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8 Day Switzerland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – BEST SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

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

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

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

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

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR SWITZERLAND 8 DAYS ITINERARY

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

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

HOW TO GET AROUND SWITZERLAND?

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

Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

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

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

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

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

HOW LONG TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND?

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

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

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SWITZERLAND?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS SWITZERLAND FAMOUS FOR?

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

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

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

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

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

SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

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

MOBILE DATA:

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

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

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

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DAY 1: ZURICH TO LUCERNE

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

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

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

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

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

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

Read It Here: 15 BEST Things To Do In Lucerne

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

#1 CHAPEL BRIDGE

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

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

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

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

#2 BOAT TRIP ON LAKE LUCERNE

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

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

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

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

BEST LUCERNE TOURS

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

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

#3 MOUNT RIGI

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

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

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

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

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

MUST READ: 21 BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

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

Luxury: Lucerne Lake View Apartments

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

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

Mid-Range: Hotel De La Paix

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

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

Budget: Barabas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 2: LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN

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

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

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

HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

#1 visit staubbach falls.

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

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

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

RELATED GUIDE: Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen

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

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

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

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

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

#2 TRÜMMELBACH FALLS

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

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

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

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

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

BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS

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

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

#3 MÜRREN VILLAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 MOUNT SCHILTHORN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5 WENGEN VILLAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6 PARAGLIDING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

#7 HIKING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

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

Related Article: Must-Do Hikes In Lauterbrunnen

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#8 CYCLING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

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

#9 SKYDIVING IN INTERLAKEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN

Luxury: victoria jungfrau grand hotel.

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

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

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

Mid-Range: Hotel Interlaken

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

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

Budget: Valley Hostel

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

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

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

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

DAY 3: INTERLAKEN TO MONTREUX

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

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

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

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

THINGS TO DO IN MONTREUX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTREUX

Luxury: montreux apartment on the lake.

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

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

Mid-Range: La Rouvenaz Hotel

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

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

Budget: Montreux Youth Hostel

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

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

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

DAY 4 & 5: MONTREUX TO ZERMATT

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

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

THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT

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

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

Luxury: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

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

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

Mid-Range: Schlosshotel Life & Style Zermatt

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

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

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

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

Budget: The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt

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

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

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

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

DAY 6: ZERMATT TO ST. MORITZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPTIONAL DETOUR TO LANDWASSER VIADUCT

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN ST. MORITZ

Luxury: badrutt’s palace hotel.

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

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

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

Mid-Range: Hotel Piz St. Moritz

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

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

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

Budget: St. Moritz Youth Hostel

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

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

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

DAY 7:  ST. MORITZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 8: ST. MORITZ TO ZURICH

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

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

Luxury: Park Hyatt Zurich

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

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

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

Mid-Range: Motel One Zurich

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

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

Budget: Zurich Youth Hostel

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

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

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

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

MAP OF SWITZERLAND

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

WHAT TO PACK FOR SWITZERLAND

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

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

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

Reusable Water Bottle

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

Travel Backpack

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

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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

Portable PowerBank

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

More Switzerland Travel Guides

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

FINAL THOUGHTS – SWISS ITINERARY

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

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

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

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

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much and hope to hear from you!

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

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

I hope this helps and enjoy 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this helps and enjoy!

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

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

Appreciate your advice. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your sharing. Lov it!

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

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

Many thanks !

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

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

Appreciate your advise. Many thanks.

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

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

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

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

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

What are the 3 places we should stay ?

Your help is much appreciated Thank you once again

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warm Regards, Manish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks in advance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello, Yes I was traveling 1st Class.

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

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

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

thanks in advance!!

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

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

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

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

I read some other blogger recommended half fare pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It would be great if you can share your comments.

Keep up with good working!

Regards, Mesut from Turkey 🙂

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

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

Glad you found this guide useful and enjoy Switzerland!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please ignore the duplicate comment. My sincere apologies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Complete Switzerland Travel Blog: How to Plan Your Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is The Best Month To Go To Switzerland?

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

1. Summer: June To August

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Fall/Autumn: September To November

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Winter: December To February

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Spring: March/April To May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Many Days Is Enough For Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Switzerland Expensive To Visit?

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

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

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

What Is the Cheapest Month to Go to Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

What Should You Not Miss In Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zermatt 

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland With kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Plan A Trip To Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Determine Where You Will Fly Into And Out Of

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

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

3. Purchase Travel Insurance

No one thinks they need insurance until something unforeseen happens.

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

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

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

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

4. Book Your Hotel Room

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

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

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

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

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

5. Determine How You Will Get Around

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

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

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

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

6. Plan Your Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland Travel Basics: FAQs You Need To Know!

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

1. What Language Do They Speak In Switzerland

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

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

2. What Is The Currency In Switzerland?

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

3. How Many International Airports Are In Switzerland?

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

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

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

4. What Are Switzerland’s Visa Requirements?

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

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

5. Are International Driver’s Licenses Accepted? 

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

6. Is Switzerland Safe? 

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

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

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

7. What Is WiFi Like In Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What Plugs Do They Use In Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

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

That is why we highly recommend this universal travel adapter .

Find all of our Switzerland Travel Guide Blog Posts Below

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

Visiting Switzerland in August: Weather & Best Places to Go [2024]

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22 Most Beautiful Places In Switzerland That You Should See!

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Travel Insurance for Switzerland: 3 Best Companies in 2024

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15 Most Beautiful Cities In Switzerland To Visit in 2024!

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Switzerland Itinerary: 5-Days Without a Car (From Geneva)

Embark on an unforgettable journey with this 5-day Switzerland itinerary, exploring the enchanting towns of Montreux and Lucerne. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of … CONTINUE READING

Switzerland Itinerary: 4-Days From Lucerne (Flying in to Zurich)

From the rolling farmland of the Bernese countryside to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, Switzerland is an outdoor lover’s dream. While you can’t … CONTINUE READING

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

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15 Best Places To Visit In Switzerland In Summer in 2024

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Is Switzerland Worth Visiting? (20 Reasons to Go To Switzerland)

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Why is Switzerland So Beautiful? (Here are 7 Reasons!)

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9 Best Hot Springs In Switzerland For Health, Bliss & Relaxation

Are you looking for the best hot springs in Switzerland? You’ll be glad to know that this landlocked country is home to some of the … CONTINUE READING

What Is Switzerland Known For? Here Are 14 Things!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Lucerne – Mount Titlis

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

Day 1: Lucerne

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

Option 1: Swiss Transport Museum

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

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

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

Option 2: Local City Tour

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

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

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

Option 3: Mount Pilatus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Lucerne – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Interlaken – Montreux and Gstaad

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Interlaken – Zermatt

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Zermatt

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Zermatt – St. Moritz

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8: St. Moritz – Lugano

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Lugano – Lake Como

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

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

Day 10: Lugano – Zurich or Lugano - Milan

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

Option 1: - Zurich

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

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

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

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

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

Option 2: - Milan

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

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

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

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

Things to know:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks

With its iconic mountains, alpine lakes, fairytale castles, and some of the most delectable chocolate on the planet, Switzerland is one of the best places in Europe to take a road trip. This spectacle of nature, history, and food are best experienced as part of a Switzerland road trip.

As there are so many regions and towns to explore in this small country, knowing where to start planning your route might feel overwhelming. Believe me, I know how you feel! I knew almost nothing about the country before we visited and it took me days (if not weeks) to put together the perfect Switzerland road trip itinerary.

We followed this same itinerary and it was absolutely perfect! This guide contains all you need to know to plan an epic 2 week Switzerland road trip and my itinerary also covers when to visit and all the most beautiful and fascinating places of interest in the country. Let’s get into it!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Useful Info for Your Switzerland Road Trip

How to get to zurich .

This road trip starts and concludes in Zurich. The international airport, Flughafen Zürich (ZRH), is located 10 km (6.2 miles) north of the city center. You can fly direct to Zurich Airport from the vast majority of European and North American destinations.

Once at the airport, you can head into the city center by public transport as you will not need to collect your rental until the second day of your Switzerland road trip. Either hop on the S-Bahn train or take the tram (line 10) into the city.

Expect to pay 6.80 CHF (€7) or travel for free if you pick up a Zürich Card . This costs 27 CHF (€28) for a 24-hour pass which is sufficient for your one full day in Zurich .

This card covers your public transport via tram, bus, train, boat, and cableway in central Zurich and the surrounding area. It also grants free or reduced admission to a number of museums so if you’re planning to visit many museums, it’s handy to have!

If you are connecting to Zurich by train, then Zurich Main Station is located right in the heart of District 1 near the Old Town. 

Best time to visit Switzerland 

Switzerland is one of those places that you can visit at any time of year. However, for the purpose of this 2 week Switzerland road trip itinerary I recommend that you avoid the middle of winter and the peak of summer.

These are the busiest times as you will compete with summer tourists and the ski season, which means higher costs for accommodation and more crowds. It also means more challenging driving conditions and some road closures due to snowfall. 

Spring, early summer, and autumn are the best time to arrange your road trip to Switzerland. During these seasons, the elevated mountain roads are open and the hikes that I’ve included in my itinerary are all readily accessible. The weather conditions are also comfortable with warm days and cooler evenings. 

Tips for driving in Switzerland

Swiss roads are well maintained and are a joy to drive but you will need to be a confident driver to handle the narrow, twisty mountain roads.

As with all European countries, you must drive on the right and follow the general road rules and regulations. Wearing a seatbelt at all times is a given and you must never drink before getting behind the wheel.

Let me share some specific driving tips for your road trip to Switzerland: 

• Before you drive or rent a car in Switzerland, you must possess a full driving license from your home country and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). If your driving license was issued by one of the member states of the European Economic Area, you will not need the IDP as your license is valid in Switzerland.
• In general, the speed limits in Switzerland are 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways, 80 km/h (50 mph) on other roads outside built-up areas, and 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns. Cars with a trailer may not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph) on any road. Traffic fines are really heavy in Switzerland and roads are policed so keep an eye on your speed at all times!
• You must display a motorway vignette on your vehicle. Discuss whether your car rental agency provides this automatically but if you have to buy it yourself, it will cost you 40 CHF (€42.30). The vignette will be valid for one whole calendar year – unfortunately you don’t have the option to buy a vignette for a shorter amount of time.
• Some of the Swiss mountain passes are subject to closure during winter due to snowfall, I have indicated these in the itinerary. If you do plan this road trip during winter you will need to travel with winter tires and snow chains. 
• Driving with your headlights on is mandatory during daylight hours as well as when driving at night in Switzerland. 
• Always stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings. Even if they are only approaching, it is etiquette in Switzerland to stop and let them pass.
• In case you lose phone reception, you can download offline maps on Google Maps or use the app Maps.me to ensure you don’t get lost. 
• This 2 week Switzerland road trip itinerary features a lot of hiking and you will be driving at high altitudes in mountain passes. It’s really important to bring layers, waterproofs, hiking boots, and sufficient water and snacks. You’ll want a great playlist too!

Overview of Your Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary

This road trip to Switzerland starts and ends in Zurich and includes a couple of days in neighboring Liechtenstein. The itinerary is split between visiting the most interesting Swiss cities and towns and some of the most impressive scenery in the country.

Below is a breakdown of where you will spend your days and nights. 

Breakdown of your 2 weeks in Switzerland 

• Day 1: Full day in Zurich (overnight in Zurich)
• Day 2: Lucerne, Lake Brienz, arriving in Interlaken (overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 3: Lauterbrunnen, Trümmelbachfälle, Harder Kulm (overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 4: Grindelwald, Blausee, Spiez Castle (overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 5: Giant Swing in Adelboden-Tschentenalp, Engstligen Falls, Thun Castle, arriving in Bern (overnight in Bern)
• Day 6: Full day in Bern (overnight in Bern)
• Day 7: Full day in Geneva (overnight in Geneva)
• Day 8: Lausanne, Chillon Castle, arriving in Zermatt (overnight in Zermatt)
• Day 9: Zermatt Five Lakes Hike, afternoon in Zermatt (overnight in Zermatt)
• Day 10: Grimselpass, Furkapass & Hotel Belvedere, Swing the World Nara, arriving in Lugano (overnight in Lugano)
• Day 11: Valle Verzasca, Foroglio (Waterfall, Swing the World), afternoon in Lugano (overnight in Lugano)
• Day 12: Liechtenstein (overnight in Liechtenstein or Appenzell District, Switzerland)
• Day 13: Ebenalp (overnight in Liechtenstein or Appenzell District, Switzerland)
• Day 14: Saxer Lücke hike, Stadtbibliothek St. Gallen, arriving in Zurich (overnight in Zurich)

Map for your Switzerland road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Switzerland road trip itinerary. I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will automatically save this map to your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Day 1: Zurich

You will start your road trip in Switzerland in the largest city, Zurich. You will not need a car today so you can make arrangements to collect it on the second day of your vacation.

Cradled by the Swiss Alps and resting on the shores of Lake Zurich, the city is made all the more scenic by the River Limmat which flows right through the Aldstadt (Old Town). The Aldstadt is brimming with museums and historic buildings while the city also boasts a number of scenic vantage points and gorgeous gardens. 

One day is the perfect amount of time to explore Zurich however you could always extend your 2 weeks in Switzerland with a few extra nights tapped onto the start or end of the road trip.

Where to stay in Zurich

As you are only spending 24 hours in Zurich, I recommend that you stay centrally in District 1. However, if you are traveling on a budget, then Districts 4 and 8 are within easy access of the center and have some more affordable options. The great news is that you will not need to worry about parking!

Below you can find my picks for where to stay in Zurich for one night.

LUXURY – Storchen Zürich

This beautiful hotel is located right in the heart of Zurich and has its own boat pier directly at the Limmat River. Rooms come with classic furnishing with warm colors and modern facilities and each room offers a picturesque view of the Old Town. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor terrace which is perfect for summertime trips.

MID-RANGE – Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle

Situated by the famous Bahnhofstrasse, this modern hotel is artistically presented with comfortable and spacious rooms. All rooms have a private bathroom and most include bathtubs with overhead showers. 

BUDGET – Hotel Marta

This no-frills hotel is clean, functional, and fabulously located in the northern point of the Niederdorf quarter of Old Town. Breakfast is included in the rate and the staff goes out of their way to take care of their guests. 

Best things to do in Zurich

Zurich aldstadt .

Zurich’s Old Town straddles both sides of the River Limmat and it’s a joy to roam these historic streets. Take a few hours to stroll along Limmatquai, admire the numerous churches, and dip into an institution such as the Swiss National Museum.

My one day in Zurich itinerary will help you navigate the best things to do in Zurich Altstadt. 

Polyterrasse

Swipe your Zürich Card and board the Polybahn, a little red funicular railway that ascends to a fabulous viewpoint at the Polyterrasse. Situated on a level with the ETH Zürich University, this is a laid-back spot to soak up city views with a great atmosphere. 

Lake Zurich or River Limmat Cruise 

Hop aboard a boat at Zürich Bürkliplatz and enjoy a 1.5-2 hour scenic cruise across Lake Zurich. Alternatively, you can choose a tour of the River Limmat which starts from Zürich Landesmuseum.

Note that these activities are only available during the summer season, from April until late October. 

Get a taste of what’s to come later in your 2 week Switzerland road trip at this mountainous viewpoint high above Zurich. The S 10 train connects Zurich Main Station and Uetliberg in 25 minutes and this is the perfect spot for early morning or sunset.

If you are spending longer in Zurich then you might want to check out the hiking trails up here. 

Museum Rietberg

This museum houses traditional and contemporary pieces of art and archaeological finds from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. There are a number of galleries in Zurich but this one is particularly unusual and is located in a fantastic setting.

Visit a park

Zurich is abundant in parks and green open spaces. Take a wander around Rieterpark, which is the setting for Museum Rietberg, or explore the neighboring Belvoir Park for lake views. Other options include the lakeside Arboretum Zurich and the Old Botanic Garden in Aldstadt.

Thermalbad & Spa Zürich

Dive into these sulphuric waters at this thermal spa located in a former brewery. The view from the rooftop pool is spectacular and you can also splash out on a massage if you wish. As this Switzerland road trip concludes in Zurich, you could save this activity for the end of your adventure as well.

Where to eat in Zürich

• Raclette Factory : You can’t come to Switzerland without sampling their staple delicacy of molten cheese drizzled over buttery potatoes and pickles! The Raclette Factory is the best place to try this après-ski treat in Zurich. 
• Restaurant Differente : Situated in the Hotel Krone, this stylish dining room serves Mediterranean dishes and Swiss specialties made using seasonal produce. They’re known for their exquisite tartare but the vegetarian dishes are also exceptional. 
• Heugümper : This upscale restaurant fuses the flavors of Asia and the Mediterranean to create a unique culinary experience.

Day 2: Zurich to Interlaken via Lake Brienz

Today you will pick up your rental and officially press go on your 2 week Switzerland road trip itinerary. As you drive from Zurich to Interlaken, you will cover a distance of 123 km (76.5 miles).

This accounts for around 2 hours of driving time, factoring in the following scenic stops but excluding time spent viewing the attractions.

Driving time: 40 minutes (53 km/33 miles) from Zurich to Lucerne

Around one hour south of Zurich, Lucerne is a small city that sits on the shore of  Lake Lucerne. Noted for its medieval architecture, it’s worth parking up in town and exploring the Aldstadt on foot.

Walking across the Chapel Bridge ( Kapellbrücke) is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lucerne . Built in the 14th century, the bridge offers scenic views over the River Reuss and Lake Lucerne, and you can also admire the interior artwork on the roof.

The Sammlung Rosengart contains a selection of artworks by Picasso while the Zytturm is an antique clocktower set among the old city wall where you can stretch your legs.

If you’re feeling hungry, you could grab a bite to eat at the plant-based cafe PURA or savor the views from the waterfront Café Bar Volière.

Lake Brienz 

Driving time: 1 hour (60 km/38 miles) from Lucerne to Iseltwald

After taking in the views in Lucerne, get back in your car for another hour of driving down to the surrounds of Lake Brienz. Find a parking spot in the village of Iseltwald where you can get an eyeful of turquoise water.

Follow the path along the water’s edge and you will reach the dreamy Schloss Seeburg, a fairytale castle that gazes out across the lake. It is no longer possible to enter the castle but you can still take photos from outside.

My tip for lunch today is the Hotel Chalet du Lac . This chalet-style property affords a magical view across the lake towards the town, castle, and surrounding mountains. The menu is rich with fish dishes, Swiss fare, and European plates.

Arriving in Interlaken

Driving time: 10 minutes (10 km/6 miles) from Iseltwald to Interlaken

Interlaken, the final destination of day two of your Switzerland road trip, is located a 10-minute drive from Iseltwald so you can head there whenever you like and check into your hotel. This lakeside resort town sits astride the River Aare in between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. 

Where to stay in Interlaken (3 nights)

Once in Interlaken, you will need to book accommodation in the town for three nights as this will be your base for the next couple of days. These are my recommendations for where to stay in Interlaken. 

LUXURY – Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa enjoys a privileged and picturesque location in Interlaken, between 2 beautiful lakes at the foot of the eternally snow-capped Jungfrau. All rooms have a distinctive design and décor, ranging from classic to contemporary. Elegant interiors and spacious marble bathrooms complement the designs.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Du Nord

Offering panoramic mountain views, the traditional and historic Hotel Du Nord, dating from 1847, is located in the center of Interlaken. The rooms are all non-smoking and equipped with tea-making facilities. Some rooms have a balcony or a terrace.

BUDGET – Hotel Rössli

This cozy hotel is located in the heart of town and parking is available at a surcharge. Some rooms include an ensuite bathroom with a tub while others come with a private balcony. Breakfast is included in the rate and the staff here are exemplary. 

Day 3: Scenic Drive around Interlaken

Today you will visit some nearby towns and attractions before heading back to Interlaken for the night. You will drive a total of 30 km (18.5 miles), equal to around 40-45 minutes. 

Lauterbrunnen

Driving time: 18 minutes (13 km/8 miles) from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is a village set among the eponymous municipality. It’s mostly known for its scenic views and fairytale setting and let me tell you something in advance: no pictures do justice to how beautiful this place is in real life!

Most people just take a quick walk around the town but if you have more time, there is no shortage of things to do in the area. There is a huge parking lot (Parkhaus Lauterbrunnen) right next to the train station where you can leave your car while you explore the town.

To find the most famous viewpoint, head over to Chalet Pironnet where you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the town.

If you want to spend longer in the area, you can take advantage of the local cable cars and soar high into the Bernese Alps to savor the views from the peaks. Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp is the most convenient as it’s located right in the town.

Alternatively, you can drive the 50 minutes to Wengen which connects to Mannlichen by gondola. A number of short hikes start from Mannlichen, including the Panoramaweg walk to Kleine Scheidegg which is an easy 4.5 km (2.8 miles) hike each way.

Trümmelbachfälle

Driving time: 6 minutes (4 km/2.5 miles) from Lauterbrunnen to Trümmelbachfälle

A short drive from Lauterbrunnen, Trümmelbachfälle (Trümmelbach Falls) is a stream of ten glacial waterfalls that gush down the ravine from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

There is a parking lot right at the entrance where you can leave your car but if you’re up for a walk, you can also walk to Trümmelbachfälle from Lauterbrunnen since the route is only 4 km (2.5 miles) in one way.

Entrance to Trümmelbachfälle costs 14 CHF (€14.40) per person. Right after the entrance, you can take a tunnel lift to the top of the waterfalls where you can access a series of walkways and tunnels that connect the falls. Basically, you can walk from the top to the bottom and explore the scenery during your descent.

The weather is quite cold inside the tunnels and the walkways get slippery due to the powerful waterfalls so make sure to wear proper shoes and have a warm jacket with you.

Access is possible from early April until November each year but it’s best to check the Trümmelbachfälle website beforehand to ensure that they are open.

Harder Kulm

Driving time: 20 minutes (15 km/9 miles) from Trümmelbachfälle back to Interlaken

Once back in Interlaken, you can drop your car back at your hotel and ride the Harderbahn funicular up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint for staggering views across the surroundings.

The journey takes around 10 minutes and it costs 20 CHF (€20.60) in one way. It’s important to note that the funicular only operates between April and November and it can be closed due to bad weather.

From the top, there are a number of short hiking trails that range from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours so you might want to squeeze one into the end of the second day of your Switzerland road trip. 

Day 4: Grindelwald and Blausee

The fourth day of your Switzerland road trip will also be a day trip from Interlaken so there’s no need to check out of your hotel yet. Driving time today will be a total of 120 km (75 miles), equal to around 2 hours behind the wheel depending on traffic.

Grindelwald

Driving time: 25 minutes (20 km/12.5 miles) from Interlaken to Grindelwald

First Cliff Walk by Tissot

The first stop of the day is the village of Grindelwald, the gateway for the Jungfrau Region. Once there, you can park in town and then ride the gondola up to Grindelwald-First.

A return ticket costs 68 CHF per person (€70) from Grindelwald but if you don’t want to drive today, you can also take a cable car directly from Interlaken (it costs around 90 CHF/€92.70).

The gondola takes 25 minutes to reach your destination, First station, calling at Bort and Schreckfeld along the way. Right after you depart, you’ll find yourself at the start of the First Cliff Walk by Tissot.

It’s an elevated walkway that winds its way around the cliff and juts out 2,168 meters (7,112 feet) above the landscape to afford a heart-stopping view across the mountains and forestry. The path reaches out 45 meters (148 feet) into the void so you will need a head for heights!

The terrace itself isn’t that large so you need only plan to spend 20-30 minutes exploring and taking photos. Although you’ll need to pay for the gondola, the walkway itself is free to visit. 

Hike to Bachalpsee

The next on the agenda for today is the hike to Lake Bachalpsee which conveniently starts at First. This alpine lake is nestled among the mountains at 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) above sea level.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, swathes of greenery, and blooming wildflowers during summer, it’s a sight that will linger with you for days. 

The hike is 3 km (1.9 miles) each way and a round trip there and back to First will take around two hours. The track is clearly marked and in excellent condition, so you will need decent footwear and layers but nothing too intense. Although on a slight incline, the hike isn’t challenging at all.

If you want to continue walking, you can hike from Lake Bachalpsee up to Faulhorn, which stands at 2,681 meters (8,796 feet) above sea level. This takes about 1.5 hours each way and is far steeper so I recommend this to intrepid hikers. 

Alternatively, you can head straight back to First and either catch the gondola back down to Grindelwald or follow the trail back down to town on foot. 

Driving time: 1 hour (56 km/35 miles) from Grindelwald to Blausee or 35 minutes (38 km/24 miles) from Interlaken to Blausee

If you start your Grindelwald adventure early enough (the first cable car starts at 8.30 am) and you don’t want to hike up to Faulhorn, you’ll still be able to visit Blausee on the afternoon of Day 4. Since you’ll have to drive back to Interlaken from Grindelwald first and then to Blausee, you can also move this stop to the morning of your next day if you’re feeling tired.

Blausee is the tiniest lake you will see during your Switzerland road trip but it’s absolutely worth the stop! It’s roughly a 35-minute drive from Interlaken and the entrance costs 11 CHF (€11.30) per person.

Fringed by woodland, you can walk around the lake in less than 15 minutes. Look out for the submerged statue on your wander!

Spiez Castle

Driving time: 25 minutes (20 km/12.5 miles) from Blausee to Spiez Castle or 20 minutes (20 km/12.5 miles) from Interlaken to Spiez Castle

If you decide to visit Blausee after Grindelwald, you can make a quick stop at Spiez Castle on the way back to Interlaken. Of course, if you want to spend longer in Grindelwald, you can move Spiez Castle to the next day as well, such as you can do it with Blausee. Whatever feels best for you!

Surrounded by beautiful vineyards, Spiez Castle is definitely one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland as it grants a breathtaking view over Lake Thun and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

If you love history, you’ll also appreciate the museum inside the castle that tells you more about the history of the castle and its previous owners. The castle is typically open from May to mid-October, a ticket costs 10 CHF (€10.30) per person.

Day 5: Interlaken to Bern

The fifth day of your Switzerland road trip covers 130 km (80 miles) worth of lush Swiss scenery as you drive to Bern and equates to around 2.5-3 hours of driving time. 

Giant Swing in Adelboden-Tschentenalp 

Driving time: 50 minutes (48 km/30 miles) from Interlaken to Adelboden

For the start of the fifth day of your Switzerland itinerary, head up high to the Tschentenalp mountains where you can find a super cool swing not far from the cable car station.

To access the swing, you will need to park in Adelboden and then ride the gondola from Tschentenbahn Station (Dorf) up to Tschentenalp, north of the town. An adult ticket costs 32 CHF (€33.20) for a return trip while a one-way ticket costs 22 CHF (€22.80).

It’s free to ride the swing which gives you the chance to fly high above the alpine pastures and take in an exciting view of the scenery from the air, which is incredible whatever season your trip falls in.

However, if your road trip to Switzerland falls during the peak summer season then brace yourself for a line to ride the swing.

Unfortunately, we were not able to visit this cool swing during our Switzerland road trip but if you have the chance, don’t miss it! Check out their website to see some pictures of the swing and the surrounding area.

Engstligen Falls

Driving time: 9 minutes (5 km/3.1 miles) from Adelboden to Unter dem Birg

After enjoying the giant swing, your next stop is visiting the two waterfalls south of Adelboden that form Engstligen Falls.

Simply known as Engstligen 1 and Engstligen 2, this twin falls tumble from a height of 97 meters (318 feet) and 165 meters (541 feet) respectively. You can get up really close and feel the spray from these powerful falls.

To access the waterfalls viewing area you can ride the gondola up to the Engstlingen cable car station from Bergbahnen (Unter dem Birg) and then walk 20 minutes to view the landmark.

A return ticket for the cable car costs 35 CHF (€36.30) per person while the one-way option costs 25 CHF (€25.90). Alternatively, you can hike up from Adelboden, which takes around 90 minutes up and 1 hour back down.

Thun Castle

Driving time: 55 minutes (45 km/28 miles) from Unter dem Birg to Thun Castle

Your last sight of the day before you reach Bern is this 12th-century castle which sits on a hill overlooking the town of Thun. With its turrets, medieval interiors, and 360° views of the surrounding alps, this castle is a mesmerizing place to wrap up your day.

You can purchase a ticket that permits entry to the Castle Museum or one that includes access to any special exhibitions taking place as well. It’s open daily throughout the year with the exception of November to January when it only opens on Sundays.  

Arriving to Bern

Driving time: 30 minutes (30 km/19 miles) from Thun Castle to Bern

The only thing left to do for this day is to get back to your car and drive yourself to the Swiss capital, Bern. This will take you roughly half an hour and depending on how early or late you finish your day.

If you have some additional time, you can start exploring right away but don’t worry, you’ll have the full day tomorrow for sightseeing.

You’ll need to book 2 nights of accommodation in Bern, refer to the next day to find out my personal recommendations for the best places to stay in Bern.

Day 6: Bern

Despite being the capital city of Switzerland, Bern is actually pretty small. Therefore, spending one day in Bern is the perfect amount of time to explore the main sights and get a sense of the city.

Located within the canton of Bern, the city dates back to the 12th century and its Altstadt features a presentation of medieval architecture and literally hundreds of fountains. In fact, Bern is often nicknamed the City of Fountains!

The Altstadt sits in a crook on the River Aare, one of the longest rivers in the country. This tranquil city is not at all what you expect from a capital city and it’s a great place to grab some rest and relaxation as part of your 2 weeks in Switzerland.

Where to stay in Bern

Bern is so small and walkable that it doesn’t really matter where you choose to stay. If you stay further out then you can connect to downtown Bern via bus or tram and then explore on foot.

It’s rare to find free parking offered at central hotels so you will need to factor in this cost on top of your accommodation. These are my suggestions of where to stay in Bern.

LUXURY – Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern

This opulent 5-star hotel occupies an elegant Art Nouveau building that overlooks the Bernese Alps and lively river area. Besides the lavish rooms and suites, the property contains two bars, two restaurants, a sauna, and a gym. As with the other hotels listed, parking is available with a surcharge. 

MID-RANGE – Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque

This elegant hotel is situated in the heart of Old Town and opens onto a pretty boulevard terrace where you can enjoy a meal or drink. Chic rooms and suites come with the option for a shower or bathtub and tasteful decor. Nearby parking is available for an additional fee. 

BUDGET – Hotel Marthahaus

This budget-friendly hotel is centrally located down a residential street. You can save money by reserving a room that has a shared bathroom and look forward to a complimentary breakfast. Parking is available at an additional cost.

Best things to do in Bern

Bern aldstadt .

Take a wander around this UNESCO World Heritage Site and ogle medieval architecture, elegant fountains, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, and the impressive clock tower, Zytglogge. If you want to understand the history of the city then you can book a Bern city tour with a Lokafyer (local guide). 

Rosengarten

Leafy Bern is abundant in green spaces but Rosengarten might be the prettiest. Located on the right bank of the River Aare, the elevated garden provides a view of the Altstadt and is brimming with roses, irises, rhododendrons, lilies, and cherry trees. Spring and summer is the best time to catch the flowers in bloom. 

The Parliament Building, or Federal Palace, houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. It features a classic Neo-Renaissance facade and if you elect to take a tour then you can also explore the interiors. The 26 jets of water in front of the palace represent each of Switzerland’s cantons. 

If your 2 weeks in Switzerland coincide with the warmer seasons then you can hop into the River Aare for a swim. Head to the swimming area south of Aldstadt and you will find sunbathing areas and bathing pools. 

Gurten Funicular 

Ride the Gurten Funicular (Gurtenbahn) to access the summit of this imposing mountain that looms to the south of the city. The peak is highly developed with places to eat and tons of viewpoints including the observation tower which grants a fantastic view over the city and surrounding valley.

Where to eat in Bern

• Restaurant Cafe Postgasse : A small and ambient restaurant that specializes in mussels, located right in the heart of Altstadt.  
• Kornhauskeller Restaurant : Sited within a vaulted cellar, this opulent restaurant serves a mix of Bernese, Swiss, and Mediterranean plates. 
• Swing Kitchen : This sustainably conscious vegan restaurant excels in plant-based burgers served with their signature sweet potato fries.

Day 7: Geneva

Driving time: 2 hours (170 km/106 miles) from Bern to Geneva

French-speaking Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland after Zurich. Famous for its financial industry, the city is also the European seat of the United Nations and the headquarters of the Red Cross.

Geneva is located on the southern tip of Lac Léman, or Lake Geneva, and is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains. You can get tremendous views of Mont Blanc from the city.

Much of the lifestyle in Geneva revolves around the waterfront and the Vieille Ville (Old Town) which makes it easy to see the best of the city during one day in Geneva .

Where to stay in Geneva

As Geneva is a popular city for conventions, there are lots of no-frills hotels dotted around the airport and conference center area which have good deals. Public transport is efficient so as with Bern, you can leave your car at your hotel for the day and explore on foot.

The central city is full of chains and boutiques, these are my picks for where to stay in Geneva. You’ll have to book one night in this beautiful city because tomorrow you’ll leave for Zermatt!

LUXURY – N’vY Manotel

Wonderfully positioned in the bohemian neighborhood of Paquis, this hotel is within walking distance of all the attractions on this one day in Geneva itinerary and equally convenient for transit. Suites feature lakeview terraces and there is an excellent spread of restaurants and bars on-site to browse. 

MID-RANGE – Hotel Bernina Geneva

Located opposite Geneva’s main railway station, this hotel is perfectly positioned for accessing the city via public transit and is within walking distance to all the major sights on this itinerary. Contemporary rooms are artistically styled and many feature lake views. 

BUDGET – Hotel des Tourelles

Situated in the central St Gervais Quarter, this historic hotel is equipped with modern guest rooms furnished with free WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, and huge windows that flood the space with natural light. The best rooms offer lake views and come with balconies. 

Best things to do in Geneva

Lac léman (lake geneva).

Hop aboard a cruise vessel from the Genève Mont-Blanc ferry terminal then sit back and enjoy a ride across the sensational lake. A boat tour on Lake Geneva gets you up close to Jet d’Eau, the 140 meters (459 feet) tall water fountain that is the very emblem of Geneva. During the summer season, you can opt to go stand up paddleboarding instead.

Vieille Ville (Old Town)

Geneva’s Old Town is a warren of historical buildings, churches, public squares, museums, boutiques, and restaurants. Vieille Ville winds its way up a fairly daunting hill but that means you get stunning lake views, especially once you make it to the longest benches in the world, the Banc de la Treille on the Treille Promenade.

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Located a short walk from the Palais des Nations, this museum gleans insight into the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. It’s a moving and emotional experience but such a great opportunity to connect with the work that the committee undertakes. 

Palais des Nations

Squeeze a tour of the United Nations office complex into your Switzerland road trip. This includes a visit to the Assembly Hall and Council Chamber and teaches you so much about the intricacies of the intergovernmental organization. Outside you can catch the Alley of Flags fluttering the breeze and explore the grounds. 

Bains des Pâquis 

These public baths are located on a pier that stretches out over Lac Léman and are the perfect place to wrap up your day in Geneva with a dip. During winter you might prefer to head straight to the sauna or hammam. Massage treatments are also available. 

Reformation Wall

Geneva was the ground of the Protestant Reformation and there are plenty of museums and historic sites in the city where you can learn about what happened. Located just on the outskirts of Aldstadt, the Reformation Wall is a great place to start your journey into Geneva’s past! 

Buy Chocolate

Geneva is the birthplace of some of the best chocolate on the planet so take some time to peruse a couple of chocolatiers. You can pick up souvenirs and replenish your snacks for the rest of your 2 week Switzerland road trip itinerary.

Where to eat in Geneva

• Cafe du Soleil : Sample the best fondue in Geneva alongside other Swiss delicacies at this casual cafe which isn’t too far from the Pâquis-Nations.
• Corde Coffee : This colorful cafe is one of the best stops for a flavorsome brew and a delicious slice of freshly baked cake.
• Street Gourmet (temporarily closed) : Perfect for a healthy lunch, this restaurant rustles up salads, sandwiches, and soups to suit all palates. 
• Living Room Bar & Kitchen : Swiss with a touch of Nordic, this is the restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and it’s one of the best options for a gourmet treat while in Geneva. 

Day 8: Geneva to Zermatt

The total distance from Geneva to Zermatt via the attractions listed below is 240 km (149.1 miles) and the drive time is around 3 hours 15 minutes. 

Driving time: 50 minutes (64 km/40 miles) from Geneva to Lausanne

Situated on the north shore of Lac Léman, Lausanne is an attractive lakeside city known for its medieval architecture and its connections to the Olympics. It’s the setting of the International Olympic Committee headquarters, the Olympic Museum, and the Olympic Park.

If you’re a fan of the games then you can take a journey through Olympic heritage at the museum which contains kits, torches, medals, and other memorabilia from the past tournaments.

The Olympic Park is studded with sculptures honoring the athletes and games and there’s a 100-meter track if you want to find out if you’re a contender for the next Olympics!

Besides the Olympics attractions, art fans may also want to visit Platform 10 where you can survey over 10,000 works of art from 19th and 20th century Swiss artists.

You can get a wonderful view of the city and lake from the Jardin Botanique de Lausanne and the Lausanne Cathedral is well worth a visit. 

The walk along the Ouchy promenade is the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak up panoramas of Lac Léman from this perspective. 

Chillon Castle

Driving time: 40 minutes (40 km/25 miles) from Lausanne to Chillon Castle

One of the most beautiful castles in Europe , this dreamy Swiss castle sits in a fairytale position on the eastern curve of Lac Léman. In the local ancient language, Chillon meant ‘rocky platform’ and this is an accurate depiction of the archaeological site.

With the site dating back to the Bronze Age, the history of the castle is divided into three eras: the Savoy Period (12-16th centuries), the Bernese Period (16-18th centuries), and the Vaudois Period (18th century until present day). 

Chillon Castle is open daily, 10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm). The opening time may be different depending on the month, therefore make sure you check their website before your visit for up-to-date information.

The tickets cost 13.50 CHF (€15). You can book a ticket online in advance or buy one at the castle itself. If you don’t want to go inside the castle it’s still worth stopping by to admire the views.

One of the best viewpoints of the castle is at Snack Café and another one is from the other side, around the Château de Chillon ferry port.

Arriving to Zermatt

Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes (135 km/84 miles) from Chillon Castle to Täsch

Being an entirely car free town, unfortunately it’s not possible to travel all the way to Zermatt with your car. But worry not, there is a solution! You can leave your car at a nearby town called Täsch from where you can take a train to Zermatt.

The train ride takes only 12 minutes and trains run in every 20 minutes from early morning till late night. A one-way ticket costs around 8 CHF (€8.20) and if you want to avoid paying a fortune for taxis, this is the only way to get to Zermatt.

Where to stay in Zermatt (2 nights)

Once in Zermatt, you can get around on foot and via the cable cars that service the town. Since it’s a small town, you can basically stay anywhere and you’ll still be in walking distance from all the main highlights of the town.

For Zermatt, you’ll need to book 2 nights of accommodation, below you can find my top picks for every budget.

LUXURY – The Omnia

Situated on a rock, 45 m above the roofs of central Zermatt, guests access The Omnia via a tunnel leading to an elevator, which brings them right into the lobby. Guests can taste refined international cuisine made from selected seasonal ingredients in the restaurant or on the terrace.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Ambassador Zermatt

The Hotel Ambassador Zermatt enjoys a central location, only 100 m from the Zermatt train station and the Gornergrat rack railway station. All rooms and apartments feature a balcony offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn.

BUDGET – Hotel Adonis

Excellently located for walking into the center of town and scooting up the cableways, this hotel offers splendid mountain views. Most rooms come with a private balcony. At an additional fee, you can include breakfast in the rate.

Day 9: Zermatt

As I mentioned before, Zermatt is a car free town so good news is that you don’t need to use your car for today! You can just comfortably get around on foot and you can also take advantage of the cable cars to access the higher viewpoints/hikes.

Zermatt Five Lakes Hike

Rise early to tackle the majestic Five Lakes Hike (5-Seenweg). This is an easy walk that gives you the chance to ogle a series of beautiful alpine lakes and take in vistas of Matterhorn’s jagged peak rising in the distance of the Valais Alps.

The five lakes that you will visit are Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee.

This hike is 9.8 km (6.1 miles) and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete, but you might want to factor in additional time for walking around the lakes and taking photos. It’s not too strenuous with lots of flat and downhill sections, with the occasional short but steep chunk.

The starting point is the Blauherd cable car station which is accessible via the funicular from Zermatt town and then the cable car from Sunnegga. A return ticket typically costs between 53-58.5 CHF (€55-60.70) depending on the season you visit.

The trail concludes at Sunnegga station and is clearly marked for the duration of the hike, you just need to follow the signs marked 5-Seenweg.

Afternoon in Zermatt

After the hike, you can ride the cable car back down to Zermatt and spend the afternoon exploring the town. 

If you want to soak up more mountain views then you can ride the Gornergrat Bahn funicular up to the Gornergrat viewpoint. This is the highest open-air cog railway in Europe and its route includes a vertical climb of 1,469 meters (4,820 feet) as the train jostles through alpine ravines and larch forest.

The ride takes 30 minutes each way and it’s located at the main Zermatt train station. Although the view is indeed beautiful, brace yourself for the steep price: a return ticket costs 134.50 CHF (€139.60) per person.

Besides the funicular, you can enjoy a wander through the streets of Zermatt to see the traditional Walser houses. Stroll down Hinterdorfstrasse past the archaic wooden chalets.

If you want to learn more about the regional history and tales of the mountaineers who have mastered the ascent up the Matterhorn, you can visit the Matterhorn Museum, Zermatlantis.

The main lure of Zermatt is that the town offers wonderful views of the iconic pyramid-shaped peak. After the hike you might feel satiated with what you’ve seen, but, if not, you can walk up to the official viewpoint from the town.

Day 10: Zermatt to Lugano via Grimselpass & Furkapass

This morning you will need to reunite yourself with your car and drive the 300 km (186 miles) to Lugano via the attractions below.

The total driving time today is around 5.5 hours, excluding time spent at the attractions, so you will need to depart from Zermatt and Täsch as early as possible. 

Grimselpass

Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes (90 km/56 miles) from Täsch to Grimselpass

You will follow the Grimselpass, one of the most scenic roads that you’ll encounter during this 2 week Switzerland road trip itinerary. The elevated route sits at 2,164 meters (7,100 feet) above sea level and is one of the highest altitude paved roads in Europe.

Connecting the cantons of Bern and Valais, it is a showcase of wilderness that includes granite rocks, lakes, and power plants. 

The full pass is 38 km (24 miles) and it is usually only accessible during late spring until October. You can park up by Totensee to break up the journey and appreciate the scenery before turning around and heading back towards Furkapass.

Drive through the whole Grimselpass means you’ll need to take a bit of a detour so feel free to pass on it if you’d rather save some time.

Furkapass & Hotel Belvedere

Driving time: 17 minutes (14 km/9 miles) from Grimselpass to Hotel Belvedere

Furkapass is another high-altitude mountain pass, this one registering at an elevation of 2,429 meters (7,969 feet). It connects the Valais hamlet of Gletsch with Realp, in the canton of Uri. As you drive along the road you might find the scenery familiar. That’s because it was used as a filming location in the James Bond movie, Goldfinger . 

Park your car at Hotel Belvédère which sits on the western end of the pass and you can walk up to the Rhone glacier. 

Swing the World Nara

Driving time: 2 hours (106 km/66 miles) from Hotel Belvedere to Swing the World Nara

If you loved the Giant Swing in Tschentenalp then you’ll be pleased to know that you can visit two more amazing swings today!

These pair of swings that have been positioned in the Nara ski region are part of a project from Swing the World who installed swings in 11 different locations through the Ticino area. (Hint: You’ll be able to visit another location the next day!)

It was a bit of a struggle to find these swings first because I couldn’t find any proper information about them online but don’t worry, now you have me! First of all, you need to drive up to Cancori on a very narrow mountain road.

The road is so narrow that it can barely fit one car and it’s a two-way road! So I would only recommend driving up if you’re an experienced driver and you don’t have a fear of heights.

Once you made it to Cancori, find the small church (Kleine Kapelle) where you can park your car. From here, you only need to walk 5 minutes to the first swing and 10 minutes to the second swing. You just have to look out for signs that says “Altalena” and you’ll definitely find them.

This is your moment to seize the day and get that perfect shot for Instagram so have your camera ready! A portrait of you soaring above the Swiss Alps is the perfect souvenir from your 2 weeks in Switzerland.

Arriving to Lugano

Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (78 km/48 miles) from Swing the World Nara to Lugano

Once you had your moment on the swings, it’s time to head back to your car and drive to Lugano where you’ll be spending the next two nights.

It takes roughly around 1.5 hours to reach Lugano from Cancori and unfortunately you’ll have to take the same mountain road you drove up on. Try to leave the swings before it gets dark as it’s really challenging to drive down during the night!

Where to stay in Lugano (2 nights)

Lugano is an interesting mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences so if you want to explore the culture and food then you might prefer to stay in the town center. Alternatively, there are lots of appealing hotels dotted along the lakeside further out of town.

Below you can find my recommendations for the best places to stay in Lugano.

LUXURY – Hotel Splendide Royal

Established in 1887, the 5-star Splendide Royal with its turn-of-the-century character is Lugano’s most fashionable hotel, located on Lugano’s lakeside main street. With its elegant guest rooms, fine cuisine, and a staff of 100 employees who provide meticulous personal service, the Splendide Royal hotel inspires loyalty among its clients.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Colibrì

Located slightly further out of town, this property provides a stunning view of the lake that makes it worth the ride. The hotel features a swimming pool, free parking, and the rate includes breakfast. Top-tier rooms feature a balcony and lake view. 

BUDGET – Hotel Atlantico

This wallet-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms, free parking, and free daily breakfast. The location is perfect for getting around the historic center and the staff is noted for their attention to detail. 

Day 11: Scenic drive in and around Lugano 

Today you will explore the region to the northwest of Lugano and drive for a total of around 180 km (111.8 miles). The total drive time will be around 3.5-4 hours, subject to how deep into the Valle Verzasca you venture. 

Valle Verzasca

Driving time: 1 hour (52 km/32 miles) from Lugano to Ponte dei Salti (Valle Verzasca)

Valle Verzasca is a picturesque valley located in Lavertezzo, within the canton of Ticino in Italian-speaking Switzerland. There are loads of activities to choose from here so it’s up to you to decide how you want to absorb the surroundings.

You can hike, mountain bike, swim, or discover the culture of the rural hamlets and villages. One spot not to miss is the Ponte dei Salti, which means ‘jump bridge.’ This double-arched bridge crosses the emerald-colored Verzasca River from Lavertezzo village.

It is also possible to do a bungee jump from the Verzasca Dam if you can summon the courage! If you want to hike the Lavertezzo and the Revöira ethnographic path, then you will need to allow 3 hours to complete the 8.7 km (5.4 miles).

Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (52 km/32 miles) from Ponte dei Salti (Valle Verzasca) to Foroglio

Driving further north into the Ticino canton, you will reach the fairytale Maggia Valley where the star attraction is the picturesque hamlet of Foroglio. The stone buildings are right out of a children’s picture book and are set against the thundering Cascata di Foroglio which crashes down from the cliffs behind the village.

These waterfalls are accessible via a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike from the village which is clearly signposted.  Alternatively, you can take the 8 km (5 miles) route which takes you up into the valley at the top of the falls.

There is another Swing the World located in Foroglio, positioned in the woodland with a full frontal view of the waterfalls. Swing out over the river if you dare!

Afternoon in Lugano 

Driving time: 1 hour and 25 minutes (78 km/48 miles) from Foroglio back to Lugano

Depending on how long you want to spend in Valle Verzasca and Foroglio, you can head back to Lugano whenever you are ready and spend the rest of the day roaming the city.

Architecture aficionados will love checking out the blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings in the town, particularly the churches, cathedrals, and monasteries.

You could visit an art gallery such as the Museo d’arte della Svizzera Italiana. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take a scenic stroll along the shore of the Lago di Lugano or through the Parco Ciani. Or of course, you can hop on a boat cruise to see the city from an entirely different perspective.

Other things to do in Lugano include riding the funicular up to Monte San Salvatore from Paradiso where you will be rewarded with gorgeous views from the 900 meters (2,952 feet) summit. If you have the energy, you can walk down the mountain in 1-1.5 hours.

Afterwards, you could head to Swissminiatur for a more gentle activity. This open-air museum opened in 1959 and features Swiss landmarks in, you guessed it, miniature! 

My other tip for this area is to head north along the lake to the quarter of Gandria. This suburb is a time capsule for previous eras, with immaculately preserved buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

It’s also the final Swiss village before you meet the Italian border. You can either drive here from Lugano or take a boat cruise to experience it from the water.

Day 12: Lugano to Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein.

Driving time: 2.5 hours (185 km/115 miles) from Lugano to Vaduz, Liechtenstein (via Liechtenstein)

Today you will actually cross the Swiss border into neighboring Liechtenstein. The distance from Lugano to the capital city, Vaduz, is 185 km (115 miles) and the journey will take you around 2.5 hours.

 I recommend crossing the border at Balzers so you can drive through the whole country. It will give you a nice first impression even if you don’t have time to stop and explore every town.

Once you are in Liechtenstein, I suggest that you concentrate your sightseeing on the area surrounding Vaduz. You can drive up to Schloss Vaduz for panoramic views across the city. Sadly the castle is closed to visitors because it’s the actual residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, moreover it is currently being renovated.

Further sights in Vaduz include riding the Citytrain which is a fun way to see and learn about the city and visiting museums such as the Liechtenstein National Museum or Postmuseum. Whatever you do, remember to get your passport stamped at the Tourist Office. It’s a great memento from your 2 weeks in Switzerland! 

Further afield, you can visit the little alpine towns of Planken and Triesenberg which are only a short drive from Vaduz. For something more adventurous, you can drive up to Malbun which features the only ski resort in the country. During the summer months, the region is transformed into a playground for hiking and mountain biking. 

For more help structuring your activities, you can refer to my guide on how to spend one day in Liechtenstein .

Where to stay in Liechtenstein or the Appenzell District (2 nights)

This 25 km (15.5 miles) long principality sandwiched between Switzerland, Austria, and Germany is small enough that you can really stay anywhere you like.

However, for the purpose of this road trip in Switzerland, my recommendation is that you choose accommodation in the northern part of the country. For example, in or around the village of Bendern as this will tie in best with your activities over the following days. 

Alternatively, you can choose accommodation in the Appenzell district of Switzerland which will fit in well with the next leg of this Switzerland road trip but be prepared that it will be a tad bit more expensive.

If you’re looking to save some money during your 2 weeks in Switzerland, staying in Liechtenstein is a great alternative! You’ll need to book 2 nights in this tiny country, below you can see my recommendations.

LUXURY – Romantik Hotel Säntis

Located directly at Appenzell’s historical town square, the “Landsgemeindeplatz”, the Romantik Hotel Säntis, with its grand façade, offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. All rooms have a work desk, a safe and a TV. Each room has a private bathroom. The hotel also offers extensive spa and seminar facilities.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Restaurant Schlössli Sax

Located on the border of the Appenzell district and Sax in Switzerland, this recently renovated hotel offers immaculate rooms with private bathrooms and superb views of the incredible scenery.  Breakfast is included in the rate and there is free parking on site. 

BUDGET – b_smart hotel Bendern

This smart hotel features a gym, sauna, sun terrace, and bar. Contemporary rooms are well equipped with all the necessities you will need and breakfast is included in the rate. Parking is available at the hotel for free. 

Day 13: Hiking at Ebenalp 

Driving time: 35 minutes (35 km/22 miles) from Bendern, Liechtenstein to Wasserrauen

Today you will explore the mountain of Ebenalp, the northernmost summit of the Appenzell Alps and an absolute haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Your total distance covered and driving time will depend on where you book your accommodation for these two days.

From the Bendern area to Ebenalp, you will need to drive for 35 minutes (35 km/22 miles). If you stay in the Appenzell district then your drive time will be significantly shorter. 

You’ll find tons of different hiking trails in Ebenalp so be prepared for a full day of hiking! You can even opt to hike all the way up instead of using the cable car if you want to save money but I would still recommend to choose the cable car to save time.

The route we did in Ebenalp was the following: first we took the cable car up to Ebenalp, we hiked a little bit down to visit Aescher-Windkirchli, then we hiked all the way up to Schäfler Ridge. On the way back we hiked down to Seealpsee then concluded our hike back at Wasserrauen.

It was a pretty demanding hike and it took us the whole day but I can totally recommend doing the same! If you’re not big on hiking, you can skip Schäfler Ridge and only visit the rest of the places.

Aescher-Wildkirchli

Once you’re in Ebenalp, you can park your car in Wasserrauen and locate the cable car which will whisk you away into the mountains for your first sight. A return ticket costs 34 CHF (€35) per person but if you want to follow the same route we did, it’s enough to buy a one-way ticket for 22 CHF (€22.70).

If you would rather, then you can actually hike up to Äscher-Wildkirchli by following the track up through the woodlands from Wasserauen. The total length from here to the ridge is around 7.5 km (4.7 miles) and there is a fair amount of elevation (around 1,200 meters / 3,936 feet) so you should plan around 3-4 hours to complete the route if you skip the cable car. 

Aescher-Wildkirchli is a complex of caves cut into the cliffs that feature a chapel and a museum of excavated finds for you to explore.

There’s also one of the most scenic restaurants in the world waiting for you up here! It takes around 20 minutes to reach the restaurant from the Ebenalp cable car station and since the road mostly goes down, it’s a very easy hike.

Schäffler Ridge Hike 

From Aescher-Wildkirchli you can start your hiking section of the day and head up the mountains to the Schäffler Ridge, a remarkable natural phenomenon that grants you a view across Austria and Germany on a clear day.

It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the mountain hut on the top and since you have to tackle 450 meters of elevation gain I’d say it’s a moderate difficulty hike.

There is a cute little guesthouse on top where you can relax a little bit or have something to eat/drink. It’s also possible to stay at the hut for the night but you have to book it in advance. If you want to find the best viewpoint on the top, just continue for a few minutes up behind the mountain hut!

Continue your adventure by hiking down to the gorgeous lake, Seealpsee, from the Schaeffler Ridge.

The descent is pretty steep and if you’re wary of heights this track might not be for you. There is however a rope rail for added security as you make your way down and the scenery ahead is out of this world.

That being said, this hike is still pretty challenging so it’s not really for beginners! I’m not an experienced hiker and I was still able to complete it but oh boy, it was hard! This section took us more than 2.5 hours.

Once you reach the lake you can walk around the whole perimeter in around 30 minutes. This is a popular swimming lake, especially in summer.

However, before you take the plunge, you should expect the water to be freezing year-round! From here you can walk back down to Wasserauen which takes around 45-60 minutes.

Day 14: Liechtenstein to Zurich

Today you will drive to your starting point and final destination on this road trip in Switzerland, Zurich. The total drive time today will again depend on where your accommodation is.

From Bendern to Zürich via the locations listed below, you are looking at 155 km (96.3 miles) and a drive time of around 3 hours. 

Saxer Lücke Viewpoint Hike

Driving time: 10 minutes (7.5 km/4.5 miles) from Bendern, Liechtenstein to Frümsen Cable Car Station

The final hike on your list is a nice and easy one but it gives you an unparalleled view of the Appenzell district and neighboring Liechtenstein as you traverse this ridgeline at an elevation of 1800 meters (5,905 feet).

The hike to the viewpoint is a 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip over a rocky path which is of easy to moderate difficulty. At some points, the track is quite loose with steep drop-offs so you’ll need sturdy footwear. For the most challenging parts of the track, you will find ropeways to hold onto.

The trailhead is accessible from the top of the Frümsen-Staubern cable car (a return ticket costs 36 CHF/€37) and it takes around 2.5 hours to complete the entire loop.

If you want to extend the hike then you can also walk down to Falensee once you reach the Saxer Lücke viewpoint which adds a further 2 km (1.2 miles) to your hike. 

Stadtbibliothek St. Gallen

Driving time: 40 minutes (58 km/36 miles) from Frümsen Cable Car Station to St. Gallen

The last attraction to check out before you reach Zurich is the beautiful library located in the Abbey of Saint Gall in the city of St. Gallen. This baroque abbey was originally founded in the 8th century and the library is one of the oldest from the medieval era.

You’ll see ancient books, as well as historic artifacts and relics from the monastery complex and the painted ceilings, are an attraction in themselves.

A ticket costs 18 CHF (€18.50) which includes a visit to the Abbey Library, the Vaulted Cellar, and the Exhibition Space. Unfortunately, you can’t take any pictures inside the library and it’s rather small so it only takes around 15-20 minutes to visit it.

That being said, it’s really unique so it’s absolutely worth stopping by! If you have a little bit more time, it’s also worth strolling around the town itself, the streets are incredibly picturesque.

Ps: Don’t worry, I didn’t break any rules and I didn’t take any pictures in the library. I bought a postcard at the shop and simply took a photo of that so I can show you how the library looks like!

Arriving to Zurich

Driving time: 1 hour (85 km/53 miles) from St. Gallen to Zurich

Your Switzerland road trip is slowly coming to an end so it’s time to head back to Zurich, where you started. It takes around 1 hour to reach Zurich from St. Gallen so if you started early enough, you can still factor in some extra sightseeing time in Zurich.

This is a great opportunity if there are some more places left on your list that you didn’t have time to visit on the first day of your Switzerland itinerary. But if you’d rather just sit back and relax, no one would blame you – you just had an adventurous 2 weeks in Switzerland after all!

Planning a trip to Switzerland?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Switzerland. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• 28 Incredible Zermatt Hotels with Matterhorn View
• One Day in Zurich Itinerary: How to See the Best of Zurich in a Day
• The Ultimate One Day in Bern Itinerary
• The Perfect Itinerary for Spending One Day in Geneva
• 11 Most Beautiful Castles in Switzerland You Can’t Miss
• Hotel Review: Boutique Hotel Glacier, Switzerland
• Hotel Review: Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz

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10 thoughts on “The Ultimate Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks”

Thank you for this itinerary! I find Switzerland planning to be so overwhelming and this is incredibly helpful + the map is how my brain thinks so including this with the route saved me so much time and stress. I have a question about the images under Lauterbrunnen- were these taken in Lauterbrunnen? I want to spend more time in this place and want to ensure it’s correct. Thank you!

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I know how you feel, planning this road trip was really overwhelming and took me so much time to put together before we left. And I feel you about the map too – I always plan my trips with a map so I’m glad that you found it useful as well! 🙂

Yes, the three images under Lauterbrunnen were all taken in the town. It truly looks like a fairytale but it’s a really small town so you won’t need more than a couple of hours to walk around it and take some photos.

HI! I’ve read so many Switzerland itineraries and I found yours very helpful. Do you think this itinerary is doable with my 67yo mom? She is still very healthy and does walking every day. Thank you!

Yes absolutely! Maybe you will have to skip the longer hikes or just do smaller sections of it but other than that, I think it’s totally doable.

Hi, Your itinerary for two weeks is very good. If you have the opportunity to stay longer, there are lot of more really wonderful spots to visit (Appenzell, Gruyères, Jura, and lots more). Even though, the city of Basel is an absolute must for every trip, wouldn’t you agree ?

Kind regards, Peter

Hey, thanks so much for your commend and suggestions! Yes, you are absolutely right, these are all very worthy additions to a Switzerland road trip. Unfortunately we couldn’t make it during our last trip to Switzerland, hopefully next time.

Hi. Biiiiig fan of yous. Okay so I have a question to ask. If you also add which time you personally visited or I can Say when or in which months your Photos have been taken, it would be nice.

Hey, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Most of these photos were taken in the months of August and September.

Such an awesome job you’ve done here. Thank you! We are planning our trip from April 23-May 7. Your guide is going to be very helpful.

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Hope you will have a great time in Switzerland.

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Switzerland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

As one of the most expensive countries in Europe , Switzerland is often skipped over by budget travelers.

Yet, while it is not a cheap destination, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

This land-locked country is home to shimmering lakes (more than 7,000 of them!), picturesque mountains (hello Alps!), tiny walled medieval towns, historic cities, soaring peaks, endless green fields you want to run through, delicious chocolate and cheese, incredible beer, and friendly, welcoming people. It’s known for ski resorts, hiking trails, its neutral foreign policy stance, being a banking and finance center, and making Swiss watches.

Everything runs on time here, the country is safe, and everyone is super nice. I loved my time traveling around Switzerland and the country rocks no matter what time of the year you visit.

This travel guide to Switzerland to help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Switzerland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in switzerland.

1. Tour the capital

Bern has an amazing historic center. This part of town is filled with medieval clocktowers, cobblestone streets, churches, and well-preserved sandstone homes. Be sure to walk the River Aare way, visit the History Museum and the Einstein Museum, and check out the bears at the Bear Park!

2. Ski the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn’s sharp angular peak is one of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions. You have to take a train or bus into the Zermatt area (the closest town to the mountain) as cars aren’t allowed. If you miss ski season, come hike the mountain in the summer. You can take the world’s highest cable car up to the viewing platform.

3. Visit Zurich

Zürich is also set on beautiful Zürich Lake, near the mountains, and is close to a lot of other cities (like Bern ). I love the historic center that opens up on the lake. A perfect day here involves sitting in the parks and drinking a beer on the lakefront. The city is also very arty and full of street art and museums.

4. Be adventurous in Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the outdoor capitals of the country (though it’s quite touristy during peak season). There is a lot to do here for the adrenaline-seeker: skydiving over a Swiss glacier, water-skiing, skiing, hiking, and more. This is also ground zero for backpackers since there are so many free outdoor activities.

5. Visit the Swiss Riviera

The “Swiss Riviera” is situated in Lavaux (Canton of Vaud) and goes along Lake Geneva. You can visit unique terraced vineyards that overlook the lake, the 12th-century castle Château de Chillon built on the water, and the town of Montreux, which is famous for its annual jazz festival.

Other Things to See and Do in Switzerland

1. join in the fasnacht spring carnival.

This festival in Basel is a three-day party that welcomes in the warm weather and takes place annually on the Monday following Ash Wednesday. It’s something that’s highly anticipated by both tourists and locals, and it’s definitely Switzerland’s most popular festival. Fasnächtlers dress in elaborate costumes to hide their identities and parade around town with “cliques” (bands playing drums and piccolos). All the bars and restaurants in town remain open throughout the entire three days and everyone is in a good mood!

2. Explore Geneva

As the third-largest city in Switzerland, Geneva offers spectacular views of the city’s lake (Lake Geneva), the world’s largest fountain, one of the main UN headquarters, a historic city center, and a collection of international restaurants to satisfy anyone’s palate. While you’re here, make sure you check out the Geneva’s Art and History Museum and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. There are 40 museums here in total so there’s a lot to keep you entertained!

3. Hike Mt. Pilatus

Located right outside the city of Lucerne, this beautiful mountain has breathtaking views of the alps. From the city, you can take a gondola or hike the trails to the top to look out over the Swiss Alps (it’s about two hours to the top if you hike and 30 minutes by gondola). There are some easier trails around the northern side of Pilatus, as well as other attractions in the summer months such as a ropes course.

4. Picnic at the Rhine Falls

Pack a picnic and admire the view of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. If you hop on a boat tour you can get extra close to the giant rock in the middle of the falls and tour the Rhine Falls Basin. Nearby in the town of Schaffhausen, there’s a medieval castle that also houses a hostel for cheap (but interesting) accommodations.

5. Explore St. Gallen

The seventh-largest city in Switzerland, St. Gallen boasts beautiful museums, colorful murals, and one-of-a-kind architecture. It doesn’t receive as much tourist traffic as the other cities and regions around the country, but it’s a fun town full of students and you’re likely to befriend a few locals during your visit. Don’t miss the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library, which is home to nearly 170,000 documents. Some are hand-written and over a thousand years old!

6. Tour rural Switzerland

Rent a car and explore the Graubunden area of the country, where there are houses and structures dating back to the 13th century. You’ll also be able to hear the ancient language Romansh, which has died out everywhere else in the country and many locals take great pride in keeping the tradition alive. Of course, it’s a haven for nature lovers too — there are 615 lakes and 150 valleys in the region. Soglio, Brigels, Bergün, and Vals are just some of the quaint villages worth visiting in the region.

7. Have a romantic time in Montreux

With a picturesque castle (Chateau de Chillon) lying at the edge of a lake, this area makes for a romantic getaway. Tour the castle, which dates all the way back to the 12th century and inspired the likes of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The town was also the home of Freddie Mercury and there is a statue here in his honor. It costs 13.50 CHF to visit the castle.

8. Discover rural culture in Appenzell

This small village of 7,000 lies in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. There are no cars and the village has upheld much of its local traditions and culture, including dance and folk music. It’s an incredibly picturesque little town, with frescoed buildings and narrow alleyways. Its location near the foot of the Alpstein mountains makes it a great gateway for participating in summer and winter outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Take the Appenzell Railway to Wasserauen, and explore the fascinating prehistoric Wildkirchli caves (which were inhabited over 40,000 years ago).

9. Visit Lucerne

You can’t get much more of a typical Swiss destination than Lucerne. Located on the beautiful Lucerne Lake, the city offers a wonderful combination of urban life and nature. Spend some time in the old town, especially Weinmarkt, surrounded by medieval guildhalls and decorative buildings. Cross Chapel Bridge, the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge, and pay attention to the 17th-century ceiling paintings showing events from Lucerne’s history.

10. Ride the Jungfraujoch Railway

The Jungfraujoch is the highest train station on the continent. Started in 1896 and stretching 9 kilometers (5 miles), this mountain railway takes passengers up Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch where they can admire stunning views and an incredible amount of snow. A round-trip journey costs 210.80 CHF.

  For more information on specific cities in Switzerland, check out these city guides:

• Basel Travel Guide
• Bern Travel Guide
• Geneva Travel Guide
• Interlaken Travel Guide
• Zurich Travel Guide

Switzerland Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms average 30-40 CHF per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. Private hostel rooms range from 70-120 CHF per night. Most hostels offer free linens, Wi-Fi, and some include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, there are a few campsites around Interlaken. Prices cost around 15-30 CHF per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Hotels are super expensive, costing 70-120 CHF per night for a basic room. For something a little nice and more spacious, expect to spend closer to 150-200 CHF per night.

A much better alternative to hotels is Airbnb, where a private room typically costs 30-50 CHF per night and an entire apartment starts at about 70 CHF (though they usually cost double that so book early to find the best deals).

Food – With strong French, German, and Italian influences, Swiss cuisine is a mix of meat and potato-based dishes along with plenty of local cheeses. Popular dishes include veal and mushrooms, fondue (with bread or potatoes), rösti (fried grated potatoes), and quiche. Naturally, Swiss cheese and chocolate should not be missed either. When it comes to breakfast, muesli is a go-to healthy choice.

If you want to eat out, bars and cafés are the cheapest food option and cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. An inexpensive restaurant costs about 25 CHF while a 3-course meal at a mid-range one costs about 60 CHF.

If you want to drink with your meal, a beer costs around 7 CHF and cocktails can cost 12-15 CHF.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 15 CHF for a combo meal. A large pizza is 15-21 CHF.

You can keep your food spending in check by going to the local supermarkets and buying your own groceries. Expect to spend around 100-125 CHF per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, eggs, seasonal produce, and some meat. The major supermarkets are Migros, COOP, and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.

Backpacking Switzerland Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Switzerland, my suggested budget is 95 CHF per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking al of your meals, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like enjoying nature and taking walking tours.

A mid-range budget of about 200 CHF per day covers a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid tours and activities like visiting museums and going skiing.

For a “luxury” budget of 400 CHF or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CHF.

Switzerland Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

Switzerland is a very expensive country to visit but there are plenty of ways to save money in the country, especially if you like the outdoors (nature is free!). Here are some ways I lowered my costs while visiting Switzerland:

• Get a student discounts – Many museums and other tourist attractions offer student discounts so always ask if there are discounts if you happen to be a student. You’ll save around 20% off.
• Get a city card – Most cities have a city tourist passes that get you discounts or free admission into museums and various local sights. Most of them also provide free public transportation too. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, these cards are really cost-effective and can save you around 20-40%. Just make sure the cost of the pass is less than the cost of seeing the attractions you want.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It was a lifesaver that allowed me to keep my costs down the most. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
• Use BlaBlaCar – Transportation is very expensive, even more so than accommodation. Most intercity trains are around 50 CHF. That adds up quickly! Instead, use the ride-sharing website BlaBlaCar to avoid the trains and meet locals. It’s like Airbnb but for ridesharing. Just make sure you’re flexible as some rides will cancel last-minute.
• Use hotel points – Hotel reward points are a lifesaver in an expensive destination, so rack up hotel points before your trip. This tip really only works if you are from the U.S. (though there are options in Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand) but hotel points have save me thousands of dollars a year. You can click here to learn about how to get points and free hotel stays .
• Don’t drink – Alcohol is not cheap here. Skip the booze to save money and keep your budget intact. If you do drink, stick to happy hours and hostel bars for the cheapest drinks.
• Cook your meals – Eating out here is expensive so go grocery shopping and cook your own meals to save. It’s not glamours, but it makes visiting Switzerland much more affordable! My recommendation is to make your own lunch and then eat out for dinner if you don’t want to cook.
• Eat lunch specials – If you are going to eat out, do so during lunch when most lunch specials at cafes and restaurants cost around 10-19 CHF. It’s the cheapest time to eat out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Switzerland

Hostels are the way to go in Switzerland but unfortunately there aren’t many of them. If you are traveling during peak season, be sure to book well in advance as they fill up quickly. My favorite places to stay in the country are:

• Balmers (Interlaken)
• Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken)
• Zurich Youth Hostel (Zurich)
• Oldtown Hostel Otter (Zurich)
• City Hostel (Geneva)
• Nyon Hostel (Geneva)
• Bern Youth Hostel (Bern)
• Bern Backpackers Hotel & Hostel Glocke (Bern)
• Basel Backpacker (Basel)
• Hyve Hostel Basel (Basel)

How to Get Around Switzerland

Public transportation – Cities and towns in Switzerland are incredibly well connected with trams, buses, funiculars, and trains. Each mode of transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. A single fare usually costs between 2.50-5 CHF depending on the length of time and number of zones you travel.

You should consider getting a Swiss Half Fare Card. It allows you to travel by train, bus, boat, and most mountain railways at half the price for one full year. It costs 185 CHF. This is only cost-effective if you intend to spend more than 370 CHF on public transportation.

If you’re staying a while and plan on cramming a LOT into your itinerary, you might want to look into getting a Swiss Travel Pass . It’s steep in price, ranging from 232 CHF for three consecutive days to 429 CHF for 15 consecutive days (there are non-consecutive passes as well), but it could be worth your time. It covers public transit, free travel on panorama trains, admission to 500 museums, mountain excursions, and more. The card also holds your Mobility and PubliBike memberships, and any MobilSki passes for the resorts.

If you’re considering the Swiss Half Fare Card or the Swiss Travel Pass, use the sbb.ch website to figure out the full fares for some of the trips you plan to make. This is the best way to figure out if either card is cost-effective for you.

Train – Train is the best way to travel in Switzerland and is the most preferred method for locals. It’s economical and efficient. Bern to Geneva (a two-hour ride) costs 50-95 CHF. The two-hour trip from Zurich to Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to Bern is 40-75 CHF. Expect to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities.

As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – FlixBus offers a few routes around the country. A 90-minute ride from Zurich to Bern starts at just 6 CHF, while a 5-hour journey from Zurich to Geneva starts at 17 CHF. It’s considerably cheaper than the train but options are much more limited than the train.

Flying – The country is so tiny, there’s no need to fly. It’s expensive and not worth the hassle. Take the train or bus instead.

Ridesharing – Using a ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar is one of the best ways to get around the country, although it does require some flexibility. You simply request a seat, pay a small fee, and off you go! It’s a faster and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train.

When to Go to Switzerland

Most visitors come to Switzerland in the summer, between May and September. July and August have the warmest temperatures, with snow-free hiking trails and longer days. If you’re around on August 1st, there are tons of celebrations for Swiss National Day (fireworks!). Peak summer temperatures are 18-28 °C (65°-82°F).

The shoulder seasons are from April-May and October-November, which is known in Switzerland as Zwischenzeit — the “between time” for the ski and summer seasons. It’s a good time for city hopping, but the ski resort towns are completely quiet and a lot of things are closed. The weather can also be unpredictable.

Ski season is from December to March, where resort towns get crowded and very expensive! If you’re a skier, that probably won’t matter much as Switzerland has some of the best skiing in the world. Conversely, cities like Zurich are quieter as everyone flocks to the mountains. The weather is cold and hovers below freezing so be sure to pack plenty of layers.

How to Stay Safe in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. The most common type of crime is pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas, but even that is rare. In some cities, like Geneva, petty crime is on the rise but it’s still nothing to be concerned about. Just keep your valuables secure and out of reach and you’ll be fine.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re traveling in the mountains, keep an eye on weather reports and forecasts. The weather can be extreme and change rapidly so plan accordingly. If you go hiking alone, let your hostel/hotel staff know where you’re heading just in case.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you plan on hiking or spending some time skiing in the mountains, pay careful attention to weather reports. Heed avalanche warnings, and stay off the trails if you’re told to do so.

If you experience an emergency, dial 117 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Switzerland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Switzerland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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• Where To Stay
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• Related Blogs

Switzerland Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland Travel Tips & Destination Guides

• Switzerland Itinerary for 10 Days

BERN & BERNESE OBERLAND

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

LUCERNE & CENTRAL SWITZERLAND

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

VALAIS REGION

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

LAKE GENEVA

• Geneva: Best Things to Do in Geneva

WINTER TRAVEL

• Affordable Skiing in Switzerland
• Skiing in Wengen-Grindelwald

Getting Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Popular Tours

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

Best Time to Visit

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, don’t forget to bookmark this page so that you can reference back to it when you need more info about specific places. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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We are Jean and Camilla, a French/English couple who love to explore the world with our three small children (Jude 10, Elio 8 who is disabled, and Alba who is 7).  Our goal is to show that handicap should not prevent any family from going out and explore the world.

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Welcome to our family travel blog, your ultimate guide to family outings and travel in Switzerland. Discover an array of family-friendly activities in Switzerland, from exploring the stunning Swiss Alps to visiting the top attractions perfect for kids. Our expert tips and recommendations will ensure that your family vacation in Switzerland is a memorable one. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or thrilling theme parks, we've got you covered. Explore the best family resorts, find kid-friendly hikes, and embark on scenic train rides to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Get ready for an incredible journey as we share our insights on traveling with children in Switzerland. Start planning your next family adventure today!

Welcome to our Swiss blog, dedicated to travel in Switzerland with your family and discovering exciting family outings throughout the country. Our blog is your go-to resource for all things related to family-friendly travel in Switzerland.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next family adventure, tips on traveling with kids in Switzerland, or recommendations for unforgettable family outings, we've got you covered. As a trusted Swiss blog, we strive to provide valuable insights and expert advice to make your family's journey through Switzerland a truly remarkable experience.

From the majestic Swiss Alps to charming cities and picturesque landscapes, Switzerland offers endless opportunities for family exploration. Our blog showcases the best destinations, attractions, and activities that cater to families, ensuring fun-filled adventures for all ages.

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Swiss travel, sharing our firsthand experiences, useful tips, and practical advice for traveling with children. Discover hidden gems, embark on thrilling outdoor adventures, and immerse yourselves in the rich culture and traditions of Switzerland.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a summer vacation, or a winter ski trip, our Swiss blog is here to inspire and guide you every step of the way. We understand the unique needs and interests of families, and we're dedicated to helping you create lifelong memories through unforgettable family outings in Switzerland.

So, get ready to explore the beauty of Switzerland, embrace new experiences, and embark on extraordinary family adventures. Follow our Swiss blog as we unlock the wonders of this breathtaking country and provide you with all the information you need for an unforgettable family journey through Switzerland.

Bienvenue sur notre blog de voyage en famille, votre guide ultime pour les sorties et les voyages en famille en Suisse. Découvrez un large éventail d'activités adaptées aux familles en Suisse, de l'exploration des magnifiques Alpes suisses à la visite des principales attractions parfaites pour les enfants. Nos conseils et recommandations d'experts vous garantiront que vos vacances en famille en Suisse seront inoubliables.

Que vous recherchiez des aventures en plein air, des expériences culturelles ou des parcs d'attractions palpitants, nous avons ce qu'il vous faut. Explorez les meilleurs complexes hôteliers familiaux, trouvez des randonnées adaptées aux enfants et embarquez pour des voyages en train pittoresques pour créer des souvenirs inoubliables avec vos proches. Préparez-vous pour un voyage incroyable alors que nous partageons nos idées sur les voyages avec des enfants en Suisse. Commencez à planifier votre prochaine aventure en famille dès aujourd'hui !

Bienvenue sur notre blog suisse, dédié aux voyages en Suisse en famille et à la découverte de sorties familiales passionnantes à travers le pays. Notre blog est votre ressource incontournable pour tout ce qui concerne les voyages en famille en Suisse.

Que vous recherchiez de l'inspiration pour votre prochaine aventure en famille, des conseils pour voyager avec des enfants en Suisse ou des recommandations pour des sorties familiales inoubliables, nous avons ce qu'il vous faut. En tant que blog suisse de confiance, nous nous efforçons de fournir des informations précieuses et des conseils d'experts pour faire du voyage de votre famille en Suisse une expérience vraiment remarquable.

Des majestueuses Alpes suisses aux villes charmantes et aux paysages pittoresques, la Suisse offre des possibilités infinies d'exploration en famille. Notre blog présente les meilleures destinations, attractions et activités qui s'adressent aux familles, garantissant des aventures amusantes pour tous les âges.

Rejoignez-nous pour explorer le monde enchanteur du voyage suisse, en partageant nos expériences de première main, nos conseils utiles et nos conseils pratiques pour voyager avec des enfants. Découvrez des joyaux cachés, embarquez pour des aventures en plein air palpitantes et plongez dans la riche culture et les traditions de la Suisse.

Que vous planifiez une escapade d'un week-end, des vacances d'été ou un séjour de ski en hiver, notre blog suisse est là pour vous inspirer et vous guider à chaque étape du processus. Nous comprenons les besoins et les intérêts uniques des familles, et nous nous engageons à vous aider à créer des souvenirs inoubliables grâce à des sorties familiales inoubliables en Suisse.

Alors, préparez-vous à explorer la beauté de la Suisse, à vivre de nouvelles expériences et à embarquer pour des aventures familiales extraordinaires. Suivez notre blog suisse alors que nous vous dévoilons les merveilles de ce pays à couper le souffle et vous fournissons toutes les informations dont vous avez besoin pour un voyage en famille inoubliable à travers la Suisse.

Härzlich willkommen uf unserem Familienreise-Blog, dini ultimative Anlaufstelle für Familienuusflüge und -reise in dr Schwyz. Entdeck e breiti Palette vo familienfreundliche Aktivitäten in dr Schwyz, vo de Erkundung vo de atemberaubende Schwyzer Alpe bis zum Bsuech vo de Top-Attraktione, wo perfekt für Chind sind. Unseri Expertentipps und -empfehligenge stelle sicher, dass dini Familienferie in dr Schwyz e unvergässliche wird.

Egal, ob du Outdoor-Abenteuer, kulturelli Erläbnisse oder spannendi Themeparks suchsch, mir hei di deckt. Entdeck d beschte Familienhotels, find kinderfreundlichi Wanderwege und begib dich uf malerische Zugreise, um unvergässliche Erinnerunge mit dine Liebste z schaffe. Mach dich bereit für e unglaubligi Reise, während mir dir unscheri Iisichte zum Thema Reise mit Chind in dr Schwyz verrote. Fang hütt a, dini nächsti Familienabentüre z plane!

Härzlich willkommen uf unserem Schwyzer Blog, wo sich mit Reise in dr Schwyz mit dinere Familie und de Entdeckig vo spannendi Familienuusflüge im ganze Land befasst. Unser Blog isch di Go-to-Ressource für alles, was mit familienfreundlichem Reise in dr Schwyz z tue het.

Egal, ob du Inspiration für dini nächsti Familienabentüre suchsch, Tipps zum Thema Reise mit Chind in dr Schwyz oder Empfehligenge für unvergässliche Familienuusflüge, mir hei di deckt. Als vertrauenswürdige Schwyzer Blog bemüehe mir uns, dir wertvolli Iisichte und Expertenrat z gäh, so dass d Reise vo dinere Familie dur d Schwyz e wirklech einzigartigi Erläbnis wird.

Vo de majestätische Schwyzer Alpe über zauberhafti Stedt und malerische Landschafte bietet d Schwyz unändlichi Möglechkeite für Familienexkursione. Unser Blog präsentiert d beschte Destinatione, Attraktione und Aktivitäten, wo sich an Familie richte, und garantiert so e vergnüeglige Abentüre für alli Altersgruppe.

Begi dich mit uns uf e Entdeckungsreise dur d zauberhafti Welt vo de Schwyzer Reise und profitier vo unseren Erschterfahrige, nützliche Tipps und praktische Ratschläg zum Thema Reise mit Chind. Entdeck versteckti Schätze, begib dich uf spannendi Outdoor-Abenteuer und tauch ii i die riichi Kultur und d Traditione vo dr Schwyz.

Egal, ob du e Wochenendusflug, e Summerserie oder e Winterskitour planisch, unser Schwyzer Blog isch do, um dich z inspiriere und bi jedem Schritt z begleite. Mir verstöhn d einzigartige Bedürfnis und Inträsse vo Familie und mir hei uns zum Ziil gsetzt, dir z helfe, dur unvergässliche Familienuusflüge in dr Schwyz lebenslangi Erinnerunge z schaffe.

Also, mach dich bereit, d Schönheit vo dr Schwyz z erkunde, neui Erläbnisse z mache und dich uf aussergwöhnliche Familienabentüre z begäh. Folg unserem Schwyzer Blog, während mir dir d Wunder vo däm atemberaubende Land erschliesse und dir alli Informatione gäh, wo du für e unvergässliche Familienreise dur d Schwyz bruchsch.

¡Bienvenido a nuestro blog de viajes familiares, tu guía definitiva para salidas y viajes familiares en Suiza! Descubre una amplia gama de actividades para familias en Suiza, desde explorar los impresionantes Alpes suizos hasta visitar las principales atracciones perfectas para niños. Nuestros consejos y recomendaciones de expertos te garantizarán que tus vacaciones en familia en Suiza sean inolvidables.

Tanto si buscas aventuras al aire libre como experiencias culturales o parques temáticos emocionantes, lo tenemos todo cubierto. Explora los mejores complejos turísticos familiares, encuentra rutas de senderismo aptas para niños y embarca en viajes en tren pintorescos para crear recuerdos inolvidables con tus seres queridos. Prepárate para un viaje increíble mientras compartimos contigo nuestras ideas sobre viajar con niños en Suiza. ¡Empieza a planificar tu próxima aventura familiar hoy mismo!

Bienvenido a nuestro blog suizo, dedicado a viajar por Suiza con tu familia y descubrir emocionantes salidas familiares por todo el país. Nuestro blog es tu recurso de referencia para todo lo relacionado con los viajes familiares en Suiza.

Tanto si buscas inspiración para tu próxima aventura familiar, consejos para viajar con niños en Suiza o recomendaciones para salidas familiares inolvidables, lo tenemos todo cubierto. Como blog suizo de confianza, nos esforzamos por proporcionar información valiosa y consejos de expertos para que el viaje de tu familia por Suiza sea una experiencia verdaderamente remarkable.

Desde los majestuosos Alpes suizos hasta las ciudades con encanto y los paisajes pintorescos, Suiza ofrece infinitas posibilidades para la exploración familiar. Nuestro blog presenta los mejores destinos, atracciones y actividades que se adaptan a las familias, garantizando aventuras divertidas para todas las edades.

Únete a nosotros para explorar el mundo encantador de los viajes suizos, compartiendo nuestras experiencias de primera mano, consejos útiles y consejos prácticos para viajar con niños. Descubre joyas ocultas, embarca en emocionantes aventuras al aire libre y sumérgete en la rica cultura y las tradiciones de Suiza.

Tanto si estás planificando una escapada de fin de semana, unas vacaciones de verano o un viaje de esquí en invierno, nuestro blog suizo está aquí para inspirarte y guiarte en cada paso del camino. Entendemos las necesidades e intereses únicos de las familias, y nos comprometemos a ayudarte a crear recuerdos inolvidables a través de salidas familiares inolvidables en Suiza.

Así que prepárate para explorar la belleza de Suiza, abrazar nuevas experiencias y embarcarte en extraordinarias aventuras familiares. Sigue nuestro blog suizo mientras te descubrimos las maravillas de este país impresionante y te proporcionamos toda la información que necesitas para un viaje familiar inolvidable por Suiza.

Benvenuto sul nostro blog di viaggi in famiglia, la tua guida definitiva per gite e viaggi in famiglia in Svizzera! Scopri una vasta gamma di attività per famiglie in Svizzera, dall'esplorazione delle imponenti Alpi svizzere alla visita delle principali attrazioni perfette per i bambini. I nostri consigli e raccomandazioni di esperti ti garantiranno che le tue vacanze in famiglia in Svizzera siano indimenticabili.

Sia che tu stia cercando avventure all'aria aperta, esperienze culturali o parchi a tema entusiasmanti, abbiamo quello che fa per te. Esplora i migliori resort per famiglie, trova escursioni adatte ai bambini e imbarcati in viaggi in treno pittoreschi per creare ricordi indimenticabili con i tuoi cari. Preparati per un viaggio incredibile mentre condividiamo con te le nostre idee sui viaggi con bambini in Svizzera. Inizia a pianificare la tua prossima avventura in famiglia oggi stesso!

Benvenuto sul nostro blog svizzero, dedicato ai viaggi in Svizzera con la tua famiglia e alla scoperta di emozionanti gite familiari in tutto il paese. Il nostro blog è la tua risorsa di riferimento per tutto ciò che riguarda i viaggi in famiglia in Svizzera.

Sia che tu stia cercando ispirazione per la tua prossima avventura in famiglia, consigli per viaggiare con bambini in Svizzera o raccomandazioni per gite familiari indimenticabili, abbiamo quello che fa per te. Come blog svizzero di fiducia, ci impegniamo a fornire informazioni preziose e consigli di esperti per rendere il viaggio della tua famiglia in Svizzera un'esperienza davvero remarkable.

Dalle maestose Alpi svizzere alle città affascinanti e ai paesaggi pittoreschi, la Svizzera offre infinite possibilità per l'esplorazione familiare. Il nostro blog presenta le migliori destinazioni, attrazioni e attività per famiglie, garantendo avventure divertenti per tutte le età.

Unisciti a noi per esplorare il mondo incantevole dei viaggi svizzeri, condividendo le nostre esperienze di prima mano, consigli utili e suggerimenti pratici per viaggiare con bambini. Scopri gemme nascoste, imbarcati in emozionanti avventure all'aria aperta e immergiti nella ricca cultura e nelle tradizioni della Svizzera.

Sia che tu stia pianificando una fuga di fine settimana, una vacanza estiva o un viaggio di sci in inverno, il nostro blog svizzero è qui per ispirarti e guidarti in ogni fase del percorso. Comprendiamo le esigenze e gli interessi unici delle famiglie e ci impegniamo ad aiutarti a creare ricordi indimenticabili attraverso gite familiari indimenticabili in Svizzera.

Quindi preparati a esplorare la bellezza della Svizzera, abbracciare nuove esperienze e imbarcarti in straordinarie avventure familiari. Segui il nostro blog svizzero mentre ti sveliamo le meraviglie di questo paese mozzafiato e ti forniamo tutte le informazioni necessarie per un viaggio in famiglia indimenticabile in Svizzera.

はい、以下に日本語の翻訳を示します。

ようこそ、スイス家族旅行ブログへ！スイスでの家族旅行やお出かけの究極のガイドです。スイスには、アルプスの探検から子供にぴったりのトップアトラクションまで、幅広い家族向けアクティビティがあります。専門家のヒントとおすすめは、スイスでの家族旅行が忘れられないものになることを保証します。

アウトドアアドベンチャー、文化体験、スリリングなテーマパークをお探しですか？私たちがカバーします。子供に優しいハイキングトレイルを探す、または美しい列車の旅に参加して、愛する人と思い出に残る思い出を作りましょう。スイスでの家族旅行のヒントを共有しながら、素晴らしい旅への準備をしましょう。今日から次の家族旅行の計画を開始しましょう！

ようこそ、スイス旅行ブログへ！スイスでの家族旅行と、全国でエキサイティングな家族の外出の探索に特化しています。私たちのブログは、スイスでの家族旅行に関するすべての情報のワンストップショップです。

次の家族旅行のアイデア、スイスでの家族旅行のヒント、忘れられない家族の外出のおすすめをお探しですか？私たちがカバーします。信頼できるスイスのブログとして、スイスでの家族旅行を本当にユニークな体験にする貴重な洞察と専門家のアドバイスを提供することに取り組んでいます。

アルプスの壮大な山々から魅力的な街並みや絵のように美しい景色まで、スイスは家族の探検に無限の可能性を提供します。私たちのブログは、家族向けの最高の行き先、アトラクション、アクティビティを紹介し、すべての年齢層に楽しい冒険を提供します。

私たちと一緒に、スイスの旅行の世界を探索してください。私たちの第一手の情報、役立つヒント、家族旅行の具体的なアドバイスを活用してください。隠された宝石を発見し、スリリングなアウトドアアドベンチャーに参加し、スイスの豊かな文化と伝統に浸ってください。

週末の逃避行、夏休み、冬のスキー旅行を計画しているかどうかにかかわらず、スイスのブログはあなたを刺激し、各ステップであなたを導くためにここにいます。私たちは、家族のユニークなニーズと興味を理解しており、スイスで忘れられない家族の外出を通じて思い出を作り出すお手伝いをすることに専念しています。

それでは、スイスの美しさを探索し、新しい経験を受け入れ、並外れた家族の冒険に飛び込みましょう。スイスのブログをフォローして、この息を呑むような国の素晴らしさを明らかにし、スイスでの家族旅行に必要なすべての情報を提供します。

当然可以，以下是用中文翻译的：

欢迎来到我们的家庭旅行博客，您的瑞士家庭出游和旅行的终极指南。探索瑞士丰富多彩的家庭友好型活动，从探索令人惊叹的瑞士阿尔卑斯山到参观适合儿童的顶级景点。我们的专家提示和建议将确保您的瑞士家庭度假之旅难忘。

无论您是在寻找户外探险、文化体验还是惊心动魄的主题公园，我们都能满足您的需求。探索最好的家庭度假村，寻找适合儿童的徒步旅行路线，并踏上风景优美的火车之旅，与您的亲人创造难忘的回忆。为一次不可思议的旅程做好准备，我们将分享我们在瑞士旅行时与孩子们的见解。立即开始计划您的下一个家庭冒险！

欢迎来到我们的瑞士博客，致力于与家人一起在瑞士旅行并探索全国各地的激动人心的家庭出游。我们的博客是您获取瑞士家庭旅行相关所有信息的一站式资源。

无论您是在寻找下一个家庭旅行的灵感、在瑞士旅行时与孩子的建议，还是难忘的家庭出游的建议，我们都能满足您的需求。作为值得信赖的瑞士博客，我们努力为您的瑞士家庭之旅提供宝贵的见解和专业建议，使其成为真正难忘的体验。

从雄伟的瑞士阿尔卑斯山到迷人的城市和如画般的风景，瑞士为家庭探索提供了无限的机会。我们的博客展示了最适合家庭的目的地、景点和活动，确保所有年龄段的游客都能享受有趣的冒险。

加入我们，探索瑞士旅行的迷人世界，分享我们的第一手经验、实用技巧和与孩子一起旅行的实用建议。发现隐藏的宝石，踏上激动人心的户外探险，沉浸在瑞士丰富的文化和传统中。

无论您是计划周末度假、夏季度假还是冬季滑雪之旅，我们的瑞士博客都将为您提供灵感和指导，帮助您完成每一步。我们理解家庭独特的需求和兴趣，并致力于帮助您通过瑞士难忘的家庭出游创造终生难忘的回忆。

因此，请准备好探索瑞士的美丽，拥抱新体验，并踏上非凡的家庭冒险之旅。关注我们的瑞士博客，我们将为您揭开这个令人叹为观止的国家的奇迹，并为您提供瑞士难忘的家庭之旅所需的所有信息。

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Things To Do in Interlaken Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 21st, 2024

Remember to visit Interlaken on your trip to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland. This picturesque resort town is best to plan for at least 1 to 3 days of the visit. In this Interlaken travel guide blog, we listed down all the best things to do in this Interlaken itinerary. Let’s check it out!

Located in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region , Interlaken is a traditional picturesque resort town in central Switzerland. The town itself is small but holds a few attractions to keep you busy. There are plenty of things to do in Interlaken for all age groups. Together with Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald, and Isenfluh, visitors can easily plan for a few days of Interlaken itinerary to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities and explore the nearby town in the surrounding areas.

We visited the Jungfrau region during our trip to Switzerland. In the Jungfrau region, there are various days trips that can be planned. You may refer to our Jungfrau Region Itinerary if you plan for a few days of the visit.

To give you more insight and more information, let’s check out our Interlaken travel guide blog on things to do in Interlaken. We will more focus on what to do and see in Interlaken and how to plan your trip to this picturesque Swiss town. You’ll learn about all the best places to visit in Interlaken to ensure you don’t miss out on any great activities!

Table of Contents

How To Get To Interlaken

First of all, being a major travel destination in Switzerland, Interlaken enjoys a well-connected public transport network from various major cities. Many cities such as Lucern, Bern, and Zurich can get to the Interlaken with an easy train ride.

Here is the estimated traveling time to Interlaken by train:

• Zurich to Interlaken: 1h:55 by train
• Lucern to Interlaken: 1h:05 by train
• Basel to Interlaken: 1h:55 by train
• Bern to Interlaken: 0h:50 by train

Due to its popularity, Interlaken even has two railway stations to ease you to explore other places in Bernese Oberland.

• Interlaken OST : Main railway interchange for SBB (mainline) trains.
• Interlaken West ; bus and boat interchange: which is located in the central station of the town.

When you’re in the city, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting around on foot.

Interlaken Transport Tips

One of the great ways to get to Interlaken is to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass . This money-saving transport pass can greatly save on your transportation fee when you get around Switzerland. You will get unlimited rides on trains, panorama trains, boats, and buses for up to 15 consecutive or flexible days in Switzerland! You will use this pass to enjoy the free boat ride from Interlaken to Brienz or travel to the nearby Swiss villages following our Interlaken itinerary!

We started our train journey from Lucern to Interlaken with the famous scenic GoldenPass route . This scenic train ride connects central Switzerland and travels all the way from historic Lucerne to Montreaux. Along the train route, you’ll see the Brünig Pass, the lakes of the Bernese Oberland, upper-class Gstaad, and Lake Geneva. From Lucerne to Interlaken, the train journey took you about 2 hours via the scenic GoldenPass Ride.

The Golden Pass Line is free with your Swiss Travel Pass !

Where To Stay in Interlaken

There is a wide range of accommodation in the Jungfrau region. As a resort town in Switzerland, Interlaken is a lovely place to stay for at least 1 night. There is an abundance of high-quality and mid-range of accommodations if you are looking for where to stay in Interlaken.

Here is our popular pick for where to stay in Interlaken:

• Budget :  Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof  – Offers simple yet stylish rooms that are individually decorated.
• Mid Range :  Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel  – A quaint boutique hotel located near the Interlaken Ost Station.
• Luxury :  Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa  – A famous five-star hotel that offers luxurious stay and wonderful service. All rooms have a distinctive design and décor, ranging from classic to contemporary.

If you need more options, continue to read our accommodation guide: Where To Stay in Interlaken  to find out more about hotels in this scenic region.

Things To Do in Interlaken itinerary

To really enjoy your time in Interlaken, it’s important to know what are the things to do in the areas. Rest assured. We will share more information on the below Interlaken travel guide blog so that you wouldn’t follow our mistake!

Best Things to do in Interlaken Itinerary :

• Take a funicular ride to Harder Kulm

Tandem Paragliding from Interlaken

Leisure walk in hohematte park, take a boat trip, visit brienz town.

• Shopping for Swiss souvenirs in Interlaken
• Day trip to nearby Attractions

Interlaken Travel Guide : Most of the outdoor activities and places are visited during our trip to Interlaken, but unfortunately, we miss out few interesting activities such as kayaking due to the limited time and did not make bookings. So it’s best to plan and book your must-do activities before your trip to avoid disappointment.

Funicular Ride to Harder Kulm

If you’re in Interlaken, you have to go to the Harder Kulm, “Top of Interlaken” for the stunning view down over the town. It is easily accessible with a quick 8-minutes funicular ride to the top of the mountain. The funicular is located at Hardebahn at Interlaken Ost station which will take you directly to the top of Harder Kulm.

The visit to Harder Kulm is a great experience with a sensation view of the surrounding forest and the lakes below.

After arriving at the top of the ride, it’s a short walk to the triangular viewing platform which offers you amazing views at 1,322 meters above sea level. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains as well as Lakes Brienz and Thun can be seen from the top. When the weather is nice, it is an absolutely beautiful view, especially during sunset.

There’s a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating which serves decent food and hot beverages. However, take note that the funicular is run from mid-April until the end of November. During this time, the restaurant is also closed

Interlaken Travel Tips : There is a trekking trail for hikers and you can choose to take the funicular ride up to the top and slowly walk down the mountain.

This is certainly a MUST DO in Interlaken. The beauty of the Interlaken and the areas can be seen from above while slowly making your way down. Rest assured as the instructors are welcoming and knowledgeable to guide you through the whole process.

The Tandem Paragliding from Interlaken is a popular thing to do and the reservation must be made ahead of time for a popular time slot as their bookings are running fast. Secure your booking!

Don’t miss it as it can be a lifetime memory for the best thing to do in Interlaken. For sure this activity is not cheap but definitely worth the money! You can choose the Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken  or Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps from Lauterbrunnen . Both give you an unforgettable experiment!

The Hohematte Park is a picturesque lovely park in the Center of the town. During springtime, the park is full-on green grass and colorful flowers with the snow-capped mountain of the Eiger as a backdrop.

The Hohematte Park is the landing spot for paragliding. And you’ll see horse-drawn carriages, along with fun activities in the park. Locals love to bring families and kids to come here for picnics or just to relax on the green pastures.

Sitting on one of the benches to watch the perfect touchdowns of paragliders, strolling along the park, or having a sip of ice cream or snack from gelato carts offer yummy refreshments. The park may not be a tourist spot but worth spending a quick stop when visiting Interlaken. A relaxing afternoon at Interlaken!

When you’re in Interlaken, a boat trip to Brienzersee or Thunersee is definitely not to be missed. Interlaken is a unique location, that lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. I can thoroughly recommend the boat trips on either lake. The beautiful lake is characterized by the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and villages.

The boat ride from Interlaken makes several stops along the journey. Depending on your schedules, here are a few recommendations for your boat trip on the Interlaken itinerary.

Brienzersee vs Thunersee

Brienzersee or Lake Brienz is situated east of Interlake and one way from Interlaken to Brienz take 75 minutes. Options to stop at Giessbach to watch the falls, and further hike to Iseltwald.

• Interlaken – Glessbach for the waterfall – Hike to Iseltwald – Brienz (approximately 5 to 6 hours)
• Interlaken – Brienz (approximately 3 to 4 hours)

Thunersee or Lake Thun is situated west of Interlaken. A boat ride from Interlaken to Thun takes about 2 hours. Another option is to take a boat to Spiez and a short train ride to Mülenen for a trip up to Mount Niesen.

Detail refers to the Interlaken boat timetable: BLS Boat Schedule

Additionally, a nice round trip can be made by coupled with boat and train. We took the boat ride from Interlaken OST to Brienz and then returned back to Interlaken on the train ride. So we can enjoy the great view of the lake in 2 ways. Travelers can follow our way as part of your Interlaken itinerary or verses way.

We have panoramic views of the mountain peaks around Lake Brienz. The sky was clear and the water was crystal blue, with many beautiful chalets along the lake. A very scenic special lake cruise journey.

Interlaken Travel Tips : The boat cruise in lake Brienz was part of the package if you are having the Swiss Travel Pass !

Next on the Interlaken itinerary. When taking a boat trip to Lake Brienz, you can stop by the Brienz and pay a visit to the town. Brienz is a small village of the same name as Lake Brienz, located to the northeast of the lake’s shore.

The town is very peaceful and calm. It is lined with traditional half-timbered houses and has a beautiful promenade along the lake. Besides, Brienz is famous for its impressively-carved pieces that are made from various kinds of wood.

Enjoy your stroll with the beautiful view and walked along with the shops, restaurants, and sculptures in Brienz. What’s beautiful scenery! Lastly, we took the train from Brienz back to Interlaken. The train ride took about 20 minutes.

Shopping for Swiss Sourvenirs in Interlaken

There are plenty of shops, and boutiques lined along the busy little streets in Interlaken. Visitors can grab some Swiss souvenirs to bring them back to their home country. Swiss knives, homemade natural products, facial products, natural remedies, watches, and local chocolate can be found in the busy street in Interlaken.

Here are a few popular shops in Interlaken:

• Swiss Knife Center
• Swiss Chocolate Chalet for their lovely Swiss chocolate.
• Bucherer – Oldest shop established in 1888 which sells the finest handcrafted watches.
• Heimatwerk Interlaken for the local art and handicrafts

Day Trip to nearby Attractions

Lastly, Interlaken can be visited on a day trip and it is highly recommended to plan for a day trip to nearby attractions if you are staying in Interlaken for a few nights. Depending on the travel duration, most of the attractions in the Jungfrau region can be coupled up as a perfect day trip from Interlaken.

Below are a few recommended places and favorite day trips from Interlaken:

• Visit Swiss Village Town: Choose from Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald
• Day Trip to Jungfraujoch (Read more on our Jungfraujoch Travel Guide )
• Day Trip to Bern – A 45-minute train ride will bring you to Bern from Interlaken ( Bern Itinerary )

More Interlaken Travel Tips

For a leisure trip to this amazing town, don’t miss my other Interlaken travel guide with useful tips here.

Interlaken is best to visit during Summer, especially from May to September. During this time, the temperature is very pleasant and most of the attractions are open. Many mountain and outdoor activities can be planned during this time of visit.

We highly recommended taking the boat trip to Brienz or Thun. The boat ride gives you the opportunity to mesmerize and discover the small villages nearby.

Together with the attractions nearby, 3 days in Interlaken is enough to explore this area. There are tons of activities that can be planned during your trip to Interlaken. You can even plan for more outdoor activities such as kayaking, and hiking during summer!

Interlaken has its own calm. Although Interlaken is more tourism compared to the nearby Swiss village, this resort town is worth a visit all on its own.

Overview: Planning on Interlaken Itinerary

Last but not least, we hope this Interlaken travel guide will give you a clear idea of what you can plan to do on a visit. We sincerely hope you will enjoy these handpicked things to do and plan them for your Interlaken itinerary. Enjoy your trip to Interlaken!

More inspiration for travel in Switzerland :

Switzerland itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

• Zurich Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

Where To Stay in Zurich: Best Areas and Hotels

Lucerne itinerary: a complete travel guide blog.

• Where To Stay in Lucerne

Bern Itinerary: A Day Trip Travel Guide Blog

Jungfrau Region

Jungfrau Region Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

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

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Zermatt travel blog — The fullest Zermatt travel guide blog & the detailed Zermatt itinerary 2 days

If you are a big fan of Switzerland, you may have no strange to the word “Zermatt”. Although Zermatt isn’t well known as much as other famous places like Jaufraujoch – Top of Europe, Interlaken or other cities such as Zurich, Lucerne ,… this is the must-visit destination you should spend your holidays on. Not only is it a peaceful place but you also explore a lot of fantastic mountains which is the symbolic of Switzerland. So, what to do in Zermatt – the Zermatt’s fairy tale village? Let’s check out our Zermatt travel blog (Zermatt blog) with the fullest Zermatt travel guide on how to get to Zermatt, top things to do, where to stay, places to visit in Zermatt and how to spend 2 days in Zermatt perfectly (Zermatt itinerary 2 days) to find out the answer!

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This small village is situated in a valley, in which you can see the Matterhorn Mount, really like villages in the fairy tales.

Zermatt travel guide: How to get to Zermatt?

Zermatt is located in the north of Switzerland, near the Italy’s border. Therefore, catching a train is the fastest way to Zermatt. It takes two and quarter hours from Interlaken or Bern or three and half hours from Zurich to Zermatt. All the journeys have to pass the transshipment Vsip, next, get off the train and catch the local train from Vsip to Zermatt.

On the way to Zermatt, in spite of the summer or winter, the views are incredible with some small villages on the cliffs covered by the clouds. What a fantastic scenery!

Zermatt travel blog: Where I should stay in Zermatt?

Tourism is the main profession in Zermatt so that you can find a lot of budget-hotel here. As I am a solo traveler, I find an accommodation on Airbnb. Incidentally, I’ve already placed at Martin’s Eable’s Nest a lovely tiny apartment locating on the hill with a great view of Zermatt.

The apartment is a single room with a single bed for guest like me and sleeper sofa for host. Martin (my host) is an American Swiss. In spite of the age, he is still healthy and perfectly lucid. Although there are a lot of stuffs inside, this apartment is pretty clean, especially the guest’s bed. Something you should know that the apartment located on a high hill. Therefore, if you bring a lot of baggage and can manage on your own, believe me, it will be very hard for you to carry it to this apartment alone.

In addition, why don’t you consider some hotels follow in Zermatt with captivating views?

Matterhorn FOCUS Design Hotel: You can enjoy the incredible Matterhorn’s views from the Suite room. If you’re not on a budget, just take a hot coffee in the downstairs and you’ll be mesmerized by the view of the Matterhorn, barely taking your eyes off it.

Address : Schluhmattstrasse 131, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland.

You can find, check rates, reviews & availability for this hotel on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Parkhotel Beau Site: Spacious Four-star Hotel with many kinds of rooms and splendid view of the Matterhorn. Located at a peaceful area, this hotel also has swimming pool and other attractive sight-seeings.

Address: Brunnmattgasse 9, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

Besides, some hotels are not in Zermatt but having beautiful views such as Riffelhaus 1853 and one lies at the top of Gornergrat is 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

Zermatt blog: What to eat in Zermatt?

All my meals in Zermatt are cooked by Martin, of course, I pay for those. My lunch is about 8 – 10 CHF ($ 8.3 – 10.38) and the dinner is 15 CHF ($ 15.57). About those, Martin will contact to you with basic information before you arrive here.

The simplest lunch consists of Spaghetti, Toast (bread is eaten with jam) and a cup of hot tea. For dinner, you’’ll have a plate of mashed potatoes, Swiss sausage and pickles, apple juice and a delicious apple pie. The original text which Martin wrote to me: Roesti with veal sausage and Swiss Apple Juice. It can be said that the meals are pretty good, comfortable stay and beautiful views.

Zermatt travel blog: Some activities, things to do as well as best places you should visit in Zermatt

Climb up the matterhorn peak.

Most people come to Zermatt just because of the Matterhorn, said by Martin. Indeed, the Matterhorn is considered as symbol of Zermatt and you can view at this spectacular mountain in every corner of the town.

If you have mountaineering experience, don’t miss the chance of conquering the Matterhorn. Also, you can join some rock-climbing tours to mix yourself with its nature.

Take a walk at Zermatt’s stunning village

Zermatt center is kinda small and just need only an hour on foot to visit. But if you want to take pictures of the whole village, you can get on the top of the hill. A speciality is in the winter when the entire roof is covered by snow, the village appears like in a fairy tales.

Besides, you can take a visit to The Matterhorn Museum where has saved a variety of items of the village since the 17 th century. This museum is a place in which you can explore and find out the formation and development of this stunning fairy village.

Let’s ski in Zermatt

You can meet many people bringing along skiing instruments. This area is a good jumping-off point for outdoor activities, especially skiing because surrounding landscapes are mountains covered by snow. Of course, there will have means odd transportation bringing you up to the top of the mountains and pistes from easy to hard level.

Catching a train to Gornergrat

Normally, tourists are seldom hiking the Matterhorn Mount, but easily catch the views from the far off mountains. And getting on a train to Gornergrat is the best way to have best views and take photos as much as you want about this famous mountain.

The train will start at the Zermatt Station (particular station to Gornergrat and next to the station which go to Switzerland’s cities).

Zermatt itinerary 2 days: How to spend 2 days in Zermatt

Day 1: around trip from interlaken to zermatt.

5:00 a.m: Getting started the two-day in Zermatt by catching a train from Interlaken to Zermatt in the early morning. If posible, you may stop at Spiez where is near Interlaken to have a look at the beautiful Spiez Lake. Moreover, you can get the incredible window views, villages on the cliffs, snow under and so on along sides in the train to Zermatt.

8:00 a.m: The train arrives to Zermatt – the famous village of Switzerland and the top of Matterhorn isn’t far as much. Today is a snowy day and all the roads are covered by thick snow that why I’m out of the station and find the way back my apartment.

9:00 a.m: At this time, I’ve already contact to my host after my rounding trip to Zermatt. I am got by Martin and we come back to the apartment. This apartment lies at a bit high hill so that it is kinda hard to move around but for the fantastic views, I almost forget all those matter.

Wandering around streets in Zermatt town for a while, I turn back to Martin’s place right after that due to the snowy all day.

Day 2: Zermatt – Gornergrat – Matterhorn

7:00 a.m: Getting up early and taking the Zermatt’s sunrise photos from the apartment which is opposite the Matterhorn Mount.

9:00 a.m: Catch a train to Gornergrat. The train will stop at Riffelberg before getting to Gornergrat’s top. By the way, the scenery in this mount is really wonderful.

Buying tickets train to the Gornergrat’s top, you will get a cute tiny Matterhorn chocolate bar. Also, you should buy round-trip ticket because this is hop on hop off ticket which means you can get off anywhere you like with this ticket and the price is also cheaper than buying retail.

11:00 Get on the train to Gornergrat. From here, you can catch incredible views of this whole famous Matterhorn Peak. Hotels, restaurants are available on the top of Gornergrat or if you arrive here in summer, you can visit the beautiful Reffelsee Lake.

12:00 Turn back to Zermatt by train and then I have meal after wandering around the town. Finally, I come back to Martin’s place to get my luggage.

14:30 Saying goodbye to Martin as well as ending two-day in Zermatt’s stunning fairy village, I’m officially out of Zermatt.

Leave Zermatt with all my heart from snowy village to fantastic mountains. There are a lot of things in Zermatt that I didn’t experience yet. If possible in the next time, I will join The Matterhorn rock-climbing tour to explore all the magnificent lake reflecting the mountains and a variety of amazing things in Zermatt.

Are you looking for more Switzerland destinations? Read more: Lucerne travel blog — The fullest Lucerne travel guide for a great trip to Lucerne for the first-timers.

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