travel plan switzerland

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes.

All these geologic wonders add up to some of the more stunning scenery in the world. And that's enough to bring travelers—about 12 million of them per year —to Switzerland. When you factor in the countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating; hearty Swiss food; modern, interesting cities; and what is probably Europe's best public transportation system, you're met with an accessible, exciting, and altogether satisfying vacation destination.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do while you're here. Ski slopes are open November through March (though there is year-round skiing in a few places), while hiking and swimming are glorious in the summer months. But to beat the crowds, consider a visit in spring or fall.
• Language:  Switzerland's cantons, or states, are mostly either French- or German-speaking. In the southern Ticino canton, Italian is the first language and in the Graubünden/Grisons canton, Romansh, a form of ancient Latin, is still spoken by about 60,000 people. The good news for travelers is that English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions.
• Currency:  Despite being in the middle of western Europe, Switzerland is not part of the EU, though it participates in the European Common economic market. The official currency here is the Swiss franc (abbreviated CHF). That said, your euros will probably be accepted at most places, though they'll give you change in francs.
• Getting Around :  The clean, convenient, and comprehensive Swiss Travel System is the pride of Switzerland, and rightly so. The system includes trains, buses, lake and river ferries, funiculars, cogwheel trains, ski lifts, and gondolas that permit access to virtually every corner of the country. Because the system is so complete, we recommend touring Switzerland by public transportation, instead of by rental car. From airports and larger train stations, taxis are always available for those who don't feel like schlepping their bags.
• Travel Tip:  If you plan to do a lot of travel within Switzerland, consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass , which grants the holder unlimited first- or second-class travel across the country's network of trains, buses, and boats, and most scenic railways. Plus, you'll get admission to more than 500 museums, as well as discounts on mountain excursions. However, if you just plan to visit a couple of places in the country, you can get by with individual train/transit tickets.

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Things to Do

While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. Be sure to plan at least one (or several) excursions into the Swiss countryside, either on an easy or challenging hike, a boat ride across an iconic lake, or a cable car ride up to some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary:

• Explore one of the country's culturally rich cities. If you're flying into Switzerland, you'll most likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Zürich , Switzerland's largest city, is a delightful place to spend a few days taking in art and history museums, dining in centuries-old restaurants, and strolling down the River Limmat. Geneva , in French-speaking Switzerland, is the diplomatic center of Europe, with plenty of history and classical appeal, and an idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Hike, bike, swim, or ski. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find a huge range of outdoor activities in Switzerland—though admittedly, swimming is a bit brisk from October to June! There are biking and hiking routes for every level of fitness, extensive networks of ski "arenas" across the Alps and the Jura mountains, and rivers and lakes waiting for you to jump in for a swim or a paddle.
• Choose a mountain excursion. In Switzerland, it doesn't matter if you're not a skier or hiker. You can answer the call of the mountains just the same, thanks to dozens of scenic mountain excursions that whisk you—by cogwheel rail, cable car, or ski gondola—for close-up looks at the Matterhorn , the Eiger, the Aletsch Glacier, and more. At most places, you can have lunch on the mountaintop while you enjoy the view. Don't leave Switzerland without partaking in at least one of these thrilling rides.

For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland , Switzerland's most scenic train rides , and Switzerland's top lakes .

What to Eat and Drink

Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported!

Here are some of the foods and beverages you shouldn't miss in Switzerland:

• Fondue. This classic dish of melted cheese, served with bread and vegetables for dipping, is as iconic as the Matterhorn. Fondue originated in French-speaking Switzerland , but it's pretty much ubiquitous across the country.
• Raclette. Sort of a cousin of fondue, raclette is melted cheese served on a plate with bread, potatoes, and gherkins. Its roots are high in the Alps, where farmers would make meals from their abundant cheese reserves.
• Rösti. Pancakes made of grated, fried potatoes, rösti may be served as a side dish or, when paired with eggs, meat, or cheese, as the main course.
• Chocolate. Thanks to milk from grass-fed Alpine cows, plus a few "secret" recipes, Swiss milk chocolate is among the creamiest in the world. Brands to look for include Toberlone, Lindt, Sprüngli, and Läderach.
• Swiss wine. Largely produced in the more temperant cantons south of the Alps, Swiss wine is equally celebrated in its red and white varieties. Chasselas and pinot noir are among the most common grapes, but across the country's wine-growing region, micro-vineyards specialize in small-batch wines. Be sure to sample the wine while you're here— Swiss wine is hard to find outside Switzerland.

Read more in our guides to the top foods to try in Switzerland and where to eat in Zürich .

Where to Stay

Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. In between those extremes, there are concept hotels, ski-in/ski-out lodges, and a host of B&Bs, small inns, and vacation rentals.

If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. But cities like Zürich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place.

For a taste of what Zürich has to offer, check out our articles on Zürich's top neighborhoods and best hotels.

Getting to Switzerland

International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border.

You can reach Switzerland by train from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. Note that if you're traveling to Switzerland from an adjacent country, your ticket will likely only cover you until your first stop in Switzerland; for example, if you're traveling from Milan, Italy, your ticket will take you as far as Lugano. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains.

If you're driving to Switzerland, you need to purchase or make sure your car already has a motorway vignette —a sticker that permits access to Swiss highways.

Learn more by checking out our guides to Zürich airport , traveling to Switzerland from Italy , and Zürich's public transportation .

Culture and Customs

While there are no special "rules" for visiting Switzerland, travelers here might find the Swiss somewhat reserved, especially when compared to Mediterranean cultures to the south. Here are a few basic customs and courtesies to keep in mind:

• Be on time. Trains aren't the only thing that runs on time in Switzerland. Plan to arrive on time, or even a few minutes early, for restaurant reservations or other reserved activities.
• Don't be noisy. In restaurants, on public transportation, and especially in the evenings in residential areas, keep your voices at a conversational level.
• Tip in moderation. While tipping waitstaff is appreciated in Switzerland, it's not expected. Tips for your hotel cleaning staff and bellhops are the norm, however.

Money Saving Tips

Here's something you should know about Switzerland before you start planning your trip: it's expensive. Hotels, dining, trains, and attractions are all costly compared to many other European countries, but there are a few ways you can save money:

• Travel in the shoulder seasons. Visit Switzerland in the spring or fall to save money on airfare and hotels.
• Drink tap water. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap.
• Pack a picnic. Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. Just don't forget to grab a chocolate bar for the road!

https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ch

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/switzerland/tourism.php

Switzerland Tourism. "Language distribution." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

Switzerland Tourism. "Currency." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

BBC. "Tracing fondue’s mysterious origins." February 12, 2013.

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The perfect switzerland itinerary 7 days – 10 days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Switzerland

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

Here's a Short Cut

Map of Switzerland

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

Things to Know About Visiting Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days

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

Day 1 – Arrive in Zurich & Explore

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Interlaken and Lake Brienz

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

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

Day 4 – Lake Thun

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

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

Day 5 – Lauterbrunnen, Murren & Schilthorn

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

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

Days 6 & 7 – Zermatt

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

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

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

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

Day 8 – Bern 

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

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

Day 9 – Gruyere & Montreux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanderlust Crew

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8 Day Switzerland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – BEST SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

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

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

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

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

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR SWITZERLAND 8 DAYS ITINERARY

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

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

HOW TO GET AROUND SWITZERLAND?

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

Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!

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

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

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

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

HOW LONG TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND?

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

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

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SWITZERLAND?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS SWITZERLAND FAMOUS FOR?

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

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

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

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

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

SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

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

MOBILE DATA:

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

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

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

Pssst! Check out this AWESOME travel bag!

The Nomatic 40L is the best travel bag on the market, perfect for weekend trips or month-long adventures!

Featuring multiple compartments for clothes, shoes, laptop, water bottle, RFID-protected pocket, and more.

It’s designed to fit the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage so you’ll never have to spend money on check-in baggage again!

DAY 1: ZURICH TO LUCERNE

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

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

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

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

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

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

Read It Here: 15 BEST Things To Do In Lucerne

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

#1 CHAPEL BRIDGE

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

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

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

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

#2 BOAT TRIP ON LAKE LUCERNE

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

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

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

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

BEST LUCERNE TOURS

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

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

#3 MOUNT RIGI

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

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

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

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

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

MUST READ: 21 BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

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

Luxury: Lucerne Lake View Apartments

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

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

Mid-Range: Hotel De La Paix

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

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

Budget: Barabas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 2: LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN

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

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

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

HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

#1 visit staubbach falls.

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

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

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

RELATED GUIDE: Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen

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

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

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

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

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

#2 TRÜMMELBACH FALLS

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

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

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

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

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

BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS

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

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

#3 MÜRREN VILLAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4 MOUNT SCHILTHORN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5 WENGEN VILLAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6 PARAGLIDING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

#7 HIKING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

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

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

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

Related Article: Must-Do Hikes In Lauterbrunnen

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#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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Inspiration Calendar

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We need Switzerland.

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• Oeschinensee – gondola rail One of the most attractive and imposing mountain lakes, namely Oeschinensee, is reached by gondola rail from Kandersteg. Learn more
• Kandersteg Kandersteg is located at 1,200 meters in the Bernese Oberland and offers a fantastic view of the Blümlisalp Massif. Learn more
• Rivers and lakes Discover the most beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and gorges in our country. Learn more
• Chäserrugg – and the Churfirsten From Chäserrugg, the mightiest of the seven peaks of the Churfirsten mountain range, you can enjoy unsurpassed views into six countries.
• Wildhaus Nestled between the mighty Säntis massif and the seven Churfirsten peaks, the resorts of Alt St. Johann, Unterwasser and Wildhaus are among the highest-lying municipalities in Toggenburg. Learn more
• Ruinaulta - Switzerland's Grand Canyon 10,000 years ago, 10 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Learn more
• On a raft through the Swiss Grand Canyon The Rhine gorge is among Switzerland’s most beautiful locations for rafting. Learn more
• Brissago The lowest and oldest part of the village is clustered around the beautiful Renaissance church of St. Peter and Paul, surrounded by centuries-old cypresses. Learn more
• Brissago - Ronco - Ascona Strong fragrance of mimosas, well-tended Palm Gardens and simply unsurpassable views of the deep-blue Lago (Lake) Maggiore.
• Around the Churfirsten This moderately challenging loop takes you to the Wildhaus ski resort along a minor, little-known road and skirts magnificent Lake Walen. Learn more
• Donkey trekking The first item on this special walk is “donkey knowledge” before everybody prepares their “own” donkey. Learn more
• La Gruyère The Gruyère region, with its rolling green landscape and the peaks of the Fribourg Pre-Alps, is home to the world-famous Gruyère cheese. Learn more
• HR Giger Museum As tourists savor a fondue outside on the square, the surreal works of H.R. Giger come alive inside the Château St. Germain castle. Learn more
• Fribourg Region The Pays de Fribourg is somewhat a world turned upside down: cold, limestone summits are found in the south and mild, even Mediterranean-like lakesides in the north. Learn more
• Viamala Gorge The Viamala is full of history and stories. 2000 years ago, the Romans passed through the gorge. Learn more
• Canyoning in the Viamala Gorge The tour is led by experienced guides who assist the visitors with this nature adventure.
• CabriO Stanserhorn Enjoying the wind in one’s face and the perfect view. Learn more
• Mountain railways The journey to the top is an attraction in itself, be it onboard a cogwheel train, a cable car or the world’s steepest funicular. Learn more
• Hiking and Äscher cliff restaurant Nowhere else in Switzerland is the change from the hilly landscape of Central Switzerland to the craggy alpine scenery so abrupt or impressive as in the Alpstein area. Learn more
• Ebenalp and Wildkirchli Already Neanderthal men were here where today a cableway sweeps visitors up. Learn more
• Montreux Riviera The town of Montreux nestles in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay, surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Learn more
• Bern Cathedral The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city. Learn more
• City breaks City breaks are a brief escape from everyday life – and our Swiss Boutique Towns are perfect for the occasion. Learn more
• Bern Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Learn more
• Dream route Airolo - Gletsch From Airolo, the historic pass road snakes around hairpin bends up to the Gotthard. Learn more
• Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch The Jungfrau-Aletsch Region was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2001. Learn more
• Glaciers Venture out onto eternal ice and explore our country’s many glaciers. Learn more
• Oberhofen Castle - Living Museum and Park The castle, which dates back to the early 13th century, houses a living museum. Learn more
• Lake Thun Lake Thun is especially popular amongst sailors and windsurfers who appreciate the prevailing light breeze. Learn more
• Swimming in the Rhine through the historic old town Thousands of people cool off by leaping into the refreshing water during the warmer months of the year. Learn more
• Basel Home to 40 museums, the city of culture for connoisseurs has the highest concentration of museums in the country. Learn more
• Nationalpark Bike-Marathon In four one-day stages you experience the unique countryside on the National Park bike marathon route. Learn more
• Swiss parcs The Swiss parks are not just great spots for rest and relaxation, but also play a key role in the preservation of natural habitats. Learn more
• Geneva With its humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair, the European seat of the UNO and headquarters of the Red Cross is known as the «capital of peace». Learn more
• Jet d'Eau In Geneva harbour, known as “La Rade”, this water jet up to 140 metres high is a real eye-catcher. Learn more
• Appenzell The village of Appenzell and the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden are situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. Learn more
• Appenzeller® Cheese The country’s spiciest cheese has been made by hand in the same way for more than 700 years. Learn more
• Alpine Panorama Route The Alpine Panorama Route crosses the northern Alpine foreland with its many passes and gorges, tradition-rich culture, settlements and mountain farms. Learn more
• Hallwilersee Like the Baldeggersee lake a little further south, Lake Hallwil is located in the Seetal, a north-south valley that leads from the Lucerne hinterland to Lenzburg. Learn more
• Monte Generoso At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,701 metre high Monte Generoso. Learn more
• Via Albula/Bernina Through moorland and Alpine pastures to the Berninapass. One highlight follows another. Learn more
• Autumn The forests reveal a wonderful palette of colours, leaves crunch underfoot and you can already imagine the wonderful seasonal dishes that await. Learn more
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces The natural, cultural and culinary highlights of this area are definitely well worth a visit. Learn more
• Jura Crest Trail The undisputed highlight of this tour across an extensive grazing area is Mont Tendre, the highest point in the Swiss Jura. Learn more
• Zug Zyt Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the Old Town, the Zug Mountain and Lake Zug, is the city's landmark. Learn more
• Zug Castle Museum With its many nooks and crannies, Zug Castle has been home to the museum of cultural history for the city and the Canton of Zug since 1983. Learn more
• Creux du Van – Natural Spectacle Impressive 160 meter high vertical rock faces surround a four kilometer long and over one kilometer wide valley basin. Learn more
• Val de Travers The Val de Tavers is characterised by the watch industry and extends from Lake Neuenburg across the Jura all the way to the French border. Learn more
• LAC Arte e Cultura The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres Learn more
• Lugano With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town. Learn more
• Art & culture Switzerland is brimming with cultural surprises. Learn more
• Fribourg / Freiburg Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town. Learn more
• Cathedral of St. Nicholas Climb the 368 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg. Learn more
• Val Calnègia It can only be reached on foot, but the reward in the form of a submerged creek, unusual buildings and spectacular scenery is well worth the effort. Learn more
• Rochers-de-Naye: mountain with a view No two worlds could contrast more than those at the beginning and the end of the thrilling train ride from lively, sophisticated Montreux to the austere summit of Rochers-de-Naye.
• Schwarzsee The vacation region around the Black Lake and in the Eastern Freiburg Pre-Alps (Voralpen) is well-known for its authenticity and its wild, romantic natural landscape. Learn more
• Zurich The cosmopolitan city by the water combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. Learn more
• Zürich West In the last 10 years the industrial wasteland to the west of Zurich has grown into a new bright lights district. Learn more
• Patinoire du Flon Lausanne The ice rink in Flon is a great place for outdoor ice skating. Learn more
• Europe’s highest suspension bridge The suspension bridge stretches spectacularly from one rock face to the other. Learn more
• Hikes to suspension bridges Thrills over the abyss Learn more
• Freestyle Academy In Europe’s first Freestyle Indoor Base, jumps and tricks can now be practiced all year. Learn more
• rockresort From bed to board. Learn more
• Panorama view Sweeping views extend from part of Lake Lucerne as far as the Black Forest. Learn more
• Gstaad Gstaad attracts a charming mix of visitors. Learn more
• Gstaad Saanenland ... ... a highlight on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. Learn more
• Snow and piste report Daily updated information on 250 winter sports stations. Learn more
• Matterhorn – Symbol for Switzerland The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked to each other. Learn more
• Zermatt The vacation destination is a car-free zone and has preserved its original character. Learn more
• Bernina Express Fresh mountain air and stunning views from the Albula and Bernina rail lines. Learn more
• Train, Bus, Boat – Grand Train Tour The way of travelling that is as exciting as it is relaxing. Learn more
• St. Gallen The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland with a charming, traffic-free old town. Learn more
• St. Gallen Abbey District In St. Gallen you'll find history at every turn. Learn more
• Saas-Fee 13 four thousand meter peaks surround the glacier village, which is located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. Learn more
• Jungfraujoch On the Top of Europe: A visit to the Jungfraujoch puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland. Learn more
• Crans-Montana Sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley. Learn more
• Albert Heim Hut The views of the Galenstock and the crystalline rock-climbing routes are stunning.
• Rigi Kaltbad Swiss Quality Hotel Enjoy the hospitality in an inspiring alpine setting. Learn more
• Highland hike from Rigi-Kaltbad to Urmiberg The highland tour from Kaltbad via the Scheidegg to Urmiberg can only be described as absolute top!
• Lucerne Gateway to central Switzerland. Learn more
• Switzerland’s cities ... ... want to seduce you into discovering something new or experiencing something old in a new way. Learn more
• Chapel Bridge and Water Tower At the outflow of the river Reuss, a historic needle dam, built in 1860, regulates the water level of the lake. Learn more
• Giessbach Falls The Giessbach brook tumbles in 14 stages, over a length of 500 meters and out of the high valleys of the Faulhorn area down to Lake Brienz. Learn more
• Waterfalls You can feel the sheer force of the water as it thunders down into the depths. Learn more
• Swiss Historic Hotels Unique accommodation options from an unpretentious historic guesthouse to the luxurious grand hotel. Learn more
• Emmentaler AOP The king of Swiss cheese. Learn more
• Scenic nature Thanks to its unique geographical location at the heart of Europe, Switzerland is endowed with an extraordinary variety of scenic countryside. Learn more
• Rhine falls circular route The Rhine Falls are the centrepiece of this circular hike. Learn more
• The Rhine Falls By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall. Learn more

Video control

• Unterwasser
• Brissago Island
• Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Aletsch Arena
• Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Albulatal / Bergün
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Jura & Three-Lakes
• Fribourg / Freiburg
• Stoos – Fronalpstock

Jungfraujoch

• Crans-Montana
• Neuhausen am Rheinfall
• Kandersteg Kandersteg
• Unterwasser Unterwasser
• Flims Flims
• Brissago Island Brissago Island
• Wildhaus Wildhaus
• Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Viamala Viamala
• Stans Stans
• Wasserauen Ebenalp Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Montreux Montreux
• Airolo Airolo
• Aletsch Arena Aletsch Arena
• Basel Basel
• Zernez Zernez
• Geneva Geneva
• Appenzell Appenzell
• Seengen Seengen
• Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Albulatal / Bergün Albulatal / Bergün
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Jura & Three-Lakes Jura & Three-Lakes
• Noiraigue Noiraigue
• Lugano Lugano
• Fribourg / Freiburg Fribourg / Freiburg
• S. Carlo S. Carlo
• Veytaux Veytaux
• Schwarzsee Schwarzsee
• Zurich Zurich
• Lausanne Lausanne
• Engelberg Engelberg
• Stoos – Fronalpstock Stoos – Fronalpstock
• Gstaad Gstaad
• Zermatt Zermatt
• Engadin Engadin
• St. Gallen St. Gallen
• Saas-Fee Saas-Fee
• Jungfraujoch Jungfraujoch
• Crans-Montana Crans-Montana
• Andermatt Andermatt
• Lucerne Lucerne
• Brienz Brienz
• Emmental Emmental
• Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall
• May Kandersteg
• May Unterwasser
• May Brissago Island
• Jun Wildhaus
• Jun Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Jun Viamala
• Jul Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Jul Montreux
• Aug Aletsch Arena
• Sep Appenzell
• Sep Seengen
• Sep Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Oct Albulatal / Bergün
• Oct Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Oct Jura & Three-Lakes
• Nov Noiraigue
• Nov Fribourg / Freiburg
• Nov S. Carlo
• Dec Veytaux
• Dec Schwarzsee
• Dec Lausanne
• Jan Engelberg
• Jan Stoos – Fronalpstock
• Feb Zermatt
• Feb Engadin
• Feb St. Gallen
• Feb Saas-Fee
• Mar Jungfraujoch
• Mar Crans-Montana
• Mar Andermatt
• Apr Lucerne
• Apr Emmental
• Apr Neuhausen am Rheinfall

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Something happens in a video. A bird's eye view of the beauty of Switzerland.

• Hallwyl Castle (Schloss Hallwyl)

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The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked to each other. The pyramid shaped colossus of a mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world. The Klein-Matterhorn ("Little Matterhorn"), which can be reached via a funicular, lies adjacent to the Matterhorn.

The Rhine Falls

To stand high above Europe's largest waterfall, feeling the roar and vibration of the water over one's entire body - this can be experienced at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall.

On the Top of Europe: A visit to the Jungfraujoch puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland.

Château de Chillon

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

Creux du Van

"Creux du Van", a natural rock arena of immense proportions, is located at the border of the cantons of Neuenburg and Vaud. Impressive 160 meter high vertical rock faces surround a four kilometer long and over one kilometer wide valley basin.

Aletsch - the Largest Alpine Glacier

Incredibly immense, incredibly beautiful: the Large Aletsch Glacier is the Alps' mightiest ice flow. And the most popular, for it is easily accessible and is ideally situated for extensive hikes, winter sports and special nature excursions.

Swiss Museum of Transportation

Switzerland’s most visited museum showcases the past, present and future of mobility with interactive and varied exhibits. In addition to the museum, unique attractions found nowhere else in Switzerland, such as the film theatre, planetarium, Swiss Chocolate Adventure and Media World, are just waiting to be discovered.

10,000 years ago, 100 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Known as the Flims Rockslide, this event created the Ruinaulta, a canyon-like gorge in the Anterior Rhine Valley that can be reached on foot, over water, by train or by bike.

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Vaduz Hike: Via Alpina Buchs - Montreux

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Solothurn Hike: Jura Crest Trail, Solothurn - Couvet

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Discover the most beautiful hikes now. Switzerland is all about active recovery in pristine nature.

Swiss mountain railways take visitors to magnificent views as well as delightful and relaxing stays.

Spring in the city

Goodbye to the long winter months – it’s time to welcome the spring. Now it’s time to recharge your batteries, catch the sun’s rays and enjoy the fresh air. Switzerland’s cities are also in full bloom, showcasing spring’s awakening.

City oases in bloom

It is not just nature that awakens in spring – Switzerland’s towns and cities also wake from their winter slumber. Parks and gardens transform the urban centres, invigorating them with life. Roses, tulips and daffodils make this time of year particularly stunning.

Wellness with a clear conscience

Sustainable wellness: As the days start getting shorter, the weather outside gets colder and snow starts to fall, many people are drawn to soothing wellness facilities. However, there is no denying that whirlpool baths, saunas and relaxation in quiet surroundings involve the consumption of a great deal of thermal energy. By taking many steps, both large and small, these Swiss flagship spas show just how important and effective commitment to green principles is for our environment.

Panorama trains delight with large windows, mountain and lake views and other scenic attractions.

• until 30 Jun Swiss Press Photo 24 Zurich
• From 15 May Afro-Pfingsten Festival Winterthur, 15.05. - 22.05.2024
• From 17 May Riviera Latina Festival Weggis Whitsun 24 Weggis, 17.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 17 May Street Artists Festival Ascona, 17.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 18 May Open wine cellars in the canton of Vaud Lausanne, 18.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 18 May Bluesfestival Baden Baden, 18.05. - 25.05.2024
• 18 May Bern Grand Prix Bern, 18.05.2024
• 19 May International Museum Day 19.05.2024

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Switzerland

Look beyond the chocolate, cuckoo clocks and yodeling – contemporary Switzerland, land of four languages, is all about once-in-a-lifetime journeys, heart-racing Alpine pursuits and urban culture.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Switzerland. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Stiftsbibliothek

Northeastern Switzerland

If the greatest masterpieces on earth are wrought for the glory of God, St Gallen’s Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), is like a living prayer. Religious…

Jungfraujoch

Bernese Oberland

This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…

Swiss National Park

The Engadine

When an environmentally on-the-ball land like Switzerland has just one national park, you can bet it’s a good one. Huddled away in the far southeast of…

Aletsch Glacier

If ever a view in Switzerland is going to leave you dumbstruck (and there are a few great ones to choose from!), it will surely be the infinite swoop of…

Château de Chillon

If ever a castle could fit the fairy-tale bill, the dashingly handsome Château de Chillon would be it, with its moat, double ramparts and riot of turrets…

Zentrum Paul Klee

Bern’s answer to the Guggenheim, Renzo Piano’s architecturally bold, 150m-long wave-like edifice houses an exhibition space that showcases rotating works…

Castelgrande

Rising dramatically above the Old Town, this medieval stronghold is Bellinzona’s most visible icon. Head up Salita San Michele from Piazza Collegiata, or…

Ensnared in wispy spray, the thunderous Rheinfall might not give Niagara much competition in height (23m), width (150m) or even flow of water (700 cu…

Top picks from our travel experts

12 of the best things to do in the swiss alps.

This cable car whisks walkers up to the Gemmi Pass (2322m), clearly visible high above town, in next to no time. From the top, Lake Dauben and the…

Oeschinensee

Mountains rise like natural ramparts above the impossibly turquoise Oeschinensee, where you can fish, stroll, swim or hire a row boat. A cable car takes…

Rochers de Naye

A fabulous cogwheel-train ride (return adult/child Sfr70/35, 55 minutes, hourly) from Montreux station is half the reason to ascend the mountain to…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Experience the best of Switzerland with these top things to do.

Things to Know

With four languages, dizzying mountain peaks and thriving cities, Switzerland has a lot on offer. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Transportation

Traveling in scenic Switzerland is a joy. Here are the best ways to get around.

Visa Requirements

Stunning Switzerland is a joy to visit and rightly beloved by travelers, but its entry requirements aren't always obvious. Here's what you need to know.

Money and Costs

Want to explore Switzerland for less? Follow these tips for traveling through the alpine country on a budget.

Traveling with Kids

Exploring Switzerland with kids is child’s play. Find the perfect activities with this guide to the top things to do as a family.

Best Road Trips

Switzerland is full of incredible landscapes, and the best way to see them up close is on a road trip. Here are seven of our absolute favorites.

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Switzerland and beyond

Planning a trip to Switzerland in 2024 (Essential Guide)

Planning the perfect trip to Switzerland can seem daunting for first-time visitors.

We routinely help friends and fans who reach out with questions like this: "Hi, we are planning a trip to Switzerland this June. My husband and I would like to see many highlights. Any suggestions?"

With a dense rail network covering over 5000 kilometers, hundreds of mountain peaks, and just as many highlights and museums, it makes sense to do some research upfront.

But where to start? This blueprint covers how to get around Switzerland and which Swiss towns to visit. We've also included practical information on visas, currency, transportation, and tipping.

Plan the perfect trip to Switzerland:

1. when is the best time to visit switzerland, 2. what’s the weather like in switzerland, 3. will i need a visa to enter switzerland, 4. what currency is used in switzerland, 5. what are the rules for tipping in switzerland, 6. what languages are spoken in switzerland, 7. rental cars vs. public transportation, 8. practical advice for your switzerland packing list, 9. luggage services in switzerland, the expert guide to your life in switzerland, 10. and finally, which swiss towns to visit.

In short, Switzerland is friendly during any season.

But in all seriousness, the best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you plan on seeing and doing. I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Switzerland during all seasons except for November and January.

Early spring is ideal for skiing. Late spring and summer are perfect for exploring Swiss cities and towns. Many destinations have lush public parks, flower festivals, or cherry blossom trees.

Late summer and autumn are the best seasons for hiking, as the sunlight will be softer. Also, many iconic Swiss traditions take place in autumn, such as alpine cow parades or chestnut festivals. And finally, what could be more romantic than getting snowed in a chalet in the Swiss Alps?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to beat the crowds in Switzerland.

The Best Autumn Road Trips in Switzerland (2024)

Autumn in Switzerland – Ultimate Guide to the Golden Season

The Alps may make you think that Switzerland is constantly cold. However, this is not the case; the country has increasingly experienced heat waves.

Please note that at these high altitudes, the sun is much stronger. When sun rays reflect off snow or water, there is an increased risk of sunstroke. Wear sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses, and hydrate.

In the mountains, the weather conditions can change drastically and without notice. The conditions may switch from warm temperatures to overcast skies with chilly winds and even blizzards. Therefore, wearing layers is essential to be prepared for any weather.

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in central Europe. It borders Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and Liechtenstein.

While Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen countries. Schengen covers much of continental Europe, and crossing borders among member countries is possible without a passport or visa.

You’ll only need to produce a passport when entering Europe (or Switzerland) from abroad. If your nationality requires a travel visa to enter Europe first, Switzerland will also be included in the Schengen visa.

The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland, with the abbreviation being CHF. Each franc is divided into 100 “cents.”

You might assume that all European countries accept the Euro, similar to having open borders. This is not the case in Switzerland, where the Swiss franc dominates. You may ask to pay in Euros even within Switzerland, but you will likely get a bad exchange rate.

Credit cards are accepted widely, but note that smaller vendors often have a minimum charge set at 20 francs. You might need cash to pay the tab for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Some vending machines, luggage lockers, and honesty shops will only accept cash.

There is no need to exchange Swiss francs in your home country. Upon arrival at an airport or a major train station, seek out an ATM or a currency exchange. Many foreign banks charge a fixed fee for ATM withdrawals regardless of the amount, so limiting your withdrawals and getting more cash at a time makes sense.

A good rule of thumb is to exchange 50 francs per person (per day) in cash. (A cup of coffee can set you back 4.50 francs, a portion of spaghetti Bolognese, or a pizza up to 25 francs.)

Good to know: watch shops, jewelers, and boutiques will accept UnionPay and MasterCard credit cards and debit cards (the latter need a PIN code for verification). There is no need to bring large quantities of cash to pay for that luxury watch... A credit card with a chip and PIN code is a safe bet for paying in Switzerland.

“Is tipping necessary in Switzerland?” We get this question a lot.

Switzerland does not expect tipping because tips are factored into the total price. However, many locals will reward good service by generously rounding up. Depending on the amount, some locals will round up to the nearest franc, five francs, or ten francs.

Unlike in the US, waiters and other service providers, such as hairdressers, are not relying on tips to make a living. But a nice tip will surely put a grin on their face.

Some everyday tipping situations in Switzerland:

• A café bill of 4.20 francs is rounded up to 5 francs.
• A bar tab of 16.50 francs is rounded up to 20 francs.
• A food bill of 93.50 francs is rounded up to 100 francs. (Rule of thumb: 8 to 10%)
• Tip 2 francs per piece of luggage brought to your hotel room by the bag handler.

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Most Swiss speak multiple languages. While it is a good idea to rehearse some basic terms in Swiss German or Swiss French, you should not have a problem getting by with English.

Greetings in Switzerland: how to say “Hello” in Swiss German

Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss French language

Once you have decided to visit Switzerland, you must consider mobility options: to get a rental car or to buy a pass for unlimited use of Swiss public transport.

Switzerland by rental car

A British secret service agent showed the world some of Switzerland's most scenic roads. Switzerland Tourism has cleverly combined the most scenic routes as part of the Grand Tour of Switzerland , littered with highlights and beautiful vistas.

While many roads are easily accessible, even for average drivers, many require some guts. (Remember that James Bond has a particular knack for maneuvering those tight mountain roads.) In short, if you are used to driving on autopilot across the Plains, you might think twice about crossing the Alps by rental car.

Switzerland has no toll roads, but each car must have a valid freeway sticker attached to the windshield. Any rental car will have one if you enter Switzerland from a neighboring country. Otherwise, purchase a "vignette" at a gas station.

Alas, the annual road tax in Switzerland is 40 francs per car. And a day’s parking pass could easily cost upward of 50 francs.

Conversely, a rental car provides flexibility to veer off the beaten path. And it could be less expensive than the alternative when shared among several travelers.

Switzerland by public transportation

There is hardly another country with such a dense network of trains, buses, and boats. Public modes of transport are reliable, modern, and clean.

The Swiss transportation system is fairly easy to comprehend, too. All lines have regular departure times, meaning that a particular bus always departs at the same minute every hour (i.e., at :02 and :32). The connections are smooth because Switzerland has a fully orchestrated timetable.

You will likely benefit from scenic views from behind oversized windows. Weigh this against a mid-sized rental car with narrow windows.

About the Swiss Travel Pass

In addition to the main rail operator Swiss Railways (SBB), Switzerland has many private train lines. Despite this complexity, tickets from point A to point B can be purchased at most any ticket vending machine.

In other words, a single ticket in Switzerland is issued regardless of the public transport operators involved. Essentially, you could buy several individual tickets or day passes for each leg of your trip.

The Swiss Travel Pass was designed to provide a hassle-free experience for those traveling by train, bus, and boat. Issued for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days, the Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel all over Switzerland.

This all-inclusive pass even covers premium trains such as the Glacier Express . You’ll gain free admission to more than 500 Swiss museums as an added benefit.

But this sounds all very cut and dry. Another chief reason for the Swiss Travel Pass is the sheer convenience: you never need to worry about having a valid ticket while you zip across the countryside or fetch a postal bus back to the hotel.

You must be wondering how to pack for Switzerland. A suitcase will "suit" you fine, but remember that it might need to fit into a luggage storage compartment at the train station. For reference, the largest "XXL" storage measures 44.7 cm x 61.5 cm x 88.0 cm.

Switzerland's weather can be iffy, and it is not uncommon for a hot summer day to be followed by several days of cool, rainy weather. Temperatures drop with the sunset, and a sweater will keep you warm during those summer nights outdoors.

If you plan to visit mountain tops like the Jungfraujoch, wear a light down jacket and proper shoes because there will be snow and ice.

Except for Valais, temperatures in the lowlands are generally warmer than in the mountains.

• Spring, summer, and autumn: Bring a pair of jeans, T-shirts, a fleece sweater or vest, a light jacket, and a pair of sneakers. For the ladies, here is a detailed summer packing list .
• Bring a backpack with a light raincoat and/or small umbrella for your hikes and city trips.
• Always carry a water bottle that can be refilled at a fountain throughout the day. There is no need to purchase expensive bottled water - keep refilling the same bottle and spend the savings on chocolate...
• Winter: Temperatures routinely drop below zero. This is the country where skiing was invented, so needless to say, bring enough warm clothes: a down jacket, gloves, a scarf, hats, and waterproof winter boots.
• Leggings or thermal underwear will help if you plan to be outdoors all day.
• Bring an umbrella as snowfall often turns to sleet or rain in the cities.

Travel adaptors for Swiss power outlets

The current in Switzerland is 220V/50Hz AC.

Power sockets feature three pins. Any device requires a Type J adaptor with two or three pins, whereas the latter is a grounding plug.

Since neither Australian, US, or UK power plugs work in Switzerland, bringing a Type J travel adaptor is essential. These can be picked up on Amazon or upon your arrival in Switzerland. Look for them at grocery stores, post offices, or kiosks. If all else fails, ask the concierge at your hotel whether they have a travel adaptor you can borrow.

Say you plan to move to a different place daily and stop at highlights. Many train stations have luggage lockers. You could bring your luggage and store it in a locker for a few hours while checking out the sights.

Here is a list of train stations with lockers . Just in case, bring some change, as some lockers may not accept credit cards.

Most conveniently, take advantage of the various levels of luggage services by Swiss Railways. For instance, while checking out at one hotel, you could have your luggage picked up and shipped to the night’s destination. Or you could drop your bags at a major train station and have them shipped to your destination.

• Swiss public transport and must-see experiences
• How to save money in Switzerland
• Paperback, EN, 288 pages

A bible for residents and tourists in Switzerland. Filled to the brim with expert advice.

For first-timers, a popular triplet to visit is Bern (seat of the parliament and UNESCO World Heritage site), Lucerne (Chapel Bridge and Mt. Pilatus), and Zurich.

The three cities in the German-speaking part of Switzerland are an hour apart each, so they can easily be checked off your bucket list. Add Basel, with its more than 40 museums, for bonus points.

To experience Switzerland's southern charms, you have two choices: the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino with its stone houses and palm tree-lined lakes. Recommended places to stay are Locarno, Ascona, and Lugano. Or you pick the canton of Valais, a German and French-speaking mountainous region home to the Matterhorn .

We have extensively covered beautiful Swiss towns to visit. But if you are still unsure where to go in Switzerland, here are the top places to see in Switzerland in your lifetime .

Dimitri Burkhard

As the founder, editor, and community manager of Newly Swissed, Dimitri owns the strategic vision. He is passionate about storytelling and is a member of Swiss Travel Communicators. Dimitri loves discovering new trends and covers architecture, design, start-ups and tourism.

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The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Written By: Seraina Zellweger

City Guides , Switzerland

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Visiting Switzerland for the first time is exciting. You’re frantically putting together a bucket list in your head and you can’t wait to start packing. But planning a Switzerland Itinerary can be overwhelming.

All the places you’re going to see. The people you’re going to meet. The foods you’re going to eat. But every trip also comes with its burning questions that need answering. 

How much time should you spend in Switzerland ? How do you get around? What are the highlights you can’t miss? And what’s even realistic to see and do in the time available? 

Table of Contents

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

• Day 1 – Zurich, Kapellbrücke in Lucerne, Bern
• Day 2 – Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Jungfrau
• Day 3 – Interlaken, Golden Pass, Montreux
• Day 4 – Gruyeres, Broc Montreux, Zermatt
• Day 5 – The Matterhorn, Domodossala, Locarno
• Day 6 – Canton of Ticino, Stone Bridge of Lavertezzo, Maggia, Verzasca
• Day 7 – Ride the world’s longest train tunnel, Lake Como, Zurich

If you’re planning a one week trip to Switzerland , let me help you with some of those issues. The following Switzerland itinerary is doable within seven full days and includes a bit of everything Switzerland has to offer. If you are looking for a longer Switzerland Itinerary, we have mapped out the Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip here.

The Swiss Alps , lakes, scenic train rides, chocolate, cheese, and charming towns. Just to name a few. This seven-day itinerary starts and ends in Zurich , the main entry point to Switzerland for visitors arriving by plane.

But with Switzerland being such a small country, you could technically start and end in any other city as well. Sound good? Let’s dive in. 

One Week in Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Zurich – Lucerne – Trubschachen – Bern

Day 1 Switzerland Itinerary highlights:

• spend half a day in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
• walk across the iconic Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• stuff your face with free Swiss biscuits
• enjoy the pretty night views over Bern, Switzerland’s capital city (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Morning – Zurich

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own or join a free walking tour. Those run daily at 11:00 AM and cover all the hotspots of Switzerland’s largest city.

Alternatively, you can check out the Niederdorf (old town of Zurich), the Lindenhof park (great views over the city and the River Limmat), busy Bahnhofstrasse (Zurich’s main shopping street) and of course Bellevue by the lake, on your own.

Technically, you even have the option to explore the city by bike. A service called “Züri rollt” rents out free bikes, which is extra handy as it lets you cover more ground in less time. Around midday, or after the walking tour, grab a small takeaway lunch and have it on the train to Lucerne. ( You’ll understand why it needs to be small in a minute. )

Read more: Things to do in Zurich / 3 Days in Zurich

Insider tip:

For the best views over Zurich, head to the Polyterrasse, the terrace outside the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

It’s not far from Zurich main station and you can either walk or catch the Polybahn, a funicular taking you right to the terrace.

Short Stop in Lucerne

Since you’ve still got a bit of ground to cover today, you won’t have much time in Lucerne. But it should suffice for a stroll through the old town, take in the views of Lake Lucerne, and a walk across Kapellbrücke, the iconic wooden footbridge in the centre of Lucerne. Read more: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland

Insider Tip:

• When you’re at the platform in Lucerne, please check the display to make sure you catch the right half of the train.

What I always do at the Kambly store is head to the savoury section every now and then. It helps to fit in more of the sweet stuff.

Trubschachen – Kambly factory store

After an hour or two, continue your journey to Trubschachen, an innocent little place that’ll give your sweet tooth the time of its life. This inconspicuous village is home to a family business that dates back to 1910.

The Kambly family has been making some of the most iconic Swiss biscuits for over a hundred years.  And trust me. They know what they’re doing.

The Kambly factory store, which you’ll find right next to Trubschachen station, is free to visit. In here, you can spend as much time as your heart desires tasting up to 100 different types of delicious biscuits. ( And now you know why you had to keep that lunch to a minimum …)

Unfortunately, you can’t visit the heart of the factory or watch the production of their tasty creations. However, they do  have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insights into this traditional family business. After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two bites before, move on to Bern. 

Evening – Bern Switzerland

The direct train leaves once an hour and takes around 45 minutes to arrive in Switzerland’s capital city. There might not be much left of today, but depending on what time you get to Bern, you could still fit in a quick stop by the bear park or a trip up to Rosengarten for its impressive night views. After all, the best way to digest a Kambly overdose is to walk it off.

The train to Trubschachen gets split up along the way and only the front part travels through the picturesque Entlebuch region to your culinary destination.

Day 2: Bern – Interlaken

Today’s highlights:

• visit the adrenaline-packed and popular town of Interlaken
• enjoy a day jumping off planes, cruising across a lake or whatever else your adventurous heart desires
• Hang out at Jungfraujoch – the top of Europe

To squeeze the maximum out of your time in Interlaken, I suggest you leave Bern right in the morning.

The train ride to Interlaken takes just under an hour, which gives you almost a full day to explore the place everybody wants to visit when coming to Switzerland.

As a local, I try to avoid Interlaken as it gets super busy and completely swamped by tourists. But there’s a darn good reason for that. Interlaken is conveniently located for all sorts of fantastic outdoor adventures and spectacular mountain excursions.

You’ve got more options to choose from today than you can wrap your head around.  It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit. If you want to spend time in Interlaken there are many activities that will get your adrenaline flowing. And your wallet is bleeding. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4-Day Itinerary

• Paragliding

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

A more budget-friendly option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave. 

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either

• Giessbach Hotel (Lake Brienz)
• the Beatus Caves
• or the town of Spiez (Lake Thun)

As if that wasn’t enough, the Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste. 

Afternoon: Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody dies to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe.  Unfortunately, this spectacular ride is a real budget-strainer.  Expect to pay up to 210 CHF (197€ / 220 USD) for a return trip. 

In case you’re after a slightly less expensive alternative, look into visiting Mount Schilthorn instead. The ride up the cable cars and the panoramic views from the top have equal potential to take your breath away. Read more: Spectacular Switzerland, a Visit to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

But there’s more to do in Jungfrau

Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen , two quaint little mountain villages in a stunning setting, are close to Interlaken as well. And let’s not forget about the Aare Gorge, the place where the River Aare makes its way down from the glacier toward Lake Brienz.

Ok, I better stop listing your options here as this will only make you quit reading and decide to spend all week in Interlaken. And we wouldn’t want that. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4 Day Itinerary

Swiss Travel Passes

• If you travel by a Swiss Travel Pass or an Interrail / Eurail Pass, your train and boat rides are fully covered.
• Rail passes are valid for 3, 4, 8 or 15 days
• Includes Unlimited travel on Swiss Rail, bus, boat and public transport in cities
• Free entrance to more than 500 museums
• 50% off most mountain excursions
• However, you pay extra for the Jungfraujoch train and the gondola ride to Schilthorn.
• The travel passes entitle you to a discount between 25% and 50%, though.

Day 3: Interlaken – Golden Pass Line – Montreux

Day 3 highlights:

• ride parts of the famous Golden Pass Line, one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland
• visit the popular Château de Chillon
• grab a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO)

Time to leave Interlaken already. But don’t worry. The Golden Pass Line, which is one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland, has plenty of mesmerizing views in store for you. It connects the centre of Switzerland in Lucerne with Montreux by the shores of Lake Geneva.

Today, you’ll be travelling from Interlaken to Montreux , which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the Golden Pass Line.  The first leg takes you past Lake Thun to Spiez and finally into Zweisimmen, where you’ll transfer to a different train.

Morning: Train Journey Through Switzerland on Golden Pass Line

That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland, my favourite part of the Golden Pass Line, begins. 

This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about.  Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.  Too bad you can’t hop off along the way, but you need to keep going if you want to make it to Lake Geneva today. 

After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Bienvenue…

Afternoon: Montreux

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux and depending on what time you arrive, you might still have a few hours to explore the area.  Read more: Montreux and its Musical Legacy

The main spots I recommend are the famous Château de Chillon, an old castle by Lake Geneva, and of course the Lavaux vineyard terraces, which are only a short ride west of Montreux. To fully experience the gorgeous views of this UNESCO World Heritage site, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards. 

Cheers to a relaxing night after a long day on the train.

Insider tips:

• The Golden Pass Line is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass as well as the Eurail and Interrail Passes.
• You can complete the Golden Pass Line without making a reservation. However, their customer service recommend booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get fairly busy during high season. Costs vary between 5 and 8 CHF per person.

Day 4: Montreux – Gruyères – Broc – Montreux – Zermatt

• eat lots of Swiss cheese and chocolate
• hang out in the quaint little village of Gruyères

Morning: Gruyères

What’s a trip to Switzerland without visiting a cheese or chocolate factory?  Exactly. So today, you have the option to do both. After breakfast, store your bags either at the train station in Montreux or ask if you can leave them at your accommodation for the day.

Then catch the train to the slightly touristy yet wonderful village of Gruyères. You might recognise parts of the journey from yesterday. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon is served by regular regional trains as well as the Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can get a bit crowded. But like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a medieval castle.  And cheese. Lots of cheese. 

Gruyères Medieval Castle

The main attraction in Gruyères is the medieval castle, which is open for public and costs 12 CHF to enter. But the hidden cobblestone alleys and the countless souvenir shops also tend to have people stick around longer than they expected. 

Gruyère Cheese Factory

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station and for a small entrance fee, you can watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included. 

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes.

After exploring Gruyères and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler .

La Maison Cailler

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a looot of free samples. 

Probably more than you thought you could handle. Definitely more than I could handle the last time I went…

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to move on to Zermatt for the night.

Evening: Zermatt

This final ride takes around two and a half hours and if you leave Montreux in the early evening, you’ll make it to Zermatt just in time for dinner.  Provided you find any room for it…  Also read: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do

• The part between Visp and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave three times daily and are only for people with a reservation.
• However, there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation.
• The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.

Day 5: Zermatt – Domodossola – Locarno

Day 5 Highlights

• explore the popular mountain town of Zermatt with Switzerland’s most iconic mountain: the Matterhorn – aka Mount Toblerone. Read more: 5 Lakes Hike Zermatt – Incredible Matterhorn Views
• spend half a day enjoying the mountain setting in and around Zermatt – Read more: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do
• take a short trip to Italy before embarking on another scenic train ride back into Switzerland 

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1.620 feet) across the valley.  Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see those mountains the easy way, I recommend heading to Gornergrat. 

After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3.089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn. Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

Afternoon: Journey to Locarno

Try leaving Zermatt at the latest around 2 or 3 in the afternoon because your journey to Locarno takes more than four hours.

After your transfer in Brig, the onward train continues to Domodossola in Italy. This particular ride isn’t too pretty as you’ll be spending most of it in a tunnel. But that shouldn’t bother you too much as the next leg of the journey is beyond stunning from start to finish.

As you travel through the impressive Centovalli region – which stands for one hundred valleys – you’ll pass several charming villages with old stone houses, ride across tall viaducts and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall or two.

You’re probably going to laugh now because your final station today is called  Locarno FART . An unfortunate name, I know. It’s short for F errovie  A utolinee R egionali T icinesi and translates to “Regional Railway of Ticino.” Any questions? 🙂

• The Swiss Travel Pass and the Interrail / Eurail Passes are valid on the rides through Italy as well.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Locarno, you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket.
• This beauty lets you use public transport in the whole Canton of Ticino for free for the duration of your stay and gives you several additional discounts. 

Day 6: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

• spend a day exploring the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s warm and sunny south
• swim in crystal clear and freezing mountain rivers or one of the two big lakes
• have some of the finest pizza and ice cream – Italian style

Get ready to explore the Italian part of your Switzerland itinerary in all its glory. With the abundance of activities to choose from, you won’t get bored today. Also read: Things to do in Lugano and the Ticino Region of Switzerland

First up, I recommend you head to one of the two river valleys: Maggia or Verzasca . Both are fantastic for hiking, spending some time by the river or going for a refreshing swim.

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. 

Suggested Things to do

My favourite place is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo. If you prefer calmer waters over cold mountain streams, head to Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. Both lakes provide you with more photo and swimming opportunities than you can imagine.

In case you’re one of those adrenaline junkies, there’s always the 007 bungy at the end of the Verzasca valley. You might have seen this 220-metre (720 feet) dive in the James Bond movie Golden Eye .  If you decide to throw yourself off that wall, please send me a picture. I’d love to see that…

Other popular destinations in Ticino, apart from Locarno, are Lugano and the inspiring little artsy town of Ascona right next to Locarno.

Ascona is definitely worth a visit and if you’re after some delicious pizza and ice cream, it’s the perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner. You can taste the proximity to Italy in any restaurant here.

I’m aware that one day isn’t anywhere near enough to cover all of these activities. That’s why you’ve got another day here until you return to Zurich tomorrow.

• The Canton of Ticino is a highly popular holiday destination for the Swiss. If you travel during school holidays, please make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
• The peace and quiet in the Verzasca and Maggia valleys can be deceiving. As soon as it starts raining further up in the mountains, those streams become a dangerous force of nature.
• Please check the weather forecast before you head out .
• In case it does rain further up, keep a safe distance from the water and don’t take a nap on one of the cosy boulders inside the river.
• People have been surprised by the enormous mass of water and died. I’d hate for you to be one of them.

Day 7: Locarno – Zurich

Day 7 highlights:

• ride through Gotthard Basistunnel, the world’s longest train tunnel
• spend another day in the Canton of Ticino
• take a short trip to Como in Italy

Spend this final day ticking off whatever’s still on your list from yesterday. Alternatively, leave Switzerland again and hop across the border to Italy. 

Not far from Lugano lies the idyllic Como region, the place where George Clooney and other celebrities got married. If you’re curious to find out what Mr. Nespresso saw in this part of the world, today’s your chance. 

The two main spots I recommend visiting in the area are the  city of Como or the village of Menaggio . Both are situated by the shores of Lake Como and will instantly enchant you with their laid-back atmospheres. For the most accurate information on how to get to Menaggio, I suggest you consult with the tourist information in Locarno, Lugano or Como.

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Locarno and onward to Zurich.  Thanks to the 57 kilometres (35 miles) long Gotthard Basistunnel, which is currently the longest train tunnel in the world, you’ll be in Zurich within two and a half hours. Happy travels

And this concludes our little one-week itinerary through Switzerland. I hope this has given you some inspiration and helped you answer a bunch of your initial questions. 

Train Travel in Switzerland

By the way, you probably noticed I didn’t talk about rental cars in this post. With the fantastic network of public transport that Switzerland is blessed with, there’s really no need for a car. Almost every village, no matter how small and remote, is accessible by train or bus.

This is why I recommend buying yourself one of the two travel passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail for Europeans, Eurail for non-Europeans) for the time of your stay to enjoy your flexibility. Bon voyage.

Explore more Switzerland Travels

• Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip
• The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
• 7 of the Best Things to do in Basel, Switzerland
• Our Best Switzerland Pictures
• Unique and Crazy Things to do in Switzerland
• Switzerland Travel Guide

If you enjoyed this Switzerland Itinerary, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning .

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Seraina Zellweger

Seraina Zellweger is a devoted budget traveller who’s been around the world and back. As a native Swiss, she’s made it her mission to give fellow backpackers tips on how to visit Switzerland on a shoestring.In her latest project, she's created a series of guides with itineraries for Switzerland , ranging from 2 to 14* days. For more information, Follow Seraina at LostInSwitzerland / Facebook / Twitter

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16 thoughts on “The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary”

Oh Seriana this looks amazing! My son & I have chosen Switzerland for a week vacation together!! this itinerary sounds great! can you recommend places to stay on this week trip? Thank you so very much! Julie

Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary – My family and I will be visiting mid September 2023 and we are going to follow this route – Thank you so much very kind of you

Where should we stay during this trip? Your help is much appreciated!

Thank you once again Ateka

Really nice schedule. Looking to follow this when I visit Switzerland with my family this summer. To follow this schedule, can you please comment on which city to stay in to make the most use of the time? Thanks.

Great Information! Thanks a ton. Switzerland is undoubtedly blessed with mother nature 🙂

Fab list – but no Geneva? I used to live just across the border in France from Geneva and loved the area (on both sides of the border). Lac de Geneve is well worth seeing and perhaps going on a cruise around. Plus you know – awesome shopping! Gruyeres is another of my favourite spots. Besides all the cheese, I loved the HR Giger museum. Did you visit? If you like the Alien movies it’s definitely one to include on the to do list.

Hello Reeva

Thank you for your comment. Yes, Lake Geneva is fantastic and Gruyères definitely also packs a ton of charm. I’ve visited both places several times and love them. But with Switzerland being blessed with so many awesome destinations, it’s basically impossible to fit everything into a 7-day itinerary;-) That’s why I had to make some cuts. But at least I managed to add parts of Lake Geneva by putting Montreux on the list.

Never heard of the Alien place, though. Thanks for the tip!

All the best, Seraina

I’m glad you like the itinerary and good on you for having Switzerland on your bucketlist. That’s a first step 🙂 I also hope you’ll one day get the chance to come over. All the best, Seraina

Thank you for your comment! Yes, Switzerland certainly is a beauty and despite it being such a small country, there’s heaps to discover. I’m glad you like the article 🙂

Thank you for your comment and yes, I absolutely hope it’ll inspire people to come over to Switzerland once it’s safe to travel again 🙂

Switzerland is the heaven on earth and there are so many things to explore in Switzerland. This blog is more than sufficient to tall you about the beauty of Switzerland.

Thanks for sharing this amazing article!

What an amazing itinerary! I have always included Switzerland on my bucket list for too long! Thanks for this post, now I’m really excited and encouraged to travel there! I hope I can finally get the chance to be there and live every wonderful moment that there is!

Thanks so much for the post Seraina, Switzerland has been on my bucketlidt for sometime but due to being so far away and the high costs of the country I’ve been putting it off for some time.

I absolutely love how you’ve captured the enchanting nature of the locations and inspire the wanderlust, with equally stunning photography.

Thank you Kaylini for your lovely comment! I really hope one day you can make it to Switzerland, despite our high prices. There are some great ways to save money and it will definitely be worth it 🙂 Take care, Seraina

Switzerland , a dream destination of most of the people and your this article can make someone more excited to visit.

Really Amazing When I read your Blog I Feel that I am really Visiting Switzerland Very Informative

Thanks Paul, I’m glad you like the post. And hopefully, you can one day visit Switzerland for real 🙂

Planning a Trip to Switzerland

Everywhere you look in Switzerland, beauty is all around you.  From towering mountain peaks that are snow-capped even in summer, to crystal clear lakes, well-preserved medieval cities, lush alpine pastures and charming villages, Switzerland has it all.

It’s a breathtakingly beautiful country and I’m so glad you are planning to explore Switzerland.

Planning a trip to Switzerland can be overwhelming, though. When should you visit? Which places are must-sees? How should you travel around? What is the cost of a trip to Switzerland?  If you’re asking these questions and wondering how to plan a trip to Switzerland, you’ve come to the right place.  

To help make your Switzerland trip preparation easy, this article will answer those questions and many more. It will also guide you through the steps I follow when planning and booking my trips to Switzerland.

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

What's in this Article

Useful Facts about Switzerland

Population: Switzerland has a population of around 8.5 million.

Location: Switzerland is a landlocked country located in central Europe. It shares borders with Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.

Capital City: The capital city of Switzerland is Bern.

Cantons: There are 26 Cantons (states) in Switzerland .

Languages: There are four official languages in Switzerland – German, French, Italian and Romansch.

Currency: The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland.

Driving: Vehicles drive on the right in Switzerland.

What to consider when planning a trip to Switzerland

Passports and visas.

As soon as you start making plans to travel overseas you should check the validity of your passport.  Many countries, including Switzerland, require you to have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport at the time of travel (ie. the date of departure from your home country).

Don’t assume 5 months’ validity will be OK – it won’t – and don’t leave checking your passport until closer to your departure date.  Check it months before you travel and, should you need to renew your passport, you’ll have plenty of time to do so.

At the same time, it’s wise to check if you require a visa to travel to Switzerland.  In most cases you won’t, but check here just to be sure.

Although a visa is not required for many visitors to Switzerland, a new visa waiver known as the ETIAS Travel Authorisation is expected to be introduced in 2024. You can read more about the ETIAS visa waiver here .

When to visit Switzerland

One of the first things you’ll need to decide is the dates that you will travel.  This can be dependent on a number of factors including:

• When you can take your Annual leave/time off work
• If there is a specific event you are attending in Switzerland
• Weather considerations – are you planning on visiting for Christmas/New Year, would you like to take a ski trip to Switzerland or would you prefer to take advantage of the longer daylight hours in summer, for example?

Find out the pros and cons of visiting Switzerland in the different seasons in this article . It covers the average temperatures throughout the year and offers advice on what to see in Switzerland in Summer, Autumn (Fall), Winter and Spring.

How to get to Switzerland

As it is centrally located in Europe, Switzerland is easily accessed by land from numerous other countries.  It borders Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein and excellent road and train connections are available from all neighbouring countries.

If your arrival into Switzerland is by air, you’re most likely to fly into one of the two major international airports at Zurich and Geneva.

Which places to visit in Switzerland

The next step – and possibly the most exciting – in your Switzerland trip planning is deciding which places to include in your itinerary. 

There are so many fabulous cities and towns to visit that it can be difficult to say which are the best places to visit in Switzerland – to my mind, they all are!

Which places you visit may be dependent on how you plan to travel around Switzerland (more info on the different transport options below), who you are travelling with and whether or not you have any specific interests.

Would you like to visit a Swiss chocolate factory , soak in a thermal bath , take a selfie in front of the Matterhorn or go paragliding in Interlaken ?  Having an idea of what activities you’d like to include in your trip to Switzerland is really helpful when planning your itinerary.

If you plan to join an escorted coach tour then you will be limited a little by the itineraries on offer, however there are a huge number of coach companies to choose from. 

Most, if not all, offer itineraries that take in many of the ‘must sees’ for first time travellers so there are plenty of Switzerland vacation ideas to get you started.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

If you are happy to rent a car and drive yourself or use Switzerland’s excellent rail network , you will have more flexibility with your itinerary and can plan your trip to include places that are of particular interest to you.

The most important thing when planning which cities and towns will be part of your itinerary is to ensure that you actually get to see what you want to see in each place. 

It can be tempting to try to fit too much into your trip but then you risk overdoing it and being too rushed.

Whilst Switzerland is a relatively small country and travel distances aren’t too great, visiting seven different towns in seven days is not going to result in a relaxing holiday.

Some of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland are listed below.

• Major cities – Zurich , Lucerne, Bern , Geneva
• Jungfrau Region – the holiday resort town of Interlaken and the nearby mountain villages of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Murren and Grindelwald
• Montreux – a pretty town on the shores of Lake Geneva
• Zermatt – the alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn

Suggested Switzerland itineraries

3 day trip to Switzerland : Lucerne 2 nights or Interlaken 2 nights

5 day trip to Switzerland : Lucerne 2 nights + Interlaken 2 nights  (If you are travelling by train, consider taking the GoldenPass Line between towns.)

7 day trip to Switzerland : Lucerne 2 nights + Interlaken 3 nights + Zermatt 1 night

10 day trip to Switzerland : 5 cities/areas – eg. Zurich 2 nights + Lucerne 2 nights + Interlaken 3 nights + Montreux 1 night + Zermatt 1 night

14 day trip to Switzerland : 7 cities/areas – eg. Zurich 2 nights + Lucerne 2 nights + Interlaken 3 nights + Montreux 1 night + Zermatt 1 night + Lugano 2 nights + St. Moritz 2 nights

To can see these itineraries in more detail > click here .

How much is a trip to Switzerland?

Knowing exactly how much to budget for your vacation in Switzerland can be one of the hardest parts of the trip planning process.  

As well as the major expenses of flights and accommodation there are lots of other costs to take into consideration including transport, travel insurance, sightseeing, incidentals and spending money.

Of course, every person’s trip to Switzerland costs will be different.  The budget you need will depend on the length of your trip, the standard of accommodation you prefer, the mode of transport you choose, the time of year you travel, and many other factors.

Accommodation costs

To give you an idea of accommodation costs, you should allow the following amounts:

• 3-star hotel – from CHF 250 per night (double room)
• 4-star hotel – from CHF 350 per night (double room)
• 1 bedroom holiday apartment – from CHF F200 per night
• Private twin/double room in hostel – from CHF 190 per night including breakfast
• Mobile home in camping ground – from CHF 85 per night

(The above prices are approximate and will vary based on location, date of travel, etc.)

Visitor’s/City Tax: All guests staying at hotels and lodgings in Switzerland are required to pay a Visitor’s Tax, also known as a Swiss Tourist Tax.

Rates vary depending on the type of establishment (and the season of travel, in some cases) but generally range from CHF 2.50 to CHF 3.50 per person per night. The tax is not always included in the accommodation rate – you may be required to pay the tax in cash upon check out.

Budgeting for your trip

When it comes to spending money, rather than setting a daily budget, I usually allocate a set amount of spending money per week. Then I just multiply that amount by the number of weeks I’ll be away to calculate what I’ll need in the way of spending money in Switzerland.

I usually allow around CHF 800 per week for two adults to cover meals, groceries, fuel, tours/sightseeing that I haven’t pre-purchased, souvenirs, etc. and this is more than adequate.

You can download my budget calculator   to keep track of all your travel expenses.

Once you’ve decided how much you’ll need for your weekly ‘living’ expenses, you need to decide how you will access your money in Switzerland. 

I recommend using a fee-free debit card like the one offered by Wise – you can read more about the different ways to take money to Switzerland in this article .

Booking your trip to Switzerland

Booking your flights.

Once you have your travel dates sorted, it’s time to start getting prices for your air travel. If you are flexible with your dates, you may even be able to take advantage of lower fares by moving your trip a couple of weeks either way. 

International airfares can make up a significant part of the cost of a holiday to Switzerland so it pays to be sure you are paying a fair price. Good value doesn’t necessarily mean securing the cheapest fare but finding the fare that best suits your needs. 

Are you prepared to take a flight with a longer layover (or more stops) in order to save a few dollars or would you rather pay a bit more to arrive in Switzerland sooner?

Switzerland’s two major international airports are Zurich and Geneva however if your trip to Switzerland is part of a European vacation that includes visits to other countries, flying in and out of Switzerland may not be the best option for you.

An open-jaw fare – where you fly into one city and return home from a different one – might work best for you, so keep that in mind, too.

Booking your air tickets well in advance can also mean ‘Early Bird’ savings, so keep an eye out for special deals advertised in the media and online and ask your travel agent for a quote.

Buy your travel insurance

No trip abroad should start without having a good travel insurance policy in place.

Whilst you might expect not to need travel insurance, unforeseen things do happen – luggage gets lost, mobile phones get stolen, flights get cancelled, people get sick and injured.

Travel insurance is a holiday expense that none of us really want to have to pay but IT IS ESSENTIAL.

I recommend you purchase your insurance as soon as you’ve booked your flights so that should the unexpected happen and you need to change or cancel your flights, you are covered.

Note that not all travel insurance policies are equal. Do your research to make sure the policy you decide to purchase provides the cover you require. Find out what to look for in this article .

Booking your transport in Switzerland

How you get from A to B is going to be a major consideration in your trip planning.  The main options are by train, by car, with a private driver guide and on an organised coach tour.

Organised tours of Switzerland

If your time is limited, you’re a first time traveller to Switzerland, or you’re a bit apprehensive about getting around by yourself, a fully escorted tour is definitely worth considering. 

With all your accommodation pre-booked, it’s just a matter of hopping on the coach each morning and being taken to your next destination where your hotel room awaits. 

The major tour companies generally use large coaches and cater for around 40-50 people per tour but an increasing number of small group tour companies are offering itineraries for more intimate groups, with passenger numbers often not exceeding 20.

One particular tour is the Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer, an 8 day / 9 night tour of Switzerland in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with a retractable roof! There’s a maximum of 12 passengers on this tour and it visits the most popular destinations and attractions in Switzerland.

By using our promo code, you can save 5%, too. > See all the details of the small group tour offer here.

There’s also a growing number of tour operators that offer tours of Switzerland by train instead of coach.  There are a huge range of fully escorted coach and rail tours in Switzerland available. > Click here to browse the options.

Private tours in Switzerland

Travellers who prefer to have a more personalised vacation often opt for a private tour. By booking a private tour in Switzerland, your itinerary can be tailor made to suit your exact requirements.

Private tours can include all your accommodation and excursion costs, or you can simply book a private driver guide to transport you between destinations – the choice is yours.

One bonus of booking a private tour in Switzerland is the flexibility it offers. Your daily itinerary can be easily adapted on the go should you wish to stop en route or spend longer than anticipated at a particular location.

Private tours are perfect for solo travellers, couples, families and even groups of friends. Our preferred Swiss private tour company offers an exclusive bonus for our readers, too. > Learn more about our private tours offer here

Travelling by train in Switzerland

Travelling around Switzerland by train is a fantastic way to not only get from one city to another but it’s also a most relaxing and scenic form of transport. The Swiss Railway (SBB) has a fantastic network of rail services around the country, and on all major routes an hourly or two-hourly service operates. 

With modern trains and regular services, trains can get you to most places fast!  

In this guide , you’ll learn everything you need to know about using the Swiss rail system.

If you plan on taking a few train journeys in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass may be the best value for you. 

This all-inclusive Swiss travel pass not only allows you to travel via the Swiss rail system, but also provides free entry into around 500 museums and travel on buses and ferries, as well as providing discounts on most of Switzerland’s mountain excursions.

There are a number of different Swiss Travel Passes available so do some research to find out which pass offers the best value for you. Our Switzerland Rail Pass Comparison Calculator can help with this.

Another great option for train travellers is to book a Swiss rail package with all train tickets, accommodation and breakfast arranged on your behalf. You can choose from over 20 different itineraries and adapt them to suit your time frame and interests.

Our readers can benefit from a 5% discount off Switzerland rail packages – find out more here .

Travelling by car in Switzerland

Repeat travellers to Europe and those who prefer ultimate flexibility are often inclined to rent a car , and driving in Switzerland can give you the greatest flexibility of all. 

Having your own car allows you to stop where you like, when you like and get off the beaten track and into smaller villages that are off the tourist trail.  

With your own car, there are no more timetables to adhere to and your itinerary is as flexible as you want it to be. 

Regardless of whether you prefer to have your entire route planned in advance or are more of a ‘go-where-the-wind-takes-you’ style of traveller, a self-drive holiday in Switzerland offers so many advantages.

Get essential tips about driving in Switzerland in this article .

Now that you have all the information you need about the various transport methods, you can go ahead and book yourself on a tour, buy a rail pass or reserve your rental car.

Booking your Switzerland accommodation

If you’ve decided on an independent holiday in Switzerland – either driving yourself or travelling by train – instead of an organised tour, you’ll need to make your accommodation arrangements. 

Whilst some travellers prefer to take the less organised approach, I always recommend pre-booking as much of your accommodation before you go as possible. This not only means you will have a confirmed bed for the night but it can also save time and money.

The variety of accommodation available in Switzerland is huge.  For hotel and B&B reservations, we mostly use Booking.com as they offer a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.  

Other booking sites we’ve used include Airbnb and Interhome . These two sites are particularly good for self-catering options.

There are also more than 50 Swiss Youth Hostels that are located across the country which you can search and book online here . 

You can also read our accommodation guides for specific Swiss destinations:

• Zurich Airport hotels > click here to read
• Zurich hotel guide > click here to read
• Grindelwald hotels > click here to read
• Lauterbrunnen hotels and accommodation > click here to read
• Interlaken hotels > click here to read
• Murren hotels > click here to read
• Wengen hotels > click here to read
• Kandersteg hotels and apartments > click here to read
• Leukerbad hotel guide > click here to read
• Bern hotel guide > click here to read
• Gstaad hotel guide > click here to read
• Lucerne hotel guide > click here to read
• Zermatt hotel guide > click here to read
• Montreux hotel guide > click here to read

All our accommodation guides can be found here .

Booking mountain excursions, tours and attractions

When planning your Switzerland itinerary, it’s worth considering purchasing a regional transport and sightseeing pass.  These passes usually include all public transport in the local area as well as discounted or free travel on cable cars, funiculars and mountain railways.

We’ve written detailed guides on all the major regional transport passes in Switzerland which you can read by clicking the links below.

Lucerne  

• Tell Pass > click here to read

Interlaken/Jungfrau Region

• Jungfrau Travel Pass > click here to read
• Regional Pass Berner Oberland > click here to read

If a pass doesn’t make economical sense for your itinerary, you can purchase individual tickets to many of Switzerland’s most popular attractions including Jungfraujoch Top of Europe via GetYourGuide .

Switzerland trip planning timeline

Planning your trip to Switzerland is probably not going to be a last minute decision so it’s likely that you’ll have plenty of time to prepare. 

I tend to start my trip planning process about nine or ten months before I intend to travel so that I have got firm dates in place.

Of course you can arrange your whole trip in less than nine months but this is a good timeframe for me.  

9 months before departure

• Book flights to/from Europe. If you are redeeming frequent flier miles, you may even need to book more than 9 months ahead.
• Purchase travel insurance. Read why I never travel without it here .
• Book accommodation and/or tours that are crucial parts of your itinerary and those that are likely to book out early.
• If leasing a car, book now to secure your preferred vehicle type and to take advantage of early booking offers.
• Check your passport to ensure it has at least six months validity from your return date.

6 months before departure

• Book any internal flights within Europe
• Book car hire and/or buy rail pass
• Book accommodation

3 months before departure

• Book remainder of accommodation

2 months before departure

• Book sightseeing tours and airport transfers 
• Reserve seats on Glacier Express or Bernina Express (seat reservations are compulsory for these two panoramic trains)
• Check currency exchange rates and consider purchasing and loading foreign currency onto a travel money card if you intend to take one

1 month before departure

• Check/reconfirm all reservations
• Advise the airline if you have any special meal requests
• Subscribe to your government’s Foreign Affairs website (in Australia you can subscribe here and in the US you can subscribe here ) to keep up to date with travel advisories for the destinations you’ll be visiting
• Print out or take note of any special instructions you need to take with you (details on picking up the key for apartments, etc)
• Load any apps/travel guides that you wish to take with you onto your smart phone or mobile device – you’ll find some useful apps here

I hope you’ve found this Switzerland trip planner helpful and that you’re now ready to make your Switzerland holiday a reality.

🇨🇭 Read all our Switzerland trip planning guides > here

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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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Best Switzerland Itinerary 7 days – Spend 7 days in Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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Every time we travel to Switzerland, we prefer to arrive in Zurich. For purposes of this Switzerland Itinerary, we will use Zurich as the starting point too. Zurich and Geneva are the two popular cities for arriving in Switzerland .

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

7 days in Switzerland Itinerary: Snapshot

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

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

Travel documents and visa

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

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

Currency and Credit Cards

As Switzerland is not part of the EU, it uses its own currency, the Swiss Franc. Euros are accepted, but change will be provided back to you in Swiss francs.

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

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

Packing Tips for Switzerland

Your packing list will differ depending on your month of travel and the activities you will be engaging in in Switzerland. But here is what you MUST carry.

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

Swiss Travel Pass

To explore all of the beautiful places in Switzerland in 7 days – purchase the Swiss Travel Pass . We recommend buying it before you arrive and downloading it on your SBB app – this way, you can see timetables and schedules.

The Swiss Travel Card allows you to take unlimited train, bus, and boat rides across the country (for a set duration of time) and also comes with discounted entry fees to many iconic landmarks in the city.

Some routes on panoramic cable cars are also included (excluding the Glacier Express, for which you have to pay for a reservation).

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

Day 1  – Arriving in Zurich Switzerland, and city sightseeing 

Zurich Airport to City Center or hotel

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

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

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

• Public Transport – Trains are very efficient in Switzerland and Zurich is no different. You have to pay for tickets at the station (credit cards accepted, cash accepted in some). 
• Private transport or taxi – If you wish to arrive in luxury, you can book a chauffeur-driven transport to your hotel. This is a good option if you have tons of luggage and are traveling in a big group. Book a taxi here

Recommend hotel in Zurich:

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

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

READ : Hotels guide to Zurich

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

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

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

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

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

Admire the Limmat River and participate in the activities near it—The Limmat River flows through the city of Zurich, making the city center even more picturesque. Stroll the river banks, and if you are visiting during the summer months, go on a river cruise. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zurich to Bern

Trains – 1 hour. Freeride with Swiss Travel Card .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Explore Lucerne 

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

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

Zurich to Lucerne

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

Tour – Day tour to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus with lunch    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tour :  Visit Stanserhorn and Lucerne in one day tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zurich to Interlaken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jungfraujoch is Europe’s Highest Train Station, and from here you can view the Jungfrau mountain. It is easy to reach Jungfraujoch by train from Interlaken (travel time is 2 hours one way).

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

Other options to reach Jungfraujoch: 

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

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

Day 5 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Head to Basel

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

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

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

Zurich to Basel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For many travelers, exploring Switzerland means checking off the Matterhorn. Because a one-way trip to Zermatt city, the base to explore Matterhorn, takes about 3-4 hours, we recommend staying in Zermatt for the night and doing 2 days of sightseeing.

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

Zurich to Zermatt

Trains – 3 hours 10 minutes. 

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

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

As you reach the summit, you will be greeted by panoramic views everywhere. If you love mountains as much as we do, you will be welcomed by 29 snow-capped mountain ranges, all pretty, including the Matterhorn.

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

Or you can explore the old town and dine in their finest restaurants while enjoying Matterhorn’s views.

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

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

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

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

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

The cableway to the viewing platform only takes 9 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zermatt to Geneva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days are enough in Switzerland?

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Switzerland Travel Guide 

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

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

Quick Facts about Switzerland:

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

There are four official languages spoken in Switzerland. They are German, French, Italian, and Romansch.

Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage. Swiss cuisine varies by region, although dishes like fondue and raclette are popular throughout the country. 

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

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

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

When should you visit Switzerland in summer or winter?

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

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

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

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

Read : Planning a trip to Switzerland

Is Switzerland expensive?

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation budget for one week in Switzerland travel itinerary

Swiss Travel Card

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

If you plan to use local trams and trains extensively (and do not plan day tours), then opt for the 8-day pass. This will also cover your transport back to the airport. 

BUY   Swiss Travel Card .

Note: The Swiss Travel Card differs from Swiss Half Fare, which offers 50% off on train, bus, boat rides, and mountain railways. Its validity is for one month (which is beyond the scope of this itinerary).

Unless you love Switzerland so much and wish to extend your stay from one week to a month, check out the Swiss Half Fare card here.

Combination of tours and Travel Card

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

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

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

BUY> Swiss Travel Card .

Best of Switzerland tours – Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland 

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

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

BONUS ROUTE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coco Chanel is buried in Switzerland.

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

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

North America: Switzerland trip cost from USA & Canada

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

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

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

For transport, take the Swiss Travel Card with you (or download the SBB app).

Traveling from Canada 

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

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

Toronto has non-stop flights to Zurich for around the same price, but flight times are a bit better – 8.50 hours+ of flying time.

Budget for Switzerland

After flights hotels and food will account for most of your budget.

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

Food, although expensive, is under your control – for 7 days, allot $100 CAD a day.

For transportation, take the Swiss Travel Card. You will save a lot of money on train rides as well as cable cars.

If you do not wish to pay for a Swiss Travel Pass, then you can also do a few day tours that cover a guided walk and includes entry into attractions. (We covered that in our budget section).

Traveling from European cities to Switzerland 

We arrived in Zurich from Morocco, and at one time we also flew from Zurich to Barcelona .

Our flight from Fes Morocco was via Lisbon, Portugal . So that means, flight connectivity from within Europe is great and cheap.

TAP Portugal, Vueling Airlines, and other budget airlines have flights to and from Switzerland.

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

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

Switzerland trip cost from India – Switzerland packages from India

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

Many tour companies in India offer organized group tours with a 3-star hotel stay for a total of 1.20 to 1.50 lakhs (no meals or shopping, just limited sightseeing plus flights, and hotels). The only thing to remember is that you will be restricted to a planned itinerary.

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

Why do Indian movies aka Bollywood love Switzerland?

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

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

We have been to over 35 countries in Europe, and Switzerland is one of our favorite places. And the entire country, although located in Western Europe, is not the same as its counterparts it is not overcrowded, not dirty, and scenic landscapes everywhere!

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

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

Additional Travel Tips – Switzerland 7 day itinerary

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

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

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

Europe Itinerary & Travel Guide  – Read our itineraries from Europe

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

Pin: Most beautiful places in Switzerland 7 days Itinerary

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

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

That beautiful images of Switzerland!

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

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

Thanks so much!

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

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!

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

Thanks so much!Happy travels!

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

Thanks so much! Happy Planning!

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

Thank you so much

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

Bob AZ, USA

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

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

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

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

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

2 days in Switzerland itinerary (9 Epic Samples)

Perfect 5 days in Switzerland Itinerary (with 5 samples)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Planning 🙂

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

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

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

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

Hope this was helpful!

Happy travels 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps! Happy Travels! 

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

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

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

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

Here are a few suggestions for you 🙂

***********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Much love and good wishes! Mayuri

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How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

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

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

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

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

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

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

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

Swiss Half Fare Card

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

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

The Ultimate Guide To Saving Money While Traveling In Switzerland

• Last updated May 13, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Travel

Switzerland, known for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque towns, and world-class skiing, is often perceived as an expensive travel destination. However, with careful planning and these insider tips, you can navigate this enchanting country without breaking the bank. In The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money While Traveling in Switzerland, we reveal the secret to enjoying Switzerland's riches without emptying your wallet. From budget-friendly accommodations to thrifty transportation options and savvy dining choices, this guide will empower you to create unforgettable memories in Switzerland while keeping your budget in check. Get ready to experience the best of Switzerland without compromising on your financial goals.

What You'll Learn

Finding affordable accommodation in switzerland, tips for cheap transportation options in switzerland, eating on a budget while traveling in switzerland, money-saving activities and attractions in switzerland.

Switzerland is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming cities, and vibrant culture. However, it's also notorious for being one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the biggest challenges you may face is finding affordable accommodation. But don't worry, with some careful planning and a few clever tips, you can save money on your lodging and still have a fantastic Swiss experience. Here are some strategies to help you find affordable accommodation in Switzerland.

Stay in a budget hotel or hostel:

One of the easiest ways to save money on accommodation is by staying in budget hotels or hostels. Switzerland has a wide range of budget-friendly options that offer comfortable rooms at a fraction of the price of luxury hotels. Many hostels in Switzerland provide clean and safe accommodation with shared facilities, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Some popular hostel chains in Switzerland include HI Hostels and Youth Hostels.

Consider alternative accommodation options:

In addition to traditional hotels and hostels, there are several alternative accommodation options that can help save you money. Consider staying in a guesthouse or bed and breakfast, where prices are often lower than hotels. You can also explore vacation rentals or apartments through platforms like Airbnb, which can offer more space and facilities at a lower cost, especially for longer stays. Another option is to take advantage of house swapping, where you exchange your home with a local resident in Switzerland.

Stay in less touristy areas:

Switzerland has many beautiful regions to explore, but some areas are much more touristy than others. By staying in less touristy areas, you can often find more affordable accommodation options. Consider looking for accommodation in smaller towns or villages, away from major tourist hotspots like Zurich or Lucerne. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get a chance to experience Swiss culture in a more authentic way.

Book in advance:

Booking your accommodation well in advance can often lead to significant savings. Many hotels and hostels offer early bird discounts or special promotions for early bookings. By planning your trip ahead of time and securing your accommodation early, you'll have more options to choose from and potentially save money.

Travel during the off-peak season:

Switzerland is a popular destination all year round, but traveling during the off-peak season can result in lower accommodation prices. The off-peak season typically falls outside the summer months and major holidays. By visiting Switzerland during this time, not only will you experience fewer crowds, but you'll also find better deals on accommodation.

Consider self-catering options:

Another way to save money on accommodation in Switzerland is by opting for self-catering options. Look for accommodation that has a kitchenette or access to shared kitchen facilities. This way, you can prepare your meals instead of eating out for every meal, which can quickly add up, especially in Switzerland where dining out can be expensive.

Explore camping options:

If you enjoy outdoor adventures and don't mind roughing it a bit, camping can be a fantastic option for affordable accommodation in Switzerland. The country has well-maintained campsites with modern facilities that cater to campers of all levels. Camping allows you to enjoy Switzerland's beautiful landscapes while keeping your accommodation costs to a minimum.

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Switzerland is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, charming cities, and outdoor activities. However, it is also well-known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world. But don't let that discourage you from exploring this wonderful destination. With a little bit of planning and some smart choices, you can save money on transportation and make your trip to Switzerland more affordable. Here are some tips for cheap transportation options in Switzerland:

• Use public transportation: Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and boats. The Swiss Travel Pass is a convenient option for travelers as it allows unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats for a fixed period. This pass can be a great investment if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and traveling around the country.
• Travel off-peak: If your schedule allows, try to avoid traveling during peak hours. Tickets are generally cheaper during off-peak times, and you'll also have a better chance of finding a seat on crowded trains and buses.
• Take advantage of regional passes: Switzerland offers a variety of regional passes that allow unlimited travel within a specific region for a set number of days. These passes can be a great option if you plan to explore a particular area extensively.
• Book tickets in advance: If you know your travel dates in advance, it's a good idea to book your tickets as early as possible. Advanced booking often comes with discounted fares and can save you a significant amount of money.
• Consider second-class tickets: While first-class tickets offer more comfort and amenities, second-class tickets are significantly cheaper. The difference in comfort between the two classes is usually minimal, so opt for second class to save money.
• Take advantage of free transportation options: Some cities in Switzerland offer free transportation to visitors staying in hotels. Zurich, for example, provides free transportation to hotel guests under their "ZurichCARD" program. This can be a great way to save money on getting around the city.
• Walk or cycle: Switzerland is a great country for walking and cycling, with well-maintained paths and stunning scenery. Take advantage of this by exploring cities and towns on foot or renting a bike. Not only will you save money on transportation, but you'll also get to see more of the country up close.
• Consider carpooling or ridesharing: If you're traveling with a group or prefer the convenience of a private vehicle, consider carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar. This can be a cost-effective way to travel between cities and split the expenses.
• Buy a half-fare card: If you'll be in Switzerland for an extended period or plan on taking multiple trips within the country, consider purchasing a half-fare card. This card offers a 50% discount on train, bus, and boat tickets and can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
• Take advantage of discounts: Check for any discounts available to you, such as student or senior discounts. Many attractions and transportation providers offer reduced fares for certain groups, so don't forget to inquire and take advantage of these discounts.

By following these tips, you can save money on transportation and make your trip to Switzerland more affordable. With its breathtaking landscapes and captivating cities, Switzerland is definitely worth exploring, even on a budget. So go ahead, plan your trip, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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When you think of Switzerland, you might envision snowy mountains, luxury watches, and expensive chocolate. While Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, it is still possible to enjoy a trip to this stunning country on a budget. One area where you can save money is on dining. Here are some tips for eating on a budget while traveling in Switzerland:

• Cook your own meals: One of the most effective ways to save money while eating in Switzerland is to cook your own meals. Look for accommodations with kitchen facilities, such as hostels or vacation rentals, where you can prepare your own food. Visit local grocery stores or markets to buy fresh ingredients and cook your own delicious meals. This can significantly cut down your food expenses.
• Picnic in scenic spots: Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes, and there are plenty of scenic spots where you can have a picnic. Pack a homemade sandwich or salad, along with some fruits and snacks, and head to a park, lake, or mountain viewpoint. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to enjoy the breathtaking views while having your meals.
• Look for affordable local eateries: While dining in high-end restaurants can be costly, Switzerland also has plenty of affordable local eateries called "Stube" or "Beiz". These places offer traditional Swiss dishes at a reasonable price. Look out for signs indicating "Tagesmenü" or "Menu du jour" which usually consists of a set meal at a fixed price. You can also try Swiss fast-food options like "Wurst-Kiosk" (sausage stands) or "Bäckerei" (bakeries) where you can find reasonably priced snacks or sandwiches.
• Take advantage of lunch specials: Many restaurants in Switzerland offer lunch specials or "Mittagsmenü" which are more affordable than their dinner menus. Look for places that advertise daily lunch specials or set menus during lunchtime. This way, you can enjoy a hearty meal at a lower cost and still experience Swiss cuisine.
• Drink tap water: Instead of ordering expensive bottled water at restaurants, ask for tap water. Swiss tap water is of high quality and perfectly safe to drink. This simple switch can help you save a significant amount of money over the course of your trip.
• Try street food: Street food is a great way to taste local flavors while traveling on a budget. Look for food trucks or street vendors selling traditional Swiss snacks like "Rösti" (fried grated potatoes), "Flammkuchen" (thin-crust pizza), or "Gipfeli" (croissants). These snacks are often cheaper than meals in restaurants and can be enjoyed on the go.
• Share meals: If you're traveling with a friend or partner, consider sharing meals. Many restaurants in Switzerland serve generous portions, which can be too much for one person. Splitting a meal not only saves money but also reduces food waste.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious meals while traveling in Switzerland without breaking the bank. Remember to plan ahead, explore local options, and make the most of your culinary experience in this beautiful country. Bon appétit!

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Are you planning a trip to Switzerland and want to make the most of your budget? Switzerland is known for being an expensive travel destination, but with a little bit of planning and savvy, you can still enjoy the country's stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture without breaking the bank. By focusing on money-saving activities and attractions, you can have an unforgettable experience in Switzerland while keeping your wallet happy. Here are some tips to help you save money while exploring this beautiful country:

• Explore Switzerland's natural beauty: Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, which you can enjoy for free or at a minimal cost. Take advantage of the extensive network of hiking trails and explore the country on foot. The Swiss Alps offer numerous stunning viewpoints and hiking routes that will leave you in awe. Visit national parks, such as the Swiss National Park, where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Switzerland's flora and fauna without spending a dime.
• Take advantage of free city tours: Many cities in Switzerland offer free walking tours that provide interesting insights into the city's history, culture, and architecture. These tours are usually led by local guides who are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge. Not only will you get to see the main sights, but you'll also learn fascinating stories and get off the beaten path. Don't forget to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed the tour.
• Visit museums on free or discounted days: Switzerland is home to a variety of world-class museums that showcase art, history, science, and more. Many of these museums have designated days or times when admission is free or significantly discounted. Do some research and plan your visits accordingly. For example, you can visit the Kunsthaus Zurich for free on Wednesdays, or the Museum of Art and History in Geneva for free on the first Sunday of every month.
• Make use of public transportation: Switzerland's public transportation system is known for being efficient and reliable. Instead of renting a car or taking taxis, use trains, buses, and trams to get around. Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half Fare Card, which offer unlimited travel at a reasonable price. These passes also cover scenic routes like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, allowing you to enjoy Switzerland's stunning landscapes without any additional cost.
• Enjoy the great outdoors for free: Switzerland offers numerous outdoor activities that won't cost you a fortune. Take a dip in one of the many picturesque lakes, such as Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne, or enjoy a picnic in one of the many public parks. In winter, go ice-skating on frozen lakes or try out snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Switzerland's natural beauty is readily available to everyone, so take advantage of it!
• Opt for budget-friendly accommodations: Accommodation costs can quickly add up in Switzerland, but there are options to suit various budgets. Consider staying in budget hotels, hostels, or guesthouses instead of luxury resorts. You can also explore alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals or camping if you're looking for a more affordable experience. Additionally, consider staying in smaller towns or cities outside of major tourist hotspots, where accommodation prices tend to be lower.
• Enjoy affordable local cuisine: Switzerland may be famous for its premium chocolate and cheese, but you don't have to splurge on expensive restaurants to enjoy authentic Swiss cuisine. Seek out local eateries, food stalls, and bakeries where you can try affordable and delicious Swiss dishes, such as fondue, raclette, or rösti. Don't forget to check out the fresh produce markets, where you can stock up on local fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for a budget-friendly picnic or meal.
• Take advantage of the Swiss Pass benefits: If you decide to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, make sure to take full advantage of its perks and benefits. The pass offers free admission to numerous attractions, including popular museums, castles, and even boat rides on lakes. It also provides discounts on various activities and excursions. Check the official Swiss Travel Pass website or ask at local tourist offices for a list of included attractions and discounts.

By following these money-saving tips, you can enjoy all that Switzerland has to offer without straining your budget. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and embrace the country's natural beauty and local culture. With a little bit of effort, you can create unforgettable memories in Switzerland that won't break the bank.

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Frequently asked questions.

One way to save money on accommodation in Switzerland is to stay in budget-friendly options such as hostels or guesthouses instead of luxury hotels. Another option is to book accommodation in smaller towns or cities outside of the main tourist areas, as prices tend to be cheaper there. Additionally, consider booking your accommodation in advance or during off-peak seasons for better deals.

To save money on transportation in Switzerland, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country. Another tip is to use regional trains and local buses instead of high-speed trains, as they tend to be more affordable. Additionally, consider renting a bike or walking when exploring cities and towns to avoid transportation costs altogether.

While Switzerland is known to be an expensive destination for dining, there are still some budget-friendly options available. Look for local street vendors or food stalls that offer affordable and delicious meals. Another option is to shop at local grocery stores and have picnics in scenic areas. Additionally, consider eating your main meal at lunchtime when many restaurants offer lunch specials at lower prices compared to dinner.

• Sofia Jennings Author Editor Traveller

• Melissa Carey Author Reviewer Traveller

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This country has been voted the world’s most beautiful

It beat Italy, Canada and Switzerland to the top spot

From villages and valleys to castles and cliffs, the planet is chock-full of  beautiful places  – but which country can lay claim to being the most gorgeous on the planet? 

Rough Guides , the online trip-planning company, asked its readers to vote on where they thought were the world’s most beautiful countries, and the results are in. 

Claiming the number one spot is (drum roll, please!) New Zealand . The island nation is loved particularly for ‘the contrast in scenery and beauty to be found in the people and culture’, according to Rough Guide’s readers. 

The country is made up of around 600 islands, and boasts a huge variety when it comes to scenery, from knockout beaches like Maitai Bay in Northland to majestic peaks such as Mount Taranaki. And then there’s its roster of great cities, like Auckland , Wellington and Christchurch , which are all set in some pretty glorious surroundings. 

In second place was Italy , which has everything from picturesque mountain ranges and pretty islands to lovely beaches and absolutely glorious cities. In third place was Canada , and in fourth it was Switzerland – have a look at the rest of the list below. 

The 20 most beautiful countries in the world, according to Rough Guides

• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South Africa

You can read about why each country was selected by Rough Guides readers on their website here . 

Picture-perfect travel spots

For more on the world’s most beautiful places, check out our round-ups of the world’s  prettiest small towns ,  majestic mountains  and  stunning beaches . 

Did you see that these are officially the world’s most crowded cities ?

Plus: There could be an underwater tunnel linking Europe and Africa by 2030 . 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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