swiss travel pass 4 days itinerary

Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

PLACES TO VISIT IN SWITZERLAND IN 4 DAYS

Are you looking for an exciting 4 days in Switzerland ? Look no further! In this 4-day Switzerland itinerary, I’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the best landmarks that the beautiful country has to offer.

As a self-proclaimed Switzerland, I am happy to share the tea about how to make the most of a 4-day trip. I spend a lot of my time in Switzerland – while I never tire of its beauty, I know most people just have a limited time in Switzerland. And for those, I created this itinerary for 4 days.

From stunning mountain views and crystal clear alpine lakes to traditional Swiss villages and world-famous chocolate, I’ve got something for everyone. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR A 4-DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Before jumping to your itinerary, here are some very important tips to have a smooth trip.

ARE 4 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ENOUGH?

Is it even possible to explore Switzerland in just 4 days?? Well, in all honesty, I have spent about 2 years in total in Switzerland, but still discover new places.

This is why I created this itinerary, to help you get the most out of your four days in Switzerland- the most beautiful places that are all easily accessible.

HOW TO GET AROUND

I’m torn between road-tripping and trail travel. You cannot go wrong with any of these two options. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION / SWISS TRAVEL PASS 

Though I love road-tripping Switzerland, for this Switzerland itinerary, I strongly recommend that you use the Swiss Travel Pass – just because this is such a busy (and amazing) itinerary that you will be out all day. And you can still enjoy these wonderful window views while getting from one destination to the other.

Different Swiss Travel Passes are available regarding flexibility and duration. Flexible passes allow you to use the pass for a certain amount of days within one month or the regular, more affordable option, which means you have to use the pass on consecutive days of travel. I normally buy one (even when I road trip) because

ℹ️ T he Swiss Travel Pass is quite expensive but it helps me save money.

ℹ️ I  use buses and trains without any extra costs.

ℹ️  Also, most boat cruises and some mountain excursions are included.

ℹ️  The Swiss Travel Pass also covers most museums and entrances to castles.

ℹ️  The great thing about it is that I never have to worry about finding parking spaces and instead use buses and trains (and leave my car/van at the hotel/camping site).

ℹ️ The Swiss Travel Pass is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. You could choose the “Flexi” or “consecutive” ticket, but for a 4-day Switzerland trip I recommend just choosing the consecutive ticket.

➡️  Click here to find the rates for a Swiss Travel Pass .

ROAD TRIPPING SWITZERLAND

If, however, you prefer to drive around yourself, take advantage of my personal experience as I have driven through this majestic land 14 or 15 times and read my Switzerland road trip itinerary or my driving tips for Switzerland!

➡️ Click here to find the rental prices for your Switzerland road trip.

MONEY / CURRENCY

ℹ️  Switzerland is not part of the European Union and does not have the euro (€). They use Swiss Francs. At the moment, 1 Swiss Franc equals about 1€ or $1,10. 

ℹ️  While euros are widely accepted, the exchange rate is terrible , so I recommend exchanging money at home or withdrawing cash from an ATM (if you don’t have to pay the fees or withdraw money just once to avoid paying fees several times).

ℹ️  Credit cards are widely accepted (especially Visa and Mastercard). Still, I recommend always having cash on you for the smaller things you need to pay for (especially in smaller towns and shops).

ℹ️  As mentioned, the country is not known as a backpacker’s paradise, mainly because accommodations are costly. Also, food is not cheap (though the quality is often better than in other European countries).  Ideally, you can save money by reducing your meat, alcohol, and cigarette consumption for those seven days – and find out more about Switzerland’s budget tips here .

✈️ TIP: If you have not booked your flights to Switzerland yet, check out this site to find the best deals .

PLACES TO VISIT IN 4 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND 

Let´s get started, here is what to do and see on a 4-day Switzerland trip .

• DAY 1 – Arrival in Zurich, getting to Lucerne
• DAY 2 – Lucerne – getting to Interlaken
• DAY 3 – Interlaken Region
• DAY 4 – Interlaken – departure

DAY 1 – LUCERNE & MOUNT RIGI

Day 1 of your amazing trip will start in Lucerne .

🚆 ZURICH TO LUCERNE

Most likely, you will arrive in Zurich . And Zurich (or Zürich as it is written and spelled in Swiss German) is a beautiful city – do not get me wrong. Zurich is like my second home BUT with only 4 days in Switzerland, skip Zurich. Do not be too sad though, Lucerne is an amazing alternative.

If you get to Zurich International Airport, take the train from there to Lucerne. Ideally, you arrive in Zurich early in the morning, so you will have almost a full day to explore Lucerne. 

ℹ️ I t takes about 60-90 minutes from Zurich Airport (Flughafen) to Lucerne city center. There is even a connection where you do not have to change trains. This train ride is included in your Swiss Travel Pass.

The trains run frequently (2-3 times an hour), the one without changing trains once an hour.

TIP: For finding train connections I use the sbb.ch website or the sbb app.

🛥️ BOAT CRUISE TO VITZNAU

The first few hours in Switzerland might have been stressful so you will enjoy some relaxing time on the boats. 

Not many activities are as relaxing as a boat tour in Switzerland. So, after checking in, I board one of the regular boats that leave right from in front of the Lucerne train station and take a leisurely boat ride along Lake Lucerne, ending up at Vitznau .

This scenic journey takes about an hour. No matter how often I do this exact boat tour, I always appreciate the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and the crystal clear waters of Lake Lucerne, as well as the picturesque villages along the shore. 

This boat cruise is just the beginning of an amazing day of exploring Lucerne´s outdoor beauty.

❕Several boats leave from Lucerne. Get the correct one – the one that is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. They leave several times a day.

🚞 MOUNT RIGI

I get off the boat at Vitznau station and head to the funicular station. This is where basically everyone will go, so you cannot miss the funicular station. It is time for one of my favorite train rides – taking the iconic cogwheel railway up Mount Rigi, also known as The Queen of the Mountains .

This one-hour journey features incredible panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding mountains and Alpine meadows – all while traveling on tracks built in 1871!

Once at the summit of Mount Rigi (or Rigi Kulm in Swiss German) – which is 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level – I either just rest first or explore the area on foot. There are several hiking trails for all levels of experience.

There is a mountain restaurant at the top, but I normally simply soak in the scenery from many of the observation points scattered around the summit. 

If you are lucky and spend your evening on a clear, sunny day, you most likely will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets in Switzerland. I noticed that here at Mount Rigi, sunsets are extra pretty!

Depending on my energy level, I sometimes hike down instead of just using the cogwheel. This might also be a great alternative to the funicular that beams you down.

ℹ️  The boat tour as well as the train journey to Zurich and the train/cogwheel ride up Mount Rigi is ALL INCLUDED in the Swiss Travel Pass . Yes, right! Even the mountain excursion is covered by this train pass.

ℹ️  So, by now it should not surprise you that I love the Swiss Pass and almost always buy them when I am in Switzerland myself.

🛏️ WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE FOR A 4-DAY TRIP

With only one night in Lucerne, I highly recommend staying in the old town. Accommodations there are – no surprise – pricy – but with only one day in the area, you do not want to spend too much time traveling. I have stayed in several hotels in Lucerne, and here are some tips.

LUXURY: Schweizerhof Lucerne –  If you want to book a luxury hotel in Lucerne, I recommend this beautiful 5* hotel. ➡️ Book your stay at Schweizerhof Lucerne here. I stayed here once during my first trip and enjoyed the location, the interesting design, and the friendly staff.

MID-RANGE: Hotel des Alpes –  On my last Lucerne trip, I stayed at Hotel des Alpes. The room view was amazing (and included views of the Chapel Bridge and Mount Pilatus). ➡️ Book your stay at Schweizerhof Lucerne here.

BUDGET: The Bed + Breakfast –  If you want to stay in a budget hotel, have a look at this B&B. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one. ➡️  Book your stay at The Bed & Breakfast here.

DAY 2 – LUCERNE CITY CENTER AND TRAVEL TO INTERLAKEN

It is time to explore one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland- Lucerne.

LUCERNE OLD TOWN

Lucerne, a city located in Central Switzerland, is traversed by the winding Reuss River and is encircled by snow-capped mountains. On the eastern shore of Lake Lucerne lies the Old Town, where cobbled streets and the iconic Chapel Bridge.

I always start by visiting the famous Chapel Bridge – one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe – lined with 17th-century paintings. It is one of the main sights and close to the train station. After crossing the bridge, I normally take a walk along the banks of Lake Lucerne.

I highly recommend having a peek at the Jesuit Church which is just a 5-minute walk from the Chapel Bridge before heading to the old town of Lucerne. This church did not impress me from the outside – but surprised me by its interior.

Then I love exploring the Old Town of Lucerne which is filled with amazing sights and attractions.

Often, I visit the iconic Lion Monument  which is located in a small park near the old city wall. This impressive sandstone sculpture commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. Along with this iconic monument, there are plenty of other sights to explore in the Old Town.

I love strolling through picturesque lanes lined with colorful wooden shutters, exploring medieval buildings and narrow cobblestone pathways, or admiring the city’s beautiful fountains.

There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to check out in the Old Town. So, if you need a break – and lunch – this is the place to enjoy it.

After exploring Lucerne in a day, make your way to Interlaken, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland.

CHECK OUT GUIDED WALKING TOURS IN LUCERNE HERE

🚆 LUZERN – INTERLAKEN EXPRESS

It is time, to get to your next destination where you will spend the rest of your time – let me talk about my favorite region in the world: Interlaken/Jungfrau.

Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express – I absolutely love this scenic train ride, because this 2-hour journey takes me through some of the most beautiful lake and mountain landscapes in the country.

As I normally sit there, passing by small villages, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains, I am always reminded of why Switzerland is so special. Lake Lucerne, Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern, Lake Brienz , the Swiss Alps, the countryside, and more – this all is what I see during the scenic train ride.

ℹ️  I have more good news for you: This ride is also included in your Swiss Travel Pass . There is no reservation fee, nothing – just a scenic free ride if you are a Pass-holder). The trip takes a bit less than 2 hours and these two hours are pure eye candy.

ℹ️  The train runs once an hour. For the best view, sit on the right side of the direction of travel (Lucerne to Interlaken) and be at the train 10-15 minutes before departure. The trains tend to be full and to snatch a window seat I recommend being on the train early.

ℹ️ The Lucerne train station is rather small (nothing compared to the Zurich train station) and easy to navigate around!

🍛 DINNER IN INTERLAKEN

After this amazing Luzern-Interlaken train ride, check in at your hotel in Interlaken and explore the small town center of the world-famous Interlaken. Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the gorgeous lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – it is a must-see in Switzerland .

From stunning views of the surrounding Alps and glistening nearby lakes, this area offers a little something for everyone! I just loooove Interlaken. However, the town itself is rather small, so it normally just takes me 1-2 hours to walk through the town center.

You might want to have a nice dinner in Interlaken and end your day!

I normally opt for a picnic: Get some snacks and drinks at a supermarket on the main street Höheweg and enjoy it at the Höhematte Park , which is right in the heart of Interlaken. On sunny days, I love seeing the paragliders above me – making this park even more special (as if the views of Jungfrau Mountain were not amazing enough).

But sometimes I need, real proper food, and Interlaken has international restaurants – including Arabic, Indian – Swiss food, or fine dining experiences – that I love to try out.

🛏️ 4-DAY VACATION IN SWITZERLAND – WHERE TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN

I suggest staying in Interlaken because its central location allows to you get around easily.

LUXURY: VICTORIA JUNGFRAU GRAND HOTEL & SPA – The most luxurious hotel in Interlaken is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. I have not stayed there myself, so I can only repeat what I heard: This hotel is amazing. If you are looking for a fancy place in Interlaken, this is probably the best pick. ➡️ Book your stay at Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa here

MID-RANGE: HOTEL DU NORD – For your stay in Interlaken, I recommend this hotel – Hotel du Nord – which is centrally located and is quite nice. It is one of my favorite accommodations for your 4-day Swiss itinerary. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel du Nord here

BUDGET: BACKPACKERS VILLA SONNENHOF  –  If you are on a budget, I recommend staying in Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof next to the Höhenmatte. It is not the cheapest hostel but definitely worth the money and one of my all-time favorite hostels. ➡️ Book your stay at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof here

DAY 3 – LAUTERBRUNNEN + MUERREN + SCHILTHORN

Whenever I am in Interlaken, I visit Lauterbrunnen and Muerren (and sometimes also add Schilthorn to my itinerary).

It is an easy day trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley . You might think that “Easy is boring”, but I can assure you: A trip to Lauterbrunnen is anything but boring, so buckle up.

🚆 To get to the Lauterbrunnen Valley , take a train from Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and your Swiss Travel Pass will cover the tickets. It is a short yet scenic train ride!

LAUTERBRUNNEN

Lauterbrunnen is a small village located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The village lies on the floor of an impressive U-shaped valley, surrounded by jagged peaks and thundering waterfalls .

Nicknamed the ‘ Valley of 72 Waterfalls ’, Lauterbrunnen is a must-visit for anyone wanting to take in the beauty of Switzerland’s natural landscapes.

Lauterbrunnen is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Switzerland. The largest and most famous waterfall is the Staubbach Falls , located just outside of town. This dramatic waterfall cascades 300 meters and is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. When I arrive in Lauterbrunnen by train, I can often see the waterfall already and my heart skips some beats. It is just very impressive from a distance.

There is another impressive waterfall, close by, the Trümmelbach Falls . This waterfall is unique because it is actually hidden inside the mountain, with tunnels and walkways leading to various sections of its cascades. So, I have been there “only” once, because there is an entrance fee and it is closed in the winter months. However, I recommend visiting it at least once. 

The town center of Lauterbrunnen is also a great place I like to explore – no matter, how often I have been there. I visit the old church, take in the views of the valley from the many viewpoints, or explore the narrow pathways lined with traditional wooden chalets. 

Lauterbrunnen however, is also known as a base jumpers paradise . Base jumping in Lauterbrunnen is a very risky activity. Known as one of the most dangerous sports in the world, base jumping has claimed many lives over the years. 

The valley of Lauterbrunnen is a favorite spot for experienced base jumpers due to its steep cliffs, deep ravines, and impressive waterfalls.

I have been to Lauterbrunnen many times but luckily never seen anyone doing it, let alone seen anyone jumping to death. But apart from this risky activity, Lauterbrunnen is heaven!

Given Lauterbrunnen´s small size, I recommend combining a trip to Lauterbrunnen with Mürren .

MÜRREN / MURREN

Mürren (or Muerren/Murren) is an idyllic mountain village situated (at 1,650 meters – 5,413 feet – above sea level ) above Lauterbrunnen and at the foot of the Schilthorn peak in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The village is well known for its stunning views of the Alps and meadows, as well as its many ski slopes in the winter months.

Once I arrive in Mürren, I am always rewarded with views that take my breath away. The village itself is quite small and quiet but there are many things to do here (like via Ferrata for climbers). Here I have written more in detail about Murren.

If I visit on a clear – and longer summer – day, then I normally add another stop to this 4-day itinerary for Switzerland.

🚆 Getting to Mürren from Lauterbrunnen is a piece of cake. All I have to do is take the gondola from Lauterbrunnen station to Grütschalp. From there, I’ll catch a train up to Mürren. The journey takes about 30 minutes in total and is included in my Swiss Travel Pass . What should I tell you??? This journey from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren is just…drop-dead gorgeous. Impressive. Beautiful. Stunning!

If you want to be more active, just get up via gondola to Grütschalp and then do an easy but incredible hike to Mürren. This slightly uphill hike takes about 90 minutes!

SCHILTHORN – PIZ GLORIA, SWISS SKYLINE, AND MORE

Schilthorn is a 9,744-foot (almost 3,000 meters) mountain peak  – known for its spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

One of the best things about Mürren is that it provides easy access to the Schilthorn Peak which is a must-visit destination for any James Bond fan. If you know, you know!

From Mürren I take two gondolas to get to Schilthotn.

To get my thrills on the Schilthorn journey I stop at Birg and take in spectacular views from above as I bravely explore the Thrill Walk – its steel structure clinging to rock walls and wriggling under observation decks, topped off by awesome obstacles like rope crossings, tunnels, and glass floors!  

Then I continue my journey to the top. The summit also houses the famous “Piz Gloria” revolving restaurant – known from the James Bond movie  On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Visiting the James Bond Walk of Fame is part of my trip, which is a museum dedicated to Mr. 007 himself. It also houses memorabilia from the film and offers an interactive tour of the mountain peak.

And though I am not a James Bond fan (I have not even watched the movie yet), I highly recommend this day trip because of 1) the views and 2) more activities, which include skiing, snowboarding in the winter, and hiking in the surrounding trails in the summer months.

This is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset – so, if you are there on a clear, sunny day make sure to enjoy that spectacle before returning to Murren/Lauterbrunnen and then to Interlaken.

ℹ️  The trip to Mürren is free with a Swiss Travel Pass . The return ticket from Mürren to Schilthorn is about 88 CHF for adults – you get a 50 % discount with a Swiss Pass.

DAY 4 – DIFFERENT OPTIONS

Let´s talk about day 4 in Switzerland – here I have a couple of options for you!

JUNGFRAUJOCH

One popular attraction on many Switzerland itineraries is the famous Jungfraujoch. It is the highest railway station in Europe and allows me to take in spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier , Bernese Alps, and more from its observation deck at  almost 3,500 meters (about 11,000 feet)!

Not only is it an amazing feat of engineering, but Jungfraujoch also offers a wealth of attractions and activities. This includes the Alpine Sensation,   the  Ice Palace (yes, a tunnel made out of ice) , several  viewing platforms (from which you have a fantastic panorama of the Aletsch Glacier) , a  Lindt Museum, and more .

In the  summer months, I love exploring the breathtaking alpine meadows and glacier valleys or taking in the spectacular views from its many observation decks. 

In  winter,  the opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowing are endless – though, Jungfraujoch is also special because you can also do winter sports in the summer months! Yes, it is true. There is always snow on the top of Jungfrajoch, and this always you to do some winter sports at the Snow Fun Palace.

I focus on the views, even in the winter, and enjoy being up in the mountains.

Jungfraujoch is definitely one of those special places that deserve to be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Not only does it offer breathtaking views and unique activities for all seasons, but it’s also a great way to get close to the heart of the  Swiss Alps !

Check out my guide about Jungfraujoch  for more info.

ℹ️  I get from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg and then you have to change trains one more time. The ride is one of the  best train rides in Switzerland,  so do not mind that the whole journey (one-way) is about 2 hours in total.

On your way back, take the gondola which stops at Grindelwald Terminal station. The gondola – via Eiger Express – is the faster way to get up/down the Jungfraujoch, but a bit less scenic in my eyes.

ℹ️  The trip to Wengen is free with your  Swiss Travel Pass . From Wengen to the top of Junfraujoch you get a 25% discount with a pass.  

The Jungfrajoch excursion is quite expensive – so, if you have to watch your budget closely, you can skip it and do one of the many other activities near Interlaken which are free or way cheaper. Thus, I have a few more recommendations for your last day in Switzerland.

GRINDELWALD & GRINDELWALD FIRST

Stunning views and activities to please every type of traveler await you in Grindelwald.

Grindelwald is a small village about 30 minutes from Interlaken. After a leisurely stroll through this traditional Swiss village with beautiful wooden chalets, I normally get up Grindelwald First at 2,166 meters (7,106 feet) above sea level.

Whether you hike up or take the cable cars – at the top, you have panoramic vistas of Eiger Mountain and a variety of activities you can choose from.

I think, the best way to experience this area is with a hike to Bachalpsee Lake – one of the most beautiful Swiss lakes.  Hiking to the lake just takes about one hour – and the best is that it does not even include a steep uphill/downhill hike, which makes it very family-friendly.

Other popular activities in Grindelwald First include skiing, and snowboarding in the winter months , or hiking and mountain biking in the summer . Grindelwald First is also known as the Top of Adventure , as there are many activities like the Cliff Walk, First Glider , and more.

When you are in Switzerland for 4 days, then this is a great way to spend a day. 

ℹ️  Just hop on a train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald – it takes about 30 minutes to get there by train. Just make sure you sit in the right compartment – the train splits and one part of the train will continue to Lauterbrunnen, and the other part of the train will get to Grindelwald. This train ride is also, as you might have guessed, included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

ℹ️  The ticket to Grindelwald First is about 68 CHF – with a Swiss Travel Pass you enjoy a 50% discount.

LAKE THUN & THUN & SPIEZ

Interlaken is located on the northern shores of the stunning Lake Thun. With its majestic mountain views, blue-green waters, and quaint villages, Lake Thun is the perfect destination to explore. Hop on a boat at Interlaken West Station and enjoy a scenic boat cruise.

I recommend taking a day trip to this charming town situated at the north end of Lake Thun – Thun.

I love exploring Thun´s Old Town , its castles , shops, and other attractions. It surely is one of the most beautiful Swiss cities (or towns) and is a perfect mix of beautiful scenery and cultural sights. As much as I love the mountains, I also appreciate nice vibrant towns.

If time allows, visit also Spiez village! Spiez is different compared to the rest of the country! Whenever I stroll the gorgeous promenade, I get a Mediterranean Vibe and feel like I am somewhere on the French Riveria.

I also appreciate the amazing views of the uniquely shaped Niesen Mountain – which looks like a pyramid! As if that was not enough, Spiez is also home to a gorgeous castle, vineyards, and more! 

And if you’re feeling brave enough dive into some exciting water activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddling on the lake. Check out my detailed guide on Lake Thun and Thun for more info.

ℹ️  At Interlaken West, I hop on the boat towards Thun. You can get out at any station (like Spiez , St.Beatus Caves. etc.) – this boat ride is scenic! From Thun, get to Spiez by bus or boat.

ℹ️  TIPS:  Whether you get to Thun/Spiez (or any village in between) via boat or train – it is included in your Swiss Travel Pass . Also, the entrance to Thun Castle is included.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY PLANNING

If you need more help and are looking for customized itinerary planning, please check the services I offer: 

Get your customized itinerary for Switzerland here

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY 4-DAY SWITZERLAND TRIP

So, if you’re looking for adventure and exploration, then this Switzerland itinerary is just the thing for you. With its breathtaking alpine scenery, medieval architecture, and vibrant cities, there’s something here to suit everyone. I added a mix of everything, which makes this itinerary pretty perfect in my eyes.

Whether it’s exploring the lakeside towns or taking in the stunning views from atop a mountain peak, 4 days in Switzerland is sure to be a memorable experience. 

You can also check out my other itineraries for more ideas on how to make the most of your days in this gorgeous country.

GET YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE

• 10 days in Switzerland
• 7 days in Switzerland
• 5 days in Switzerland
• Review: Swiss Travel Pass
• Where to stay in Switzerland

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Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass (by Train )

July 8, 2023

The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass. 

As the train winds its way through the majestic Swiss Alps, the scenery outside the window transforms from verdant rolling hills adorned with forests and vineyards to towering snow-capped peaks emerging in the distance. Quaint, picture-perfect houses bedecked with vibrant blooms give way to glistening lakes and glacier-fed streams. Every corner of this enchanting country evokes the feeling of stepping into a captivating postcard.

The journey offers an abundance of sights to behold – from nature trails and hiking paths to breathtaking panoramic vistas as the train gracefully navigates from one idyllic Swiss village to the next.

When planning our trip to Switzerland, we were overwhelmed by the myriad of options, making it challenging to finalize our itinerary as we yearned to include countless destinations on our list.

To assist you in embarking on your Swiss adventure, we have curated our itinerary recommendations, detailing when and where to explore in this captivating country. You can spend months immersing yourself in the charm of picturesque Swiss villages, embarking on delightful detours, crossing quaint bridges, chasing cascading waterfalls, or stumbling upon remote hamlets accessible only by cable cars.

Since we were in Switzerland for 11 days, we opted for the Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days for unlimited travel in Switzerland.

Swiss Travel Pass is one of the most convenient ways to travel the length and breadth of the country. You don’t have to worry about renting a car, car parking fees, insurance, and fuel charges.

BENEFITS OF A SWISS TRAVEL PASS

The entire country is well-connected by public transportation.

icon id=”globe” color=”red” ] The Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains, buses, and boat transfers in Switzerland.

You can also  request a free Family Card for children up to the age of 16. They can travel for free if accompanied by at least one parent

It covers mountain excursions like Rigi Kulm, Schilthorn, and Stanserhorn. You get a 50 % discount for  all other Mountain Excursions and a 25% discount for Top of Europe – Jungfrau.

It also covers public transportation, museum visits, and trains to/from Liechtenstein ( neighboring country.

You can just hop in and out of any regional train, you don’t need to book anything in advance. But make sure, you see the availability and timings of trains before being adventurous 😉

For the timing of the trains, you can download the SBB app and Swiss Travel Guide app. 

Other Attractions entirely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass

The train route to Wengen and Grindelwald are entirely covered. Post that you get 25% discount on the ticket to the Top of Europe – Jungfrau.

  Golden Pass line ( Lucerne <-> Interlaken <-> Montreux ) is entirely covered by Swiss Travel Pass. It is advisable to reserve seats if you want to experience the best view of the Alps. The train journey can be broken into three legs –

• Montreux to Zweisimmen
• Zweisimmen to Interlaken 
• Interlaken to Lucerne

You can visit car-free villages like Zermatt, Murren, and Wengen.

Uetliberg and Rhine Falls from Zurich.

Chillon Castle in Montreux

Free access to over 500 museums

Mount Stanserhorn from Lucerne ( 15 minutes train ride). It has the first open-air cableway in Switzerland.

Cruises on the Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne), Lake Brienz

You only have to pay reservation charges for panoramic trains like Glacier Express & Bernina Express .

Note: If you are under the age of 26 the prices are less, find the list and exact fares at the Swiss Travel Pass official website. You can also opt for half price card where everything is half-priced or Super Saver Card depending on your itinerary.

Swiss Pass ( Consecutive Days )

You can also avail Flexi card if you are not planning to travel every other day or Half care card ( another alternative if you are planning to rent a car )

Switzerland is extremely expensive if you factor in the cost of transportation, accommodation, mountain excursion tickets, food expenses as well as the exchange rates. If you are planning to visit on a shoestring budget, you might definitely struggle. Just to give you a rough idea.

Coffee – 3-5 CHF

Burger King Veg Meal – 8-9 CHF

Decent meal at a fancy restaurant for two – 25-50 CHF

Bottle of water – 2-4 CHF

The best thing you can do is to visit supermarkets like COOP, MIGROS , and LIDL and stock up on food, snacks, and water for your journey.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Switzerland is a year-round destination but the landscape varies drastically with every season. So, pick and plan based on the season or you will be disappointed. 

Best Time to Visit – May End to October

Busiest Months – July & August ( Long days with sunsets around 21:00, rolling meadows, snow-free trails )

Ski Season – Dec-March ( Ski towns like Zermatt, Davos, Gstaad, Murren, Wengen, and St. Moritz are super expensive and crowded)

Note – From early April to mid-May you might find some ski towns completely dead and shops/hotels closed for the spring break. During this time the prices of hotels drop too and the weather is also unpredictable.

CURRENCY – Swiss Franc but Euro is also accepted in almost all places.

TOURIST VISA – You need a valid Schengen Visa.

Things to consider before planning your Swiss Itinerary

• Length of Stay
• Important:  Season / Month you are traveling
• Places you want to see and taking their geographic proximity from each other into account.
• Itinerary ( Things to do & Places To Visit )
• Public Transportation vs Renting a Car
• Accommodation Option – ( Hotels vs Airbnb vs Chalets )

Our Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass

Here we share our 11-day Switzerland itinerary with a Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days. We used our pass from Day 4 to Day 11. 

Day  1 – Fly into Zurich

Day 2 – Boarded the train to St. Moritz via Chur from Zurich.

Day 3 – Explore the beautiful town of St. Moritz and visit the famous Engadin mountains.

Day 4 – Boarded the famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt ( You can board the Glacier Express from other towns as well as like Chur, Brig, Andermatt, Visp, and Zermatt )

Day 5 – Explore the beautiful town of Zermatt . ( Since the weather was not favorable and it was raining we headed to Brig and visited the Spa town – of Leukerbad . )

Day 6 – Boarded the train to Interlaken, explored Interlaken, and visited the nearby beautiful town – Iseltwald

Day 7 – Explored the Jungfrau Region – Murren, Gimmelwald and Schiltorn Summit.

Day 8 – Explored Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. You can also visit Top of Europe- Jungfrau and return via Grindelwald to Interlaken.

Day 9 – Boarded the famous Golden Pass line that connects Lucern via Interlaken to Montreux. (We boarded the train from Interlaken to Lucerne. ( Lucern to Interlaken and Montreux to Zweisimmen is touted as one of the most scenic train rides ). We highly recommend stopping at the beautiful Swiss town of Brienz and doing a boat tour and also visiting Giessbach falls . If you have time also do visit the beautiful village of Lungern . The glistening lake of Lungernersee is worth the stop.

Day 10 – Explore Lucerne in the first half and take a train to Mt. Titlis/ Rigi /Pilatus . ( The mountain excursion to Rigi is completely covered by a Swiss Travel pass, so we opted to go to Rigi but it entirely depends on you.) For the other two mountain excursions, you get a 25% discount if you have the Swiss Travel Pass.

Day 11 – Back to Zurich/ fly back home. Do visit Rhine Falls if you have more time at hand, make the best use of the Swiss travel pass, and tick off the neighboring country — Liechtenstein from your list.

( PS: If you are not interested in visiting Ski towns, you can skip and instead include Montreux, Gstaad, Geneva, Bern, and Basel to your itinerary . )

Day 1-  Fly into ZURICH

Zurich was our jumping-off point to the pretty Ski town of St. Moritz. We visited the old town of Zurich on our very first day. Unfortunately, the moment we arrived, it started pouring and we could not explore much.

After arriving in Zurich, if you have time on hand, we recommend that you take a day or two to explore the beautiful town of Zurich and discover all that awaits you before embarking on your Swiss sojourn.

Things To Do in Zurich

• Explore the old town ( Fraumünster, Swiss National Museum, Grossmünster )
• Art lovers can visit Zurich’s  Kunsthaus
• Eat at Hiltl which is the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant or drink Beer at  El Lokal or Zueghauskeller
• Take a  cheese fondue cruise  along the lake
• Pamper yourself at Thermalbad & Spa Zurich
• Admire The View From Lindenhof Hill
• Take a leisurely boat ride along the River Limmat
• Explore Zurich west
• Shop at Bahnhofstrasse ( Prime shopping street )
• Hop on a train to Uetliberg or Adlisberg for the amazing views.
• Visit the Glass Biodomes at the Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Rhine Falls
• Head to Felsenegg for a spectacular view of Zurich.
• Day Trips option – Lucerne, Jungfrau Region, Interlaken, Engelberg, Bern, Black Forest in Germany, Liechtenstein ( Neighbouring country )

Where to stay: We stayed at Hotel Welcome Inn, Kloten which was quite close to the airport.

Options:  Hotels in Zurich | We would recommend you stay close to the city center if you are planning to explore the city.   

Day 2-3:  St. Moritz

Nestled within a picturesque setting in the Swiss Alps. The famous ski town is home to some of the best luxury resorts in Europe and is quite popular among skiers.

We boarded the train from Zurich Central Station to St. Moritz. We had to change our train in Chur. The train ride from Chur to St. Moritz was one of the most scenic routes as it passes over viaducts and through helical tunnels. We highly recommend doing this train journey during winter. The train line from Thusis to St. Moritz has a UNESCO world heritage status.

We arrived in St. Moritz around noon and had the entire day to ourselves. We walked around the village, went to a spa, and pretty much did nothing on our first day. You can head to the Engadin mountains and take in the 360-degree panoramic views while sipping some beer.

Things To Do in St. Moritz

• Take In The View: Head to Muottas Muragl, Corviglia, Corvatsch . If you don’t ski, there are restaurants to sit and eat at while enjoying the mountainous backdrop. There are also hiking trails.
• Activities like Hiking, Skiing, Toboggan, Paragliding, Snowboarding, Cresta run, Ice Hockey
• Pamper yourselves at  Ovaverva Spa
• Visit Segantini Museum
• Board the famous panoramic trains like the Bernina Express and The Glacier Express .

  Do read our post on St. Moritz – Places to see in St. Moritz  

Where to Stay: We stayed at a beautiful property – Hotel Reine Victoria in St. Moritz. The hotel is at a stone’s throw distance from the Ovaverva spa and the location was perfect for a leisurely walk to the city center and back.

Options:  Hotels in St. Moritz  

Board the famous Glacier Express – St. Moritz to Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the countless charming villages in the Swiss Alps and is famous for the one and only the famous Matterhorn mountain. This car-free village is quite popular during the winter months, skiers from all around the world flock to Zermatt for their ski vacation. It might get a bit crowded over long weekends though.

Things To Do in Zermatt

• Take In The View:  Hop on the train to Breithorn (4,000 m) or Gornergrat (2883 meters), Klein Matterhorn, Hörnli Hut ( Basecamp for Matterhorn ), Sunnegga
• Explore the Zermatt village
• Matterhorn Museum
• Walk the  Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge or Europe Bridge
• Catch the cable car up to Schwarzee (2583 m), Trockner Steg (2939 m), and then the Glacier Paradise , at an altitude of 3883 meters.
• Gorner Gorge
• Hiking Trails are quite popular during the summer months.
• Helicopter Tours and Paragliding

Where to Stay – We stayed at the hotel Hotel Couronne Superior which is quite close to the museum and railway station. It also has rooms with impressive views of the Matterhorn.

Other options –   Hotels in Zermatt  

 Explore Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Interlaken is a perfect base to explore the Jungfrau region and the Geneva area. The river snaking its way throughout the city, snow-capped mountains peaking from one side, the glistening lake, and the rustic Swiss charm make it an ideal base to explore the stunning Jungfrau region and many other pretty Swiss villages. We stayed at Wilderswil in Interlaken.

You can also stay at Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen and explore the region.

We’ve listed down everything you can do or visit in and around Interlaken below.

Things to See   & Do in and Around Interlaken

• Explore the town in Interlaken
• Visit St. Beatus Caves : Legend has it that St. Beatus chose this cave for his hermitage after driving a fire-breathing dragon to Lake Thun. The limestone caves offer a stunning view of the stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a cave museum and guided tours are available every 30 mins. ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• The Oberhofen Castle : Situated on the shores of Lake Thun, this 13th-century castle boasts some amazing architecture. A great place to explore the lifestyle of the bygone era. A short boat ride on Lake Thun lands you in this beautiful castle.
• Visit Iseltwald — a beautiful town near Interlaken.
• Funicular ride to the top of Harder Kulm
• The Sigriswill Suspension bridge
• Visit the Weissenau Nature Reserve
• Visit Thun Castle and cross the impressive Panoramabrucke Sigriswil near Lake Thun
• Visit Giessbach Falls  situated on the southern shore of Lake Brienz. You can also stay at the Grand Hotel Giessbach which is right next to the fall.
• Adventure activities like skydiving, paragliding, etc.
• Top Of Europe   Jungfrau – One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Jungfrau region. The train journey to Wengen or Grindelwald is covered by Swiss Pass and then you need to pay to visit the Top of Europe (you get a 25% discount on the remainder of the journey). You can book the tickets online or on the spot.

Explore the Jungfrau Region

Jungfrau region is a place where you want to slow down, pause, or linger at points of interest. If you want to cover more grounds, we would suggest starting early as there is much to see and chances of getting distracted and spending way too much time in one place are guaranteed.

Lauterbrunnen ( 15 minutes train ride from Interlaken )

Nestled within a valley in the Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen gave J.R.R. Tolkien the inspiration for his Elven City of Rivendell in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy.   It is one of the prettiest villages in the Jungfrau region and is known as the Valley of Waterfalls.

• Visit  Trummelbach Falls ( Price – 11 CHF per person ), Staubbach Falls, Mürrenbach Falls, and Talmuseum  (To learn about the local life and history of the valley ).
• Murren ( 20 minutes cable car + train ride from Lauterbrunnen) – This pretty car-free village is another favorite and is a perfect place to spend 1-2 nights admiring the stunning mountains.   
• Gimmelwald ( 5-7 minute cable car ride from Murren ) 
• Visit Schiltorn ( Piz Gloria ) ( 10 min cable car ride from Murren ) – Home to the first revolving restaurant at the height of 2970 meters and the James Bond Museum. The view from the top is breathtaking.

Note: To Visit Piz Gloria you have the option to take a cable car  from Stechelberg which is just 10 minutes away from the Trummelbach waterfall. You can do the entire circle in a day – Once you get out of the station, board the bus for Trummelbach waterfall, visit Trummelbach waterfall, board the bus to Stechelberg, buy a ticket for Piz Gloria, you can stop at Gimmelwald , Birg, and on your way back, get down at Murren and walk to the train station. It will hardly take 10 minutes to cross the village and reach the train station. Take a train & cable car from Grütschalp back to Lauterbrunnen.

Option 2: From Lauterbrunnen, you can take the cableway to Grütschalp. Then change to the narrow gauge train to Mürren the train station in the north of the village.

• Wengen (15-minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen) – At the foot of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains. Wengen is another pretty car-free resort town. You can view the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley from the top.
• More adventurous travelers also have the opportunity to go on skydiving and paragliding tours for some of the most awe-inspiring views of the mountainside.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 16, 2018 at 8:42am PST

  Grindelwald 

Another popular town you can stay in and explore is the Jungfrau region.

• First Cliff Walk for amazing views
• Ziplining with The First Flyer in First Grindelwald – ( Price – 29 CHF )
• Eiger Trail
• Hike to the stunning Bachalpasee Lake. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the lake.
• Visit Sphinx Observatory
• Reichenbach Falls
• Visit Schynige Platte

Other nearby places you might consider visiting

• Visit a Spa Town ( Leukerbad ) – Truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The village is peppered with thermal pools/spas all around. Where to Stay – Hotel Le Bristol
• Lake Blausee   ( 29 minutes from Spiez ) and  Oeschinensee in Kandersteg
• Aare Gorge ( 1,400m-long limestone alpine river gorge  )
• Oberstockensee and Hinterstockensee in Erlenbach ( Two beautiful lakes which are quite easy to reach )
• Engstligenalps falls in Adelboden and t he suspension Hostalde bridge Frutigen
• The suspension Trift bridge in Gadmen ( 43 Km from Interlaken )
• Goms Bridge , Bellwald ( Entrance fee – FREE )
• Gstaad – A beautiful Alpine village that is quite popular for winter activities
• Nearby Cities – Brig, Visp, Spiez, Isletwald, Bern

Where to Stay: We stayed at Alpine-Inn by Jungfrau Hotel at Wilderswil. There are beautiful hotels and chalets in and around Interlaken.

Options:  Hotels in Wilderswil | Hotels in Interlaken | Hotel in Murren

Train from Interlaken to Lucerne

From Interlaken, the scenery gets even better as you inch toward Lucerne. Lucerne is a charming town and can be easily covered in a day.  The main attraction that Lucerne has on offer is the Chapel Bridge. It is the oldest covered bridge in Europe. The interiors are adorned with paintings that date from the 17th century.

We explored the old town on our first day and Mt. Rigi on the second day.

Things To Do In and Around Lucerne

• Stroll around the historic Town: Buildings are adorned with beautiful facades so keep an eye on the walls as you explore the old town.
• Boat ride in Lake Lucerne ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Church of St. Leodegar which is quite close to Lake Lucerne
• Lucerne Townhall ( Lucerne Rathaus ) is also a beautiful piece of architecture.
• Swiss Museum of Transport ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Tour a nuclear bunker –  Sonnenberg Bunker
• Another covered bridge – Spreuerbrücke
• Mountain Excursion to Mt. Rigi ( Entirely covered by Swiss Travel Pass) / Mt. Pilatus ( board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway)  / Mt. Titlis ( You get a 25% percent discount on the other two. The tickets can be booked online or on the spot.
• Visit Stans ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Visit Museum Bellpark ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Visit Lungern – The charming town which is just an hour away
• Take in the amazing view of Lake Lucerne from Morshach

Where To Stay: We stayed at Ibis Styles, Lucerne . There are other lovely properties in and around Lucerne as well.

Options:  Hotels in Lucern  

Day 11 – Fly out from Zurich / Bern

You can also make a quick stop at the capital city of Switzerland and fly out from Bern depending on your flight timings. We had a flight from Zurich so we boarded the morning train from Lucerne and headed straight to Zurich airport.

This concludes our 11-day tour around Switzerland! There is so much beauty and charm that we can’t wait to revisit and explore more.

You can also club other countries – Lake Como or Milan in Italy from Zermatt/ St. Moritz, visit the Bavarian region and Austrian Tirol region from Appenzell, Visit Liechtenstein from Zurich, visit Colmar in France from Bern, the Black Forest in Germany from Zurich.

If you have any other queries, feel free to comment below.

If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us ( Email:  [email protected]) for our Testimonial section.

Related Posts

Things to Do in St. Moritz

Things To Do In Leukerbad

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May 13, 2018 at 2:28 pm

I would love to visit Switzerland, such beautiful views from the train journey. Love your pics!

May 16, 2018 at 12:25 pm

beautiful pics

May 16, 2018 at 2:56 pm

truly awesome post sharing

May 18, 2018 at 1:59 am

Your photography is absolutely stunning. I love the clarity and colors of that you shoot. Fantastic. Traveling Switzerland by train seems like an amazing option. The views (and captures) you had from the track on the high passes were beautiful.

May 18, 2018 at 7:19 am

Switzerland 🇨🇭 you can’t beat the beauty of this country. The details you have provided will help any traveller plan their visit. The visuals compliment the blog as well. Thanks for sharing such details The travel pass is a great tip for Switzerland travellers

May 18, 2018 at 1:23 pm

I am always happy to read a good guide to Switzerland because I can’t recommend it enough to everyone…although it is insanely expensive! The Golden pass and using the public transportation is an excellent way to travel in Switzerland! But I personally got very bored on the Glacier express 😜 but I know that many would love it!

May 18, 2018 at 5:12 pm

Done bookmarking this post! It is a dream to visit Switzerland and reading a good guide just makes me more excited. We will definitely make sure to try traveling by train.

May 19, 2018 at 1:15 pm

Your post made me nostalgic and reminded me of our stay in Swiss for 8 years. Swiss is surely a paradise on earth and you guys have clicked stunningly beautiful pictures. Zermatt, Muerren, and Wengen – all these car-free zones are some of my favorite places. We lived in Zurich and each and every inch of that place has been filled with good and sweet memories. Interlaken trips were like a day picnic for us. I agree with you that the most scenic train route is from Chur to St. Moritz, that we did in the initial year during winter. But nothing can beat Swiss by roads. We have driven on all the scenic routes, countryside, and small and beautiful towns and villages. Adored seeing this beautiful place through your lens. You both complement each other so beautifully. Thanks a lot for sharing this post with us.

May 19, 2018 at 2:52 pm

What a great idea to travel by train and see all those different locations! I have not even heard about the Swiss Travel Pass before, but it seems like the best thing to use in order to get around. We were thinking about going to Switzerland next year but were unsure yet about how to manage logistics, so this blogpost has helped a big deal! Spending time in Interlaken makes sense since there seem to be lots of great places around. Thanks for sharing this!

May 20, 2018 at 11:28 pm

Awesome awesome trip it is! I’m yet to head the real Swiz (coz it was so sunny in Basel that I wouldn’t consider it Swiz!). Thanks for the tip about the fantastic trains of Swiz. Good to know that not only it covers travel but also gives discounts on various sites.

May 21, 2018 at 7:08 am

Those Views are just breathtaking and I have to say your pictures are just mind blowing loved them! I have to be honest I am not a fan of Winter we don’t get snow where I come from but If I ever get the chance to experience a real Winter I would love to go to Switzerland!

May 23, 2018 at 2:24 pm

Amazing photos! I always wanted to go by train in Switzerland. I’ll bookmark your post for later.

May 23, 2018 at 6:23 pm

Yaaass!! I love purchasing passes like the Swiss Travel Pass! The cost differential makes all the difference, and it gets you out and doing things that you normally won’t consider or didn’t know about. I’ve been dreaming of Switzerland lately, so I might just need to start saving up for the big 15 day pass. Grindelwald has been on my bucket list for ages!

May 24, 2018 at 5:00 am

Oh wow your photos are beautiful and you really managed to make the most of your 11 days! I’m British so don’t need a visa for Switzerland, and it’s pretty close and accessible to me but somehow I still haven’t visited. This post has certainly given me the push I need to finally get to looking for flights (except not for ski season, I hate snow haha)

May 25, 2018 at 8:11 pm

Switzerland is bestowed with such a hypnotic beauty. The panoramic views are to die for! Thanks for the detailed information about the country as well as the Swiss pass guide. I’m saving this post for future reference. Switzerland has been on my bucket list for so long. Your pictures are awesome and perfectly justify the beauty of the place. I simply can’t take my eyes off them.

May 26, 2018 at 1:51 am

Those views are amazing and what a very informative post, I am planning a trip to Switzerland this year and I have noted your tips and saved your page. The great thing about this is I don’t need a visa as I am from the UK.

May 26, 2018 at 11:43 pm

This sounds amazing! I’ve only been to Switzerland once and didn’t take advantage of the Swiss pass, but I really want to go back and use the pass to see some mew places! Interlaken in particular has been on my list for a long time. I might be going back to Switzerland in September, so I’ll definitely be looking into this!

May 28, 2018 at 3:15 pm

Very nice blog and loved your pics. Wanted your advice to plan a trip for 3 days. We are planning to go to Lucern from Milan and send the next 3 days there. since we don’t have much time in hand, what are things we should include in our itiniery and could be easily doable. We are travelling in September.

June 4, 2018 at 5:57 am

What a great blog sir 😊 शुभकामनाएं

June 4, 2018 at 9:11 pm

Great tips for planning a trip to Switzerland. One of the things I really want to do in Switzerland is some hiking and see all those mountain villages. However, using the travel pass does sound like a very convenient and relatively economical way of getting around. St Moritz looks like a stunning place to visit.

June 4, 2018 at 11:39 pm

I love train travel! It’s so civilized and relaxed and a great way to enjoy the scenery. And where could there be better scenery than Switzerland? Beautiful!

June 4, 2018 at 11:42 pm

What a great pass to have and I can’t believe that kids under 16 travel for free everywhere in Switzerland on that pass? That is such good value. Your itinerary looks amazing and so do the photos. Switzerland is so picturesque and definitely on my bucket list for the future. Bookmarked for the itinerary!

June 5, 2018 at 3:50 am

I love how beautifully colour coordinated the two of you are! Really sweet, my husband would’ve never agreed to do that LOL. Your pictures are amazing, and I realise that although renting a car in Switzerland was a fantastic idea, it meant that we missed out on some beautiful train journeys! Also, we did not make it to St Moritz and Matterhorn and those were my two big misses, we went the other way (Lucern, Geneva, Chamonix) but I always regretted missing these two places. I guess it means I need to go back 😉

June 5, 2018 at 5:43 am

Your post revived my Swiss trip and I loved Switzerland through rail trip. Glacier Express goes through scenic route and as this train has long and wide windows, the views from train are amazing. Zermatt also looks very beautiful and worth visiting.

June 5, 2018 at 1:28 pm

This is an excellent guide to train travel in Switzerland. The Glacier Express is just incredible, and it’s great to know how many car-free towns I can visit using this pass. Switzerland is very expensive, so I would really invest in this to save for my dinner!

June 5, 2018 at 6:31 pm

Oh wow. The photos are amazing and the price isn’t as bad as I imagined. That said, I think I would be bankrupt if I spent 15 days in Switzerland so I might have to opt for one of the shorter options and visit Zermatt and other cute towns.

June 6, 2018 at 9:08 am

I have visited Switzerland during summer and it was utterly gorgeous. You post makes me want to plan a trip during winters, it looks completely different and gorgeous. Yet to explore Zermatt and St. Moritz, would love to visit when these places are completely covered in snow.

June 12, 2018 at 12:35 pm

This is awesome.You captured the beauty of swiss during winters and Loved it its helpful post for planning travel to switzerland.

June 20, 2018 at 4:11 pm

I stayed in a beautiful village called Engelberg when i visited Switzerland. It’s just an hour drive from Lucerne and the quaint little village was everything a person dreams about Switzerland.

A great and detailed itinerary indeed… Cheers

June 22, 2018 at 7:25 pm

This was fantastic! I love that you included a budget to help determine whether the Swiss Travel Pass was worth it financially as well. I’m a budget traveler so that’s really important to me. Your photos are also spectacular so I’m dying to head to the Alps ASAP! And the train ride would be the best way to explore the Alps. Great post!

July 26, 2018 at 5:44 am

very lovely place…. i am loving this place….

July 31, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Well written, extremely helpful and awesome pictures. Only question is how did you covered the itinerary with a 8 day pass, i.e Day 2 to Day 9 or ??. It appears that you have used your pass even on Day 10 to visit Mount Rigi!!

July 31, 2018 at 1:01 pm

We used the Swiss Travel pass from Day 3 to Day 10 🙂

November 12, 2018 at 12:09 pm

February 8, 2019 at 7:08 am

Lovely Blog Beautiful Pictures The information shared by you will be helpful to me for my trip planned for July 2019 Thanks a Lot

July 25, 2019 at 1:14 pm

how beautifully you have written this article,,,its mesmerizing us …thank you so much for your amazing article which has given me so much to know.

September 6, 2019 at 11:26 pm

The travel blog Ive been looking into. Thank you.

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

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

From the rolling farmland of the Bernese countryside to the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, Switzerland is an outdoor lover’s dream.

While you can’t possibly squeeze in everything there is to do in Switzerland in 4 days, you can see the top highlights of this beautiful country.

We spent 10 days traveling through Switzerland and absolutely fell in love with its natural beauty, the charm of its medieval cities, and the efficient transportation system that makes getting around so easy.

We’ve narrowed down our top experiences in Switzerland to bring you this epic 4-day Switzerland Itinerary!

The best way to explore Switzerland is by train. The public transportation has excellent infrastructure, connecting even the remotest valleys.

Tip: For our 4-day trip in Switzerland, I recommend the Swiss Travel Pass . With this pass, you can use most buses, trains, and boats for free (which saves a lot of money!).

Switzerland Itinerary: 4 Days from Lucerne

For this itinerary, you will start in Lucerne (one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland ). If you are an international visitor, you could choose to fly to Zurich.

But instead of exploring Zurich, we will head straight to Lucerne as it is a much prettier city to explore.

• Day 1 – Lucerne & Mount Pilatus (Overnight in Lucerne)
• Day 2 – Explore Interlaken & Hike Harder Kulm (Overnight in Interlaken)
• Day 3 – Day trip to Schilthorn & Lauterbrunnen (Second Night in Interlaken)
• Day 4 – Zermatt

Day 1: Explore Lucerne & Visit Mount Pilatus

Lucerne is one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland in the summer months , but it is also a beautiful city to visit during other seasons too.

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

How to Get From Zurich Airport to Lucerne:

If you are traveling internationally, the easiest way to get to Lucerne is to fly into Zurich.

From Zurich, take a 1-hour train ride to Lucerne. I highly recommend that you make your way to Lucerne the night before so that you have a full day to explore Lucerne and Mount Pilatus.

For this Switzerland 4-day itinerary, it makes sense to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass , which includes train and bus travel in most cities, as well as discounts on a select list of activities.

If you are traveling with a Swiss Pass , there is no need to reserve train tickets in advance. 

Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore every stop on this 4-day itinerary for Switzerland by car. 

Overview of Lucerne:  

Situated along the Reuss River and Lake Lucerne and surrounding mountains, Lucerne is one of the most charming cities in all of Switzerland.

With its medieval towers, picturesque Old Town painted with intricate frescos, historic buildings, and surrounding natural beauty, Lucerne feels like a quintessential Swiss town. 

It is also home to one of the most famous landmarks in Switzerland —the Kapellbrucke (or “Chapel Bridge”), a wooden pedestrian bridge adorned with colorful flowers that spans the Reuss River.

Highlights & What To Do in Lucerne:

The highlight of your visit to Lucerne is taking a day trip to Mount Pilatus, a 7,000-foot peak that reaches high into the clouds and offers spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Getting there is an adventure in and of itself, including a boat trip across Lake Lucerne, a steep funicular railway journey up to Mount Pilatus, and a ride in an enormous gondola to get back down.

Thanks to the super efficient Swiss transportation system, getting there is actually a breeze despite the several steps involved. 

Once you arrive at Mount Pilatus, you can soak in the stunning views from several viewpoints, take a short hike to Tomlishorn or Oberhaupt Peak, or enjoy lunch with a view at the Pilatus Kulm Restaurant.

On your way back from Mount Pilatus to Lucerne, we highly recommend stopping in Frakmuntegg to go tobogganing, a fun activity that is sure to be a hit with the entire family!

Expect the trip from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus to take about 5-6 hours in total. Spend the rest of the day wandering the charming streets of Lucerne.

Walk across the town’s two iconic bridges: Kapellbrucke and Spuerer Bridge and stroll along the Reuss River.

Climb one of the 9 towers on the Musegg Wall, visit the enormous Lion Monument, see the Town Hall Clock Tower, and admire the fresco-painted buildings in Old Town. 

Where to Stay in Lucerne :

You will need to stay overnight in Lucerne after your first busy day of our itinerary.

Hotel Des Alpes is a beautiful hotel located right on the Reuss River and the heart of downtown Lucerne, with views overlooking Kapellbrücke from the balconies.

Double room rates start at $200 per night and range up to $430 for river-view rooms on weekends during the summer.

Rooms are small but clean and comfortable and you seriously can’t beat the location!

Day 2: Explore Interlaken & Hike Harder Kulm

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

How to Get from Lucerne to Interlaken:

To get to Interlaken from Lucerne by train, it’s about a 2-hour train journey. This scenic train ride is covered by the Swiss Pass .

By car, the drive takes 1 hour.

Overview of Interlaken:

The town of Interlaken, which literally translates to “between lakes,” is sandwiched between two stunning blue lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Often referred to as the “adventure capital of Switzerland,”’ Interlaken earns the title as a hub for a wide range of adventure activities, including paragliding, hang-gliding, and base jumping.

When in Interlaken, get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

If adrenaline-pumping activities make you feel queasy, you can opt for less risky outdoor adventures like enjoying some hiking trails and trying out some kayaking.

Highlights & What to Do in Interlaken

As the adventure capital of Switzerland, there’s no shortage of exciting outdoor activities to do in Interlaken. 

Kick your day off with a rush of adrenaline by going paragliding in Interlaken. Your guide will drive your group up to Beatenburg where you will set up your parachute on an open hillside.

Then you take off and soar through the clouds over Lake Thun before landing in the center of Interlaken.

It’s an exhilarating experience that’s sure to be the highlight of your 4 days in Switzerland itinerary!

In the afternoon, take a hike to Harder Kulm, known as “Interlaken’s Mountain” for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the bright teal waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

You can also see the beautiful snow-capped mountains from up there too!

Alternatively, rent kayaks from Mountain Surf on Lake Thun and spend a couple of hours exploring by water.

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride across Lake Brienz and soak up even more mountain views.

Where to Stay in Interlaken:

Located in the heart of Interlaken, Hotel Interlaken offers rooms of various sizes ranging in price from $150 to over $400. You will book a room for 2 nights.

The hotel features a beautiful Japanese Garden, an onsite Taverne restaurant, and some rooms with balconies. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Schilthorn & Lauterbrunnen

Today you will take a day trip to Schilthorn, after which you will return to sleep another night in Interlaken.

How to Get From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen & Schiltorn:

Similar to the journey to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne, getting to Schilthorn from Interlaken requires a few different means of transportation.

But fear not because the Swiss transportation system once again makes it super easy to get around. 

First, you’ll take a 30-minute train ride from the Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen. Explore the cute little mountain town before taking a short gondola ride to Grutshap.

From Grutshap you can either hike or take a train to Murren, where you will catch another gondola up to Schilthorn. 

After soaking in the beautiful views from Schiltorn, you can return back to Interlaken exactly the way you came.

Alternatively, turn the trip into a loop by walking to Gimmelwald, taking a gondola to Stechelberg, and then walking or taking a bus through the valley back to Lauterbrunnen.

Overview of Schilthorn:

On day three of our 4-day Switzerland itinerary, take a day trip to Schilthorn , one of the tallest peaks in the area at a height of 9,744 feet.

From the top of Schilthorn, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Switzerland’s big three peaks: the Monch, the Eiger, and the Jungfrau region.

In addition to its incredible views, Schilthorn is famous for being the primary filming location for the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

Along the way from Interlaken, you’ll have the option to stop to explore a few quaint little Swiss villages, including Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Gimmelwald. 

In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Switzerland, where snow-capped peaks tower over grassy meadows and cows graze blissfully unaware of how good they have it!

It’s certainly a can’t-miss activity on your 4-day Switzerland itinerary.

Highlights & What to Do in Lauterbrunnen & Schilthorn

On the way to Schilthorn, we recommend hiking from Grutshap to Murren . This 2.7-mile hike is mostly flat, making for an easy walk through green alpine meadows with views in every direction.

Murren is a cute little Swiss town perched high in the mountains that cannot be accessed by car. 

Be sure to make a pit stop at the Berg station along the way to Schilthorn from Murren to tackle the Thrill Walk , an obstacle course that clings to the sheer edge of a massive cliff.

If you have a fear of heights, you’ll likely want to skip this one.

Otherwise, it’s a fun and ever-so-thrilling adventure to climb through. 

When you arrive at Schilthorn, take some time to soak in the 360-degree views, enjoy lunch at the Piz Gloria rotating restaurant, and visit the James Bond interactive exhibit. 

On the way back, we recommend hiking 2 miles from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen .

The hike leads through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to over 72 waterfalls that cascade over the massive granite cliffs on either side of the lush valley.

The most notable waterfall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Trummelbach Falls, a set of 10 glacier waterfalls carved inside a cave on the side of the mountain.

For this day trip, we’d recommend spending another night in Interlaken.

It’s also possible to stay in Lauterbrunnen, but since it’s just a short train ride, it’s easier to just make Interlaken your home base for day 2 and day 3 of this 4-day Switzerland itinerary.

Day 4: Zermatt

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

How to Get From Interlaken to Zermatt:

To get to Zermatt from Interlaken, take a 2-hour train ride that is covered by the Swiss Pass .

If you are renting a car , you cannot drive to Zermatt. You’ll have to park at the park and ride in Täsch and take a bus into the carless smaller town.

Overview of Zermatt:

Zermatt is a tiny mountain town that sits at the base of Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most iconic peak that you may recognize as the logo on the Toblerone chocolate box.

In Zermatt, the towering Matterhorn can be seen from nearly everywhere throughout the quaint ski-resort town.

Seeing the Matterhorn is a highlight of this 4-day Switzerland Itinerary! 

The small town of Zermatt is a really nice spot to base yourself for visiting the Matterhorn.

Cars are not permitted in the town of Zermatt, allowing its narrow streets to always be bustling with pedestrians and giving the town a uniquely quaint vibe.

Highlights & What to Do in Zermatt:

For the best views of the Matterhorn, we recommend doing the 5 Lakes Hike , a 6-mile loop that passes by (you guessed it!) five lovely alpine lakes.

What makes this hike so special is that the Matterhorn can be seen in the background at each lake.

Lake Stellisee is particularly stunning, and if you visit at the right time, you can catch a mirror image of the iconic peak reflected over the still waters.

Although it doesn’t get you up close to the Matterhorn, in our opinion, this hike has the best views you can find of the jagged mountain. 

To get up close to the Matterhorn, take the train up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt.

The train ride to get there is amazing, and once you arrive at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you’ll be treated to a spectacular 360-degree view. 

It’s also worth spending some time popping into the little shops around the town of Zermatt.

The lack of vehicle traffic makes it a particularly pedestrian-friendly town, with restaurant seating often spilling out onto the streets.

Where to Stay in Zermatt:

You will need to overnight in Zermatt as you have a busy day ahead. So best to plan your departure for the next day.

The Matterhorn Lodge Boutique Hotel & Apartments is a beautiful alpine lodge with stylish, modern rooms in the heart of Zermatt.

The lodge offers rooms with kitchens and kitchenettes and some even have Matterhorn views!

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Summer (June To August) is a popular time to travel to Switzerland for good reason. The mild weather makes it an ideal season for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. The downside of summer in Switzerland? The crowds.

Tourists flock to the country during this season which results in higher prices for hotels, restaurants, and flights.

This may take away from the peacefulness one would hope for when visiting a place like Switzerland. However, if you plan ahead and book your tickets well in advance, you should still be able to find reasonable accommodations even during peak season.

Additionally, if you’re looking to avoid the height of summertime prices, consider visiting before June or after August—this way you can still enjoy most of the sunny days without paying extra for them!

Best Way to Get Around Switzerland

Now that we have outlined the perfect itinerary, let’s swiftly touch on navigating this captivating country.

1. Public Transport

Switzerland’s public transport system offers a seamless and cost-effective way to discover this beautiful country.

With the Swiss Travel Pass , you can enjoy unlimited and discounted access to trains, buses, and boats, allowing you to effortlessly explore over 41 cities, conquer majestic mountain peaks, and embark on captivating lake cruises throughout Switzerland.

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Save money and make life a lot easier with a Swiss Travel Pass . Allowing you to simply hop on trains, busses, and boats in most destinations.

Experience the freedom of travel, unrestricted by the hassle of booking individual tickets or excessive transportation expenses.

Get your Swiss Travel Pass effortlessly online, unlocking a world of convenience and affordability.

2. Rent a Car

As a family of five with young children, our visit to Switzerland presented us with the challenge of accommodating our one-year-old.

To ease our travel experience, we opted to rent a car , granting us the freedom to come and go as we pleased, without having to wait for trains or buses to arrive.

Discover Cars quickly became our trusted source for car rentals in Switzerland.

This comparison site effortlessly gathers the most competitive prices from leading rental companies across the country, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free booking process.

BEST RENTAL COMPANY IN SWITZERLAND: DISCOVER CARS

I recommend  and use   Discover Cars . They search through all rental companies to find and offer only the best deals.

FAQs About Visiting Switzerland in 4 Days

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about traveling around Switzerland for 4-days.

The short answer is no! With so much to do and see in Switzerland, you could easily spend 2 weeks traveling here and not see it all. However, 4 days in Switzerland is enough time to give you a little taste of this beautiful country, and possibly leave you itching to come back for more!

Switzerland is notorious for being a very expensive place to travel. Obviously, exact costs vary depending on your travel style, but we’d budget about $300 per night for accommodation and $50 per person for food if you plan on mostly eating out. If you’re traveling by train, a Swiss Pass will set you back $330 for 4 days. Traveling on a budget is possible, but you’ll need to stay in hostels and cook some of your own meals rather than eating out.

The cheapest time to visit Switzerland is during the winter, from December to February. However, many of the mountain peaks and hikes included in our itinerary are not accessible at this time of year.

Renting a car in Switzerland means you can travel at your own pace and makes it a little easier to get between cities. That being said, the train system in Switzerland is timely, efficient, and easy to navigate so renting a car is certainly not necessary.

The best time to visit Switzerland for the hiking and outdoor adventure activities included in our 4-day Switzerland itinerary is during the summer, from late May through September.

Final Thoughts On Our 4-Day in Switzerland Itinerary  

And that concludes our 4-day Switzerland Itinerary. We hope you’re feeling inspired to plan an amazing adventure in Switzerland using our itinerary as a guide.

If you have any questions about planning your trip, please feel free to let us know!

Looking for more itineraries? We also have a 5-day trip to Switzerland itinerary starting in Geneva and ending in Zurich.

Guest Blog Post Written by Sarah from Two Outliers.

Further Reading:

Here are some of our other blog posts that you might be interested in when you plan your vacation in Switzerland:

• Find out why Switzerland is beautiful
• What are things that Switzerland is known for?
• Most beautiful places to see in Switzerland
• Soak up in one of the Swiss hot springs
• Check out the little town of Gruyeres
• Is Switzerland worth visiting?
• 20 Reasons to Visit Switzerland
• Where to buy Switzerland travel insurance?

Jolene Ejmont

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• Best 4 Day Switzerland Itinerary for a Scenic Road Trip

Thinking about squeezing the best of Switzerland into just four days? You’re in luck!

Our 4-day itinerary is your perfect guide to hitting the big city highlights.

From the busy streets of Zurich to the capital city of Bern, and the gorgeous views in Lucerne and Geneva, we cover it all.

Considering this is the exact road trip that we did during our first visit to Switzerland with the kids, we know firsthand that it’s a bit of a whirlwind. But it’s definitely worth it!

Curious to learn more? Let’s dive right in!

Switzerland in 4 Days

With only four days to explore an entire country, you can bet that this itinerary will be a bit of a whirlwind vacation.

We have chosen to highlight the best and most beautiful cities in Switzerland.

Our start and end points also ensure that you have easy access to flights/trains for your trip.

Keep in mind, that this is just a guideline based on how our family likes to travel. We try to pack as much into a short trip as possible!

4 Days in Switzerland – Quick Guide

If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick look at what your 4-day Switzerland itinerary might look like:

➡️  Day 1: Explore Zurich. ➡️  Day 2:  Travel from Zurich to Lucerne – 42 minutes by car or 41 minutes by train. Explore Lucerne. ➡️  Day 3:  Travel from Lucerne to Bern – 1 hour 12 minutes by car or 1 hour by train. Explore Bern. ➡️  Day 4:  Travel from Bern to Geneva – 1 hour 49 minutes by car or 1 hour 44 minutes by train. Explore Geneva.

Day 1 – Zurich

We found that Zurich is one of the easiest places in Switzerland to get to.

With both a major airport, as well as a well-connected train station, you should have no problem arriving in this fantastic city.

Zurich is the biggest city in the country and a major financial hub, but there’s so much more to it.

The old town is a real highlight, with its narrow streets, old buildings, and loads of museums and art galleries.

The city is also a center for education and culture, home to top universities and a thriving arts scene.

Tourists love Zurich for its excellent shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Not to mention, it’s close to the mountains, so you can easily switch from city life to outdoor adventures.

Things to Do in Zurich

Stroll around the old city (altstadt).

Spend some time wandering through the winding, cobblestone streets, of the Old City.

Many of the buildings have been standing for centuries, so they are pretty incredible to look at.

Key sights include the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, known for their gorgeous architecture and stained glass windows.

Be sure to climb the tower in Grossmünster church for some of the best views in town. It’s a bit of a workout, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Another church to see is St. Peter’s. This church actually boasts the largest clock face in Europe.

Learn Something New at the Swiss National Museum

Housed in a castle-like building, this museum is packed with interesting exhibits that cover everything from Switzerland’s ancient past to modern times.

We saw everything from old armour to traditional outfits and even some quirky everyday artifacts.

After exploring the inside, be sure to visit the museum’s garden. It’s a nice, quiet spot to take a break before moving on to the next attraction.

Enjoy the Views at the Lindenhof

The Lindenhof in Zurich is a fantastic spot to visit because of its awesome views over the city.

This historic site, once a Roman castle, is now a local favourite for a leisurely stroll, or to sit on one of the shaded benches.

From here, you can capture some of the best panoramic shots of Zurich, making it a must-visit if you are looking to do some photography.

Shop Til You Drop on Bahnhofstrasse

Known for being one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues, Bahnhofstrasse is where you will find everything from high-end boutiques to Swiss watch stores and international brands.

We also found that it was a great place to look for Swiss chocolate shops and to find somewhere to pick up unique Swiss souvenirs.

You will also find a great variety of restaurants and chic cafes along Bahnhofstrasse.

Take a Cruise on Lake Zürich

Hop on a cruise to explore Lake Zurich and enjoy the gorgeous city skyline from the water.

These cruises offer a range of options, from short trips to full-day excursions.

We opted for a shorter cruise so that we could fit it into our one day in Zurich .

It was definitely a relaxing way to see Zurich, and you can even enjoy some dining on board on certain cruises.

Where to Stay in Zurich

Here is a list of some of the best accommodations in Zurich. You will find a variety of price ranges suitable for any budget.

• Baur au Lac
• Park Hyatt Zurich
• Boutique Hotel Helmhaus
• Hotel Adler Zürich
• Baur au Lac Hotel Limmatblick
• Hotel Hirschen

Day 2 – Lucerne

This morning, you will travel from Zurich to Lucerne. The drive is approximately 52 km and will take about 42 minutes.

Lucerne has a pretty compact Old Town, so we would recommend parking your car for the day.

If you are planning to head out into the mountains, you can either drive or use public transportation.

Lucerne is famous for its stunning lake and mountain views. It truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard!

The old town is charming, with its well-preserved buildings and the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe.

Lucerne is also known for hosting music festivals and offering cool shops, tasty eateries, and lively markets.

And if you’re into nature, you’re in the right place—there’s plenty to do on the lake and in the nearby mountains.

Things to Do in Lucerne

Stroll around the old city.

We loved strolling around Lucerne’s Old City .

From the maze of cobblestone streets to the absolutely gorgeous historic buildings with their beautifully painted facades, it was quite the experience.

For some incredible views over Lucerne, head up to the watchtowers on the Museggmauer.

Lastly, be sure to check out the chocolate shops, restaurants and cozy cafes that line the streets of Old Town Lucerne.

Walk Across the Chapel Bridge

You can’t visit Lucerne without walking across the Chapel Bridge .

This iconic wooden bridge, one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe, offers beautiful views of the city and the Reuss River.

Along the way, you’ll see a series of paintings from the 17th century that hang from the rafters.

It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and to take some gorgeous photos for the ‘gram!

Admire The Lion Monument

Lucerne’s Lion Monument is one of the most poignant carvings you will ever see.

A tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives in the French Revolution, the dying lion is absolutely exquisite and a must-see.

The cove where the Lion Monument can be found is also a peaceful spot to sit, although it is often overrun with tourists.

Enjoy A Cruise On Lake Lucerne

Hop on a Lake Lucerne cruise to see the city from a different angle.

You’ll catch gorgeous views of the mountains and the city skyline, and learn a few facts about Lucerne from the audio track, all while relaxing onboard a comfortable cruise boat.

While our cruise was just over an hour long, you can also choose longer rides, dinner cruises, as well as different styles of boats.

Take a Half-Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

A half-day trip to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne is an adventure not to be missed.

You can take a train ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel train up the mountain, enjoy breathtaking views from the cable car, and maybe even do some hiking at the top.

And since Mount Pilatus is only a 25-minute drive away (or 1 hour on public transit), it is easy enough to work into your itinerary.

In fact, if you purchase a Golden Roundtrip ticket, it will even include the Lake Lucerne cruise!

Where to Stay in Lucerne

Here is a list of some of the best accommodations in Lucerne. You will find a variety of price ranges suitable for any budget.

• HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne
• Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
• Hotel Des Alpes
• Hotel Astoria
• Seminarhotel Romerohaus
• Backpackers Lucerne

Day 3 – Bern

This morning, you will travel from Lucerne to Bern. The drive is approximately 110 km and will take about 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Bern has a pretty compact Old Town, so we would recommend parking your car for the day.

Known for its laid-back vibe and rich history, Bern (not Zurich as most people seem to think) is the capital of Switzerland.

The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with medieval buildings, fountains, and the famous Zytglogge clock tower.

Bern has a ton of cultural events , markets, and a famous bear park—yep, real bears right in the city!

The Aare River adds to the charm, offering spots to relax or even take a dip.

Things to Do in Bern

Wander the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the well-preserved medieval buildings, many of which house modern shops and cafes.

Don’t forget to walk under the city’s famous arcades, offering miles of covered shopping and walking paths.

We found these arcades to be a unique feature that adds to Bern’s charming character.

Take A Tour Of The Bundeshaus

Taking a tour of the Bundeshaus, Switzerland’s Federal Palace, in Bern is a must.

You’ll get to see where the Swiss federal government makes decisions and learn about the country’s political system.

The building’s stunning architecture alone makes it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in history and politics.

Admire The Zytglogge

In Bern, the Zytglogge is a standout attraction you can’t miss.

This medieval clock tower is an impressive piece of engineering with its ornate astronomical clock.

Get that Instagrammable photo, and don’t forget to catch the hourly show when the clock comes to life.

Visit The Bärengraben

The Bärengraben, or Bear Pit, is home to a family of bears which are Bern’s symbol.

Since 1857 the Bärengraben has provided visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives of these fantastic creatures.

Fortunately, the BearPark has evolved significantly over the years. The modern iteration offers much more space and a more natural setting for the bears compared to the old pits.

Visit One Of Bern’s Markets

Spend part of the day exploring one of Bern’s lively markets to get a real taste of local life.

You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, providing a perfect opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs.

It’s also a great chance to sample some Swiss specialties.

Where to Stay in Bern

Here is a list of some of the best accommodations in Bern. You will find a variety of price ranges suitable for any budget.

• Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern
• Schweizerhof Hotel & Spa Bern
• Hotel Kreuz Bern
• Hotel Savoy Bern
• Best Western Plus Hotel Bern

Day 4 – Geneva

This morning, you will travel from Bern to Geneva. The drive is approximately 162 km and will take about 1 hour and 49 minutes.

We loved Geneva for its mix of international flair and scenic beauty.

It’s known for being a global city, home to the United Nations and other international organizations.

But it’s also right on the shores of the stunning Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Swiss Alps and Jura mountains, making it a gorgeous place to visit.

The city’s old town is a nice place to see with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and the impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Geneva is also a cultural hotspot, with plenty of museums, art galleries, and theatres, not to mention great dining and shopping.

Things to Do in Geneva

Explore geneva’s old town.

Geneva’s Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, quaint shops, and hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered.

Don’t miss the Saint Peter’s Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for a stunning view of the city.

The area is also dotted with quaint shops, charming cafes, and hidden courtyards, making it a perfect place to stroll around.

Tour The Palace Of Nations

Touring the Palace of Nations in Geneva gives you a peek into the world of international diplomacy.

It’s the European headquarters of the United Nations, and you can explore the assembly halls and learn about global efforts for peace and progress.

Of course, if this is something that does not interest you, just seeing the building from the outside is still pretty impressive.

And be sure to check out the massive Broken Chair Sculpture right outside the United Nations Building. You can’t miss it!

Admire the Jet d’Eau

While in Geneva, be sure to grab that perfect photo of the iconic Jet d’Eau for the ‘gram.

This massive 140-meter-tall water fountain can be found in the middle of the lake and is pretty hard to miss.

We loved the fact that you can actually walk along the boardwalk to almost the base of the fountain if you want a close-up shot.

Visit The Reformation Wall

The Reformation Wall in Geneva’s Parc des Bastions is pretty impressive.

This massive stone monument was built into Geneva’s old city walls in 1909, as a way to document the city’s pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation.

The monument features towering statues of key figures like Calvin and Knox, highlighting Geneva’s nickname as the “Protestant Rome.”

Today, the Reformation Wall forms part of the University of Geneva.

Take a Cruise on Lake Geneva

Taking a cruise on Lake Geneva is a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.

Glide over the water and enjoy the beautiful views of Geneva’s skyline and the surrounding Alps and Jura mountains.

Whether you opt for a short trip or a longer excursion, it’s a great way to spend part of your day in Geneva.

Where to Stay in Geneva

Here is a list of some of the best accommodations in Geneva. You will find a variety of price ranges suitable for any budget.

• Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
• The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix
• Tiffany Hotel
• Hotel Kipling Manotel
• Hotel ibis Budget Geneva Palexpo Aéroport
• Hotel Central

Is 4 days enough in Switzerland?

Yes and no.

While 4 days can be a great intro to the beauty and diversity of this amazing country, it’s definitely not enough time to explore Switzerland thoroughly .

Our 4-day Switzerland itinerary is a whirlwind and you will be on the move quite a bit, but it’s doable.

But with just a day (or less) in each city, you’ll only be skimming the surface.

The way we see it, our itinerary is perfect for getting a taste of Switzerland while helping you figure out where you might want to return for a deeper dive.

How to Get Around Switzerland

Getting around Switzerland is a breeze thanks to the country’s efficient and reliable public transportation system. Here’s a quick guide on getting around:

🚆 Trains: Switzerland’s rail network is world-class. Trains are punctual, and comfortable, and offer scenic routes connecting major cities and small towns. The Swiss Travel Pass is a handy option, offering unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus entry to some museums.

🚌 Buses and Trams: In cities and towns, buses and trams provide convenient local transportation. They’re well-integrated with train schedules, making it easy to switch between modes of transport.

🚗 Cars: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring more remote areas. However, be prepared for mountain driving and remember that parking can be pricey and challenging to find in cities.

Get a Swiss Travel Pass!

Enjoy UNLIMITED access by public train, bus, and boat in more than 41 cities in Switzerland for up to 15 days with the Swiss Travel Pass .

Or choose the Swiss Travel Pass Flex for UNLIMITED travel by train, bus, boat, and public transportation as well as FREE ENTRANCE to over 500 museums.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

The best time to visit Switzerland really depends on what you’re looking to do. Here’s a quick guide:

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak season, especially for exploring the cities and the countryside. The weather is warm, making it perfect for hiking, city tours, and lake activities. However, it’s also the most crowded and expensive period.
• Fall (September to November): The crowds start to thin out, and the fall colours in the Swiss countryside are breathtaking. The weather is still pleasant, though it starts to cool down, especially in the higher altitudes.
• Winter (December to February): If you’re into winter sports, this is the time to visit. Switzerland’s ski resorts are world-class, and the snowy landscape is stunning. Just be prepared for colder temperatures and higher accommodation prices in ski areas.
• Spring (March to May): This is a lovely time to visit, as the flowers start to bloom and the weather begins to warm up. It’s less crowded than summer, and you can catch some good deals on accommodation.

4 Days in Switzerland – FAQs

To explore the main highlights of Switzerland, plan for at least 7 to 10 days, allowing time to visit popular cities and enjoy some iconic attractions.

September is ideal for visiting Switzerland, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn landscapes.

You don’t need a car in Switzerland thanks to its efficient public transport system, which conveniently connects cities and scenic areas.

Yes, many people in Switzerland speak English, especially in tourist areas. The country’s official languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

For 4 days in Switzerland, budget around CHF 200-300 per day per person. If you are spending money moderately, this should cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, while our 4-day Swiss journey really is a whirlwind vacation, it offers a wonderful taste of what Switzerland has to offer.

You will have the opportunity to spend some time in some of Switzerland’s largest cities, while still getting a taste of the countryside.

And at the end of your four days, you will know exactly what parts of the country you will want to come back and explore further.

Trust me, you WILL want to come back!

Pin This Post for Later!

Related Posts:

• Best Itinerary for One Day in Geneva
• Best Itinerary for One Day in Lucerne
• Best Itinerary for One Day in Bern
• Best Itinerary for One Day in Zurich
• Best Itinerary for Two Days in Lucerne

Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for Galavanting the Globe. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to 15 countries, including 27 states in the US, and all over their home country of Canada. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do while travelling the world.

The Ultimate Train Itinerary for Switzerland

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland? Then check out my amazing Switzerland train itinerary packed full of advice & the best routes to take!

It’s very easy to wax lyrical about a place, but I really do think Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

It just ticks all the boxes for me. The mountains are grand, majestic and powerful; there are emerald and sapphire lakes dotted all around the country; and the little towns and villages with cobblestone streets and ancient cathedrals are as picturesque as they come. It’s one of those rare countries where just being there is an activity in itself. And when the seasons change it becomes a winter wonderland with some of the world’s best skiing.

I’ve recently spent 5 days in Switzerland travelling around the country by train, bus and boat, and I now love the place that little bit more. I even said the classic line: “I could easily up sticks and move here…”

In this blog post I’m going to share my ultimate train itinerary for Switzerland. This is for all you guys who are planning a trip here and want to see the very best of the country.

From starting off in the stunning city of Zurich to seeing the beautiful mountain town of Zermatt, this itinerary is perfect for those of you who like to take things slow and enjoy your surroundings.

I’ll also give you lots of practical tips like how to use your Swiss Travel Pass , what the trains are like, and some of the tops things to do in each place you visit.

I really hope you guys find this Switzerland train itinerary useful for planning your trip here. And as ever, if you have any questions at all you can ask me in the comments below!

Why visit Switzerland by train, but and boat?

Beauty – You know the cliché “it’s the journey, not the destination…” Well, this rings true for most of the trains in Switzerland. You don’t need to travel far out of the main transport hubs before the views zooming past your window start to get spectacular.

Convenience – When it comes to infrastructure, Switzerland is a leading light in Europe. Everything works meticulously. If a train is one minute late, it is very late. There are rail connections between all major cities and towns. Also, everything is set up so connections between trains, buses and boats are organised so that you don’t lose any time between transfers. Basically, the Swiss Travel System makes it simple and easy travelling throughout the country.

Comfort – Swiss trains are renowned for being super comfortable and clean. Some carriages even have round tables and sofa-like seating making journeys with friends and family very sociable. They also have big panoramic windows, food buffet cars, seat service, and charging points too.

Budget – There’s no getting around the fact that Switzerland is an expensive country. However, the Swiss Travel Pass is an amazing way of travelling around and keeping costs down. It’s actually remarkable value for money.

Sustainability – One of the buzz words in Switzerland at the moment is Swisstainability . They are very proud of being one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and their rail network is a big part of that. Obviously travelling by train in Switzerland is a lot more environmentally friendly compared to other forms of transport.

Scenic travel trains – So there are normal trains that take you from A to B, and then there are scenic travel trains that take you from A to B but via the most beautiful route. These are the trains where you just kick back and watch the world go by.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is your all-in-one ticket for travelling Switzerland. It’s a bit like your old fashioned InterRail/Eurail ticket. This is where you buy a multi-day ticket, and then you can travel as much as you want within that timeframe. And it really is unlimited travel.

The best thing about the Swiss Travel Pass is it’s not just trains, but also for boats, busses and metros. You even get discounted prices off other modes of transport like mountain gondolas too, so it covers pretty much all transportation in Switzerland.

To highlight that, one day I caught the metro down to the port in Lausanne, then jumped on a boat to Montreux, then caught the train to Zermatt – all on the same ticket. Simples.

Another benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass is you get free entry into over 500 museums and attractions in the country saving you even more money on your holiday.

One of the things I really liked about the Swiss Travel Pass is it was just one ticket I had on my phone. I didn’t need to queue up multiple times to buy tickets, I could just jump on the train I needed without any trouble. It made things that little bit easier when travelling around the country and save A LOT of time.

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost?

For the Swiss Travel Pass, you can buy a 3,4,6,8 or 15-day ticket. This can either be consecutive or non-consecutive days depending on which pass you buy.

For my Switzerland by train itinerary, I had a 4-day non-consecutive ticket. You could probably do it in 4 consecutive days, but I think it’s well worth spending the day in somewhere like Zermatt (one of my favourite places in Switzerland). I explain all about this below.

With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railway with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

I’ve actually written a huge guide on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass . In this guide I go through the different ticket options, what additional perks of buying a Swiss Travel Pass are, and I go through loads of common questions too. So, if you have anything that’s confusing you about the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure you read my guide

Train itinerary for Switzerland

For this itinerary, I’ve highlighted some of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.

Some of these trains, like the Lausanne to Zermatt leg, then the scenic train from Zermatt to Chur, are absolutely stunning. As I said, travelling here is an activity in itself, so this itinerary really emphasises that.

I mention it later on in this post, but you could do this itinerary in 4 days and skip the day in Zermatt, but I think it’s well worth spending the day there. It all depends on how much time you have though!

Day 1 – Zurich to Mount Rigi to Lucerne

Welcome to Zurich ! This place is so much more than just the financial capital of Switzerland. It is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Firstly, the city is stunningly beautiful. The picturesque Old Town (Altstadt) with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares is like stepping back in time. You can wander through narrow alleys, explore historic churches, and discover hidden gems at every turn.

Now, add a touch of modernity. Zurich is a global financial hub and a city of innovation. The contrast between the medieval and contemporary is fascinating. The sleek and shiny financial district stands in juxtaposition to the historic landmarks.

As you guys will know, I am a sucker for a viewpoint. Well, one of the best viewpoints in the city can be found on the university terrace.

Getting here is easy – all you need to do is hop on the UBS Polybahn funicular (which is free with your Swiss Travel Pass) and it’s a short 5-minute ride to the top.

From here, you can see a number of church spires with the mountains in the background. It really is such a stunning view and very close to the Old Town.

Also, if you love your architecture, it’s worth popping into the main university building itself and seeing the atrium. There are so many clean lines here.

If you’re looking for a good museum to explore then I’d recommend Kunsthaus . The museum has an extensive and impressive collection of artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

You can find masterpieces by renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and many more. If you’re an art lover then this place really is a must.

How long you spend in Zurich is completely up to you. You could easily spend the whole day here and head straight to Lucerne (skipping Mount Rigi along the way), or you could explore some of what the city has to offer in a couple of hours.

For me, I spent the morning in Zurich and then hopped on the train to Mount Rigi. You’ll see why below!

Getting to Mount Rigi

It might seem a bit out the way adding in a stop to Mount Rigi, but I promise you it’s well worth it. Just wait until you see the views at the top of the mountain!

Mount Rigi is known as “Queen of the Mountains”, and even among the Swiss it is considered beautiful.  

Getting here is very easy. From Zurich, you need to catch the EC/IC2 train to Arth-Goldau . The train is only 45 minutes but it quickly gives you a taste of what it’s like travelling around Switzerland.

Once you get to Arth-Goldau, you can walk over to the Rigi Bahnen – this is the oldest mountain railway in the world.

Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. The journey is super scenic, and as you ascend, you’ll be treated to increasingly spectacular views.

The summit of Mount Rigi offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. It’s a picture-perfect spot that captures the essence of Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.

The journey to the top takes around 40 minutes , but I’d recommend getting off the cogwheel train at Rigi Staffel . This is the stop below the final stop (Rigi Kulm).

From here, you can take a leisurely 30-minute hike to the viewpoint itself. It’s quite a steep hike, but it makes the views at the top all the more worthwhile.

Mount Rigi really is one of the top things to do in Switzerland, so I think it’s well worth adding it to your Switzerland train itinerary.

Getting to Lucerne

Once you’ve finished at the top of Mount Rigi, you can catch the train down the other side of the mountain down to Vitznau . This train takes 40 minutes .

Once you hop off the train, just walk 50 metres in front of the station and you’ll find a boat waiting for you. This is the boat to Lucerne which takes 1 hour .

It’s journeys like this which highlight how good the Swiss Travel System is. All the boats leave 10 minutes after the trains down from Rigi arrive, so you’re never rushing to transfer from one to the other.

The boat ride itself is soooooo relaxing. I’d recommend grabbing glass of wine and just watching the world go by. This is what travelling in Switzerland is all about after all!

Day 2 – Lucerne to Fribourg to Lausanne

The journey from Lucerne to Lausanne takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes , so it’s not a long journey.

Obviously you can head straight to Lausanne, but I’d recommend breaking up the journey and having lunch in the old medieval town of Fribourg along the way. This is a lovely little place to visit and it’s the birthplace of the cheese fondue. It really is the perfect reason to visit!

Lucerne is the type of place I could easily imagine myself living. It has such a good vibe when walking around. 

To make the most of your time here, I’d recommend getting up early and going for a stroll around Lake Lucerne . From here, you’ll get the best views of “Dragon of the Mountains” (the giant mountain overlooking the city). There is a really nice path that takes you around the lake and only takes about 20 minutes walking towards the train station.

Another site well worth seeing along the way is Chapel Bridge . This is an ornate wooden bridge that dates back to 1365 (it has been subsequentially rebuilt since then!) It is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world though, and it is one of the top things to do in Lucerne.

Getting to Fribourg

The IR15 train from Lucerne to Fribourg takes 1 hour and 25 minutes .

Fribourg is a very small city, so you can easily walk around here. A lot of people would skip places like Fribourg for their train itinerary for Switzerland, but they are so Swiss I think it’s important to add them in.

A couple of places I’d recommend visiting are Chapelle de Lorette – from here you’ll get the best view of the city. Another place that is a must is Middle Bridge – this is right over the River Sarine and again, the views are stunning.

Another place I’d recommend is St Nicolas Cathedral . This cathedral dates back to 1490 and it looms over the close packed buildings in the city. You can actually climb the 365 steps (one for every day of the year) to the top of the tower for another viewpoint.

As I’ve already mentioned, Fribourg is the official home of the cheese fondue. I LOVE cheese (I have a proper addiction), so I was very excited to visit Fribourg just for this reason alone.

The local fondue is made from Gruyere and Vacherin giving it a slightly tangier taste. The two places to go for your fondue at Café du Midi (which is where I went), and Café du Gothard .

Don’t you dare worry about the calories – just enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Getting to Lausanne

From Fribourg, the IR15/IC1 train takes 50 minutes , so this is a very quick and easy train. This whole train journey is gorgeous, but it goes up another level once you get views of Lake Geneva.

Day 3 – Lausanne to Zermatt

The journey from Lausanne to Zermatt takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes going direct. This journey involves catching the train to Visp, then catching another train to Tasch, before catching a final mountain train to Zermatt.

However, I am going to take you a very different route which involves a boat from Lausanne. Personally, this was one of my favourite activities I did in Switzerland, so I can’t recommend it enough.

No matter which route you take, you have to change at Visp and Tasch anyway, but it’s literally just getting off one train and getting on another.

Lausanne is a wonderful place to spend a few hours wandering around the cobblestone streets. Almost on every other corner is an independent chocolatier or a fromagerie selling Swiss cheese.

One of the top things to do in Lausanne is visit Lausanne Cathedral . This is a beautiful church at the top of a hill overlooking the city. The main hall has these ornate high-vaulted ceilings – it actually reminded me a lot of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Montreal .

If you want some of the best views of Lausanne then head to the top of the cathedral. Here you get 360-degree views of the city with Lake Geneva and the mountains in the background.

Another place that’s well worth visiting is the Olympic Museum . Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Olympic Games, brought the International Olympic Committee to Lausanne in 1915, and it’s still here today.

This is a very interactive museum which highlights the triumphs of the Olympic Games and its storied history. The café-restaurant also offers fantastic views of the lake.

Getting to Montreux

Okay, so now I’m going to take you on a different part of the Swiss Travel System.

Opposite the metro stop Lausanne-Ouchy you’ll find the boat terminal for Lausanne. From here you can catch a boat from Lausanne to Montreux which takes 1 hour and 20 mins .

This boat leaves at 11:00 in the morning during summer, and then there is a later boat too. Make sure you check the timings on the SBB website though to be sure.

The best thing about this boat trip is it’s included in your Swiss Travel Pass so you can just stroll onto the boat. And what a boat it is!

It’s an old-fashioned steam paddleboat like harks back to the days of the Titanic. You can even see the open engine and waterwheels chugging along.

Honestly, I can’t tell you how beautiful this journey is along Lake Geneva. Just seeing tiny towns and the mountains roll by is something else. Also, there are a number of deck chairs on the boat – just perfect for watching the world go by!

Getting to Zermatt

From Montreux, you can catch the IR90 to Visp which takes 1 hour and 10 mins . From here, you need to change trains to Zermatt which takes another hour .

I know I keep banging on about all these gorgeous views, but the train from Visp to Zermatt is another stunning journey. This train trip takes you past mountain villages, and as you get closer and closer to the Alps the landscapes become more and more dramatic. Eventually you’re treated to a view of the Matterhorn itself. Wow.

Day 4 – Zermatt

If you wanted a shorter train itinerary for Switzerland, you could skip this day and catch the Glacier Express directly to Chur. This would mean you’d only need a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass and you can shorten the itinerary by a day. However, I really think it’s worth spending the whole day in Zermatt.

To get around the fact that you’d be wasting a day of your Swiss Travel Pass not travelling, you can actually buy a flexible ticket where you can travel for 4 nominated days as opposed to consecutive days. This way it means you can spend a day in Zermatt without losing a day on your ticket. It’s a little confusing but I explain it all in my guide on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass .

The reason why I think you should spend the whole day in Zermatt is because I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland. Walking around here feels like you’re on a film set or in a fairy-tale; it’s just so magical.

It also means you get to go on the Gornergrat railway too, something that shouldn’t be missed.

Even though this train isn’t included in your Swiss Travel Pass, you do get 50% off. And once again, I promise you it’s well worth it!

I would say the Gornergrat is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world with these spectacular views of the Matterhorn as you go up.

The Gornergrat train leaves Zermatt at 1,600m and takes you all the way up to the Gornergrat peak at 3,100m. The journey takes around 33 minutes so the best thing to do is bag yourself a window seat and enjoy the views.

At the top you have some amazing panoramas of the mountains including the Matterhorn. There’s also a hotel which you can stay in (which is Europe’s highest hotel) and a restaurant up here too.

My top tip is if you want to beat the crowds then head up on one of the first trains around 8am. Then you’ll have the top of the mountain pretty much to yourself. There’s a reason why this is one of the best things to do in Zermatt!

You can book your tickets for the Gornergrat train here .

If you’re travelling in winter, then here is my guide all about learning to ski in Zermatt . Still one of the best places I’ve ever been skiing!

Day 5 – Zermatt to Chur on the Glacier Express

I don’t want to say I’ve left the best till last, but if you love train journeys then the Glacier Express has to be on your bucket list.

This is one of the panoramic scenic trains where you just kick back and enjoy the ride. The whole point of this train trip is to look out the window and enjoy the views – nothing more.

The train leaves at 07:52 during summer and 08:52 during winter, and takes around 7 hours 30 minutes . It’s often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world”. It only travels 290 kilometres in that time but the views gradually get better and better with each passing hour.

No train trip like this would be complete without a good meal. Well, the Glacier Express provides a culinary experience like no other. Tables are elegantly set, and the panoramic windows provide stunning views while you eat.

The menu often includes a selection of Swiss dishes local to the region. For our lunch we had beef stroganoff and it was absolutely delicious. You can also pair this with a Swiss wine or a little digestif while you’re rolling along too.

One thing not everyone knows about the Glacier Express is you can freely move through the carriages. Why would you want to? Well, in the food coach where you can grab a coffee, they have panoramic windows which you can open.

I can’t tell you how amazing this is for photography. No glares from the lights, no weird colours – just uninterrupted views. I love taking photos so it really made a difference to my journey having this.

This train gets into Chur at around 13:52 in summer or 14:52 in winter. From here, you can either stay in Chur and carry on your Swiss adventure, or head back to Zurich.

Unfortunately this was the final stop on our rail itinerary for Switzerland, but 5 days was the perfect amount of time for travelling around the country.

I really hope you found my Swiss train itinerary useful for planning a trip here. As you can tell from my photos, this is such a stunning country to travel around. And doing it by train, bus and boat is just the perfect way of seeing the country.

If you have any questions about my itinerary, just let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, happy travelling!

This post was in association with My Switzerland and the Swiss Travel System showcasing some of the best things to do in Switzerland. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

If you’d prefer to drive, then check out my post on the perfect road trip in Switzerland . This was such an amazing road trip!

Like this blog post? then Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

3 thoughts on “The Ultimate Train Itinerary for Switzerland”

Hi Macca Great blog- has definitely whet my appetite for a Swiss train journey. Two questions- what did you do with your luggage while you did your stopovers? And what time of the year do you recommend to do the train journey? ideally would love to see snow topped mountains.

Hi. First I would like to thank you for writing this blog. My family and I are planning to go to Switzerland this year. We are planning to visit as much places as we can on our 8-days trip. I am planning to get the Swiss travel pass, but I am confused with the family pass. There will be four of us (me, my husband, my 18 year-old son and my 12-year-old daughter). Does that mean I have to buy a family pass for just the three of us and a separate one for my son? And also with the consecutive days on the travel pass, does that mean have travel consecutive straight days? I have already booked 1 day tour to Top of Europe which will be around the 3rd day of our stay in Switzerland. Does that mean that the travel pass will become invalid since we wont be using it for 1 day? I really would love to hear from you and your feedback on my questions below.

Thank you and all the best on your next travel blog.

Regards, Verna Barcena

Thanks for commenting Verna. Firstly, have you read this blog post – https://www.anadventurousworld.com/how-to-use-the-swiss-travel-pass/ . That should cover a lot of questions you have. In it, I state that you can buy a flexible travel pass – this is where you can have a non-travel day in the middle of your Swiss Travel Pass which is exactly what you want to do. And yes, I think you’ll have to buy a separate pass for your son. Let me know if that helps or if you have any other questions at all!

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10-Day Switzerland Itinerary — 6 Cities Under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass

Money-saving tips for planning your next Switzerland itinerary at the end — from food to accommodation and using the Swiss Travel P ass !

First published: 9 Nov 2018

Just imagine waking up to this view every day 😍

Majestic mountains, deep forests, and azure blue skies. Switzerland truly lived up to our expectations.

Its beauty aside, it’s no secret that it can be an expensive destination. Even a standard meal at McDonald’s can set you back around S$15. But this itinerary will prove that you don’t have to be crazy rich (or Asian, for that matter) to experience the best of Switzerland under a S$2.3k budget.

In this extensive 10-day Switzerland itinerary, we explore six captivating Swiss cities under a budget of S$2.3k, all made possible with the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass.

From wandering through valleys that inspired scenes in The Lord of The Rings movie, to witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at the iconic Matterhorn mountain, and even indulging in exhilarating adventures like sliding down the Fräkigaudi Sommer with the majestic Swiss Alps as our backdrop — this Switzerland itinerary has it all.

Budget Breakdown for 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary Across 6 Cities

Accommodation:  ~S$558 Activities:  S$365.31 Transport:  S$1,057.39 (incl. Swiss Travel Pass ) Food & Miscellaneous:  S$304.70

Total: ~S$2,285/pax  Click here for full breakdown

This Switzerland itinerary starts off in Zürich. Flight prices aren’t included in the budget since they fluctuate all year round.

Travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass

Unless you’re renting a car to drive (petrol is crazy expensive btw!), the Swiss Travel Pass is an absolute essential for getting around Switzerland without busting your budget.

Apart from train rides, the Swiss Travel Pass also covers an extensive network of buses, boats and 500 museums across the country. For more details on what’s covered and what’s not, check out our guide to maximising the Swiss Travel Pass .

The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 days. For our Switzerland itinerary, the 8-day pass works best! We flew into Zürich, rented a car to cover our first day of transport to Lucerne and surrounds, before activating the pass for days two to nine.

Once back in Zürich, you can get around the city either by walking or with the ZVV day-pass — valid for 24 hours. Using the pass only within Zürich meant we covered two zones, which set us back at CHF17.60/pax for the day.

Read also: Getting around Switzerland — How to Maximise Your Swiss Travel Pass

Day 1 – 3: Lucerne 

An hour away from Zürich Airport, we spent two days in the historic city of Lucerne. Highlights include its charismatic old town, getting to the top of Mt Pilatus via the famous Golden Round Trip, and its panoramic view of the Swiss Alps from Mount Rigi .

Transport:  Commute via public trains with the 24-hour  ZVV day-pass  or rent a car from Zürich Airport and drop off in Lucerne (~CHF100/day) Accommodation:  Airbnb  — private room in a shared apartment for three pax at ~S$178/night, 15mins from Lucerne main station

Lucerne Old Town

Admire Lucerne’s medieval architecture including Europe’s oldest wood-covered bridge of Kapellbrücke , and the nine fortified towers of Musegg Wall . You could spend the afternoon enjoying coffee by the Reus riverside at Mill’feuille , or get a drink with a bird’s eye view of Lucerne at the elaborately-decorated Hotel Château Gütsch bar at night.

How to get there:  Walk across the Bahnhof Luzern (main train station) to the old town area. The old town is situated along the Reus river.

Make Your Own Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Brand Store (Brunnen)

While there are Victorinox stores all around Switzerland, this particular Victorinox Outlet in Brunnen is a store, museum and visitor centre all in one. But the highlight for us was getting hands-on and  making our own Swiss Army Knife  from scratch — the process only takes 15 minutes, and you can even get your name engraved at the end. Advanced bookings via  e-mail  for this experience is required.

Besides wandering around the museum, there’s also a 1.5-hour tour to learn all about the family business and its products, including a visit to the chocolate factory and winery! Go big or go home — spice up your tour experience by adding on fringe activities to the agenda.

Think: A round trip on the Urnersee cruise to see Lake Lucerne, a half-day hike in historic Switzerland, or drinking brandy at the Arnold Dettling AG Kirsch Distillery tour, just to name a few.

Cost:  CHF35/customised knife (~S$48) — Entrance to the museum is free Opening hours (Visitor Center):   Varies Address:  Bahnhofstrasse 3, 6440 Brunnen Switzerland (There are a few Victorinox outlets in the area so be sure to key in the exact address!)

Visit the Highest Outdoor Lift in Europe: Hammetschwand Lift

Located at the top of Bürgenstock mountain, the  Hammetschwand lift is the highest outdoor lift in Europe and offers a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne. Unfortunately, this one’s only accessible by car but is a much cheaper option to go to Pilatus or Titlis (especially without the Swiss Travel Pass ).

Cost:  CHF13 (two-way on the lift), CHF10 (one-way) Opening hours: 9:30AM – 6PM How to get there:  Park your car at  Hotel Villa Honegg  and hike one hour along the Felsenweg (Rock Trail) Address:  Bürgenstock Resort, Felsenweg, 6363 Bürgenstock

Ascend to Mount Pilatus via the “Golden Round Trip”

The famous Golden Round Trip takes you to various points of Mount Pilatus  through five different modes of transport — by boat, cogwheel train, aerial cable way and cable car up, followed by a bus back to Lucerne Station. Check out the Golden Round Trip interactive map to understand how the route works (more details in our Swiss Travel Pass guide )!

At the peak, there are many hiking trails available but our favourite is the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike. A ‘low effort, high returns’ hike, this trail is an easy one with endless photogenic views that get better as you walk on. To get to the starting point, walk past the restaurant area, and you’ll see the signage to the start of the hike.

On the descend, take the aerial cable way and get off at Fräkmüntegg station for the Fräkigaudi Toboggan  (CHF8/ride) — Switzerland’s longest Summer Toboggan Run at 1,350m long. Adjust the handle to suit your need for speed as you zoom down the curves of the slide. Once at the bottom, don’t worry about lugging your Toboggan back up because you’ll get pulled back up to the top.

If you intend to take photos or videos, strap your GoPro to your body because both hands are needed to manoeuvre the Toboggan.

The total travelling time up and down Mount Pilatus takes ~2.5 hours. Factor in one hour to ride the Fräkigaudi Toboggan and extra time to explore Mount Pilatus itself, so set aside about 4-6 hours for the whole experience.

Cost: CHF108 or CHF36 with Swiss Travel Pass . Transport hours: First cogwheel ride up from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus at 8:30AM. Last connection down to Kriens on the cableway leaves Pilatus Kulm at 5:30PM. Starting point: Luzern (main station) for the train or boat ride to Alpnachstad OR Kriens (take bus no.1 from Luzern main station) 

Picnic With A View at Mt Rigi

The train ride up to Mount Rigi is entirely free for  Swiss Travel Pass holders. So when planning your Switzerland itinerary, you’ll want to visit this on the day your pass is activated. There are two routes up and down Rigi Kulm  — either take the cogwheel train from Arth-Goldau (37mins) or Vitznau station (32mins).

From there, it’s a 15-minute hike to the top where you can view over 13 lakes and the whole of the Swiss Alps in a full 360-degree panoramic view. The clear skies, vast grass plains, and fresh Swiss air make for a perfect picnic!

Cost: CHF72 (Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm), CHF45 (Rigi Kulm to Vitznau). Free for Swiss Travel Pass holders Opening hours: Varies Starting point:  Arth-Goldau OR Vitznau station

Day 3 – 5: Interlaken

Interlaken is a must-add to your Switzerland itinerary if you’re a backpacker, and serves as the perfect base for day trips to surrounding adventures.

What to expect: Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen  — between valleys that inspired the LOTR movies, riding the Gelmerbahn — Switzerland’s steepest open-air Funicular, challenging your vertigo on the Thrill Walk — 200m-long walkway made of glass and metal wires, and last but not least, making it to Jungfraujoch — the highest train station in Europe.

From Lucerne – Interlaken: Ride the Luzern-Interlaken Express (~120mins). It departs every hour from 7:05AM to 3:05PM except 8:05AM Accommodation:   Backpacker’s Villa Interlaken (Hostel) — ~S$75/bed per night in a 7-bed mixed dorm, 10mins walk from Interlaken OST Station, or 5mins ride on Bus 102 (towards Interlaken West) alighting at Sonnenhof Station

Ride Switzerland’s Steepest Open-air Funicular: Gelmberbahn

A cargo-railway historically built to transport heavy materials for the construction of the Gelmer Dam, the Gelmer Funicular  is now a cable railway attraction, the steepest of its kind with an inclination of over 106°. Open air and securing its passengers with only one bar across, this funicular ride is for the acrophiles out there.

Queue early to get seats in the first two rows for unobstructed views as you ascend!

At the top, take a short 5-minute hike to see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise waters. It’s possible to hike around the whole lake (~2hrs 50mins) but the best views are probably from the right side, towards the dam and only a 5-minute hike.

Once back down, continue your adventure by hiking to the Handeck Suspension Bridge . It hangs 70m above the Handeck gorge, with a view of the beautiful waterfalls.

Cost:  CHF32 CHF (two-way), CHF16 (single trip) Opening hours:  9AM – 4PM (Jun, Sep – Oct), 9AM – 5PM (Jul – Aug) How to get there:  Take the Line 470 Train from Interlaken OST, followed by Bus 171  (2hrs 17mins). Alight at the Handegg, Gelmerbahn bus stop

*Pro-tip:   Book two-way tickets 3 days in advance as tickets sell out quickly! If you only have a one-way ticket to the top, the only way down is a 2-hour hike.

Explore Iseltwald and Lake Brienz

Looking for a hidden gem to add to your Switzerland itinerary? The small fishing village of Iseltwald is a lesser-known destination with cosy holiday chalets and leisure activities like kayaking.

Walk down the quaint streets and see the Iseltwald Castle across the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. While most people go to the Lake Brienz Station to take in the view, we feel that it’s more magical to eye it from Iseltwald. Have a picnic here, and watch the sun set across the horizon!

How to get there:  From Interlaken Ost station, take bus 103 to the last stop of Iseltwald Dorfplatz (15mins)

Paraglide over Lauterbrunnen

There are a few paragliding spots from Interlaken but nothing beats the experience of flying between the valleys of Lauterbrunnen . Running off from Mürren, we flew really close to rock faces, waterfalls, and over the scenic village huts of Lauterbrunnen, all while enjoying the Swiss Alps in the distance. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world with an experience like this.

If you’re confident, you might even get a chance to take over the flight for bit! For the daredevils, you’ll even get to enjoy their signature “roller coaster” as they spend the last minute or two making sharp drops and swerves before landing safely on the ground. Your heart is sure to get a good healthy dose of adrenaline for the day.

We signed up with Airtime Paragliding , which entitles you to a free drink (a coffee, hot chocolate or even a beer!) at the  Airtime Cafe in Lauterbrunnen town.

Cost:  CHF170 (~S$232) (additional CHF40 for GoPro rental) Bookings: E-mail , or call +41 (0)79 247 84 63 Meeting point:  Airtime Cafe — 10-minute walk from Lauterbrunnen station

The James Bond Experience: Schilthorn

Right next to the landing spot for paragliding is the cable car station that brings you up to Schilthorn .  Swiss Travel Pass holders get to ride this cable car for free! Just show your tickets at the counter to collect your ticket.

After that, hop on the next cable car to head further up to the Piz Gloria Schilthorn Summit  — the actual set of ‘ James Bond: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service ‘. Walk around the James Bond museum or dine above the clouds at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant .

Cost:  CHF82.60 (roundtrip), free with  Swiss Travel Pass . Opening hours: 7:25AM – 4:25PM How to get there:  From Lauterbrunnen, take bus No. 141 to the Stechelberg Schilthornbahn. The cable car to Mürren departs every 30mins. Alternatively, take a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then a train to Mürren

Visit Europe’s Highest Train Station: Jungfraujoch

Get 3,454m above sea level at Jungfraujoch  for icy air and views of Switzerland’s 4,000m peaks. While there’s a high chance that the view above will be foggy, the ride on the Jungfrau railway is arguably one of the most scenic in our Switzerland itinerary!

At the top, walk through the Ice Palace , Alpine Sensation and watch the Jungfrau Panorama .

Before leaving, send a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox. Stamps can be purchased for CHF2 and postcards for CHF3, but you can bring your own postcard.

Cost:  CHF197.20 or CHF137.40 with  Swiss Travel Pass Opening hours:  First train leaves Interlaken OST at 6:35AM (arrives every 30mins).  Click here for detailed timings. How to get there:  From Interlaken OST Station, take the Bernese Oberland Railway to either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald (20/35mins). At either station, take the Wengernalp WAB cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg Station (30–45mins). Finally, transfer to the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch (50mins with two sightseeing stops)

Hike Grindelwald First for stunning lake views 

Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald First is a place adventurous people would love to place in their Switzerland itinerary.  Be it on the way up to Grindelwald’s peak, or on the way down, — there are hiking trails and thrill-activities populating the whole area, promising non-stop alpine excitement. 

Ride the gondola up to the Mount First Top Station , and start your Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee . This is an easy hike that crosses alpine meadows to the Bernese Alps. The reward: the crystal-blue, (literally) glistening Bachalpsee Lake , with the peaks of Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn in the distance!

Back at the Mount First Top Station station and on the way down, there are five adventure activities you can try to satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie. Try out the  First Cliff Walk by Tissot ,  First Flyer (zipline) ,  First Glider (Eagle glider ride) , Mountain Kart (go-kart/sled vehicle)  or  Trotti Bike (scooter)  all the way back to the base of Grindelwald.

Wanna try everything? Go for the cheaper  4-in-1 package (Grindelwald First Top Adventure) , which sets off from Zürich and gives you a full day of thrill activities and sightseeing at the same time.

Grindelwald Firstbahn Gondola Cost: CHF30 (50% discount with  Swiss Travel Pass ) Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM.  Check website for updates How to get there:  SBB Train from Interlaken OST to Grindewald (~33mins)

Day 6: Montreux

Crossing into Montreux, you’ll first realise the stark difference between the German-speaking cities of Lucerne and Interlaken and French-speaking Montreux. Other than its French-influenced architecture, it has the Swiss Alps as a backdrop and Lake Geneva at its doorstep.

It’s a place to unwind due to its serene atmosphere and slower pace of life. Even getting to Montreux via the Golden Pass Line is an experience in itself. See Switzerland’s grandest castle Château de Chillon , stroll along the romantic streets of Vevey, and take a detour to the Leukerbad Thermal Baths before hitting the next city (Zermatt).

Accommodation: Airbnb — private room in a rental unit fit for 1 pax — ~S$85/night, 10mins walk from Montreux main station

Ride the Golden Pass Line to Montreux

A famous route between Interlaken to Montreux is the Golden Pass Line  which brings you along the dreamiest sights across Switzerland, complete with panoramic ceilings on the two-hour ride. The service runs once every two hours.

If you miss this train, there are various local trains that go from Interlaken to Montreux but via Bern instead of Zweisimmen.

Cost: CHF74, free with  Swiss Travel Pass . Schedule:   Varies Route:  Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux

Château de Chillon

Château de Chillon  is known as Switzerland’s grandest castle for good reason. Rich in history, the castle has been inhabited by three royal families. Take a guided castle tour or explore the highlights for yourself — be sure to check out the courtyard, great halls and chapel.

Outside, take an idyllic stroll along the riverside. There’s a small beach to the left of the castle for photo opportunities, or a quick dip in the summer.

Entrance fee:  CHF12.50, free with  Swiss Travel Pass . Opening hours: Varies How to get there:  Take Bus 201 from Montreux station (9mins). Drop off at Chillon Station and you’ll be able to see the castle.

Day Trip to Vevey

A charming small town right next to Montreux, Vevey  is known as one of the ‘Pearls of the Swiss Rivera’ with vineyards, holiday accommodations and alfresco restaurants all over.

Spot the Charlie Chaplin statue at the promenade as the iconic actor spent his last years there. The Nestlé Headquarters and the  Alimentarium   (CHF13, free on Swiss Travel Pass ) — the world’s first food-themed museum — are also found here.

Look out for the “symbol” of Vevey at the promenade — the world’s tallest fork standing at 8m high!

How to get there:  From Montruex, take Bus 201 to Vevey (30mins), or a train from Montreux Station to Vevey Station (10mins) and walk to the main promenade area (9mins)

Soak in the Leukerbad Thermal Baths

After exploring Montreux and Vevey, we stopped by the Leukerbad Thermal Baths en-route to Zermatt. It’s the largest thermal spa resort in the Swiss Alps with natural thermal waters rich in minerals — just what you need after days of hiking and adventuring. Plus point: the bus ride there is free on the  Swiss Travel Pass !

Indulge in 10 thermal baths (28 – 44°) at the Leukerbad-Therme  while being surrounded with mountainous views — especially fairytale-like in the winter. Not many tourists know of this gem, so enjoy the bubbling jets, cold tubs and saunas undisturbed!

Entrance fee:  CHF25 for 3 hours Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM How to get there: Train from Montreux to Leuk. Change to the LLB bus (30mins ride) to Leukerbad. The bus has sufficient luggage storage at the bottom and there will be luggage storage rooms at the spa

*Pro-tip:  Bring your own towel or you will have to rent towels at CHF5/towel.

Day 7: Zermatt

Home to the  Matterhorn , a.k.a. the “Toblerone Chocolate Mountain”, Zermatt is a car-free town that has ski slopes open all 365 days of the year. And if you’re thinking of adding a hike to your Switzerland itinerary, know that Zermatt is the gateway to some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Plot your route around the vast Matterhorn landscape with this full map of the Matterhorn Paradise .

Highlights here obviously include seeing the Matterhorn up close, but it’s also a great place to enjoy affordable cheese fondue ( Cafe Du Pont )!

Transport:  Take a train from Montreux to Leuk (1hr 20mins) and stop at the Leukerbad Thermal Bath. Thereafter, take the train to Visp (~30mins). The final leg is Visp to Zermatt (~1hr) Accommodation: Zermatt Youth Hostel — 8-bed dorm room at ~S$81/bed per night, 15mins walk from Zermatt Station (incl. a long flight of stairs just before the hostel)

Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise

Of all the beautiful views in our Switzerland itinerary, the Matterhorn sunrise outshone them all (pun intended). You’ll see the clearest reflection of the Matterhorn in the still water of the Riffelsee.

For this view, we took the first train at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Riffelsee is only a 5-minute hike from the station.

After sunrise, take the train to Gornergrat Peak , where Switzerland’s highest hotel, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat stands. At the top, admire the whole range of 29 4,000m-tall peaks!

Cost: CHF49 (one-way) (50% discount with the  Swiss Travel Pass ) Operation hours:  First train up at 7AM ( full schedule ) How to get there:  Take the Gornergratbahn from the Bahnhofplatz Base Station (~15mins to Riffleboden, 33mins to the Gornergrat peak). The station’s located near the Zermatt train station and is easy to spot

Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike

An alternative hike is the 5-Lakes Walk , where you’ll see the Matterhorn in its full glory at every turn. The five alpine lakes are Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee, and Stellisee (tongue twister much?), with Stellisee offering the clearest view of the Matterhorn.

The whole hike is ~9.3km long, and takes about four hours to complete. It’s not difficult either, manageable even for families with children!

Zermatt Bergbahnen Cost: CHF40 (50% discount with the  Swiss Travel Pass ) Operating hours:  ( Full schedule ) How to get there:  Take a funicular from Zermatt Station to Sunnegga (2,288m). Transit to the gondola up to Blauherd (2,571m). Start the hike from Blauherd downwards towards Sunnegga, then take the funicular back to Zermatt

Day 8: Glacier Express to St Moritz 

The Glacier Express is the queen of Swiss railways and the 8-hour picturesque ride is so popular that you’re advised to  make reservations  at least one month in advance to secure seats!

*Note: Bookings open three months ahead.

On the trip, plug into the train commentary for information about various stops along the route.

Beginning from Zermatt and ending in St Moritz, highlights of the route include passing through the Oberalppass at 2,033m above sea level, the Rhine Gorge (a.k.a the Grand Canyon of Switzerland), and the famous Landwasser Viaduct .

*Pro-tip: Sit on the right side for the best views!

Cost:  From CHF185 (second class). Pay a top up of only CHF33 (for the reservation) if you have the Swiss Travel Pass . Timetable: Check schedule for specific timings

Day 9: St Moritz

The final stop of the Glacier Express is St Moritz, a popular town with luxurious alpine resorts. From here, you can take a day trip to the town of Filisur where you can hike to the famous view point of the Landwasser Viaduct.

Transport:   Glacier Express (8hrs) Accommodation:   Youth Hostel — single bed in quadruple room for ~S$92/night, ~15mins bus ride from St Moritz station

Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint

With 65m-high pillars towering over Graubünden, the Landwasser Viaduct is one of the most photographed railways in the world. You may have glimpsed it while on the Glacier Express, but seeing it from above is a different experience.

From St. Moritz, alight at Filisur Village  on the Rhätische Bahn. The first viewpoint just 15 minutes from the station is a frontal view of the viaduct. But our personal favourite is the the Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt, which is a 40-minute hike to see the train from above.

Cost: CHF21.80 (free with  Swiss Travel Pass ) Timetable:  Check schedule for specific timings Coordinates (Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt):  46.680606, 9.67496387237543 How to get there:  Board the  Rhätische Bahn between St Mortiz and Chur (arrives every hour). Choose the last cabin, specifically designed with windows you can roll down for photos. Alight at Filisur Village, and walk to the viewpoint.

Day 10: Zürich

The last day in our Switzerland itinerary is none other than Zürich, a bustling city with historical charm that offers a change of pace after days spent amidst nature. We arrived in Zürich from St Moritz at night, and started the next (and last) day exploring the city. Besides taking a day trip out to see the Rhine Falls , we explored Zürich Old Town and caught the sunset at Lindenhof .

At this point, our  Swiss Travel Pass had expired, so we got around either by public buses or by foot.

When leaving the city en route to the Zürich Airport, there’s a direct train from Zürich HB station (~10mins, CHF6.80) or you can opt for a private car transfer  to get straight to your flight with convenience.

Transport:  Local SBS train from St Moritz to Zürich (3hrs 6mins) Accommodation:  Hotel Bristol Zürich — Various room configurations are available at ~S$95/pax. 5mins walk from Zürich station.

Tour Rhine Falls

One of the best day trips out from Zürich is to the Rhine Falls,  Europe’s largest waterfall at 23m! We signed up for a half-day tour  beginning with a pick up near Zürich main station.

The drive is about 40 minutes before arriving at the entrance of Rhine Falls. Ride the panoramic elevator at the top of the Laufen Castle, down to the viewing platforms. For a more intimate experience, take a boat ride to the Rhine Falls Basin to feel the full force of the falls at close proximity. Note that you’ll have to pay an extra fee for the boat ride (CHF10).

If you’d like to top your visit to the Rhine Falls with exploring Zürich City as well within the day, you can opt for an all-in, full-day tour which includes a cogwheel train ride.

Cost: ~S$83  (for the half-day tour) Meeting point: Zürich Central Station, Sihlquai Car Park at 8 1, 8005 Freienbach. Airport pick-ups available

Explore Zürich Old Town

Zürich Old Town offers a wide range of cultural, historical, and retail experiences. Look out for the twin towers of the  Grossmünster  (entrance fee of CHF5), one of Zürich’s most prominent historical landmarks, which you can climb up for a panoramic view of the city. Sightsee at  St Peter’s Church , which houses Europe’s largest clock-face.

Stroll along Lake Zürich and enjoy views over ice-cream from Niederdorfstrasse , a shopping street filled with lively cafes. If you’re feeling fancy, head to the high street of Zürich — the Bahnhofstrasse , just to switch it up from the old town vibes.

If you’d like to experience Zürich City while learning more about its history with a guide, go for this Zürich Day Tour .

Shop the Latest Trends at ‘IM VIADUKT’

Featuring a 500m stretch of stores sitting underneath a viaduct, IM VIADUKT is a shopping concept that’ll impress the trendiest of people.

The shops here are carefully curated, gathering ‘hipster’ vendors from all over the world to create a refreshing retail experience selling everything from clothes, bags, and sneaker-fashion to household/decorative ornaments.

Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM, 10AM – 6PM (Sat), closed on Sun How to get there:  First head to the main railway station (Zürich Quartierweg). Then, take the Sihlquai exit and walk in the direction of Zollstrasse. Cross Hafnerstrasse to Josefstrasse, and you’ll arrive (~20mins walk)

Visit the FREITAG Flagship Store

FREITAG is famous for fashionable bags made from recycled truck tarps. The flagship store in Zürich is iconic for its storefront design as the tallest shipping container structure in the world! The 26m structure is made by reclaiming shipping containers, and you can climb all the way up for a bird’s eye view of the city.

For dinner, you can head next door to the  Frau Gerolds Garten , a beer garden where you can dine alfresco while exploring artsy installations.

FREITAG Store Opening hours:  10:30AM – 7PM (Mon – Fri), 10AM – 6PM (Sat), closed on Sun. Address:  Geroldstrasse 17,  8005   Zürich,  Switzerland

Frau Gerolds Garten Opening hours:  11AM – 12AM (Mon – Sat), 12PM – 10PM (Sun) Address:  Geroldstrasse 23/23a, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

Catch the sunset over  Zürich  at Lindenhof

Walk up to Lindenhof Hill to see the cityscape of Zürich, particularly of the Limmat River and Niederdorf (medieval quarter). It’s a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike — sit on the ledge and catch the sun setting over Zürich city.

How to get there:  Take a short uphill hike from the riverfront. The lookout point is quite easy to spot from the bottom

Budget Considerations for 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Eating out anywhere in Switzerland sets you back at least S$20 per meal. For perspective, a simple main at an inexpensive restaurant costs at least S$22, water at restaurants cost S$5 a glass, and a McDonald’s meal goes for S$19. Our wallets would have experienced a money crisis scarier than ‘The Nun’ (more like ‘The None’).

The solution: Good ol’ supermarkets of Coop and Migros, which are found all over Switzerland. There are so many picnic-worthy spots in Switzerland anyway — great excuse to enjoy supermarket food outdoors! Think CHF4 salad pastas and CHF3 tuna sandwiches. Croissants, ham, and spreads in Switzerland are fresh and delicious for breakfast and lunch.

Opt to cook dinner instead of eating out too. We were kids in a candy store (kitchen, rather) trying out different recipes!

To our surprise, we actually managed to keep to a budget of ~CHF20/day. This was spent on groceries with a few restaurant meals of Cheese Fondue in Zermatt, a traditional Swiss restaurant in Lucerne and a comforting meal of McDonald’s. To be honest, food isn’t a highlight in Switzerland so we didn’t feel like we were missing out on much!

2) Accommodation

The cheapest accommodation options for any Switzerland itinerary are hostels and  Airbnbs . Renting a whole Airbnb apartment can be pretty costly, but a room is usually good enough, even for the three of us!

Hostels are great because they’re not only affordable, but also often conveniently close to train station and offers access to travellers’ necessities — kitchen, laundry, and  free breakfast.

Plus point: You also get to mingle with other like-minded travellers! Hostels in general cost about S$50–70/pax per night in a shared dorm, which is considered reasonable by Swiss standards.

3) Transport in Switzerland

Travelling within or between cities inevitably incurs heavy expenses — one ride from Lucerne to Interlaken could easily cost S$41. We overcame this by planning our route around maximising the Swiss Travel Pass .

For a flat price, we got all unlimited rides on buses, trains and even discounted entries (many up to 50%) to some attractions! After doing the math, we realised we saved a whopping total of ~ S$971  with the pass. Seriously!

The cheapest and most fuss-free option is to get the E-ticket Swiss Travel Pass via Klook . Confirmation is almost immediate and you have the convenience of accessing the ticket on your phone. Not to mention, they’re also 5% cheaper than getting physical tickets!

*Pro-tip: If you’re staying with an Airbnb host or hostel, ask for a Visitor Card. This gives you free transport within the city for the whole duration of your stay.

Planning your Switzerland Itinerary

Every city and town in Switzerland was so unique from each other — and every day was a surprise. Also, travelling across the country via rail, and waking up to a new destination each time felt magical. We hope this Switzerland itinerary inspires you to try out this Swiss adventure — an experience filled with unfiltered natural beauty, amazing outdoor adventures, and rich cultural offerings!

If you can’t see the widget above, find the cheapest flight tickets from Singapore to Zurich here .

Have any questions about our Switzerland itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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95 comments.

Does it includes 2 way plane ticket from Sg to Switzerland?

Hi Nikita, we didn’t include flights this round because flight prices tend to vary a lot and there wasn’t a flight promo we could share this round 🙁 hope it’s still helpful!

Hi Cherie, may i know which date/month for your trip at Switzerland ? also your return ticket is from the same airport?

Yup it is! They were in Switzerland the first 2 weeks of October.

Hi Tabitha, we were there around the 1st week of October so the weather was comfortably cool. & yes we flew in and out from Zürich but I’ve seen itineraries that recommend an open jaw between Zürich and Geneva.

Can you share itinerary with me? I’m going there with my children in March 2019.

Thanks Jacely

Hi Jacelyn,

This is our itinerary! 🙂

HI, THANK YOU for the details in your itinerary. You mentioned that for Days 1-3, we could use ZVV 24-hour day pass or drive . Which did you use? If it was the day pass, please advise the zones which you bought – as I am likely to follow your itinerary closely. Much appreciated. Jeannie

Hey Jeannie, we rented a car from Zurich airport and dropped it off in Lucerne. Hope that helps! 🙂

Hi Cherie, can i go from Zurich airport directly to lucerne for free with the swiss pass?

Hi Tabita, may I know which agency you r attached with before?

Hi Guys, just wanna let you know that this itinerary was really useful for our trip! We just came back from Switzerland and it was really helpful as we followed quite closely to your itinerary. Thank you so much for all the detailed info and tips! we had a great time in Switzerland!

Awwwww. Glad it helped. 🙂

When is you trip to Switzerland?

Heading Switzerland this July! And this posts really help. We have budget around 4k per pax.

Is the package apply for year end school holiday above 20th Nov?

Hi Luna, this itinerary was created just to share our own experience, we’re not selling any packages. However, in November, many of the mountain access will be closed due to heavy snow so do check them out beforehand!

Hi, Can I check, do you still need to purchase the GEX pass even if you had purchased the Swiss Travel Pass? Hope you can clarify on this. thank you.

The Swiss Travel Pass includes your basic ticket on the GEX but you’ll need to top up CHF33 for a seat reservation!

You have mentioned that you went there by first week of October, and we’re also planning to go there at the same time. But I’m worried because I have read in another blog that some of the places were closed. Did you have problem with it? We’re planning to go to Zermatt and Grindelwald.

I think we were there a week before everything was closed! We managed to take all the transport up Grindelwald First as well as the Gornegrat Bahn but to be sure, you might want to double check: https://www.gornergratbahn.ch/en/ and https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst/

Can i check with you, that the reservation for Glacier Express, after i reserve the seat, and choose no meals, i click next and it just brought me back to the first page. Is it successfully reserved ? Or i am suppose to receive any confirmation email and itinerary? Thanks!

You should receive a confirmation email from Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

On the Glacier Express website to book, how do i ascertain that the booking of seat is on the ride side? , there is no indication on the website . Do we assume that class 1 is the front of the train

Oh man, that’s tricky. But if you’re heading towards St Moritz, the bottom of the train would be the right side — does this make sense?

Thanks so much for your detailed post.

As I am planning to travel to Switzerland next year May with my teenage daughter after she finished her JC, can you advise me if it is safe to travel around Swiss just for two of us (ladies) ? ( we will also try to stay out late at night )

That is my main concern since there are only 2 of us and I heard pick-pocket and crime rate is increasing.

Appreciate your kind advice.

Best regards Belinda

Hi Belinda! Switzerland is perhaps one of the safest places in Europe! — ok, don’t take my word for it since I haven’t been everywhere in Europe 😛

But generally the Swiss are super honest and very friendly so there wasn’t a time we felt unsafe or cheated. That said, I wouldn’t keep my luggage out of sight when taking the trains. Either stow it above if it’s not too big or under the chairs. Hope you both’ll enjoy Switzerland as much as we did! 🙂

Hi! Where did you buy your sim card from and what plan did you get?

Hi Talia, we got our Europe Sim Card off Qoo10! The exact link we used is no longer available, you can do a simple search and see what suits you! Just searched Europe Sim Card and there were quite a few options.

Do you mind to share your itinerary for Zürich? Or isit just a stopover for you to take flights?

Hi Phillip!

We covered a bit of Zürich on day 10! It’s not much but if you hit “read more” there’s a few interesting things we covered 🙂

Is the glacier express one-way? Planning to travel from Zermatt back to Zurich but cant really find this train route. Also, can we hop on with heavy luggages? And do people usually take glacier express as a one-day itinerary?

Hey Jan, the Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz both ways but if you’re planning to head back to Zürich, there are no direct trains so you you need to switch at Visp. Check out this article for more tips on planning your route: https://thetravelintern.com/swiss-travel-pass-guide/

Hi Cherie, I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following: Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm. Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi. Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall) I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this. Day 6 Zermatt can i go directly from Interlaken? I am thinking of doing a hike there. (any suggestions?) Day 7 Glacier express – should i book that now? Is it better to get window seat? i cant seem to find one. Day 8 Zurich and my flight back during afternoon. Do you think this is doable? Thank you so much Cherie!!

Hi Phil, will you be renting a car? The Hammetschwand Lift is a little inconvenient to get to without one. Other than that, this plan sounds alright. We didn’t go up to the waterfalls but we saw it up close during our paragliding ride (this was one of my favourite experiences)! Definitely try the gornegrat hike mentioned in the article (it closes in winter though so I hope you’re going early). From Zurich to Interlaken, there’s a change of trains. We used https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html to plan our routes.

Glacier Express MUST be reserved early. Locals usually book 2 months in advance but you’ll be able to enjoy the view all the same even if you don’t get a window seat.

Hi Cherie, I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following: Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm. Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi. Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall) I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this.

Hi which website u use to check train price and weather it cover in the Swiss travel pass? Thank you!

We used https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html

More info in this Swiss Travel Pass Guide! https://thetravelintern.com/swiss-travel-pass-guide/

Hi Cherie, so sorry for the late reply . Thank you for your info but im going in early September. I am wondering what the weather will be like. So its probably best not to go for Hammetschwand lift since i wont be renting a car. Hmm i m wondering if going to zermatt for one day is enough…….yes i got the glacier express reserved but it wont be a window seat unfortunately. However, i still havent purchased my swiss travel pass yet. Do i just show them the pass when i get there since i already paid for reservation fee? Thank you so much Cherie.

September is perfect because all the hikes will still be open and it’s starting to get cooler. If you’re planning to do the hikes in Zermatt, it’s worth spending at least a night so you can watch the sun rising over Matterhorn. The weather isn’t always great so buffer a day or two if you can. For the Glacier Express, there will be someone walking around to check the passes so just show them your Swiss Travel Pass and a print out of your reservation slip.

I just realized from the weather forecast that it will be raining a lot the next two weeks. That is somewhat unfortunate. when i looked the weather forecast initially a month ago it was supposed to rain 1 day out of the time im coming but now that i look at it closer it is raining almost every single day. oy vey hah. I guess no sunrise moment over matterhorn then 🙁

oh man 🙁 We were there for 3 days, on the first day it was pouring so heavily we couldn’t get anywhere, the second day we caught the most magnificent sunrise and on the last day, it was so gloomy that Matterhorn was no where in sight! So don’t lose hope!! The good news is that Zermatt is still incredibly gorgeous even when the weather is terrible 😉

it is unfortunate and im sad that it will be raining almost all the days i am visiting according to the weather forecast. 🙁

Hi I am planning a 14 nights trip to Switzerland in Dec and will follow your route quite closely except we will stop over in Bern. Can I ask your 8 Day travel pass is flexi pass or consecutive ? What do you advise if for a 14nights in Switzerland, should we get a 15 days? In Zurich is it the pass is not really necessary as we will be in Zurich for 2-3 nights thereafter will fly back to Sin.

Thank you. Vanessa

Hi Vanessa! Glad you found our itinerary useful 🙂 Our 8-day pass was consecutive since we were travelling between cities almost everyday. Will your 15-day itinerary be covering 12-13 different destinations? If not, the 8-day flexi will be more worth it since it’s cheaper and you’ll get to spend more time in each location. We didn’t use the Swiss Travel Pass in Zurich so we saved that city for the last when our pass had expired.

Hi, Should I reach juangfrauch by helicopter? Train ride prize is 190chf and helicopter is 250chf so which is more preferable?

Hi Alok, it’s really up to you! We wanted to save money so we went by train! 🙂

Thank you very much for your reply. I will look into my itinerary and take note of your advice in regards to the flexi pass.

Regards Vanessa

Just curious, which was more enjoyable and enriching between Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi?? We may only have time to do one. Thanks!!

Hey Van! The team preferred Mt Pilatus and would recommend that if you only have time for one. 🙂

Hi, from your itinerary from paragliding to hiking Gliderwald. Did you do it on the same day?

I can’t remember exactly but I believe it was done on 2 separate days because of the weather. But if you’re taking the first slot for paragliding in the morning, there’s more than enough time to do another hike before the sun sets.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Hi Cherie may I have your itinerary pls. Thinking of going there in the beginning of May. Is it a good time to visit the places you covered?

I am planning for a switzerland trip on December. May I know if the hikes and all will still be opened?

A lot of them close in October up till Feb/March so I think there’s a pretty high chance it’ll be closed. Which hikes are you planning for? There’s usually a section on the official website that has info on the opening periods.

Hello thank you fr your lovely post.

Can i just ask, is the visitor card necessary even when i have the Swiss pass?

And also, the activities like paragliding do i need to book in advance or can i book when im there?

Thank you in advance 🙂

Hey Faliq, the visitor card is useful if you’re on the flexi Swiss Travel Pass! So on day where you’re just staying in the city, you can use the visitor card to get around on public transport for free while saving the days on your Swiss Travel Pass.

Paragliding can be really popular especially during summer so best to book in advance! 🙂

hi, can we pay with credit card for the cable car or train to jungfraujoch or pilatus?

yup! credit cards are accepted almost everywhere

Hi, not sure if you will be able to help. I’ve bought the Swiss Travel Pass and intend to pre-book my train tickets (Lucerne-Interlaken, Interlaken-Zermatt) via Trainline. Does not seem to have an option for that Discount Pass though. Did you guys pre-book those as well? Or you guys managed to get the tickets at the train station on the day of travel? Or are those train tickets via those cities free if we have the Swiss Travel Pass?

Yup those routes you mentioned are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Just have them on hand when the conductors do their routine checks. The only train we pre-booked was the Glacier Express between Zermatt to St Moritz. Hope that helps!

Thank you very much for the lovely and detailed post. I am planning 10 days trip to Switzerland in Mid to Late June 2020. My itinerary looks like following: Day 1-2: Lucerne (1 day for Lucerne City Tour + Mount Rigi and 1 day for Mount Pilatus) Day 3-4-5-6: Interlaken (1 day each for Schilthorn and Jungfrau, 1 day for Lauterbrunnen + Paragliding and 1 day to visit other villages) Day 7-8: Zermatt (1 day for Gronergrat ride and 1 day for 5-lake hike) Day 9: Zurich (City tour with Rhine falls) Since I will be traveling from India, 1.5 days will be taken by flight. Do you think I need to add anything else? I am confused between spending 6th day in Interlaken and Montruex. What is your suggestion? Also where should I stay for Day 3-6 (Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen or somewhere else?) I am thinking to book whole Airbnb apartment. And finally if I book flights and Airbnb 3 months before, will there be any issue with price hike or should I book early? (I am not sure about the dates as of now)

Thanks in advance!

Hi Jaymeen, this looks pretty similar to what we did! We managed to cover both Schilthorn and Jungfrau on the same day so perhaps you could just play by ear. If you manage to fit them on the same day, you could visit Montreux on day 6. Montreux feels quite different from the rest of Switzerland so it was quite a refreshing change in environment. We stayed 2 nights in Interlaken because that’s where all the cheaper options are but if you have more to spend, a night in in the Jungfrau/Lauterbrunnen area would be great! That way, you can take the earlier train up to Jungfrau too. I’m not too familiar with the Airbnb rates as they differ quite a bit but the prices at the Youth Hostels are quite consistent up till the day.

Hope this helped and have an amazing trip! 🙂

Wasn’t very clear on how many nights you stay on each city, would you mind sharing? For example you mentioned Day3-5 Interlaken, I was assuming 3 nights but you comment stated you stayed 2 nights only. I am planning the activities around these cities but not sure which city I should cater more nights so as not to be too rushed.

Hi Shann, we stayed 2 nights each in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt and single nights in the rest! Day 3-5 = 3D2N, hope that clarifies! It’s a little packed but it’s because we wanted to maximise the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass. Some attractions can be taken out to allow more time to soak in the charms of each city.

Hi, where do you purchase the tickets for the Golden Round Trip? Understand that we just need to top up CHF36 if we have the swiss travel pass. Do I purchase the tickets online or can I purchase the tickets a day before/actual day itself from Lucerne? Also, do I just show the swiss travel pass when I board the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad?

That’s right! It’s CHF36 for Swiss Travel Pass Holders. You can buy tickets at the entrance, no need to purchase in advance. & yes for the boat rides, they will come around to check for tickets when the boat is moving off.

Hello! I was thinking of where to go for my honeymoon in June and was so happy to chanced upon this itinerary! Thank you so much for all the details but I’m still confused of where to start and all. Could you please help? Thank you 🙂

Hey Zu! Happy to help with queries 🙂

When I reach Zürich, I need to rent a car to get to Lucerne? Where do I rent the car at and which exact destination I need to head to?

May I check with you if it’s possible to travel to Pilatus and Rigi within the same day? Many thanks for your advice in advance!

Yes it is! That’s what we did. Took the first train to Pilatus and visited Rigi before sunset

Hi Travel Intern,

My friends and I are travelling to Switzerland in the late April. I would like to know if the plan is feasible and smooth for the 10 days trip in Swiss?

Also, is your 8-days Siwss Travel Pass activated on the Second day when at Lucerne?

Day 1 – Zurich To Lucerne *Day 2 – Lucerne – Pilatus (Cogwheel Railway operation closed till early May) – is it worth the CHF 36? or Rigi ? Day 3 – Lucerne to Interlaken Day 4 – Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen (Paragliding) & Schilthorn Is it possible in 1 day? Day 5 – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) & Hike Grindelwald First for stunning lake views?? Possible?? Smooth Day Trip? Day 6 – Interlaken to Zermatt Day 7 – Zermatt (Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise & Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike) Day 8 – Glacier Express to St.Moritz *Day 9 – St.Moritz (St.Moritz to Zurich by night) *according to your guide, is it still covered by Swiss Travel Pass when travelling to Zurich? Day 10 – Zurich

*8-Days Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive Activated Start/End Im looking using AirBnb for the entire Swiss Trip rather than mix w Hote/Hostel

Alright, here goes: – Yes, we rented a car and drove from Zurich airport to Lucerne so we didn’t activate the pass on this day. After splitting up the cost of the car rental, this is much cheaper than using a day on the Swiss Travel Pass. – Day 2: Pilatus is one of my favourites so personally, I do think it’s worth it. Rigi was so so for me but it’s free! – Day 4: This is what we did! Book the first slot for paragliding (the weather in the morning is usually calmer too) and there should be enough time. – Day 5: It’s a bit of a squeeze. I could spend an entire day at Grindelwald. We actually managed to squeeze in Jungfrau on the paragliding day although that was a squeeze too. – Day 6: you might be able to squeeze in an early trip to Jungfrau before travelling to Zermatt (depending on train connections though, not sure if it’ll be different in other seasons. We went in Oct) Day 9: Yes, from Day 2 – 9 is 8 days

Thank you for the reply.

Ya, I also looking into gg to visit Pilates but not so sure if it fit into our budget due to various places to go.

Will look into it to find a way that is smooth and worth the pockets, as we are tagging along with luggage as well. 🙂

Hey Cherie,

Please do bear with me as I’m finishing up the itinerary for the last remaining days for swiss.

Just to check, on y’all trip to ‘Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise’. How did y’all manage to make y’all way up to catch the sunrise? Not through tour right?

Kind of confuse when I read it. “For this view, we took the first train at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Walk to Riffelsee (~5mins)

Also the Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike, y’all also did the hike? If I were to plan, i will need to travel back down to Zermatt and Zermatt to Sunnegga and transit to Blauherd. At Blauherd hike downwards towards Sunnegga and return to Zermatt.

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

Did you check how much one can save by using Interrail Global Pass instead of Swiss Travel Pass?

https://www.myswissalps.com/interrailglobalpass/validity

hmm, just looked through, the Swiss Travel Pass we got from Klook still seems to offer more savings! It costs S$382 for the same 4-day consecutive pass, whereas the Interail Global pass costs €246 (S$398). Also for the Swiss Travel Pass, you get a free ride up Schilthorn but only 25% off on this pass

Its really a great post. Thanks for sharing

Hi there, I appreciate the valuable information you have shared. Switzerland travel will be easier for a new traveler after studying the information uploaded here.

Hello there, firtsly thank you so much for the very helpful post. May i know on the first day you rent a car from zurich to lucerne what route did you take? Any tips for which stops that shoud visit? Thank you again

I am hoping to go to Switzerland in the middle of the year. So many years, I know someone who always wanted to go to there but because of the price, they did not even consider it. I studied your entire trip and came up with this below. Not sure whether is it correct but is possible to share your exact itinerary with me? The order of the places in which you all travel and do in each day. I was hoping to squeeze in as much good places as possible. Most prob, we will follow the exact itinerary that you all go but mainly change the lucerne, Zurich and the Interlaken part a bit to fit our physical limitations. And also some of the food places. Thank you very much

Day 1: Fly to zurich airport Rent a car to drive from airport to lucerne -Visit workshop to make swiss army knife at brunnen -Visit the Highest Outdoor Lift in Europe, Hammetschwand Lift Drive back to Lucerne to explore the city area Eat at Wirtshaus Taube Luzern for dinner Check in to lucerne airbnb near main station for 2 nights – day 1 to 3

Day 2: Activate the swiss travel pass on day 2 Mount pilatus (around 6+ hours whole trip) -Travel to Alpnachstad from lucerne by boat -Travel to pilatus kulm by railway at 8.30am from Alpnachstad -Go hiking or the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike -Take Panorama Gondola cable car to kriens from pilatus kulm, along the way stop at Fräkmüntegg to take the Fräkigaudi Toboggan Slide -Travel back to lucerne from kriens kriens Mount rigi -Take train from lucerne to Arth-Goldau -Take cogwheel railway from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm -15 minutes hike to the top to see the 13 lakes and the whole of the Swiss alps -Take cogwheel railway from rigi kulm to Vitznau -Take boat back to Lucerne from vitznau Cook dinner at airbnb

Day 3: Leave airbnb at Lucerne Take train to interlaken Put down luggage at hostel Gelmerbahn -Take train and bus from interlaken ost to Handegg, Gelmerbahn -Ride Switzerland’s Steepest Open-air Funicular: Gelmberbahn -At the top, go see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise water -Then go Handeck Suspension Bridge -Go back interlaken same way Take train nearby from interlaken to Iseltwald along Lake Brienz Go back to hostel

Day 4: Stay at hostel from day 3 to day 5

Paragliding at murren -Go Lauterbrunnen by train from interlaken -From Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg by bus -From Stechelberg to muren by cableway for paragliding Schilthorn -Afterwards, go Schilthorn famous james bond place by cableway from murren -Go for the trail walk on the way up the cableway -When at the Piz Gloria Schilthorn Summit, walk around the james bond museum -Then go back down Jungfrau -Then go wengen -Go Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg -While at the Jungfraujoch top -Walk through the Ice Palace and Alpine Sensation -Watch the Jungfrau Panorama -Send a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox -Take train back to interlaken hostel from wengen

Day 5: Airbnb stay on day 5 to day 6 Leave interlaken hostel Grindelwald in interlaken -Go Ride the gondola up to the Mount First Top Station -Start the Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee -Back to interlaken Take golden line train to montreux from interlaken Leave luggage at airbnb Visit Château de Chillon Travel vevey to see hq of nestle and the world tallest fork in the lake geneva Go back to airbnb

Day 6: Hostel from day 6 to day 8 Take train and bus to leuk and then leukerbad Go Leukerbad Thermal Baths and soak Then travel to zermatt Settle down then explore zermatt city area Go cafe du pont to eat cheese fondue

Day 7: Go Gornergrat Peak from zermatt by railway at 7am to see matterhorn toblerone chocolate mountain sunrise Go highest hotel in switzerland for the view Then go 5-Seenweg Hike Go back zermatt from Riffleberg

Day 8: Take glacier express from zermatt 8am to st moritz 6pm St moritz hostel from day 8 to 9

Day 9: Hotel from day 9 to day 10 at zermatt Explore st moritz a bit Go filisur by train to see the Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint Come back to st moritz and go to zurich Last day of swiss travel pass

Day 10: Go for half day tour to rhine falls Go shop the Latest Trends at ‘IM VIADUKT’ Visit the FREITAG Flagship Store Catch the sunset over Zürich by hiking up Lindenhof hill Take train to zurich airport Fly back to singapore

Cool read! How were you able to take that photo of Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint with a train passing by? Any tip where I can take off my drone? 😀

Hi, able to share the extact itenary as I watched the YouTube video you uploaded. It’s like a tour package with all the activities I want to do. I was thinking I just follow yours, stay the same hotel etc.. since u have researched and happy with it. 🙂 If hotel you dont recommend after staying there.. perhaps also can let me know. Are u able to see my email or I can also paste in the next comment if need. Thank you in advance!

Hi Yap! You can check out the places we stayed with in the breakdown sheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15fLZ376uxru2khSOwuo9kFDPR1NVgjLPUqLss9WXbTg/edit

Hi, Wanted to know if you stayed a night at Montreux? I was trying to follow the itinerary, but it sounded like you just took the train to Montreux, visited the chateau and Veveyand continued onto Zermatt and stayed the night at Zermatt for Day 6?

Hi Vanessa! We stayed a night in Montreux as we arrived pretty late from Interlaken the day before!

Hi guys, thank you so much for this article, it’s a lifesaver! About the Swiss Travel Pass Promo of getting extra 2 days, If we are planning to book the 8 day pass now (to travel on 24 April 2023), do we get it automatically after we made the purchase? if you don’t mind explaining it to us, we would really appreciate that! Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers.

We will be carrying 25’inch with us. How did you handle the luggage transport services ?

What is the best way to transport the luggage from one place to another place ?

on trains, we generally could fit our luggages in the overhead compartment where we were seated and could wheel it around almost everywhere as there were lifts and escalators around.

When thinking about travelling in Switzerland I can recommend to go to the Berner Oberland. The nature and the lakes like the lake thun are awesome.

Hi, may I know how did you guys travel from St Mortiz to Zurich?

Hi Han Ying, the team took the local SBS Train from St Mortiz to Zurich!

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4 Days in Switzerland: The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary

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Planning on spending 4 days in Switzerland and looking for the ultimate itinerary to guide the way? Keep Reading!

In the past 7 years I have spent a LOT of time in Switzerland. My husband is from Switzerland and we visit multiple times a year and he loves to show me around his home country – so I know the country very well.

Switzerland is the perfect place to visit for travelers of all types. With its stunning old towns, lush nature, and deep history, there is something for everyone.

Although there are many places you can visit and routes you can take while visiting Switzerland, this itinerary takes you through some of the best and most beautiful places in Switzerland .

In just 4 days you can see some of the highlights of Switzerland, but more time is always better! This 4 day itinerary brings you through cities, nature, and more so you can get the full Swiss experience.

Prepare to fall in love with this beautiful country and enjoy your 4 days in Switzerland.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See  disclosure  for more information.)

Short on time?  Check my TOP recommendations for Switzerland: 🚂 Save on transport:  Get a  Swiss Travel Pass  to have unlimited access to public transport that allows you to visit a wide range of cities! 🇨🇭 Personal tour recommendations: Explore Zurich during sightseeing and boat tour. Visit Lucerne with a local guide. Get a Paragliding Experience in Interlaken 🍫 For the foodies:  don’t forget to check the home of Swiss chocolate  here.

In This Post

Is 4 days enough in Switzerland?

Is 4 days in Switzerland enough? Well, it is enough to give you a taste of this stunning country, but it is definitely not enough to explore it thoroughly.

You could easily spend months in Switzerland and still have more to see and do but with 4 days (in my itinerary) you can see four of the top attractions in the country that make it such a worthwhile place!

How to Get Around Switzerland

Getting around Switzerland is pretty easy thanks to its efficient transportation system. Here are three popular ways to explore the country:

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility, especially if you plan to visit remote areas. Switzerland has well-maintained roads, but be prepared for tolls, parking fees, and narrow mountain passes. My favorite place to find car rentals in Switzerland is Discover Cars .

🎟️ Swiss Travel Pass *BEST OPTION*: The Swiss Travel Pass , allows unlimited travel on the national rail network and other forms of public transportation. This pass is a convenient option for tourists. It covers trains, trams, buses, boats, and even some mountain railways and cable cars. It also provides free admission to many museums. You can purchase it here .

🚂 Train: If you only want to enjoy public transportation like boats or trains in one place then opting for a one-time train ticket is best. My favorite place to book train tickets is Omio .

💡 INSIDER TIP: If you want to take a train in Switzerland do it in Interlaken! This is where the most scenic train rides in Switzerland are. The prices are high, but so so so worth it.

How many days is good to see Switzerland?

To get the most out of your visit I’d suggest 7 – 14 days in Switzerland. With more days you can relax a little bit, see more places and do more nature activities like long hikes.

However, Switzerland is quite expensive so to save money you can cut back on a few days and travel a little bit quicker.

How much money do you need for 4 days in Switzerland?

Be prepared: Switzerland is EXPENSIVE! How much money you spend can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay, what activities you do, and how you get around.

However, here is a general outline for two people who are looking to not spend a fortune without being “too” cheap:

• 🏨 Hotels: $240 / night * 4
• 🚂 Transportation: $100 / day * 4
• 🏔️ Activities: $50 / day * 2 (assuming you do an activity in only two places)
• TOTAL: ~$1460 for 4 days without flights

Money in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It’s best to carry some cash for small purchases, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places.

Tipping in Switzerland is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip if service is not included.

4 Days in Switzerland at a GLANCE

➡️ Day 1: 🛩️ Land in Zurich ➡️ Day 2: 🚗 Drive 45 minutes from Zurich to Lucerne / 🚂 Take the train from Zurich to Lucerne (40 minutes) ➡️ Day 3: 🚗 Drive 1 hour from Lucerne to Interlaken / 🚂 Take the train from Lucerne to Interlaken (2 hours) ➡️ Day 4: 🚗 Drive 2.5 hours from Interlaken to Geneva / 🚂 Take the train from Interlaken to Geneva

This is a very packed 4 days in Switzerland but it will show you the highlights of the country. If you want to avoid moving around every day I suggest driving straight from Zurich to Interlaken or skipping Geneva at the end and enjoying two days in Interlaken.

Interlaken is one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth and the surrounding villages will have you awe-struck.

Day 1: Zurich

Zurich is the best place to start your 4 days in Switzerland. It is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most important financial centers in the world.

The city is known for its picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and world-class museums and galleries.

💡 Zurich is one of my favorite cities in Switzerland. I love ending the day here with a takeaway pizza and a walk along the water.

There are plenty of things to do and see here and with only one day in Zurich , you can see quite a bit, but unfortunately not everything.

The rest of this 4 days in Switzerland itinerary covers some more nature-focused days, so spending your time in Zurich exploring the old town and the historical and cultural city is best.

Things to do in Zurich | 4 Days in Switzerland

Stroll through the historic old town: Zurich’s Altstadt (old town) is full of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes and shops.

A great way to see Zurich and get some information along the way is with this top-rated Zurich Old Town Walking Tour .

Visit the Swiss National Museum: The Swiss National Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Swiss history and culture.

Here you can find tickets for a Guided Tour and Entrance . Here you can find Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket .

Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich: Lake Zurich is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a boat ride or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery.

💡 INSIDER TIP: A great dinner idea that will make you feel like a local is getting something to go – like pizza from Santa Lucia – and eating along the waterfront promenade .

Enjoy Swiss chocolate: Zurich is known for its delicious chocolate, so be sure to visit some of the city’s top chocolate shops like Confiserie Sprüngli or Teuscher to try some of the best chocolate in the world.

I love getting to know a country by trying the foods it is best known for. In Switzerland, this is it’s chocolate and CHEESE! Book this TOP RATED Chocolate & Cheese tour for an immersive experience!

Explore the Kunsthaus Zurich: This art museum houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Swiss artists like Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler.

Where to Stay in Zurich

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Zurich!

Day 2: Lucerne

Lucerne is located just 45 minute drive from Zurich making it the perfect place to spend your second day during your 4 days in Switzerland. This charming city is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

The city is known for its beautiful old town, which features colorful buildings, narrow streets, and historic landmarks. It is one of the most magical cities in Switzerland and a wonderful place to explore!

💡 I love Lucerne because of its close proximity to mountains and water (to enjoy Switzerland’s amazing nature) but also for its charming city.

Things to do in Lucerne | 4 Days in Switzerland

Visit the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower: The Chapel Bridge is a wooden bridge that dates back to the 14th century, and the Water Tower is a historic tower that served as a prison and watchtower in the past.

I think the best way to see and learn about a city is with a walking tour! This is the top rated Lucerne walking tour for a beautiful historic tour of the old town.

Explore the Old Town: Lucerne’s Old Town is a charming and picturesque area with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful squares.

Take a boat tour of Lake Lucerne: Lake Lucerne is a stunning lake surrounded by the Swiss Alps. A boat tour is a great way to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery.

One of my favourite things I did in Lucernce was take a boat tour. The calm waters, stunning mountain views, and knowledgeable captions make it a MUST DO! Click Here to book the TOP-RATED boat tour in Lucerne!

Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport: This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Lucerne and features exhibits and displays related to transportation, technology, and mobility. Get your tickets in advance here !

Take a day trip to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi: Lucerne is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are two of the most popular mountains in the region and offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

I highly recommend this Mount Pilatus Tour that not only brings you to the top of Pilatus but also on a 1 hour boat tour. Book your spot for this tour here.

Visit the Lion Monument: This famous monument is a sculpture of a dying lion and was created to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution.

Try Swiss chocolate and cheese: Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and cheese, and Lucerne has plenty of shops and restaurants where you can try some of the best Swiss food.

Where to Stay in Lucerne

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Lucerne!

Day 3: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen

A very scenic one-hour drive from Lucerne is Interlaken! This is a traditional Swiss resort town located inside the picturesque mountains typical of Switzerland.

💡 This day is my favourite on this itinerary that will show you some of the most beautiful and breathtaking places in Switzerland that you see in magazines.

Interlaken is built on a small area of land between huge mountains and between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz . It is one of the best villages in Switzerland too!

This is the perfect place to visit for nature and adventure travel lovers looking to enjoy the lush nature of Switzerland.

💡 INSIDER TIP: I find Interlaken an interesting place to visit, but even more so the villages beyond Interlaken are the places that are the most beautiful, namely: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen! Honestly, if you have a flight on the 4th day of this itinerary leaving from Geneva you should go there for day 4, but if you don’t I’d HIGHLY suggest spending day 3 and day 4 in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald instead of Geneva.

Things to do in Interlaken | 4 Days in Switzerland

Top of Harder Kulm : Seeing Interlaken from above is easily one of the top things to do while here. Heading to the top of Harder Kulm can be done via hiking or by funicular.

Paragliding: Paragliding in Switzerland offers breathtaking aerial views of the Swiss Alps and an unforgettable experience.

➡️ Click Here to book a tour of Switzerland’s top rated paragliding tour! This is a bucket list tour where you will sail above the Swiss Alps on a tandem flight.

Lake Brienz : Lake Brienz is a stunning aqua-blue lake sitting in Interlaken that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A visit here will show you the true natural beauty of Switzerland’s lakes and mountain views and a must-visit in this 4 day Switzerland itinerary.

This kayak tour provides a great viewpoint on Lake Brenz if you are visiting in summer time, sounds exciting, doesn’t it?   Book this tour!

Schynige Platte Railway : The Schynige Platte railway is one of the highest railways in Switzerland and is quite old at 115 years old. A ride in one of these rail cars offers stunning views of the mountains and valley below!

Where to Stay in Interlaken

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Interlaken!

Optional: Day 4 or During Day 3

If you prefer the mountains over cities and choose to stay in Interlaken for two days instead of one then you can spend more time in Switzerland’s most beautiful villages: Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.

As mentioned, this is the most beautiful region in Switzerland and a place you will want more than one day to fully explore. However, if time isn’t on your side you can fit in as much as possible in one day and plan to save the rest for your next visit.

Things to do in Lauterbrunnen | 4 Days in Switzerland

There really is no place on earth as beautiful as Lauterbrunnen. This is why it is one of the top places you can venture to with 4 days in Switzerland is Lauterbrunnen .

Lauterbrunnen is a small authentic village located in a U-Shape valley within the Swiss Alps. It is an amazing place to visit during every season with its mountain peaks, authentic architecture, and waterfalls.

💡 If you search Switzerland online or on social media the top videos and photos you will see are of Lauterbrunnen. The natural beauty of this village is something you cannot miss!

Top Things to do in Lauterbrunnen

Trümmelbach Falls : This is a series of waterfalls within the surrounding mountains, and it is a natural wonder that’s not to be missed.

  This E-Bike tour is the BEST way to explore the valley, see all the waterfalls and enjoy the perfect Swiss picnic. Book the Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls E-bike Tour here!

Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk: A scenic wakl that leads you through meadows, farmhouses, the vivid blue river.

Cable car to Mürren: The journey itself offers breathtaking views and in Mürren you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while admiring at the surrounding peaks.

Enjoy Lauterbrunnen’s simplicity: Stroll through the village, capture stunning photos of the charming wooden chalets and alpine flowers.

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Lauterbrunnen!

Grindelwald is a nature lovers’ paradise and a must-visit with only 4 days in Switzerland. It is a bucket list place to visit with the huge mountains, lots of things to do, and stunning scenery.

💡 While Lauterbrunnen is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Grindelwald is a place to do activities! This is the adventure part of Switzerland with hikes, gondola rides, scenic train rides, and more.

Top Things to do in Grindelwald

Hike the Eiger Trail : The Eiger Trail takes you through breathtaking landscapes with amazing views of the famous Eiger North Face, as well as the Mönch and Jungfrau moutains.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding : Grindelwald is home to world-class ski resorts like Wengen, Grindelwald, and Mürren – perfect for those who love to skii and snowboard.

Jungfraujoch Railway : One of the most beautiful train rides in the world that winds you up tunnels and past glaciers.

First Cliff Walk by Tissot : This unique walkway offers panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. You’ll be walking on a steel cable-secured walkway with a glass floor section – not for the faint of heart, but definitely a memorable adventure.

In order to get there you will have to take the Cable car – tickets can be bought online HERE + with a Swiss Travel Pass there is a 50% discount!

Where to Stay in Grindelwald

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Grindelwald

Day 4: Geneva

Geneva can be reached by car from Interlaken in just 2 hours and the ride is beyond scenic. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a vibrant and lively city surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

Geneva is home to all things Swiss, like Fondue, chocolate, and many banks, but it is also a very cultural and interesting place to visit and explore. This is the perfect place to end your 4 days in Switzerland in a modern yet cultural hotspot.

Things to do in Geneva

Visit the Jet d’Eau: The Jet d’Eau is one of the most famous landmarks in Geneva. This impressive fountain shoots water 140 meters into the air and is visible from many parts of the city.

Walk along the Geneva Lakefront: The Geneva Lakefront is a beautiful promenade that offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

Explore the Old Town: Geneva’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful squares. It’s a great place to wander around, shop for souvenirs, and try some local food and drinks.

Visit the Palace of Nations: The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations in Europe and is located in Geneva. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about the history and work of the United Nations.

Go shopping: Geneva is known for its luxury shopping, with high-end brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.

Take a boat tour of Lake Geneva: Embark on a beautiful boat tour of Lake Geneva, a stunning lake located within the Swiss Alps and French Jura Mountains.

Where to Stay in Geneva

➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Geneva

Where to stay in Switzerland

Head to Booking.com to find where to stay in each city in Switzerland, starting with Zurich! This is my favourite way to find hotels and many have really nice cancellation policies.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly holiday head to Hostelworld.com and check out the deals here.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Like most travel destinations, the best time to visit Switzerland is completely subjective!

But, September is typically one of the best months to visit Switzerland for many reasons. September still welcomes warm days with plenty of sun like the summer months but with much fewer summer tourist crowds. You will also find all hikes still open and in great condition for exploring.

A rundown on the seasons in Switzerland:

➡️ Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season due to warm weather. You can enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and festivals.

Read More: Complete Guide to Switzerland in Summer

➡️ Fall (September to November): The crowds thin out, and the weather is still warm and sunny. The fall colours in the Swiss countryside is stunning. It’s a good time for hiking and enjoying cultural events.

➡️ Winter (December to February): Switzerland is a top winter destination. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are at their best. Christmas markets and festivities add to the charm.

➡️ Spring (March to May): As the snow melts, Switzerland starts to bloom. Spring is great for lower-altitude hiking and exploring cities. It’s less crowded than summer but offers pleasant weather.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress.

With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.

I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote! 

Spending 4 days in Switzerland promises a whirlwind of an adventure. There is no better place to get to enjoy and experience old cities and stunning nature all within a few days. Use this 4-day guide to mold your Switzerland travels, and by the end of your stay, you will already be planning your visit back.

Like this post? Pin “4 Days in Switzerland” for later!

Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveler she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.

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Squeeze more from Switzerland! Easy Itinerary for just 4 Days

Posted on 7th May 2019. In Switzerland , Uncategorised

“Welcome to your Switzerland 4 Day Itinerary.”

A word of warning, first: 4 days in Switzerland is not going to be enough. This rich, earthy land has more sides to her than a conjurer’s coin – enough to send you into a spin whilst trying to figure out the perfect Switzerland itinerary.

On one side, Switzerland is as bucolic as you imagine, boasting ravishing pea-green landscapes, painfully pretty chalets, and topaz lakes reminiscent of the Sound of Music. Then, when the snow falls, she transforms into Narnia. On the other side, Switzerland is edgy and urbane with a vast array of high-octane Alpine pursuits to enchant adventurers and enough contemporary hang-outs in cities like Zurich and Geneva to seduce a trend-setting crowd.

Switzerland is the land of four languages, a place rich in folklore and tradition, and a country laden with avant-garde culture and world-class innovation.

Yes, Switzerland has enough diversity to make you wonder how best to get a feel for her in just 4 days. My advice? Use the Switzerland itinerary I followed; it’s 4 days that’ll help you experience a little of everything Switzerland has to offer (if you want to stay a little longer, then here’s a 10 Amazing Days in Switzerland itinerary for you to use).

And if you truly want to swim in her veins, then forget car hire and take the train. Switzerland prides herself on a remarkable and reliable rail network, with routes that traverse the entire country. Plus, she’s only under 2 hours flying time from London, meaning nearly every inch of this country is comfortably and effortlessly accessible for a weekend break or longer. Just remember, long break or short, I guarantee you’ll come back hungry for more.

“If Narnia were real, it would surely be Swiss.”

Switzerland Day 1

Zurich – rigi kulm, climb mount rigi.

Arrive in Zurich, ready to go, after a morning Swiss Air flight from Heathrow (flying time: 1h:45m). Skip the urge to check out the city itself until the end of your 4 days in Switzerland. Instead, head for the crisp, clean air of Mount Rigi – Queen of the Mountains – to freshen up.

Rigi is a mountainous area in central Switzerland, with its highest peak, Rigi Kulm (1795.5m), boasting heart-stopping views over 13 lakes, the Mittelland, and the plains all the way to Germany.

Once you’ve arrived at Rigi Kulm, walk gently up to the summit and then take a few moments to steady your heart. It’s almost impossible to believe London is less than 3 hours away from this and from you… standing on top of the world, with the clouds at your feet.

“ Head above the clouds for a blast of Alpine air

And a spa experience that’s out of this world. ”.

BärgGnuss Mountain Restaurant

Drink yourself heady with the incredible mountain views, then begin the slow descent down from the summit to Rigi Kaltbad. As well as skiing, Switzerland is a Mecca for hikers of all ages – and Rigi Kulm is no exception. There are 120km of well signposted hiking trails for gentle walks and mountain hikes, so treat this walk as an easy introduction to the former.

On your way down from Rigi Kulm, stop at BärgGnuss – a mountainside restaurant with Heidi-like charms. Think chopped logs, animal skins and roaring fires. Make your way out to the terrace for tea and homemade cake served with a thick helping of astonishing alpine views.  

Enjoy this:

Spa at rigi kaltbad.

A two-tiered mineral spa. Infinity pool views. And the tinkle of cow-bells on the breeze. Rigi Kaltbad Hotel is heaven on earth. The hotel sits high on Kiltbad, one of the most spectacular lookout points in Switzerland.

A mix of modern architecture and traditional Swiss mountain style, it’s a sprawling 3-star spa retreat with heart-stopping views over glacier-encrusted peaks and glimpses of Lake Lucerne’s glittering shores. It’s modern, uncrowded and has plenty to keep your senses tingling until dusk, including a herbal steam bath, shallow-water crystal spa and a sun deck.

Access to the spa is complimentary for guests staying at the hotel (from 8am – 6pm), so get yourself a room: the spa is blissful and worth every penny, even if the rooms lack a little personality.  Swap walking boots for paper-white slippers, then sink into the belly of the hotel to get to the baths.

Packing tip: I slipped into a beautiful Acqua and Sale bikini and Forever Unique kaftan sent to me by UK Swimwear . The swimsuit fitted perfectly, holding all the right bits in all the right places and gave me a real boost of confidence as I dropped into the pool. The midi-length kaftan was straight from an A-lister’s wardrobe: jewel-encrusted at the waist, diamante on the back – it had more swagger than P Diddy himself and made me feel a million dollars. 

You might also enjoy:

The ultimate guide to detox retreats  in the uk, restaurant panaroma  .

Take your soothed soul for Swiss soul food at one of Rigi Kaltbad’s three restaurants: Restaurant Sunset, Restaurant Panorama, or Rigi Stubli.

We ate in Restaurant Panorama, but the sun was down and the night didn’t offer much in the way of mountain views. The food, however, made up for it and 3 delicious courses later we were chatting to our Swiss waiter and sampling the infamous Swiss liqueur, kirsch.

It’s the national drink made from the juice of cherry pips and boy, it really packs a punch. Prepare to be seeing Alpine stars before you know it.

Travel Essentials

Train – Start your Switzerland 4-day Itinerary with a trip to the Alps by track: take the train from Zurich HB Train Station to Arth-Goldau, then hop aboard the cogwheel mountain train to lift you up to Rigi Klum. It’s all downhill walking from then on! The amazing guys and gals at the Switzerland Travel Centre (STC) organised all my flights and travel tickets – and can also put together a 4 day Switzerland Itinerary for you.

“Prepare to be seeing Alpine stars before you know it.”

Switzerland Day 2

Lake lucerne – bellinzona, horse-drawn carriage ride.

Sometimes four legs are better than two, especially after a night on the Swiss kirsch. To ease your aching head, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and let the Alpine air work its medicinal magic. Our carriage ride was organised by STC, who can add the bells and whistles to your Switzerland experience to make it feel even more magical.

We met our steeds in the morning outside the hotel and trip-trotted along a ribboning mountain path for 20 refreshing minutes; knees covered in woollen blankets, hair teased by the wind, and faces flushed with the joy of it all. 

“Drift across ice-blue Lake Lucerne, then settle for the night in medieval Bellinzona, where the people greet you with “Buonasera.”

Enjoy This:

Cruise of lake lucerne.

Alongside its incredible Alpine landscape, the glacial lakes of Switzerland make the country one of Europe’s natural marvels.

So, taking to the ice-blue water of one of Switzerland’s lakes is a must on your 4 days in Switzerland. Lake Lucerne is the 4 th largest lake in Switzerland (Lake Geneva is the largest) and easy to get to from Rigi Klum.

Take the train from Rigi Kaltbad to Vitznau and catch one of the historic paddle-steamers from Vitznau Pier to Flüelen.

The landscape that glides past as you slip through the waters looks more like a Fjord than the mountains you’ve come just from. Rocky crags tower over the blue, with thick woods clinging to their stony faces.

Whimsical wood-sided chalets sit tidily in green inlets or group together and hug the shoreline, almost dipping their foundations in the melt water.

All the beauty outside is matched by the character of the historic saloons inside the steamer. If you can, book into first class and have a delicious 3-course lunch as you sail.

We enjoyed Swiss Angus beef patties on herb jus with mashed potatoes, followed by original Treichler Zuger Kirschtorte cherry-flavoured specialty cake drenched with Kirsch brandy. Boozy, devilish and delicious.

Italian-speaking Bellinzona

It’ll take you two train journeys and a couple of hours to get to Bellinzona from Flüelen – and on the way you can brush up on your Italian. Bellinzona is the capital of the canton Ticino and the gateway to Italy for those travelling from the north, which means it’s more Italian than Swiss in looks, character, swagger and tongue. One glance at its squares, courtyards, frescoed buildings, and churches and its Lombardy patronage is clear. This isn’t the Switzerland you imagine it to be.

Look up and Bellinzona’s fortified skyline staples the landscape, courtesy of three of the best-preserved medieval castles in the whole of Switzerland – Castelgrande, Sasso Combaro, and Montebello – and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before it gets dark, take the well sign-posted 5km walk through Bellinzona. The route gives you the chance to explore the three fortresses just as the day softens and bats swoop overhead. End your tour at Castlegrande, hungry for more.

Eat here: Safely tucked away between the thick town walls and the vineyards of Castelgrande, is Grotto San Michele . During the day the terrace offers sparkling views over Bellinzona; at night settle deep within its vaulted grotto to sample some Ticino cuisine, influenced by local ingredients from the mountains, valleys and lakes – and balancing harmoniously Italian and Swiss flavours.

Buy this: For wine-lovers, Ticino comes up trumps because it’s the home of Bianco Di Merlot Ticino – white merlot – one of the very few real white merlots produced in the world. Before you leave Switzerland behind, scoop a couple of bottles for your cellar; it’s notoriously difficult to get hold of anywhere else.

Stay Here: Opposite Bellinzona train station and across a wide cobbled road is Hotel & SPA Internationazionale . This 7-story pepper-pink town house would easily be at home in Milan. With 58 rooms and 3 suites, it towers into the sky, offering a convenient base for many weekenders. Despite its architectural grandeur, inside it’s surprisingly intimate and personable with contemporary design sitting imperceptibly alongside the original features. Almost all rooms come with epic views of Bellinzona and 19 have balconies. Bellisimo.

Boat – For your boat trip across Lake Lucerne, based on my Switzerland 4-day Itinerary, you’ll need to catch a boat with SGV from Vitznau Pier to Flüelen. Your Swiss Travel Pass is valid for this trip.

Train – To get to Bellinzona from Rigi Kaltbad, take the train from Rigi Kaltbad-First Train Station to Vitznau Train Station. Walk 2 minutes to Vitznau Pier. When you arrive in Flüelen, walk 3 minutes to Flüelen Train Station and catch the train to Erstfeld Train Station. Leave Erstfeld Train Station for Bellinzona. Your Swiss Travel Pass is valid for this journey, too.

Ticket Tip:  When you stay overnight in hotels, youth hostels and on camping sites in Bellinzona make sure you grab a Ticino Ticket . It gives you free use of all public transport and discounts on attractions for the duration of your stay.

Switzerland Day 3

Bernina express to chur, sweep the shores of lake como.

Rise early on day 3 of your Switzerland Itinerary for 4 days and catch the train to Lugano. It’s the largest town in Ticino, lying on the shores of Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains and Mediterranean flair.

Once you’re there, pick up the Bernina Express Bus that’ll take you to Tirano, where your Bernina Express journey begins. En route, you’ll dip down into Italy and skirt the edges of Lake Como with its glistening waters and the smooth sounds of Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore’ ringing in your ears.  

Tirano, Italy, welcomes you with a kiss on both cheeks. It’s a quiet Lombardy town, with pavements gently bubbling with cafes and coffee drinkers. But its main draw is, what’s locally known as ‘the red train’ – the Bernina Express. 

Lunch here:

Ai portici, tirano.

Whilst in Italy, lunch in the Italian way. Tirano has many good Italian restaurants to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

We ate at Ai Portici, a simply furnished Italian serving local fare with lashings of vino rosso and limoncello and a side helping of good humour, considering our excitable behaviour.

Whilst the limoncello flowed, we dined on Pizzoccheri valtellinesi (a sort of fat, short tagliatelle) and left with two complimentary bottles of red.

A Long Weekend in the Roman Countryside

Best places to visit in switzerland, an adventurous day in lugano, switzerland, a trip on the bernina express.

With wine-flushed cheeks, board The Bernina Express and settle in front of the curved panoramic windows.

What follows is a 4-hour rail journey that will stay with you for life. Listed as an UNSECO World Heritage site, the railway is a staggering feat of engineering, climbing 2,253m above sea level – the highest railway crossing in Europe.

It runs all year round from Tirano to Chur or the other way around, stopping at 25 different spots along the way, including Davos and St. Moritz .

Along the way, you’ll slip silently and deeply into the alps, leaving the palms of Italy behind; gliding over viaducts, ascending peaks, curling slowly around sky-blue lakes, and ribboning past traditional Swiss villages, until you arrive in the Swiss canton of Graubünden.

The Albula and Bernina Passes are just two of the iconic sights you’ll see – but don’t worry about missing them; this is a journey built for the scenery, not speed, and the wonders are so dramatic, that you won’t be able to take your eyes off the outside world.

STC can organise travel on the Bernina Express for you. More time? You could also explore a different route from St. Moritz to Zermatt  on the Glacier Express .  

“Cut through glacier-encrusted mountains on one of the world’s most beautiful trains journeys: the Bernina Express.”

Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

You may have started the day Italian, but step inside Romantik Hotel Stern and it’s Switzerland through-and-through. The leading hotel in Chur, it packs 300-years of traditional Swiss hospitality into one beautiful building.

Behind thick wooden doors, the rooms are comfy, cosy and modestly romantic – with Swiss stone wooden panelling on ceilings and walls. It’s the hotel’s nostalgic charm and historical roots that makes it romantic; and the hotel adds to the romance with candles, soft net curtains, and elegant wrought-iron fixtures. To heighten the experience further, you’re collected from Chur station in a vintage Buick when you arrive.

If you can, resist the urge to go into Chur for dinner, because Romantik Hotel Stern is also home to an exceptional (and well awarded) restaurant, Veltliner Weinstuben. Foodies will love the menu, serving traditional Graubünden dishes made according to classic methods and recipes (try the rösti if you get a chance – an iconic national dish made from potato). 

Trains and Buses  –

Leave Bellinzona Train Station at 9:02 to Lugano Train Station.  Then catch the Bernina Express Bus from Lugano to Tirano Train Station. After lunch catch the 14:25 Berina Express from Tirano to Chur Train Station. It’s a 10-minute walk to Romantik Hotel Stern.

Switzerland Day 4

Chur to zurich and back home, chur the old town.

Start the final leg of your Switzerland 4 Day itinerary with a tour of Chur, and in particular the Altstadt (old town) – one of the best-preserved old towns in the country. Chur is the capital of Switzerland’s biggest canton (region), Graubünden, and the oldest city in the country, with a 5,000-year old history. 

Like the rest of Chur, the old town is surrounded on all sides by the Alps; they rise up like an amphitheatre, cradling the delicate medieval buildings and ancient alleyways from the snow that can fall silently on the Alpine city in a beat. The old town is virtually traffic free, so it’s effortless to wander around and every step feels as if you’re walking in another century.

Bühler’s Zuckerbäckerei

Curiously, Chur has one of the most diverse shopping centres between Zurich and Milan. But forgo the leading designer brands in favour of a smaller, sweeter supplier: Bühler’s Zuckerbäckerei, a delightful little family-owned confectioner tucked modestly under an awning in the old town, next to the Oberto .

Inside, the charm is dizzying – and the pastry chef, Otto Hürsch-Müller, with his toque blanche and Dali-esque moustache, almost as magical as Santa. Don’t leave without trying the Chur speciality, Bündner Pfirsichsteine, a marzipan peach stone invented in Chur by the Hürsch family.

Chur Röteli

One of Graubünden’s oldest specialities, Chur Röteli, a Cherry Liquor that’s so deliciously light, yet spicy, it makes mulled wine blush.

The recipe has been handed down for generations, but is still a closely-guarded secret, and your taste buds will tell you why.

“End your 4 days in Switzerland with a fairy-tale town before an easy meander back home.”

Trains  – Catch the 14:09 train from Chur Train Station to Zurich HB Train Station. Then hop on the 15:33 train from Zurich HB to Brig Zurich Airport Train Station. This will give you plenty of time to catch a 17:10 flight to London.

Visit this:

Cathedral of saint mary of the assumption.

End your time in Chur’s 800-year-old Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. Constructed between 1152 – 1272, it stands apart from the rest of Chur in a fortified courtyard, like a town in its own right.

Strikingly plain on the outside, and only a touch more lavish inside, the Cathedral’s grey walls nevertheless carry huge significance: it is Switzerland’s only early medieval Episcopal Church and shelters wall paintings and altars from all the epochs, among them Switzerland’s most richly ornamented Late Gothic altar.

Plan your Switzerland trip 

Flights you’ll need

Flights into Switzerland are regular with Swiss International Air Lines; although the affordability depends on when you want to go and what your budget is. Zurich is the main hub with regional airports in Geneva and Basel. I flew into Zurich with Swiss Air , organised by the brilliant guys and gals at the Switzerland Travel Centre (STC), on the 8:40 flight out of London Heathrow. I was in Zurich by 11:35 and heading to the alps an hour later. Effortless and fatigue-free.

“The brilliant guys at Switzerland Travel Centre (STC) can help you plan your perfect weekend trip.”

Train must-haves

A Swiss Travel Pass is your best friend for a Switzerland Itinerary. It’s the perfect all-in-one option, available for different lengths of stay, including 3, 4, 6 or 8 days, and gives you unlimited travel on consecutive days throughout the rail, bus and boat travel network. Best of all, the Swiss Travel Pass also covers scenic routes, local trams and buses in around 90 towns and cities, as well as mountainous excursions such as Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn and Schithorn. For those mountain-top trains and cables that aren’t covered, you still get up to 50% off the cost. To get yours, talk to the Switzerland Travel Centre (STC).

Key wardrobe items

Shoes – Walking boots, trainers and a change of shoes for the evening. This Switzerland Itinerary for 4 days includes a lot of trains, walking and mountain railways, so you need to have comfortable footwear, plus something to slip into once you’re back at your hotel.

Tops and coats – Layering is key. You’ll be in the mountains some of the time and the weather is quickly changeable. I went in October and needed layers to keep me warm, as it was a little chilly in the evenings and mornings. Although it didn’t rain when I was there, a waterproof coat to keep you dry makes sense, just in case.

Sunscreen – Up Mount Rigi it could be 25c, so sunscreen is you next most important item.

Swimming stuff – you’ll need it for the SPA at Rigi Kaltbad. Check out swimwearuk.com.  

Casual evening wear – for dinner in the restaurants and hotels mentioned, there isn’t a dress code. So low-key, casual and comfortable is my advice.

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF) . Whilst it is not a member of the Euro, some hotels, restaurants and tours show the prices in Euros to help visitors. Although it’s not a cheap country to spend a long weekend, Switzerland can be done affordably. They guys at STC are best-placed to maximise your budget, so my advice would be to talk to them before going and organise any tour tickets or travel passes in advance.

If you’re interested in the cheapest way to see Switzerland, Nomadic Matt’s article, ‘Switzerland on a Budget’ has some neat ideas for saving money, as does Anya’s post ‘ Switzerland on a Budget ‘.

Disclaimer   – Huge thanks to Switzerland Travel Centre  for organising my Switzerland Itinerary for 4 days. I never knew Switzerland had so much to offer and I’m determined to explore more of it soon.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I get paid commission if you book via these links. Affiliate income are one of the ways I can carry on bringing fresh content to Weekend Candy.

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The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Written By: Seraina Zellweger

City Guides , Switzerland

Updated On: July 18, 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. However, planning a Switzerland itinerary, especially a detailed seven-day 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 for visitors arriving by plane to Switzerland.

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 (the 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. Consider taking a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Read more: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland

Insider Tip:

• When you arrive at the Lucerne platform, please check the display to ensure you catch the right half of the train.
• What I always do at the Kambly store is head to the savory 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. Here, you can spend as much time as your heart desires to taste 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 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 get the most out of your time in Interlaken, I suggest you leave Bern early 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 or boat ride 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 the Top of Europe. Unfortunately, this spectacular cable car ride and platform visit 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 nestled in the Swiss Alps, 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 had better stop listing your options here as this will only make you quit reading and decide to spend all week at Interlaken. And we wouldn’t want that. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4 Day Itinerary

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 center of Switzerland in Lucerne with Montreux by the shores of Lake Geneva.

Today, you’ll be traveling 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. From Montreux, you can also take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Château de Chillon and the Lavaux vineyards.

Morning: Train Journey Through Switzerland on Golden Pass Line

That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland, my favorite 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.  It’s 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 when 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 recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get fairly busy during the 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

These visits make for excellent day trips from Montreux, allowing you to explore the culinary delights of Switzerland.

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 recognize 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 to the public and costs 12 CHF to enter. However, 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 center 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 early in the 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 train. 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. For instance, the popular Zermatt lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete, 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 meters (1.620 feet) across the valley.  Hello, vertigo!

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

If 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 meters (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, I recommend you head to one of the two river valleys:  Maggia  or  Verzasca . Both are fantastic for hiking, spending 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 favorite 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, which is 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 and 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 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-kilometer (35-mile) 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

This concludes our little one-week itinerary through Switzerland.  I hope it has inspired you and helped you answer some 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 for this Switzerland itinerary, 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.

FAQ’s

Swiss travel pass.

• 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, cable cars, 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.

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card allows you to buy tickets for trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways in Switzerland at half price. It’s perfect for those who are staying in Switzerland for more than a few days but don’t need to travel every day. The card is valid for one month from the date of purchase and is much cheaper than the Swiss Travel Pass, so it’s a great option if you have a more flexible itinerary.

Use the Swiss Half Fare Card instead of the Swiss Travel Pass if you’re going to travel on a few specific days rather than every day. We prefer to get The Swiss Travel Pass because it gives you unlimited travel on consecutive days and includes free entry to many museums and attractions. But if you have a more relaxed schedule or are focused on a few destinations, the Swiss Half Fare Card will save you more.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Truthfully, there are great things to do in Switzerland no matter what time of year you plan your Switzerland trip. If you love winter sports, December to March is ideal, as the Swiss Alps offer excellent skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are great if you like a little warmer weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful landscapes, with blooming flowers in spring and those fall colors in the Fall. Summer (July to August) is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring picturesque towns and cities; just remember that this is peak tourist season, and things will be much busier and cost a lot more.

How Much is a Trip to Switzerland?

This is a bit of a loaded question, and we actually have a whole article titled Is Switzerland Expensive To Visit? with budget breakdowns and all the information you need to budget your trip. But, in a nutshell, you can expect to spend about $3000 USD per person for this particular Switzerland Itinerary, depending on what accommodation you stay in and what activities you choose to do.

Eating out costs in Switzerland

Eating out in Switzerland is more expensive than in Canada. In Switzerland, a cheap meal at a restaurant will cost between $20-$30 per person, and in Canada, between $12-$20. For a mid-range restaurant with a 3-course meal for two, you can expect to pay between $70-$120 in Switzerland and $50-$80 in Canada. Fast food combo meals are a bit more expensive in Switzerland, $12-$15, compared to $10-$12 in Canada.

Beverages: A cappuccino in Switzerland costs around $4-$5, and in Canada, $3-$4. When visiting Switzerland, you will notice that beer is more expensive; 0.5 liter draught beer costs between $6-$8, and in Canada, it is $5-$7. Eating out in Switzerland can be much more expensive than in Canada, especially at mid-range and higher-end restaurants.

What currency is used in Switzerland?

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated as CHF. It is one of the most stable and widely traded currencies in the world. Swiss banknotes and coins are well-known for their high-quality design and security features. They will take Euros, but the change will be made in Swiss Francs.

What languages are spoken in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most spoken language in the center and east and has many dialects called Swiss German. French is spoken in the West, especially in Geneva and Lausanne. Italian is spoken in the south in the canton of Ticino and some parts of the canton of Graubünden. Romansh is spoken in parts of Graubünden but is less common. English is widely understood and spoken, especially in urban areas, so it’s easier for tourists and international business.

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

Travel Planning Resources

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

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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:

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

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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 🙂

Switzerland Itinerary

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Plan your dream Swiss getaway with SwissASAP’s expertly designed Switzerland itineraries. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our Switzerland travel plans are tailored to help you discover the country’s iconic landscapes, scenic trains, and hidden gems. Each itinerary is optimized for Swiss Travel Pass holders, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable journey.

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Explore Switzerland effortlessly with our complimentary, easy-to-follow Switzerland travel itineraries, perfect for 8-day or 15-day Swiss Travel Pass holders. Our Switzerland travel plans seamlessly blend scenic train journeys, breathtaking mountain excursions, and the charm of Swiss towns, allowing you to experience the best of Switzerland at your own pace. Ready to explore? Click below to start your Swiss adventure!

• 8-Day Swiss Travel Itinerary: GoldenPass Express Journey Experience breathtaking views as you travel through Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.
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• 10-Day Switzerland-Italy Vacation Plan: Alpine Wonders & Lake Como Combine the beauty of the Swiss Alps with the serenity of Italy’s lakes.
• 14-Day Switzerland Travel Itinerary: Bernina Express & Alpine Lakes Enjoy the iconic Bernina Express and explore the scenic beauty of Lake Como.

Customize Your Switzerland Travel Plan Our itineraries are flexible to suit your needs. Add extra nights or shorten your stay to match your schedule, whether in charming lakeside towns or stunning alpine retreats. SwissASAP helps you customize your journey, ensuring your Switzerland vacation plan is exactly how you’ve envisioned.

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If you prefer not to overthink your travel plans or book everything separately, our Grand Train Tour of Switzerland package is the perfect solution.

This all-inclusive, customizable package takes you through the Swiss Alps, lakes, and charming towns aboard celebrated trains like the Glacier Express , Bernina Express , and GoldenPass Express . Customize your journey with ease using our expertly designed itineraries.

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• Aargau region
• Basel region
• Bern Region
• Fribourg region
• Geneva region
• Graubünden region
• Jura & Three-Lakes Region
• Lake Geneva region
• Lucerne Region - Lake Lucerne
• Region Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
• Ticino region
• Valais region
• Zurich region
• Avalanche course
• Bungee jumping
• Carriage rides
• Chocolate factory
• Competition
• Cooking course
• Cross country skiing
• Eating with locals
• Escape room and games
• Exhibitions
• Food & Drink
• Ice climbing
• Indoor amusement park
• Lift tickets
• Llama and alpaca trekking
• Monster Scooter
• Mountain bike
• Mountain tour
• Natural attractions
• Night sledding
• Paragliding
• Photo course
• Private Car Tour
• Racing simulator
• SBB Day Pass
• Scenic flight
• Scenic train
• Shooting and Throwing Sports
• Ski touring
• Sledding and bobsleighing
• Snowboard Rental
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Stand up paddle
• Summer tobogganing
• Swiss Rail Passes
• Trail running
• Train ticket
• Travel preparation
• Via ferrata
• Virtual Reality Games
• Virtual Travel Companion
• Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing

Switzerland itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering how many days you should spend in Switzerland? This is a tricky question, but probably also the most important one. So let us help you out with that by saying: there’s no one correct answer to this.

Let’s get started with the main issue here. A lot of people get confused because Switzerland is such a small country and they think they can just breeze through in a day. Lucerne in the morning, Jungfraujoch in the afternoon and then onward to Paris. But don’t be fooled. Even though Switzerland is only half the size of Lake Superior, there’s more than enough to see and do for several weeks. And rushing through in a day would be such a shame.

We’re fully aware that not everyone has weeks available. Everyone’s time budget is different. Which is why the question should not be: “How much time should you spend in Switzerland?” but more: “How much time do you have and what can you see in this time available?”

To help you find your perfect Switzerland itinerary, we’ve put together a whopping collection of over 100 itineraries for you. Including a day-by-day rundown, a map, inspiring photos to wake that travel spirit as well as a highlight section for each one of these 105 itineraries. The time budgets they cover a range from 2 days to 14 days. The itineraries all have their starting point in Zurich or Geneva, which is where our two main airports are situated. But with Switzerland being so well connected by public transport, you can easily adjust your itinerary and start in a different place for full flexibility.

So whatever amount of time you have available, be that just a long weekend of two full weeks, your options to plan your Switzerland itinerary are plentiful. Let us guide you through the library that will help you plan your trip.

2 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

Let’s be honest, two days isn’t going to be enough time to visit Switzerland. But sometimes, it’s all you got. Luckily, with Switzerland being such a small country that’s very well connected to a public transport system, you can reach almost every corner within one day. You choose whether you want to:

• visit a city like Bern, Lucerne or St. Gallen
• travel into the Alps to see some impressive mountains like for instance the Matterhorn in Zermatt or Jungfraujoch near Interlaken
• or if you prefer cruising across Lake Thun or Lake Geneva on a passenger ship

If you start your 2 days in Switzerland from Zurich , we have a collection of 12 itineraries that all include one night away from Zurich. In case you enter Switzerland in the west and start your 2 days in Switzerland from Geneva , we’ve also got you covered with 9 itineraries.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 2 days in Switzerland itinerary: To save yourself some time on figuring out your transport options, check out our collection of pre-organised day trips from Zurich or Geneva . With these tours, all you need to do is jump on the comfortable bus and let your guide take you where the wind blows.

2 days Switzerland - 12 itineraries from Zurich

If you’re spending two days in Switzerland and are looking for your perfect itinerary, this selection of 12 itineraries will help you plan your trip. Even though two days is only a very short time to spend in Switzerland, there are still plenty of options for you. Our collection shows you different itineraries that are all doable within two days from Zurich.

2 days Switzerland - 9 itineraries from Geneva

This selection of 9 itineraries will help you plan your trip if you have two days in Switzerland. Even though two days is a very short time, there are still many options for you. You can travel around the French part of Switzerland and discover some of the highlights in this region - like Lake Geneva, the Lavaux vineyards and even some Swiss chocolate factories. Our collection shows you several itineraries that are all doable within two days from Geneva.

3 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

Still not too much time, but three days in Switzerland give you some more options to explore our beautiful country. You can combine several highlights of Switzerland in one trip. Like the Alps, some stunning mountain lakes and a visit to our most popular cities with their museums.

It also means you get to travel to a place and spend some time there, like for instance in our itinerary that takes you to the Italian part of Switzerland in the Canton of Ticino. It’ll give you some extra time to factor in a longer hike or an exciting activity like canyoning, skydiving or kayaking once you get there.

While it is possible to spend only two days in Switzerland, the minimum amount we recommend is definitely three days. The more the better, but in our opinion, we think you should opt for at least three days.

If you start your 3 days in Switzerland from Zurich , our collection contains 13 itineraries. In case you enter the country in the west and start your 3 days in Switzerland from Geneva , we’ve got you covered with 5 itineraries.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 3 days in Switzerland itinerary: Since you’re spending two nights in Switzerland, you have the option to include one of our world-famous scenic train rides into your journey. This way, the time you spend travelling on the train won’t feel like wasted time just getting from one place to another. It’ll rather be a part of your trip. Find out more about these extra scenic journeys in our article about the 5 best scenic train rides in Switzerland .

3 days in Switzerland - 13 itineraries from Zurich

Are you planning on spending three days in Switzerland and are looking for your perfect itinerary? If so, this selection of 13 itineraries will help you plan your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in three days from Zurich.

3 days in Switzerland - 5 itineraries from Geneva

If you want to spend three days in Switzerland and are looking for the perfect itinerary, this selection of 5 routes will help you plan your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in three days from Geneva.

4 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

With four days in Switzerland, your options to combine several highlights and places grow. It opens up the possibility to spend two nights in one place and explore the area to its fullest without constantly having to pack your bags.

In our itineraries, you often find suggestions with free days in places like Interlaken, Zermatt or the Canton of Ticino. This way, you get more of an in-depth insight into a region and can work up a longer bucket list of things you want to see. You’ll appreciate this if you don’t want to spend your holiday constantly weighing up your options because you don’t have enough time to see more than the absolute minimum.

In case you enter the country in Zurich and start your 4 days in Switzerland from Zurich , our collection contains 13 itineraries. However, if you start your 4 days in Switzerland from Geneva , we’ve got you covered with 3 itineraries that are specifically focusing on the French part of Switzerland.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 4 days in Switzerland itinerary: Now that you’re spending a couple of days in Switzerland, buying a travel pass of some sort might work out cheaper for you than buying single tickets as you go. Whether a Swiss Travel Pass or another Rail Pass makes sense for you depends on the itinerary you choose. But we recommend you do the maths once you decide on the places you’re going to include in your trip.

4 days Switzerland - 3 itineraries from Geneva

Traveling through Switzerland for four days gives you enough time to get a feel for the country. Finding the perfect itinerary for your vacation isn't easy, though. That's why we've put together a collection of four-day itineraries that all start in Geneva. It shows you three different options, all doable in four days from Geneva.

4 days Switzerland - 13 itineraries from Zurich

Four days in Switzerland is the perfect way to get a feel for the country. If you're looking for your perfect four-day itinerary in Switzerland, starting in Zurich, this selection of 13 itineraries will help you plan your trip. It shows you several options, all of which are doable in four days from Zurich.

5 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

With five days in Switzerland, you have the opportunity to travel across the whole country from east to west and still see plenty of things along the way. We don’t recommend this for any shorter duration. But with five days, you have the option if this is something you’re interested in.

The density of highlights you get to tick off your bucket list increases with each day you add to your trip. And five days in Switzerland is perfect to get a good idea of just how versatile this little country is. It also means you don’t have to choose between a trip into the Alps with some time-consuming outdoor adventures or a city trip. You can do both and still not have to rush.

Several of our itineraries include a ride on one of the scenic trains as they make your trip extra special. Which also means that buying a Rail Pass or even the Swiss Travel Pass might make sense for you.

Starting your 5 days in Switzerland from Zurich , we’ve put together 10 itineraries for you. If you start your 5 days in Switzerland from Geneva , you have a choice of 4 itineraries.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 5 days in Switzerland itinerary: Try not to plan out every minute of your trip. Since you have almost a week to discover Switzerland, you might want to leave some time for flexibility and spontaneity. So if you find yourself walking past a museum you want to visit or find a hike you’d like to go on, you’ll be glad you didn’t knit your schedule too tight. Plus you might like some time to just relax without rushing from one place to another, which these itineraries should allow for.

5 days in Switzerland - 10 itineraries from Zurich

Are you travelling to Switzerland for five days in Switzerland and are looking for your perfect itinerary? In this case, this selection of 10 itineraries will help you plan your trip. You’ll find different options for your five-day trip starting in Zurich. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start somewhere along the way or in a completely different city.

5 days Switzerland - 4 itineraries from Geneva

Are you planning on spending five days in Switzerland and looking for your perfect itinerary? In this case, this selection of four itineraries will help you plan your trip. You’ll find different options for your five-day trip starting in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start somewhere along the way or in a different city.

6 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

Almost one week in Switzerland. This is a fantastic time to, well, not see it all but certainly see more than most people coming to Switzerland ever will. Make sure you grab your Swiss Travel Pass for this one, either for six days straight or for a flexible amount of days. But chances are you’re going to need it with all the travelling you’ll be doing.

The beauty of these itineraries is that almost all of them have one or more free days in one place somewhere along the way. That way, you can discover a region in depth and take a break every now and then. You can also travel off the beaten track for a bit and go where most tourists never go when they come here. Like for instance Switzerland’s only Nationalpark in the Engadine or Switzerland’s biggest stork colony near Solothurn.

If you start your 6 days in Switzerland from Zurich , our collection contains 9 itineraries. In case you enter Switzerland in the west and start your 6 days in Switzerland from Geneva , we’ve got you covered with 3 itineraries.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 6 days in Switzerland itinerary: Six days is almost long enough to try and get familiar with some of the languages spoken in Switzerland . Did you know, for instance, that there are four official languages spoken here? Not that you’d need to be able to speak them all if you come, of course. None of us do! But if you know how to say “hello”, “goodbye” and “thank you” in each one of the languages, you might get a long way in making friends with some locals.

6 days in Switzerland - 9 itineraries from Zurich

If you’re looking for the perfect itinerary for your six days in Switzerland trip, this selection of 9 itineraries will help you plan your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in six days from Zurich. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start along the way or in a different city.

6 days Switzerland - 3 itineraries from Geneva

If you want to spend six days in Switzerland and are looking for the perfect itinerary, this selection of three routes will help you plan your trip. It shows you several options, all of which are doable in six days from Geneva. All routes are flexible, so you can start in a different city. This way you can make the most of your time in beautiful Switzerland.

8 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

With eight days in Switzerland, you have the luxury of putting together a sizable bucket list to work on during your trip. We have itineraries for deep-divers focusing on one specific area, like for instance eastern or western Switzerland, where you get to discover a certain region in depth. And we have itineraries for I-want-to-see-it-all travellers including all corners of the country. This way, you can get a great overview of just how versatile Switzerland is. Without having to get yourself into a crazy rush like you would if you only had four or five days.

Regardless of the itinerary you choose, a Rail Pass of some sort definitely makes sense here. Be that a regional, national or even an international one. Our 8 days in Switzerland itineraries all include free days along the way to give you a chance to relax and really get to know a place.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 8 days in Switzerland itinerary: Depending on what time of the year you plan your trip, you might encounter a rainy day or two. Switzerland has plenty of outdoor activities to offer that require sunshine, or at least no rain. But if you happen to be faced with a rainy day, take a look at our bad-weather ideas for Switzerland .

8 days in Switzerland - 10 itineraries from Zurich or Geneva

With a full eight days in Switzerland, you have several options to plan your perfect itinerary. There’s plenty to see and do in a week in Switzerland. Our selection of ten itineraries will help you organise your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in eight days starting either in Zurich or in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start along the way or in a different city. This way, you can make the most of your time in Switzerland.

10 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

With ten days in Switzerland, it’s entirely up to you if you want to work up a long bucket list and race through the country ticking off all the points. Or if you’d like to set your focus on one specific area and spend a couple of days there. Our itineraries include free days in places like Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Engelberg, Lugano or Bern. Just to name a few.

If you opt for one of our 10 days in Switzerland itineraries , you’ll be spending roughly four times longer than the average visitor coming to Switzerland does. Most tourists enter and leave within 2-3 days and will never get the experience you will if you stay for ten days.

It probably goes without saying here that buying a Swiss Travel Pass is almost a must. With the amount of travelling you’ll be doing, it’ll make your life significantly easier and it’ll also save you plenty of money.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 10 days in Switzerland itinerary: Train lovers, listen up. Did you know that there are 5 scenic train rides in Switzerland , some of which are world famous? Like for instance the Glacier Express or the Golden Pass Line. And with one of our 10-day itineraries, you can include them all in your trip. Check out itinerary No. 3 for more information.

10 days in Switzerland - 8 itineraries from Zurich or Geneva

Ten days are a great amount of time to discover Switzerland in all its beauty. Within ten days in Switzerland, you have several options to plan your perfect itinerary. Our selection of eight itineraries will help you organise your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in ten days starting either in Zurich or in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start along the way or in a different city. This way, you can make the most of your time in Switzerland.

14 days in Switzerland from Zurich or Geneva

With two weeks in Switzerland, the world is your oyster! You can see everything you want, and then some. You don’t even have to choose between cities, museums, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, adventure activities or scenic train rides. Just do it all. You can travel to dozens of places and still not spend hours in the car or on the train because Switzerland is such a small country.

With a Swiss Travel Pass in your pocket to open the doors to all public transport and many more benefits, you can discover Switzerland like hardly anyone else does. The advantage of our 14 days in Switzerland itineraries is that you won’t be rushed at all. Your friends and family back home might think you’re crazy for spending so much time in a country that is ten times smaller than California. But we’re confident you won’t regret it.

Swiss Activities Tipp for your 14 days in Switzerland itinerary: We’re fully aware that spending two weeks in one of the most expensive countries in the world comes at a cost. Which is why we’re sure you’re going to love our article with 100 free things to do in Switzerland .

14 days in Switzerland - 6 itineraries from Zurich or Geneva

With two full weeks in Switzerland, you have more than enough time to explore the country in all its beauty. Within 14 days in Switzerland, you have several options to plan your perfect itinerary. Our selection of six itineraries will help you organise your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in 14 days starting either in Zurich or in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start along the way or in a different city. This way, you can make the most of your time in Switzerland.

Discover leisure activities

Top destinations.

• Lauterbrunnen
• Brienzwiler
• Château-d'Oex

Top Activities

Top attractions.

• Harder Kulm
• Jungfraujoch
• First Cliff Walk
• Museum of Transport
• Lake Lucerne
• Mount Titlis
• Schynige Plate
• Lake Geneva
• Eiger Glacier
• Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
• Lake Brienz
• Chillon Castle

4 Days in Switzerland – Plan Your Switzerland Itinerary!

• January 31, 2023
• Visit Switzerland
• 4 Days in Switzerland , swiss itinerary , Switzerland itinerary

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and you can see so much in 4 days that you will remember all your life.

You can find not only the most beautiful mountain peaks in Switzerland, but many beautiful charming villages , rivers, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and so much more.

Switzerland has a great culture and fascinating Swiss cuisine .

I have visited all the Swiss cantons (there are 26 of them), did hundreds of hikes, visited dozens of Swiss villages and cities and I have prepared you a 4 day itinerary which will help you to see the most beautiful places of Switzerland and just have a time of your life.

Further reading: 3 days in Switzerland itinerary

This itinerary is more suited for summer time as I include some mountain passes which are unfortunately passable by car only in summer, but if you come in winter – no worries, you can get to places by train (car train) or by a cable car.

The best way to visit Switzerland is by car, especially if you are more than one person, this will help you to save tons of money, as trains can get pretty expensive. If you decide to travel by train, check out our Swiss Pass article and how trains work in Switzerland .

Further reading: Ultimate mountain passes adventure in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for the Swiss Alps and I would focus here on spending as much time in charming villages and valleys as possible and leave the big cities only for the first day. If you are more into cities exploring, I suggest you reading our articles about:

Things to do in Basel

Things to do in Lucerne

Things to do in Bern

Things to do in Geneve

Do not get me wrong, cities in Switzerland are extremely beautiful with majestic views to the mountains, but they are still cities and it is more for urban explorers, not for nature explorers.

Let us have a look at our 4 days in Switzerland.

Table of Contents

Day 1 in Switzerland:

1) arriving at zürich airport.

Once you arrive to the airport, you would have to decide how to travel: by car or train? Trains are quite expensive in Switzerland, and renting a car can really help you to save some money, as you will be flexible and can get anywhere at any time.

Trains in Switzerland usually go till 2 am and then starts at around 5 am, but if you are stuck in some remote village and have to use a train – the waiting times can be quite long depending on how late you are.

If you’re travelling in a group of two or more, why not rent a car for your 4 days exploring Switzerland?

You’ll save money compared to buying individual train tickets and gain the freedom to move around freely—something that can’t always be said about other modes of transport. And if you need any advice on using trains while there, I have just the thing – an article all about how best to experience Switzerland by rail .

2) Take a Walking Tour in Zürich

As the first step in your trip, I highly recommend visiting the biggest city in Switzerland.

It has a very cozy and humble old town and great walks by  Lake Zürich .

To make it as fast as possible for you, you should go to your car and park here: Rämistrasse 22A, 8001 Zürich.

It is very close to the city center, but as well very close to the old town and the lake. This parking is quite costly, but you would need to park there just up to two hours or less. Once you go out of the parking, you will get very fast (in 5-10 minutes) to the big main square which is right by the  Zürich Opera House . Ok, so to understand where you are: the old town is on your right, the lake is right in front of you.

Please have a look at the Zürich walking tour map below:

Take a relaxing stroll through the charming Qualbrücke , and if you’re lucky enough to catch it on a clear day, be prepared for some breathtaking alpine views. This short 2.5 kilometer journey should take no more than 35 minutes or so before your first glimpse of the magnificent Alps!

Allocate at least an hour or two to fully appreciate everything but don’t overstay: time passes quickly when traveling these parts.

3) Travel to Grindelwald

Grindelwald is located 137 kilometers way from Zürich and is a perfect gateway to the Swiss Alps.

This charming village is full of mountain experiences and just alone in this village you can easily spend a week and explore the whole Jungfrau region.

My biggest recommendation is to take a train up to Kleine Scheidegg or even to Jungfraujoch . It is a mountain station located at 3463 meters and winter is there all year round.

The train ride itself is a spectacle as you will go up the steep slopes of the mountains and after you cross the mountain station of Kleine Scheidegg – you will get into the mountain and for some time you will go up inside the mountain. This tunnel is more than hundred years old and was an engineering marvel in the beginning of the 20th century.

On the top you will find not only magnificient views, but shops, restaurants, museum and some more attractions.

If you want to spend more time in the nature, I have a list of best hikes and activities in Grindelwald and whole area:

Best hikes in Grindelwald

Best hikes in Jungfrau Region

Top 15 activities in Grindelwald

Day 2 in Switzerland

1) visit lauterbrunnen.

The famous Lauterbrunnen village is just on another side of the mountain, so the trip by car will take around 20 minutes.

If you have ever seen a Swiss village with huge mountains around and a huge waterfall – it is probably Lauterbrunnen.

Lauterbrunnen is a perfect location if you want to make some jaw-dropping pictures for your Instagram.

Once in Lauterbrunnen you can visit Wengen or Mürren which are reachable by train.

I have prepared a list of activities you can do in Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Mürren.

Best hikes in Lauterbrunnen

Best hikes in Wengen

Things to do in Mürren

After a hike or visit one of the villages, I suggest having a lunch not in Lauterbrunnen, but in Mürren or Wengen as over there you will get fantastic premium views to the valley and white mountain peaks. You will never forget these spots.

2) Head to Zermatt

Zermatt is probably the most popular village in Switzerland and is only reachable by train, so you will have to leave your car in Täsch (the last village before Zermatt).

Train ride is only 10 minutes.

In Zermatt you will find exclusive views to Matterhorn – the most famous mountain in Switzerland.

I highly recommend taking a gondola to the top of Glacier paradise – it is a mountain station at almost 4 000 meters altitude – the highest one in Europe.

Over there you will find a restaurant, a shop and many more activities.

Zermatt is a really old isolated village with wooden architecture – so you will experience the real old Swiss mountain atmosphere and daily life.

Tip : if you want to save some money on accommodation, I recommend to spend a night in Täsch as prices can be up to two times cheaper. The trains to Täsch go till really late times, so you can go other there just to spend a night after spending whole day and evening in Zermatt.

Day 3 in Switzerland

1) head to the mountain passes.

After visiting Zermatt, I suggest you continue your trip deeper into the Swiss Alps and visit some of the most beautiful mountain passes in Switzerland:

Grimselpass – a beautiful mountain pass with a huge lake on the top with views to an extraordinary hotel which is situated a little bit lower than the top.

Furkapass – a famous James Bond mountain pass where you can visit the glacier.

Oberalp Pass – the only mountain pass with a lighthouse.

This is going to be your ultimate alpine drive with 3 mountain passes one after another. You should do the ride in the order I have written above.

You will get to higher altitudes as 2400 meters and experience the exciting mountain atmosphere.

If I would have just one day in Switzerland, this is what I would ultimately do – this mountain passes tour. It is really breathtaking and worth every minute of your time.

If you are getting hungry and need a snack, each mountain pass has small shops and restaurants.

2) Spend a night in Disentis

Disentis is one of hidden Swiss gems. It is a small village with huge old monastery.

Disentis is surrounded by huge mountains and has exceptional landshaft.

In the village you can find some cosy hotels and have a dinner in local restaurants where you can try local foods. 

One note: in this village they speak the 4th Swiss language: Romansch. So this is a really special location.

Have a look at my day over there: One day in Disentis .

Day 4 in Switzerland

1) visit arosa.

I really want you to spend as much time in the mountains, so our next stop is another Swiss gem – Arosa village.

Once you reach Chur city (the biggest in Graubünden canton ) – you will get to narrower roads where the views are extraordinary.

Tip: If you are travelling by car, I recommend taking a train from Chur to Arosa as the views are really worth adoring. The train ride is around 1 hour.

Arosa has a beautiful lake in the middle of the village center, but the most beauty reveals itself if you take a gondola up to Weisshorn mountain. It has a huge mountain station with a beautiful restaurant where you can have a lunch and try local cuisine.

2) Take a peak into Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world and is right on the way back to Zürich.

Depending if you have some free time till your flight, I recommend visiting this small little country.

In Liechtenstein you should head to Vaduz, the capital of the country.

Over there you can have a slow stroll in the city center and explore this unique location.

FAQ About Switzerland in 4 days itinerary

Is 4 days enough for switzerland.

Yes, in 4 days you can travel all around Switzerland, just remember, that Switzerland is quite a small country and in 4 days you can easily cover 2000 kilometers, which will be more than enough to see the majestic Swiss Alps.

How much does it cost to travel in Switzerland?

It all depends on your needs, as Switzerland has a pretty wide range of hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Hotels can cost from 100 to 1000 USD or more per night.

Food can cost from 5 USD for a bagel to 50 USD for a steak.

But if you are on a budget, you should consider such costs:

Car rent per day: around 100 USD

Hotel per night for a double room: from 100 USD

Dinner/Lunch at a restaurant: around 30 USD per person (no alcohol, no second courses)

Gondola: depending on location, but it can start from 20 USD and get up to 200 USD per ride up to the mountain and back.

If you want to save money: hike instead of taking gondolas, prepare your own lunch (have a look at grocery shops in Switzerland ) and do not always go to restaurants, avoid tourist traps.

Which month is best for Switzerland?

You can see and visit the most in Summer months as all the mountain passes are open and all hiking trails are passable.

From June to September you will have the best chance to reach all remote places in Switzerland.

What is the cheapest month to go to Switzerland?

If you want to save some money and travel around in Switzerland (not ski), then winter months are the cheapest, especially if you spend nights in not skiing areas.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries and in 4 days you can really cover a lot: see the mountains, some cities, villages, have a hike, go up the mountain with a gondola, take amazing pictures, try local cuisine and so much more.

These 4 days will be fast and intense, but you are going to experience so much, that you will never forget this trip in your life.

Related posts:

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect .

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• 17 September 2024

The ultimate 2 week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

This is your ultimate 2 week kyrgyzstan itinerary.

• Last Modified: September 17, 2024

Kyrgyzstan had been on my bucket list for years and I was beyond excited to finally visit this beautiful country in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is a teasure of stunning landscape, a rich culture based on the Silk Road and is full of authentic experiences, as it is not explored by the larger crowds. In around two weeks, you can explore the country’s highlights including vibrant Bishkek, ancient caravanserais, rugged mountain passes and the most stunning alpine lakes. Here’s a detailed 2 week Kyrgyzstan itinerary, featuring yurt stays, hikes and cultures experiences. 

Bear in mind, I traveled to Kyrgyzstan with the pre-arranged tour of Journal of Nomads . Therefore, my accommodation and transportation was taken care off. Nevertheless, with the right planning, it is possible to travel to Kyrgyzstan yourself, renting a 4×4 (you should be an experienced driver and can handle adventure), with public transportation or with a private guide. 

How many days in Kyrgyzstan?

For most travelers, 2 weeks in Kyrgyzstan offers the ideal travel route and time, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and landscapes. It allows you to explore the key destinations like Bishkek, Ala Kul, Issyk-Kul and more remote areas such as Kel Suu. However, your travel time needs to be well-planned and there is limited time to relax longer in certain destinations. Therefore, if you want to have more flexibiity, extending your trip to 3 weeks allows more time for a leisurly pace, but also opens up the opportunity to use public transportation and local vans for traveling. 

Best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June to September, when the weather is warmer and in most areas, including the high-altitude lakes and mountain passes such as around Ala Kul are accessible. This makes it the perfect time for hiking, although, make sure you still dress for all different circumstances as there can be crazy snowfall also in summer. Alternatively, you can visit Kyrgyzstan in winter if you are interester in wintersports, however, wintertime won’t allow you to follow the 2 week Kyrgyzstan itinerary as described in this travel guide as many roads and treks will be inaccessible due to winter and the extreme temperatures. Also, yurt camps won’t be available. 

How to get around Kyrgyzstan

Getting around Kyrgyzstan can be an adventure, as the rugged terrain and remote locations (without proper access roads) require flexibility and planning. The most common mode of transport is to join a group trip or a private driver. Alternatively, you can rent your own car (but bear in mind this is quite dangerous due to driving off-road. Check out this article of another blogger with more experience on self-driving through Kyrgyzstan ) or shared taxis (marshrutkas). Once at a destination, hiking, cycling and horseback riding are the best ways to explore a specific countryside area such as Song-Kul or Ala-Kul. Please be aware, that it is important to plan for longer travel times, due to the rough roades. 

Alternatively, you can use a combination and focus on shared taxis for shorter and more common routes, combined with private drivers. 

2 week Kyrgyzstan itinerary in a nutshell

– Bishkek (1 night upon arrival)

– Son Kul (2 nights) 

– Kok-Kiya Valley & Kel Suu (2 nights) 

– Tash Rabat & Panda Pass (2 nights) 

– Issy-Kul (1 nights) 

– Karakol & Ala Kul Hike (5 nights) 

– Bishkek (1 night) 

Your ultimate 2 week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

After arriving in Kyrgyzstan and staying for 1 night in Bishkek to accommodate, it is time to start the trip to the first destination of this Kyrgyzstan travel route: Son-Kul / Song-Kul. Song-Kul is the perfect location to start your Kyrgyzstan adventure, as it is a serene alpine lake surrounded by yurt camps. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to experience nomadic life and get used to sleeping in yurts at a higher altitude. One of the key activities to do around Son-Kul is to go horseback riding and explore the beautiful scenary. Spend your evenings overlooking the lake engaging with the nomadic family. 

Son Kul is a 7 to 8 hour drive from Bishkek and breaks up your journey towards the southern regions of the country to continue your trip. 

Where to stay in Son Kul: Zalkar Yurt Camp or Yurt Camp Azamat

|| Kok-Kiya Valley & Kel-Suu

  After Song-Kul, it is time to travel to one of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan, the remote Kok Kiya Valley. Staying in one of the few beautiful yurt camps in the valley will leave you with stunning mountain views. During your full day in the Kok Kiya Valley, you can hike to the beautiful Kel Suu lake. Kel Suu is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by cliffs and is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Driving from Song-Kul to Kok Kiya Valley takes around 6 hours. Bear in mind you need to apply for a specific license to enter the valley, as it is a border area with China. 

Where to stay in the Kok Kiya Valley:  Yurt Camp Kolsuu at Bashy  (€80 for five persons),  Yurt camp visit Kol-Suu  (€30pp),  Bars Yurt Camp  (€40)

Read more about visiting Kel Suu Lake and the Kok Kiya Valley here

|| Tash Rabat & Panda Pass

If you need to skip part of your itinerary, I have to admit I was least impressed by this stop of the travel route. 

|| Issyk-Kul

After a visit to Tash Rabat, it is time to travel to Issyk-Kul for a relaxing day. Next to that, accommodation in Issyk-Kul provides a shower and wifi, so this is also the perfect location to recharge for your hike around the Ala Kul lake. Stay on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul is the second-largest saline lake in the world and offers beautiful views. Also, the temperatures are pretty pleasant around the lake in summer. When at Issyk-Kul, also don’t forget to stop at the Fairytale Canyon and/or experience an eagle demonstration. 

The drive from Tash Rabat to Issyk-Kul is about 6 hours.

Where to stay at Issyk-Kul: Bel Tam Yurt Camp ,  Ak Tengir Yurt Resort ,  Agat Yurt Camp ,  Remote. Forgotten Rivers

|| Karakol & Ala-Kul hike

Next up is Karakol, where you can prepare for one of the highlights of your trip to Kyrgyzstan: the 4-day Ala Kul hike! Karakol town is one of the larger towns in Kyrgyzstan, including supermarkets and some hiking shops in case you still need some gear. In Karakol, you can stay in lovely guest houses, including a hot shower and wifi. From Issyk-Kul, it is a 2-hour drive to Karakol. 

After one night in Karakol, you will embark on the challenging 4-day trek to Ala-Kul, a stunning alpine lake in the Terskey Alatau mountains.  During the first day, you will walk towards Sirota Camp through valleys and forests. The second day will focus on ascending to Ala-Kul lake, where you will stay the night. During the third day, you will cross the Ala-Kul pass, with amazing views over the Ala-Kul lake and afterwards start the descent to Altyn Arashan. Finally, on day 4, you will complete the hike by returning to Karakol, which is a relaxed hike. During the hike, you can best stay in a tent. There are some alternative options available, which can all be found – including a full hiking report – in my four day Ala Kul guide. 

Where to stay in Karakol:  Duet Hostel  or  Riverside Guesthouse . 

Read more about the 4 day Ala Kul hike.

Where to stay in Bishkek: Terrasse Hotel & Bar (€70) , Golden Hotel (€45), Navat Hotel (€70)

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