switzerland travel itinerary 7 days

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The perfect switzerland itinerary 7 days – 10 days.

If you’re looking to spend 7 days in Switzerland, or even 10, this Switzerland Itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip for your first time. With day-by-day itineraries and detailed activity suggestions, you’ll be on your way to enjoying one of the most beautiful places on Earth!

Switzerland itinerary- the best way to spend one week in switzerland + 3 bonus days.

From its snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes to its quaint villages and world-class cities, Switzerland is a country that has it all. And whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing vacation, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Switzerland that fit the bill.

We had the opportunity to live in Switzerland for a bit while we had some work there. We lived in Basel and loved our time there. I’ve since been back several times to visit friends and to visit this gorgeous country. I recently went back a few months ago and wanted to share my itinerary to help you make the best of your time, whether you have 3 days in Switzerland or 10 days in Switzerland.

If you’re spending one week in Switzerland, you’ll have enough to see the highlights, but I’ve added on a few extra days in case you have more time for a few extras on your vacation to Switzerland. I always recommend prioritizing the 7 day Switzerland itinerary, and then moving on to the extras only if you have time.

• Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:
• Wanderlust Switzerland Guide

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

• Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland
• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars
• Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland
• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

Here's a Short Cut

Map of Switzerland

How do i get around switzerland, where do i purchase my swiss travel pass, swiss half fare card, where should i stay in switzerland, what languages are spoken in switzerland, do i need to know germany before i visit switzerland, what is the best time to visit switzerland, is it safe to travel to switzerland, how many days are enough for my switzerland itinerary – 7 days or more, what apps should i download for visiting switzerland, what currency is used in switzerland, how much is a trip to switzerland, is the tap water safe to drink in switzerland, what should i pack for my vacation to switzerland, some things to do in zurich, some things to do in lucerne, some things to do in interlaken, some things to do in lake thun, some things to do in the lauterbrunnen valley, some things to do in zermatt, some things to do in bern switzerland, some things to do in gruyeres, some things to do in montreux, some things to do in geneva, to sum this all up, here is my recommended switzerland trip itinerary:.

This interactive map will help you get around during your Switzerland itinerary. It’s color-coded by each day, so you can easily locate where you want to go and navigate there. Feel free to copy this map and download it offline so you can use it while you travel in Switzerland. Use the arrow on the top left of the map to pull up the key and see that each day is a different layer. It’s a very handy map once you figure out how to use it.

Things to Know About Visiting Switzerland

There are many ways to get around Switzerland, the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money . The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

While Switzerland is a small country with world-famous efficient public transportation, there can be some destinations that take longer to get to. For this reason, I recommend staying in a few different places during your trip. You should adjust this to your own needs and time restraints, but I recommend staying in these destinations in this Switzerland itinerary:

• 1 night – Zurich (either at the beginning or the end of your trip depending on flight times)
• 2 nights – Interlaken
• 2 nights – Lauterbrunnen
• 2 nights – Zermatt
• If continuing for 10 days in Switzerland:
• 3 nights – Bern with day trips to Gruyere, Montreux, and Geneva

Our Hotel & Chalet Recommendations: Zurich Hotels here Interlaken Hotels here Lauterbrunnen Chalets here Zermatt Hotels here Bern Hotels here

Believe it or not, there are actually FOUR official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Each of these is spoken in different regions of the country.

• Swiss German is the most widely spoken language, spoken by 63% of the population, and is spoken in the northern, eastern, and central parts of Switzerland. All official communications and publications are conducted and printed in German, however, there are also many different Swiss German dialects. Swiss German is a collection of Alemannic dialects no longer spoken in Germany or Austria, with French expressions sprinkled in. The Swiss German speakers take pride in the diversity of their dialects.
• Swiss French is the second most spoken language in Switzerland and is spoken mostly in the western cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Jura. This is generally standard French that is also spoken in France.
• Swiss Italian is spoken in the canton of Ticino and the southern part of Graubünden, on the south bordering Italy. Funny enough, you’ll find German speakers in the northern regions of Italy. Most locals will speak both German and Italian, as this region of Italy was once part of Austria. Swiss Italian is only spoken by about 350,000 people in Switzerland.
• Romansh is the final official language of Switzerland and is the least spoken language with only 37,000 people. When the Romans conquered the province of Rhaetia, the language combined with the native people creating Rumantsch .

Learning German before you visit Switzerland isn’t a necessity as many people speak English, but it is definitely a good idea to learn a few German, and even French, phrases before you go. This should be plenty to help you get by during your time in Switzerland. You may not even need them, but it’s good to be prepared.

• Yes/No : Ja/Nein Pronunciation: Yah/Nine
• Hello: Hallo Pronunciation: a-low
• Excuse Me : Entschuldigung Pronunciation: ehnt-SHOOL-di-gung
• Good Morning: Guten Morgen Pronunciation: GOO-ten MOR-gen
• Good Evening: Guten Abend Pronunciation: GOO-ten aa-behnt
• Goodnight : Gute Nacht Pronunciation: GOO-teh nahkht
• Goodbye : Auf Wiedersehen Pronunciation: all-veet-a-zen
• See You Later: Bis Spotter Pronunciation: BIS Sh-put-er
• Thank You: Danke Pronunciation: dong-ka
• Thank You Very Much: Merci Vilmal Pronunciation: MEL-see VIL-mall
• You’re Welcome: Bitte Pronunciation: BI-teh
• Nice to Meet You: Freut Mich Pronunciation: FROYT mikh
• What’s Your Name : Wie Heisst du? Pronunciation: vee HICE-en zee?
• My Name Is : Ich Heisse Pronunciation: Ikh HICE-eh
• Do You Speak English? : Sprechen Sie Englisch? Pronunciation: SHPREHK-en zee EHN-glish?
• Welcome: Willkommen Pronunciation: Wheel-come
• Sorry: Tut mir leid Pronunciation: TOOT meer LIGHT
• I am Sorry, I Don’t Speak German : Entschuldigung, ich Spreche Kein Deutsch Pronunciation: Ent-shu-il-de-gung, eek sprek-a-nee doy-ch
• I Do Not Understand : Ich Verstehe Nicht Pronunciation: Ikh fehr-STAY-eh nikht
• Where is the Bathroom? : wo ist die toilette, bitte? Pronunciation: VOOH ist dee twah-LET-uh, BIT-tuh?
• How Much Is That? : Was kostet das? Pronunciation: vahss KOSS-tet dahss?

There’s really no correct answer to the question. There are incredible things to do in Switzerland during every season of the year. I personally always prefer to travel when there are less crowds and when the weather is not too hot and not too cold. This usually means taking a Switzerland trip during the shoulder season in April-May or September-October.

In June, July, and August you will find the busiest days in Switzerland. With a winter Switzerland itinerary, you will definitely have snow, especially in the Swiss Alps , and the weather in Switzerland in the summer is generally warm and pleasant, but still can be cold and rainy.

• Best time to visit to avoid crowds (shoulder season) : April – June, September – October
• High Season : July – August. The high season is July to August when the weather in Switzerland is the warmest it is in the entire year, but you will have to face a lot of tourists, and over 50% increase in prices.
• Low Season : October – March
• Ski Season : December – March
• When are the Seasons in Switzerland : April – June (spring), July – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
• Best Time to Ski in Switzerland: Winter (between December and March) is the low season in most parts of Switzerland, as there will be intense snowstorms. However, this is the best season for those who want to ski in Switzerland.

According to US News , Switzerland has been rated #1 in safety! And according to Travel Safe Abroad , it was given a Safety Index of 89, So I’d say that’s a pretty good sign. Every time I’ve visited Switzerland, I’ve felt completely safe, but as always, be on guard when you travel, protect your wallet, and don’t be an idiot when you travel in Switzerland.

I will say that your risk of being injured doing outdoor activities is most likely higher if you’re not used to being active outdoors at home. Just be careful and know your limits. Always register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) in case anything happens.

For this reason, also, I always recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel. Especially these days, you just never know. And better safe than sorry.

Your Switzerland itinerary will depend on the number of days you are able to travel, but I recommend spending at least 7 days in Switzerland if possible, although 10 days is ideal. A one week Switzerland itinerary will allow you to see most of the destinations on this list, so if you’re able to stay longer, keep going until day 10.

• SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.
• Switzerland Mobility App – If you’re looking for great hikes in Switzerland, you’ll want to download the Switzerland Mobility App to help you find the best trails and not get lost.
• Duo Lingo – If you want to learn a bit of German or French before visiting Switzerland, Duo Lingo is a fun and free app to help you learn.
• Google Translate – While most people in Switzerland will be able to communicate with you in at least a little bit of English, it’s always goo to have the Google translate app, especially for reading signs or menus that are not in English.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). The exchange rate right now is $1.05 USD to 1 CHF.

This depends on many factors like where you’re traveling from, when you’re going, how many people are in your party, what kind of hotels you choose, what activities you want to do, whether you rent a car or take public transportation, etc. It’s almost impossible to estimate how much this Switzerland itinerary will cost. I always say to plan around $3,000 USD per person for any trip to Switzerland.

Tap water is safe to drink in Switzerland and you can also find drinking fountains all over the country that you can drink from. I’ve filled many water bottles from these fountains and it’s been tasty and safe.

When you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you’ll want to be sure you pack properly. But don’t worry, there are plenty of places to shop if you forget anything. Here are a few essentials you’ll want to be sure to pack for Switzerland. You can see my Switzerland packing list , or check out my abbreviated list below.

• Power Adapter for Switzerland
• Portable Charger ( my favorite )
• Portable WiFi Device
• Appropriate Outdoor Clothing ( I like to shop here )
• A few nicer outfits for dinners
• Packable down jacket
• Your favorite sun hat
• Sunscreen ( my favorite )
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Good Hiking Boots (if you’re planning to do lots of hikes)
• Collapsible Hiking Poles
• Packing Cubes
• Melatonin for Jetlag
• Packable Day Pack
• Liquid IV for Dehydration
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Quick Dry Towel

The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days

Ok now on to what you came here to read! This is the best Switzerland itinerary to help you maximize and enjoy your vacation. It spans the Switzerland countryside and cities and includes recommendations on where to stay and what to do in each destination.

Day 1 – Arrive in Zurich & Explore

Most major international flights to Switzerland will arrive at Zurich international airport, which is a great starting point for your Switzerland itinerary. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most popular tourist destinations. With its picturesque Old Town and world-class museums, it’s easy to see why Zurich is such a popular destination. You’ll most likely be beginning and ending your vacation to Switzerland here.

If you only have a short time in Switzerland, I recommend taking day trips from Zurich .

• Walk Around Old Town Zurich
• Explore Lake Zurich
• Visit the Museum of Art
• Enjoy Views from Lindenhof
• Visit the Swiss National Museum
• Visit Grossmünster Church
• See the Impressive Zurich Zoo
• Ride the train to the top of Uetlibertg
• Take a Cruise down the River
• FIFA World Football Museum
• Day 2 – Lucerne

Lucerne is a small city located in central Switzerland that is often overlooked by tourists. But with its beautiful Old Town, covered bridges, and Alpine setting, Lucerne is well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for things to do outside of the city, you can take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne or even go for a swim!

• Wander Around the Old Town
• Take a Cruise on Lake Lucerne
• Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport
• Walk Across Chapel Bridge
• Visit the Rosengart Collection
• See Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument
• Explore the Glacier Garden
• Enjoy the Views from Musegg Wall
• Visit Hofkirche Basilica

Day 3 – Interlaken and Lake Brienz

Nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, Interlaken is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Surrounded by mountains, Interlaken is the perfect base camp for hikes, mountain biking, para-gliding, and other adventure activities. It also has a cute old town center to explore and dine in. I had the privilege of paragliding in Interlaken and I will never forget it. The whole area is postcard perfect!

• Go Paragliding
• Ride up Harder Kulm via funicular
• Take a Steamboat on Lake Brienz
• Ride the Schynige Platte Railway
• Tour Justistal Alpine Dairy book here
• Aareschlucht Gorge info
• Explore the charming views at Istelwald village

Day 4 – Lake Thun

Lake Thun is the other lake that borders Interlaken and is just as beautiful as Lake Brienz. Spend a few days between these two lakes and soak up all the beauty around you.

• Explore Lake Thun
• Ride a Steam Boat on Lake Thun
• Visit Thun Castle
• Explore St. Beatus Caves
• Wander around the medieval old town of Unterseen
• Weissenau Nature Reserve
• Explore the picturesque town of Spiez
• Panoramabrücke Sigriswil – Panoramic Footbridge

Day 5 – Lauterbrunnen, Murren & Schilthorn

The Lauterbrunnen valley is a gorgeous area of the Bernese Oberland that is a must-see. When you picture a quaint village in Switzerland with wooden chalets, Alpine valleys, high mountain peaks, and roaming cows with bells, it’s likely Lauterbrunnen valley that you’re thinking of. If you want to see iconic scenes like this when you visit Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is the perfect place to go.

• Hike the Lauterbrunnen – Murren Trail (4 miles)
• Visit the largest free-falling waterfall in Europe (Staubbach Falls)
• Take the cog railway to nearby Wengen
• Take the cable cars to nearby Murren
• Take a cable car ride up to Schilthorn
• Eat at Piz Gloria, the rotating James Bone restaurant
• Visit the Highest Altitude Structure in Europe ( Sphinx Observatory)
• Explore Trummelbach Falls (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Go paragliding or just watch the paragliders
• Grab a drink at the Horner Pub in town
• Rent bikes and ride around Lauterbrunnen Valley

Days 6 & 7 – Zermatt

While the mountain resort town of Zermatt is small, the surrounding mountains in the Swiss Alps and the surrounding areas are massive. This destination takes some time and effort to get to, even though it’s simple to reach by public transportation, so I always recommend staying the night and exploring Zermatt for two days if possible. Many people will attempt Zermatt as a day trip from Bern or Zurich, which is fine, it just limits what you can do there. It’s a must on any Switzerland itinerary. Zermatt is most famous for its incredible views of the Matterhorn, but there’s a lot more to this picturesque town. It’s home to some of the most scenic train rides on Earth and some great restaurants and shopping as well.

Zermatt is also the end of the Walker’s Haute Route , which is a massive hike through the Swiss Alps that begins in Chamonix, France, and traverses some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland, ending in Zermatt.

• Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail
• Visit Schwarzsee (lake)
• Take the Gornergrat Railway (one of the most scenic train rides in the world)
• Hike from Gornegrat to Riffelsee (1.5 miles)
• Befriend Blacknose Sheep
• Explore the old town of Zermatt
• Eat Fondue & Raclette
• Visit the Matterhorn Museum
• Pay your respects at Mountaineers Cemetery
• Walk through the Hinterdorfstrasse – old town
• Walk along Gorner Gorge

That’s the end of my one week in Switzerland itinerary. However, if you have another 3 days in Switzerland or more, I recommend continuing with the next few destinations. They are great, but I always recommend prioritizing the above itinerary if you only have 7 days in Switzerland.

Day 8 – Bern 

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and a unique and relatively small city. The entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site with so much to explore. The medieval architecture and easy public transportation make it an easy city to visit.

• Explore Old Town Bern
• Count the fountains of Bern
• Visit Berner Munster (Bern Cathedral)
• Climb up Kafigturm
• Zytglogge Clock Tower
• Visit the bears at the Barengraben, or Bear Pit
• Walk through the Rosengarten (Rose Garden Park)
• Visit the Einstein Museum & Einstein House
• Walk along the Aare River
• Relax at the Hamman & Spa Oktogon

Day 9 – Gruyere & Montreux

These two Swiss towns are some of the most beautiful in the country and reside in the French-speaking section. If you have a car, it’s only a 30-minute drive between the two. Public transportation between them can be tricky, so you may just want to pick one to visit if you don’t have a car, depending on where you’re staying. Either town is a great day trip from Bern or the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Gruyere is an idyllic farming town nestled in the Swiss Alps and renowned for the famous Gruyeres cheese, which you’ve probably tried before. Be sure to have fondue here, as it’s some of the best we’ve ever tried in Switzerland.

• Visit the Gruyeres Cheese Factory & Tour
• Walk down Rue de Bourg in the Old Town
• Walk Le Grand Chemins
• Tour Gruyeres Castle
• Walk along the Ramparts
• Eat Gruyeres Cheese Fondue
• Visit the HR Giger Museum
• Grab a drink at the Giger Bar
• Visit the Tibet Museum
• Tour Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory

Montreux is a dazzling town set against the backdrop of the mountain peaks of the Alps and on the shores of Lake Geneva. Also in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, Montreux has much to offer in way of scenery and cultural opportunities.

• Explore Montreux Old Town
• Visit Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Walk Along the Montreux Lakeside Promenade
• Hike the Gorges du Chauderon
• Take a Cruise on Lake Geneva
• Visit Chateau de Chillon
• Hike Rochers de Naye
• See the Freddy Mercury Statue
• Visit Chaplin’s World Museum
• Visit the Nest Museum
• Day 10 – Geneva

Situated between the French border and Lake Geneva, the town of Geneva is an international town known for being the United Nations Headquarters and also the headquarters for The Red Cross. It’s also a great place to visit on your Switzerland trip if you want to get more of a feel for the French part of Switzerland.

• Take a boat ride on Lake Geneva if you haven’t done that Montreux
• Check out the famous Jet d’Eau (Water Jet)
• Visit the Romanesque Temple de Saint-Pierre
• Explore Geneva’s Old Town
• See Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city
• Check out the flags at Palais des Nations
• Tour the Art & History Museum
• Visit the International Red Cross and Crescent Museum
• Visit the Ariana Museum, dedicated to ceramics and glass
• Wander around Parc de la Grange

There’s so much to see and do in Switzerland and you could easily spend months exploring all this Alpine country has to offer! But if you only have a week, this Switzerland itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. From hikes with unbeatable views to leisurely days spent soaking in mountain views from your hotel room window and delicious chocolate and fondue, you’re sure to fall in love with this corner of Europe. I hope this Switzerland trip planner was helpful and that you’ll be on your way to planning a great vacation.

• Use the train to get around Switzerland
• Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card before you travel to Switzerland
• There are four official languages spoken in Switzerland
• Learn a few German phrases before your vacation to Switzerland
• The best time to visit Switzerland is Spring and Fall 
• Switzerland is a very safe country
• 7-10 days in Switzerland is an ideal time
• Download important apps before Switzerland trips
• Swiss Francs (CHF) are used in Switzerland
• Tap water is safe to drink in Switzerland
• Pack appropriately for Switzerland
• The Best Switzerland Itinerary:
• Day 1 – Zurich
• Day 3 – Interlaken – Lake Brienz
• Day 4 – Interlaken – Lake Thun
• Day 5 – Lauterbrunnenn, Murren, & Schilthorn
• Day 6 – Zermatt – Glacier Express Train
• Day 7 – Zermatt – Gornergratt
• Day 8 – Bern
• Day 9 – Gruyeres & Montreux

Wanderlust Crew

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The Ideal 7-Day Itinerary for Switzerland (With Alternatives)

One week in Switzerland – so many things to see, so little time. If it’s your first trip to Switzerland you’ll want to start with the best and most famous places – Zurich, Lucerne, Top of Europe, Zermatt, etc. This detailed itinerary will help you plan every little detail of that journey, from buying plane tickets to looking for souvenirs. 

What to do and see, where to stay, and how much you should plan to spend in each of the locations are all included in this itinerary. I’ve also covered the overall cost of the journey, the best travel passes for Switzerland, and more.

Keep in mind this is just a rough guide. Switzerland is a bigger country than you might think and you can explore it any way you like. But if you’re not sure where to begin, this 7-day Switzerland itinerary is a great start!

Table of Contents

Arrival in Zurich

The best place airport to fly to is Zurich Airport. It is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland so is ideal for international visitors like you. You’ll find the most flight connections to Zurich, and tickets will probably be more affordable than to Switzerland’s smaller airports. 

Getting from the airport in Zurich to the city center is as simple as boarding a local train. Here are the details:

• run every 5-10 minute
• journey time is 10-15 minutes
• full-price tickets are around 7 CHF

It’s also possible to take a taxi from the airport to town. The ride can cost anywhere from 30-45 CHF, and it can sometimes take longer than the train because of traffic.

Day 1: Zurich

• Zurich Airport to Zurich HB Train: 10-15 minutes 
• Accommodation: 50-100 CHF (budget), 150-300 CHF (mid-range), 400-1000+ CHF (luxury)
• Average Restaurant Meal: 25 CHF
• Zurich 24-Hour City Card: 24 CHF

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the best place to start your trip. It has a lot to offer new visitors, so I recommend booking a guided walking tour if you’re unsure where to begin with your exploration of Zurich . 

Most walking tours of Zurich cover the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, including

• Bahnhofstrasse
• Fraumunster
• Grossmunster
• St. Peter’s Church
• The Opera House

I would – highly recommend finding a condensed tour of the city’s most famous sights so you have plenty of time to discover some other hidden gems. 

One such lesser-known gem in Zurich is the Chinese Garden. I recently recommended it to a friend who was staying in Zurich for the first time, and she was stunned. While you’re there, you can also see the Pavillon Le Corbusier, which is just a 5-minute stroll away. 

If you’d like to visit a museum in Zurich, you should pick just one if you’re in the city for only a day. My top picks are

• The Swiss National Museum
• Kunsthaus Zürich
• The Zoological Museum of Zurich

On the other hand, if you want to see something entirely different, consider one of the following museums: 

• WOW Museum – museum of illusions with lots of opportunities for weird photographs
• FIFA Museum – a must for any football lovers in Zurich 
• Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich – a fascinating exhibit on the history of clocks and watches
• focusTerra – a science museum with an earthquake simulator and exhibits on geology

I could go on and on about Zurich museums, but these are the best for first-time visitors. 

Zurich is the most expensive city in Switzerland, so hotels aren’t cheap. Even hostels with shared bathrooms are 70-80 CHF, and you’ll spend at least 150-300 CHF for a night at a mid-range hotel. It’s best to stay near the train station because the inner city area will be a short walk away, plus you won’t have to travel far with your luggage when you arrive in Zurich. 

Luxury hotels are abundant in Zurich and the best one, in my humble opinion, is the Dolder Grand Hotel, with fabulous views of the city’s rooftops.  

Lucerne is cheaper, so if you want to save money, head to Lucerne once you’re done discovering the sights of Zurich. 

Day 2: Lucerne

• Zurich to Lucerne: 40-50 minutes
• Accommodation: 40-100 CHF (budget), 150-250 CHF (mid-range), 300+ CHF (luxury)
• Average Restuarant Meal: 25-30 CHF

For me, Lucerne is the most picturesque city in Switzerland. It’s known for its medieval architecture that dominates this small city and impressive natural surroundings. That’s why I’ve allocated two days for Lucerne –

• One for exploring the top sights in the city
• The second one is for a day trip to one of the majestic nearby mountains 

If you stay at a hotel near the train station in Lucerne (which there are loads of) you can leave the luggage at the hotel and be ready to explore the city in 10-20 minutes. Also, you won’t have to waste time traveling to the main station for day trips or heading to the next destination in Switzerland. 

Kick off your stay in Lucerne with a walking tour of the city. Book a guided tour if you want, or do a self-guided tour if you’re trying to save money. Lucerne is significantly smaller than Zurich and it will be easier to see all the top sights on your own. 

Walk to the Old Town – it’s only about 10 minutes from the train station, and you can cross the iconic Chapel Bridge . It’s the city’s most famous landmark, known for its unique artwork inside its roof. The old town of Lucerne is full of medieval buildings, and the best way to explore it is just to roam around and get lost in it. 

Then head all the way north to the Panorama Terrace, where you can experience a fabulous view of Lucerne’s rooftops. The Musegg wall with its nine towers is also close to this area, so be sure to spend some time there. You can climb the stairs to the top of the city walls to enjoy an even more impressive view of Lucerne. 

Next, make sure to visit the Lion Monument. It’s an iconic Lucerne landmark and a special place for many locals. This part of the city is also home to the Glacier Garden of Lucerne (a museum with exhibits on ice age glaciers) and Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne. The latter is a museum with a cylindrical painting of the Franco-Prussian War and an attraction you should try to incorporate into your Lucerne itinerary, as it only takes about 30 minutes to tour the entire museum. 

Other popular landmarks in the city are

• the Jesuit Church (on the southern bank of the Reuss River)
• the 19th-century Needle Dam
• the Franciscan Church known for its Gothic style, paintings, and large pipe organ.

You can see all of them during a walk through the city. 

Museums In Lucerne

As for the best museums in Lucerne, you’ve got quite a few options. My favorite is the Sammlung Rosengart because its collection heavily focuses on the works by Picasso and has some fascinating pieces. Gameorama Spielmuseum is another unique museum in the city and it’s quite nostalgic. It’s a museum about games where you can play old arcades and even play board games at the museum cafe. 

Other popular museums in Lucerne are: 

• Natur-Museum Luzern — natural history museum known for its collection of gold wasps
• Kunstmuseum Luzern — a vast art museum
• Diorama of the Alps — a museum with models and landscape paintings of the Alps
• Historisches Museum Luzern — a museum with an exhibit on the local history of Lucerne
• Swiss Museum of Transport — a fascinating technology museum with trains, cars, airplanes, and more

Hotels In Lucerne

Hostels and budget hotels in Lucerne start at 40 CHF for a single bed in a dormitory but are around 100 CHF for a night in a double room. Some 200 CHF can get you a night at a mid-range hotel, but you’ll need at least 300 CHF for a night in one of the city’s upscale hotels. 

Day 3: A Day Trip From Lucerne

Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus are excellent destinations for a day trip from Lucerne. Each has its own unique attractions, so let’s start with a quick comparison of the two to help you decide where to go on your day trip from Lucerne: 

Option 1: Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is excellent for a round trip because you can ride on all the different types of public transport. Regional trains, boats, cogwheel railways, and cable cars are all part of the journey from Lucerne to Pilatus and back, but only if you travel between June and October.

Note; Boats don’t run between Lucerne and Alpnachstad the rest of the year, so you can only travel by train. The upside is that the journey will be shorter – 40-50 minutes total. 

The mountain is a great destination for adventure seekers thanks to a variety of fun and exciting things to do. You can ride the longest summer toboggan in Switzerland (Fräkigaudi toboggan), visit the stunning observation decks at the summit, explore the numerous hiking trails, have fun at the adventure park, and even see where a dragon used to live (according to local legends.) 

Enjoying a fondue during a gondola ride to the summit is possible! So, let’s see if Mount Rigi can beat the pot of melted cheese with a side of spectacular views. 

Option 2: Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi is situated on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, overlooking the water, nearby towns, and other summits in the Bernese Alps. It’s accessible by boat and cogwheel train from Lucerne, and the entire journey is wonderfully scenic. The summit features hiking trails, a cheese dairy, observation decks, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. There’s also a luxurious spa center at Rigi Kaltbad, perfect for anyone who wants to spend some time relaxing in thermal baths, with a view of the Alps. 

Rigi is a better destination if you’re primarily interested in hiking or skiing in the winter. But if you want a wider variety of things to do on the mountain, Pilatus is the better choice. 

Also, Pilatus is steeper and more rocky (so more like a “mountain”) if that makes any difference to you!

Lucerne City Guest Card

You should get the Lucerne City guest card for free if you stay at any accommodation in the city registered with the Lucerne Tourist Board. The card entitles you to 10-20% discounts on museum tickets, boat cruises, and train tickets to the nearby mountains. You can also get discounts at certain restaurants and free access to the public transport network in the city of Lucerne. 

Day 4: Interlaken 

• Lucerne to Interlaken: 1 hour 50 mintues
• Accommodation: 80-150 CHF
• Average Restuarant Meal: 20-30 CHF

The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken is impressively scenic, offering views of surreal blue lakes and countless summits in the Alps that tower over them. It’s just under two hours, but it will feel much shorter because of the jaw-dropping landscapes that make the time fly. 

Interlaken is named after its geographical location. The name of the town means “between lakes” which refers to its position between lakes Thun and Brienz. It’s one of the best destinations in Switzerland for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts because there’s a huge range of things in the nearby Jungfrau region!

Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen are close to Interlaken and can be visited on day trips. The same goes for Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Schynigge Platte, and Grindelwald First, – all impressive summits with many activities to keep you occupied. 

But before you can go on day trips from Interlaken, you should at least explore the town a bit. Walking tours of Interlaken ’s top sights usually take 1-3 hours, with the longer ones including a trip to Unterseen, which is the cute old town portion of Interlaken. Some will even include a ride to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town. 

Harder Kulm is also a great destination for hiking. It’s famous for its ridge hike, one of Switzerland’s most deadly ridge trails. But more importantly, it gets you high enough to see epic views of the Bernese Oberland mountains – Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.

Adventure Sports

On top of that, Interlaken is known for countless adventure sports. I can’t think of any other place in Switzerland with so many different companies operating such a wide range of adventure sports, including:

• paragliding
• parasailing
• helicopter skydiving

And many more of course! 

Go on a scenic flight over the lakes, and then jump out of a helicopter from a height of more than 4,000 meters – how does that sound? Or, maybe do what most visitors do in Interlaken, and paraglide back into town from the nearby hills. Then run off on your next adventure!

If it sounds like something you would enjoy, Interlaken is doubtless a top Swiss destination for you. 

Then there are also all the towns on the shores of lakes Thun and Brienz. Thun, Iseltwald , Brienz, and Spiez all have their own attractions and landmarks and are great alternatives to a standard Interlaken itinerary.  I just did a walk from Thun to the nearby suspension bridge via a stunning panorama walk just a few months ago!

Accommodation

In terms of places to stay, Interlaken has some of the most affordable accommodations in Switzerland. Hostel beds start at 40 CHF per person, and mid-range hotels are around 120-180 CHF for two people. There are plenty of luxury hotels in town as well, with prices of 300-600+ CHF per night. 

Day 5: Jungfraujoch

• Interlaken to Jungfraujoch: Approximately 90 minutes 
• Seasonal Availability: Open year-round
• Tickets: 187.8 CHF without discounts, 10 CHF seat reservation (not obligatory)

Jungfraujoch is a mountain saddle in the Bernese Alps and a truly special place you should absolutely visit if you have the time. It’s home to the highest train station and post office in Europe, both situated within a visitor’s complex known as Top of Europe. 

Traveling to the Top of Europe from Interlaken is straightforward and you can read all about it in our detailed guide to Jungfraujoch . You will need most of the day for this excursion and it’s best to head to the train station early in the morning because the last train from Jungfraujoch is at around 4:45 PM in the winter or 5:45 PM in the summer. My pro tip is to bring postcards, so you can mail them from Europe’s highest post office. 

Plan to spend 4-5 hours at Top of Europe (aka Jungfraujoch) to see everything at the top.

• Walk through the Alpine Corridor,
• Visit the Ice Palace
• Head up to the Sphinx Observation Deck
• Hike to Monschjochhutte if the weather allows it.

You can even ride a zipline or ski at the summit, although these experiences will cost you extra (20-25 CHF per experience). 

There are 3-4 different restaurants at Jungfraujoch, but you’ll want to bring your own snacks if your budget for Switzerland is tight. There’s also a Lindt Chocolate Shop where you can buy sweets and even see a master chocolatier creating desserts, and it’s the highest Lindt shop in the world! 

If you take the last train home from Jungfruajoch, you should arrive in Interlaken before 7:30 PM (or 6:30 PM in the winter). You’ll likely be back in town even earlier, especially if you catch one of the early-morning trains to Top of Europe, so you’ll have plenty of time to continue exploring Interlaken. 

Use the time to do some of the things that you didn’t manage to do on day 4 – maybe it’s a quick trip to Harder Kulm or a tour of the Interlaken Castle. You can even go to Weissenau Nature Reserve to see the ancient ruins and chill long the river or near the lake. 

Day 6: Zermatt

• Interlaken to Zermatt: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Accommodation Cost: 60-150 CHF (budget), 250-300 CHF (mid-range),  800-1200 CHF (luxury)
• Average Meal At Restuarant: 30 CHF

Head to the train station in Interlaken and board a one-way train to Zermatt. The journey to the car-free village is amazing, and you get to see some stunning Swiss landscapes while on the train. You’ll pass through the long Lötschberg Tunnel, then climb up the Mattertal Valley for sprawling views of villages, all the while being surrounded by summits higher than 4000 meters. 

Zermatt is a car-free resort so there are loads of pedestrian walking paths throughout the town. 

Regarding things to do in Zermatt , I’m honestly unsure where to begin. The Matterhorn Museum is a good place for a crash course on local history, including tales of many Alpinists who have completed the ascent on the pyramid-shaped peak. On the other hand, the museum is situated right next to the Mountaineer’s Cemetery, where many of those who failed at the attempt and faced fatal consequences are buried. 

Then there are all the hiking trails most easily accessible in the summer. Some trails start at the downtown area of the resort, and you can begin hiking as soon as you get off the train. But leave your luggage at the hotel first since most trails from Zermatt include a lot of uphill walking. 

The Five Lakes Trail is one of the most famous hikes near Zermatt. It takes about two and a half hours and is moderately challenging but stunning in views and landscapes. The trailhead is at the Blauherd funicular station, and the trail is almost a loop to Sunegga, the bottom station of the same funicular. The trail’s highlights are the five lakes you pass during the hike, which are

In that order. 

The Gorner Gorge is another beautiful natural landmark just outside the town. It is around 20-30 minutes walk from the edge of the village. The stunning ravine is accessible from May to October and visitors can explore it by following a wooden walkway for an entrance fee of just 5 CHF. You can complete this entire excursion in about an hour, an hour and a half, so don’t miss out! If you’re not in the mood for the walk to the gorge, just grab an electric taxi from the village. 

Believe me, I’ve only scratched the surface of fun things in Zermatt. You could also cross the Furi suspension bridge (accessible by the Furi gondola), visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (near the border with Italy), hike to the tiny chapel at Schwarzsee, and more. 

Moving on to the accommodation options in Zermatt – hostels and campsites are the cheapest, at least 60 CHF per person. Mid-range hotels are around 200-300 CHF, although on the lower end are 2-star hotels with the bare necessities. Zermatt has a huge selection of luxury hotels, the best of which are at least 500 CHF per night. 

I recommend something a little wild – don’t book a hotel in Zermatt. Instead, catch the last train to Gornergrat or Rotenboden and set up camp on the shore of Riffelsee Lake for an epic conclusion of your week in Switzerland. 

Day 7: More time in Zermatt, Return to Zurich

• Zermatt To Zurich: 3 hours 30 minutes

Make the most of your last day in Switzerland by exploring the attractions you didn’t get to see previously, either in Zermatt or Zurich. I’m operating under the assumption that you’re flying out of Zurich Airport; you can either spend most of your day in Zermatt and then take the train to Zurich, or head to the bigger city early in the morning and spend the rest of your day roaming around the city streets. 

The train ride from Zermatt to Zurich takes about three and a half hours, and an extra 10-15 minutes to get from the city center to the airport. I advise booking late-night plane tickets so you can make the most of your day while still managing the almost four-hour train ride. 

But let’s go back a few paragraphs – I advised you to spend your last in Switzerland sleeping in a tent near Riffelsee. Why? Because it’s the only reasonable way of witnessing the sunrise over the Matterhorn and getting an epic shot of the mountain’s golden peak reflected in the lake. Yes, I’ve included the shot at the start of this section. 

The trains don’t start running before 7 AM, well past sunrise, so camping is the only way. Then you’re just half an hour away from the train station in Zermatt, and you can be on your way to Zurich in no time! Just keep in mind that nights in the mountains are very cold even in the summer, so if you’re going to do this, you will need warm sleeping bags, waterproof tents, and all the best gear. 

Back To Zurich

Back in Zurich you can pay a visit to the Old Botanical Garden in the Old Town, or head to the ETH University Complex for panoramic city views. Visit one final museum, play chess with locals at Lindenhof, or head to Teddy’s Souvenir Shop at Limmatquai to pick up a few final souvenirs for friends and family back home. Just enjoy your last few hours in Switzerland fully until it’s time to board the train to the airport. 

Tweaking Your Itinerary

Everything I’ve listed above is a rough guide for a week in Switzerland. Feel free to extend time in any location or skip some locations entirely. 

Panoramic Train Rides

If you’re not into adventure sports or hiking, maybe skip Interlaken and do a panoramic train ride instead. The Bernina Express, the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the Glacier Express are all fabulous panoramic trains in Switzerland, which will wow you with stunning landscape views. 

You could also stay in Zurich or Lucerne for an extra day and explore more museums, or do another day trip. Another option is to begin this journey in a completely different country – why not land in Paris, stay in the city for a day, and then head to Zurich? It’s only four hours by train.  Or ride the train to Basel, stay there for a day, and then travel to Zurich. You can even end your journey in Milan, just four hours from Zurich.  

An alternative itinerary for a week in Switzerland would be to start in Zurich or Geneva and then explore the towns and cities in the country’s southwest, such as

• Montreux & Vevey

Maybe include a day trip to Gruyeres, or Le Locle and Neuchatel Lake. It’s an entirely different vibe, but there’s plenty to discover and love about this region of Switzerland as well. Let me know how that sounds, and maybe I’ll do an alternative itinerary for that route too!

Useful Information

It’s worth it to buy a travel pass for Switzerland. I did the math so you don’t have to, and the verdict is that the one-month Half-Fare Card is the best value for money for this itinerary. With it, the cost of (train) tickets for everything in the itinerary is approximately 451.1 CHF.

The full price of the train and mountain tickets is 662.2 CHF, and with a 6-day travel pass, the entire trip will cost you around 527.2 CHF. Remember that those prices include both Rigi and Pilatus, so the trip is cheaper if you’re only making a single-day trip from Lucerne. 

It is a complicated calculation that really depends on your specific itinerary as more mountain trips cost more, and museum entrance is only included in the Swiss Travel Pass, most of the time anyway.

Download the SBB app on your phone to buy tickets and see timetables. The app is easy to use and it will help you get around Switzerland. 

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). If you have Euros you might be able to use them in major shops and in some areas of big cities. But in general, they are not accepted in Switzerland.

Cards are widely accepted in bigger cities and popular resorts, but it’s still smart to carry cash for emergencies. 

All major train stations in Switzerland offer luggage storage services . If you arrive in a city before check-in, you can leave your luggage at the train station and go out and explore. 

Don’t waste money on bottled water. Tap water in Switzerland is perfectly safe for drinking, so there is absolutely no need to buy tap water at supermarkets. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at your accommodation so you can always have water while you’re out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seven days enough in switzerland.

Yes, seven days is enough in Switzerland. You will be able to discover the city’s most famous cities and landmarks, but a lot will be left undiscovered so you can always come back. 

What is the required budget for a 7-day trip to Switzerland?

The minimum required budget for a 7-day trip in Switzerland is 1100-1500 CHF. That’s if you’re staying at the cheapest hotels that are no more than 120 CHF per night and not eating your every meal at restaurants. A budget of 2,000-3,000 CHF will allow you to travel much more comfortably through Switzerland. 

Which season is the most ideal for a 7-day trip to Switzerland?

Summer is the ideal season for a 7-day trip in Switzerland. More specifically, the period between May and October is perfect for this itinerary.

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Itinerary for Switzerland for 7 Days (Plus 3, 5, 10 and 14-day options)

Deciding which places to include in your itinerary for Switzerland can be one of the hardest parts of the whole trip planning process.  Which towns and cities you visit will largely depend on how much time you can spend in Switzerland as well as your particular interests. 

Many visitors want to see Switzerland in a week, so I’m sharing my best Switzerland 7 day itinerary ideas! But if you don’t have a week, don’t worry – I’ve also got itineraries for longer and shorter stays.

All these Swiss itinerary options are suitable for both train travelers and those who would prefer to rent a car and enjoy a Switzerland road trip .

To help you visualise where the Switzerland itineraries mentioned in this article will take you, use the map below as a guide.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Itinerary for Switzerland for 7 Days

In a perfect world, a week in Switzerland is not enough as there is just so much to see and do. However, it is long enough for you to experience some of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.

No doubt Switzerland’s famous Alps are on your must-visit list and this 1 week Switzerland itinerary gives you the opportunity to visit some real beauties and go on a best of Switzerland tour. It also includes the picturesque city of Lucerne with its medieval covered wooden bridge and pretty Old Town.

Switzerland in 7 days itinerary overview:  

• Lucerne – 2 nights
• Interlaken – 3 nights
• Zermatt – 1 night

This itinerary in Switzerland is ideal for travellers who only have one week in Switzerland and would like to do a round-trip itinerary starting and finishing at Zurich International Airport.

Day 1 – Arrive into Zurich and travel to Lucerne

By train: 1 hour / By car: 45 minutes Overnight: Lucerne

Start your trip with sightseeing in Lucerne (depending on time of arrival).

Stroll through the Old Town

A wander through the Old Town is, for many, the highlight of a visit to Lucerne. This is not an ordinary city centre; it’s a place lined with charming cobblestoned streets, medieval squares and ancient bridges.

In the Weinmarkt area, pay close attention to make sure you spot the painted facades and original oriel windows Lucerne is famous for.

Lucerne’s Old Town is also great for shopping and dining out. Whether you want to buy fresh local produce, Swiss items like watches, chocolates and army knives or clothing and accessories by international fashion brands, there are lots of department stores, smaller shops and boutiques to browse.

Many of the best cafes and restaurants are also found here, so whether it’s a coffee and cake break or a three course dinner you will have no trouble in finding a fabulous eatery in which to while away the hours. 

Visit the Chapel Bridge

Incredibly, Chapel Bridge dates back to 1333 and visitors from all over the world flock to see this medieval wooden footbridge at close quarters – and of course to snap themselves standing by it for posterity. 

In 1993 fire caused severe damage to the structure. Fortunately it remains, but the evidence can be clearly seen on the decorative panels beneath the eaves.  

The Water Tower dates back even further to the turn of the century. Although it doesn’t store water, it has been used at various times as a treasury, a prison and an archive.

See the ‘Dying Lion’

This is one of the most famous monuments in the world, let alone Switzerland or even Lucerne. Mark Twain described the big cat carved from stone as one of the most emotive sculptures to be found anywhere.

The ailing lion is said to represent Swiss heroes who died while trying to protect Louis XVI during the late 18th century. Its latin inscription roughly translates as ‘to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss’.

Take a cruise on Lake Lucerne

With clear blue waters set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Lake Lucerne is a picture-perfect body of water. Taking a lake cruise is a must during your 7 day Switzerland itinerary. 

The lake is 38 kilometres long and bordered by four Swiss cantons. You can cruise its famous waters by paddle steamer, luxury yacht or modern motorboat. Some options include morning tea or lunch, served as you glide over the surface of the water.

• Check cruise options and buy your tickets.
• Browse hotels in Lucerne
• Browse more Lucerne sightseeing options

Day 2 – Full day in/around Lucerne

Overnight: Lucerne

If you have another day to spend in the Lucerne area and would like to explore the surrounding area, taking a trip to one of the following peaks is highly recommended.

Mount Titlis 

A train to Engleberg followed by a cable car ride will take you to the summit of Mount Titlis . From here there are panoramic views over the majestic Swiss alps, as well as a range of activities to get involved in.

Snow tubing and sledding area ideal for thrill seekers, while the Cliff Walk, revolving cable car and Glacier Cave are simply waiting to be explored.

Check prices and buy your Mt. Titlis tickets.

Mount Pilatus

The first stage in reaching Mount Pilatus is a bus ride to Zentrum Pilatus, where you can board the cable car for the trip up the mountain. The journey is just as memorable as any other part of the day.

Once you arrive, there’s a whole smorgasbord of delights to discover including restaurants, walking trails, a rope play park, sledding and an adventure playground. 

Check prices and buy your Mt. Pilatus tickets.

The journey to Mount Rigi begins with a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. From there the charming cogwheel railway will transport you to the top, where sweeping views over the alps are yours to savour.

A leisurely trip back down the mountain is recommended, so you can stop at each station to explore.

Alternatively, take the cable car to Weggis, where you can cruise the lake once more while en route to Lucerne. 

Check prices and buy your Mt. Rigi tickets.

Day 3 – Travel to Interlaken

By train : 1 hour 50 minutes / By car: 1 hour Overnight: Interlaken

There are plenty of great choices when in comes to sightseeing in Interlaken. Our recommendations for an enjoyable one day Interlaken itinerary include:

Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s own mountain and one of the most popular attractions in the area. It can also be accessed directly via the funicular railway, which can be reached from Interlaken Ost station via just five minutes’ walk.

Services run half hourly each day from mid April to early December and the scenic trip takes only ten minutes. 

From the summit there are stunning views over lakes Brienz and Thun, as well as the Bernese Alps. At the top you will also find a restaurant, walking trails, a kids’ playground and the Two Lakes Bridge. Don’t miss seeing the views from the latter, which are breathtaking.

Lake cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz, or on Lake Thun to Thun and Spiez

Lake Thun is the largest lake and is known to the Swiss as Thunersee . You can sail on the lake, or try your hand at various water sports. Several villages are dotted around the shores of the lake, including Oberhofen, Faulensee, Thun and Spiez.

Taking a boat trip on Lake Thun is one of the most popular things to do in Interlaken, and among our favourites is the sunset cruise with wine and a Swiss cheese fondue. 

Known locally as Brienzersee , Lake Brienz is the smaller of the two lakes, but is more peaceful and just as pretty as Lake Thun. The active minded can try stand up paddle boarding, or you can sit back and relax on a modern boat for a cruise around the lake.

At the edge of the water you can see small villages, waterfalls and tree-clad hillsides. Of these Brienz is the most attractive, and you can take a cruise over the lake from Interlaken to Brienz.

• Check cruise details.   
• Browse hotels in Interlaken .
• Browse more Interlaken sightseeing options .

If the weather isn’t kind during your stay, there are still plenty of things to do in Interlaken on a rainy day.

Day 4 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region

Overnight: Interlaken

Often referred to as the ‘Top of Europe’, taking a day trip to Jungfraujoch is a must for many visitors to the region.

A series of shorter train trips spread over a two hour period culminates in the scenic ascent via the Jungfraubahn. Trains operate every day of the year. 

Alternatively, you can take a cable car for part of the journey which reduces the travel time by around 45 minutes each way.

The summit is almost 3,500 metres above sea level and offers incredible views over the surrounding peaks. There is also lots to do at the top, with a range of shops and restaurants and a snow sports park to keep visitors happily occupied.

  > Book your Jungfraujoch train ticket.

If time permits, why not stop at the pretty villages of Wengen or Lauterbrunnen on the return journey?

Day 5 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region

There’s still so much to see in the Jungfrau region during this one week Switzerland itinerary. Today we recommend you visit either Grindelwald-First or Schilthorn.

Grindelwald and Grindelwald-First

You can drive from Interlaken to Grindelwald in around 30 minutes, with the train trip taking around the same amount of time.

The town itself offers a range of attractions including shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, spas and wellness centres, and winter sports. There is also an indoor rope park, and at Grindelwald Glacier you can take a canyon walk or ride on the swing. 

Also popular is a trip to Grindelwald First, widely regarded as one of the best things to do from Interlaken. From the town of Grindelwald, a cable car service operates during all seasons and there is lots to do once you arrive at the mountain summit.

A great restaurant, the First Flyer Zipline, Trottibike scooter rides, the First Cliff Walk and mountain carts await those who make the trip to the top. 

Another excursion well worth considering is to Schilthorn , famous as a film location for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service . The summit is around 3,000 metres above sea level and can be reached via train and cableway from Interlaken. 

As well as the superb mountain views from the observation deck with a glass floor, there are various Bond-themed attractions at the summit. You can also take a thrilling circular walk around the cliff face.

The authentic Swiss village of Mürren is well worth exploring either on your way to or from Schilthorn.

The Schilthorn can be reached by cable car from Stechelberg which is easily reached from Interlaken. Simply take a train to Lauterbrunnen and then a local bus to the Schilthorn cable car station. 

Book your Schilthorn tickets.

Tandem Paragliding

If neither or those excursions appeal, or you are a bit of a thrill seeker, why not book a tandem paragliding flight and see the beauty of the Swiss Alps from above?

Day 6 – Travel to Zermatt

By train: 2 hours 40 minutes / By car: 2 hours 55 minutes* Overnight: Zermatt

*This route travels via the Lotschberg Tunnel.  You are required to drive your car onto a special car-train to go through the tunnel.  The cost is around CHF25 per vehicle for the 10-minute journey through the tunnel.

Note that Zermatt is a car-free town. All vehicles must be parked in a parking station at Tasch and visitors can transfer to town via the Zermatt train station.

We suggest you arrive in Zermatt by midday so that you have time to enjoy an excursion to see the Matterhorn up close and stroll around the picturesque village.

An original rack railway can take visitors from Zermatt to Gorner Ridge. The trip takes around half an hour and services depart frequently throughout the day.

Once you arrive, favourite things to do at Gornergrat include wildlife spotting, hiking, dining and souvenir shopping – and of course simply admiring the magnificent views. Ibex, chamois and marmots may be spotted in the area.

> Book your Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train ticket.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is very aptly named, as it’s the highest European cable car station in terms of altitude. The 360 degree viewing platform offers incredible views over 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks.

From car-free Zermatt, you can take a trip to the gondola station on the electric bus before the three-section trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

As well as soaking up the scenery, you can ski, take an ice toboggan ride or a trip into the Glacier Palace, or even watch a movie at the cinema. There is also a souvenir store and a restaurant.

• Buy your Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car ticket.
• Browse hotels in Zermatt
• Browse more sightseeing options in Zermatt

Day 7 – Return to Zurich

By train: 4 hours / By car: 4 hours Departure from Zurich

Although the city is often seen as a transport hub rather than a destination in itself, we highly recommend getting to know Zurich a little if time permits. The Old Town and Lindenhof in particular are delightful places in which to spend some time.

Zurich Old Town 

The Old Town straddles the Limmat River, and there are wonderful views over the water from the quay – Limmatquai.

This part of the city is both the most central and the most picturesque. Several bridges span the river, but don’t miss crossing the Muhlesteg Footbridge, which is decorated with numerous love locks.

Once you’ve had your fill of wandering around the Old Town, stopping in cafes and browsing in the boutiques, Lindenhof offers a welcome change of pace. This peaceful green space overlooks the Old Town and was formerly the site of a Roman fort.

Picnicking here is popular, and you may hear live music or see the giant outdoor chess set being played during your visit. 

Depart Zurich after one week in Switzerland full of highlights and breathtaking scenery!

Note: Whilst I refer to Interlaken in this Switzerland one week itinerary above, you could opt to stay at Lauterbrunnen , Grindelwald , Wengen , Mürren or another nearby village should you prefer.

You could start and/or finish this Switzerland 7 day itinerary in Geneva or Basel.  Travel times and distances should be amended accordingly.

Switzerland Itinerary – 3 Days

Only have three days to enjoy the best places in Switzerland? May I suggest quality over quantity?  I recommend you choose just one place as your base on your Switzerland trip and see it properly rather than squeeze too much in.

Although you’d probably like to fit in as much in three days as you would if you had one week in Switzerland, you’re not going to fully appreciate the places you visit if you overdo it. Sometimes – and definitely in this case – less is more!

What is your ‘must see’ in Switzerland?  If it’s the Alps, you have plenty of options.  Spend your three days in Switzerland in either Lucerne, Interlaken or Zermatt.

Interested in learning more about using the Swiss Rail System to travel around Switzerland?  Read our comprehensive guide to Switzerland train travel.

If it’s the charm of Switzerland’s elegant medieval cities that you’ve always wanted to experience, Zurich, Bern and Lucerne all offer plenty to see and do. 

Basing yourself in one destination doesn’t mean you can’t visit other places. One benefit of having a single base is that you will save valuable time by not having to change accommodation each night. 

A day trip from Interlaken to Lucerne (or vice versa) is definitely possible so you can still combine the best of both worlds from one convenient base.

Switzerland Itinerary – 5 Days

If you don’t have a full week available for your visit and you can only spend 5 days in Switzerland, I suggest you follow days one to four of the 7 day itinerary above and return to Zurich on day five.

5-day Switzerland itinerary overview:

• Lucerne – 2 nights
• Interlaken – 2 nights

This Switzerland 5-day itinerary still gives you the chance to explore two of Switzerland’s highlights, Lucerne and the Jungfrau region, without being too rushed.

Switzerland Itinerary – 10 Days

If you have a few more days available to add to your itinerary for Switzerland, 10 days in total gives you the option to add another destination or two. I’d include a couple of nights in Zurich and an overnight stay at lovely Montreux on the Swiss Riviera.

10-day Switzerland itinerary overview :

• Zurich – 2 nights
• Interlaken – 3 nights
• Montreux – 1 night
• Zermatt – 1 night

Day 1 – Arrive into Zurich 

Sightseeing in Zurich (depending on time of arrival) Overnight: Zurich

Browse hotels in Zurich | Browse Zurich sightseeing options

Day 2 – Full day in/around Zurich

Overnight: Zurich

Explore the Old Town and Lake Zurich and/or enjoy a day trip to Stein am Rhein and the Rhine Falls.

Check out these suggestions for more things to do in Zurich .

Note: For days 3-7 of this 10-day Switzerland itinerary, please see details outlined above in the 7-day itinerary for Switzerland.

Day 3 – Travel to Lucerne

By train: 1 hour / By car: 45 minutes Sightseeing in Lucerne (depending on time of arrival). Overnight: Lucerne

Browse hotels in Lucerne | Browse Lucerne sightseeing options

Day 4 – Full day in/around Lucerne

Explore the Old Town and Lake Lucerne and/or enjoy a mountain excursion to Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi.

Day 5 – Travel to Interlaken

By train: 1 hour 50 minutes / By car: 1 hour Overnight: Interlaken

Do some sightseeing in Interlaken town, take the Harder Kulm funicular, or enjoy a lake cruise.

Browse hotels in Interlaken | Browse Interlaken sightseeing options

Day 6 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region

I recommend taking the Jungfraujoch excursion with the option to stop at Wengen and/or Lauterbrunnen in either direction.

Day 7 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region

Consider the Grindelwald-First or Schilthorn excursions with the option to stop at Murren and/or Birg in either direction.

If you’re keen to step outside your comfort zone, why not try one of these things to do in Interlaken for adrenaline junkies ?

Day 8 – Travel to Montreux

By train: 2 hours 45 minutes* / By car: 1 hour 40 minutes Overnight: Montreux

*This route goes via Visp. You can also take the Golden Pass Line from Interlaken to Montreux via Zweisimmen – journey time 3 hours 45 minutes.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva with a backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps, Montreux is a great stop on your Switzerland itinerary. The active will enjoy the many trails and walking paths surrounding the lake, or a beautiful lake cruise.

Must-see attractions include Chillon Castle, a visit to the quaint town of Vevey and its Charlie Chaplin statue, and the Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux’s Old Town. There’s also “Queen: The Studio Experience” where you can visit the original sound studio where Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury recorded his last songs.

You could also take a ½ day trip to Gruyeres from Montreux.

Browse hotels in Montreux | Browse Montreux sightseeing options

Day 9 – Travel to Zermatt

By train: 2 hours 35 minutes / By car: 2 hours* Overnight: Zermatt

* Zermatt is a car-free town. All vehicles must be parked in a parking station at Tasch and visitors can transfer to Zermatt by shuttle train.

Arrive by midday so you have time to enjoy an excursion on the Gornergrat train or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cableway to see the Matterhorn up close. See above 7-day itinerary for more details.

Browse hotels in Zermatt | Browse sightseeing options in Zermatt

Day 10 – Return to Zurich

By train: 4 hours / By car: 4 hours

Switzerland Itinerary – 14 Days

14 days in Switzerland? Lucky you! You’re going to see a great deal of the country and a beautiful variety of landscapes.

From the attractive cities of Zurich and Lucerne, to the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, and the picturesque lakeside towns of Montreux and Lugano, you’ll enjoy a varied and scenic Switzerland vacation.

2 weeks in Switzerland itinerary overview :

• Lugano – 2 nights
• St Moritz – 2 nights

Use the first nine days of the 10-day Switzerland travel itinerary above for the first part of your trip and then add the following days:

Day 10 – Travel Zermatt to Lugano

By train: 5 hours 20 minutes / By car: 3 hours 10 minutes (from Tasch) Overnight: Lugano

Sightseeing late afternoon (depending on time of arrival).

Browse hotels in Lugano | Browse sightseeing options in Lugano

Day 11 – Full day sightseeing in Lugano

Overnight: Lugano

Explore the city and lakefront promenade, ride the funicular to Monte Bre for spectacular views over Lake Lugano or visit Swissminiatur Open-Air Museum.

Not sure which month you should travel? My guide will help you to decide the best time to visit Switzerland.

Day 12 – Travel Lugano to St. Moritz

By train: 3 hours 50 minutes / By car: 2 hours 40 minutes Overnight: St. Moritz

St. Moritz is a popular resort town in Switzerland, famous for its ski slopes, luxury hotels, and natural beauty. Some of the best things to do include skiing, hiking, visiting Lake St. Moritz, riding the Glacier Express, experiencing the spas, or exploring Segantini Museum or Engadine Museum. 

Browse hotels in St. Moritz | Browse sightseeing options in St. Moritz

Day 13 – Full day in St. Moritz

Overnight: St. Moritz

Enjoy a mountain excursion, have a picnic by the lake or take a scenic ride aboard the Bernina Express.

Day 14 – Travel St. Moritz to Zurich

By train: 3 hours 10 minutes / By car: 2 hours 50 minutes

Need more ideas for a Switzerland road trip? Check out my alternative two-week Swiss itinerary by car .

Choosing Your Transport

Now you have an idea of which places you’ll be visiting, it’s time to decide on your method of transport. 

Travelling around Switzerland by train

Switzerland’s rail network is one of the best in the world. Trains and connecting buses take you all over the country with ease.

Most trains in Switzerland don’t require reservations – you just hop aboard the next available train that suits you. The Swiss Railways SBB app is a handy tool to download to look up timetables.

If you plan to travel by train, it’s definitely worth considering purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass as this covers all public transport within Switzerland, free entry to over 500 museums, and 50% off most cable cars and funiculars.

Buy your Swiss Travel Pass now. 

Travelling around Switzerland by car

Renting a car can give you a bit more flexibility as well as the opportunity to stop where and when you like.

You’ll need to consider parking and fuel costs but if you are someone who doesn’t like being committed to a timetable, driving in Switzerland could be the way to go.

Switzerland’s roads are excellent and the mountain passes, with their many hairpin bends, are a highlight for many drivers. If you’re not too keen on a white-knuckle drive, don’t panic! All of the destinations mentioned in our itineraries above can be reached without travelling on a super-twisty mountain pass.

To plan your exact driving route, take a look at the AA Route Planner . I find it really helpful as it allows you to include via points and see the latest traffic warnings for your chosen route.

Our guide to driving in Switzerland has lots of useful info and tips to help make your road trip go smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, take this itinerary for Switzerland and amend it to suit your personal interests. These itineraries should be a good starting point to help get your Switzerland trip planning off on the right foot. 

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Travel Guide

If you ask the first person you meet what they know about Switzerland, their answer will likely feature chocolate, yodeling, Alpine valleys, mountains, and a reference to cows. Predictable, right? But apart from all of these world-famous stamps, Switzerland provides even more amusement, culture, experiences, and unforgettable adventures.

Switzerland is faithful to its long-standing traditions and values. It is also rich in historical landmarks and UNESCO Heritage sites, delicious food, and family-run farms. To put it simply, you might never have enough time to visit all the exciting places in Switzerland because every time you explore something new you want to stay longer and see more.

However, your 7-days Swiss itinerary can still be comprehensive and an excellent way to discover the country.

When is the best time to travel to Switzerland?

What to pack, day 1: arrival in zurich, day 2: lake walen discovery or lake zurich cruise, day 3: zurich – lucerne, day 4: mount pilatus, day 5: bourbaki panorama, fondue tasting and depart to interlaken, day 6: visit jungfraujoch, day 7: departure to zurich.

Switzerland is pretty capricious weatherwise, and the best seasons are spring and summer. Winter is windier, and you shall pack more warm clothing if you plan to visit the mountains. Also, see What to Pack for Europe .

Depending on the season you are traveling, you can pack either light or warm clothing. But please, keep an umbrella in your backpack, as it can start raining even if this is a perfect sunny day in July.

The train system is perfectly developed in Switzerland. Therefore, even if you spot a train change from one destination to another on your ticket, don’t worry; it’s always fast and convenient. You can get tickets online or from the vending machines located at the railway stations, but not on the train.

7-day Itinerary to Switzerland to make your holidays unforgettable

To enjoy Switzerland and see the most famous places, you can start in Zurich – a very modern and vivid city. The most significant advantage of Zurich is its very convenient international flight options which makes it a perfect starting point. There are direct flights to Zurich or comfortable layovers without many-hours-waiting connections from many destinations.

After Zurich, proceed to magnificent Lucerne, which is deservedly on the bucket list for many tourists worldwide. Here you witness the ancient beauty of Switzerland represented in churches and towers, wooden bridges, and cobbled streets.

Later on, when you better understand Switzerland and its cities, it’s time to see something unexpectedly beautiful and inspiring – Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch mountain.

Upon arrival at the airport, be sure you bought train tickets to the city. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to buy them on the train, and you can get a fine. It will take you about 15 min by train to reach the city center. On the first day of your trip, you can relax or have a leisurely walk. Don’t miss Fraumünster Church, an outstanding example of architecture famous for its stained glass. Later on, have a nice dinner at a local restaurant.

If you didn’t have a long flight and feel full of energy – go ahead with a guided tour with a local guide . Take this unique chance to see the city with the local eyes and learn something you will never find online or in the books. During the guided tour, you see the Old city and cover all of the main highlights the business capital of Switzerland is famous for.

Zurich is also an ideal destination for nightlife and beer culture. If you would like to feel street vibes, visit Rheinfelder Bierhaus, where Cardinal beer is served – the famous beer in Switzerland.

Address: Rheinfelder Bierhaus , Marktgasse 19 | 8001 Zürich | Telefon 044 251 29 91.

Depending on your travel style, you can choose something active or leisurely for your second day in Zurich.

Just 1.5 hr away from Zurich is the beautiful mountain area with Lake Walen right in the middle. This region is ideal for spending a day admiring gorgeous views, cycling, hiking, and learning about earth’s geological history. For many years, scientists researched the area from a geological perspective, as this region is unique for its rocks. In addition, the Lake Walen area is one of the most exciting places for spending time with family, alone or with friends. The close location to Zurich makes it easy to reach and return for by nightfall.

If you would like to stay in Zurich and explore more of its sights,

don’t skip Zurich Lake Cruise – on a sunny day, this is one of the best ways to see the city and enjoy a pleasant breeze. After the cruise, you can visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, one of Switzerland’s most famous and biggest chocolate shops, a real paradise for all sweet tooths out there.

After a thorough Zurich exploration, it’s time to move on and see a different life in Lucerne. Take the train, and in one hour, you will arrive at a true Swiss fairytale.

Lucerne is something unusual for everybody. The city itself is like a masterpiece drawn by a talented but a bit chaotic artist. Please be careful if you arrive by car – the city has a minimal number of parking lots, and it can take hours to find a free spot. The best way to move around the town is actually by walking or cycling.

Right in the middle of the city, you see the historic wooden bridge built in the 14th century. Three centuries later, the bridge was decorated with paintings that are still present today. Although a significant part of the bridge was destroyed because of an enormous fire, the government renovated the wooden monument to keep the memory and history alive.

One more significant highlight you definitely can’t miss is the Dying Lion monument. None of the pictures can express how beautiful and tragic this monument is when you see it with your own eyes. “The Dying Lion” was created in 1820 and dedicated to all Swiss Soldiers who died during the French revolution in 1792.

After visiting the main highlights, have a good dinner in a local restaurant, observing the Reuss river.

To be in Lucerne and to skip Mount Pilatus is a crime. Switzerland is all about mountains and picturesque views from above, and here is one more spot where you feel like a grain of sand and forget how to breathe.

Please note that you need to dedicate the whole day to see the Pilatus. However, this is worth it. If your trip takes place during a warm season, don’t miss a chance to take a cruise, observe Lucerne from the water, and arrive at Alpnachstad. From there, the real adventure begins! Taking one of the famous red Swiss cogwheel trains, you enjoy the scenic ride to Mount Pilatus. You pass by Alpine fields, gorgeous rocks, and dramatic cliffs. Travelers not used to heights might feel a bit dizzy, as the mount is at 2,132 m (6,995 ft) altitude, but you get used to new conditions very fast and can enjoy fantastic pictures, exactly like Jules Verne described in his books.

On top of the mountain, you can expect to see the enormous complex, allowing you to have your break. Following tourist trails, you walk around and see the stunning panorama, breathtaking views over the area, mountains, lakes, and even small churches and farms existing nearby. All of these inspire and make you understand nature’s power and the importance of being in balance with it. On your way back, you experience the cable car ride and see the scenic landscape from a birds-eye view one more time.

To make your day trip hassle-free, you could check services from touristic companies organizing Switzerland tours and clarify if they include guide services and transport tickets for Mount Pilatus.

Today you can dedicate to Swiss culture as you further explore Lucerne. The stunning city is famous for its museums, monuments, historic sites, and cultural attractions. However, even if you are not a big fan of visiting something like that, you will love the Bourbaki Panorama. This 112-meter (367 ft) by 10-meter (32 ft) size circular painting presents the story of Bourbaki, almost 90,000 French soldiers, fighting during the German-French war in 1871.

The unique feature of this masterpiece is realistic sculptures implemented so professionally in the painting, so you feel like being inside the action among all of these people. For a more immersive experience, use the audio guide with a story told by professional actors in your language.

On the floor below, you have constantly changing exhibitions and performances – big fun for families and kids, but also solo travelers or couples.

After the Bourbaki Panorama, take advantage of being in the city of fondue and try this dish at a local restaurant. You can’t go wrong selecting a restaurant with a beautiful view. If you asked locals for recommendations, chances are you will hear them say Fondue House du Pont, as it meets all of the criteria.

After lunch, board your train and depart to Interlaken. In 2.5 hours, you arrive in the city and can have a wonderfully relaxing walk to meet the town.

Address: Fondue House du Pont , Falkengasse 6, 6004 Lucerne.

Interlaken has a unique vibe. This charming small town is located right in the middle of the valley and is surrounded by majestic mountains. Nobody here is in a rush, looking for a parking lot and checking the time for the business meeting. Instead, life here is calm and measured, making Interlaken perfect for a couple of days’ getaway.

One of the most popular reasons for coming over here is the Jungfraujoch. The mount is 3,463 meters high and is the highest point in Europe. Thousands of tourists want to see the peak and take a picture right on top. You might say that after Mount Pilatus, nothing could wonder you. And you will be wrong.

Jungfraujoch is not only the mount itself but also the way you go there and the history and attractions you see on the top. And, of course, the best thing about this ‘package’ is the view you see, staying at the very top of the mount and observing villages and rivers, valleys and cable cars.

To reach this awe-inspiring destination, first of all, you need to take a train to Grindelwald. This stunning destination is worth a separate exploration, as from here, you can go to the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen or the iconic Eiger Mountain. From Grindelwald, you change the train and go to Kleine Scheidegg and enjoy the marvelous view over the valley and tiny villages harmonically located among the waterfalls, cliffs, and streams.

The last part of your way to the highest point in Europe is also by train from Kleine Scheidegg. What’s unique about your journey is the tunnel you have to go through. It was built one century ago across the Eiger rocks at an altitude of 3000 meters. You have a short stop to see the snow plateau during the ride.

Ice Park – Jungfraujoch

On the top of Jungfraujoch, there is a large complex dedicated to the peak’s history that offers authentic activities. For example, you can visit an Ice Park or taste the famous Swiss chocolate Lindt with a cup of tea.

To have a different experience on your way back, you can take a cable car and “fly” over the mountains and forests, see wild animals and skiing paths. Then, with a heart filled with inspiration, the feeling of unity, and love, you return to Interlaken.

Please note: If your trip is in spring or summer, don’t take too many warm clothes with you, as the majority of the time you spend is inside the complex or onboard the train.

The best way to return home is from Zurich airport. Another opportunity to enjoy a train ride; in just 2.5 hours, you arrive at your destination.

If you have more time before departure and would like to see something else, you can take a train from Interlaken to Montreux – a Pearl of Switzerland. This fancy city is an attractive point for anyone who loves the perfect lake-mountain backdrop. You can stay here for a couple of hours to see the promenade, have lunch and, later on, take a train to Zurich for your departure.

As you can see, Switzerland can surprise you and can make you feel like a part of nature or the king of the world. This 7-day Switzerland itinerary is a perfect starting point for your great vacation and country exploration. If you have more days, consider extending your trip to Bern, experience Glacier express, or visit Zermatt to see the Matterhorn or hike in Randa. We hope you got inspired to travel to Switzerland and will start planning your trip soon!

Related Posts

by Mila Polovneva

3 responses to “7 days in switzerland itinerary: travel guide”.

Perfect timing to find this post. We’re planning a Europe trip for the family next summer and Switzerland has been at the top of our list for a long time. We’ll be referencing this for sure!

Chris Christensen

Excellent! This itinerary was similar to a trip we did to Switzerland except that we went for the Züri Fäscht festival in Zürich as well.

We plan to stay a week. This is perfect. With your suggested itinerary, should we buy Swiss Rail Pass or point-to-point train tickets? Thanks!

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Tags: article , interlaken , lucerne , switzerland , zurich

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7 Days in Switzerland - The Ultimate Travel Itinerary (Insider Tips)

Wondering how to spend 7 days in Switzerland? We made a   travel itinerary just   for you.   In order to cover all the special places , we did a research around this Alpine country. It took as a while... But  now, we feel ready to give you the ultimate plan. Your Switzerland plan. It's a great mixture of cities, mountains, lakes,  vineyards   and adventure. Have a look.

SEE ALSO: Where to Stay in Switzerland - Insider Tips  & 5 Days in Switzerland - Travel Itinerary

7 Days in Switzerland

Before listing the travel route for 7 days in Switzerland, we suggest renting your car at  rentalcars.com  - a provider, we're happy with. The best would be to pick up the car after the sightseeing in Zurich, as driving in this city with all the traffic, trams, crossings and cyclers is quite challenging. Travel to Lucerne by train and pick up your car there. 

Day 1 - Zurich

Your Swiss adventure starts in Zurich (the biggest airport in Switzerland).  From the airport take a train to the central station called "Zürich HB". Once in the city, go and visit the Swiss National Museum . If history is not your passion, start the Zurich exploration by walking down the most famous street - Bahnhofstrasse - observe, take a photo... but hmm don't expect too much of shopping as everything is pretty expensive ;) Now, have a coffee at the Jules Verne bar which offers a panoramic view over the city. Afterwards, check out the Zurich lake shore, sit down and have a rest. Hopefully, after the break, you will still have enough of energy to stroll down the  Niederdorf street to get a glimpse of the old part of the city. What, you want more? Ok then you might want to soak up a breathtaking view over the city - to do that head up to the Waid viewpoint or the mountain Uetliberg . That's more than enough for day one. (Check out our blog post about Unique Things to Do in Zurich .)

If you decide to sleep over in the city, here are two suggestions of where to stay:

Luxury accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich

Budget accommodation: iQ130 Hotel

Zurich to Lucerne by car: 45 min

Zurich to Lucerne by train: 45 min

Day 2 - Lucerne - Pilatus or Rigi

The Lucerne area on day 2 will be a start into the nature scenery of Switzerland. Make sure to explore the city   of Lucerne, as it's remarkable too but then plan enough hours for one of these two mountains:  Pilatus or Rigi.  Take a cable car and immerse the beauty of those views. The cheaper alternative to those two peaks is the awesome mountain called Grosser Mythen. Those who seek adrenaline, why not climbing the mountain in the early morning hours in order to witness the sunrise over the Lake Lucerne? ;) Think about it. 

We'd recommend the following places to stay:  

Luxury accommodation: Cascada Swiss Quality Hotel

Budget accommodation: B&B Bettstatt Neustadt

Lucerne to Interlaken by car: 1 h

Lucerne  to  Interlaken  by train: 1 h 50 min

Day 3 - Interlaken - Niederhorn

Just one hour from Lucerne is another nature & adventure hub spot in Switzerland - Interlaken. There are so many things to do and see. Let's say choose one of these options: take a cable car to the mountain  Jungfraujoch or the mountain Niederhorn, go paragliding, cycle around the Brienz Lake or simply take a swim in the lake. Not enough to choose from? Check out also the Aare Gorge, Grindelwald area or the Harder Kulm mountain. Hard to decide? Then take Niederhorn, as seen on the photo below ;)

Looking for a place to stay in Interlaken? Choose one of these:

Luxury accommodation: Hotel Bellevue

Budget accommodation: Bed & Bar No.8

Interlaken to Zermatt by car: 2h 20 min

Interlaken to Zermatt  by train: 2 h 15 min

Day 4 - Zermatt

Day 4 will be a jaw-dropping adventure. The scenery in Zermatt with its  Matterhorn mountain and the lakes will do its justice, we promise! Since you have 2 days to spend in this region, explore the cute village of Zermatt and then go on this beautiful  5-lakes hike. Head over to this blog post to get all the information needed. We'd wish we had our drone with us the days we were exploring Zermatt.. 

Choose your accommodation out of these two options:

Luxury accommodation: Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin

Budget accommodation: Zermatt Youth Hostel

Wondering what camera we use to make these photos? Here's the link.

Day 5 - Zermatt

There is so much to see around Zermatt, that is why you need a second day in this beautiful area. We recommend to do a hike to the Hörnli hut (Hornlihütte)  which passes the beautiful Schwarzsee lake. There are panorama views in all directions. An alternative to that would be the hike to the  longest mountain bridge (the hike starts in Täsch) or the Gornegrat hike. Whatever you decide on doing, it will be a lovely day in the nature.

Zermatt to Montreux by car: 1 h 50 min

Zermatt to   Montreux  by train: 2 h 35 min

Day 6  - The Vineyards of Lavaux

Day 6 will be all about vineyards, oh and maybe wine too ;) Walking along the Geneva lake between the vineyards with a view of the mountains will make it an unforgettable experience. Park you car in the village called St. Saphorin and walk 3 h and 15 min to Lutry. Once finished, take a train back to St. Saphorin. For all details on the walking path, read this blog post.  

Want to sleep over? Go to Montreux and choose one of these two places to stay:

Luxury accommodation: Grand Hotel du Lac

Budget accommodation: Hotel Splendid

Day 7  - Montreux - Zurich

Spend your last day exploring the corners of Montreux.  It's a lovely city with a great jewel: The Chillon Castle. Take a boat to the castle, then walk all the way back to the city center. An alternative to Montreux would be also Vevey. It's a bit smaller but equally beautiful with lots of cafes and restaurants. Don't take too long, as you might need to catch your plane from Zurich. From Montreux to Zurich it will take you 2 h 15 by car or 2 h 40 min by train.

Montreux to Zurich by car: 2 h 15 min

Montreux to   Zurich  by train: 2 h 40 min

Frankly speaking, it's hard to squeeze all the amazing places into a travel itinerary of only 7 days.  Thinking about  not mentioning the Ticino and Graubünden region gives us sleepless nights, but including it would be simply too much of a rush. Even the  itinerary we presented above is quite though but still manageable. Just saying, if you're planning to stay more than 7 days, please follow us and stay tuned for a longer travel itinerary. Now go and book that flight ticket to Zurich ;)

Did you like this blog post? If yes, please feel free to share it with people who are looking for an ultimate  7-day itinerary around Switzerland! Thank you very much, Sonja & Jerry

If you`re planning to stay more than 7 days in Switzerland there are times when you might need to work remotely, Get an instant remote access to your office apps and data from anywhere on any device with  Hosted Citrix VDI  with add-ons such as Enterprise E1 suite and  QuickBooks Hosting  from Apps4Rent.

Travel Insurance

Do you need a travel insurance for your trip to Switzerland? When we go travelling, we usually use  World Nomads.

Are you planning to visit Switzerland? Let us know in the comments below!

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uk.bestessays.com reviews ( Sunday, 07 January 2018 17:51 )

7 Days in Switzerland are amazing and people should know about it so that they can do something about essay writing and we can travel there. WE can do many things and we can appreciate it.

Maddi ( Monday, 12 March 2018 01:36 )

I'm currently planning a 3 month trip in Europe and this plan has literally saved me HOURS of searching. This is exactly what we love doing as travellers. Thankyou!

Sonja ( Monday, 19 March 2018 20:15 )

Hi Maddi, I'm glad to hear that! Keeps me motivated to write all those itineraries :)

Cantik Molek ( Tuesday, 10 April 2018 15:33 )

Thank you for your article Sonja. It really helps me a lot. only that... I am going in from Geneva and ending in Zurich.

Sonja ( Tuesday, 10 April 2018 20:28 )

Hey Cantik, thank you for your kind words :) Enjoy Switzerland!

Leela Devi ( Wednesday, 11 July 2018 07:12 )

Switzerland is one of the best places that I have visited. I really liked your travel itinerary and the way that you have told about your trip is really informative and interesting at the same time. I used this amazing website called My Trips 360 that provided me with amazing plans and deals along with online travel assistance for when things went wrong. Log on to https://www.mytrips360.com for further information and save up to 70% on your next trip.

Wioleta ( Tuesday, 24 July 2018 11:30 )

That's awesome. Thanks a lot.

Liah ( Tuesday, 07 August 2018 15:24 )

Could you please provide approximate transportation expenses for your itinerary? And please breakdown other expenses too.. Do you suggest to avail the swiss pass for this trip. Thank you.

Jemima ( Tuesday, 14 August 2018 11:22 )

What month is this? or what is the best month to go visit Switzerland?

Luis ( Friday, 21 September 2018 16:51 )

When did you travel?

Sonja ( Friday, 21 September 2018 20:57 )

Hi Jemima Hi Luis The best months to travel would be May - beginning of September. I live here, so I travelled to these spots within this months! Enjoy! ☺️

najib ( Sunday, 28 October 2018 07:19 )

Hi , I would like to get advise for travel between 15 nov to 18 nov . very short trip and would like to cover activity such as sight seeing at city, countryside, lakes,shopping,outdoor beginning starting point at zurich to geneva airport. Thank you in advance [email protected]

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• Switzerland itinerary: 7 days through Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt

This is post 8 of 8 in the series “Switzerland”

Switzerland is one of those rare places that is as beautiful as it looks on the internet. Pristine lakes and gorgeous mountains combined with fairy-tale towns, it’s sure to capture everyone’s heart. The only caveat is that Switzerland isn’t cheap – here’s how to budget and what to see:

• Switzerland travel tips: how to save money for train, food, and more
• Day trips from Geneva
• Things to do in Geneva in 3 days
• Zermatt Hotels: a mountain escape with Cervo Zermatt
• Zermatt summer: a 2 day Zermatt Itinerary
• Things to do in Interlaken and Jungfrau region
• What to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Switzerland is a vast and beautiful city and planning an itinerary to visit it for 7 days is not easy. With gorgeous cities, stunning railways, and majestic Swiss Alps, it’s important to prioritise your focus on your visit so you don’t overstretch yourself. After several headache episodes and being realistic about travel time and what I want to and can feasibly see, I’ve decided on a 7/8 day itinerary that focuses on hiking in mostly the western part of Switzerland:

Note: I arrive in Geneva and ends in Zermatt/Geneva, but the transport between big cities are very convenient so you can mix and match the days and order.

This post focuses on the timing and logistics of the trip. For more information for each of the destination, see the individual post linked.

How to get around Switzerland

Switzerland is well linked by trains. For my 7 days (more like 8 days) visit, I used the Swiss Travel Pass 8 days t o get to and from. Since I’ll be traveling each day, the pass is extremely useful as it helps me saves tons of money and also offer discounts to many attractions. For more information, see their official website as well as my Switzerland Travel tips post.

Budget for 7 or 8 days in Switzerland

It’s difficult for me to explain the entire budget in words, which is why I have a spreadsheet here on my spending in general, then on how much I save using the Swiss Travel Pass – each cost is individually broken down ! If you want to save it, simply make a copy as you can’t edit this one 🙂 Hotel costs are not included, only my daily spending + transport.

But in a nutshell, the Swiss Travel Pass saved this trip CHF 207.6 since it offers discounts on so many attractions as well.

As for daily spending, I avoided eating out as much as possible and also brought cup noodles from home (which is why there’s some missing meal stats). I’d pad it up with another CHF 100 in case if you want to use it for reference.

Day 0: arrive in Geneva

Arrival day in Switzerland! If you have the time, Geneva is a great place to stay for a day or three. Especially if you are a museum lover.

Day 1: Day trip to Montreux

There are many day trip options from Geneva, but with the Swiss Travel Pass and an itch for hikes, I opted for a tightly packed day trip to Montreux to go up Rochers de Naye and pop by Chillon Castle as well. If you’re interested in what other sights to see from Geneva, here’s a full list of day trip options.

I took the 9:12 train from Geneva to Montreux , which is supposed to arrive in Montreux at 10:11 but train was actually late. The connecting train to Rochers de Naye runs every hour at 17 minutes past, so after getting tickets I had to wait for 11:17 train up.

So I went over to the Co Op on the right of the Montreux Station and took a walk along the lakeside promenade, which was unexpectedly pleasant. I highly suggest getting to the cogwheel train up at platform 8 early since the two carriage train fills up fast.

Rochers de Naye

The train gets you almost all the way to the top, and even without doing any hiking you get a spectacular view. I hiked around the peak and then to the Alpine Garden for two hours, soaking in the view and taking photos. 

I still felt like doing more hiking, I then went down to La Perche, going downhill for 1 hour, then got the 3ish cogwheel train. Instead of going all the way down to Montreux, I got off at Glion.

At Glion, I got a ticket for the funicular to Territe then walked 20 minutes to Chillon. I didn’t want to stick to the main road the whole way, and got to the lakeside by heading down the bridge over the river here:

Chillon Castle

One of the most famous landmarks in the region, the castle stays open late in the summer and I got there with plenty of time to spare. Expect to spend 1-2 hours there, and don’t forget to walk out on the other side for photos! It also happens to where the port is.

Opening times: varies according to season but always open 10:00 – 17:00, check here for full opening time

Admission: CHF 12, free with Swiss Travel Pass

Lake Geneva cruise

The CGN ferry departs from a pier 5 minutes walk from the castle. I caught the 18:15 ferry and originally intended to get off at Montreux, but it was too beautiful a cruise that I stayed for an extra stop.

I got to Vevey at 18:45 and had to run to the station to catch the 18:55 train back to Geneva – arriving back at 19:48.

Free with Swiss Travel Pass

Where I stayed in Geneva

I stayed with a friend – which saved me some bucks! Thanks Suzie if you happened to see this.

Day 2: Golden Panorama to Lucerne

Morning sightsee in geneva.

I packed all the none old town sights on my last morning in Geneva, making a visit to Carouge, then bus over to the UN Palace, the Arian Museum, and the Botanical Garden. This was all so that I could get the Belle Époque train on the Golden Panorama Route from Montreux to Zweisimmen.

Geneva to Montreux

I took the 12:12 train to Montreux from Geneva instead of the 12:30 one, which means I arrived at 13:11 instead of 13:38.

This allowed for some time to get food, heave my suitcase around, and of course take photos of the train. I saw the 13:38 arriving and it really only just allows for enough time to change platform and get on.

Golden Panorama Train

The Belle Epoque Golden Panorama from Montreux to Zweisimmen runs daily at 13:44, though the route itself runs almost hourly. This is a special vintage design that makes all your royal dream comes true. In fact, if you are up for splurging I highly recommend going first class.

• They have minibar service but it is quite expensive, then and again this is Switzerland.
• Sits on the single seats side has a little better view but it is great on both sides.
• The train runs from 13:44 to 15:33, so you get just under two hours of epic views.

GoldenPass Line: Zweisimmen to Interlaken

We had to change trains at Zweisimmen and everyone was a bit on edge since we were running late. The connecting train, fortunately, is across the platform and all the passengers made it as far as I could tell. The schedule for this is from 15:39 to 16:50 and the change was from platform 8 to 12.

While the view continued to be great with a turquoise river running alongside for the majority of the time, the train is shabbier in comparison to the Belle Époque and there was no sockets. 

But somehow, I had first class carriage practically to myself, which was quite nice. It goes past the Thunersee between Spiez and Interlaken, very pretty.

Luzern-Interlaken Express

The last leg of my epic train journey that day was from Lucerne to Interlaken. I had 15 minutes to change platform to get on the 17:05 train. 

There were ramps so it wasn’t too bad with a suitcase from platform 4 to 12.

It was by far my favourite journey with the carriage air conditioned, completed with big windows, foldable tables and outlets.

I got to Lucerne at 18:55, finishing my almost 7 hours long train day. The sunset that greeted me was spectacular:

Day 3: Lucerne and Mount Rigi

My plan was to explore Lucerne in the morning, and I ended up getting up just before sunrise. The city was basically empty and I was able to get photos of the Chapel Bridge without the crowd!

I got a sandwich at the Millet close to the train station and got on a ferry to cross the Lake Lucerne on a half day trip to Mount Rigi, and managed to get back before 5pm.

I had dinner at Taube, and while the food is good, I wasn’t a fan of the service.

If you can, make a reservation as they seemed a lot nicer to those with one.

Where I stayed in Lucerne

I stayed at Barabas Hostel and Hotel which is walkable to the train station and on the edge of the old town in front of the Musegg Walls. Aside from its former prison status making the room stuffy (because window is small), I enjoyed it a lot.

Day 4: Interlaken

I got the 9:06 train from Lucerne and arrived Interlaken at 10:55, it was a bit busy so reservations would be nice if you know you’ll be taking this one. Otherwise, arrive at the platform early to get settled in as there are a lot of people with suitcases.

I left my luggage at a medium sized locker at the station, which was big enough to fit my backpack as well. The cost was 7 euros for 12 hours.

Harder Kulm

From Interlaken station, Harder Kulm is only 5 minutes walk away. I took the 11:40 funicular up and spent about an hour plus there. You can do hikes around the area, otherwise there’s only the panoramic viewpoint and the restaurant. 

Lunch at Co Op

Co Op has a restaurant across from the train station, although I didn’t spot that it was still open on Sunday and bought a salad from the Co Op shop at the station.

Paragliding Interlaken

I booked a 14:15 slot for paragliding and was picked up promptly at the station. They drove us to the office which is very nearby before heading out the mountains. It was one of the best things I did – hands down, and I got back – more like landed back – in Interlaken around 3:30pm.

Launterbrunnen

I got my luggage and then on the 16:05 train to Lauterbrunnen, where my hostel is. The train departs from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen every 05 and 35, 20 minutes. My hostel was only about 5 minutes walk away and I settled in.

The weather had gotten gloomy but I still hiked to the Staubbach Waterfall and walked around a bit.

A Co Op is right across the train station and my hostel has a big kitchen for everyone to use. I end up eating my second cup noodles so I don’t have to go out.

Day 5: Launterbrunnen and Jungfra

I had planned to visit Jungfraujoch in the morning, but after a check on the livecam it was clear that the visibility was next to zero. If you want to visit there, head to my Jungfrau region guide.

Another option is to do Schilthorn, which I did the next morning when the weather is good.

Since I had the Swiss Travel Pass, I decided to utilise all the free option available. I got the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Winteregg – then to Murren and back. The weather was miserable so there wasn’t much to see.

An alternative was a day trip to Bern , the Switzerland capital, is also nice.

I got back to Lauterbrunnen before 11am and then took a train to Wengen, where I ended up on a two hour return hike to Leiterhorn that gives a good view to Lauterbrunnen for a few minutes when the clouds parted.

Lunch at Pasta & More

Once I got back to Wengen, I decided it was time for a proper meal and went to Pasta & More. I had a delicious ravioli, which was an average sized portion but they also gave me a basket of bread. The waitress told me that they charge for tap water so I got a tea that they are happy to refill.

Address: Dorfstrasse 1, 3823 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Opening time: 9:00 – 22:00

Grindelwald 

After a break at the hostel, I ended up going to Grindelwald which is half an hour away by train including one change.

It was still rainy and I didn’t end up doing much apart from buy food at the Co Op for dinner and head back!

Full price table for Jungfrau region here

Where I stayed in Lauterbrunnen

Valley Hostel! They had luggage storage and everything was quite DIY but you can’t beat the price point and the view of the town. The big kitchen and close proximity to the train station are also ideal!

Day 6: Schilthorn, then Zermatt and 5 lake hike

Given that I saw zero things yesterday except the towns, I decided to get up at the crack of dawn to go up to see Schilthorn. They have an excellent timetable linking all the transport together.

6:35 bus to station that goes to Schilthorn – which turns out I read the Interlaken timetable and thus had half an hour in Murren. But I got a pretty good view of the predawn colours by the cable car entrance.

I then proceeded to wait around for the cable car up to Birg and Schilthorn, finally arriving at the summit of Schilthorn at 7ish. The summit, though has a stunning view, don’t have a lot of things to do outside of the restaurant.

Most people seemed to get up there that early to eat breakfast there, but I was on a time crunch! 

I left at 8ish to Birg to do the thrill walk, which took around half an hour so.

I got the next cable car to head all the way back down for the 9:40 shuttle back and connect to bus then grab my luggage and ran.

Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt

Which got me on the 10:32 train from Lauterbrunnen, with a change at Interlaken and Spiez to Zermatt, arrive at 13:14.

I sent my train in the morning to my hotel Cervo, who picked me up and whizzed me up. After relaxing a bit and eating a cup noodle (I know, I’m horrible but Cervo has an amazing restaurant, too).

I set off to do the 5 lake hike around 15:30, which was too late, I should have left at 14:00. The funicular to Sunnegga is just down from the elevator for Cervo level, which made it very convenient to get to and purchase tickets.

The last train from from Sunnegga departs at 6pm during the summer season, which meant I had just over two hours to do the two and a half hour hike from Blauherd to Sunnegga – and I made it, just about. If not, the hike from Sunnegga back down is said to be about two hours. So budget in more time and don’t be like me!

Dinner at Cervo

Since I had to run, dinner at Cervo was a great idea! I had time to relax with a bath and the terrace of the restaurant offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn as the sun sets.

Where I stay in Zermatt

Cervo Zermatt, which was an absolute dream come true with a great view of the Matterhorn, lovely breakfast, many free food in the room itself, and yes, a lovely and spacious room. More on my review here.

Day 7: Zermatt Gornagnet and leaves

I decided to take it easy in the morning, waking up and had a great breakfast at Cervo before setting off to Gornergrat Bahn at 10ish. The elevator took me to the ground level of Zermatt town where the station is about a 5-10 minutes walk.

If you are pressed for time, getting a return ticket for Gornergrat and spending some time up there shouldn’t take more than 3 hours, and you can get up even earlier. I wanted to do a proper hike and went to Riffelalp then hiked up to Gornergrat, a 924m ascent that took 5 hours!

I got back down to Zermatt at 18:00ish, as the train only runs hourly after 17:00, and ended up ordering room service.

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

3 thoughts on “ Switzerland itinerary: 7 days through Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt ”

Yes to Switzerland, it looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to go. I also love getting up early to go find fun things to do on a trip so glad to see other people do too. With it for those views

haha I’d like to think that I’m fueled by FOMO! And the lighting is so beautiful in the early morning!

Wow this is an awesome itenerary .I am saving it for future.hope to visit soon

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Best Switzerland Itinerary 7 days – How to spend 7 days in Switzerland

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Switzerland is one of the most stunning places on earth. With a high quality of life, gorgeous mountain views, clear lakes, and modern amenities, the Swiss landscape will surely win you over. In this best Switzerland Itinerary 7 days, we will discover some of the most beautiful places to explore in 7 days in Switzerland.

Area wise Switzerland is not huge, it’s like 4 times smaller than the size of Michigan in the US.

And a smart way to explore Switzerland in 7 days is to keep 1 or 2 cities as your base and then venture out to the countryside with day trips. That will also help to keep accommodation costs low as you save on multiple night stays, stock up on groceries, and take public transportation to explore.

This one week in Switzerland itinerary can be done without a car as well. We hope you enjoy these handpicked beautiful places in Switzerland for your itinerary.

Best Switzerland Itinerary 7 days – Visit beautiful places in 7 days in Switzerland

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

For the purposes of this 7 days in Switzerland Itinerary, we will use Zurich as the starting point. Zurich and Geneva are the two popular cities for arriving in Switzerland .

If you are arriving in Geneva, read our modified day 7 of the Switzerland itinerary which includes sightseeing activities and tips for the city.  

7 days in Switzerland Itinerary: Snapshot

• Day 1 : Arrive in Zurich
• Day 2 : Berne
• Day 3 : Lucerne
• Day 4 : Interlaken and Jungfraujoch 
• Day 5: Basel
• Day 6 : Zermatt
• Day 7 : Return to Zurich 
• Alternate day 7: Return to Geneva from Zermatt

Before we proceed with the Switzerland itinerary, here are some important items to keep in mind as you start planning your trip.

Travel documents and visa

Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but they follow the Schengen agreement for non-visa-exempt countries. So if you are traveling with an Indian or any other non-visa-exempt passport, apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time from your country of residence. Read our detailed guide to applying to the Schengen visa.

Passport holders from the US and Canada can stay up to 90 days in Switzerland visa-free. From 2023, they are required to apply for eTIAS – online entry authorization prior to arrival in Switzerland.

Currency and Credit Cards

As Switzerland is not part of the EU, they use its own currency which is the Swiss Franc. Euros are accepted but change will be provided back to you in Francs.

Currency exchange/conversion for Euros and Francs are almost at par. Well, almost – when we were in Switzerland, francs were stronger than euros.

Credit cards are widely accepted especially in high-end boutique stores and restaurants, including train stations.

Packing Tips for Switzerland

Depending on your month of travel and the activities you will be indulging in Switzerland, your packing list will differ. But here is what you MUST carry.

• Comfortable walking shoes – If you are planning a lot of city exploration and shopping, carry comfortable shoes. Both Zurich and Geneva’s old town is best explored on foot. Click to shop this my favorite walking shoe
• Light jacket – A light, all-weather jacket is a MUST for all times of the year. You will find this super handy during the cross over or shoulder seasons when temperatures suddenly drop in the evenings or early mornings. Buy my lightweight travel jacket here
• Universal adaptor – Our North American or Asian electronics won’t charge in Switzerland without a universal adaptor. Invest in one today. Buy this universal adaptor – convertor duo that works in over 150 countries .
• A day pack – Carry a day pack with your travel essentials and camera as you embark on sightseeing. Anti-theft bags are not a necessity here. Instances of theft are very rare (reminds me of my good ol’ Canada – It’s true, Switzerland reminded me so much of Canada, but that’s another story, another post). So yes, take a good day pack or travel purse. Click here to view my favorite travel bag.
• Travel Insurance – No matter where you go, get travel insurance. We get insurance on all of our travels. Get insurance travel quotes for your trip to Switzerland here.

Swiss Travel Pass

To explore all of the beautiful places in Switzerland in 7 days – purchase the Swiss Travel Pass . The Swiss Travel Card allows you to take unlimited train rides across the country (for a set duration of time) and also comes with discounted entry fees to many iconic landmarks in the city.

Without a Swiss travel card, for a week in Switzerland, you will end up spending up to $600+ USD on train/ public transportation alone. Buy your Swiss Travel Card here.

Day 1  – Arriving in Zurich Switzerland and city sightseeing 

Zurich Airport to City Center or hotel

Trams/Trains – 25 minutes, 13.50 Francs, or free with the Swiss Travel Pass. 

Private Transfer/Cab –   Book a private taxi for two here.

On day 1 of your Switzerland itinerary, arrive in Zurich. Zurich International Airport is 25 minutes away from the city center (by tram). Here are some options to get to the city center or to your hotel.

• 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 – If you wish to arrive in luxury, you can book a chauffeur-driven transport to your hotel. This is a good option if you have tons of luggage and are traveling in a big group. Book a taxi here

Recommend hotel in Zurich:

We stayed near the airport in Zurich. Hotel rates are expensive in Zurich regardless of the area or time of travel. Their low range starts at $120 USD per night. You might be able to find hostels for cheaper, but when we booked our trip even hostels were averaging $100 USD+. 

• Storchen Zurich (Luxury) – This is a lifestyle boutique – a 5-star hotel, located in the old town. A central location, it is perfect for exploring the prime attractions in the city and taking day tours. A riverfront hotel, it also offers free breakfast. Book your stay here 
• Zurich Marriott Hotel (Mid-range hotel) – This is a 5-star hotel, with good accessibility to the city center. Nightly rates for this hotel are a little bit cheaper than the ones in the old town. Zurich Marriott Hotel is located in District 6. The hotel is within a 15-minute drive from Zurich Airport and is quite accessible to the Central area via tram. Zurich’s main train station is only a 7 minute walk away. Book your stay here
• Ibis Budget Zurich Airport (budget option) – This is a 2+ star local located near the airport. The benefit of staying here is that the trams are located right outside the hotel. They have a laundry and a restaurant on-site . Book your stay here.

READ : Hotels guide to Zurich

For your one day in Zurich, we recommend heading straight to the downtown area. Take the tram and get down at the Central station. Here are a few highlights of Zurich city that you should explore

Walk the Altstadt aka the old town center of Zurich – The old town of Zurich is filled with cobblestoned lanes , pretty cafes, and shopping areas that you shouldn’t miss. Put on your comfy walking shoes and join in and explore the old town.

In the old town, you will see important churches in Zürich that keeps following you everywhere in the city center. One of them is the Fraumünster church which was built on the remains of a former abbey for aristocratic women. The church is very beautiful with its stained glass windows – a characteristic trait of any medieval European church.

The second and probably the most iconic one is the Grossmünster , which is a Romanesque-style Protestant church.

There is a bridge located near Grossmünster called the Münsterbrücke . Standing at the Münsterbrücke bridge, you can capture some amazing views of the river Limmat.

Admire the Limmat River and join in the activities near it – The Limmat River flows through the city of Zurich and it makes the city center even more picturesque with its presence. Stroll the river banks and if you are visiting during the summer months, go on a river cruise. 

If you wish to add a museum or two to your Zurich itinerary then consider adding the Swiss National Museum or the FIFA Museum.

Lindenhof Hill is located a few minutes away from Altstadt and it is an amazing place to relax whilst soaking in the river and the city views. This spot also makes for great Instagrammable photos. Lindenhof Hill is free to explore.

In the evening head to one of the most expensive streets in the world – the Bahnhofstrasse – take a stroll, window shop, or shop in this street. Some of the world’s finest luxury brands can be found here – Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, YSL, etc.

Pro-Tip: If you are short on time, use this city tour of 4 hours that combines the best of the city center, a boat cruise, and more. This sightseeing tour starts in the afternoon – so it is perfect if you are arriving on day 1 of the Zurich itinerary and want to cover more of the city. Book the city sightseeing tour here.  

For dinner, you will find a lot of options near the riverside in the old town. Our favorite was  Niederdorfstrasse Lane near the Steakhouse. The area is touristy, but oh so pretty!

All the restaurants here take credit cards and serve local and international cuisines.

Read our 2 day Zurich itinerary if you are extending your stay in the city. You can also opt for a Zurich day pass if you not using Swiss trains but are planning to explore city highlights intimately.  

Day 2 of 7 day trip Switzerland – Spend a day in Bern – the Swiss capital

On day 2 of your 7 day Switzerland itinerary, explore the capital city of Bern on a day trip.

Bern is the capital of Switzerland. This European capital city is unlike any other on the continent. Bern has stood the test of time and has remained still since the 12 th century – when the city was laid out. The Old City in Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Zurich to Bern

Trains – 1 hour. Freeride with Swiss Travel Card .

Tour –  Here is a recommended one day tour to Bern from Zurich  

Bern is also known as the city of fountains due to the existence of a myriad of fountains – sprinkled across town. Being the capital, a visit to the Parliament Building is a must. Spend an hour or so and take a guided tour if interested.

Also, don’t miss out on the Zytglogge – an Astronomical Clock from the 15 th century. It is Bern’s famous clock tower, which features an intricate clock face and mechanical figures that perform every hour.

After that head to the Old Town – Altstadt of Bern – which is filled with cobblestone lanes. As you wander the cobbled streets of Bern’s Old Town ( Altstadt in German), you’ll find many covered arcades that house the shops, cafes, and galleries. 

There are about six kilometres of covered arcades here, making this the longest-covered shopping arcade in Europe.

Stop to shop at any of the medieval arcades in the old town or head to the Kirchenfeld bridge (at the south end of the city) to admire the city skyline.

For more wonderful views over the city, head to Berner Munster, the city’s cathedral that was built in the 15th century. This landmark cathedral is impressive with its 12-meter-high stained glass windows inside the cathedral. You can climb up the church tower for amazing views. 

Remember Einstein’s theory of Relativity? Bern is home to Einstein’s House . This was Albert Einstein’s residence when he developed the theory.

In the evening, pop by a Bernese rooftop restaurant to see some of the amazing views of the city and the Aase River.  

You can also take a day tour to Bern from Zurich, which includes round trip transportation, a sightseeing guided tour, and free time to explore on your own. Book your day tour to Bern from Zurich here.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL: If you wish to spend the night in Berne, consider staying at Hotel La Pergola located close to the old town. 

Day 3 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Explore Lucerne 

On day 3 of one week Switzerland itinerary, take a day trip to Lucerne from Zurich.

Lucerne , also known by its local German name as Luzern, is located at Lake Lucerne and on the river Reuss. It is a compact, lively town with 80,000 inhabitants.

Zurich to Lucerne

Trains – 1 hour 10 minutes. Ride free with Swiss Travel Card .

Tour – Day tour to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus with lunch    

There are lots of things to do in Lucerne. With its location at the lake, the place is an ideal starting point for boat trips, including the Gotthard panorama tour.

The nearby mountains of Rigi, Stanserhorn, Bürgenstock, and Mount Pilatus attract thousands of visitors every year. As the town is not big, you can explore it on foot doing your own Lucerne walking tour .

Lake Lucerne defines and makes this compact city, very picturesque. You can enjoy an hour cruise across Lake Lucerne (seasonal) and ride the world’s steepest cog railway up to Mount Pilatus. 

It is also possible to visit Mount Rigi from Lucerne, via a boat and a cog railway ride.

Iconic landmark places of Lucerne include the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke , which is named after the St. Peter’s Chapel, dating back to the 14th century, and the Spreuer Bridge which is also a must-visit to explore the 67 paintings dating from the 17th century and representing the “Dance of Death”. 

Lucerne has many military structures in the city. There is a monument of the Dying Lion of Lucerne – which is carved out of stone and it commemorates the fallen Swiss guardsmen who died in 1792 while serving the French king Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Bourbaki Panorama is another important military attraction in Lucerne, depicting General Bourbaki’s Eastern French Army entering Switzerland in the winter of 1871 to save their lives.

Other important attractions include the Lucerne Town Hall; a defensive Musegg Wall from the 15th century and a majestic Jesuit church from the 17th century. 

If you wish to extend your stay, take a day tour from Lucerne to the 1,900-meter mount Stanserhorn and because it has a double-decker cable car with an open upper deck it allows you to take the best pictures.

The CabriO cable car is the world’s first cable car with a roofless upper deck.

The guests can enjoy 360° panoramic views as well as fresh mountain air. The ride up to Stanserhorn has two parts: first, you take the old-time funicular from Stans to Kälti, then the new CabriO will bring you to the mountain for stunning views. 

Day Tour :  Visit Stanserhorn and Lucerne in one day tour

Another option is to take the Golden Round trip to see Mount Pilatus and back. You have to start from Lake Lucerne – take a steamer and then get on the cog railway to the top. This is perfect for people who love to hike and enjoy scenic views! (This trip is included in the Swiss Travel Pass ). 

Or here is a day tour which includes Mount Pilatus and Lucerne.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL : If you decide to stay in Lucerne, here is a recommended hotel: Hof Apartments by Keyforge on 16 Hofstrasse . This hotel is close to all the attractions in Lucerne. 

SCENIC TRAIN : The Golden Pass is a train route that starts here, in Lucerne. On this train route, you will see Montreux, Brünig Pass, the lakes of the Bernese Oberland, the Simmen Valley, upper-class Gstaad, and Lake Geneva. The duration is for a day.

You can start in Lucerne, switch trains in Interlaken, and end in Montreux (located 75 minutes away from Geneva) – all in a day. 

Golden Round Trip: The Golden round trip is different from the Golden Pass. The Golden Round trip takes you to Mount Pilatus’s scenic spots from Lucerne.

Day 4 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Explore Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Head to Interlaken from Zurich, on day 4 of Swiss Itinerary. 

Interlaken is considered one of the prettiest places in the world. The town itself is small but holds a few attractions to keep you busy.  

Zurich to Interlaken

Trains – 2 hours 10 minutes. Ride free with Swiss Travel Card .

Tour – Or book this day tour from Zurich to Interlaken and Grindelwald

In Interlaken itself visit the “house mountain” – Harder Kulm . Whether you hike up or take the cable car to get up – the views from there are stunning! It is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Also, make sure to do at least one boat tour – since Interlaken is located between two lakes (Lake Brienz and Lake Thun), it is almost difficult to decide which boat tour is better.

In the end, both lakes are just impressive and after a boat ride (given the size of the lakes, they will take a few hours) head to Höhenmatte and watch all the paragliders. Interlaken is beautiful but so are the places near Interlaken . 

If you wish to extend your stay in Interlaken, here are some options. You can visit many cute towns and villages near it – especially Thun is worth a visit. It is located at the end of Lake Thun and is actually a nicer place than Interlaken with a beautiful old town.

On the way from Interlaken to Thun also stop at St. Beatus Caves for the views. And if you are into hiking make sure to enjoy some of the best mountain views in the country – hike up Brienzer Rothorn, Schynige Platte, Niesen, or one of the many mountain peaks.

If you are not into hiking, then plan a full day to enjoy the Jungfraujoch – one of the most popular places in the region where you have snow throughout the year (and afterward stroll Grindelwald). 

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 (travel time is 2 hours one way).

You can start from Interlaken Ost station towards Lauterbrunnen Valley or Grindelwald (Bernese Oberland Railway) and from there change for the Wengernalp railway and then to Kleine Scheidegg. Hop on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

Other options to reach Jungfraujoch: 

• Here is a day tour from Zurich to Jungfraujoch.
• Or take a tour to explore Interlaken and Grindelwald in a day

RECOMMENDED HOTEL: Stay at Hotel du Nord in Interlaken so you are close to the main attractions. Or Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (luxury option).

Day 5 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Head to Basel

For city lovers like us, visiting Basel is a must. It is Switzerland’s third-largest city in terms of population and it is also the last navigable city on the river Rhine. However, very often visitors overlook Basel, as it is sort of “unswiss”, due to the lack of mountains nearby.

But did you know, it is ONE of the most beautiful historic centres in the country and, as far as art is concerned, it boasts over 40 first-class museums!

We are SOLD on the historical gems, I mean why not? Nature and history = LOVE! Here is a detailed one day in Basel itinerary !

Zurich to Basel

Trains – 55 minutes to 1 hour, Ride free with Swiss Travel Card .  

Basel is divided into two parts: the large town (Gross Basel) where you will find the railway station, and the small town (Klein Basel), on the other side of the Rhine. 

It can be visited in a day if you decide to stick to the main sights, but we assure you that you won’t be disappointed. 

As you soon as you arrive in Basel from Zurich, from the railway station (Centralbahn Platz) head towards Barfusserplatz, taking a small detour to admire the fountains created by the eclectic local artist Jean Tinguely (Tinguely Brunnen). His bizarre iron sculptures are located in Theatervorplaz and they move gracefully in the water. 

From Barfusserplatz, walk to the  Spalentor Gate Tower , which in the 15th century was the main entrance to the city. This is perhaps one of the most impressive monuments, with its square main tower, flanked on each side by two round towers.

The next stop is the market square  – Marktplatz where, today like in the past, you will find flowers, fruit, and fresh vegetable merchants. This market is only open on weekdays. 

The last stop in the Old Town is  Münster, Basel’s large Romanesque cathedral. Behind it, you will find the Pfalz, a large panoramic terrace from where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

After exploring the old town, head to the St Albans Gate . The gate itself is nothing to drive home about, but the area is particularly quiet and charming. People call it the little Venice of Basel because it is crossed by a small canal. For those with a romantic soul, this is a place not to be missed. 

After St Albans Gate, make your way down to the river and cross it by Färi, an old wooden boat without an engine that movies using only the current of water. Färis is symbolic of the city. Tickets for the Fari ride are available onboard. 

Once you reach the other side of the river Rhine, you are not too far away from the city’s most bizarre museum, the Jean Tinguely Museum .

The museum is home to strange-looking, huge mechanical machines – all created by using recycled materials – and it is a treat to explore. There are kinetic sculptures that can be activated with a press of a button.  

With a day full of sightseeing, it’s time to head back to the old town to take the train. Of course, you can travel by bus, but here’s an alternative… do it like many local people do: swim back! 

Yes, that’s right! In order to do that, you need to have one of those floating and watertight bags that you can buy from anywhere in the city. Change into your swimsuit inside the (Jean Tinguely) museum’s toilets, walk down to the river, by the museum’s restaurant, and just wade into the Rhine.

Relax, let it float… and within minutes you will reach the city center without any effort.  

RECOMMENDED HOTEL: Hotel Teufelhof , an old but finely restored hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Each room of the hotel is uniquely painted by different artists. 

Day 6 -7 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Explore Zermatt & back to Zurich

For many travelers, exploring Switzerland means checking off the Matterhorn. Now because one way trip to Zermatt city, which is the base to explore Matterhorn is about 3-4 hours, we recommend staying in Zermatt for the night with 2 days of sightseeing.

Zermatt is the highest ski resort in Europe and boasts of 365 days of ski activities. Whether you are visiting Zermatt in summer or winter, this fairy tale charming town will win you over.

Zurich to Zermatt

Trains – 3 hours 10 minutes. 

To reach Zermatt, we highly recommend taking the train using the Swiss Travel Card, as Zermatt is a car-free town. This resort town is located in the southern part of Switzerland.

Once you arrive in Zermatt, head to the Gornergrat which is located at an altitude of 3,089 metres to soak in panoramic views of the mountains. Gornergrat Bahn which is Europe’s highest open-air electric clog railway transports visitors from Zermatt to Gornergrat in 33 minutes.

Panoramic views are everywhere as you reach the summit and if you love mountains as we do, you will be welcomed by 29 mountain ranges snow-capped and all pretty, including the Matterhorn.

Gornergrat’s observation platform is open all year round. You can stay here for the evening if you like – enjoying fine dining on the mountaintop (known as sunset dinners in the summer and moonlight dinners in the winter).  

Or you can explore the old town and dine in their finest restaurants whilst enjoying the views of Matterhorn.

If you are visiting in winter, you can enjoy the many outdoor rinks in the city, with natural and picturesque backdrops.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL : Stay at a laid back alpine hotel located close to ski lifts, with breakfast and free wifi included for nightly stay – Best Western Hotel Butterfly.

For day 7 of your Switzerland itinerary, ride the Matterhorn glacier paradise cableway to get into the cradle of the mountain range. This is a newly opened cableway (2018) with gondola style cabins to transport to the observation platform, which provides a very different view than the Gornergrat.

Adventurous hikers and mountaineers choose the Matterhorn to scale the Brithorn . But if you prefer soft adventure like us, you can visit the ski resort that is open 365 days and go snow tubing (also open in summer).

The Glacier Palace , which is one of its kind in Europe, is also located here and is accessible all year round.  

The cableway to the viewing platform only takes 9 minutes.

After taking in those panoramic views, finish the day by shopping at the Bahnhofstrasse – a shopping street filled with Swiss souvenirs and high-end retailers, to take something back home.

In the evening, hop on a train to return to Zurich for your return flight.

SCENIC TRAIN ROUTE OPTION: The Glacier Express Train is a popular train route in Switzerland, starting from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

The journey takes about 8 hours, making it through the Swiss Alps and stunning landscapes and bridges.

You can take the train in the morning on day 7 and arrive at St. Moritz.

St. Moritz to Zurich is about 3.50 hours by train. 

Alternative Option: Day 7 to Geneva & modified 7 days in Switzerland Itinerary suggestion

If you wish to add another city to your Switzerland 7 day itinerary, then consider returning to Geneva from Zermatt on day 7 and skip the Matterhorn cableway. You will be able to see the Matterhorn on day 6 using the Gornergrat railway.

On day 7, take the train to reach Geneva. Geneva is located an hour closer to Zermatt than Zurich. Geneva to Zurich is only 3 hours away by train or drive. 

There are many reasons why you should visit Geneva. Straddling the French border on the shores of Lac Leman, Geneva is packed with a colorful history and is a lovely place to spend one or two days exploring. 

Zermatt to Geneva

Trains – 3 hours 15 minutes. Freeride with Swiss Travel Card .  

With buildings dating back to the Roman times and many remnants of the city’s medieval past being still visible, no visit to Geneva is complete without witnessing the modern water jet fountains shooting high above the city’s skyline.

The Water Jet aka Jet d’Eau  is a 140 metre high water fountain over Lake Geneva. These  Jet d’Eau fountains have become synonymous with the city itself and are a MUST visit.

Alongside the English Garden lies a huge working Flower Clock , displaying the time as accurately as the much-loved Swiss watches exported globally from the country.

The charming old-town square of Place du Bourg-de-Four is an unmissable spot to explore (and grab a bite to eat).

Standing tall beside the St Piere Cathedral for many centuries, there are colorful narrow buildings that have witnessed countless events throughout Swiss history. It’s amazing to think St Piere’s has been a grand icon of Geneva since the 10th century!

While you’re in this area, don’t forget to take a look at the lovely frescos painted within the Old Arsenal .

Inside today’s grounds of Geneva University stands the Reformation Wall. The 16th-century structure showcases sculptures of important figures during the city’s Protestant Reformation.

A short stroll from the Reformation Wall lies a number of huge chessboards in Bastion’s Park – worth a visit if you fancy a game of human-sized chess.

Geneva is home to many international headquarters. Venture into the city’s north to see the United Nations headquarters – Palais des Nations – and the League of Nations Museum .

Time permitting explore the Broken Chair sculpture nearby. It’s said the missing leg on this chair is a tribute to honor landmine victims around the world. 

RECOMMENDED HOTEL : Being one of the more pricier cities to stay in Switzerland, you will get your money’s worth by staying at Hotel des Alpes, on the northern side of the Pont du Mont-Blanc bridge. 

Map of Switzerland – Places to Visit in 7 days Switzerland Itinerary | Switzerland road trip

Most beautiful places in Switzerland Itinerary 7 days – Zurich – Bern – Lucerne – Interlaken -Basel – Zermatt – Zurich/Geneva 

How many days are enough in Switzerland?

This is one of the MOST asked questions. How many days do you need in Switzerland? Switzerland is not huge in terms of country size, but it is loaded with stunning landscapes, you can easily spend anywhere from 2 to 10 days exploring, what interests you. 

Ideally, 5 days are enough to explore Switzerland . Keep Zurich or Geneva as your base (check out the cities), make a trip to Interlaken, and visit resort towns. Taking a scenic train route for a day is a great idea – you can soak in those alpine views in less time. 

If you are really tight on time (and budget), stick to one city and use a day trip to explore smaller towns/resort areas.

Planning a trip to Switzerland Travel Guide 

Did you know – Switzerland was originally called Helvetia. Its official name is Confoederatio Helvetica in Latin.

We have covered travel documents and currency-related information above. This section is additional information on seven days in Switzerland like budget, souvenirs, tour packages, and other frequently asked questions like sightseeing in Switzerland for different seasons. 

Quick Facts about Switzerland:

Switzerland is a small landlocked country, located in Western and Central Europe. It is bordered by France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. 

There are four official languages spoken in Switzerland. They are German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage. Swiss cuisine varies by region, although dishes like fondue and raclette are popular throughout the country. 

Switzerland has a very strong economy. It is highly industrialized and ranks at the top of the Human Development Index, with one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. It has consistently been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. 

Switzerland is home to many famous landmarks including the Matterhorn mountain in Zermatt, the Chillon Castle in Montreux, Lake Brienz in Bernese Oberland, and Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland. It is also home to some of the most renowned ski and snowboarding resorts in Europe. 

Switzerland is recognized for its chocolate, watches, cheese, and other luxury goods. Swiss watchmaking is one of the oldest industries in Switzerland, with many famous brands such as Rolex being based there.

When should you visit Switzerland in summer or winter?

Switzerland is amazing at any time of the year. In both seasons, you can explore the outdoors in different ways – so whether it is sunbathing in the summer or skiing in winter (or even summer). So here is what to expect in Switzerland in summer and winter.

Switzerland in the winter – Switzerland does get snow in the winter and it is a beautiful time to visit. With so many medieval old towns in the country, you will be walking into a fairy tale book – when Switzerland rings in the festive season, which is usually from late November.

Definitely, Christmas Markets should be on your itinerary if you are heading to any of the Swiss towns in the winter. And not to forget the obvious, snow-related activities and skiing resorts should be visited in the winter months. 

Switzerland in summer – Switzerland is a great place to spend your summer holidays. Just like winter, summer is a popular time to visit. June- July might be too hot for city day trips (also you will see a lot of people outside), but it is perfect for hiking, picnic, sunbathing, water sports, etc. 

Read : Planning a trip to Switzerland

Is Switzerland expensive?

That’s a million-dollar question in itself. Switzerland overall is expensive. It can be compared to Iceland for hotels and day to day food, travel, and tour costs. Although flights to Iceland were cheaper from Canada, your return ticket to Switzerland may not be that cheap. We cover that in more detail below.

But keep in mind, after flights ensure you book your hotels sooner (or book than with flights). Hotels in peak season will be pricey and on average, it will be $100-$150 for 2-3 star hotels and $300+ USD and upwards for 4 or 5-star hotels in a prime location in Zurich – based on this itinerary.

Other cities mentioned in the itinerary are not behind, but those towns are small, so even if you book/get a cheaper place outside the old town you will be fine in terms of sightseeing.

Food is where you will have the most control over. The grocery stores in Switzerland sell amazing baked goods and salads to choose from, to keep the budget under check. When you are exploring via day trips, carry food with you, or eat at fast food joints – they will be there too.

But go out every now and then to treat yourself to this beautiful place. So set aside some moolah for that.  

Transportation budget for one week in Switzerland travel itinerary

Swiss Travel Card

The Swiss Travel Pass provides you with unlimited travel throughout the Swiss travel network of rail, bus, and boat on consecutive days available for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days.

If you are planning to use local trams and trains extensively (and no day tours), then opt for the 8-day pass. This will cover your transport back to the airport as well. 

BUY   Swiss Travel Card .

Note: The Swiss Travel Card is different from Swiss Half Fare, which offers 50% off on train, bus, boat rides, and mountain railways. Its validity is for one month (which is beyond the scope of this itinerary). Unless you love Switzerland so much and wish to extend your stay from one week to a month, check out the Swiss Half Fare card here.

Combination of tours and Travel Card

You can certainly combine 2-3 day tours (from the ones listed in the itinerary) and add a 3 day or a 4 day Swiss Travel Pass. Use the pass either at the start of your trip or toward the end so that you are using the pass on consecutive days.

Budget (3-day Swiss pass and 3-day tours & 2 return tickets for the airport, itinerary 1, departing from Zurich): $650 – $1000 USD 

• If you follow our 1 st itinerary sample and arrive and depart from Zurich – you will need $120 – 200 USD a day for day tours (No sightseeing on day 7) with guided sightseeing and transport. Budget : $700 -$850 USD
• For the second itinerary with a day in Geneva, day tours will be the same, but factor in added costs for traveling to Geneva from Zermatt on day 7 as well as stay and sightseeing. Budget : $800 – $900 USD 

BUY> Swiss Travel Card .

Best of Switzerland tours – Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland 

Here are the 3 MOST popular train travel routes in Switzerland. They are also part of the Swiss Travel Pass, but a seat has to be reserved prior to departure (seat reservation is an extra charge). 

• The Golden Pass – This is a train route from Lucerne to Montreux. The train route is an easy one and PERFECT for those short on time. Lucerne is one hour away from Zurich and Montreaux is 75 minutes away, making it easy for transportation. The entire route can be done in 5.50 hours to a day. There 3 sections of the train – Lucerne to Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen and Zweisimmen to Montreux.
• The Bernina Express Train – This is a direct train from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy in just 4 hours, followed by a bus service from Tirano to Lugano. 
• The Glacier Express – This is one of the most popular train routes in Switzerland. A direct route from Zermatt to St. Moritz – this train journey takes about 8 hours, making it’s through the Swiss Alps, narrow valleys, and stunning landscapes and bridges.

BONUS ROUTE!

• Gotthard Panorama Express Train – This is a scenic train and boat tour/route originating in Lugano via the Gotthard tunnel to Flüelen (train), and then from Flüelen to Lucerne. The trip takes about 5.50 hours and is operational during the summer months only. 
• Read: Most scenic train rides in Switzerland 

What is Switzerland famous for? What souvenirs should you buy?

Switzerland offers a ton of things that are Swiss made and should be bought back home (or had/eaten/stuffed) while you are in the country.

Did you know – Switzerland produces the most chocolate in the world?

And the Swiss eat more chocolate compared to any other country.

• Swiss Chocolates – Like heaven. Eat them, bring them home, and visit workshops if you have time. Walk a store, even a grocery store and you will be welcomed with chocolates galore.
• Swiss cheese – Swiss cheese is popular all over the world. Give them a try!
• Swiss knives – As the name suggests, these are the popular Swiss knives found all over the world and made in Switzerland. You might see a great variety here – as it’s the land where it’s made. (If you are traveling just with a carry-on, skip the knives)
• Swiss Watches – Swiss watches are equally popular. Brands include – Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer
• Luxury brands – For all of my luxury goods lovers (bags, belts, clothing), you will find everything in Switzerland’s major cities. Think Chanel, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Gucci – but the prices are not a steal. London Heathrow still has the best bang for your buck when it comes to luxury brands for less.

Coco Chanel is buried in Switzerland.

Set aside some money to enjoy what the country is famous for and take back souvenirs.

Planning a trip to Switzerland from North America, Europe or India

North America: Switzerland trip cost from USA & Canada

Traveling from major cities in the USA to Switzerland’s Zurich or Geneva is easy.

There are non-flight flights leaving from New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles every day. Return trips from New York to Zurich will be 7+ hours long (one way) and the fares start at $720 USD. Add 1-2 hours of extra flying time for San Francisco and LA.

Swiss Air flights are available from all the major cities. However, we recommend looking at IcelandAir’s stopover program for cheaper flights (not non-stop). 

For transport, take the Swiss Travel Card. And for some of the days, you can also do a few day tours that cover a guided walk and includes entry into attractions. (We covered that in our budget section).

Traveling from Canada 

Traveling from major cities in Canada to Switzerland’s Zurich or Geneva should not be a problem. The connectivity with Air Canada and Swiss Air is great.

We hopped on a direct flight from Zurich to Canada. Return trips from Vancouver to Zurich will be 12+ hours long (one way) and the fares start at $1080 CAD.

Toronto has non stop flights to Zurich for around the same price, but flight times are a bit better – 8.50 hours+ of flying time. After flights hotels and food will account for most of your budget.

For simplicity of math, if you stay in Zurich for 7 days and take day trips out, which is completely doable you are looking at $1070- 2100 CAD double occupancy for a mid-range hotel. Food, although expensive, is under your control – for 7 days, allot $100 CAD a day.

Traveling from European cities to Switzerland 

We arrived in Switzerland – Zurich from Morocco and at one time also flew from Zurich to Barcelona . Our flight from Fes Morocco was via Lisbon Portugal . So that means, flight connectivity from within Europe is great. TAP Portugal, Vueling Airlines, and other budget airlines all have flights to and from Switzerland.

One way fares from Zurich to nearby countries like Spain , France , Italy, Germany will be anywhere from 2- 3.50 hours and about $100 USD per person. 

Remember Switzerland takes Euros, but their official currency is the Swiss Francs. The currency exchange is almost on par with Euros. Traveling from Morocco to Zurich and comparing the expenses there or with Barcelona and Lisbon – tells you how expensive the country is.

Switzerland trip cost from India – Switzerland packages from India

Flights from major cities in India to Switzerland will average around 40 thousand Indian rupees. Traveling within the country with day tours or discounted passes, plus staying in a 3-star hotel, will roughly cost around 50-60 thousand rupees (just an average. Will be higher for 5-star hotels).

Many tour companies in India have an organized group tour with a 3-star hotel stay for a total of 1.20 to 1.50 lakhs (no meals or shopping, just limited sightseeing plus flights, and hotels). The only thing to keep in mind here is that you will be restricted to set an itinerary of the provider.

If you are planning a trip on your own, you will be spending around the same amount, with a more flexible schedule and control over the budget.

Why do Indian movies aka Bollywood love Switzerland?

For most Indians (count me in), we LOVE gooey romantic heroes singing love songs on snow-covered mountains. Well, that explains why we got married in the mountains in Banff Canada.

Swiss villages and mountain peaks have been a TOP movie location for so many love stories and sagas in India. And no Euro dream is complete without a visit here.

We have been to quite a few countries in Europe, and Switzerland does make it to the list of our favorite places. And the entire country although located in Western Europe is not the same as its counterparts – it is not overcrowded, not dirty and scenic landscapes everywhere!

It does remind me of Canada in some ways and it felt like home.

We hope you enjoyed this one week itinerary to Switzerland. Remember to book your hotels, tickets, and Swiss Travel Pass as you plan your trip. 

Additional Travel Tips – Switzerland 7 day itinerary

Planning your trip to Europe – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our Europe 101 guide.

Schengen Visa – If you require a visa to travel to Europe, most likely it is the Schengen Visa (for those belonging to the Euro Zone or EU, doesn’t include the UK). Read our guide to applying for Schengen Visa.

Packing List – Read our in-depth guide to packing for Europe for all seasons and regions.

Europe Itinerary & Travel Guide  – Read our itineraries from Europe

• Europe – Get our 27 Europe in one week itinerary samples
• Spain : Best of Spain in 7 days
• Central Europe in 2 weeks – Visit Munich, Budapest, Prague, and Vienna in 14 days
• Winter Destinations – Get the TOP destinations to visit in Europe winter for Christmas markets, skiing or winter sun

Pin: Most beautiful places in Switzerland 7 days Itinerary

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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29 Comments

Well Switzerland seems to be a beautiful country. Although I have never been in the country I know of The Swiss Alps and the famous Swiss tennis player Roger Federer. It would be great if I can visit the country I really want to witness the magnificent Swiss Alps and maybe meet Roger in the streets of Switzerland, that would be super awesome.

That beautiful images of Switzerland!

This is such a comprehensive article on traveling in Switzerland! It’s just what I’d use when planning my trip, although I wouldn’t be able to relate To Hindi movie locations 😊 Thanks for sharing.

Great itinerary for Switzerland! I’ve been to most places, but your post reminded me that I must still add Interlaken to my list of places to visit in Switzerland.

Thanks so much!

I really want to go back to Switzerland. This is a great guide!

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!

Truly amazing switzerland! Basel and Zermatt is high on my list!!

Thanks so much!Happy travels!

This is very helpful! Planning to have a vacation trip to Switzerland after pandemic! This 7-day itinerary Switzerland and your blogs are such a big help and great 🙂 Hoping pandemic ends as soon as possible! Looking forward to your next blogs.

Thanks so much! Happy Planning!

I am impressed with the details and that comes with openness and honesty. It is so useful and practical that I will definitely use it for my next trip. What caught my attention is the ‘intent’ of Mayuri to be helpful and practical.

Thank you so much

I am in Germany planning to see all that I can of Switzerland and France. I found your site and learned a lot. Amazing work! Thank you so much for the details and the format of your plans. It was extremely helpful.

Bob AZ, USA

Thank you so much, Bob! Happy travels, and stay safe!

Awesome – thanks for doing this.. exactly what I was looking for – thanks to people like you who devote their time and energies to make it easier for everybody else. Great job.. keep it up.. Well laid out along with hotel recommendations and all the other key necessities for getting and touring Switzerland..

Thank you, Cynthia! I am so glad you found our post useful! Happy and safe travels!

this is incredibly helpful – thank you! just 1 question – just returned from Istanbul which was bustling and looking for a quiet and low-key holiday, is it quite busy/ stressful travelling to so many parts of Swit? Is there a shorter itinerary of the most beautiful/ best places to see? thank you

Thank you, Liliana. The off-season (September onwards) should not be very hectic/busy. Here is a 2-day and 5-day itinerary samples for you to consider!

2 days in Switzerland itinerary (9 Epic Samples)

Perfect 5 days in Switzerland Itinerary (with 5 samples)

Loved this article! We are planning a trip to Switzerland this summer and reading this article was such a confidence booster. We’ve never traveled Europe by train, but I think we can do it with your very detailed itinerary! Thanks so much!!

Wonderful info! Question on abroad travel though – what do you use for internet access on your phone? Or do you just rely on WiFi in cities? Curious because when we visited Iceland we had a portable hot spot with our campervan rental but haven’t been able to find the same thing since.

Hi Chelsea, I had an international data plan from my mobility provider. It included free minutes per day at a set daily rate. For Switzerland, you can also consider this pocket wifi

Hey Mayuri! Thanks for the awesome information. I am planning a trip to Italy and Switzerland in May this year. Is there any other country I can add in this mix, I would have 3 spare days after covering Italy and Switzerland. I have to return to Toronto. Thank you!

I am so glad! You can visit Liechtenstein on a day trip from Zurich. Here is a detailed guide .

If you are planning to stay/explore Basel in Switzerland you can visit France (Colmar/Alsace) or Germany. Read our Basel guide here

Happy Planning 🙂

Hello, I am planning to do a trip to Switzerland in the summer and am following this itinerary or something similar. Day 0: arrive in Zurich and sleep Day 1: do stoos ridge trail hike in the morning and go back to Zurich and explore the town in the afternoon Day 2: Lucerne Day 3: interlaken Day 4: lauterbrunnen/ wengen Day 5: Montreux Day 6: Geneva Day 7: Geneva (day trip to Matterhorn) might skip this due to long train rides in one day Does this seem doable by public transportation in your opinion? Is it too much traveling to do?

Days 0 to 6 sound good and doable using trains. You will be doing 1 to 1.50 hours train ride (one way). If you get the Swiss travel pass your ride to Wengen is also included. 

Day 7: Geneva to Matterhorn will be a long day by train. Even with a rental car to the nearby town of Täsch and then the train to Zermatt will be close to 4 hours. 

So maybe you can do a wine-tasting tour from Geneva or join a day tour to Chamonix and Mont Blanc!

Hope this was helpful!

Happy travels 🙂

Hi Mayuri, Your itineraries are very informative. We’re planning to go to Switzerland in September arriving in Zurich for 6 days, We plan to see Lucerne, Rhine river, mt Pilatus , Brienz lake, Lauter Brennen, lake Thun . so base on what I read we should go to Interlaken, Lucerne, Bern and Gruyeres. Can we just stay at Zurich the whole 6 days? also we want to take the Bernina Express on our way to Milan ( 7th day) to experience the scenic tour. Can you suggest a good itinerary for us? I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much!- Gigi

Thank you for reaching out 🙂 That sounds great! September will be a good time to visit. 

So, for your itinerary, you can visit all the places you mentioned from Zurich. My only suggestion is to check the train schedules from Zurich to Gruyeres- some routes are 3 hours long (one way), so it might be tiring for a day trip. 

Zurich to Bern –  Rhine Falls – Lucerne and Mount Pilatus (each of these places are about an hour’s drive/train ride away so perfect for day trips). 

In Interlaken, take a sightseeing cruise so that you can enjoy the lakes on a short visit.

Day 1: Zurich Day 2: Bern Day 3: Rhine Falls (maybe a day tour, with a chocolate factory visit) Day 4: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus Day 5 – 6: Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen (or Gruyeres)  Day 7: For the Bernina Express, take the train from Zurich to Chur (1 hour from Zurich). You will be in Tirano in Italy in about 4 hours. (Tirano to Milano is 2 hours and 30 minutes – fast trains)

Hope this helps! Happy Travels! 

I am planning to go to Switzerland in the last week of may for my 25th wedding anniversary for 12 days

Can you suggest a leisure itenary with 3 or 4 places( i have chosen interlaken,Zermatt,st moritz,gstaad,lake como and Lucerne )

Kindly let me know the routing for this or feel free to suggest a whole new itenary

Your views and suggestions will be of great help in my planning

Here are a few suggestions for you 🙂

***********

Fly to Zurich, take the train to Lucerne (explore)

Take the train from Lucerne to Zermatt (explore 1-2 days)

Ride the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz (8 hours, perfect for your anniversary)

From St Moritz you can drive to Lake Como Italy (2 hours) and back to Switzerland (day trip. You can also see if the Bernina Express works for you)

************

Alternatively, you can fly to Zurich and then take a day trip to Lucerne (1 hour train).

We explored Interlaken from Zurich and also stayed in the area in one of our trips – you can do either, depending on what you wish to explore.

If you keep Interlaken as a base for 3-4 days, you can add Gstaad and Lauterbrunnen to your itinerary.

Hope this helps! And Happy 25th Anniversary – this is amazing.

Much love and good wishes! Mayuri

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Switzerland Itinerary - 7 Days / 9 days

• March 11, 2021
• Updated on December 28, 2023

Who hasn’t fantasized about visiting Switzerland? Snow-capped mountains, emerald meadows, shimmering lakes, melting glaciers, fairytale castles, and lakeside towns – Switzerland lives up to the hype and will leave you spellbound with its incredible beauty. You can go on spectacular hikes, gorge on luxurious Swiss chocolates, savor hand-crafted cheese, buy quality watches, and engage in thrilling adventure activities – everything you need for a perfect vacation.

Switzerland is a small country, so planning a 7-day or 9-day itinerary should be relatively straightforward. All attractions, however, close around 5 p.m., leaving you with very little time to explore. And, with so much to see and do, deciding on the ideal route can be tricky. The season, starting point, and interests will all influence the itinerary. Get ready for jaw-dropping views, unforgettable adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime. Experience the best of Switzerland with our curated 7-day/9-day itinerary.

Suggested 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary 

Switzerland itinerary, day 0-1:- zurich & rhine falls.

Most visitors to Switzerland kick off their trip in Geneva or Zurich, both of which are large cosmopolitan cities with excellent connections to the rest of the world. Our itinerary starts in Zurich and ends in Geneva. If you arrive in Zurich early, spend the day sightseeing. Zurich is a picturesque historical town with a river running through it. Wander around the old town, window shop on Bahnhofstrasse, visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, or simply relax in your hotel room. The 7-day itinerary begins the following day.

We’re off to Schaffhausen, a small historic town in Northern Switzerland, today. Schaffhausen can be reached in less than an hour by car or train from Zurich. Schaffhausen has beautiful Renaissance buildings and a charming riverside location, but visitors come here to see Switzerland’s largest fall, the Rhine Falls. The sheer force of the falls is truly impressive, especially during the summer when water flows at a rate of 600,000 liters per second in the Rhine Falls basin.

The idyllic villages and surrounding forested areas are gorgeous. Rhine Falls has two sides: north and south. Explore the region and admire the Rhine Falls from various viewing platforms, a cliff-top castle, and the pedestrian bridge. A Rhine Falls Cruise is another popular way to see the falls (April-November). The Yellow Line Rock Cruise is without a doubt the best way to appreciate the magnitude and power of the falls. Return to Zurich and leave for Interlaken the following day. There is a lot to do in Interlaken, and you’d like to start early in the morning. By Train: 2 hours / By Car: 1 hour 40 minutes

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 2:-  INTERLAKEN

Interlaken and Jungfraujoch are two places that appear on almost every Switzerland itinerary. Interlaken is tucked between two emerald lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The popular Swiss resort town is surrounded by three majestic mountains (the Eiger, the Monch, and the Jungfrau), making it an ideal spot for an array of adventure sports. The picturesque neighboring villages add to the overall beauty of the region.

Our first stop will be in Mannlichen. Travel by train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and then by gondola to Mannlichen. Mannlichen is a 2343-meter-high Swiss Alps mountain with incredible panoramas of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you can manage the 15-minute hike up to the summit, you will be rewarded with astounding views of Lauterbrunnen Valley on one side and Grindelwald Valley on the other. Begin your descent to Kleine Scheidegg by walking 3 miles (1.5 hours) from Mannlichen. The ‘panorama trail,’ which provides outstanding views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, is highly recommended.

Take the train from Klein Scheidegg to Lauterbrunnen to see Trummelbach Falls, a series of ten glacial waterfalls thundering down inside a mountain. They are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls, accessible via tunnels, lifts, and illumination. To get to the falls, you can either walk (35 minutes) or take a bus (11 minutes). From the falls, you could return to Lauterbrunnen station or take a train back to Interlaken. If you have the time and stamina, you can also ride a gondola to Murren. Murren is a charming alpine village with stunning views of the three peaks. Continue to Lauterbrunnen to catch your train to Interlaken.

Enjoy your evening by Lake Brienz or visit Harder Kulm, which offers an amazing view of Interlaken and the two lakes. Other nearby attractions include Oberhofen Castle and Beatus Cave. Paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, canyoning, hand gliding, mountain biking, and other extreme sports are available to adrenaline junkies. These activities will give you excellent vantage points from which to admire the jaw-dropping views. Spend the night in Interlaken.

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 3:-  JUNGFRAUJOCH

Start early because we have a long day ahead of us. Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, is located 3454 meters above sea level. The cable car or cogwheel railway can take you to Jungfraujoch. The train winds through the Jungfrau and Monch mountains, providing awe-inspiring panoramas of the mountains and countryside. As you stand surrounded by snow, mountains, and glaciers, the view from the top will take your breath away. Sledding, toboggan rides, skiing, and snow tubing are some of the winter activities available at Jungfraujoch. There are numerous restaurants, chocolate shops, and an ice palace where ice sculptures can be seen.

You could easily spend the entire day there, but we only have so much time, so don’t linger and instead take the train to Grindelwald. A 10-minute walk to the Firstbahn gondola station, followed by a gondola ride, will bring you to Grindelwald-First. The First is an excellent starting point for a variety of exciting activities, including the First Flieger, First Glider, First Cliff Walk, Mountain Bikes, and Trottibike, to name a few. You can walk for 50 minutes one way from First to the pretty Lake Bachalpsee. Return to Interlaken and stay the night in this delightful town.

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 4:-  ZERMATT

By Train: 2 hours 40 minutes / By Car: 2 hours 15 minutes The train departs early in the morning for Zermatt. It is pointless to travel by private vehicle because cars are not permitted in the charming mountainside town. You can walk almost anywhere in Zermatt because it is so small. Zermatt’s main draw is skiing, but the quaint town is worth visiting at any time of year. The Matter Vispa River runs through Zermatt and will captivate you with its jade blue hues. Hiking trails, a bustling town, gourmet restaurants, a touch of history, and plenty more to keep you busy for 2-3 days.

Wander around town to see some of the best Matterhorn views. If you want to see the Alps up close, you must climb higher elevations. Take a cogwheel train to the Gornergrat summit, a rocky ridge that runs alongside the Matterhorn. The 30-minute scenic ride is remarkable, with glimpses of the majestic Matterhorn.

On the way back from Gornegrat, stop at Rotenboden station for a short 15-minute walk to Rifflesee Lake. The lake is a photographer’s dream, reflecting a flawless inverted mirror image of the Matterhorn on its gleaming surface. Because the trains run at 50-minute intervals, you can have a picnic there. Return to Zermatt by train or walk through the town (2 hours). If you want to go hiking or skiing, you have several options depending on your skill level. Spend the night in Zermatt.

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 5:– MATTERHORN GLACIER

You can’t leave Zermatt without taking the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn), which offers some of the best views in the area. The world’s highest 3S cableway brings you 3883 meters above sea level for some incredible 360° views. 14 glaciers and 38 4,000-meter peaks are visible from there. The Alpine wonderland will mesmerize you with its beautiful ski slopes, ice carvings, and amazing Matterhorn and Breithorn views. Glacier Palace looks magical with its colorful frozen sculptures, ice slides, and photo sites – a must-see for youngsters of all ages. Walk around and admire the unending expanse of snow, or dine inside the restaurant with phenomenal views.

On the way back to Zermatt, stop at Schwarzsee for some Instagram-worthy shots of the majestic Matterhorn. If you have time, take the train from Zermatt to Sunnegga and then the gondola to Blauherd. This is the starting point for the famous Five-Lake Trail, three of which mirror the Matterhorn in all its glory. Those with time constraints can stop at Stellisse because it is the best of the bunch and there is no need to make an extra effort to see the others.

If you want to have some fun, take a mountain cart from Blauherd to Sunnega. This is also your chance to spot Wolli sheep – the black-nosed sheep that happens to be Zermatt’s mascot. Take the train back to Zermatt from Sunnegga and spend the evening relaxing in Zermatt. Spend the night there.

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 6:- MONTREUX

By Train: 2 hours 40 minutes / By Car: 2 hours Montreux, a lakeside town near Geneva, offers elegant views of Lake Geneva set against the iconic Chillon Castle and the unspoiled Alps. You’ll appreciate the city’s slow and peaceful vibes as you stroll around the charming town. The sleepy little town comes to life in the summers when tourists and locals flock to participate in the yearly two-week-long Jazz Festival and other summer festivities. After exploring the lake promenade and the town center, make your way to Chateau de Chillon, an 11th-century medieval castle with unparalleled views of the lake and the majestic mountains. Trek to Rochers De Naye for some amazing vistas along the way. Spend the night in Montreux.

Switzerland Itinerary, Day 7:- GENEVA

By Train: 1 hour 5 minutes / By Car: 1 hour 15 minutes Geneva is the capital of the United Nations and a globally recognized city. This is your final day of vacation, so spend it exploring Geneva. A cruise on Lake Geneva is a good idea in Geneva because it is known for its beautiful lakes. Some of the attractions worth seeing are the Old Town, City Centre, St Piere’s Cathedral, Flower Clock, Treille Promenade, Jet d’Eau, and UN Building. Geneva is the best place to shop for luxurious Swiss watches and delectable Swiss chocolates, and you might want to do some last-minute shopping. Time to say goodbye to Switzerland

PS: Our itinerary begins in Zurich and ends in Geneva, but you can try it in reverse as well. If you want to return from the same city, you can easily and quickly reach your port of arrival at the end of your trip. Regardless of which route you take, it should take about the same amount of time.

Suggested 9-Day Switzerland Itinerary

If you have 9 days to spare, you can also visit Lucerne and Mt. Titlis. Check out the 9-day Switzerland itinerary.

Day 0-1: Zurich and Rhine Falls. Day 2-3: Reach Lucerne. Train: 50 minutes / Car: 45 minutes A picturesque town on the shores of Lake Lucerne. After spending a day in Lucerne, go to Mount Titlis the next day. Mount Titlis is a well-known mountain summit that is accessible via a revolving cable car. Day 4: Reach Interlaken. Train 2 hours / Car: 1 hour Day 5: Jungfraujoch Day 6: Reach Zermatt. Train: 2 hours 40 minutes / Car: 2 hours 15 minutes Day 7: Matterhorn Glacier Day 8: Reach Montreux. Train: 2 hours 40 minutes / Car: 2 hours Day 9: Reach Geneva. Train: 1 hour 5 minutes / Car: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Things to know before you travel to Switzerland:

• Switzerland is a very small country. It has an area of 15,940 sq mi extending 220 miles north to south and 216 miles East to West
•  The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc .  The currency is abbreviated as CHF. Merchants may accept Euros but the change given back will usually be CHF. One Euro = 1.1050 CHF and One USD = 0.9300 CHF
• Switzerland is an exquisite location that can be visited all year. Each season has something unique and beautiful to offer. The months of April to August are excellent because the weather is warm and pleasant. Thousands of people visit Switzerland during the winter months to enjoy skiing and water sports. You can choose the best time to visit Switzerland based on what you want to see and do. The itinerary described above is best suited for summer travel.
• Switzerland is one of the world’s most expensive countries. Everything is expensive: food, hotels, trains, and shopping.
• The country has a very low crime rate and is regarded as one of the world’s safest countries. The Swiss are reserved but not unfriendly.
• It is very safe to drink tap water in Switzerland.

• Most people in Switzerland speak English. French, German, and Italian are also used in the country but they are confined to specific regions.
• Weather in Switzerland can be unpredictable with frequent storms, so keep some alternative activities lined up.
• The country has a very efficient and widespread network of on-time high-speed trains that makes traveling around the country very easy and convenient. Download the SBB app if you plan to use the train network extensively. You can check the timetables of trains as well as boats, buses, and cable cars.
• It is a good idea to buy a Swiss Travel Pass. It is expensive but it covers not only inter-city travel but also some free scenic trains, boat cruises, cable cars, public transport, and museum access.
• Driving in Switzerland is simple, but the speed limit is strictly enforced. Road trips in Switzerland are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with jaw-dropping views revealed at every turn. It also allows you to stop wherever you want and take in the lush landscapes.
• It makes sense to schedule your intercity travel in the evenings. Everything, including the shops, closes around 5 p.m., so it’s best to travel during that time and begin sightseeing early in the morning

This Post Has 10 Comments

Cost of this trip please. We are from Cape Town, South Africa Thank you.

Thanks for checking the blog. Unfortunately, I am just a travel blogger and not offering any travel-related services. However, the approximate cost of traveling in Switzerland should be $200+ per person, if you are going mid-range. This doesn’t include the airfare to Switzerland. Hope this helps

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I will be travelling in December 2021 and seeing the winter side of Switzerland.True Canadian who loves winter travel.

Glad you found it useful

Switzerland is one of the best to spend your holidays and its worth it. Love to make plan again….. Nice article and beautiful pictures. please share the cost also so we prepare with it to visit ..

Thank you for this blog, Really useful. Are the every day trips mentioned above is from Zurich?

Really nice blog Thanks for all the tips We are planning a trip there in April 24 We are in age group of 65-70 so may not be able to do some of things . But your blog has given me good ideas to plan our trip . Can you suggest any air bnb at Lucerne or Interlaken Thanks

Thanks! Have no idea about the airbnbs

Hi. I am Anuar from Malaysia. Thank you for your blog. It is very useful. I intend to visit Switzerland in early June 2024. It is still spring during that time, right? What is the name of the rocky mountain appears in the last photo of your blog?

June is a a very good time to visit Switzerland. The last pictures is First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald. i will tag it. Thanks

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Perfect Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days

What to do in Switzerland? Switzerland, a great mountainous country, is perfect for nature lovers’ holiday. Read the perfect Switzerland itinerary 7 days and learn how to spend 1 week in Switzerland with some of the fantastic things to do in Switzerland.

Click here to book your stay in Interlaken, Switzerland – Check Hotel availability and prices. 

Day wise split up – Perfect Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days – 8 Days

• Day 1 : Arrive in Zurich.
• Day 2 : Interlaken – stay at Interlaken – Full Day trip to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch
• Day 3 : Full Day trip to Lucerne.
• Day 4 : Full-Day Trip to Basel via Bern
• Day 5 : Day trip to Geneva from Interlaken
• Day 6 : Day trip to Brienz and Thun and arrive back to Zurich – night stay
• Day 7/8 : Zurich city tour.

Perfect Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days – What To Do in Switzerland?

Click to Buy Switzerland: Swiss All-in-One Travel Pass to Enjoy unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus, boat, and public transport. This ticket is valid for travel on fixed and consecutive days. 

• Book your Train tickets – Rail Europe by clicking here .
• Visiting Italy with Switzerland, then check Venice in One day tour by clicking here.

BENEFITS OF A SWISS TRAVEL PASS? | Perfect Switzerland Itinerary 7 days

• Make your trip to Switzerland as easy as possible with a rail pass that gives you unlimited access to the Swiss train network. 
• Click here to buy a Euro rail Swiss travel Pass .
• Explore the Glacier Express, Golden Pass Line, Bernina Express, and other panoramic train routes.
• Benefit from free entrance to more than 500 museums
• Complete one of the included mountain excursions : Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos
• Save up to 50% on many other mountain excursions . 
• Travel all over Switzerland with a Swiss Rail pass, valid all over the country . 
• You can choose between a 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive day pass .
• This pass includes museum admission, boat rides , and discounts on many mountain excursions. Enjoy unlimited public transport usage and free entrance to over 500 museums across the country. 
• IMPORTANT – The earliest issue date of the Swiss All-in-One Travel Pass is 180-day before the valid date requested
• All travel by train, bus, and boat
• All travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation required and/or surcharges apply)

Perfect Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days – What to do in Switzerland

Visiting Paris with Switzerland then click here to know about 5 Days in Paris Itinerary .

DAY 1 – Zurich arrival and a visit to Interlaken | Switzerland itinerary 

Interlaken is the gem of Switzerland, and due to its fantastic location, many cities and picturesque Alpine towns are about 2 to 3 hours away by train. So it is great to have a stay in this cute town and make all nearby day trips. 

From Zurich International airport, catch a train to Interlaken. The frequency of trains is approximately after every hour. The train ride is paranormal, and I would recommend staying at Interlaken for the rest of your Trip and making day trips nearby.

You can also do a day trip to Interlaken and Jungfraujoch – the top of Europe from Zurich .  

DAY 2 – Interlaken city tour with Schilthorn & Jungfraujoch (Day trip) |  Switzerland itinerary

Explore Interlaken and its nearby areas like Harder Kulm, Schilthorn or Jungfrau.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELS IN INTERLAKEN

• Book a day trip to Jungfraujoch – the top of Europe .
• Book cable car round trip to Schilthorn .

Swiss trains are the best way to explore nearby cities and mountain tops. 

DAY 3 – Lucerne (Day trip) |  Switzerland itinerary

Lucerne is a charming fairy tale city on a picturesque lake surrounded by the Alpine mountain range. Lucerne is known to be one of the prettiest cities in the world.

It is also known as the “ heart of the country ,” with amazing medieval vibes, panoramic views, and Alpine landscape. 

SWITZERLAND VIDEO TOUR 

DAY 4 – Basel & Bern (Day trip) |  Switzerland itinerary

Take a train to Basel from Interlaken.

BASEL  – Basel is located on the Rhine river and is the third-largest Swiss town. It has a fantastic amalgamation of French, German and Swiss vibes due to its location. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELS IN BASEL

Basel is a charming town with cobblestone streets, colorful historic buildings, lovely vintage windows, boutiques, and vintage trams. Basel has unique architecture from various historical times. Explore Basel on foot to experience the old town’s historic buildings dating from the 15th century.

After having lunch at Basel streetside charming restaurants with a view, take a train to Bern.

WHY BERN  – Bern is the capital city of Switzerland . Explore the old town with unique historic buildings and a picturesque landscape backdrop. Bern is known as the city of fountains and famous clock tower. You can also visit the Swiss Parliament if it is open to the public that day. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELS IN BERN

Bern city tour can be done perfectly by walking tours or by public transport – bus and trams. 

DAY 5 – Visit Geneva from Interlaken |  Switzerland itinerary

Take an early morning train to Geneva from Interlaken. 

Why Geneva  – headquarters to UNO, capital for luxury watches and jewelry making, foodie destinations, and Switzerland’s perfect International city. 

Book Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day trip from Geneva

Geneva is located on a beautiful lake, and the confluence of two rivers has a magnificent landscape with majestic historic building structures.

Explore Geneva by foot, or you can take trams or buses to and fro in the city.

If you take a Swiss travel pass, then your bus, tram, and rides are included in your Swiss train tickets for that day you are traveling by train.

DAY 6 – Visit Zurich via Brienz & Thun – Night stay at Zurich |  Switzerland itinerary

• Click here to book your guided tour – Boat tour on Lake Thun .
• Click here to book a Kayak tour of the turquoise Lake Brienz .

Take a boat trip to Brienz and Thun from Interlaken. Brienz and Thun are the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELS IN THUN

Public transport includes boat rides too. So take those boats which are there in your Swiss travel pass. The ship cruises along the scenic route through a stunning -turquoise lake with the backdrop of the Alps. This boat tour is one of the  best things to do in Switzerland  as Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are the  best in Switzerland .

Brienz and Thun are small Alpine villages in the Swiss Alps with amazing turquoise-emerald lakes.

After this boat tour, take a train to Zurich. – Night stay in Zurich

DAY 7 – Zurich city tour |  Switzerland itinerary

Book Zurich city tours in advance

Zurich is located on the Limmat river with a unique historic architectural backdrop.

Book a serene Limmat boat cruise through the old town of Zurich and explore its fantastic beauty.

BEST TIME TO VISIT INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND 

• June to August  – Perfect weather to enjoy nature and the outdoors with an average of 18 deg C to 20 deg C (Peak tourist season). 
• September to November  – The peak tourist season comes to an end, and the weather is still pleasant with some drizzle.
• December to March  – Freezing weather and ideal for winter and snow lovers. Significantly less crowded and so you can find affordable stays too. 
• April to May  – Springtime when winter ends and the Start of Warmer and long days. Tourist season starts, and therefore Many cable car starts operating too. The temperature varies from 7 deg C to 17 deg C . 
• Basically, all seasons of this charming Swiss city are beautiful and worth visiting. So it depends on what season you prefer.
• TIP  – In off-peak season or shoulder season, you can save some money as Switzerland is an expensive country for travel. 

HOW TO REACH Interlaken?

Train  –  Public Swiss rail system  is very well developed, and there are several connections from major Swiss cities to reach this place. There are two stations, Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West (closer to the city center)

Bus  – Many companies like  Bus2Alps, FlorenceforFun , and  mystery tour  runs buses from major cities.

Car  – Drive through  Autoroute A8.

USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW FOR FIRST TIME TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND

• Check for the Swiss Travel Pass   as it has access to free travel by train, bus, and boat. Also, you can reserve some Panaorma Trains within this pass, and it has free admission to more than 500 museums.
• Download SBB App , a great app to plan your Swiss Trip, with interactive train journeys, train timetables, stops, city tours, and many other offers.
• Free Public Transport in various Swiss cities. Just ask for a Public Transport ticket at the reception of your hotel
• Go for one of the Boat Cruises to nearby towns or villages in your itinerary.
• Enjoying the city-center medieval town centers of Swiss cities are recommended as they have lovely and lively city centers.
• Some Panoramic trains or International Trains require reservations in advance, but for general commuting to nearby cities by trains, board the train with a Swiss rail pass or valid tickets.
• Taxis are expensive in this country, and therefore public transport is recommended . The railway stations are always located in the city center or near the tourist attraction.
• Hike some enchanting mountains nearby.
• The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc .
• Though there are four official languages – German, Italian, French & Roman spoken and understood here. People understand English, and there is not a big language problem.
• On Sunday, many shops are generally closed . Also, watch out timings during the noon and after 6:00 P.M. for small-town/cities shopping areas.
• A very safe country with some general precautions to be taken. People here are amicable and welcoming to tourists.

• Tipping in eating joints is not compulsory .
• Water from taps/fountains is safe for drinking .  

I hope you loved reading about the Perfect Switzerland itinerary 7 days and now you know what to do in Switzerland in one week. These are some best things to do in Switzerland and you can plan your Switzerland itinerary easily now.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SWITZERLAND

• Best Places to Visit in Switzerland Tour
• Best 5 things to do in Interlaken Tour

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Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary For A Summer Vacation (From Zurich)

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Home » Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary For A Summer Vacation (From Zurich)

Switzerland is quite a small but also very diverse country in the heart of Europe.

It is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, its clean, crystal blue lakes, and its historic cities.

Switzerland in June is the start of the summer when Switzerland offers countless outdoor activities in the mountains or close to refreshing lakes that make the country an ideal destination for a summer vacation.  

If you only have a week, you will have to choose between the many highlights Switzerland has to offer.

60% of the country’s surface belongs to the Alps, so you will have to overcome some altitude during your trip.  

The best way to explore Switzerland is by train. The rail network is very well developed, and buses go even to the most remote valleys. Meanwhile, public transport is also equipped with free Wi-Fi.  

Tip: For a 7-day trip in Switzerland, I recommend the Swiss Travel Pass , and check out what is the best season and/or month to visit Switzerland .

With this all-inclusive ticket, you can use public transport (bus, train, boat) for free in the whole country.

It also includes free entrance to over 500 museums and you pay only 50% for almost all mountain railroads in the country.  

Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary

For the arrival and the start of your 7-day trip to Switzerland cities of Geneva, Basel or Zurich are ideal.

All 3 have international airports and good connections to the rest of the country.

Although Geneva, on the beautiful Lake Geneva, and Basel, a vibrant city along the river Rhine banks would be great starting points, we will begin our Switzerland 7-day itinerary in Zurich, the secret capital of the country. 

Here is a quick overview of the 7 days:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Zurich (Overnight in Zurich)
• Day 2 – Lucerne & Pilatus (Overnight in Lucerne)
• Day 3 – Bern and Interlaken (Overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 4 – Jungfraujoch & Grindelwald (Second night in Interlaken)
• Day 5 – Zermatt (Overnight in Zermatt)
• Day 6 – Zermatt & Sion (Overnight in Sion)
• Day 7 – Montreux & Departure

Day 1 Zurich

Zurich is one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland in the summer .

If you are looking for countries near Switzerland to visit , Lichtenstein, France, or Germany are easy to reach, however, I would suggest adding at least an additional day to your itineraries to fit it in!

Here is all you need to know for your day in Zurich:

Zurich Overview:   

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland with over 420000 inhabitants. It is also the most important economic and cultural hub of the country.

One of the most famous sights in Zurich is undoubtedly its beautiful Lake. A boat trip on Lake Zurick, no matter how short, is an absolute must on your 7-day in Switzerland itinerary.  

The city’s old town is also a highlight. Here you will find a variety of historic buildings, narrow streets, and impressive churches, such as the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster.

The Fraumünster is known for its stained-glass windows, designed by Marc Chagall, and is one of the city’s most famous works of art.  

Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most famous shopping streets in Zurich and a must for any shopping fan. Here you will find a variety of stores, boutiques, and cafes offering all kinds of goods.  

For art lovers, the Kunsthaus Zürich should be on the agenda.

Here you will find an impressive collection of artworks from the 15th century to the present, including works by Picasso, Monet, and van Gogh.  

Finally, for the sunset, you should go to the Uetliberg, the highest point around Zurich.

Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding mountains. 

How to Get From the Airport to Zurich:

The train ride is 10min. And trains are running every 10 minutes between the airport and the city center. 

Where to Stay in Zurich:

We recommend you stay at the Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind .   

The hotel is in the city center, close to the train station, affordable, and has a chocolate fountain in the lobby! 

Highlights & What To Do in Zurich:

From the train station, you should stroll through the little streets of the old town, on the right side of the Limmat River.

Pass the Grossmünster before reaching the shores and ferry terminal of Lake Zurich.  

Do a boot trip on Lake Zurich. With the Swiss Travel Pass , the ferries are included.

When walking back towards the train station, take the left side of the river, pass by the Fraumünster church, and do some (window) shopping on Bahnhofstrasse. 

From the main train station, you can use the S10 tram to reach the beautiful viewpoint at Uetliberg for sunset.

It is only a 20 min ride to conclude your first day with the best city view. 

Day 2 Lucerne & Pilatus

Here is all you need to know for your day in Lucerne and Pilatus:

Lucerne Overview:   

Lucerne is a city in central Switzerland with about 82,000 inhabitants. It is well-known for the breathtaking Lake Lucerne with its surrounding mountains.

The city’s historic old town is interspersed with picturesque alleys, historic buildings, and impressive, old bridges. One of the most famous ones is the Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century covered wooden bridge.

That city landmark is decorated with paintings from the 17th century.  

The Lion Monument is another important place in Lucerne.

It is a sculpture of a dying lion carved out of rock in 1819 to commemorate the approximately 1000 Swiss soldiers who died in the service of the King of France.  

Finally, Lake Lucerne, which is surrounded by a picturesque mountain landscape.

Here you can take boat rides, swim, or just enjoy the view.  

The latter is best done from Mount Pilatus, the local mountain, which is easily accessible from the city center.

The mountain offers breathtaking views of Lucerne and the lake, as well as a variety of activities such as hiking and paragliding.

How to Get to Lucerne:

The trains from Zurich to Lucerne take 40-50min and you have one every 30 min.

To get from Luzern to the top of Mount Pilatus is as well a journey of approx. 1hrs. First by bus and then by cable car. All rides would be included in the Swiss Travel Pass . 

Where to Stay in Lucerne:

We recommend you stay at The Lubo . This hotel is only 10 walking minutes from the train station and 200m from the lake shore as well as the city center.  

Highlights & What to Do in Lucerne:

Take an early train from Zurich to Luzern. Use the morning to explore the city.

Stroll through the narrow downtown streets and above the famous bridges in the morning.

After lunch, you should take the train to Pilatus Mountain and enjoy a lovely afternoon with the best views of magnificent Lake Lucerne. 

Day 3 – Bern and Interlaken

Here is all you need to know for your day in Bern and Interlaken:

Bern and Interlaken Overview:   

Bern is the (unknown) capital of Switzerland.

The lovely city has a medieval old town, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and should not be missed on your 7-day trip to Switzerland.  

The old town of Bern is a real highlight and offers numerous historic buildings, beautiful alleys, squares, and above 100 small fountains.

One of the most famous sights of the old town is the Bundeshaus, the seat of the Swiss government.

The Zytglogge, a medieval tower with chimes, is also a popular photo motif.  

Another must-see is the Bern Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built in the 15th century.

Here you can climb the tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Alps behind.  

Top tip: Bern sightseeing from the water. The refreshing Aare River makes a scenic loop around the city center.

You can enter the water in the south, let yourself drift to the old town, and get off again at several places. An outstanding and unique experience!  

For a gorgeous view of the city, you should still climb up to the Rose Garden.

This beautiful park is located across the river on a hill and offers the best view of the city.

Here you can also see the famous bear pit, where the animals live in the middle of the city, quite freely. 

How to Get to Bern:

The fast trains from Luzern to Bern are exactly 1 hrs and run every hour. There are slower once more often.  

Interlaken can be reached from Bern as well within a 1 hrs train ride which departs every 30 minutes. All rides are included in the Swiss Travel Pass . 

Where to Stay in Interlaken:

We recommend you stay in Interlaken at the Carlton-Europe Vintage Adults Hotel, only 100m from the train station with breakfast.

Ideal when being on a tide schedule to discover Switzerland in only 7 days and want to continue your journey early morning. 

Highlights & What to Do in Bern:

Take an early train from Lucerne to Bern and explore the beautiful UNESCO city center in the morning.

Stroll through the streets of the old town and climb the steps of the Cathedral for a great city view. If the weather permits, you should swim in the river Aare after lunch.

Alternatively, you can do some shopping beneath the 6km of arcades within the city center or visit the rose garden.

Late afternoon or early evening you want to take the train to get to Interlaken.  

Day 4 – Jungfraujoch & Grindelwald

Here is all you need to know for your day in Jungefraujoch and Grindelwald:

Overview of the Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald:

Jungfraujoch is a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps, located at an altitude of 3,471 meters, making it the highest railroad station in Europe.

The observation deck offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks and the 23km long Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

The trip to Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland and therefore needs to be on your 7- day travel itinerary.  

The journey to that fantastic viewpoint starts in the mountain village of Grindelwald, also known as the gateway to the Alps. From here, you take the cog railroad or the cable car up to the Jungfraujoch.

The route takes you through spectacular scenery, with views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch, the most famous “triumvirate” of the Alps.  

At Jungfraujoch, in addition to the viewing platform with unique panoramic views of the peaks and glaciers, there is an ice grotto to visit.  

The mountain village of Grindelwald is a popular excursion destination, not only for the Jungfraujoch but also for the peaks and viewpoints above the valley. 

How to Get to Jungfraujoch:

From Interlaken, you will need between 1.5 -2 hrs to reach Jungfraujoch. This is including the cable car or train from Grindelwald.

The excursion to Jungfraujoch is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass , but you only pay 50% of the regular price if you have the travel pass. 

Where to Stay in Jungfraujoch:

I would recommend returning to Interlaken Ost in the evening and stay in the same Hotel once again.

Not only, you can leave your luggage behind, but Interlaken Ost is a great starting point for the next stop on your 7-day Switzerland itinerary. 

Highlights & What to Do in Jungfraujoch:

As Jungfraujoch is one of the most visited sights in Switzerland, you want to start early to avoid crowds.

Take the train to Jungfraujoch and enjoy the morning exploring the “top of Europe.”

Remember to bring warm clothes, it is winter there, all year long! 

Halfway back to Grindelwald, in Kleine Scheidegg, you should get off the train and hike to enjoy that fantastic area.

The Panorama Trail is an easy, about 4km long path, taking you to Männlichen, another viewpoint on the beautiful valley.

From there, you take the cable car back to Grindelwald and the train to Interlaken.  

Day 5 – Zermatt

Here is all you need to know for your day in Zermatt:

Overview of the Zermatt:

Zermatt is a picturesque mountain village in the Swiss Alps, known for its breathtaking views of Matterhorn Mountain.

The town is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters and is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

The village is not conveniently located for a short 7-day trip in Switzerland but is a must-see destination, no matter what. 

The Matterhorn is not the tallest Swiss mountain but most certainly the most famous one and one of the most popular sights in Switzerland.

It rises at 4,478 meters above sea level and is known for its characteristic pyramid-shaped peak.  

Zermatt is an excellent starting point for hiking and outdoor activities, around the iconic mountain.  

The most popular viewpoints of the Matterhorn are Gornergrat at 3100m and Klein Matterhorn, at 3883m.

Both viewpoints offer not only Matterhorn views but also views of over 20 other of Europe’s highest mountains as well as several glaciers. 

How to Get to Zermatt:

The train ride from Interlaken Ost to Zermatt will take you approx. 2.5 hrs, depending on the connection. You will have to change trains 2x, in Spiez and in Visp but no worries, trains in Switzerland a very punctual. 

Where to Stay in Zermatt:

Zermatt is not the cheapest place in Switzerland.

Should you have more time I would suggest staying in a hotel in Täsch, the neighboring village 5 km away, but being on a tide 7-day itinerary in Switzerland, I recommend the lovely Alpin Hotel Perren .

It is conveniently located close to all cable cars and the village center and offers fantastic views of the Matterhorn when you wake up. 

Highlights & What to Do in Zermatt:

You will be arriving from Interlaken in the morning. Next to Zermatt train station, you will find the Gornerbahn taking you within 30-min. To the fantastic Gornergrat.

After having enjoyed the amazing views, you should be doing the easy hike to the train station Riffelhaus.

It will take you alongside the Gorner Glacier, the third-largest glacier in the Alps.  

From Riffelhaus you return to the town center and can explore further viewpoints such as Rothorn and Blauherd if time permits.

Alternatively, you can explore the little village center of Zermatt. 

Day 6 – Zermatt & Sion

Here is all you need to know for your day in Zermatt and Sion:

Overview of the Zermatt and Sion:

Sion is a city in the fertile Rhone Valley and the capital of the canton of Valais.

It is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland and is surrounded by picturesque scenery, including the Valais Alps and many vineyards. 

Even from a distance, you can see the main sights of the small town: the Valère and Tourbillion castles perched on the hills above the city.

The Basilica of the Castle of Valeria is a Romanesque small church from the 11th century with well-preserved frescoes.

An important place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the world.

Both castles, some of which are in ruins, can be reached by a short walk from Sion’s old town and are free of charge.  

Sion is also known for its excellent wines and offers a variety of wine tastings and wine tours for visitors.

The city is surrounded by numerous vineyards that produce excellent wines such as Petite Arvine, Amigne, and Pinot Noir. 

How to Get to Sion:

The train ride from Zermatt to Sion will take you a little less than 2 hrs including changing trains in Visp. 

Where to stay in Sion:

We recommend you stay at Hôtel du Rhône . The Hotel is a lovely mid-class Hotel. Conveniently located less than 500m from the train station and the city center. 

Highlights & What to Do in Zermatt & Sion:

Spend the morning in Zermatt.

Take the cable cars from the village center and get to Klein Matterhorn, also called Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for a phenomenal view of a sea of mountain peaks and several glaciers.  

After that highlight trip, you need to take the train and leave that mountain paradise. In Sion, you will enjoy a totally different atmosphere.

Have a glass of Swiss wine in the lovely old town and explore the two castles above the city center.  

Day 7 – Montreux & Airport

Here is all you need to know for your day in Montreux:

Overview of the Montreux:

Montreux is a charming resort town on Lake Geneva in French-speaking Switzerland.

One of the most popular sights is the Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress, located on the lake shore.

The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been used over the centuries as an armory, prison, and barracks.

It has 25 buildings and towers, as well as a large collection of medieval weapons and armor.  

Another highlight in Montreux is the lakeside promenade, which runs along the lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.   

Montreux is also known for its numerous music festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, which takes place every July and attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world. 

How to get to Montreux:

The train ride from Sion to Montreux is about 40 Minutes. It is a fantastic journey through the Rhone Valley along the river and towards the end alongside beautiful Lake Geneva. 

If you can fly out from Geneva Airport, which is much closer, the train ride is max. 1.5 hrs. Back to Zurich Airport, you will have to calculate with 3 hrs. 

Highlights & What to Do in Montreux :

On the last morning of your 7-day Switzerland itinerary, you start with exploring the impressive Chateaux Chillon.

After that, I would recommend a walk along the lake side to get to Montreux city center.

It is a lovely 3km hike. Alternatively, you can take the ferry straight from the castle to the city.

Enjoy a last stroll on the lake shore with views on the alps before heading off to the airport and returning home. 

Final Thoughts on the 7-day in Switzerland Itinerary  

As you have seen, there are lots to do and see and within a week you can only accomplish so much.

That being said, 7 days in Switzerland in Summer will give you a first overview of all the amazing things to do, sights to visit, and mountains to hike and will surely make you want to come back. 

With the August weather in Switzerland being dry and warm, it is a perfect time to visit.

You can certainly do that 7-day itinerary as well by rental car , but it will cost you more time, money, and nerves.

Especially when being on a schedule, you should use the time traveling by train to enjoy nature.

The rides will take you through some amazing scenery.

And you will not have to worry about finding parking spaces or traffic jams, the Swiss trains are some of the most punctual trains in the world. 

Before we go, if you like the sounds of this itinerary but you don’t have 7 days, you might like to check out our

Before we go, if you like the sounds of this itinerary but you don’t have 7 days, you might like to check out our 4-day itinerary for Switzerland instead, or if you prefer we also have an itinerary for 5 days in Switzerland that starts in Geneva.

Further Reading:

Here are some of our other blog posts that you might be interested in when you plan your vacation in Switzerland:

• Find out why Switzerland is beautiful.
• What are things that Switzerland is known for?
• More beautiful places to see in Switzerland
• Most beautiful villages in Switzerland
• Soak up in one of the Swiss hot springs
• Check out the little town of Gruyeres
• Is Switzerland worth visiting?
• 3 best options for travel insurance for Switzerland

Andrzej Ejmont

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Brandy Travel Planner

7 Day Switzerland Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip for 2024!

Are you looking for the perfect Switzerland itinerary for 7 days? Then you have come to the right place! Discover the most beautiful destinations in Switzerland from Lake Geneva and cultural cities to the Jungfrau Mountain.

Excited? Then let’s start your Switzerland itinerary for 7 days!

Switzerland Itinerary for 7 Days: Our Advice

To help prepare you for your 7-day itinerary in Switzerland we have created a list of useful tips:

• The currency used throughout the country is the Swiss franc.
• Switzerland is a multilingual country . Depending on the region, you are visiting you will find French, German and Italian being spoken. For example, in Geneva French is spoken while in Zurich the spoken language is German.
• You will need a valid European license or international license to drive.
• On the highway, the limit is 120km/h . In addition, you will notice that the signs indicating the roads are blue while those indicating the motorways are green.
• It is recommended that you buy a motorway vignette prior to arriving in Switzerland. This sticker is placed in the windshield of the vehicle to replace tolls on the Swiss motorways.

7 Day Itinerary for Switzerland: The Route

Your Switzerland 1 week itinerary will start from Geneva . Since 7 days isn’t a lot of time, when there is so much to see, we decided not to spend time in Geneva. That being said, we strongly recommend that you take a few extra days at the beginning or end of your trip to explore this beautiful city and stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva.

To start exploring this luxurious and charming city you should wander through its historic center. Here you will find the Museum of Art and History of Geneva where you can admire the vast collection of paintings and artifacts. As you explore the old town through its many alleyways, you are sure to see the magnificent Saint-Pierre Cathedral with its Romanesque architecture and impressive stained glass windows.

If you want to get out of the city and enjoy nature then we suggest heading to Lake Geneva to see the famous water jet fountain. A true symbol of the city, this 140-meter jet is surrounded by incredible landscapes of the lake, the Alpine mountains and the city. In addition, in summer, you can relax by the lake, take a kayak or boat trip to really appreciate the natural beauty of the city. Before starting your adventure, be sure to try Swiss chocolate; one of the best in the world!

Lastly, if you would like to add Geneva to your itinerary or would like help organizing the itinerary then I can help. As a Travel Planner, I will do the research and coordinating so you don’t have to. Just pack your bags and I will do the rest.

Day 1: Lausanne 

To start your Switzerland itinerary for 7 days you will have to drive 1 hour from Geneva to reach the city of Lausanne. Also located on the shores of Lake Geneva, it is one of the country’s major cultural cities. While here we recommend that you visit the Olympic Museum where you will discover several objects from the Olympic Games such as medals and the Olympic torches. You will also be able to try several of the sports for a great activity for friends and families.

Next you should explore the historic center of the city which has remained intact for centuries. As you stroll along the cobble stone streets, you can admire all the medieval architecture which will transport you back in time. Worth visiting is the Lausanne Cathedral and its Gothic architecture which dates back to the 13th century.

Lastly, you should absolutely visit Lake Geneva , a real must-see destination in Switzerland. The best way is to go pedal boating, kayaking or even water skiing. For those wishing to admire the alpine landscapes, your best option is a boat trip where you will have an exceptional view of all of Lausanne as well as the turquoise water of the lake and the Alpine mountains in the distance.

Day 2: Bern

The next stop of your Switzerland 7-day itinerary will be the country’s capital. Located a 1h20 drive from Lausanne, is the culturally rich, historical city of Bern. A must see is The Bear pit; a symbol of the city. The city has been welcoming these beautiful animals since 1513 and has created a 6000 m² park in the heart of Bern for them to evolve and explore.

Also worth visiting is the old town of Bern where you can stroll along its commercial street to arrive at the clock tower, the “Zytglogge.” This 16th-century clock puts on an elaborate show each hour that will even impress children.

Bern has various museums for you to discover that are filled with numerous works of art by famous Swiss and international painters. For families, we suggest visiting the Museum of Communication . This interactive museum offers various exhibits that you can interact with as you learn about the history of communication; perfect for all ages. 

 Day 3: Zurich

After a 1h30 drive from Bern, you will arrive in Zurich to continue your Switzerland itinerary for 7 days. For all history buffs, Zurich is the perfect destination as you can explore The Swiss National Museum to learn about the art, civilizations and history of the country.

In Zurich you will find a variety of unique themed museums that you may not find in many other countries such as the Watch Museum and the FIFA Museum . Among the most popular is the Lindt Chocolate Museum where you will have the opportunity to try chocolate from a nine-meter high chocolate fountain .

If you want to get away from the city center of Zurich, we suggest you go to the top of the Uetliberg . At 870 meters you will have a magnificent view of the whole city , its lake as well as the Alpine mountains on the horizon. Lastly, before leaving, you must try the Swiss national dish: fondue. This interactive meal is fun for the whole family as you dip pieces of food or bread into a hot pot of sauce or cheese.

Days 4 and 5: Lake Lucerne and Lucerne

It is after 55 minutes of driving that you will arrive in Lake Lucerne to continue your Switzerland 1 week itinerary . Located next to the charming city of Lucerne, this central Swiss lake is one of the most beautiful in the country. Surrounded by mountains, it is the exceptional destination for all hiking enthusiasts.

Among the paths to discover is Waldstätterweg where you will enjoy a panorama of the vast natural landscapes of the mountains bordering the lake. Lasting 4 hours and 45 minutes, this medium-difficulty hike will take you around Lake Lucerne .

To discover this incredible lake, you can embark on one of the five historical steamboats of the city. During this excursion you will have a remarkable view of the different landscapes offered by this glacial lake. Also, if you are looking for a unique experience we recommend going scuba diving where you will descend more than 80 meters under water to discover the many wrecks present at the bottom of this lake.

Lastly, you have to visit the city of Lucerne before leaving. This city is filled with medieval architecture and canals of clear waters, which makes it a relaxing place to explore. Other must-sees are the many museums, Jesuit Church, Gütsch Castle and the Chapel Bridge of Lucerne; the symbol of the city.

Days 6 and 7: Interlaken and Jungfrau

For the last couple days of your Switzerland itinerary for 7 days you will head to Interlaken, an hour drive from Lucerne. Located between the two lakes of Thun and Brienz, the charming and picturesque city of Interlaken is a dream destination in Switzerland for outdoor enthusiasts. With a wide variety of activities available, there is sure to be an adventure for everyone.

To take advantage of the fresh water of these two lakes you can swim or relax along the natural beaches of Interlaken. For a better view of the snow-capped mountains that surround the city, you can rent rowing boats or a pedalo.

For the more adventurous among you, you can explore the Jungfrau . For this we suggest hiking the Harder Kulm trail . After two hours of hiking, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the mountain peaks of the region. Among them you will find the Jungfrau, the Eiger or the Mönch , the three emblematic mountains of Interlaken. For a more relaxing journey to the top, you can take the funicular to enjoy this exceptional view.

Finally, your Switzerland 1-week itinerary will end with a 2h40 drive to return to Geneva. If time permits we suggest stopping in the city of Montreux to discover one of the magnificent towns that borders Lake Geneva .

Switzerland 7 Day Itinerary: The Conclusion

There you have it! Our Switzerland itinerary for 7 days to discover the best destinations in the country. However, if you find this itinerary is too short or is missing some destinations then let me be your Travel Planner and create a personalized trip for you based on your interests and budget.

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The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Written By: Seraina Zellweger

City Guides , Switzerland

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Visiting Switzerland for the first time is exciting. You’re frantically putting together a bucket list in your head and you can’t wait to start packing. But planning a Switzerland Itinerary can be overwhelming.

All the places you’re going to see. The people you’re going to meet. The foods you’re going to eat. But every trip also comes with its burning questions that need answering. 

How much time should you spend in Switzerland ? How do you get around? What are the highlights you can’t miss? And what’s even realistic to see and do in the time available? 

Table of Contents

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

• Day 1 – Zurich, Kapellbrücke in Lucerne, Bern
• Day 2 – Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Jungfrau
• Day 3 – Interlaken, Golden Pass, Montreux
• Day 4 – Gruyeres, Broc Montreux, Zermatt
• Day 5 – The Matterhorn, Domodossala, Locarno
• Day 6 – Canton of Ticino, Stone Bridge of Lavertezzo, Maggia, Verzasca
• Day 7 – Ride the world’s longest train tunnel, Lake Como, Zurich

If you’re planning a one week trip to Switzerland , let me help you with some of those issues. The following Switzerland itinerary is doable within seven full days and includes a bit of everything Switzerland has to offer. If you are looking for a longer Switzerland Itinerary, we have mapped out the Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip here.

The Swiss Alps , lakes, scenic train rides, chocolate, cheese, and charming towns. Just to name a few. This seven-day itinerary starts and ends in Zurich , the main entry point to Switzerland for visitors arriving by plane.

But with Switzerland being such a small country, you could technically start and end in any other city as well. Sound good? Let’s dive in. 

One Week in Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Zurich – Lucerne – Trubschachen – Bern

Day 1 Switzerland Itinerary highlights:

• spend half a day in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
• walk across the iconic Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• stuff your face with free Swiss biscuits
• enjoy the pretty night views over Bern, Switzerland’s capital city (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Morning – Zurich

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own or join a free walking tour. Those run daily at 11:00 AM and cover all the hotspots of Switzerland’s largest city.

Alternatively, you can check out the Niederdorf (old town of Zurich), the Lindenhof park (great views over the city and the River Limmat), busy Bahnhofstrasse (Zurich’s main shopping street) and of course Bellevue by the lake, on your own.

Technically, you even have the option to explore the city by bike. A service called “Züri rollt” rents out free bikes, which is extra handy as it lets you cover more ground in less time. Around midday, or after the walking tour, grab a small takeaway lunch and have it on the train to Lucerne. ( You’ll understand why it needs to be small in a minute. )

Read more: Things to do in Zurich / 3 Days in Zurich

Insider tip:

For the best views over Zurich, head to the Polyterrasse, the terrace outside the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

It’s not far from Zurich main station and you can either walk or catch the Polybahn, a funicular taking you right to the terrace.

Short Stop in Lucerne

Since you’ve still got a bit of ground to cover today, you won’t have much time in Lucerne. But it should suffice for a stroll through the old town, take in the views of Lake Lucerne, and a walk across Kapellbrücke, the iconic wooden footbridge in the centre of Lucerne. Read more: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland

Insider Tip:

• When you’re at the platform in Lucerne, please check the display to make sure you catch the right half of the train.

What I always do at the Kambly store is head to the savoury section every now and then. It helps to fit in more of the sweet stuff.

Trubschachen – Kambly factory store

After an hour or two, continue your journey to Trubschachen, an innocent little place that’ll give your sweet tooth the time of its life. This inconspicuous village is home to a family business that dates back to 1910.

The Kambly family has been making some of the most iconic Swiss biscuits for over a hundred years.  And trust me. They know what they’re doing.

The Kambly factory store, which you’ll find right next to Trubschachen station, is free to visit. In here, you can spend as much time as your heart desires tasting up to 100 different types of delicious biscuits. ( And now you know why you had to keep that lunch to a minimum …)

Unfortunately, you can’t visit the heart of the factory or watch the production of their tasty creations. However, they do  have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insights into this traditional family business. After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two bites before, move on to Bern. 

Evening – Bern Switzerland

The direct train leaves once an hour and takes around 45 minutes to arrive in Switzerland’s capital city. There might not be much left of today, but depending on what time you get to Bern, you could still fit in a quick stop by the bear park or a trip up to Rosengarten for its impressive night views. After all, the best way to digest a Kambly overdose is to walk it off.

The train to Trubschachen gets split up along the way and only the front part travels through the picturesque Entlebuch region to your culinary destination.

Day 2: Bern – Interlaken

Today’s highlights:

• visit the adrenaline-packed and popular town of Interlaken
• enjoy a day jumping off planes, cruising across a lake or whatever else your adventurous heart desires
• Hang out at Jungfraujoch – the top of Europe

To squeeze the maximum out of your time in Interlaken, I suggest you leave Bern right in the morning.

The train ride to Interlaken takes just under an hour, which gives you almost a full day to explore the place everybody wants to visit when coming to Switzerland.

As a local, I try to avoid Interlaken as it gets super busy and completely swamped by tourists. But there’s a darn good reason for that. Interlaken is conveniently located for all sorts of fantastic outdoor adventures and spectacular mountain excursions.

You’ve got more options to choose from today than you can wrap your head around.  It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit. If you want to spend time in Interlaken there are many activities that will get your adrenaline flowing. And your wallet is bleeding. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4-Day Itinerary

• Paragliding

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

A more budget-friendly option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave. 

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either

• Giessbach Hotel (Lake Brienz)
• the Beatus Caves
• or the town of Spiez (Lake Thun)

As if that wasn’t enough, the Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste. 

Afternoon: Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody dies to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe.  Unfortunately, this spectacular ride is a real budget-strainer.  Expect to pay up to 210 CHF (197€ / 220 USD) for a return trip. 

In case you’re after a slightly less expensive alternative, look into visiting Mount Schilthorn instead. The ride up the cable cars and the panoramic views from the top have equal potential to take your breath away. Read more: Spectacular Switzerland, a Visit to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

But there’s more to do in Jungfrau

Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen , two quaint little mountain villages in a stunning setting, are close to Interlaken as well. And let’s not forget about the Aare Gorge, the place where the River Aare makes its way down from the glacier toward Lake Brienz.

Ok, I better stop listing your options here as this will only make you quit reading and decide to spend all week in Interlaken. And we wouldn’t want that. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4 Day Itinerary

Swiss Travel Passes

• If you travel by a Swiss Travel Pass or an Interrail / Eurail Pass, your train and boat rides are fully covered.
• Rail passes are valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days
• Includes Unlimited travel on Swiss Rail, bus, boat and public transport in cities
• Free entrance to more than 500 museums
• 50% off most mountain excursions
• However, you pay extra for the Jungfraujoch train and the gondola ride to Schilthorn.
• The travel passes entitle you to a discount between 25% and 50%, though.

Day 3: Interlaken – Golden Pass Line – Montreux

Day 3 highlights:

• ride parts of the famous Golden Pass Line, one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland
• visit the popular Château de Chillon
• grab a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO)

Time to leave Interlaken already. But don’t worry. The Golden Pass Line, which is one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland, has plenty of mesmerizing views in store for you. It connects the centre of Switzerland in Lucerne with Montreux by the shores of Lake Geneva.

Today, you’ll be travelling from Interlaken to Montreux , which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the Golden Pass Line.  The first leg takes you past Lake Thun to Spiez and finally into Zweisimmen, where you’ll transfer to a different train.

Morning: Train Journey Through Switzerland on Golden Pass Line

That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland, my favourite part of the Golden Pass Line, begins. 

This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about.  Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.  Too bad you can’t hop off along the way, but you need to keep going if you want to make it to Lake Geneva today. 

After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Bienvenue…

Afternoon: Montreux

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux and depending on what time you arrive, you might still have a few hours to explore the area.  Read more: Montreux and its Musical Legacy

The main spots I recommend are the famous Château de Chillon, an old castle by Lake Geneva, and of course the Lavaux vineyard terraces, which are only a short ride west of Montreux. To fully experience the gorgeous views of this UNESCO World Heritage site, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards. 

Cheers to a relaxing night after a long day on the train.

Insider tips:

• The Golden Pass Line is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass as well as the Eurail and Interrail Passes.
• You can complete the Golden Pass Line without making a reservation. However, their customer service recommend booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get fairly busy during high season. Costs vary between 5 and 8 CHF per person.

Day 4: Montreux – Gruyères – Broc – Montreux – Zermatt

• eat lots of Swiss cheese and chocolate
• hang out in the quaint little village of Gruyères

Morning: Gruyères

What’s a trip to Switzerland without visiting a cheese or chocolate factory?  Exactly. So today, you have the option to do both. After breakfast, store your bags either at the train station in Montreux or ask if you can leave them at your accommodation for the day.

Then catch the train to the slightly touristy yet wonderful village of Gruyères. You might recognise parts of the journey from yesterday. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon is served by regular regional trains as well as the Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can get a bit crowded. But like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a medieval castle.  And cheese. Lots of cheese. 

Gruyères Medieval Castle

The main attraction in Gruyères is the medieval castle, which is open for public and costs 12 CHF to enter. But the hidden cobblestone alleys and the countless souvenir shops also tend to have people stick around longer than they expected. 

Gruyère Cheese Factory

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station and for a small entrance fee, you can watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included. 

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes.

After exploring Gruyères and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler .

La Maison Cailler

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a looot of free samples. 

Probably more than you thought you could handle. Definitely more than I could handle the last time I went…

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to move on to Zermatt for the night.

Evening: Zermatt

This final ride takes around two and a half hours and if you leave Montreux in the early evening, you’ll make it to Zermatt just in time for dinner.  Provided you find any room for it…  Also read: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do

• The part between Visp and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave three times daily and are only for people with a reservation.
• However, there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation.
• The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.

Day 5: Zermatt – Domodossola – Locarno

Day 5 Highlights

• explore the popular mountain town of Zermatt with Switzerland’s most iconic mountain: the Matterhorn – aka Mount Toblerone. Read more: 5 Lakes Hike Zermatt – Incredible Matterhorn Views
• spend half a day enjoying the mountain setting in and around Zermatt – Read more: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do
• take a short trip to Italy before embarking on another scenic train ride back into Switzerland 

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1.620 feet) across the valley.  Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see those mountains the easy way, I recommend heading to Gornergrat. 

After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3.089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn. Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

Afternoon: Journey to Locarno

Try leaving Zermatt at the latest around 2 or 3 in the afternoon because your journey to Locarno takes more than four hours.

After your transfer in Brig, the onward train continues to Domodossola in Italy. This particular ride isn’t too pretty as you’ll be spending most of it in a tunnel. But that shouldn’t bother you too much as the next leg of the journey is beyond stunning from start to finish.

As you travel through the impressive Centovalli region – which stands for one hundred valleys – you’ll pass several charming villages with old stone houses, ride across tall viaducts and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall or two.

You’re probably going to laugh now because your final station today is called  Locarno FART . An unfortunate name, I know. It’s short for F errovie  A utolinee R egionali T icinesi and translates to “Regional Railway of Ticino.” Any questions? 🙂

• The Swiss Travel Pass and the Interrail / Eurail Passes are valid on the rides through Italy as well.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Locarno, you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket.
• This beauty lets you use public transport in the whole Canton of Ticino for free for the duration of your stay and gives you several additional discounts. 

Day 6: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

• spend a day exploring the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s warm and sunny south
• swim in crystal clear and freezing mountain rivers or one of the two big lakes
• have some of the finest pizza and ice cream – Italian style

Get ready to explore the Italian part of your Switzerland itinerary in all its glory. With the abundance of activities to choose from, you won’t get bored today. Also read: Things to do in Lugano and the Ticino Region of Switzerland

First up, I recommend you head to one of the two river valleys: Maggia or Verzasca . Both are fantastic for hiking, spending some time by the river or going for a refreshing swim.

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. 

Suggested Things to do

My favourite place is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo. If you prefer calmer waters over cold mountain streams, head to Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. Both lakes provide you with more photo and swimming opportunities than you can imagine.

In case you’re one of those adrenaline junkies, there’s always the 007 bungy at the end of the Verzasca valley. You might have seen this 220-metre (720 feet) dive in the James Bond movie Golden Eye .  If you decide to throw yourself off that wall, please send me a picture. I’d love to see that…

Other popular destinations in Ticino, apart from Locarno, are Lugano and the inspiring little artsy town of Ascona right next to Locarno.

Ascona is definitely worth a visit and if you’re after some delicious pizza and ice cream, it’s the perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner. You can taste the proximity to Italy in any restaurant here.

I’m aware that one day isn’t anywhere near enough to cover all of these activities. That’s why you’ve got another day here until you return to Zurich tomorrow.

• The Canton of Ticino is a highly popular holiday destination for the Swiss. If you travel during school holidays, please make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
• The peace and quiet in the Verzasca and Maggia valleys can be deceiving. As soon as it starts raining further up in the mountains, those streams become a dangerous force of nature.
• Please check the weather forecast before you head out .
• In case it does rain further up, keep a safe distance from the water and don’t take a nap on one of the cosy boulders inside the river.
• People have been surprised by the enormous mass of water and died. I’d hate for you to be one of them.

Day 7: Locarno – Zurich

Day 7 highlights:

• ride through Gotthard Basistunnel, the world’s longest train tunnel
• spend another day in the Canton of Ticino
• take a short trip to Como in Italy

Spend this final day ticking off whatever’s still on your list from yesterday. Alternatively, leave Switzerland again and hop across the border to Italy. 

Not far from Lugano lies the idyllic Como region, the place where George Clooney and other celebrities got married. If you’re curious to find out what Mr. Nespresso saw in this part of the world, today’s your chance. 

The two main spots I recommend visiting in the area are the  city of Como or the village of Menaggio . Both are situated by the shores of Lake Como and will instantly enchant you with their laid-back atmospheres. For the most accurate information on how to get to Menaggio, I suggest you consult with the tourist information in Locarno, Lugano or Como.

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Locarno and onward to Zurich.  Thanks to the 57 kilometres (35 miles) long Gotthard Basistunnel, which is currently the longest train tunnel in the world, you’ll be in Zurich within two and a half hours. Happy travels

And this concludes our little one-week itinerary through Switzerland. I hope this has given you some inspiration and helped you answer a bunch of your initial questions. 

Train Travel in Switzerland

By the way, you probably noticed I didn’t talk about rental cars in this post. With the fantastic network of public transport that Switzerland is blessed with, there’s really no need for a car. Almost every village, no matter how small and remote, is accessible by train or bus.

This is why I recommend buying yourself one of the two travel passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail for Europeans, Eurail for non-Europeans) for the time of your stay to enjoy your flexibility. Bon voyage.

Explore more Switzerland Travels

• Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip
• The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
• 7 of the Best Things to do in Basel, Switzerland
• Our Best Switzerland Pictures
• Unique and Crazy Things to do in Switzerland
• Switzerland Travel Guide

If you enjoyed this Switzerland Itinerary, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning .

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Seraina Zellweger

Seraina Zellweger is a devoted budget traveller who’s been around the world and back. As a native Swiss, she’s made it her mission to give fellow backpackers tips on how to visit Switzerland on a shoestring.In her latest project, she's created a series of guides with itineraries for Switzerland , ranging from 2 to 14* days. For more information, Follow Seraina at LostInSwitzerland / Facebook / Twitter

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16 thoughts on “The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary”

Oh Seriana this looks amazing! My son & I have chosen Switzerland for a week vacation together!! this itinerary sounds great! can you recommend places to stay on this week trip? Thank you so very much! Julie

Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary – My family and I will be visiting mid September 2023 and we are going to follow this route – Thank you so much very kind of you

Where should we stay during this trip? Your help is much appreciated!

Thank you once again Ateka

Really nice schedule. Looking to follow this when I visit Switzerland with my family this summer. To follow this schedule, can you please comment on which city to stay in to make the most use of the time? Thanks.

Great Information! Thanks a ton. Switzerland is undoubtedly blessed with mother nature 🙂

Fab list – but no Geneva? I used to live just across the border in France from Geneva and loved the area (on both sides of the border). Lac de Geneve is well worth seeing and perhaps going on a cruise around. Plus you know – awesome shopping! Gruyeres is another of my favourite spots. Besides all the cheese, I loved the HR Giger museum. Did you visit? If you like the Alien movies it’s definitely one to include on the to do list.

Hello Reeva

Thank you for your comment. Yes, Lake Geneva is fantastic and Gruyères definitely also packs a ton of charm. I’ve visited both places several times and love them. But with Switzerland being blessed with so many awesome destinations, it’s basically impossible to fit everything into a 7-day itinerary;-) That’s why I had to make some cuts. But at least I managed to add parts of Lake Geneva by putting Montreux on the list.

Never heard of the Alien place, though. Thanks for the tip!

All the best, Seraina

I’m glad you like the itinerary and good on you for having Switzerland on your bucketlist. That’s a first step 🙂 I also hope you’ll one day get the chance to come over. All the best, Seraina

Thank you for your comment! Yes, Switzerland certainly is a beauty and despite it being such a small country, there’s heaps to discover. I’m glad you like the article 🙂

Thank you for your comment and yes, I absolutely hope it’ll inspire people to come over to Switzerland once it’s safe to travel again 🙂

Switzerland is the heaven on earth and there are so many things to explore in Switzerland. This blog is more than sufficient to tall you about the beauty of Switzerland.

Thanks for sharing this amazing article!

What an amazing itinerary! I have always included Switzerland on my bucket list for too long! Thanks for this post, now I’m really excited and encouraged to travel there! I hope I can finally get the chance to be there and live every wonderful moment that there is!

Thanks so much for the post Seraina, Switzerland has been on my bucketlidt for sometime but due to being so far away and the high costs of the country I’ve been putting it off for some time.

I absolutely love how you’ve captured the enchanting nature of the locations and inspire the wanderlust, with equally stunning photography.

Thank you Kaylini for your lovely comment! I really hope one day you can make it to Switzerland, despite our high prices. There are some great ways to save money and it will definitely be worth it 🙂 Take care, Seraina

Switzerland , a dream destination of most of the people and your this article can make someone more excited to visit.

Really Amazing When I read your Blog I Feel that I am really Visiting Switzerland Very Informative

Thanks Paul, I’m glad you like the post. And hopefully, you can one day visit Switzerland for real 🙂

Everything Dee

Petite Travel Blogger

Incredible 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary – How to Spend December in Switzerland

Switzerland has been on my bucket list for awhile now. It’s filled with so many beautiful cities and it’s a country you can visit during anytime of the year. We wanted to go away on vacation in December and thought Switzerland was the ultimate winter wonderland getaway. We spent seven incredible days in Switzerland and got to explore the cities of Zermatt, Grindelwald, Interlaken, and Zurich. In this guide, I will be sharing a 7 day Switzerland itinerary in these four cities and all the details on how you can spend a week in December in Switzerland.

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Overview

• Day 1 – Zermatt
• Day 2 – Zermatt
• Day 3 – Zermatt
• Day 4 – Interlaken
• Day 5 – Grindelwald
• Day 6 – Zurich
• Day 7 – Zurich

How to Get to Switzerland

There are two major airports in Switzerland: Zurich and Geneva. You can choose either one depending on the first spot in your itinerary. In this 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary, our first stop will be Zermatt. Each airport is about a 3 hour train ride to Zermatt. If Zermatt will also be your first stop, you can book whichever flight is the cheapest. I landed in Geneva and departed from Zurich.

How to Travel Around Switzerland

For getting around Switzerland, you can either rent a car or take public transportation. I recommend using public transportation. Public transportation like trains and buses in Switzerland is so easy to use and super convenient. And the train rides in Switzerland are some of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The scenery is absolutely incredible.

Switzerland offers the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card that I highly recommend getting if you are visiting multiple cities in Switzerland.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass? It is an all access ticket that allows unlimited use of Switzerland’s public transportation. This includes trains, buses, and boats. You even get free entrance to more than 500 museums and up to a 50% discount on most mountain excursions. Purchase the pass here! You just have to select the number of days. They have 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day options. And please note that this is unlimited travel on fixed and consecutive days.

What is the Swiss Half Fare Card? The Swiss Half Fare Card provides unlimited half price tickets on trains, buses, and boats. You also get up to 50% discounts on most mountain excursions. This card has a validity of one month. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here!

If you are deciding between the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card, the best way to decide is to look up prices of all the transportation you will be doing in Switzerland. I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass if the total amount is more than the Swiss Travel Pass. If half the total amount of transportation is more than the Swiss Half Fare Card, I recommend getting the Swiss Half Fare Card.

For this itinerary, I recommend using the Half Fare Card. If you plan on taking longer and more expensive train rides, the Swiss Travel Pass might be best for you!

Language in Switzerland

Even though Switzerland is a small country, did you know it has four official languages!!

• German – most of the country speaks Swiss-German (north, east and central Switzerland)
• Italian – this is spoken in some parts of South Switzerland
• French – this is spoken in the west and south (including Zermatt and Geneva)
• Romansh – spoken by few but still an official language that you will find in the southeast
• English – not an official language but most people speak English!

It was cool exploring Switzerland and noticing the official language changing depending on the city we were in! But we never had a hard time communicating since almost everyone we spoke with knew English.

7 Day Switzerland Itinerary: Details

Day 1: arrive in geneva / take train to zermatt.

Transportation Info: 2 hours 55 minute train from Geneva to Zermatt

If you arrive in Zermatt in the afternoon, you may have time for a few activities! You can explore Zermatt village and check out the different shops. I recommend grabbing hot chocolate at Petit Royal . It is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had!

Right before sunset, you can walk to Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint (you can put that exact name in Google Maps). It’s about a twenty minute walk from downtown. You will have to walk up a bunch of stairs, but you will get to see the most amazing view of Zermatt and the Matterhorn.

Day 2: Spend the Day in Zermatt

Matterhorn glacier paradise + gornegrat.

One of the best things to do in Zermatt is to see two incredible vantage points – the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the view from the Gornegrat ridge. The PEAK2PEAK Ticket ticket allows you to see both in one day!

We started with a gondola ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It takes you to 3,883 meters above sea level and then you take a lift to a 360 degree viewing platform. It is a beautiful glacier paradise. At the peak, you can also find a cinema lounge, food, ski slopes and even hiking trails on the way to the top.

The advantage of the PEAK2PEAK ticket is you don’t have to go all the way back down to go back up to the Gornegrat. You can take the cable car to Riffelberg and then change there to go up the Gornegrat railway.

Please note that the the Peak2Peak Ticket is available in July and August and from November to April. And if you are going in the winter, I recommend wearing layers because it is freezing up there!

Try Swiss Fondue

After spending a day in the mountains, when you get back to Zermatt, I recommend trying Swiss fondue! The traditional way is a mix of Swiss cheese and white wine. It is mainly served with bread, but you can also pair it with potatoes, charcuterie, mushrooms, and cornichons (pickles). I wasn’t the biggest fan because it has an alcohol after taste. It might have been the restaurant we went to so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. But it was a cool experience and a must-try in Switzerland!

Hotel in Zermatt

The hotel we stayed at in Zermatt was BEAUSiTE Zermatt . This boutique hotel is beautiful and has an amazing view of the Matterhorn. The staff is super nice and friendly. The breakfast and lunch is so good and I highly recommend visiting their spa! We went to the spa in the morning and had the pool to ourselves!

Day 3: Morning in Zermatt / Take Train to Interlaken

Transportation Info: 2 hour train from Zermatt to Interlaken

On your last morning in Zermatt, you can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and relax at your hotel spa! The spa is usually less crowded in the mornings and sometimes you can have the whole place to yourself. Carl and I love busy itineraries, but we also love making time to relax throughout our vacations. We spent our last morning in Zermatt hanging out at the hot tub and taking in the view of Zermatt and the Matterhorn one last time before we left.

Now it is time to visit the next city in Switzerland, Interlaken. Interlaken is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps and lies between two lakes, Thun and Brienz – hence the name! Interlaken is also a great home base for exploring the central region of Switzerland.

Once you arrive in Interlaken, you can walk around the city, explore, and grab dinner.

Day 4: Spend the Day in Interlaken

Interlaken is filled with so many things to do. There are amazing hiking trails to explore. You can take a day trip to Jungfraujoch , which is known as the Top of Europe. If you are up for an adventure, paragliding is also a very popular activity in Interlaken!

Chocolate Making Class in Interlaken

A fun activity Carl and I did in Interlaken was making our own chocolate! We took a chocolate making workshop class with the Funky Chocolate Club . It was so much fun!

The class is 90 minutes and started off with talking about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. We got to try all different types of chocolate – cocoa bean, cacao nibs, various percentages of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and even red chocolate made from ruby cacao beans!

We got to make three chocolate bars and chose either milk or dark chocolate. Carl and I made ours with dark chocolate! After selecting the chocolate, the first step is tempering the chocolate. We have to stir it until reaches 30 degrees Celsius. Then, you pour the chocolate into a funnel that you use to fill three chocolate bar molds. After filling the chocolate molds, you get to decorate! You have the option to decorate with icing and an array of different toppings.

After you are done decorating, the chocolate bars take about an hour to cool. You can either walk around the city or hang out at the Funky Chocolate Club’s cafe and try something from their menu. I recommend their hot chocolate or chocolate covered strawberries!

Day 5: Day Trip from Interlaken to Grindelwald

Transportation Info: 45 minute train from Interlaken to Grindelwald

On your second day in Interlaken, you will be taking a day trip to Grindelwald. Grindelwald is a beautiful mountain town in the Jungfrau region. It is the perfect city to visit for all the awesome outdoor activities.

We stayed one night in Grindelwald, but found the town to be quite small and not enough things to do at night. I recommend staying in Interlaken and just visiting Grindelwald for the day.

Sledging in Grindelwald

Today, we will be going sledging! Carl and I are not snowboarders or skiers, but we still wanted to do a fun snow activity. Sledding in Switzerland is totally different from the sledding we are used to doing as kids! It’s enjoyed by both adults and children. It is so much fun and really gets your adrenalin going!

There is a sled run in Grindelwald called the Jungfrau Eiger Run. It’s a 2 mile trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete (can take longer if there are more people). And you are surrounded by the most incredible views!

The season starts end of November and ends mid-April depending on the snow conditions. It is 58 CHF for a one day sledding pass. You can buy your pass here! They also have options for multiple days. This pass will give you unlimited access for the day to hike and sled in the Jungfrau region.

How to get to the Jungfrau Eiger Run? From Grindelwald, you can take a taxi or bus to the Grindelwald Terminal. From the terminal, you will take the Eiger Express to Eigergletscher, where you will begin the sled run.

Where to rent sleds? You can rent sleds at the shop, Intersport. One is located at the Grindelwald Terminal. It costs about CHF10 for one day’s use.

Day 6 + 7: Take Train to Zurich / Explore the City

Transportation Info: One hour and 33 minutes train from Interlaken to Zurich

It is time to travel to your final destination in Switzerland….Zurich! Zurich is such a beautiful city with so much history and things to see! It is one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland. You will find luxury shops, historic streets, and a beautiful waterfront. I recommend spending at least two days on your 7 day Switzerland itinerary in Zurich to explore the city

Here are the top things that you can do in Zurich, Switzerland :

Walk the Historic Street of Augustinergasse

Augustinergasse is one Zurich’s most beautiful historical street. I love the colorful buildings and how it feels like you are in a fairytale. You will find a mix of local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Visit a Chocolate Shop: Laderach + Confiserie Sprungli

You can’t visit Switzerland without buying their famous Swiss chocolate! The two most popular chocolate shops are Laderach and Confiserie Spruengli . We got a sample from both to compare! They were both really good but Spruengli was my favorite!

Explore Altstadt (Old Town)

One of the main things to do in Zurich is to explore Altstadt, also known as Old Town. It’s filled with picturesque buildings and charming cobblestone streets.

Explore Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s expensive shopping avenues.

Church of St. Peter

The Church of St. Peter in Zurich has the oldest church clock face in Europe!

Grossmünster

Grossmünster is an iconic church in Zurich to visit. It sits along the Limmat River. I love the medieval architecture design.

For the best photo, I recommend walking across the river.

Fraumunster Church

Fraumunster Church is another stunning historic church to visit that is located in Zurich’s old town.

Check out the views at Lindenhof Hill

Lindenhof Hill is a nice quiet park that overlooks the city. You will get great views of Zurich and the river.

Zurich Christmas Markets

If you are planning this trip in December like I did, I highly recommend checking out Zurich’s Christmas markets! Here is a list of the ones you can visit:

• Zurich Train Station – Christkindlimarkt
• Werdmuhleplatz Christmas Market
• Niederdorf Christmas Market

Currency and Credit Cards

Since Switzerland is not part of the EU, they use the Swiss Franc. Credit cards are widely accepted so we actually never used cash which was super convenient.

Packing Tips

Check out my Winter Vacation Packing Guide to get a list of items to pack for your trip and tips on what to pack for a cold weather trip.

Hope you enjoyed my 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary!

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12 comments.

Thanks for sharing your experience of Swiss visit during December !!! Did u visit any christmas market? How’s night life there on christmas eve? Total budget? Thanks for sharing your experience of Swiss visit during December !!!

I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my experience! My favorite Christmas market I visited in Zurich was Christkindlimarkt at the Zurich Train Station. We weren’t there for Christmas Eve so I’m not sure how the night life would be on that night, but Zurich is magical during the holidays! This was our honeymoon so we did splurge a little bit on this trip 🙂

Sorry I missed it, but where did you stay in Interlaken and Zurich? Recommend? Ty!

For the hotels in Interlaken and Zurich, we only stayed at each hotel for one night. In Interlaken, we stayed at the Boutique Hotel Bellevue. It was a nice hotel and we loved the location since we were able to walk everywhere. In Zurich, we stayed at the Sorell Hotel St. Peter. This was also a nice hotel! We enjoyed our stays at both of these!

Hello Deanna!

Thank you for sharing your experience and all these info. I wonder, how expensive is it? i am thinking of going there for my 35th birthday. I was wondering what would be my budget if i went for those exact 7 days.

Hi! I’m so glad you enjoyed my post! Visiting Switzerland for your birthday will be amazing! Depending on which hotels you book, your budget will probably be between $3,000-$5,000.

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Hi Deanna – just wanted to let you know I used your article for so much inspiration (with a few changes). My first stop was Montreaux, but then went to Zermatt. Stopped at the coffee shop you recommended as well as got a spa pass for the day at Beausite (the rate was a bit too high to stay there). Then went to. Interlaken – we LOVED the chocolate making class. Then on to Zurich. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Hi Kelly! I am so happy to hear that!! I’m so glad you had an amazing trip!

I am so happy I stumbled across your blog! I’m currently planning a trip to Switzerland in December. This gave me so really good ideas and the confidence I can do this on my own without the expense of a travel agent.

My concern is luggage. Is luggage allowed on the trains?

That makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad you found my post helpful! Luggage is allowed on the trains. There are luggage racks on the train that you can put your luggage on or you can just have them next to you. My husband and I each had a large suitcase and a backpack and it was always easy bringing them on the trains. Feel free to ask me any other questions while planning your trip!

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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.

Pssst! Check out this AWESOME travel bag!

The Nomatic 40L is the best travel bag on the market, perfect for weekend trips or month-long adventures!

Featuring multiple compartments for clothes, shoes, laptop, water bottle, RFID-protected pocket, and more.

It’s designed to fit the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage so you’ll never have to spend money on check-in baggage again!

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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The GRAYL GeoPress is a top-rated reusable water bottle perfect for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.

It allows you to purify water from anywhere and keeps you safe from all waterborne diseases.

Get a GeoPress today and never buy single-use plastic bottles again. Mama Earth will thank you for it!

#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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Plan Your Perfect Summer 7- to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary With Kids

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With experiences on land, lakes, and in the air, this 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids this summer has something for everyone! Nestled between Germany, France, Austria, and Italy, you will find the charming country of Switzerland. Famously known for its chocolate, cheese, and of course, the majestic Alps, it’s a fantastic destination on many families’ travel bucket lists. Even though it is a small country, it’s still packed with culture, charm, and kid-friendly activities! But how to begin to plan a Switzerland itinerary with kids? This article covers how to plan a fun-filled 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids and what to expect, including stunning scenery and plenty of activities for all ages. From the chic, cosmopolitan city of Zurich to the country’s Jungfrau region, your family will surely find some fantastic locations to enjoy. Keep reading to find out more! 

Fly to Zurich

If you’re wondering about the best way to reach Switzerland with kids, keep reading! It’s common for families to fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH) , as it’s the largest international airport in Switzerland. Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is about 8 miles north of Zurich’s city center, making it very easy to get to your hotel after landing. It’s also very modern, with many services and facilities for families to enjoy upon arrival. Be sure to exchange some money once you arrive, grab your rental car or hop on the train, and head on your way. 

Oftentimes flights from the U.S. arrive in the morning, so you may have the whole day to explore. Hopefully, your hotel will accommodate you to drop your baggage off so you can begin exploring the city of Zurich!

RELATED : Best Hacks & Products For Sleeping On Long International Flights With Kids  

A Perfect 7- to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids

Looking for the ultimate family adventure that’s packed full of breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and endless opportunities for exploration? Then buckle up and get ready to Plan Your Perfect 7- to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids! With so many wonderful travel opportunities in Switzerland, this itinerary only scratches the surface of the best places in Switzerland with kids. Feel free to mix and match your favorite train rides, cogwheel excursions, lakeside towns to mountainside villages, and many thrill-seeking adventures! Lastly, this is a great itinerary for those looking to experience the best of Switzerland and explore several lovely Swiss cities and towns with kids.

Here are 13 Amazing Towns and Villages To Visit With Your Family In Switzerland !  

Day 1: Take in the City of Zurich

As your family may experience jet lag for a night or two, it’s best to start your Switzerland itinerary in Zurich , Switzerland’s largest city. Depending on how much energy you have, drop your bags off at your hotel and wander the beautiful cobblestone streets of old town Zurich. 

Head toward Bahnhofstrasse , which is a famous shopping street. Take in the old buildings, luxury shops, and boutiques as you meander toward Lake Zurich . As you continue to stroll around, head over the Quaibruecke and cross the Limmat River as you make your way toward Fraumunster Church . Don’t miss the famous stained-glass windows by artist Marc Chagall!

If the kids are begging for a break, be sure to stop in a Swiss cafe and bakery to enjoy an energy boost as you continue your stroll through the old town. You can also stop by one of the many famous chocolate shops; some of the most popular are Spruengli and Confiserie Teuscher . Add Grossmunster Church, another iconic Zurich landmark, as you walk toward Niederdrof.  

Niederdorf is a lively pedestrian area where you can explore the narrow streets and alleys in this area of town and admire many of the historical buildings. Don’t miss the Haus zum Rueden , the Helmhaus , and the Zunfthaus zur Hause. Be sure to take in St. Peter’s Church , where you can climb the tower to get a great view of the city and the surrounding area before you find the perfect restaurant to enjoy your first Swiss meal. Maybe you will choose Bratwurst, Roesti, or even a Fondue.

Other Things to Do in Zurich with Kids

Families with more time to spend in Zurich should visit the Swiss National Museum just outside of the Old Town. This museum is a great starting point for your family to learn more about Swiss culture and the history of Switzerland. Your kids will love seeing the variety of artifacts and costumes in the various exhibits at this family-friendly museum. After your time at the museum, let the kids run around and play on Lindenhof Hill, where you can all enjoy the beautiful Zurich skyline. There’s also a Roman fort for kids to explore.  

If your little kids love zoos, add the Zurich Zoo to your Switzerland itinerary with kids. The beautiful 90-year-old zoo offers 380 animal species, including savannah and rainforest enclosures and an aquarium. All of this in a seeming oasis that can easily be reached from the heart of the city. This could be one of the best places in Switzerland for kids to visit while in Zurich!

On a rainy day, pop your head into the small, but wonderful Spielzeugmuseum , or Toy Museum. This kid-friendly museum offers a large collection of toys from different time periods, and your little ones will delight in seeing dolls, trains, and board games from times past. Or, duck into one of the many restaurants and cafes to choose from as well along Limmat River, where kids can feed the swans and parents can people watch. 

Another great option on a rainy day, or just to experience Swiss chocolate, is to tour the Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory . You can enjoy a tasting and a tour at one of the most famous chocolate factories in Switzerland, located in Kilchberg, just outside of Zurich. 

Where to Stay in Zurich with Kids

Wondering where to stay in Zurich with kids? The city has several family-friendly accommodations, including Widder Hotel , Storchen Zurich , and The Dolder Grand . Alternatively, Zurich Marriott Hotel is another excellent option.

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Hotels In Zurich: Where To Stay For A Memorable Vacation With Kids

Day 2: Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls, Munot Fortress

After a good night’s sleep, everyone will be ready to head to a new location on your Switzerland itinerary with your kids. Hop on the train or drive toward Schaffhausen , where you will spend the day at the powerful Rhine Falls . Once you arrive, be sure to visit the visitor center, where you can learn about the history and geology of the area and the falls. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits as they learn more about the history of the area.

Plan to take a boat ride, where your family can ride to the large rock near the middle of the falls where the powerful, cascading water will spray your family! This will be sure to provide for a fun family memory and picture opportunity at one of the best places in Switzerland with kids. 

Then, warm up and dry off a bit as you stroll through the town of Schaffhausen to grab a traditional Swiss meal for lunch. Afterward, get a sneak peek at one of the most beautiful Townhaus of Switzerland, Haus zum Ritter . If you have more time in your afternoon, add Schaffhausen’s landmark, the Munot Fortress , to your visit to the area. From the fortress, you can get a view of the city and the River Rhine. If you stay until 9 p.m., you will also delight in the sounds of the Munot Fortress bell ringing for 5 minutes, hand-rung for those 5 minutes just like it has been done since 1589.  

Additional Activity: Rhine Falls Adventure Park 

If your family wants a more adventurous experience, enjoy the Rhine Falls Adventure Park , which offers activities for your thrill-seeking family members. Balance from tree to tree on fifteen different courses and even plunge in free fall from a 13-meter platform! The Big Swing will dare you to swing in the middle of the forest. For unforgettable views of the Rhine Falls, check out the flight on the “Panorama Express.” There are truly so many wonderful ways to spend the day in Schaffhausen on your Switzerland itinerary with kids! 

RELATED : Top 8 Family-Friendly Destinations in Austria for an Unforgettable Vacation With Kids

Day 3: Lucerne

Lucerne is a must-stop for families on your 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids! This picturesque city, with the historic Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument as its backdrop, is perfect for families looking to discover the charm of central Switzerland. 

Lake Lucerne is picturesque and offers many options for boat tours. A short one-hour tour will suffice if you are short on time with your 7-day Switzerland itinerary with kids, but if you have more time, a longer trip is well worth it. Taking a boat tour of the lake gives a different perspective of the region while you can see many of the mountain tops, enjoy the breeze and see many of the Swiss towns and villages along the way. 

Make a stop in Vitznau for its beautiful view of Mount Rigi. Take a historical twist, and ride the first mountain railway, which opened in 1871; the Vitnau-Rigi Kulm cogwheel railway . This starts right at the shores of Lake Lucerne, so it is a perfect addition to your boat ride. Children up to the age of 16 travel for free with an accompanying adult on six of the Rigi railways . Add a stop at one of the playgrounds at Rigi Scheidegg, Rigi Burggeist , and Rigi Kaltbad so your kids can stretch their legs and visit one of the best places in Switzerland with kids. To add a family hike , pick one of the thematic trails, such as the Gnome Trail or the South Side Safari. Enjoy beautiful scenery, playground and hikes, and a relaxing boat ride back to Lucerne.  

Other Things to Do in Lucerne with Kids

If your time in Lucerne is cold and rainy, don’t despair! The Swiss Museum of Transport is a top museum for kids to explore and one of the best places in Switzerland for kids. Your family can learn about different forms of transportation, including planes, trains, and automobiles. The planetarium and film theater offers a special experience as well.

Or, visit the Glacier Garden , the perfect spot for your kids. Young children to teenagers will enjoy a journey back in time. Enter the portal that transports you to a petrified seashore where you will see fossilized seashells and palm fronds or discover the huge potholes in the Lucerne sandstone. For an extraordinary experience, be sure to take your family through the mirror maze. This maze is inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The labyrinth offers an illusion of the Moorish palace and garden, and through the maze, you will encounter yourself again and again in a fun and confusing way.

With teens, consider taking a bike tour around Lucerne. It’s a wonderful way to see the beautiful city and adds a little spice to your vacation. There are also many rental shops in the city or even guided bike tours if that is more your style. Teens may also enjoy a visit to the Picasso Museum , which is located in a beautiful old building that is worth visiting on its own. 

Additional Activity: Nature and Animal Park Goldau

If you have time to add a day to your Switzerland itinerary with kids, stop in Goldau at the Nature and Animal Park Goldau . Nestled in the heart of a stunning Swiss valley, this park is home to over one hundred animal species that roam free within their natural habitats. One favorite among kids is the animal free-range area, where you can feed sika deer and mouflons. Or, a visit to Blue Pond to feed the water birds and fish. What a unique family experience you don’t want to miss!

Day 4: Mount Pilatus  

If you have another day in Lucerne, add a ride on the cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus ! From Kriens, ride a series of two panoramic gondolas and a cableway to get to the top of Mt. Pilatus. This is one of the best places in Switzerland for kids for a fun adventure for both young and old alike! The fun-filled ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and the lake below. Find playgrounds, hiking trails, ropes course, and even the longest toboggan run in Switzerland along the way. There’s also a small ropes course that is perfect for young children at the first station, Kriendseregg. 

If you’re traveling with older kids or are looking for more of an adventure, head up to the second station, at Fräkmüntegg , where you will find the more advanced ropes course. This is also where you will find the longest toboggan run in Switzerland, Fräkigaudi . What a thrill to ride down the mountain, past the grazing cows! The cowbells are music to the ears and quintessentially Swiss. 

Days 5+: The Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau region is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland and is a must-see on your Switzerland itinerary with kids. It consists of two valleys near Interlaken: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The highest mountain in this region of the Berner Oberland is Jungfrau, and then notably, Eiger and Moench also dominate the region. The draw to the area is hiking, mountain biking, and many extreme adventure sports, such as paragliding or skydiving, as well as quintessential villages that are picturesque and truly depict Switzerland. Here are some mix-and-match ideas to plan days 5 through 10 of your Switzerland trip itinerary with kids.

RELATED : What To Pack For A European Vacation With Toddlers

Interlaken , literally meaning “between two lakes”, is the perfect stop for your next adventure in Switzerland. It’s also a fantastic option to make your home base while visiting the Jungfrau area. Outdoor adventures abound in this region, where you can hike, spend time on the water, and even paraglide off the mountainside. If you spend the day in Interlaken and breathe in the surrounding beauty, you will want to add these places to your visit!

Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kathryn Skondin, Amanda Short

Learn how to make chocolate from the finest and attend a chocolate-making workshop for kids and adults at Funky Chocolate Workshops . You can even make your own chocolate to take home. What a delicious gift to give someone back home, but likely it won’t make it that far!

If you are looking for information about the traditional architecture and way of life of different regions in Switzerland, visit the Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg in Brienz, about a 20-minute drive from Interlaken. Kids will love to learn about traditional crafts, see farm animals, and play in the children’s area.

If your trip didn’t allow for a ropes course experience on Mt. Pilatus, visit the Ropes Park Interlaken . With a children’s course as well as higher routes, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Add some fun with the zip lines and the swings throughout the course. Be sure to make a reservation!

Murren and Allmendhubel

Murren is a charming Swiss village without cars. Perched on an alpine balcony with pastures surrounding the village, it’s a beautiful place to spend an extra day on the Switzerland itinerary with kids. Enjoy the village, and then from Murren, visit Allmendhubel . You can easily spend the day here with the whole family. The best way to reach the area is by taking the cable car from Murren, where you will be awed by the views!

Explore the Flower Trail , a nature trail that is both educational and fun for the family. The trail is full of colorful local flowers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Learn about the flora and fauna of Switzerland by reading the descriptions along the way. The trail cuts through cow pastures, so watch out for cow pies!

Any energy the kids didn’t expend on the hike, they can burn off on the swings, slides, and other play equipment near the trail. Water the cow, and have the kids try to “milk” the cow or stack the cheese rolls on the playground. It’s a great place for outdoor fun or even to enjoy a family picnic Swiss style. Pack some sausages and rolls from the local market while in Murren in your rucksack, and be sure to try a Morenkopf. Your kids will thank you for it. If you would rather, you can also enjoy a Swiss meal at the adjacent mountaintop restaurant.  

Lauterbrunnen

Photo Courtesy: Irina Simon, Laura Snoek

Another great home base to explore the Berner Oberland Region is Lauterbrunnen , a scenic village surrounded by soaring alpine peaks. With easy access to all the region has to offer, it’s a beautiful place to stay.  

Near Lauterbrunnen, you can find another UNESCO world natural heritage site. If you want a grand experience or have older kids, add the Trummelbach Falls to your Switzerland itinerary with kids. These falls could be the best place to visit in Switzerland with kids! The Trummelbach Falls is a series of ten subterranean waterfalls fed by the meltwater of Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau. They are easily accessible; however, you do have to be in good physical shape to visit them. There is an elevator, but you’ll miss seeing all 10 of the waterfalls. Plan your trip accordingly. Also, the noise and the power are incredible to experience, so any who may be sensitive could plan another outing for the day. The Trümmelbach waterfalls are truly a unique experience to add to your Switzerland itinerary with kids!

Best Hiking in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland for Families

If hiking in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland is on your family bucket list, be sure to check off some of these family-friendly hikes. This list is not exhaustive but is a great starting point for the region. Of course, before you set off, check the weather on the day of your hike and bring various layers, enough food, and water, as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.

Here Are Our Top Picks for Hiking in Switzerland with Kids:

• The Lauterbrunnen Valley Hike is a perfect hike for families with younger children, as it’s only around 2.5 miles. See the mountains and a waterfall on your hike, a feature that always draws children’s interest. This is a trail that doesn’t require any access with a gondola, so it’s a perfect choice if you need to focus on your budget. Plus, there’s a paved path, so you can easily add a scooter or a bike if your kids’ legs need a break from hiking.
• If you decide to head to Kandersteg , take the gondola up to Lake Oeschinesee . This is a perfect area to picnic in the summer. Bring some sausages and fresh bread from the bakery on your picnic, and pack some Gruyere. Not to mention, a Swiss pocket knife and picnic like the locals! Be sure to try a Landjaeger sausage and Cervela; these are local specialties that you do not want to miss.
• Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is a beautiful approx. 2-hour hike through alpine meadows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. This is a hike that can be done from either direction. If you choose to end in Mannlichen, your children can play on the playground with amazing cow slides!
• Wengen is another great option for hiking. The North Face Train, the most popular hiking trail in Wengen, offers panoramic views of the valleys and mountains alike. It’s just over a 5-mile hike with a steep start. The views of Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau are absolutely spectacular, though!

Additional Activity: 1 or 2 Days in Wengen

If you have an extra day to spend in this region of Switzerland, stop by Wengen . This is a quaint area full of adventure and offers lots of fun for families! Paragliding is a popular activity here, with many companies to choose from. It’s also a wonderful way for those adventurous at heart to see the beautiful scenery from a different perspective. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydiving is also available in the area. Both of these jaw-dropping adventure thrills would add to your itinerary in Switzerland. 

For those who are looking to stay on the ground, mountain biking or trotti biking are wonderful options. For adventurous families that want to keep their seats closer to the earth, check out the First Mountain Cart . Or, for those who decide to head to Grindlewald, your family may enjoy the First Glider or the First Flyer . 

For a unique adventure, try the Via Ferrata in Wengen. This is not for the faint of heart! Your most experienced thrill seekers can sign up for this activity. Walk across a tightrope above the Lauterbrunnen Valley or a rushing river,  or you can even walk across a wobbly, narrow suspension bridge. If this sounds like fun for one of your family members, be sure to add it to your Switzerland itinerary.

Additional Activity: Thrill-Seeking Adventure for Families in Jungfrau

For a full day of adventuring and hiking, take the cable car up to Jungfraujoch , a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Aletsch Glacier. This awe-inspiring journey will take you through glistening glaciers, sparkling snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking Alpine landscapes. Snow crunching underfoot and chilly air blowing on your face, you will not be disappointed by the long-range views. Plus, kids will love a tour of the Ice Palace to see the sculptures. What a day to spend at the Top of Europe! 

READ NEXT : 17 Best Mild Weather European Destinations For A Family Summer Vacation

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this guide on how to Plan Your Perfect 7- to 10-day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids! Whether you want to learn more about history or take in epic views via a hike, this European country has many unique experiences to offer a family on their travels. Undoubtedly, this mix-and-match itinerary style will guide you in your planning, giving you the flexibility needed to customize the experience to your family’s preferences. Enjoy your trip to Switzerland with your kids! 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

Ultimate Germany and Switzerland Itinerary (7-14 Days)

HOW TO SEE GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND IN 7-14 DAYS

Table of Contents

Germany and Switzerland are both fascinating countries to visit  – both offer diverse attractions and activities. You surely cannot go wrong with planning a Germany and Switzerland itinerary to see some of the most beautiful places in Europe. Given the geography, it is quite easy to visit both countries on one trip, one after another. 

And though Switzerland is not part of the EU, it is part of the Schengen Agreement. This will allow you to visit it if you have a visa for the EU. So, today I share my favorite tips with you so that you can have a fantastic trip to Germany and Switzerland. Whether you visit for 7, 10, or 14 days – this itinerary for Switzerland and Germany will help you plan your trip.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

So, as a German and Switzerland enthusiast, I share my tips for having an amazing time in Switzerland and Germany.

HOW TO GET AROUND SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY

Driving in Germany

• The streets are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well. However, there are a lot of construction projects on the motorways which often result in traffic jams.
• There are many motorway streets without speed limits, but many do have a speed limit you should stick to (speed cams are placed throughout the country). There are no tolls for cars in Germany.

Public Transportation in Germany

• Getting around via trains and buses is actually easy and, overall, okay in Germany. The trains are not always on time, some connections might be canceled, and it isn’t cheap. However, compared to places that do not have any train service, I guess we Germans should consider ourselves lucky.

Driving in Switzerland  

• Mountain streets are usually a bit more challenging, but overall, I looooove driving in Switzerland. The roads are mostly well-paved and safe, and people drive well.
• Check out my post with  driving tips for Switzerland .

Public Transportation in Switzerland  

• You cannot go with when choosing public transportation in Switzerland.
• Trains and buses are punctual and reliable. And the window views are out of this world.

TIP: If you plan to get around via public transportation, make sure to check out the Swiss Travel Pass, which is perfect for tourists.

• There are different Swiss Travel Passes available regarding flexibility and duration.  Flexible passes allow you to use the pass for a certain amount of days within one month or the regular, more affordable option, which means you have to use the pass on consecutive days of travel.
• Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is quite expensive but it will pay off.
• You can use buses and trains without any extra costs .
• Also, most boat cruises and some mountain excursions are included.
• The Swiss Travel Pass also covers most museums and entrances to castles .
• The great thing about it is that you never have to worry about finding parking spaces and instead use buses and trains. 
• Click here to find the rates for a Swiss Travel Pass.

COSTS OF TRAVELING TO GERMANY + SWITZERLAND

Prices always depend on where you stay, what kind of accommodation you choose, what mode of transport, and more. It is almost impossible to give numbers, but I will try (though it is very vague).

If you are a mid-budget traveler and travel with someone, you should expect to pay 120-250€ per person per day. This includes public transportation and eating out (in Switzerland, you should try to go vegetarian, as meat prices are high) but no alcohol.

The costs in Switzerland will probably be much higher if you eat out each day and use a lot of cable cars. Check out my tips for Switzerland on a budget here .

If you are on a budget, you can travel for less (assuming you stay in hostels and cook for yourself at least once in a while) – but public transportation or renting a car will always be quite high.

ARE SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY SAFE?

If you are a solo (female) traveler, you will be happy to hear that Switzerland and Germany are great to travel alone, and there are no extra precautions I take – except for avoiding dodgy areas (especially at night) and watching my surroundings. Just keep your eyes open and exercise common sense, and you should be fine as both are quite safe travel destinations overall.

MORE TIPS FOR GERMANY + SWITZERLAND

• Bring your reusable water bottle and refill it at the hotel, etc. You can just refill your bottle with fresh mountain water from fountains in the southern parts of Germany an d Switzerland . Unless it says “KEIN TRINKWASSER, “ – then don’t drink it.
• Tap water is fine in many places.
• If you don’t like “Sparkling water,” then shy away from “Wasser mit Kohlensäure” and ask for “still” water. You will not get free tap water with your food (you might get a little glass of tap water if you order an espresso).
• If you buy water bottles in Germany (or soft drinks in bottles or cans), you have to pay a small deposit of about 0.25€, which you will get back when you return it to any supermarket.
• Credit and debit cards are accepted widely. However, in smaller shops and villages, that might not be the case.
• You cannot pay at some ticket centers with your credit card, so always have cash on you (American Express is, unfortunately, not as widely accepted as Visa or MasterCard).

SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS

• Munich – 1- 1,5 Days
• Neuschwanstein Castle & Füssen – 1 Day
• Lucerne – 1 Day
• Interlaken – 3 Days

Travel Time Around 12 Hours in Total

With only one week in Switzerland and Germany, I focus on destinations that are very close to each other, so travel time is reduced. But these places are still stunning – so there is no compromise on the beauty, just on travel duration. However, to see some of the best places these countries have to offer, you will need to travel to some degree.

MUNICH – 1-1,5 DAYS

Munich is a perfect starting destination – with a big airport and many trains arriving in Munich, it is easy to start international travel here.

From lakes, and parks to museums, historical sites, and shopping opportunities: Munich has something for everyone. It is one of Germany’s biggest cities, so there are tons to do and see, but in this case, I suggest spending only 1 or 1.5 days in Munich.

THINGS TO DO IN MUNICH

• Visit Marienplatz
• Rest at English Garden
• Visit Munich Residenz Palace
• Check out Viktualienmarkt

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE & FÜSSEN – 1 DAY

Then, early in the morning, continue your journey. The crowds will come, so early in the morning is really the best time to leave Munich).

One of the most beautiful and gorgeous pieces of architecture must be the Neuschwanstein Castle, south of Munich. However, it is very popular amongst visitors from all around the world, so be prepared to rub shoulders with many of them.

Spend the afternoon and evening in the cute town of Füssen and have dinner here before continuing your journey to Switzerland.

Tip: Since prices in Füssen (which are quite high for Germany) are still cheaper than in Switzerland, I suggest spending the night here.

Even with so few days in Germany, it is a perfect day trip as it is also close to the Swiss border.

THINGS TO DO IN/AROUND NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE & FÜSSEN

• Get to Marienbrücke
• Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
• Walk around Alpssee (lake)
• Visit Hohenschwangau Castle
• Learn at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings
• Check out more tips for Schloss Neuschwanstein here

You will have to skip many gorgeous places in Germany. However, in Switzerland, you will find out what “beyond breathtaking“ scenery really means.

LUCERNE – 1 DAY

Traveling from Füssen to Lucerne, whether by public transportation or car, will take several hours. One day in Lucerne is not a lot, so make the most of it by not arriving late.

Lucerne is one of the prettiest towns in Europe . Whether you come here in winter or during any other season, this place doesn’t disappoint.

Nestled between the Swiss Alps , this town offers the chance to have a city trip while being surrounded by stunning nature. That is also why I preferred Lucerne over Zurich for this itinerary.

After exploring the old town (and the famous Chapel Bridge) and marveling at the unique and historic buildings, you can add a mountain excursion for the afternoon.

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

• Explore the old town
• Pass Chapel Bridge
• Visit Lion Monument
• Enjoy the Views from Mount Rigi
• Spend time in Mount Pilatus
• Here are more Lucerne travel tips

INTERLAKEN / JUNGFRAU – 3 DAYS

Then it is time to head to the final destination – may I introduce you to my most favorite area in the world? 

The train ride , or drive, from Lucerne to Interlaken is scenic. If you take the train, make sure to take the Luzern-Interlaken Express (not all train rides have the same route and the Express trains are normally the most scenic ones).

If you road trip, plan in some time at Brüning Pass and have a cold drink while parking your car and enjoying the views.

Then spend the rest of your time in one of the most unique destinations in the world, where you will have an abundance of stunning lakes, mountain peaks, cute towns and villages, and more. Yes, I meant Interlaken.

There is surely no shortage of activities. And while Interlaken itself is cute, the scenery is actually what makes this place amazing. 

I have spent many weeks in Interlaken – and I am sure, I will never tire. Check out my post on top activities to do in Interlaken for more tips.

THINGS TO DO IN INTERLAKEN IN 4 DAYS

• Visit Oeschinensee (see picture) above
• Explore Thun and Lake Thun
• Go up Brienzer Rothorn and Lake Brienz
• Explore Lautrebrunnen
• more tips for Interlaken

With that itinerary, you will see some of the most beautiful places in Germany and Switzerland in only 7 days.

10 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY ITINERARY

• Munich – 1,5 Day
• Eibsee or Rothenburg ob der Tauber – 1 Day
• Zurich – 1 Day
• Lucerne – 1,5 Day
• Interlaken – 3,5 Days

Travel time is around 12 hours (with Eibsee) in total or 17 hours (Rothenburg ob der Tauber)

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER – 1 DAY

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is north of Munich and also further away from Switzerland. However, this detour is actually well worth it.

Rothenburg is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. What this actually means is that the old buildings are picture-perfect, and since Rothenburg is small, you can do quite a lot in half a day or a full day.

If you do not want to take the detour (which is somehow understandable since it takes about 2,5-3 hours one way) then I suggest heading to Eibsee which is Germany´s prettiest lake close to Neuschwanstein Castle.

THINGS TO DO IN ROTHEBURG OB DER TAUBER

• Stroll the old town
• Walk Around the Old Walls
• Visit the Christmas Museum
• Have a Coffee at Cafe Einzigartig
• Check out  more travel tips for Rothenburg

EIBSEE & ZUGSPITZE – 1 DAY 

Located right at the foot of Zugspitze mountain it is a perfect place to explore what the German Alps have to offer.

Just walk around the Eibsee and have a picnic.

You have amazing mountain peaks in Switzerland but if you want to enjoy views from Germany´s highest mountain, Zugspitze, then you can also take a cable car to get up or hike up.

Tip: If you visit Eibsee and Füssen/Neuschwanstein Castle, I suggest visiting Eibsee first and then go to Neuschwanstein Castle. 

ZURICH – 1 DAY

In Switzerland, I suggest adding Zurich to your itinerary for one day.

It will be the first stop in Switzerland coming from Germany. While I normally recommend staying 2 days in Zurich, one day is good to see the main sights.

Though Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland, it is the busiest and biggest city with the most expensive shopping street in the world (Bahnhofstrasse), a beautiful lake, and an old town that you should not miss during your day there.

THINGS TO DO IN ZURICH:

• Stroll Bahnhofsstrase
• Swim in Lake Zurich (and do a boat Cruise)
• Enjoy the views from Lindenallee
• Explore the Old Town
• Find more  travel tips for Zurich here

After that, head to Lucerne and follow the itinerary I talk about for 7 days.

GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND FOR 14 DAYS

This 2-week itinerary will allow you to visit even more places in Germany, as well as in Switzerland. So, compared to the 10-day itinerary, you will have 2 new destinations and can spend 2 full days in Lucerne and Munich.

Also, you can give yourself more time to enjoy the actual traveling, as road tripping and train travel (at least in Switzerland) give you the option to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and you can take some rest and just soak in the beauty.

• Berlin – 1,5 Days
• Munich – 1,5 Days
• Appenzellerland – 1 Day
• Lucerne – 2 Days

BERLIN – 1,5-2 DAYS

Berlin is new on the 2-week itinerary. Germany´s capital is for sure an interesting place to visit. But it is located quite far up north, and with 10 days in both countries, you would stress yourself out too much by adding it to a shorter itinerary.

However, with 14 days, start your itinerary in Berlin and spend 1,5-2 days there.

It is quite a big city, but thanks to good public transportation, you can get around easily and see some of the best places in a short time.

Then either take a train to Munich or drive south (it is a rather long train ride, which takes around 6 hours) and stop in Rothenburg first before continuing your trip to Munich.

Tip: If you plan to rent a car, I suggest renting the car after your time in Berlin and not driving in the city itself. Even though taking a plane from Berlin to Munich may sound better at first, you will not save tons of time considering that the airport in Munich is very far from the city center, and then add in all the check-in times, etc. 

THINGS TO DO IN BERLIN

• Visit Brandenburger Tor
• Head to Reichstag 
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial
• Check out…Checkpoint Charlie
• Stroll Gendarmenmarkt
• Here are  more travel tips for Berlin

APPENZELLERLAND – 1 DAY

Appenzellerland has become popular because of the stunning mountain restaurant, the Aescher. However, it is not on many Switzerland itineraries though it should be. 

The Aescher is a mountain restaurant located on Ebenalp Mountain in the Alpstein area.

It is a unique destination and it is quite easy to get there (okay, only by cable car, if you hiked it would take 1-2 hours but it is quite steep).

On your way up – or down – make sure to also see Seealpsee (a beautiful mountain lake) and rest before continuing your journey.

You can either stay overnight at a guest house, which is located even higher than the Aescher, or you can book a room in the cute and colorful village of Appenzell.

I have added Appenzellerland to this itinerary because the landscape is different from many other places in Switzerland . Personally, it felt that no hills and mountains are greener and lusher than here, which makes driving here even more fun.

From there, continue your trip to Zurich and add the places mentioned above.

THINGS TO DO IN APPENZELLERLAND

• Have lunch at the Aescher
• Hike Up Ebenalp Mountain Guest House
• Rest at Seealpsee
• Explore Appenzell town center
• More  travel tips for Appenzellerland

CREATING A PERFECT SWITZERLAND & GERMANY ITINERARY

As you can see, you can combine your Switzerland and Germany trips quite easily. That surely will not be the most budget-friendly trip you can take, but it is a trip to remember!

And if you can make it happen, try to visit Switzerland and Germany for 14 days or at least 10 days.

Thanks to good public transportation in both countries you can just lay back and enjoy window views while getting around or you can rent a car and explore both countries by car. Either way, it surely will be fun!

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Switzerland’s Alpine Majesty

Embrace the beauty of Switzerland on an eight-night journey for active travelers!

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• Overview and Registration
• Highlights and Inclusions
• Travel Insurance
• Cancellation Policy

AHI Travel 800-323-7373

Rileigh Hageman [email protected]

Trip overview

This enchanting land is yours to behold, from snowcapped summits to winding footpaths and unfettered blue skies. Begin in gorgeous Interlaken, nestled in the Bernese Oberland. Enjoy visits to Kandersteg, a paradise for nature lovers, and storybook Lauterbrunnen. Travel on to charming Nyon, tucked along the sundrenched shores of Lake Geneva. Indulge in local Swiss chocolates and cheeses, and sip crisp vintages at a Lavaux winery replete with terraced slopes. Delight in lakeside Montreux, stroll ancient castle ramparts and cruise on Lake Geneva, shimmering like a jewel. You’re sure to enjoy the picturesque town of Annecy during a special excursion to the French Alps. During this one-of-a-kind journey, rides on cogwheels, trains and cable cars showcase the region’s quintessential beauty of dramatic cliffs, flower-filled meadows and sweeping forests. This program features first-class hotels, plus an extensive meal plan including wine with dinner. Let Switzerland’s wonders steal your heart!

Other tours you may be interested in

Egypt: Valley of the Kings for Young Alumni

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Tour highlights.

• Small group: Sized just right at 28 guests.
• Four nights in Interlaken, Switzerland, at the first-class Hotel Carlton-Europe.
• Four nights in   Nyon at the first-class Hotel Real Nyon.
• AHI Connects: Local immersion.
• AHI Sustainability Promise: We strive to make a positive, purposeful impact in the communities we visit.
• Complimentary travel mementos.
•  Eight breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners.
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners to mingle with fellow travelers.
• Tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine with dinner.
• Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Land Program with baggage handling.
• Engaging excursions showcase the local culture, heritage and history.
• Enrichment by expert speakers enhances your insight into the region.
• Free time to pursue your individual interests.
• Tipping of guides and drivers.
• A personal VOX headset to hear your English-speaking guide clearly.  

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Dates, itineraries, and prices are subject to change.

Day 1 - Depart for Zürich, Switzerland

Day 2 - Zürich, Switzerland   |   Interlaken

Day 3 - Kandersteg   |   Oeschinensee

Day 4 - Lauterbrunnen Valley   |   Mürren

Day 5 - Interlaken

Day 6 - Gruyères   |   Nyon

Day 7 - Montreux   |   Lavaux | Nyon

Day 8 - Annecy, France | Nyon

Day 9 - Geneva

Day 10 - Depart for gateway city

Preferred Travel Insurance

USI Travel Insurance Services is the preferred provider of travel insurance for The Ohio State University. We highly recommend that you review this information and consider insurance to protect yourself and your investment. USI is a comprehensive plan that offers three options, allowing you to select the coverage that best suits your needs. You can find additional details, request a quote and purchase a plan online at  https://my.travelinsure.com/ohiostate/  or by calling 1-800-937-1387 .

Cancellations

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.

• Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
• Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
• Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
• Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
• Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip  

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND RECOMMENDED. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. If a tour is canceled by AHI Travel before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting one of these options from AHI Travel: i) transfer to another date of the same tour, if available; ii) book another tour of equal or greater value, if available (you will be responsible for paying any difference in price); or iii) book another tour of lesser value, if available (with a refund payable to you for the difference in price); or iv) receive a full refund for the land-only portion of the applicable tour CANCELLATION GRACE PERIOD -Reservations made prior to 120 days before a tour´s scheduled departure date may be canceled within 7 days following the reservation date for a full refund. Reservations made within 120 days prior to a tour´s scheduled departure will not qualify for the grace period. CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS -Purchases of optional excursions, pre- and/or post-tour extensions, additional hotel nights, private transfers or other trip options become fully non-refundable 44 days prior to departure. Air transportation purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines.