomorrow I first expedition is to Luzern. From Wettingan to Luzern. I will do the three suggested things to do! I will let you know 🙂

Thanks for reading and glad you have found it useful! I hope you enjoy Luzern as much as I did!

Thanks for the wonderful post. Silly question though, would you recommend driving or getting around by train?

And also, would you recommend to pick a base area to visit and travel the Jungfrau region. For example. If i were to stay in Interlaken, could i make daily trips to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald etc and back to Interlaken back at night? Or should i pick my stay at the specific places i wanna go.

Please ignore the duplicate comment. My sincere apologies!

Glad you love the article! Not a silly Q at all, in fact, I have road-tripped Switzerland and also done it by train, both offering a completely different experience! The train is scenic though limiting to where you can stop, whereas if you have your own car you can stop whenever you see an amazing viewpoint. So I can’t give you a solid answer on that one sorry. Yes, I would base in Interlaken and make the day trips to Lauterbrunnen from there, it’s only 20-minutes by car or train. I hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

JONNY Great Blog. Your Trip covers 80% of places which we finalized before seeing your blog and we are now sure-we made right list. We are going in End october and are sad to learn that Glacier express does not run that time. Will normal trains cover same route or would be better to avoid St. Moritz if none of activities mentioned by you-are planned by us.

That’s great to hear, you’re going to love Switzerland! I am sure there are other normal trains that operate to St. Moritz, best to check on the sbb.ch website to see what’s available. Definitely try to make it to St. Moritz, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland!

Hi Jonny, nice post you got there. Also planning to visit Switzerland one time. May I know what month you guys went? Seems like the perfect time to go since you get a mix of winter and still get to see some greens. Also, how much did you spend all in all for the trip, minus airfare and the Swiss Pass?

Hi Karen, you’re going to love Switzerland. I was there in March this year and also in July about 2 years ago. If you want to see snow and green on the same trip I recommend going in April/May. Not sure how much I spent, I didn’t keep track of that sorry. Hope this helps and enjoy!

Amazing itinerary and pictures, this really helped me a lot for my next adventure. What camera did you use for this travel? or camera you use for most of your travel?

Hi, thanks for reading and glad you found this itinerary useful. You can see a list of my camera gear on my website: https://www.jonnymelon.com/camera-gear/

Thanks for the post! Your detailed itinerary was very helpful. I’m planning to travel to Switzerland in Sept. I was wondering if you felt rushed traveling from place to place every day. I’m hoping to have time to fit in a couple of 2-3 hr hikes in Interlaken and Zermatt.

It was a little rushed but I wanted to see as much as I possibly could. It was the right amount of time to do the things that I did but if you want to throw in a hike you may need an extra day. Hope this helps and Enjoy! 🙂

Hi Thanks a lot for this detailed blog…it’s really very informative. I am planning to visit switerzerland in September and i am going to follow your itinary….as it looks just how i would like to travel. I have a little question about baggage allowance in trains ..is there any limit for baggage. And also about Bernia Express…is it included in swiss pass

Hello, thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed this article. There is no maximum baggage allowance on all trains so feel free to take as much luggage as you like. And yes, the Swiss Pass includes the Bernina Express! Enjoy 🙂

Hye.. I wanna use 8 days STP like what u did for my trip in September.. But I just wanna ask, how did u use Swiss Travel Pass for domestic trains? Did u just go to the station and showed them the pass or how? For example if I wanna go from Laguno to Grindelwald via train…

Hello, You can use the Swiss Travel Pass on all domestic trains. No reservations needed, just board the train and the ticket inspector will ask to see your ticket on the train. For more information click on the ‘swiss travel pass’ links in this article and visit the website. Hope this helps1 🙂

Hi Jonny Thanx for sharing this wonderful experience. We are planning to go in end of september and have plans to pick up a swiss pass. Can you let me know any journeys that swiss pass wont cover.

Hell, you’re going to love it! I am not 100% sure whats covered and whats not covered outside of the exact itinerary in my article. Best bet is to click on the ‘swiss travel pass’ link in this article and all information can be found on their website. Hope this helps and enjoy Switzerland!

Hi, Thanks for this amazing blog. It was very helpul. I’m planning to visit end of this month.I have the swiss pass, can you tell me please which rides weren’t included in the swiss pass and you need to pay. Like the cog wheel train, gandola to piz gloria. glacier paradise gandola,yellow train, bernina express.Also do you need to book seats in advance or you can get the tickets when you arrive there? Many thanks

Hi Buddy, I have sent you an email with more info 🙂

Hi Jonny, Will you be able to share the same with me please.

Great post! Planing eight day family vacation with 7 year old daughter for August 2019. Do you think your itinerary would be too much for an active 7 year old? If so, what would you take out and where would you spend more “down time”. We enjoy all things outdoors (biking, hiking, etc.) so any opportunities to enjoy those activities would be great. Thanks again for sharing your post!

Hi Mark, glad you like this article and found it useful. This itinerary is perfect for all ages and if you are interested in hiking and some more downtime, Lauterbrunnen is the place to do that. I hope this helps and enjoy your trip! 🙂

This is so awesome. I’m visiting Switzerland in October and it’ll be my first time traveling alone so I was a little confused about how to get around but this really helped. Thank you!

Great! You are most welcome. Enjoy your Switzerland vacation! 🙂

Great review!! but i am a little confused about the start and end point of the trip. I am planning to go in September. Your guide is to start off in Geneva but you mentioned flying into Zurich first. If so when i arrive, i will need to make a trip across the country first? since i would be leaving from Zurich as well.

Hi thanks for reading. I started the train journey in Zurich and ended in Zurich. I never went to Geneva… I hope this helps 🙂

Enjoyed ur 8 days guide in Switzerland. Planning to go for abt 10 days end of Aug 19. This guide will be really helpful. We are coming from Asia/ Singapore. May I check if there are enough space for big luggage in all the trains? We loved the nature and hiking. Which location do you think best for us to stay a day or two longer for that? Zermatt ? Thanks in advance!

Hi and thanks for reading! Yes there is plenty of space on the trains for luggage! And I would recommend spending two days for hiking and exploring in Lauterbrunnen Valley! Enjoy!

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Switzerland itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Switzerland in seven days. We hope our Switzerland itinerary in this travel guide blog can help you plan your memorable trip to Switzerland!

Home to the breathtaking Alps, numerous lakes, historical culture, and traditional Swiss villages, Switzerland is like a living fairy tale. It’s incredibly beautiful, with incredible mountain scenery and scenic train, that it almost doesn’t seem real. It is a country I have long wanted to visit, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Switzerland is not a very big country, but it has many interesting things to see and do. If you are visiting Switzerland for the first time, a bit of planning is necessary. It’s hard to experience everything that’s great about Switzerland in just a few days of a brief visit. To truly appreciate Switzerland’s charms, we recommended slowing down your pace and trying not to rush around.

In this section of the Switzerland Travel Guide , you will find the articles to help you plan the perfect trip to Switzerland. When to go, what to see, and how much it costs for your budget planning. I will show you how to explore Switzerland in just 7 Days with the Switzerland travel blog!

Table of Contents

Quick Switzerland Travel Tips

Switzerland is one of the most expensive, and richest, countries in the world. The capital city is Bern, which has a well-preserved Old Town along the Aare River. Geneva is a global hub for banking and diplomacy, while Zurich is a global hub for banking and finance. 

Currency : The official currency in Switzerland is Swiss francs (CHF) but most Swiss shops accept payment in euros and some also dollars. I would still encourage you to change money and have some Swiss Francs as it gets more expensive if you pay in euros.

Language : The official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Safety : Switzerland in general, is very safe and welcoming. You should still keep an eye on your valuables just in case, but no need to be paranoid.

Tipping in Switzerland : When eating out in Switzerland, service is usually included, so you are not expected to tip. But you are welcome to add 5% to 10% if the services are particularly outstanding.

This travel guide to Switzerland can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to the country.

Traveling to Switzerland

We took a night train to Zurich, Switzerland from Munich but there are several ways to get there depending on where you are.

By Flight Many international and budget travelers choose to land in Zurich as flight connectivity to and from Zurich is amazing. Zürich is served by Flaugen airport and it connects you to over 196 destinations across the globe.

Use Skyscanner to find the Best Flight Deal

The Zurich International airport is 25 minutes away from the city center (by tram). You can make your way to the city center in one of the following ways.

• Public Transport – Trains are very efficient in Switzerland and Zurich is no different. You have to pay for tickets at the station (credit cards accepted, cash accepted in some).
• Private transport or taxi – A more convenient way if you book a chauffeur-driven transport to your hotel. It will drop you off right at your hotel or at designated points in the city center. A good option if you have tons of luggage and are traveling in a group.

By Train If you’re already in Europe, then traveling by train may be the more convenient option. The train from Munich Hbf to Zurich Hbf took about 6 hrs 45 mins.

By Car Traveling by car is one of the best ways to experience Europe. Unlike public transportation, driving in Switzerland will give you the freedom to follow your schedule and stop wherever and whenever you wanted. If you’re looking to rent a car and drive to Switzerland, then you can do so on Rentalcars.com .

7 Days in Switzerland

Given the size of Switzerland, we thought our 7 days Switzerland itinerary was ideal for someone on their first trip to Switzerland. It included a lot of Switzerland’s main attractions and a few lovely day trips to the Swiss Alps, but it wasn’t so packed that we felt rushed or overwhelmed.

For this Switzerland itinerary, I strongly recommend using the Swiss Travel Pass and getting around via public transportation. Also, most boat cruises on most lakes are included. I will cover this in more detail in the sections below.

Here are the suggested 7 days in Switzerland itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive in Switzerland. Explore Zurich Start your Switzerland itinerary in Zurich, the first gateway to this dreamy country. On your first day in Zurich, head to the Bahnhofstrasse and slowly walk to Lake Zurich. Spend your afternoon in the old town to visit Grossmuster, Fraumunster, and Peterskirche, and wander around the Altstadt.

DAY 2: From Zurich to Lucerne. Explore Lucerne Spend your second day exploring the historic town of Lucerne. The iconic landmark places of Lucerne include the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke, the lion monument, and climbing up to the Museggmauer and the Nine Towers.

DAY 3: Take A Day Trip to Mt Titlis Take an entire day to explore Mt Titlis from Lucerne and enjoy the spectacular view of the Swiss Alps. Take a ride on a cable car to reach the top of Mount Titlis, enjoy the ice flyer and the view on the Titlis Cliff Walk is extraordinary. A great day trip from Lucerne.

DAY 4: Interlaken The town itself is a compact tourist town but it holds a few attractions to keep you busy. Spend your day in Interlaken with a scenic boat ride to Brienzersee or Thunersee, and stop at one of the lakefront picturesque villages along the journey.

DAY 5: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen Many beautiful Swiss towns and villages can be visited from Interlaken. The fairy tale charming Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen will win you over. Take time to appreciate the beautiful Swiss scenery and historical buildings when sightseeing in town.

DAY 6: Jungfraujoch The world-famous, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s Highest Train Station and from here you can view the Jungfrau mountain. It is easy to reach Jungfraujoch by train from Interlaken. Enjoy the panoramic views as you reach the summit.

DAY 7: Day Trip To Bern On your last day of Switzerland itinerary, explore the capital city of Bern on a day trip. Enjoy a stroll to Altstadt of Bern and wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, and visit Einstein’s House and Zytglogge – an Astronomical Clock from the 15th century.

For more information on all of the sights and activities in this Switzerland itinerary, make sure to read through the detailed itinerary at each city. We included our Switzerland travel blog in each section below.

My Trip to Switzerland

Here started the complete guide from my trip to Switzerland to help you plan for your first visit to Switzerland.

My 7 Days Switzerland itinerary started from Zurich and covered what to do and see, where to stay, and a budget breakdown on a day-by-day basis:

Day 1: Zurich

Day 2: lucerne.

• Day 3: Day Trip to Mt Titlis 

Day 4: Interlaken

Day 5: grindelwald and lauterbrunnen.

• Day 6: Jungfraujoch

Day 7: Bern

Above Switzerland itinerary for how to spend 7 days in Switzerland is just a suggestion and should be altered based on your interests. We were actually spending another day in Jungfrau as we were doing the Paragliding Adventure from Murren. You may consider slotting into your Switzerland trip if you want to sail over the Swiss Alps!

Getting there : From Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Hb). Travel time is approximately 11 minutes.

Start this classic Switzerland itinerary in the iconic city, Zurich. This city is the main gateway to Switzerland and a great city to explore. Zurich is also the largest city in Switzerland and is known as the financial capital of the country.

Be sure to allow yourself at least 1 day in this city as there is much to see and do. Put on your comfy walking shoes and join in and explore the city. All the sightseeing attractions mentioned below can be explored on foot, once you are in the city.

Zurich has more to offer than its beautiful views and upscale shopping scene. Make sure to take the time to visit all the top spots in Zurich. Starting from the world-famous street, Bahnhofstrasse, and walk to Lake Zurich . Stroll around Lake Zurich admiring its pristine waters and birdlife.

Next, spend the remaining time wandering around in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Zurich . The Altstadt is filled with cobblestoned lanes, cafes, and shopping areas that you shouldn’t miss. As you stroll through the Old Town, there’s no doubt you will visit the city’s iconic landmarks. The three notable churches: Grossmuster, Fraumunster, and Peterskirche are located in the old town.

You can also take a boat cruise across the lake, or explore the city by bicycle. If you’re looking for a sweeping and stunning view of the city, stop by Lindenhof Hill.

Related Read : Zurich Itinerary Travel Blog

What To Eat in Zurich

It’s also vital that you take the time to sample some traditional Swiss cuisine in Zurich. There are a lot of dining options near the riverside in Zurich’s old town. This area is touristy, but it is a lovely place to taste authentic Swiss cuisine. Alternatively, there are many local or international cuisine that can be found here.

We recommend trying the Swiss Fondue at Swiss Chuchi . No trip to Switzerland is complete without a fondue, so this is your chance to taste it! The fondue was made with high-quality cheese and was very strong in taste. Dipping the bread into the cheese fondue was so tasty!

Related Read : Zurich Food Guide: The Best Fondue at Swiss Chuchi

Stay: Motel One Zurich

Stay near the city center or train station in Zurich so that you are located closer to sightseeing areas or the transportation hub. There are many great selections of hotels located nearby the train stations.

Motel One Zürich is our top pick to spend your night in Zurich, with a 2-minute walk from the tram station and good accessibility to the city center. A beautiful design hotel, spacious comfortable room with a clean bed.

More Zurich Accommodation Options : Where To Stay in Zurich: Best Areas and Hotels

Lucerne is located only 50 minutes from Zurich with a train departing from Zurich to Lucerne every hour. Once you are in Lucerne, this charming city is easy to get around and you can reach almost all the attractions within walking distance.

We recommend that you start your city tour with a walk through the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) , the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe to give you a glimpse of the past. From there, walked and climbed up to the Museggmauer and the Nine Towers to have an aerial view of the city. The descent down from the hillside to the lion monument to give respect to the Swiss soldiers who lost their lives defending King Louis in the 18th century during the French revolution.

The next thing you’ll want to do is head back to the Old Town, where all the city highlights are located. The historic center of Lucerne, Altstadt (Old Town) is filled with winding cobblestone of alleyways and passages with a few magnificent Squares that seem to take you pleasantly by surprise. Get lost wandering in the cobblestone of the old town and viewing the historical building. Many cafes, shops, and restaurants can easily spend your whole day here.

Besides, Lucerne is very absolutely dreamlike in the nighttime. Being on the Chapel bridge feels like a fairy tale when the light lit up.

Getting there : From Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Hb) to Lucerne train station. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes.

Stay: Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern

Similar to most towns in Switzerland, everything is walkable in Lucerne, especially if you are staying in an old town near the river. The Hotel des Balances is perfectly located in a picturesque location on the Reuss river in the heart of Old Lucerne. Getting off from train in Zurich to the hotel was an easy 10-minutes walking journey across the gorgeous river.

Alternative, Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern is our mid-range pick for the best hotel in Lucerne. Set in Altstadt, the hotel is exceptionally located with a beautiful view of historic buildings in the Weinmarkt. It is also within walking distance from the train station, and nearby to many restaurants and cafes

Read more if you need more selection for your best stay in Lucerne .

Day 3: Day Trip To Mt Titlis

Getting there : From Lucerne train station to Engelberg train station, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes. From there, take the cable car to Mt Titlis.

Mt Titlis is a great day trip from Lucerne, Zurich , or other towns in Switzerland. Based on our Switzerland itinerary, we choose Lucerne as the base to Mt Titlis to make it easy for the next destination.

From Lucerne, you need to go to Engelberg (the last stoppage to Mt. Titlis) by train. Regular trains departed from Lucerne to Engelberg, with at least one train per hour. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Engelberg by train and the train route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass . From there, you can take a free shuttle bus service (free of cost) to reach the entry point of Mount Titlis. You can find the time of the bus service at the station. If you are interested to see the scenic beauty then a 10-12 min walk is there to reach the entry point. It is an easy and flat walk.

Next, the Mt Titlis can be reached by taking a gondola from Engelberg to Stand, followed by a fully rotating cable car from Stand to the top of Mt Titlis. The cable car journey is less than 10 minutes. The whole panoramic view is lovely and worth clicking.

Switzerland Travel Tips : The Swiss Travel Pass  provides a 50% discount on the cable car ticket from Engelberg to Mt Titlis.

We spend about 2 hours on top of Mt Titlis to enjoy the spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. The Titlis Cliff Walk is the most memorable journey experience and adds excitement to the trip. In short, we spend about 5 hours on a visit to Mt Titlis after including all the traveling journey and waiting time.

The total cost for the Mt Titlis ride is not cheap and it costs about CHF101 without any discount card. With the Swiss Travel Pass , you can travel on Mt Titlis at a 50% discount. If you opt for a hassle-free arrangement, here are the best day tour to Mt Titlis with great customer ratings. Take a look if you are interested.

• Half Day Trip to Mount Titlis with Cable Car from Lucerne
• Day Trip From Mt Titlis From Zurich – included with tour to Lucerne town

After enjoying two days in Lucerne, it’s time to head on to your next destination!

Getting there : From Lucerne train station to Interlaken OST. Travel time is approximately 110 minutes.

The next morning, catch a train and head to the Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland for the next Swiss Adventure. We took the Golden Pass Line, a beautiful scenic train ride from Lucerne via the Bernese Oberland lakes to Montreux. From Lucerne to Interlaken, it took us about 110 minutes with beautiful scenery along the train journey.

Once we reached Interlaken, we checked in to our hotel, Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel , and started our next adventure. There are many attractions so please allocate at least two to three days to explore the Bernese Oberland and the nearby region. We spend our remaining 4 days in this one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland.

We choose Interlaken as our based in the Bernese Oberland. It is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist towns and has easy access to nearby attractions with great transport accessibility. There are countless cable cars, funiculars, gondolas, and cogwheel trains ready to take you up to high alpine scenery.

Boat Trip Lake Brienz

Situated between the beautiful Lakes Thun and Brienz, a boat ride is a must-do in Interlaken. We recommended choosing one of the boats rides from two, either Brienzersee (about 2.5 hours for round trip) or Thunersee (4-5 hours for round trip), and combining it with the town touring for a perfect round trip journey.

We opted for lake Brienz during our trip to Interlaken. The boat ride departed from Interlaken OST, nearby the Interlaken railway station. It is a scenic boat ride with azure blue water and a picturesque view along the journey.

There is plenty of stop point along the way, but we choose to stop at Brienz town, a scenic lakefront village known for its wood craving. We spend time wandering in the Brienz town and taking a lot of photos. At the end of the town, we take the train instead of a boat ride back to Interlaken.

What To Eat in Interlaken

Most of the restaurants are located on the main street and you can choose the best restaurant in Interlaken based on your liking. We choose to have a piping hot slice of deliciously cheesy pizza at one of the pizzerias in Interlaken. The food was not too bad with a good choice of toppings. Very reasonably priced for dining in Interlaken.

The food in Switzerland is expensive, especially in the tourist town of Interlaken. For the money-saving purpose, we get the cooked food from Coop supermarket in Interlaken . It has all the things you need during your stay in Switzerland. The food is not as pricey and had quite a good variety to choose from. Vegetarians could also get food from there. One gets cheap food that can heat in the microwave or also be eaten directly.

We had the seasoned well chicken, good salad, and cool beer for dinner during one of our days in Interlaken. The best cheap eats for a budget traveler when looking for what to eat in Interlaken.

Stay: Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel

Given its proximity to several other beautiful and exciting destinations, as well as its affordable accommodation, we recommend using Interlaken as your home base for your Switzerland itinerary. There are several great places to stay in Interlaken that will suit any travel style.

The Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel is a great, centrally located hotel that is situated close to the Interlaken OST station. They have several clean and comfortable rooms and there is an option to include breakfast in the morning. Extremely popular in Interlaken and reserve your room early to secure your stay.

If you’re still looking for a great place to rest your head, check out our top suggestions. Click here to know more about where to stay in Interlaken or nearby areas .

No visit to Switzerland would be complete without spending a least a little bit of time relaxing in a Swiss village that Switzerland is so well known for. There are countless amazing places to visit from Interlaken and it is sure to give you a great view of what life is like in Swiss. The popular places is to the lovely Swiss town of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald, Wengen, Isenfluh and more .

We visited the Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald, and Wengen during our four days visit to the Bernese Oberland. Among all the villages, we recommended spending one day exploring the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Of course, here is our recommendation after our actual visit. You can adjust your Switzerland itinerary based on your interest and the time when you are there. Take note that you need to include the traveling time from one place to the next destination.

From Interlaken OST to Grindelwald

Getting there : From Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Bahnhof. Travel time is approximately 28 minutes.

One of the most iconic Swiss villages in Bernese Oberland to have on any Switzerland itinerary has got to be Grindelwald. In the morning, hop on a train from Interlaken to the Grindelwald! The village of Grindelwald itself is gorgeous. You can enjoy the village view and witness the Eiger Mountain.

Next, take a 25-minute cable car ride and head to the famous First Cliff Walk by Tissot. There are a lot of fun activities on offer to spend your time at the summit.

From Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen

Getting there : From Grindelwald Bahnhof to Lauterbrunnen. Travel time is approximately 37 minutes.

From the chilled-out vibes of the Swiss mountains, it’s time to head to another of the most iconic village in Bernese Oberland. Arguably one of the most beautiful villages in the world, Lauterbrunnen is full of breathtaking views that can not be described in words or photos.

There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley with amazing views of the Alps mountain region. You can hike around the waterfall or just simply stroll in the village to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Day 6: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is a true highlight of our 7 days Switzerland itinerary. This highest train station in Europe is located in a magnificent landscape of eternal snow and glaciers. It’s simply spectacular to visit the world of eternal snow.

There are two routes to get to the Jungfraujoch; via Lauterbrunnen and via Grindelwald, and both routes offer an amazing view of the Alpine Alps. We recommend going up via one route and going down via the other. That way you see the most of this stunning alpine area.

Getting there : From Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Bahnhof, then transit to Kleine Scheidegg, followed by transit to Jungfraujoch. Total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

When you are at the top of Europe, there is so much to see and do at Jungfraujoch that you can spend for few hours exploring the Alps mountain top. A day trip to Jungfraujoch is not a cheap excursion, but the trip and the experience at the top are truly unique. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you should not miss.

We had documented our visit to Jungfraujoch if you are planning to include this amazing place in your Switzerland itinerary. Check out our comprehensive Jungfraujoch Travel Guide to know more detail.

Getting there : From Interlaken OST to Bern train station. Travel time is approximately 60 minutes.

Because you have the time if you’re following this particular itinerary, it is also a great idea to go on a day trip from Interlaken to Bern . This historical UNESCO site is the capital city of Switzerland and a great place to visit on a day trip (or to spend more time if you want to extend your trip). It is only about an hour from Interlaken.

In Bern, you can take your time when it comes to visiting the top sites and wandering through the charming Old Town to enjoy the laid-back vibes of this unique and beautiful city. Visit the important monuments like the Parliament building and the Berne Münster, stare in awe at the beautiful detail of Zytglogge, or pay a visit to Albert Einstein’s house where he stayed in the city. Don’t forget to meet some bears in Barengraben, the symbol of Bern.

Related Read : Bern Itinerary: A Day Trip Travel Guide Blog

What To Eat in Bern

When visiting the charming city of Bern, one could miss the opportunity to try the typical and delicious swiss homemade food. We stopped off at Restaurant Anker and were treated to the first Rosti in Switzerland.

Located in the main square of Bern, Restaurant Brasserie Anker is a traditional beer hall restaurant that offers a variety of Swiss dishes and served the best Rosti in town. We had the salad and the famous rösti with a choice of meats and egg on top , which are served in a small frying pan. The servings are very generous and taste so good. One of the best dishes I had during my Switzerland trip. We recommend it if you are looking for local food in Bern.

The prices are reasonable comparing other restaurants in the city and they have lunch specials. A bit tourist but a great place for local food when looking for what to eat in Bern. Take note that Anker charges the tap water for CHF5 and we choose to go for a beer when choosing for a drink.

Where To Stay in Bern

Our Switzerland itinerary to Bern is on a day trip basis so we didn’t spend our night there. But if you planning to stay in Bern, book your hotel in the old town. From there, you can get to all (or most) attractions in Bern within minutes.

The Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is a modern accommodation set in the medieval Old Town. Perfect location, reasonable price, and good-sized room. You get everything you need for 1 or 2 days.

If you’re after one of Bern’s most luxurious options, the Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque is the way to go. This central 4-star hotel occupies a 500-year-old building in the Old Town and boasts beautiful decor and great-sized rooms.

Swiss Travel Pass

Nothing is cheap in Switzerland and transportation can cost you a lot when traveling in Switzerland. Fortunately, there are transportation passes available to save you some money when traveling by public transport in Switzerland. But it can be overwhelming when deciding to purchase a transportation pass.

My Switzerland itinerary is covered with the Swiss Travel Pass . It is an all-in-one pass that allows you to travel on trains, buses, and even boats across Switzerland as long as they fall under the Swiss Travel System. That means you won’t have to go through the hassle of buying single-trip tickets, saving you both time and money!

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll be entitled to these :

• Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat (excluding seat reservations or surcharges)
• Unlimited use of public transport across more than 90 towns and cities
• Up to 50% discount on mountain excursions
• Free admission to more than 500 museums and exhibits
• Complimentary Swiss Family Card and free travel for all children aged 0-16 accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket

Without a Swiss Travel pass, you will end up spending up to $600+ on public transportation alone for your Switzerland itinerary. Be a smart traveler and calculate how much you save for your Switzerland trip!

Buy your Discounted Swiss Travel Pass here .

Switzerland Travel Budget Tips

As probably everyone knows, Switzerland is very expensive, so I put all my favorite saving money tips in this Switzerland travel budget tips in this section. Here is a quick and simple budget travel guide to Switzerland with tips.

Many of the attractions in Switzerland are free. So, you will not have to spend a lot of money on activities. But prepare to pay for the transportation if you are planning to see the mountains range in Switzerland.

Get yourself a Swiss Travel Pass . You can get it for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days and it allows you to travel on any train, bus, or ferry service in Switzerland and you also get discounted tickets to many attractions. Great discounts also for mountain rides. Must have when planning to visit Gornergrat (Zermatt) or the Jungfrauch.

When looking for what to eat in Switzerland, be prepared to pay more for local Swiss dishes and International foods like Indian, Turkish, and Asian are generally cheaper. Bring your water as a small bottle of water can cost CHF2 to CHF3. Tap water is generally safe to drink, however, if you are unsure, make sure to ask your hotel receptionist or host.

Weather is unpredictable, especially in the mountain Alps. Try to make your Switzerland itinerary flexible and only buy the train ticket to the mountain trip when the weather is good.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Most of the visits in this Switzerland itinerary required a lot of city exploration and all the old town is best explored on foot.

Overview: 7-Days in Switzerland itinerary

All in all, there are so many things to do and see in Switzerland . You could easily spend many days in the amazing country for its gorgeous Alpine mountain, crystal clear lake, and Swiss traditional village and culture. We covered most of the must-visit places in this Switzerland itinerary, but there are many more beautiful places awaiting you to discover in Switzerland. We believe 7 days is a great introduction for your first visit to this country. And I love my trip to Switzerland and looking forward to re-visit it again!

Lastly, feel free to continue to read on our Switzerland itinerary to each of the beautiful cities in the country.

Zurich Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Zurich: Best Areas and Hotels

Lucerne itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Lucerne
• Bern Itinerary: A Day Trip Travel Guide Blog

Travel to Jungfrau Region :

Jungfrau Region Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Jungfrau Region – Best Hotel & Holiday Home
• Things To Do in Jungfraujoch: A Complete Travel Guide

Things To Do in Interlaken Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Interlaken: Best Hotels Pick

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Complete Switzerland Travel Blog: How to Plan Your Trip

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Switzerland is a marvel of nature, with its stunning landscape and fantastic weather.

It comes as no surprise that many want to plan a trip to this Alpine wonderland, but it’s easier said than done. 

To help you out, we have prepared this comprehensive Switzerland travel guide that will help you make the most of your time in beautiful Switzerland.

You do not have to take our word for it, but Switzerland is a great experience for everyone.

Whether you are traveling there for a couples retreat or on a family trip, this central European country is a fantastic destination.

What’s more, traveling to Switzerland with the whole family makes for a fun, educational experience that will leave you with pleasant memories for years to come.

To help you prepare for your Swiss holiday, you can read about the most beautiful places in Switzerland to include on your itinerary.

P.S. You can find all our best posts about Switzerland at the end of this blog post.

What Is The Best Month To Go To Switzerland?

While you’re not wrong for thinking winter is the best time to visit Switzerland — you know, for the snowsports — the other months are just as good an option.

1. Summer: June To August

This is when Switzerland has its warmest and driest weather with Switzerland in August being the peak of the summer.

Summer in Switzerland is perfect for a day spent hiking a trail or going boating.

Switzerland in June and the summer months beyond is when you will enjoy pleasantly mild weather and beautiful rays of sunlight.

Switzerland’s breathtaking summer scenery is famously lush and green too.

That said, there is one disadvantage to visiting Switzerland in the summer , and that is the crowds.

That is a lot of people staying in hotels, hiking the trails, and eating up all the cheese at various Swiss restaurants.

All these tourists drive up demand for accommodations and flights, resulting in you paying more for your Swiss stay. Plus, there’s added foot traffic.

But that should not sway you from visiting Switzerland in the summer. It may take meticulous planning on your part.

However, you can still enjoy Switzerland’s beauty by visiting lesser-known places such as the stunningly blue Lake Saoseo in Grisons and Flims in Graubünden.

Tip: Click here to book your E-Bike Tour in Zurich and enjoy cycling on a lovely summer’s day.

2. Fall/Autumn: September To November

Unlike summer, fall in Switzerland draws fewer crowds. You can take advantage of lower prices and more space to move around, especially with the kids.

Autumn falls within the shoulder season. This is right between the high and low travel seasons.

As mentioned earlier, fewer crowds typically mean lower fares, which can really be appreciated by those traveling on a budget.

But in the fall, Switzerland offers you so much more than fewer crowds and lower prices.

It is a splendid time to go for family strolls and witness the changing colors of the trees from green to shades of orange, yellow, and red.

The result? A stunning display of forests, mountains, and countryside covered in a delightful patchwork of colors.

Apart from the mild weather, you will also get to enjoy sumptuous traditional Swiss foods featuring pumpkins, game meats, and chestnuts.

Hearty meals made from these ingredients, including red cabbage with caramelized chestnuts (rotkraut and marroni), give you a chance to enjoy the rich flavors of fall.

Lastly, and keeping up with the chestnut theme, are the interesting fall festivals throughout Switzerland.

The Chestnut Festival in Ascona is one of them. The festival involves gentlemen roasting sweet chestnuts over an open fire.

With stalls selling souvenirs and small baked treats on the Ascona lakefront, you cannot help but delight in this Swiss-Italian love affair.

3. Winter: December To February

Winter in Switzerland offers you that picture-perfect skiing adventure for which Switzerland is famous .

The winter months from December to February are perfect for playing winter sports like skiing, tobogganing, and winter hiking. If you want to celebrate a white Christmas then visit Switzerland in December .

In addition to the snow blanketing the ground for sports, you will also get to breathe in crisp, cool air into your lungs that is sure to invigorate you.

Another beautiful side of Switzerland you will witness is its snow-covered mountains.

You can appreciate how stunning Switzerland’s alpine scenery is, especially during this time.

This is when the country turns into a winter wonderland, with majestic peaks, glaciers, and breathtaking frozen lakes as far as the eye can see.

Read More: Winter is a great time to visit some of Switzerland’s best hot springs for warmth and relaxation.

4. Spring: March/April To May

Much like visiting Switzerland in the fall, springtime is part of the shoulder season, making it more affordable and slightly less crowded than summer.

But aside from parting with fewer Swiss francs, what exactly does Spring in Switzerland offer you? Let’s start with the beautiful combination of blossoming nature, warmer temperatures, and farmers’ markets.

Visit Switzerland in spring and witness the Swiss landscape transform with the arrival of blooming flowers and vegetation.

While on a hiking trail, you will see the hillsides and meadows come alive with pretty flowers such as tulips and daffodils.

Additionally, the days become longer and warmer, allowing you to bask in Switzerland’s beautiful scenery and partake in fun outdoor activities.

You will have your pick of anything from cycling to water sports, which is always a treat. If you visit the more mountainous regions of Jungfraujoch in spring, you can still enjoy some winter sports.

Lastly, spring offers you the perfect weather to explore a variety of farmer’s markets.

Support the local farmers by purchasing their fresh local produce , such as sweet strawberries and white asparagus.

How Many Days Is Enough For Switzerland?

This honestly depends on what you plan to do as well as your budget.

However, if you want to get a good sense of Switzerland and come away feeling like you have thoroughly explored the country, 7 to 10 days is ideal.

If you wish to visit any of the countries near Switzerland you might need to add on a few additional days!

In a week Switzerland itinerary , you’ll get to visit popular Swiss destinations like Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Geneva.

You can also explore the beautiful cities in Switzerland on an enlightening tour while visiting various landmarks. Plus, you will also have a little bit of time to rest (just a little).

If you were to squeeze in extra activities, then 10 days would be more appropriate. With those additional three days, you will have more time to visit lesser-known areas like Lugano, Zermatt, or the Valais region.

Alternatively, you can enjoy more day-long tours in any of Switzerland’s well-known cities or find some fun activities for the little ones to enjoy.

Is Switzerland Expensive To Visit?

There are plenty of reasons to visit Switzerland . So if you are worried about how much your trip will cost, rest assured that it will be worth it!

Generally speaking, Switzerland is an expensive country to visit. This becomes more apparent when you consider other European destinations like Greece .

That said, there are ways you can stretch your money a bit further.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Go to Switzerland?

If you want to save money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (fall/autumn and spring).

These are the months of September through November and March through May.

It also helps to stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or VRBO rentals . 

And when you need to go out to eat (and not prepare food at a hostel), eat at local cafés and markets instead of high-end restaurants.

You can also save money by purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass , which offers all-inclusive travel packages by train, bus, and boat.

How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To Switzerland?

When looking at the documents required for visiting Switzerland, you’ll need sufficient financial resources for the duration of your Swiss stay.

To get a Swiss visa, you must prove you have at least $107.36 (CHF100) per day while you are in the country.

This does not take your travel plans or additional travelers (like a partner and children) into account.

So, we recommend budgeting more than this to be on the safe side.

What Should You Not Miss In Switzerland?

Switzerland is home to a number of unmissable attractions. Have a peek at some of them below.

While Switzerland does not officially have a capital city, the charming city of Bern (or Berne) is known as its de facto capital.

Bern is also Switzerland’s political center, as it’s home to the Swiss parliament.

It boasts a well-preserved medieval old town that has earned the prestige of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Do not miss the iconic Zytglogge clock tower or the stunning views from the Rose Garden.

Tip: Click here to book your tour of the Zytglogge clock tower in Bern.

Don’t miss out on Switzerland’s largest city. Zurich is a bustling metropolis that is home to world-class museums, such as Kunsthaus Zürich.

With its unique boutiques and thriving culinary scene, Zurich offers you plenty of opportunities to shop and dine to your heart’s content (which may distress your budget, but who is checking?).

For something less financially taxing, consider a stroll along the Limmat River, where you can take in stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

This idyllic town is nestled between two lakes and offers easy access to some of Switzerland’s most stunning natural scenery.

From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Zermatt 

This car-free mountain resort is famous for its stunning views of the Matterhorn and its excellent terrain for skiing and snowboarding.

Why not take a family ride on the Gornergrat railway for an unforgettable panoramic view of the Swiss landscape?

Tip: Click here to book your ticket for the Gornergrat railway ride.

Noted as one of Switzerland’s prettiest places, you will find this charming city on the shores of Lake Lucerne, offering you stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

While here, don’t miss the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks.

Switzerland With kids

Switzerland is an easy European country to travel to with kids (although a pretty expensive one too). That said, it is a safe and convenient country to travel around.

You can easily rent a car in Switzerland , together with a child seat, in order to travel around on your own schedule while keeping your little one safe.

Plus, a lot of the cities and towns are fairly flat, making it easy for you to maneuver a stroller around.

With many of the best attractions in Switzerland being outdoors, the flat surfaces can make things much easier for traveling families.

If you are looking for a place to stay, you do not have to feel like you are out of luck in terms of family-friendly accommodations.

There is a wide range of gorgeous family-oriented hotels in Switzerland, some of which offer kids’ clubs and/or free kid-stay deals.

Read More: You can find all our other favorite European countries to visit in our Europe Travel Blog section here.

How To Plan A Trip To Switzerland

Now, this is the moment we are sure you have been waiting for! It is time to get started on planning your trip to Switzerland.

1. Establish Where You Will Go And For How Long You Will Stay

The first step in planning your trip to Switzerland is deciding where you will be going and for how long you will be staying.

Switzerland has many stunning areas to explore, so it is important to research and decide which areas you find most appealing

. You might want to include some of the beautiful villages in Switzerland .

Once you’ve figured this out, take some time to think about the time of year you will be visiting, your budget, and your interests when making your decision.

Planning on traveling long-term to different countries in Europe? Check out this post on the 10 best countries in Europe for long-term travel !

2. Determine Where You Will Fly Into And Out Of

You will also need to determine where you will fly into and out of. Switzerland has several international airports, so it pays to consider which is most convenient for your travel plans.

It also helps to look into other transportation options, such as trains or buses, to make your travel plans smooth sailing.

3. Purchase Travel Insurance

No one thinks they need insurance until something unforeseen happens.

Before leaving for your trip to Switzerland, it is important to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself (and your family) in case of any unexpected events.

It is equally essential to carefully read the policy to understand what is and is not covered and to consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.

Whenever we travel, we like to use Travel Insurance Masters and/or Safety Wing travel insurance . They have fantastic offers that suit every traveler, so they’re definitely worth a look through.

Check out our blog post on the best Travel Insurance for Switzerland options, and compare all three companies that we list, so that you can find the one that suits you best.

4. Book Your Hotel Room

Once you have decided on your itinerary and travel dates, it is time to book your hotel room.

Switzerland has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly family hostels to luxury hotels.

That said, it is important to consider the location and amenities—especially if you are traveling with kids. In addition to the above, price is another thing to consider.

Lastly, make sure to book well in advance, especially if you are traveling during summer (peak season).

Tip: Check Reviews & Availability at any of these hotels in Switzerland.

5. Determine How You Will Get Around

Thanks to its well-developed public transportation system, you will find getting around Switzerland easy and convenient.

Their transportation network includes trains, buses, boats, and trams.

It helps to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass or other transportation cards to save money on fares. Also, plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost or missing connections.

Tip: For added flexibility, consider renting a car with a reputable service provider. Click here to see prices for car rentals .

6. Plan Your Itinerary

Planning your itinerary can be lots of fun or daunting, depending on your situation.

When drafting your itinerary, decide what activities and sights you want to see during your trip to Switzerland.

If you have children, you may want to rope them into the decision-making process or ask for their input.

Consider factors such as the time of year, your budget, and your interests when planning. Be sure to include some time for relaxation and enjoying the beautiful Swiss scenery. 

Tip: When traveling (in general but with kids, specifically), remember to leave some flexibility in your schedule for unexpected opportunities or changes in your plans.

We have some great itineraries to get you started with your planning. If you are planning on visiting during the summer you will love our 7-day Switzerland itinerary from Zurich .

And for those short on time, we have a handy 4-day Switzerland itinerary that starts from Lucerne (you will fly into Zurich and then head straight to Lucerne on the train), or you can check out our Switzerland itinerary for 5 days starting from Geneva.

Switzerland Travel Basics: FAQs You Need To Know!

Before you rush to book a flight to Switzerland, here are a few things to expect when traveling there.

1. What Language Do They Speak In Switzerland

Switzerland has three official languages. These are German, French, and Italian. That said, the most widely spoken language is Swiss-German, a dialect unique to Switzerland (and some communities in Northern Italy).

However, you will not have to worry much if you are an English speaker. About 45% of the Swiss population speaks English, with most of them residing in the large cities of Zurich and Geneva.

2. What Is The Currency In Switzerland?

The official currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

3. How Many International Airports Are In Switzerland?

As a developed country, you will find plenty of airports that help tourists and locals travel.

Currently, there are seven international airports in Switzerland, with Zurich Airport, Basel Airport, and Geneva Airport having the most traffic.

To avoid the stress of arranging last-minute bookings, try to choose an airport ahead of time and choose one that is closest to where you will be vacationing.

4. What Are Switzerland’s Visa Requirements?

If you are visiting Switzerland for less than 90 days, you will need a Schengen visa.

However, if your Swiss dream trip lasts longer than that (over 90 days and within a period of 180 days), you will be required to get a national visa.

5. Are International Driver’s Licenses Accepted? 

Yes, you will be able to use your international driver’s license to drive around Switzerland.

6. Is Switzerland Safe? 

Switzerland is renowned for its safety. In fact, you will regularly find it on a top-20 list of the safest countries in the world.

That said, crime exists in Switzerland. Thankfully, these are mostly petty crimes involving theft. These are reportedly most common in Switzerland’s large cities — think Zurich or Geneva.

Much like traveling anywhere, it helps to pay attention to your surroundings to avoid being a victim of petty theft or any type of crime, for that matter.

7. What Is WiFi Like In Switzerland?

Thanks to Switzerland being widely connected, you can enjoy free public WiFi practically across the country (excluding remote areas or those charming villages).

Stay connected while sending emails in a café or your hotel room.

Prefer being connected 24/7 while on the go? Snap up a European eSim for your travels .

8. What’s The Credit Card And ATM Situation In Switzerland?

Although Swiss ATMs accept foreign bank cards and most stores accept credit cards, having a little cash on hand is always good.

We find it especially useful for paying for little things here and there, like toll roads or the metro.

9. What Plugs Do They Use In Switzerland?

There is nothing quite as frustrating as trying to charge something in your hotel room and discovering that you don’t have the right plugs.

But rest easy, as we will help you avoid this altogether.

Switzerland uses type C and type J plugs. The former has two round pins, and the latter three.

Also, keep in mind that Switzerland uses a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency, so ensure any small appliances you bring along match these.

This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises, such as an iron that takes an eternity to straighten your clothes, and so on.

That is why we highly recommend this universal travel adapter .

Find all of our Switzerland Travel Guide Blog Posts Below

You can read our Switzerland travel guides on what to do in Switzerland below:

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Renting a Car in Switzerland: What You Need to Know in 2024

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10 Days in Switzerland Itinerary by Swiss Travel Experts [2024]

Switzerland, a place to experience everything or nothing. 10 days in Switzerland is perfect for the lazy traveler seeking nothing except the view outside his window or the enthusiastic traveler wanting everything he can possibly do with land, air and water.

With 10 days in hand you can not only to cover the main Swiss attractions but also have some leisure time to go off the beaten path or just walk around soaking in all the beauty.

If you are coming in with an international flight, you will most likely land in Zurich so let’s start an itinerary based on this.

For your travel across the country, it would be best to arrive with a pre purchased Swiss Pass so that you can directly hop on to a train from the Zurich airport train station without having to wait in line and buy tickets or passes when all you want to do is head for your destination after a long flight.

Keep in mind that local travel in Switzerland is quite pricey. The pass will cover all public transport, give discounts on mountain trips, free entrance to museums and is totally free for kids under 16!

• Day 1: Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport or City Tour or Mount Pilatus

Day 2: Lucerne – Mount Titlis

• Day 3: Interlaken, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
• Day 4: Montreux and Gstaad
• Day 5: Zermatt, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Day 6: Zermatt Village Tour or Sunnegga
• Day 7: Glacier Express Trip
• Day 8: Bernina Express Trip
• Day 9: Lugano – Lake Como, Italy
• Day 10: Depart from Zurich or Milan

Day 1: Lucerne

Arrive in Zurich and hop on to a train for Lucerne, which takes roughly 1.15 hours.Your day will depend on your arrival time into Lucerne. Here are some of the options for things to do in Lucerne today

Option 1: Swiss Transport Museum

Apart from showcasing the history of air, land and even space transport, this open air museum has a huge open arena where kids can try their hand at various activities. The complex also houses a planetarium, the country’s largest cinema screen and the popular Swiss Chocolate Adventure. This is justifiably Switzerland’s most visited museum.

Keep in mind - since it is partly open air, it would be wise to check the check weather before heading there. You can easily spend over half a day at the museum

Note: A Swiss Travel Pass discount is applicable on Swiss Museum on Transport entrance fees.

Option 2: Local City Tour

If you are too tired to do much after your flight, head out to explore the city at your own pace.

Start with old town by crossing over the famous Chapel Bridge and walk on the cobbled stone streets.

As you wind your way through these narrow roads, it will lead you to the famous Lion Monument. From here head back walking along the lake. If you have already started pining for chocolate, you will find many local chocolatiers along this walk so make sure to pop into them.

Option 3: Mount Pilatus

If you have almost the full day in hand, start off with a visit to one of the nearby mountains. Mount Pilatus would be a good choice here. The golden round trip offered on this mountain makes the travel as exciting as the peak.

Head to the Lucerne jetty (conveniently located opposite the main train station) and hop on to the boat heading to Alpnachstad. (This journey is free as it is a public transport and part of the Swiss Travel Pass).

At Alpnachstad, get off the boat and head to the cog wheel train (the steepest in the world) and proceed to Mount Pilatus. On the way back use the cable car down to Kriens and take the bus back to Lucerne. If you still have time upon your return, carry on with your exploration of the this lakeside town

Take a train from Lucerne train station to Engelberg (45 minutes) a beautiful Swiss village located at the base of the famous Mount Titlis.

From here either walk for 15 minutes or take a bus to the cable car valley station for Titlis. Start your journey by 2 cable cars (including the revolving cable car – Titlis Rotair) to reach the top with mesmerizing views of the Swiss Alps.

On the top, enjoy various activities like the Ice Flyer Chairlift, the Ice cave and the amazing Titlis Cliff Walk.

Try making it back to Engelberg with some time to spare so that you can walk around the village before going back to Lucerne.

Day 3: Lucerne – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch

We visit one of the most famous sights in Switzerland – Jungfraujoch -Top of Europe and the highest train station in Europe. For this journey, it is highly advisable to depart early from Lucerne – ideally by 7 am or latest by 8 am.

It takes 2 hours by train on the famous scenic train, Lucerne – Interlaken Express to reach Interlaken. Check in to your hotel and proceed to the mountain.

One can opt for the old and traditional route with 2 train changes to the top or the Eiger route.

The traditional route takes you from Interlaken Ost station to the peak via 2 changes in Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. This route takes around 2 hours.

The route is very scenic and on the last journey the train stops at couple of times at viewing points that give breath taking views of the glacier.

The new route (started in 2020) takes you from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald by train. At Grindelwald, you switch to the cable car to reach the Eiger Glacier Station. Then again switch to train to reach the peak. This route takes roughly 1.15 hours

The Jungfrau excursion is one of the more expensive ones so make sure you have your Swiss Travel pass so that you get the almost 35% discount for pass holders

At the top enjoy amazing views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the alps.

Enjoy the ice palace with its sculptures, experience snow fun in the snow park in the summer and give in to temptation at the Lindt Chocolate Heaven.

On the way back down, you can stop at Grindelwald and visit this Alpine village or else stop at Lauterbrunnen and visit the glacial Trummelbach Falls.

The falls can be reached by a 10 minute bus ride from Lauterbrunnen station.

The Trummelbach falls are actually 10 waterfalls inside the mountain and can be reached via a lift.

Note: Kids under 4 years of age are not allowed to visit the falls.

Day 4: Interlaken – Montreux and Gstaad

The most idyllic pictures of Switzerland are likely shot in Gstaad. Leave early morning and head to this beautiful village (roughly 1.50 hours) via the famous Golden Pass Line.

The beauty of Gstaad has lured the rich and famous to holiday there and also made many leave their homes to settle there permanently. The perfect little wooden chalets in a perfectly manicured setting remind you of a scene from a fairy tale.

From Gstaad proceed by train to Montreux (1.35 hours) a beautiful village on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by beautiful Swiss Alps.

Walk along the lakeside promenade and visit the Chillon Castle, the most visited historical building in Switzerland.

In the evening, proceed back to Interlaken (2.15 hours).

Day 5: Interlaken – Zermatt

Travel to Zermatt (2.10 hours), the most popular car free village and famous ski resort. There are many things to do in Zermatt but the main attraction is the Matterhorn.

Settle into your hotel and proceed for a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to get the best views of the Matterhorn. Walk through the village to reach the cable car base station.

If you have already purchased your excursion, exchange the voucher and take the first gondola up. The ride up is as beautiful as the view from below. You get a feeling of being enveloped in snow and ice. Spend some time getting the perfect photos, visit the Ice palace, have a hearty Swiss meal with a view before you head back down.

Note: Zermatt is a car free village. In case you have a hotel that is far from the station, make sure you call ahead and check if they offer complimentary or paid pick-ups

Day 6: Zermatt

Soak in the atmosphere of this typical Swiss village today. Just walk along the village centre with its numerous souvenir shops, cafes and boutiques.

Wander along the Hinterdorf, Zermatt’s unique old town with centuries old structures.

If you have not had enough of the Matterhorn, visit another vantage point - Sunnegga a famous scenic viewing spot for Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.

With a funicular from the base station, you are at the top of the Sunnegga in under 5 minutes. Just relax with the best views or opt for some activities. There is a Marmot trail, the Wolli Adventure park and even kick biking available.

Day 7: Zermatt – St. Moritz

All aboard! Embark on what is said to be the most beautiful train journey in the world – The Glacier Express. It connects the west of Switzerland (Zermatt) to the east (St. Moritz).

The train journey is roughly 7 hours 45 minutes. The views are mesmerizing with a mix of snow, ice, glaciers, valleys, deep gorges and hair-raising Viaducts.

Seat reservation is mandatory and one of the benefits of Swiss Travel Pass is that one can get these at special rates.

It is advisable to book these seats well in advance as they always sell out soon.

St. Moritz is known to have some of the best ski pistes (slopes) in the world. This little village, which sits on a picturesque lake, is also home to some of the most exclusive spas and hotels.

Note: Depending on the season, there are up to 3 Glacier Express departures in a day.The Glacier Express has a fully equipped restaurant and meals can also be pre booked.

Day 8: St. Moritz – Lugano

One more scenic journey today. Only this time you head from snowy climes to Mediterranean warmth. The journey on the Bernina Express takes you from St. Moritz to Lugano passing through the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Bernina express is a combination of train and bus journey. A compulsory reservation is required for both and is advisable to be done well in advance. Swiss Travel Pass holders get special rates.

The first leg of the journey is by train from St. Moritz to Tirano and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. The next part of the journey is via bus. The bus journey from Tirano to Lugano is 3 hours and gets you into Lugano at around 5:30 In the evening.

Note: While booking, pay attention to match the timings between train and bus connections.

• Depart St. Moritz at 9:17am and arrive Tirano at 11:32am
• Depart Tirano at 2:20pm and arrive Lugano at 5:30pm

Timings are subject to change and should be checked as per your travel date.

Day 9: Lugano – Lake Como

Venture into Italy today. Visit Lake Como, a picturesque and popular resort in Italy that can be reached via a direct train in just 45 minutes. Spend time walking around the lake or shopping for silk which this area is famous for. Return to Lugano in the evening

Note: You will need to purchase a train ticket to visit Como since the Swiss Travel Pass is not valid for this journey

Day 10: Lugano – Zurich or Lugano - Milan

What you can do today will be determined by your departure time and point of departure. In all likelihood, you will either depart from Zurich or else head to Milan

Option 1: - Zurich

Reach Zurich main station via a direct train (roughly 2 hours). You can deposit your bags at the main station and head towards the Rhine Falls. Spend some time at Europe’s largest waterfall, take a boat ride to the centre of the falls or view it from one of the viewing points close enough to feel the spray and hear the thunder.

Later, proceed back to Zurich main train station. Get out of the main entrance and continue walking down Bahnhofstrasse (main street) filled with retail outlets of all the top fashion, watch and jewelry brands.

Spend some time at the lake front at the end of Bahnofstrasse before heading back to the station to collect your bags and leave for the airport.

Of course, if you have more time, there are many other sights to see and things to do in Zurich

Note: The Rhine Falls charge an entrance fees of roughly CHF 5 per person as it is a protected National Park. The boat ride will cost additional CHF 8 to CHF 10 francs per person.

Option 2: - Milan

If you are departing from Milan airport, you will take a train to Malpensa airport (roughly 1.35 hours). You will have to purchase a train ticket since the Swiss Pass will not cover this journey.

Time permitting, you can get off at the main station and take a Hop-on -Hop-off bus tour to get a feel of the city.

Don’t forget your last-minute shopping. After all you are in the fashion capital of the world!

This 10 days in Switzerland itinerary covers some of the best mountains, lakes and train journeys that will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.

Things to know:

The Swiss Travel Pass comes in versions of 3, 4, 8 and 15 days. There is also a continuous pass and a flex option which allows you to travel the chosen number of days within a month (very handy for those staying in one place much longer than in others)

Switzerland is certainly expensive when compared to the rest of Europe. To help with the budget, you can opt for apartments in Switzerland instead of hotels. Apartments can accommodate more people per unit and also have a kitchenette, which makes it comfortable to cook a few meals or have some grocery-bought-meals instead of going to restaurants

Restaurant meals can cost upwards of Swiss Francs 35 per person whereas a quick pizza, McDonalds or doner kebab meal can cost Swiss Francs 18-20

The best souvenirs to purchase would be the Swiss army knife, cow bells, chocolates and cheese…and if budget permits...Swiss watches!!

Never travel without a warm jacket, comfortable shoes and sunglasses. Many mountains are snow bound throughout the year.

Even though the Swiss Franc is the official currency, the Euro is accepted everywhere. Just keep in mind, that even if you pay Euro, change is always returned in Swiss Francs.

Euro coins are not accepted at most places. However, there are a few shops at the airport that do accept them.

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Switzerland Travel Guide

If you have been to  Switzerland  before, then you probably already know that this incredible country always leaves you wanting to return. It’s just so incredibly beautiful!

If this is your  first time planning a trip to Switzerland , don’t make the mistake of just visiting the cities and thinking that you saw the best. There is so much more to see and do in Switzerland! Visiting just a few bigger cities (no matter how beautiful) doesn’t do this country justice. The same with the most popular mountain destinations – they are well worth more than a day!

And while it might be tempting to see ‘everything’ on your first short trip, often, you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you just choose a few areas and explore them a bit deeper.

Switzerland is one of our absolute favorite countries in the world. Since we live in Belgium, it’s not that far away for us, so we visit Switzerland very often. Usually at least twice a year – hiking in summer and skiing in winter. In this guide, we feature just a few of our favorite places in Switzerland – the ones we visited most recently and found the time to write about…

If you don’t find the info you are looking for, you can always leave a reply on one of our guides and we might be able to help you out with some advice. We haven’t been everywhere (that would be absolutely impossible), but we have spent a lot of time in various destinations all over the country and know many areas quite well.

*This page contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. More info:  Disclosure .

Switzerland Travel Tips & Destination Guides

• Switzerland Itinerary for 10 Days

BERN & BERNESE OBERLAND

• Best Things to Do in Bern
• Interlaken Day Trip
• Schynige Platte
• Best Hikes at Schynige Platte
• Grindelwald-First
• Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe
• First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald
• Bachalpsee Lake
• Trümmelbach Waterfalls
• Jungfrau Region in Winter
• Skiing in Wengen
• Jungfraujoch vs. Mt Titlis
• Oeschinensee Lake & Panorama Hike

LUCERNE & CENTRAL SWITZERLAND

• Best Things to Do in Lucerne
• Best Day Trips from Lucerne
• Mt Pilatus from Lucerne
• Pilatus Golden Day Trip (the BEST way to visit Mt Pilatus)
• Stoos Ridge Hike
• Skiing in Engelberg
• Trübsee in Summer
• Alpine Lodge Trubsee Review
• Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg
• Mt Titlis vs. Jungfraujoch

VALAIS REGION

• Best Things to Do in Zermatt
• Zermatt 1-Day Itinerary
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)
• Riffelsee Lake
• Best Hikes in Zermatt
• Matterhorn Glacier Trail
• Gornergrat Scenic Trail
• Riffelsee Lake Trail
• 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt
• Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge

LAKE GENEVA

• Geneva: Best Things to Do in Geneva

WINTER TRAVEL

• Affordable Skiing in Switzerland
• Skiing in Wengen-Grindelwald

Getting Around

If you are just visiting the Swiss cities and several of the most popular mountain destinations, you do not really need a car. You can easily visit all the most popular places in Switzerland by train . The most popular option is the Swiss Travel Pass which includes unlimited travel on trains, public buses, and boats.

Here can find our complete guide with all the info about the Swiss Travel Pass . And you can buy the pass here .

However, if you want to get a bit off the beaten path and explore more places in a short time, having a  car will often be easier and not always more expensive. Also, there are so many amazing areas in the mountains that would be very difficult to see without a car. Sometimes it might make sense to rent a car for just a part of your trip as well. Here you can find  the best deals for car rental .

Driving in Switzerland can be a bit challenging because traffic is often very busy, there are roadworks on the highways all the time, and you have to be very careful not to speed because they have cameras all over the place and the fines are really high. Furthermore, often, you spend half of the time driving in tunnels with not much to see. But when you leave the main highways and get into the mountains – the scenery is amazing!

Good to know: When driving on the highways in Switzerland, you need to have a vignette showing that you paid the toll. It costs 40 CHF and is valid for the whole calendar year. If you arrive in Switzerland by car, you can buy it at the border and if you rent a car, it should already have a vignette. In winter , you’ll need winter tires (obligatory!) and snow chains in the mountains.

If you find the train system overwhelming and don’t feel like driving by yourself, you can also consider  organized tours . There are all kinds of day tours from all the major cities in Switzerland that allow you to easily visit the most popular places without having to plan much.

TIP:   For tours and tickets, check the  GetYourGuide website . It has a great selection of tours and tickets for all the most popular places in Switzerland. Furthermore, their customer service is amazing and they have the most flexible cancelation policy on the market. This is where we book all our tours when we travel.

Most Popular Tours

Below are some of the most popular tours in Switzerland. For a complete selection, see here .

Best Time to Visit

There is no bad time to visit Switzerland and all seasons have something special and unique. You can visit the cities at any time of the year and also some popular mountain peaks such as Mt Titlis , Jungfraujoch , Klein Matterhorn , or Gornergrat are accessible 365 days a year.

The best time to visit Switzerland for winter activities is from the end of December to late March. For outdoor activities and hiking in the mountains – come between late May to September – early October.

Spring can also be really nice, but mostly in the cities and the valleys. It can still be quite wet and muddy in the mountains.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

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SWITZERLAND

Travel guide.

Located in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern  Europe , Switzerland produces and eats the most chocolate in the world. The country also offers spectacular mountain scenery and peaceful environments, cosmopolitan cities and is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world. 

Why Visit Switzerland

Culture & diversity.

Switzerland is a melting pot for many reasons. To start, the country was inhabited by the  Celts,  the  Helvetii, and the  Raetians , who shaped the culture of Switzerland and the reason why there are so many different languages spoken in the country. Three of the continent’s major languages, German, French and Italian, are national languages of Switzerland, along with Romansh, spoken by a small minority. Switzerland was also a place of refuge for political exiles from all over the world. Nowadays, the country is home to more than 190 nationalities.

Switzerland is famous for its snow-capped mountain ranges that dominate the skyline. However, there is much more to it. The country is home to impressive waterfalls and lakes, emerald valleys, glaciers, and picturesque lakeside villages that will make you feel like you are on a fairytale. 

Switzerland is well-known for its chocolate, the place where milk chocolate was invented. Swiss chocolate is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and exquisite taste. Indulge in a visit to one of the many chocolate factories or chocolatiers, where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and, of course, savor the delicious treats.

SAFETY & CLEANLINESS

Switzerland ranks 7th globally in terms of safety and security according to the Safe Cities Index. It also has one of the best environmental records in the world. It is heavily active in recycling and anti-littering regulations and is one of the top recyclers in the world. 

Located in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe  Europe , Switzerland produces and eats the most chocolate in the world. The country also offers spectacular mountain scenery and peaceful environments, cosmopolitan cities and is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world. 

• Name: Swiss Confederation
• Capital: Bern
• Official Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
• Currency: Swiss franc
• Time Zone: UTC +1:00

Bucket List

Take the Glacier Express

Go grab a bite at the  Aescher Restaurant

Take a picture of the most most photographed mountain, The Matterhorn

See the Alps from the Lake Blausee

Go skiing on the Alps

Try some Swiss Chocolate

Visit the picturesque town of St. Moritz

Walk on the Trift bridge

What to expect in Switzerland

Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The distribution of these languages varies across different regions of the country. German is spoken by the majority, particularly in the central and eastern parts, while French is spoken in the western region, Italian in the southern part, and Romansh in a small area in the southeast.

ELECTRICITY

In Switzerland the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.

The Swiss franc is the official currency in Switzerland. Other foreign currencies, like dollars and euros, might be accepted at tourist attractions and hotels, but they won’t be accepted at other establishments. Credit cards are widely accepted, and you can exchange your money at any bank or withdraw it directly from the ATM. 1 USD equals 0.93 Swiss Franc (2023)

The climate in Switzerland is very diverse thanks to its different altitudes. The average annual temperature is 48° F  (9° C),  moderately continental in the plateau, Alpine in the mountains, and more temperate in the Canton of Ticino. The best time to visit Switzerland is during the shoulder seasons, between April and June, and September to October, when the weather is no extreme.

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. There may be pickpockets in tourist areas, but that’s about it.  The country place ranks low for violent crime. 

How to get around

Getting around Switzerland is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed transportation network. Here are the various ways to explore this beautiful country:

• Trains: Switzerland is renowned for its extensive train system, which is considered one of the best in the world. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) connects major cities, towns, and picturesque regions, offering scenic journeys and punctual service.
• Buses: Local and regional buses complement the train network, providing connectivity to areas not covered by trains. Bus routes are well-organized and can take you to charming villages, mountain destinations, and remote areas.
• Trams and Metro : Major cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern have efficient tram and metro systems that make it easy to navigate within urban areas. These systems are reliable, frequent, and well-connected.
• Ferries: Switzerland’s lakes, such as Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich, offer ferry services. Enjoy a scenic boat ride while admiring the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
• Cable Cars and Funiculars: Switzerland’s mountainous terrain is best explored using cable cars and funiculars. These transport options take you to stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, ski resorts, and mountain peaks.
• Rental Cars: If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car to explore Switzerland. The country has a well-maintained road network and picturesque driving routes, but keep in mind that parking in cities can be expensive.
• Bicycles: Switzerland is bicycle-friendly, with dedicated bike paths and rental options available in many cities. Cycling is a great way to explore urban areas and scenic regions, providing a closer connection to the surroundings.

With these transportation options, you can easily navigate Switzerland, whether you’re traveling between cities, venturing into the mountains, or exploring charming towns and villages. The efficient and reliable public transportation system ensures that you can enjoy the diverse attractions and landscapes of Switzerland with ease.

Visa Policy

Switzerland, as a member of the Schengen Area, follows the visa policy established for the Schengen Zone. Nationals of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term visits to Switzerland and are granted visa-free entry. The following list includes some countries that do not require a visa to enter Switzerland for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

• European Union (EU) member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
• Schengen Agreement signatory countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.
• Other countries: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.

Citizens of countries not listed above are generally required to obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Switzerland. It’s important to note that visa requirements and exemptions can vary depending on the purpose and duration of the visit, so it’s advisable to check with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements for your nationality.

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Switzerland

Switzerland travel blogs, these are all of my travel blogs about switzerland. .

From exploring the beauty of Lake Geneva, to snowy adventures in Zermatt and a beautiful road trip through the Swiss Alps, find out the best places to travel to in my Switzerland travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

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Planning a trip to Switzerland ? OMG yay, we are so excited for you! 

Switzerland is one of our favorite countries in Europe . From mighty mountains, charming old towns, fancy cities, to scenic train rides, Swiss landscapes will melt your heart (like their cheese – YUM!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Post Contents

Switzerland Travel Blog: City guides, itineraries & tips

Discover the best of Switzerland through our itineraries, detailed travel guides, and tips! 

Quick Facts Switzerland Travel

✔️ Officially Known as – Swiss Confederation

✔️ Capital City – Bern

✔️ No of Cantons or States – 26 

✔️ Population – 8.545 million (2019)

✔️ Switzerland Tourist Visa – Schengen

✔️ EU Member – No 

✔️ Currency – Swiss Francs (CHF)

✔️ Language – French, German, Italian, Romansh (English is spoken)

Getting ready for Switzerland – Travel Visa

Switzerland is located in central Europe. It is a landlocked country, and is surrounded by Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, unlike its immediate neighbours.

However, it belongs to the Schengen zone of countries and follows the Schengen Agreement. 

🗸 If you require a Schengen visa for most countries in Europe, then you will need it for Switzerland as well (multiple entry visa). 

🗸 EU Nationals (European Union) countries do not need a visa for stay upto 90 days.

🗸 For citizens of the United States and Canada , no visa is required. US and Canadian passport holders can enter and stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourism purposes without a visa.

Flight Tips for Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it is easily connected to many other European cities, with direct flights leaving from many airports in North America, and India. 

There are 7 international airports in the country, but Zurich, Geneva, and Basel will be your best bet to book a flight to, if traveling from overseas. 

Zürich Airport is the largest of them all, and is also the principal hub of Swiss International Airlines. From Zurich, you can easily connect to other cities, and small towns in Switzerland. 

Swiss International Air is the national carrier of the country. They are also a Star Alliance Member, with partners like United Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada, so you can easily find flight connections.

Zürich Airport is one of the finest in Europe. They have a cool observation deck, where you can watch pilots in the cockpit, or see planes take-off and land (which is our favorite thing to do in an airport).   

The airport is located about 11 km (6.8 miles) from the city centre. You can reach the centre using trains, or private transfer (car). The trip by car usually takes around 15 minutes from Zurich airport. 

Best time to travel to Switzerland

Switzerland experiences 4 distinct seasons – spring, summer, autumn/fall and winter. Although official dates overlap and crossover into other months, for simplicity sake, here are the seasons in Switzerland 

• Spring: March to mid-June
• Summer: mid-June to September 
• Autumn/Fall: September to November 
• Winter: December to March

There are variations in temperatures, as you move from the cities to high altitudes. Some of the ski resorts might have some snow at most times of the year, and in the cities, snowfall is at a bare minimum, even in the winters. 

🗸 Summer Months – Summer months are the most popular time to visit Switzerland. The days are longer, the weather is warm (and also rainy in the cities), swimming and hiking trails are open, and all of the scenic funiculars and cable cars are operational. 

Late June, July and August is also an expensive time to go to Switzerland. Accommodation rates are 30%+ higher than normal, and major sightseeing attractions are all crowded. 

We recommend making reservations early for hotels, tours and for any festivals that you might have on your Swiss bucket list. 

🗸 Winter Months – Although the weather tends to move towards chilly cold months in late November, the actual ski season doesn’t start until January. January and February are busy tourist months for those heading to the slopes. 

January is the coldest month in Switzerland, and also the cheapest month to fly to, and book a stay in the country. Read about the best places to visit in Switzerland in winter .

Winter months are generally low touristy months except for the ski season, and the Christmas – New Years week, when it gets busy again. Switzerland has beautiful Christmas markets too that are worth exploring in late November and December. 

🗸 Off season – Spring or fall months are the perfect time to visit Switzerland. During this time the weather is pleasant, and with fewer crowds you can easily score a nice accommodation deal. Plus it will be comfortable getting a seat in public transportation, and walking through old towns.

Our favorite month to visit Switzerland is September. April through June is not bad either (spring-summer crossover months).

Seasons/Temps

• Best time to visit: September – mid October, April – June
• Peak Season: July – August
• Off-Season: October – November, and some regions in the winter, february, March

Average Temperatures in Zurich & Zermatt

• Winters : 2 C/35.6 F  (both)
• Spring: 15 C/59 F (Zurich) 6 C/42.8 F (Zermatt)
• Summer : 25 C/77 F (Zurich) 21 C/69.8 F (Zermatt)
• Autumn : 15 C/59 F (Zurich) 12 C/53.6 F  (Zermatt)
• Int’l Hot Air Balloon Festival: January (Château-d’Oex)
• Basel Fasnacht : February (Basel)
• Montreux Jazz Festival: July (Montreux)
• National Day: August 1 (all over)
• Sichlete Farmers Harvest: September (Bern)
• Autumn Festival: October (Lugano)
• Zibelemärit – Onion Market: November (Bern)
• World Snow Festival: December (Grindelwald)
• Christmas Markets : Nov – Dec

Swiss Festivals: Switzerland celebrates traditional festivals, national day as well as various music, ski and food/wine fests. In the table above, you can find the popular festivals taking place each month. 

Swiss National Day is celebrated every year on August 1, and there are festivities all across the country. Cities like Basel, Bern, and Geneva/Montreux have their unique music, food and carnivals at various times of the year.

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Château-d’Oex in January is a very popular fest that you must add to your bucket list. Winters also welcome ski tournaments and snow festivals in the resort towns. 

Don’t forget the Christmas Markets in November and December, so when you do plan to visit Switzerland, you can check off some of these festivals. 

For a detailed guide on when to visit Switzerland read here

What to pack for Switzerland? Switzerland Packing List

Switzerland experiences all 4 seasons, and depending on the month you are visiting, and activities you will be undertaking your packing list will vary. 

Summers are warm so carry flowy dresses, tops, stylish jeans, or pants. Comfortable walking shoes are a must plus a waterproof light jacket. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit (swimming is allowed in the lakes), or hiking gear for those hitting the trails. 

Autumn kicks in with moderate temperatures, and we recommend bringing in something warm (a scarf, cardigan, booties, etc) along with the summer clothes.

Carry a warm jacket or a parka, and snow boots for winter activities . In Swiss cities like Zurich in winter or Geneva, Basel etc, you can get by with a nice wool coat, as heavy snowfall is rare. But it is cold, and the weather slightly damp, so pair your outerwear with bright scarves, or cap. 

In the spring months , temperatures slowly get warmer, and it is perfect for outdoor activities. 

Here is your packing list for Switzerland

• Top: Long sleeve tops, shirts
• Bottoms: Dark washed jeans, pants, leggings 
• Nice sweater dress for dinners out (her, winter)
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes , hiking boots (summer), winter boots (winter)
• Outerwear: Winter Parka , wool coat (winter). Light waterproof jacket (summer)
• Scarf (winter)
• Gloves (winter) 
• Warm socks (winter)
• Beanie (winter)
• Sunglasses : My favorite RayBan Erikas
• Toiletries : Moisturizer, sunscreen, toothpaste & toothbrush, shampoo, body cream, light make-up
• Your cellphone. 
• Sim card or pocket wifi
• Charger: Like this multi charging cable to power up multiple devices
• Universal travel adaptor: Europe uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. Don’t forget to carry your universal adaptor
• Camera : Don’t forget your camera. We carry our Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii . 
• SD Card: To back up all the photos you will be capturing in Switzerland. Get yours here
• Laptop: Optional  
• Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Switzerland. The passport must be in good condition and not torn or tempered. 
• Visa: If you require a Schengen Visa for Europe/Switzerland, do apply for it prior to your trip. 
• Currency and Credit Cards : Don’t forget your credit cards, and currency (Euro or Francs. Francs is the official currency, but you can exchange Euros in Switzerland). 
• Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellations, etc): You can get a quote in minutes from Worlds Nomad Insurance
• Transportation : Carry Swiss Travel Pass , City Pass, flight tickets, or any tour confirmation
• Hotels: Confirm hotel reservations, and save your emails or a screenshot of the booking email.

Budget for Switzerland Travel Tips

Prices in Switzerland can be outrageous for budget-minded travelers, but it is possible to enjoy Switzerland in an affordable way. In our experience, we were able to find hotels and nice restaurants (similar to what we do back home in Canada) in a mid-budget range. 

Accommodation

• Luxury: $400
• Mid-Budget: $160
• Hostel: $35 (dorm), $50 (private room)

Food (Meal)

• Restaurant: $60
• Fast Food: $18-28

• Day pass: $5.50
• 6-7 Day: $27+
• Swiss Travel Pass:$250 (3 days+)
• Taxi:$6+ ($6.20 is base and then per KM/mile is $4)
• Car rental: $60/ day

For us, we set aside a budget of 150- 200 CHF /day (or $160 – $215 per adult) which included the hotel (twin share), day tour/pass, and food. In cities like Munich, and Paris, we were able to get by with $100-$150 per day (per adult), and even less in Sarajevo or Lisbon. 

During our trips to Switzerland, we only picked up breakfast from a grocery store, and our lunch and dinner were in restaurants, as we were out and about. We also drank a lot of coffee (and candy, sometimes!).

Shared accommodation in most popular Swiss destinations start at $35 USD, and depending on the duration of your trip and activities you can budget for travel passes. It is not necessary to buy Swiss Travel Pass for a short city trip; a day pass might be a better solution in that case.

If you are planning to treat yourself, and want to splurge, there is no place better than Switzerland – from lakeside or mountain view rooms, fine dining, to horse carriage rides and scenic trains – you can check off your bucket list one by one, with the blink of an eye!

What to see in Switzerland? Things to do in Swiss Destinations

By area, Switzerland is compact, but it packs a punch with so many variations in landscape, temperatures, altitudes and of course (four) languages. Geographically, it is divided as Swiss Plateau, the Alps, and the Jura. 

Regionally, it is the Swiss-French, German, Romansh (Grisons Canton), or Italian region. The largest cities are Zürich, Geneva, and Basel, and they are the best destinations to arrive in when traveling internationally. 

Cities in Switzerland are very clean, and old towns are pedestrian-friendly (so don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes). There are historical buildings, churches, fancy shopping streets, and amazing restaurants and cafes that will catch your attention. 

From the cities, as you move to the countryside and explore small towns and villages, they abound in mesmerizing lakes and mountain-scapes. Riding one of the panoramic train rides like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Golden Pass to explore, is highly recommended.

Apart from these popular rides, there are also shorter cable cars and funicular rides to the mountains that are equally popular – like those to Mount Titlis, and Mount Rigi.

Here is what you must explore in Switzerland

🗸 Zurich – Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is known for its medieval Old Town or Altstadt and the lovely Limmat River that flows through it. You can explore the highlights of Altstadt in a day, and then venture out to visit more of the Canton. 

Do make time to visit the iconic Grossmünster and the Fraumünster Church, located only minutes away from each other in Old Town . You can go shopping at the Bahnhofstrasse, or hang out by the promenade or the Lindenhof Hill. Zurich is a great base to explore more of Switzerland by embarking on day trips/tours. Find how to spend 2 days in Zurich itinerary

🗸 Geneva – Geneva is another popular city to arrive into Switzerland. It is home to United Nations Headquarters, and many other important offices. Geneva’s charm is defined by the mountains surrounding it, including the views of Mont Blanc (hint: Book a hotel room with mountain views here!)

In Geneva, you must check off a sightseeing cruise on Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau. The flower-clock, located at the Jardin Anglais park is another popular attraction. This special clock is made of a whopping 6500 flowers, and they change each season! 

French influence is evident in the architecture, and culinary scene of Geneva. 

🗸 Bern – Bern is the capital city of Switzerland. With a beautiful medieval Altstadt (Old Town), and the iconic Französische Kirche (French Church) and Zytglogge tower in it, walking this neighborhood should be a part of your itinerary. 

Do visit the site of the Swiss Parliament, which is housed inside the Federal Palace building aka Bundeshaus. 

You can also visit Bern on a day trip from Zurich too.  

🗸 Basel – Located close to Germany and France, Basel is well known for its art and architecture, especially the works of Erasmus. The old town is dominated by the Town Hall, and the central square of Marktplatz. 

In Basel, you can soak in views of the River Rhine. And if you prefer medieval city views, then head to the observation tower of the 12th century Gothic cathedral. 

🗸 Lucerne – Home to the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe – Kapellbrücke, with a colorful Old Town, and views of stunning mountains on Lake Lucerne, this city is one of the prettiest in the country. 

You have everything you need for an epic Swiss vacation from old town vibes, lakes to mountain views. 

In order to explore (or take a cable car ride to) Mount Pilatus, Titlis, or Rigi , it is a good idea to stay in Lucerne. Plus there are a variety of shops, nice restaurants and accommodation options in this compact city too. 

🗸 Interlaken – Interlaken is a popular resort town in Switzerland. Located in between two lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is known as the ‘Adrenalin Capital’ of the country.  

This town is home to stunning alpine scenery, thrilling funicular rides to adventurous activities like paragliding, and tons of hiking and biking trails. For those who love to play it safe, they can enjoy boat rides on the lake , sightseeing tours in the Bernese Oberland, and cable car rides. 

From Interlaken, you can also visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch). The closest town to Jungfraujoch is Grindelwald, and from there you have to hop on a train to get to the observation deck. (Interlaken to Grindelwald is 35 minutes by train, plus additional travel time from the train station to the Top Of Europe. Depending on the route it takes anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.)

🗸 St Moritz – We found St Moritz to be more expensive than Zurich. Truly it is a luxurious alpine town, home to ski and snowboarding areas, and even mineral springs/spa and amazing pools with views.

St. Moritz was the host of the Winter Olympics twice. You can check out the oldest bobsled track – Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz-Celerina, which is made of natural ice. And lace up at the outdoor Olympic ice rink . 

🗸 Zermatt – With the towering views of the Matterhorn , the image of Zermatt paints a beautiful picture of what a Swiss vacation would look like. This charming town has all the ingredients that make an epic alpine mountain trip. 

There are amenities for outdoorsy activities from hiking , skiing to climbing. Zermatt’s central street, Bahnhofstrasse is a wonderful place to shop or window shop in the fancy stores, hang out at a restaurant with mountain views, and more. 

🗸 Panoramic Trains

• Glacier Express: The Glacier Express is one of the popular scenic train routes that start in Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn to St Moritz (Engadin skiing area). The route takes about 7.50 hours – one way and is nicknamed ‘Europe’s slowest express, covering a distance of over 290 km (180 miles). Its average speed is around 24 mph.
• Golden Pass: The Golden Pass connects Lucerne to Montreux, in 5.50 hours.
• Bernina Pass : Bernina Pass is one of the stunning routes in Switzerland, passing through the Bernina Pass, and connecting to Italy. The route starts in Chur/St Moritz and ends in the town of Tirano in Italy. The route typically takes about 4+ hours. You are not required to complete the entire stretch, and depending on the season and distance traveled, the ticket prices vary.
• Add more scenic train rides to your Switzerland trip

The routes mentioned above are covered under Swiss Travel Pass, and many other savings cards, but seat reservation is required for them. 

Movies in Switzerland

With such picturesque locations, no wonder Switzerland pulls in cinematographers and moviemakers to the country. Some of the popular ones include

• Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith , The Bourne Identity , The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , Point Break 
• ‘ James Bond Switzerland ‘ : Many scenes for the 1969 James Bond 007 film – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – were shot in Piz Gloria. It is located on top of Schilthorn, a 2,970 metre high summit in the Bernese Oberland.
• Bollywood romance immortalized in Switzerland : Switzerland is also a popular outdoor shooting location for many Bollywood movies like Chandni, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Don 2, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, and Yes Boss. They were mostly shot in and around Gstaad and the Jungfrau area (like Montreux, Lucerne, and Jungfraujoch).

Did you know there is a bronze statue of Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra in Interlaken?

Switzerland Itineraries

We take pride in planning and crafting the perfect itinerary to make the most of our trips, and Switzerland is no different. 

With an efficient transportation system, and a plethora of day tours, you can easily explore Switzerland by keeping one city as base, and then venturing on day trips from there. Our recommendation is to keep Zurich, Geneva or Interlaken as your base cities. 

Our detailed Switzerland itineraries include multiple sightseeing samples. Take a look,

• 2 days in Switzerland
• 5 days in Switzerland itinerary
• Switzerland Itinerary 7 days

How many do you need in Switzerland?

We recommend at least one week in Switzerland to visit a couple of cities, go on scenic train/funicular rides and check off a day trip (or two) to the Swiss Alps or lakes. 

 Switzerland Package Tours

Guided tours are a popular way to explore Switzerland if you do not wish to do all the research and planning/booking. Our favorite booking website is Intrepid Travel. They are a small group tour company that organizes tours to Europe, including Switzerland. 

You can choose from a range of departure dates, activities, areas and make the most of your travel time. You do have to book flights separately, but hotels are included (plus a few meals and of course guided sightseeing and free time). We like that they organize accommodation in a mid budget range/standard hotels. 

Tourradar is another site , where you can look for guided tours. We took a Cosmos tour a few years ago, which was a large size group tour. We were happy with the amenities that came with the package and utilized the free time by exploring on our own. Being a larger site, you will find a variety of tours here. 

🗸 Explore Switzerland – Here is a 10-day tour of Switzerland that checks off multiple cities, and popular destinations in the country. Click to view this tour here

🗸 Best of Switzerland in 7 days – This is a 7-day tour of Switzerland with Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, and Matterhorn. View the tour here

🗸 There are also day tours that you can use to make the most of your trip!

Transportation Options in Switzerland

There are various ways to explore Switzerland, and depending on the season, number of travelers in a group and trip duration one mode of travel might work better for you, than the other.

We have already listed the guided multi-day tours – these tours cover transport, accommodation, and 1-2 meals. 

Day tours are a great option too. We book all of our tours in Europe via GetYourGuide (they also have an amazing cancellation policy, so you are in safe hands when you book through them). Day tours start at $65 USD+ which includes a return trip and may include an entry fee to an attraction and a meal.

Public transportation is a popular way to explore Switzerland. This also includes panoramic train rides, cable cars and funicular trips as well. Each city has their own city pass (full day pass, weekly or monthly pass) for trains, and includes discounted or free attractions.

Swiss Travel Pass is a popular travel savings card. It gives you unlimited rides including scenic trains (seat reservation is additional and required), and access to various touristy sites. You can also enjoy free travel on cable cars like Mount Rigi. It is available for purchase at a minimum of 3 days and prices start at $250+ USD

Swiss Half Fare Card gives you tickets at half the regular fare. It is valid for one month after being activated. This is great for frequent travelers, and for those staying long term. Prices start at $130 USD (for one month)

Renting a car is always an option in Switzerland. If you have a valid international driver’s license or national ones (like the USA, Canada) you can rent a car, and drive in Switzerland. Swiss roads are well maintained and safe.

Swiss drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, just like the USA and Canada. 

On average a rental car will cost about $60 per day. Keep in mind that many hotels may not have free parking, and old towns may be car-free, so we recommend using tours and trains for exploring major destinations, and use a car for remote locations. 

Where to stay in Switzerland? 

Major cities in Switzerland are the best places to stay in the country in terms of accessing transportation, finding a variety of tours, restaurants and accommodation options.

We recommend staying in Zurich , Geneva, or Interlaken for a short trip, that way you can save money on hotel rates (multiple stay discounts), and also make it easy to base and store your luggage instead of lugging them around. 

In Switzerland, you will find standard hotels (Swiss Quality Hotels, iBis Styles, etc), as well as luxurious resorts in all the major cities, and popular tourist towns. 

Hostels offer shared as well as private rooms (many with amazing views like the Zermatt Youth Hostel). 

Whichever accommodation you book, you are required to pay a tourist tax at the hotel reception (at check in or check out). It starts at 2.50 CHF+ per person, per night, and the price varies by property and town/city you are in. 

Read our complete guide to where to stay in Switzerland – we have included our top picks for accommodation properties from popular destinations. If you are a first-time visitor, you will find the post useful. 

We use Booking.com , and Airbnb to browse accommodation deals. 

What to eat in Switzerland?

There is no dearth of culinary delights in Switzerland. You will easily find vegan and vegetarian restaurants, fast food chains, grocery stores and of course fine dining options (with views, fancy interiors, etc you name it!)

Here are some of the food items you must try in Switzerland

🗸 Swiss fondue – Fondue in Switzerland consists of a large pot of melted cheese, and garlic, which you can enjoy with bread, or by dipping pickles using long-stemmed forks.  

🗸 Swiss cheese – Different regions in Switzerland have their take on the fondue, and cheese itself. Raclette is a fondue of cheese, pieces of potato and curried vegetables. This is popular in the French region of Switzerland. 

🗸 Zürich style sliced meat – This is a delicious meal of veal, brown sauce, onion, cream and white wine, served with a bed of rice.

🗸 Rosti – This is a flat, hot cake (like a hashbrown) made of potatoes and fried in hot butter.

🗸 Birchermüesli – You can eat toast, cereal and milk in Switzerland for breakfast, or go with Birchermüesli, which is a breakfast bowl of oat flakes, lemon juice, fruits, nuts and condensed milk. 

🗸 For drinks , Swiss wines, craft beers and cider are popular  

🗸 Oh oh…. don’t forget Swiss chocolates – We literally tried chocolates from grocery stores to popular brands like Toblerone to see if they taste any different. But they are the same – DELICIOUSLY GOOD!

Safety in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. It is safe for solo travel, for couples and families to venture out, explore and use public transportation at any time of day.

Violent crimes are rare. 

Although safe, petty theft including pick-pocketing in major tourist attractions is common, which is true for most European destinations. 

You do have to be mindful of weather warnings though (like when you go skiing, or driving in the winter), and while embarking on adventurous activities like paragliding, diving, etc. 

One of the things we noticed about Switzerland is that their cities are very very clean. Plus their tap water is also safe for drinking!

We hope you found our Switzerland travel tips useful in planning your getaway. Have questions? Ask us! 

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Welcome to our family travel blog, your ultimate guide to family outings and travel in Switzerland. Discover an array of family-friendly activities in Switzerland, from exploring the stunning Swiss Alps to visiting the top attractions perfect for kids. Our expert tips and recommendations will ensure that your family vacation in Switzerland is a memorable one. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or thrilling theme parks, we've got you covered. Explore the best family resorts, find kid-friendly hikes, and embark on scenic train rides to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Get ready for an incredible journey as we share our insights on traveling with children in Switzerland. Start planning your next family adventure today!

Welcome to our Swiss blog, dedicated to travel in Switzerland with your family and discovering exciting family outings throughout the country. Our blog is your go-to resource for all things related to family-friendly travel in Switzerland.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next family adventure, tips on traveling with kids in Switzerland, or recommendations for unforgettable family outings, we've got you covered. As a trusted Swiss blog, we strive to provide valuable insights and expert advice to make your family's journey through Switzerland a truly remarkable experience.

From the majestic Swiss Alps to charming cities and picturesque landscapes, Switzerland offers endless opportunities for family exploration. Our blog showcases the best destinations, attractions, and activities that cater to families, ensuring fun-filled adventures for all ages.

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Swiss travel, sharing our firsthand experiences, useful tips, and practical advice for traveling with children. Discover hidden gems, embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, and immerse yourselves in the rich culture and traditions of Switzerland.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a summer vacation, or a winter ski trip, our Swiss blog is here to inspire and guide you every step of the way. We understand the unique needs and interests of families, and we're dedicated to helping you create lifelong memories through unforgettable family outings in Switzerland.

So, get ready to explore the beauty of Switzerland, embrace new experiences, and embark on extraordinary family adventures. Follow our Swiss blog as we unlock the wonders of this breathtaking country and provide you with all the information you need for an unforgettable family journey through Switzerland.

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¡Bienvenido a nuestro blog de viajes familiares, tu guía definitiva para salidas y viajes familiares en Suiza! Descubre una amplia gama de actividades para familias en Suiza, desde explorar los impresionantes Alpes suizos hasta visitar las principales atracciones perfectas para niños. Nuestros consejos y recomendaciones de expertos te garantizarán que tus vacaciones en familia en Suiza sean inolvidables.

Tanto si buscas aventuras al aire libre como experiencias culturales o parques temáticos emocionantes, lo tenemos todo cubierto. Explora los mejores complejos turísticos familiares, encuentra rutas de senderismo aptas para niños y embarca en viajes en tren pintorescos para crear recuerdos inolvidables con tus seres queridos. Prepárate para un viaje increíble mientras compartimos contigo nuestras ideas sobre viajar con niños en Suiza. ¡Empieza a planificar tu próxima aventura familiar hoy mismo!

Bienvenido a nuestro blog suizo, dedicado a viajar por Suiza con tu familia y descubrir emocionantes salidas familiares por todo el país. Nuestro blog es tu recurso de referencia para todo lo relacionado con los viajes familiares en Suiza.

Tanto si buscas inspiración para tu próxima aventura familiar, consejos para viajar con niños en Suiza o recomendaciones para salidas familiares inolvidables, lo tenemos todo cubierto. Como blog suizo de confianza, nos esforzamos por proporcionar información valiosa y consejos de expertos para que el viaje de tu familia por Suiza sea una experiencia verdaderamente remarkable.

Desde los majestuosos Alpes suizos hasta las ciudades con encanto y los paisajes pintorescos, Suiza ofrece infinitas posibilidades para la exploración familiar. Nuestro blog presenta los mejores destinos, atracciones y actividades que se adaptan a las familias, garantizando aventuras divertidas para todas las edades.

Únete a nosotros para explorar el mundo encantador de los viajes suizos, compartiendo nuestras experiencias de primera mano, consejos útiles y consejos prácticos para viajar con niños. Descubre joyas ocultas, embarca en emocionantes aventuras al aire libre y sumérgete en la rica cultura y las tradiciones de Suiza.

Tanto si estás planificando una escapada de fin de semana, unas vacaciones de verano o un viaje de esquí en invierno, nuestro blog suizo está aquí para inspirarte y guiarte en cada paso del camino. Entendemos las necesidades e intereses únicos de las familias, y nos comprometemos a ayudarte a crear recuerdos inolvidables a través de salidas familiares inolvidables en Suiza.

Así que prepárate para explorar la belleza de Suiza, abrazar nuevas experiencias y embarcarte en extraordinarias aventuras familiares. Sigue nuestro blog suizo mientras te descubrimos las maravillas de este país impresionante y te proporcionamos toda la información que necesitas para un viaje familiar inolvidable por Suiza.

Benvenuto sul nostro blog di viaggi in famiglia, la tua guida definitiva per gite e viaggi in famiglia in Svizzera! Scopri una vasta gamma di attività per famiglie in Svizzera, dall'esplorazione delle imponenti Alpi svizzere alla visita delle principali attrazioni perfette per i bambini. I nostri consigli e raccomandazioni di esperti ti garantiranno che le tue vacanze in famiglia in Svizzera siano indimenticabili.

Sia che tu stia cercando avventure all'aria aperta, esperienze culturali o parchi a tema entusiasmanti, abbiamo quello che fa per te. Esplora i migliori resort per famiglie, trova escursioni adatte ai bambini e imbarcati in viaggi in treno pittoreschi per creare ricordi indimenticabili con i tuoi cari. Preparati per un viaggio incredibile mentre condividiamo con te le nostre idee sui viaggi con bambini in Svizzera. Inizia a pianificare la tua prossima avventura in famiglia oggi stesso!

Benvenuto sul nostro blog svizzero, dedicato ai viaggi in Svizzera con la tua famiglia e alla scoperta di emozionanti gite familiari in tutto il paese. Il nostro blog è la tua risorsa di riferimento per tutto ciò che riguarda i viaggi in famiglia in Svizzera.

Sia che tu stia cercando ispirazione per la tua prossima avventura in famiglia, consigli per viaggiare con bambini in Svizzera o raccomandazioni per gite familiari indimenticabili, abbiamo quello che fa per te. Come blog svizzero di fiducia, ci impegniamo a fornire informazioni preziose e consigli di esperti per rendere il viaggio della tua famiglia in Svizzera un'esperienza davvero remarkable.

Dalle maestose Alpi svizzere alle città affascinanti e ai paesaggi pittoreschi, la Svizzera offre infinite possibilità per l'esplorazione familiare. Il nostro blog presenta le migliori destinazioni, attrazioni e attività per famiglie, garantendo avventure divertenti per tutte le età.

Unisciti a noi per esplorare il mondo incantevole dei viaggi svizzeri, condividendo le nostre esperienze di prima mano, consigli utili e suggerimenti pratici per viaggiare con bambini. Scopri gemme nascoste, imbarcati in emozionanti avventure all'aria aperta e immergiti nella ricca cultura e nelle tradizioni della Svizzera.

Sia che tu stia pianificando una fuga di fine settimana, una vacanza estiva o un viaggio di sci in inverno, il nostro blog svizzero è qui per ispirarti e guidarti in ogni fase del percorso. Comprendiamo le esigenze e gli interessi unici delle famiglie e ci impegniamo ad aiutarti a creare ricordi indimenticabili attraverso gite familiari indimenticabili in Svizzera.

Quindi preparati a esplorare la bellezza della Svizzera, abbracciare nuove esperienze e imbarcarti in straordinarie avventure familiari. Segui il nostro blog svizzero mentre ti sveliamo le meraviglie di questo paese mozzafiato e ti forniamo tutte le informazioni necessarie per un viaggio in famiglia indimenticabile in Svizzera.

はい、以下に日本語の翻訳を示します。

ようこそ、スイス家族旅行ブログへ！スイスでの家族旅行やお出かけの究極のガイドです。スイスには、アルプスの探検から子供にぴったりのトップアトラクションまで、幅広い家族向けアクティビティがあります。専門家のヒントとおすすめは、スイスでの家族旅行が忘れられないものになることを保証します。

アウトドアアドベンチャー、文化体験、スリリングなテーマパークをお探しですか？私たちがカバーします。子供に優しいハイキングトレイルを探す、または美しい列車の旅に参加して、愛する人と思い出に残る思い出を作りましょう。スイスでの家族旅行のヒントを共有しながら、素晴らしい旅への準備をしましょう。今日から次の家族旅行の計画を開始しましょう！

ようこそ、スイス旅行ブログへ！スイスでの家族旅行と、全国でエキサイティングな家族の外出の探索に特化しています。私たちのブログは、スイスでの家族旅行に関するすべての情報のワンストップショップです。

次の家族旅行のアイデア、スイスでの家族旅行のヒント、忘れられない家族の外出のおすすめをお探しですか？私たちがカバーします。信頼できるスイスのブログとして、スイスでの家族旅行を本当にユニークな体験にする貴重な洞察と専門家のアドバイスを提供することに取り組んでいます。

アルプスの壮大な山々から魅力的な街並みや絵のように美しい景色まで、スイスは家族の探検に無限の可能性を提供します。私たちのブログは、家族向けの最高の行き先、アトラクション、アクティビティを紹介し、すべての年齢層に楽しい冒険を提供します。

私たちと一緒に、スイスの旅行の世界を探索してください。私たちの第一手の情報、役立つヒント、家族旅行の具体的なアドバイスを活用してください。隠された宝石を発見し、スリリングなアウトドアアドベンチャーに参加し、スイスの豊かな文化と伝統に浸ってください。

週末の逃避行、夏休み、冬のスキー旅行を計画しているかどうかにかかわらず、スイスのブログはあなたを刺激し、各ステップであなたを導くためにここにいます。私たちは、家族のユニークなニーズと興味を理解しており、スイスで忘れられない家族の外出を通じて思い出を作り出すお手伝いをすることに専念しています。

それでは、スイスの美しさを探索し、新しい経験を受け入れ、並外れた家族の冒険に飛び込みましょう。スイスのブログをフォローして、この息を呑むような国の素晴らしさを明らかにし、スイスでの家族旅行に必要なすべての情報を提供します。

当然可以，以下是用中文翻译的：

欢迎来到我们的家庭旅行博客，您的瑞士家庭出游和旅行的终极指南。探索瑞士丰富多彩的家庭友好型活动，从探索令人惊叹的瑞士阿尔卑斯山到参观适合儿童的顶级景点。我们的专家提示和建议将确保您的瑞士家庭度假之旅难忘。

无论您是在寻找户外探险、文化体验还是惊心动魄的主题公园，我们都能满足您的需求。探索最好的家庭度假村，寻找适合儿童的徒步旅行路线，并踏上风景优美的火车之旅，与您的亲人创造难忘的回忆。为一次不可思议的旅程做好准备，我们将分享我们在瑞士旅行时与孩子们的见解。立即开始计划您的下一个家庭冒险！

欢迎来到我们的瑞士博客，致力于与家人一起在瑞士旅行并探索全国各地的激动人心的家庭出游。我们的博客是您获取瑞士家庭旅行相关所有信息的一站式资源。

无论您是在寻找下一个家庭旅行的灵感、在瑞士旅行时与孩子的建议，还是难忘的家庭出游的建议，我们都能满足您的需求。作为值得信赖的瑞士博客，我们努力为您的瑞士家庭之旅提供宝贵的见解和专业建议，使其成为真正难忘的体验。

从雄伟的瑞士阿尔卑斯山到迷人的城市和如画般的风景，瑞士为家庭探索提供了无限的机会。我们的博客展示了最适合家庭的目的地、景点和活动，确保所有年龄段的游客都能享受有趣的冒险。

加入我们，探索瑞士旅行的迷人世界，分享我们的第一手经验、实用技巧和与孩子一起旅行的实用建议。发现隐藏的宝石，踏上激动人心的户外探险，沉浸在瑞士丰富的文化和传统中。

无论您是计划周末度假、夏季度假还是冬季滑雪之旅，我们的瑞士博客都将为您提供灵感和指导，帮助您完成每一步。我们理解家庭独特的需求和兴趣，并致力于帮助您通过瑞士难忘的家庭出游创造终生难忘的回忆。

因此，请准备好探索瑞士的美丽，拥抱新体验，并踏上非凡的家庭冒险之旅。关注我们的瑞士博客，我们将为您揭开这个令人叹为观止的国家的奇迹，并为您提供瑞士难忘的家庭之旅所需的所有信息。

• ABOUT LOST IN SWITZERLAND
• GETTING AROUND
• SWISS ACTIVITIES
• ITINERARIES

Lost in Switzerland

Visit Switzerland on a budget

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Welcome to Lost in Switzerland

First of all, let me say "hi" and welcome to my blog. If you want to know more about me or about this site that you just landed on, let me introduce myself and tell you how I came up with the idea for Lost in Switzerland. And for everyone else, keep scrolling to find out what you can expect to find around here...😊

Tips for getting around Switzerland

I've written a lot of posts and pages that focus on the subject of getting around Switzerland. And that's because of two things:

• I used to work as a traffic planner, so everything transport and traffic-related holds a certain fascination for me.
• I love to travel and have been around the world more than once. So I know that one of the pain points in every trip is figuring out how to get from one place to another with the right ticket.

If you're curious about my transport tips, check out my special Getting around Switzerland page.

Itineraries

"I'm coming to Switzerland for 5 days. What can I do while I'm there?

This is only one of the many itinerary-related questions that reached my inbox after I started this blog. As important as this question is, it isn't one that can be answered in a few minutes. Since these requests kept piling up, I decided to take action and to put together a series of ebooks that have one goal:

• To tell you what is possible to see in Switzerland in X amount of days.

The result is a collection of 8 ebooks with a total of 105 itineraries. If this is something you're interested in, visit my itinerary page .

General travel tips

Of course, my blog doesn't only consist of itineraries and travel posts. I have put together a series of other articles that might come in handy if you plan a trip to Switzerland. Whether you're looking for free things to do in Switzerland, a guide on Swiss supermarkets, chocolate or cheese factories or our most beautiful mountain lakes, visit my blog page to find everything I've posted since I launched Lost in Switzerland. 

What people say...

I discovered Seraina’s blog while planning my first trip to Switzerland. As a mountain lover, hiking was at the top of my list, and I found Seraina's comprehensive hiking guide incredibly helpful. Her posts on the Swiss train system were lifesaving - and money-saving too! 😉 I am super grateful to Seraina for compiling all this information, and I highly recommend her blog to anyone planning a visit to this beautiful country.

Flavia Desario

Sharyn Jeanice Parker

Yours is THE best travel site that I've ever seen. It is rich with information, has all of the useful links and downloads that anyone could want, and it is incredibly well-organized and well-written. I am grateful that you're here; you've provided what I need to have the confidence to plan this trip for myself - a big deal for a 60+ first-time solo traveler!

Karen Evans

Arizona, USA

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Switzerland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

As one of the most expensive countries in Europe , Switzerland is often skipped over by budget travelers.

Yet, while it is not a cheap destination, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

This land-locked country is home to shimmering lakes (more than 7,000 of them!), picturesque mountains (hello Alps!), tiny walled medieval towns, historic cities, soaring peaks, endless green fields you want to run through, delicious chocolate and cheese, incredible beer, and friendly, welcoming people. It’s known for ski resorts, hiking trails, its neutral foreign policy stance, being a banking and finance center, and making Swiss watches.

Everything runs on time here, the country is safe, and everyone is super nice. I loved my time traveling around Switzerland and the country rocks no matter what time of the year you visit.

This travel guide to Switzerland to help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Switzerland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in switzerland.

1. Tour the capital

Bern has an amazing historic center. This part of town is filled with medieval clocktowers, cobblestone streets, churches, and well-preserved sandstone homes. Be sure to walk the River Aare way, visit the History Museum and the Einstein Museum, and check out the bears at the Bear Park!

2. Ski the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn’s sharp angular peak is one of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions. You have to take a train or bus into the Zermatt area (the closest town to the mountain) as cars aren’t allowed. If you miss ski season, come hike the mountain in the summer. You can take the world’s highest cable car up to the viewing platform.

3. Visit Zurich

Zürich is also set on beautiful Zürich Lake, near the mountains, and is close to a lot of other cities (like Bern ). I love the historic center that opens up on the lake. A perfect day here involves sitting in the parks and drinking a beer on the lakefront. The city is also very arty and full of street art and museums.

4. Be adventurous in Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the outdoor capitals of the country (though it’s quite touristy during peak season). There is a lot to do here for the adrenaline-seeker: skydiving over a Swiss glacier, water-skiing, skiing, hiking, and more. This is also ground zero for backpackers since there are so many free outdoor activities.

5. Visit the Swiss Riviera

The “Swiss Riviera” is situated in Lavaux (Canton of Vaud) and goes along Lake Geneva. You can visit unique terraced vineyards that overlook the lake, the 12th-century castle Château de Chillon built on the water, and the town of Montreux, which is famous for its annual jazz festival.

Other Things to See and Do in Switzerland

1. join in the fasnacht spring carnival.

This festival in Basel is a three-day party that welcomes in the warm weather and takes place annually on the Monday following Ash Wednesday. It’s something that’s highly anticipated by both tourists and locals, and it’s definitely Switzerland’s most popular festival. Fasnächtlers dress in elaborate costumes to hide their identities and parade around town with “cliques” (bands playing drums and piccolos). All the bars and restaurants in town remain open throughout the entire three days and everyone is in a good mood!

2. Explore Geneva

As the third-largest city in Switzerland, Geneva offers spectacular views of the city’s lake (Lake Geneva), the world’s largest fountain, one of the main UN headquarters, a historic city center, and a collection of international restaurants to satisfy anyone’s palate. While you’re here, make sure you check out the Geneva’s Art and History Museum and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. There are 40 museums here in total so there’s a lot to keep you entertained!

3. Hike Mt. Pilatus

Located right outside the city of Lucerne, this beautiful mountain has breathtaking views of the alps. From the city, you can take a gondola or hike the trails to the top to look out over the Swiss Alps (it’s about two hours to the top if you hike and 30 minutes by gondola). There are some easier trails around the northern side of Pilatus, as well as other attractions in the summer months such as a ropes course.

4. Picnic at the Rhine Falls

Pack a picnic and admire the view of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. If you hop on a boat tour you can get extra close to the giant rock in the middle of the falls and tour the Rhine Falls Basin. Nearby in the town of Schaffhausen, there’s a medieval castle that also houses a hostel for cheap (but interesting) accommodations.

5. Explore St. Gallen

The seventh-largest city in Switzerland, St. Gallen boasts beautiful museums, colorful murals, and one-of-a-kind architecture. It doesn’t receive as much tourist traffic as the other cities and regions around the country, but it’s a fun town full of students and you’re likely to befriend a few locals during your visit. Don’t miss the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library, which is home to nearly 170,000 documents. Some are hand-written and over a thousand years old!

6. Tour rural Switzerland

Rent a car and explore the Graubunden area of the country, where there are houses and structures dating back to the 13th century. You’ll also be able to hear the ancient language Romansh, which has died out everywhere else in the country and many locals take great pride in keeping the tradition alive. Of course, it’s a haven for nature lovers too — there are 615 lakes and 150 valleys in the region. Soglio, Brigels, Bergün, and Vals are just some of the quaint villages worth visiting in the region.

7. Have a romantic time in Montreux

With a picturesque castle (Chateau de Chillon) lying at the edge of a lake, this area makes for a romantic getaway. Tour the castle, which dates all the way back to the 12th century and inspired the likes of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The town was also the home of Freddie Mercury and there is a statue here in his honor. It costs 13.50 CHF to visit the castle.

8. Discover rural culture in Appenzell

This small village of 7,000 lies in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. There are no cars and the village has upheld much of its local traditions and culture, including dance and folk music. It’s an incredibly picturesque little town, with frescoed buildings and narrow alleyways. Its location near the foot of the Alpstein mountains makes it a great gateway for participating in summer and winter outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Take the Appenzell Railway to Wasserauen, and explore the fascinating prehistoric Wildkirchli caves (which were inhabited over 40,000 years ago).

9. Visit Lucerne

You can’t get much more of a typical Swiss destination than Lucerne. Located on the beautiful Lucerne Lake, the city offers a wonderful combination of urban life and nature. Spend some time in the old town, especially Weinmarkt, surrounded by medieval guildhalls and decorative buildings. Cross Chapel Bridge, the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge, and pay attention to the 17th-century ceiling paintings showing events from Lucerne’s history.

10. Ride the Jungfraujoch Railway

The Jungfraujoch is the highest train station on the continent. Started in 1896 and stretching 9 kilometers (5 miles), this mountain railway takes passengers up Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch where they can admire stunning views and an incredible amount of snow. A round-trip journey costs 210.80 CHF.

  For more information on specific cities in Switzerland, check out these city guides:

• Basel Travel Guide
• Bern Travel Guide
• Geneva Travel Guide
• Interlaken Travel Guide
• Zurich Travel Guide

Switzerland Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms average 30-40 CHF per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. Private hostel rooms range from 70-120 CHF per night. Most hostels offer free linens, Wi-Fi, and some include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, there are a few campsites around Interlaken. Prices cost around 15-30 CHF per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Hotels are super expensive, costing 70-120 CHF per night for a basic room. For something a little nice and more spacious, expect to spend closer to 150-200 CHF per night.

A much better alternative to hotels is Airbnb, where a private room typically costs 30-50 CHF per night and an entire apartment starts at about 70 CHF (though they usually cost double that so book early to find the best deals).

Food – With strong French, German, and Italian influences, Swiss cuisine is a mix of meat and potato-based dishes along with plenty of local cheeses. Popular dishes include veal and mushrooms, fondue (with bread or potatoes), rösti (fried grated potatoes), and quiche. Naturally, Swiss cheese and chocolate should not be missed either. When it comes to breakfast, muesli is a go-to healthy choice.

If you want to eat out, bars and cafés are the cheapest food option and cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. An inexpensive restaurant costs about 25 CHF while a 3-course meal at a mid-range one costs about 60 CHF.

If you want to drink with your meal, a beer costs around 7 CHF and cocktails can cost 12-15 CHF.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 15 CHF for a combo meal. A large pizza is 15-21 CHF.

You can keep your food spending in check by going to the local supermarkets and buying your own groceries. Expect to spend around 100-125 CHF per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, eggs, seasonal produce, and some meat. The major supermarkets are Migros, COOP, and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.

Backpacking Switzerland Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Switzerland, my suggested budget is 95 CHF per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking al of your meals, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like enjoying nature and taking walking tours.

A mid-range budget of about 200 CHF per day covers a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid tours and activities like visiting museums and going skiing.

For a “luxury” budget of 400 CHF or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CHF.

Switzerland Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

Switzerland is a very expensive country to visit but there are plenty of ways to save money in the country, especially if you like the outdoors (nature is free!). Here are some ways I lowered my costs while visiting Switzerland:

• Get a student discounts – Many museums and other tourist attractions offer student discounts so always ask if there are discounts if you happen to be a student. You’ll save around 20% off.
• Get a city card – Most cities have a city tourist passes that get you discounts or free admission into museums and various local sights. Most of them also provide free public transportation too. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, these cards are really cost-effective and can save you around 20-40%. Just make sure the cost of the pass is less than the cost of seeing the attractions you want.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It was a lifesaver that allowed me to keep my costs down the most. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
• Use BlaBlaCar – Transportation is very expensive, even more so than accommodation. Most intercity trains are around 50 CHF. That adds up quickly! Instead, use the ride-sharing website BlaBlaCar to avoid the trains and meet locals. It’s like Airbnb but for ridesharing. Just make sure you’re flexible as some rides will cancel last-minute.
• Use hotel points – Hotel reward points are a lifesaver in an expensive destination, so rack up hotel points before your trip. This tip really only works if you are from the U.S. (though there are options in Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand) but hotel points have save me thousands of dollars a year. You can click here to learn about how to get points and free hotel stays .
• Don’t drink – Alcohol is not cheap here. Skip the booze to save money and keep your budget intact. If you do drink, stick to happy hours and hostel bars for the cheapest drinks.
• Cook your meals – Eating out here is expensive so go grocery shopping and cook your own meals to save. It’s not glamours, but it makes visiting Switzerland much more affordable! My recommendation is to make your own lunch and then eat out for dinner if you don’t want to cook.
• Eat lunch specials – If you are going to eat out, do so during lunch when most lunch specials at cafes and restaurants cost around 10-19 CHF. It’s the cheapest time to eat out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Switzerland

Hostels are the way to go in Switzerland but unfortunately there aren’t many of them. If you are traveling during peak season, be sure to book well in advance as they fill up quickly. My favorite places to stay in the country are:

• Balmers (Interlaken)
• Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken)
• Zurich Youth Hostel (Zurich)
• Oldtown Hostel Otter (Zurich)
• City Hostel (Geneva)
• Nyon Hostel (Geneva)
• Bern Youth Hostel (Bern)
• Bern Backpackers Hotel & Hostel Glocke (Bern)
• Basel Backpacker (Basel)
• Hyve Hostel Basel (Basel)

How to Get Around Switzerland

Public transportation – Cities and towns in Switzerland are incredibly well connected with trams, buses, funiculars, and trains. Each mode of transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. A single fare usually costs between 2.50-5 CHF depending on the length of time and number of zones you travel.

You should consider getting a Swiss Half Fare Card. It allows you to travel by train, bus, boat, and most mountain railways at half the price for one full year. It costs 185 CHF. This is only cost-effective if you intend to spend more than 370 CHF on public transportation.

If you’re staying a while and plan on cramming a LOT into your itinerary, you might want to look into getting a Swiss Travel Pass . It’s steep in price, ranging from 232 CHF for three consecutive days to 429 CHF for 15 consecutive days (there are non-consecutive passes as well), but it could be worth your time. It covers public transit, free travel on panorama trains, admission to 500 museums, mountain excursions, and more. The card also holds your Mobility and PubliBike memberships, and any MobilSki passes for the resorts.

If you’re considering the Swiss Half Fare Card or the Swiss Travel Pass, use the sbb.ch website to figure out the full fares for some of the trips you plan to make. This is the best way to figure out if either card is cost-effective for you.

Train – Train is the best way to travel in Switzerland and is the most preferred method for locals. It’s economical and efficient. Bern to Geneva (a two-hour ride) costs 50-95 CHF. The two-hour trip from Zurich to Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to Bern is 40-75 CHF. Expect to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities.

As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – FlixBus offers a few routes around the country. A 90-minute ride from Zurich to Bern starts at just 6 CHF, while a 5-hour journey from Zurich to Geneva starts at 17 CHF. It’s considerably cheaper than the train but options are much more limited than the train.

Flying – The country is so tiny, there’s no need to fly. It’s expensive and not worth the hassle. Take the train or bus instead.

Ridesharing – Using a ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar is one of the best ways to get around the country, although it does require some flexibility. You simply request a seat, pay a small fee, and off you go! It’s a faster and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train.

When to Go to Switzerland

Most visitors come to Switzerland in the summer, between May and September. July and August have the warmest temperatures, with snow-free hiking trails and longer days. If you’re around on August 1st, there are tons of celebrations for Swiss National Day (fireworks!). Peak summer temperatures are 18-28 °C (65°-82°F).

The shoulder seasons are from April-May and October-November, which is known in Switzerland as Zwischenzeit — the “between time” for the ski and summer seasons. It’s a good time for city hopping, but the ski resort towns are completely quiet and a lot of things are closed. The weather can also be unpredictable.

Ski season is from December to March, where resort towns get crowded and very expensive! If you’re a skier, that probably won’t matter much as Switzerland has some of the best skiing in the world. Conversely, cities like Zurich are quieter as everyone flocks to the mountains. The weather is cold and hovers below freezing so be sure to pack plenty of layers.

How to Stay Safe in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. The most common type of crime is pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas, but even that is rare. In some cities, like Geneva, petty crime is on the rise but it’s still nothing to be concerned about. Just keep your valuables secure and out of reach and you’ll be fine.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re traveling in the mountains, keep an eye on weather reports and forecasts. The weather can be extreme and change rapidly so plan accordingly. If you go hiking alone, let your hostel/hotel staff know where you’re heading just in case.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you plan on hiking or spending some time skiing in the mountains, pay careful attention to weather reports. Heed avalanche warnings, and stay off the trails if you’re told to do so.

If you experience an emergency, dial 117 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Switzerland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Switzerland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Switzerland

Zurich blog — The fullest Zurich travel guide for a budget trip for first-timers

Zurich – the largest and richest Switzerland’s city and is known as one of the financial centers of the world. The Swiss city of Zurich is worldwide famous for its vibrant, modern but equally quaint and artistic beauty. Zurich is charming with its old town and ancient architectural houses, snow-capped peaks. The ancient, gentle peace and rich culture and long history are the tourist attractions of this place. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Zurich for the first-time? Let’s check out our Zurich blog (Zurich travel blog) with the fullest Zurich travel guide (Zurich guide, Zurich tourist guide, Zurich visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Zurich has more than 2000 years of history and is the oldest city in Europe. Perhaps that’s why the beauty of Zurich blends the vibrant and lively features of a modern city with the ancient and peaceful nature of an old city, which brings a very distinctive color that no city in the world has it.

Zurich blog: Overview of Zurich

This city has a very long history, but is really known since the 1st century when the Romans came here to station and collect taxes. The city was then located on the south bank of the Limmat River. Then during the Middle Ages, the city developed on the north bank of the river until the 19th century. Now the city has extended to all directions, around Lake Zurich (German: Zürichsee). This is a very large, Loofah fruit-shaped lake, its water is originated from the surrounding mountains and hills, flowing through Zurich, it narrows down to form Limmat River, then merges into Rhine River, flowing through several European countries before empties into the sea in the Netherlands.

Besides the political capital of Bern, Zurich is known as the financial capital, the commercial center as well as the Switzerland cultural hub city. The population of Zurich metro area of over 1.4 million people, covering an area of 87.88 km², and is one of the safest cities with a top quality of life that many people dream of.

An interesting thing is that this city is surrounded by the Limmat river, so come to Zurich you will see water everywhere with countless canals, fountains throughout the city. Especially, lakes and water are extremely clean, even some fountains can provide potable water.

Some interesting things about this city:

• Many people think that Zurich is the capital of Switzerland, but in fact, Bern is the capital.
• Being one of the happiest cities in the world because the quality of life here is extremely high.
• The city’s urban population is over 400 thousand people and about 30% are foreigners. Switzerland has 4 official languages, so the city of Zurich is also called in 6 different ways such as: Zurich – French and English; Zurigo – Italian; Turitg – Roman; Zürich – German; Zurich – German; Züri – the city’s nickname in the German language of the Swiss

Zurich blog: When to visit?

Zurich has a temperate climate and has 4 distinct seasons, so choosing the right time to visit Zurich is not too difficult. You can visit here year-round.

If you like to see flowers, you can go in spring, the weather is sunny and rainy, brings good conditions for flowers to bloom. If you come to Zurich in summer, you should be aware of storms that often come in evening, which is also very opposite to Asian countries. Therefore, summer is not the suitable time to make a trip to Zurich.

Autumn (October) is the most beautiful time to visit Zurich. During this time, the weather is cool, not too cold and not too hot while winter is cold, foggy and snowy. June, July and August are the wettest months of year.

Zurich travel blog: Getting to Zurich

If you depart from other European cities you can take a bus, train or flight to get to Zurich. Zurich in particular and Switzerland in general has a very developed transport system that well-connected to neighboring countries both by road, railway as well as by air.

Zurich International Airport (German: Flughafen Zürich) is the largest airport of Switzerland. The airport is located about 13 kilometers from the city center and is home to the Swiss national flag carrier of Swiss International Air Lines. There are many airlines operating non-stop or connecting flights to this airport such as: Emirates, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines… One of the best ways to find cheap airfares as well as most suitable flight routes, you can go to Google Flights, SkyScanner or Momondo to seek.

Getting from airport to central city

There are three ways to getting from the airport to city center.

Train: You can take Train or S-Bahn with 10 – 15 minutes of traveling time that’s quick and efficient. The fare for single trip is CHF 6.80 (Children: CHF 3.40) / Day travel pass 24h: CHF 13.60 (Children: CHF 6.80). But if you have Zürich Card, the ride is free of charge.

Tram: Take the tram line 10 with 35 minutes of riding, it’s like a sightseeing tour immediately on arrival. The fare for single trip is CHF 6.80 (Children: CHF 3.40) / Day travel pass 24h: CHF 13.60 (Children: CHF 6.80). But if you have Zürich Card, the ride is free of charge.

Taxi: Which takes 10 – 20 minutes with the fare of CHF 45 – 70. The advantages are convenient and fast; personal collection, fast and efficient.

To getting Zurich by bus or train you can refer to transport companies, routes, timetables and fares on OMIO.com .

Zurich blog: Getting around Zurich

Although it is a large city, traveling in Zurich is quite convenient and easy. Most of the main tourist attractions are located in the center and around the old town, so most of them are within walking distance.

However, there will also be times when you need to travel by public transport such as getting to the hills or moving from the hotel to the center.

Currently, all public transport has the same fare for train, bus and even cable car. Single ticket for 30 minutes of riding is currently €2.7/way and €8.8/day.

You can update the ticket price list on the ZVV page.

Or if you want to both take public transport, cruising on the lake and have free admissions to more than 20 museums, other attractions you can buy a Zurich Card for €25/24 hours, €50/72 hours. You click here to receive the code to reduce €5 then go to this Zurich card link to buy tickets.

• Zürich Card

In addition, you also can rent a bicycle and car. However, you should not rent a car because gasoline prices are high and shortage of parking lots. You should only rent a bike or you can take a taxi if you need. Besides, to visit the lakes and streams, visitors can easily rent a boat.

Zurich blog: Where to stay?

Switzerland is a extremely expensive country to tourists, Zurich is no exception, that’s why hotels and guesthouses here are not cheap at all, budget room rates ranging from about 70-100 USD/night. The best place to stay in Zurich is probably the Old Town or District 4 which is close to the central station.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Adler Zurich ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Widder Hotel – Zurichs luxury hideaway ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hilton Zurich Airport ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Storchen Zurich – Lifestyle Boutique Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Zurich Marriott Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Zurich on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Zurich travel blog: Where to go?

Old Town (Altstadt)

The old town is probably the city’s most famous and popular tourist attraction. This place not only has the most important architectural works and buildings of Zurich such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Swiss National Museum, Lindenhof castle but also shows the vibrant nightlife with many restaurants and bars, pubs and cafes.

Come here, don’t forget to visit famous landmarks such as Fraumünster church, St. Peter’s Church, Swiss national museum, Fine Arts museum, Lindenhof castle… to discover impressive Roman architecture.

One of Zurich’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Kunsthaus is home to impressive art collections. The Kunsthaus is also known as the Museum of Art. This is considered one of the most interesting and worth visiting museums in Switzerland. This museum is home to many impressive works of art by the masters, famous artists in the 20th century such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Cezanne, Monet…

It’s located right in the center of the old town. You can take Tram line 3/5/9 or bus 31 and stop at Kunsthaus station.

Admissions: Adult: €25; 13-19 years old: €8 and students 20-30 years old: €13. Free admission on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 5 pm and the first Sunday of every month.

Address: Heimplatz 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: 10AM–8PM/Monday: Closed

Mount Uetliberg

Mount Uetliberg is always in the top 4 places you should visit in Zurich. At an altitude of over 2,858 feet above sea level, this is great place to get a panoramic view of the city.

You can get here by train or hiking. Trains run from Zurich HB central station and take about 30 minutes.

To get back from Uetliberg to the center, you need to follow the signs on the mountain down to Felsenegg, then take a gondola ride down to Adliswil and walk about 5 minutes to reach the train station. From here it takes about 25 minutes by train to return to the center of Zurich.

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich with a lakeside road is one of the ideal Zurich tourist destinations. Along the lakeside road are colorful houses and bustling shops and restaurants.

The lake stretching for more than 40 km from Zurich to the foot of the Glarner Alps, so every day there are quite a few yatchs and boats carrying tourists on day cruise tours to the villages and towns along the lake. The main pier in Zurich is Burkiplatz. If you want to take a cruise on the river Zurich, come here.

The water source of Lake Zurich is derived from the mountains, so the water of the lake is very clean. In the summer, the lake’s blue water is enchanting, walking along the banks, or taking a boat on the lake will bring extremely wonderful experiences.

Fraumunster Church

You can spot the green bell tower of Fraumunster Church from miles away! One of Zurich’s most prominent landmarks, the glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti are one of the reasons make it becomes so popular with visitors and locals alike. Hidden in the church’s basement is a monumental 9th-century stone chapel that all archeology lovers are sure to love. The entrance fee to the church is 5 francs (CHF) and allow you access to the Crypt Museum.

To get there, take tram 11, 13 or 17 from Zurich main station and get off at Paradeplatz, the church is a 2-minute walk away.

Address: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: 11/1 – 29/2: 10:00am – 5:00pm | March 1 – October 31: 10:00am – 6:00pm Architectural style: Gothic architecture Opened: 853 AD

Grossmünter Church

The Romanesque-style Protestant church with outstanding twin towers built in the 12th century (in 1100) is considered as a symbol and pride of the city of Zurich. Many people often compare these two towers to look like rockets, while in the roof behind the church there is a small bright red tower.

Inside the church is built in Roman architecture with unique colorful glass windows and many sculptures of guardian gods for the city.

Address: Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: 10AM–6PM

Bahnhofstrasse Avenue

Bahnhofstrasse is Zürich’s main downtown street and one of the most famous and expensive retail shopping districts in the world. Stretching along more than 1.5km of boulevard is the presence of more than 90 luxury fashion stores with worldwide famous brands such as Cartier, Mont Blanc, Prada, Gucci, Chanel…

In addition to stores of fashion, accessories, perfumes… this place also focuses on high-class restaurants, cafes, bars specializing in serving the upper class and the headquarters of many Swiss banks.

Don’t forget to enjoy delicious chocolate in this place. In addition, in Bahnhofstrasse, you can also admire extremely unique architecture and art, with special works such as the magnificent Das Haus zur Trülle historic building, the Rebekka-Brunne fountain, the Parade square…

Zurich Zoo is rated as one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Zurich. It is considered one of the best zoos in Europe today.

Currently, this place is home to more than 4,500 animals of 360 different species. One of the interesting things of the zoo is that every afternoon, penguins often gather in large numbers. There are also several of restaurants and amusement parks within the zoo that are suitable for families with young children.

Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: 9AM–6PM

Lindenhof is a hilltop park in the old town with views of the Limmat River, Lake Zurich and the city. This is the most important and strategic location in the history of the city from its founding in the 1st century BC.

Until the 9th century, this place still retains its importance with the Roman fortress and the Carolingian palace being built here. Today, although these buildings no longer exist, this place is still considered a famous place with a romantic view of the city.

Address: 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: Open 24 hours

Zurich Opera House

This neoclassical building may not be the iconic construction in Zurich, but it holds a very important place in the history of Swiss Opera. Although it has gone through many architectural styles, the opera in Zurich is now a place for visitors to visit and pay their respects to world-renowned musicians and composers such as Weber, Wagner and Mozart, among other famous writers like Schiller, Shakespeare and Goethe with his famous bust. The Opera House continues to be a world-class Zurich tourist destination for opera lovers.

Address: Sechseläutenpl. 1, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland Opened: October 1, 1891 Architects: Ferdinand Fellner, Hermann Helmer

Church of St. Peter

Church of St. Peter in Zurich is home to the largest watch face in Europe! Formerly used as a fire monitoring post, the walls have foundations from the 9th century that are still standing today. It is the only baroque church in the city and the oldest one in Zurich.

Take tram line 4 from the main station, pass 3 stops and stop at Rathaus, the church is 2 minutes walk away.

Address: St. Peterhofstatt 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland Hours: 8AM–6PM Architectural style: Baroque architecture Opened: 1706

Zurich blog: Day trips from Zurich

• Rhine Falls: 46km from Zurich and takes about 35 minutes by car or 45-60 minutes by train.
• Lucerne: 52 km from Zurich and takes about 50 minutes by train.
• Bern: 123km from Zurich and takes about 1 hour by express train.
• Mount Titlis: 92km from Zurich and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes by train.
• Stein Am Rhein village: 45km from Zurich and takes about 45 minutes by train.
• Grindelwald (Jungfraujoch mountain) & Interlaken: takes about 50 minutes by train.
• Mount Pilatus: From Lucerne, takes another 20-minute bus ride.
• Glarus: 76km from Zurich and takes about 1 hour by train.
• Basel: 87km from Zurich and takes about 1 hour by train.
• Liechtenstein country: 120 km from Zurich. The train ride from Zurich to Sargans takes about 50 minutes. From there take a bus to the capital of Liechtenstein (Vaduz) about 25 minutes more.

Of all the places above, most are famous day trip destinations and visitors often take these trips. However, the most popular are probably the Rhine waterfall, the beautiful city of Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland region (Jungfraujoch & Interlaken…).

If you do not have too much time in Switzerland, you can refer to a few tour packages organized by Klook with prices from €60 for each day trip here .

Zurich blog: Suggested travel itinerary for Zurich self-sufficient trip

As you have also seen in the map, most of the tourist attractions in Zurich are located right in the center. If you only plan to visit Zurich for 1 day, I think you only need to go to the above places except Uetliberg mountain and the zoo.

Itinerary for 1 day:

Lake Zurich – Old Town – Grossmunter Cathedral – Art Museum – Lindenhof Hill – Bahnhofstrasse Avenue – Fraumunster Church.

Itinerary for 2 days:

Day 1 you go the same itinerary above. On the second day, you add more the Uetliberg mountain and the zoo to day 2 itinerary.

In addition, a day trip from Zurich is definitely indispensable. You can go to one of the places I have listed above. For famous tourist destinations such as Lucerne, Bernese Oberland, it is better to go for many days than take a day trip.

Zurich travel blog: What to eat?

Swiss cuisine in general or Zurich in particular is famous in the world with breads and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and most especially chocolate…

Below are traditional and must-eat foods in Switzerland as well as in Zurich.

Cheese fondue

Cheese fondue (cheese hotpot) is an ideal dish to share with friends, made from melted cheese with other ingredients, like garlic, white wine, a little cornstarch or corn flour, and Kirsch. The dish is then served at the table in a special ceramic pot called a caquelon, and always cooked over a small stove to keep the cheese from clumping. The way to eat is also very simple, you just need to use a long fork to skewer the small pre-cut bread pieces, then dip them into the cheese pot on the stove and enjoy.

Rösti (Classic Swiss Potato Pancake)

Rosti is a dish made from potato chips that are fried or baked to create a crispy crust but melt inside. Sometimes Swiss people add a bit of bacon, onions, cheese and even chopped apples to the mix.

Bircherműesli (Fruit cereal)

This is a great combination of rolled oats, fruit, nuts, lime juice and condensed milk (or yogurt).

Raclette (Warm Melted Swiss Cheese with Egg and Potatoes)

Raclette is the name of a very popular Swiss cheese made from cow’s milk. This dish is melted by a specialized machine and then topped with a mixture of baked potato chips (with the skin on), vegetables, charcuterie (fermented meat), pickled baby cucumbers and pickled onions.

Bűndnernusstorte (Traditional Pie)

Bűndnernusstorte or engadinernusstorte is a type of pastry that originated from Graubünden. The basic recipe of this cake includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, a little caramel sugar, cream and small nuts, usually walnuts.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich-style Veal)

Veal, sometimes veal liver, is cooked with mushrooms, onions, wine, and cream, then often served with rosti, noodles or rice. You can replace veal with chicken or pork if desired. This will be an attractive dish when traveling to Zurich.

Zopf (Swiss Braided Bread)

There are many types of bread in Switzerland but the most popular and delicious is still a soft and white bread, called zopf. The dough is made from white flour, milk, eggs, butter and yeast, then braided into a braid and spread with egg yolks before baking.

Berner platte (Mixed meat platter)

This is a mixed plate of meats and sausages, which may include beef, ham, bacon, smoked beef, pork tongue, ribs, pork leg, pork loin, shoulder, bone marrow… In addition, on the plate, there are picked sauerkraut cabbage, potatoes and dried beans.

Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni Pasta)

This dish uses all the ingredients available on a livestock farm such as: cheese, potatoes, onions, pasta, milk or cream, and apples. The classic version is made by cooking potatoes and pasta with cream and cheese, baking in the oven, and then served with fried onions and stewed apple sauce. You can sometimes use extra bacon.

It’s very famous food in Zurich. Made with premium milk and delicious cream, Zurich’s milk chocolate ranks among the best in the world. So please enjoy Swiss chocolate and buy it as a gift for your loved ones, this will surely be a great gift after your Zurich trip.

Zurich blog: What to buy?

• If you want to buy jewelry, you can go to the Bucherer and Beyer store on the main street of Zurich, which is Bahnhofstrasse.
• The Schweizer Heimatwerk and Confiserie Sprüngli stores sell unique items that can be bought as gifts for tourists such as watches, paintings, linen, chocolates, etc.
• The area specializing in selling Swiss souvenirs is the Zurich Hauptbahnhof and Shopville shopping malls.
• The Niederdorf district, where you can find everything from trendy clothes, to interesting books and unique antiques.
• The Kanzlei flea market in Helvetiaplatz opens on Saturday mornings.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Zurich you can refer to

• Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City 1-day pass
• Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Zurich
• The Best of Zurich City Half Day Tour
• Swiss Travel Pass
• Zurich City and Surroundings Half-Day Tour with Ferry and Cable Car Ride
• Lucerne City Tour and Yacht Cruise from Zürich
• Zurich Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Heidiland & Liechtenstein Day Tour from Zurich
• Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich

Are you looking for more top things to do in Zurich: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And full guides for Switzerland , Bern , Lucerne , Jungfraujoch , Interlaken , Zermatt  and here .

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