The Ultimate Switzerland itinerary in 7 days
Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate Switzerland itinerary, look no further. This 7-day itinerary covers all the best that Switzerland has to offer, from breathtaking mountain views to idyllic lakeside towns. You’ll need a Swiss Travel Pass to make the most of this trip, but with careful planning it’s easy to make the most of your time and see everything that Switzerland has to offer.
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and explore the city center
Start your trip in Zurich, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. After checking into your hotel, head into the city center to explore. Make sure to visit the Old Town, which is full of quaint shops and restaurants, If you’re feeling energetic, take a walk around Lake Zurich or rent a bike and explore further afield. This Zurich vegan travel guide has great suggestions for restaurants, places to stay, and fun activities to do.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich is a beautiful, banana-shaped lake in Switzerland that’s known for its stunning scenery and tranquility. The lake is bordered by the cantons of Zurich, St.Gallen, and Schwyz, and is home to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Although the lake is mostly known for its tourist attractions and relaxed atmosphere, it used to be a main route for traffic and transport. Today, the best way to discover the Lake Zurich area is by taking a boat trip. Most of the places around the shore are served by a regular boat service all year round, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace. The undisputed favourites with the public are the towns of Rapperswil and Pfäffikon, but there are plenty of other gems to be found along the shores of Lake Zurich. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an adventure-filled holiday, Lake Zurich is the perfect destination.
Day 2: Travel to Lucerne and enjoy the city
From Zurich, it’s an easy train ride to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque towns. Start your day with a walk around Lake Lucerne, admiring the views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling active, take a boat ride out to one of the nearby mountain peaks, such as Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus. In the afternoon, stroll through the city center, admiring the medieval architecture, such as the Chapel Bridge, a iconic wooden bridge that dates back to the 14th century, and finish with a spot of shopping in one of the many stores. I had the opportunity to go there with my husband and we loved it! We took so many pictures and made so many memories. I would love to go back again soon.
Chapel Bridge
The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is definitely one of the most amazing places to visit in Lucerne, Switzerland! It is a covered wooden footbridge that spans the river Reuss diagonally, and it is full of beautiful paintings from the 17th century. Even though many of them were destroyed in a fire in 1993, the bridge has been restored and it is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. The Kapellbrücke is also the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge, which makes it even more special. If you ever have the chance to visit Lucerne, make sure to add the Kapellbrücke to your list of places to see!
Water Tower
Lucerne’s Water Tower is an amazing place to visit! The Water Tower was built in the 13th century. It is a massive structure that is almost a hundred years older than the adjoining Chapel Bridge. The Water Tower was already there when the Chapel Bridge was built in the middle of the 14th century. The abbot of the Alsatian monastery of Murbach and lord of Lucerne probably built it soon after 1262. He did this to show the people of Lucerne who was boss. The Water Tower is an interesting place to visit and learn more about the history of Lucerne.
Day 3. Day trip to the mountains near Lucerne
Rigi Kulm on Mount Rigi
Mt Rigi in Central Switzerland is so stunningly beautiful. I love it! The Rigi is a mountain located in Central Switzerland. It is surrounded by three different bodies of water: Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz. The Schwyzer Alps are a mountain range in Switzerland. The range is divided between the cantons of Schwyz and Lucerne, with the main summit, Rigi Kulm, located within the canton of Schwyz. The beautiful Rigi Kulm Hotel, built in 1816, is located on the summit. You can hear some traditional Swiss music here, and learn a bit more about the culture.
The Rigi Kulm and other areas, like the resort of Rigi Kaltbad, have Europe’s oldest mountain railways. You can do many activities there, like skiing or just looking around. On a clear day, you can see more than 200 lakes and 4 thousand mountain peaks. In summary, Mt. Rigi is a very beautiful place with many different things to do.
Mount Pilatus
You should definitely visit Mount Pilatus! It’s a jagged mountain that overlooks Lucerne and it’s absolutely stunning. There are plenty of things to do there too. You can go hiking, cable car-ing, and railways-ing (is that a word?). Not to mention, the view from the top is breathtaking. I guarantee you won’t regret visiting Mount Pilatus!
You can take the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, up to the top from Alpnachstad. The views from the top are amazing and you can see for miles! There are also two other peaks nearby that you can hike to – Esel and Oberhaupt. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do in the summer, take the “Golden Round Trip”! You’ll take a boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad and then go up on the cogwheel railway. It’s a great way to see the sights and get some exercise too!
Mount Titlis
Mt. Titlis is famous for being the home of the world’s first revolving cable car. Located between the cantons of Obwalden and Bern, Mt. Titlis offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. With its glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks, Mt. Titlis is a truly unique destination. In addition to its spectacular views, Mt. Titlis is also home to a variety of thrilling experiences, such as the Ice Flyer Chairlift and the Cliff Walk. The Titlis Cliff Walk, which opened in 2012, is a pedestrian bridge that spans the cliff of Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps. Standing at around 3,000 m above sea level, it is believed to be the highest-elevation suspension bridge in Europe.. Spanning a length of 100 m, the Titlis Cliff Walk offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps. It is also a popular spot for adrenaline junkies. Some people say that it has even better views than the Jungfrau. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply a beautiful place to relax, Mt. Titlis is definitely worth a visit.
Day 4: Travel to Interlaken in the Jungfrau region
From Bern, it’s an easy train ride to Interlaken, the gateway to the Jungfrau region. This area is caller the Bernese Oberland, or Berner Oberland in German.
Interlaken is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken offers stunning views of soaring mountains, pristine waters and lush vegetation. The town itself is charming and well-equipped for tourists, with a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels. In addition, Interlaken is the gateway to a number of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, rafting and skiing. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Interlaken is sure to exceed your expectations.
Interlaken Ost
Interlaken Ost (East) is the main train station in Interlaken. The town has one other station, Interlaken West. Interlaken Ost is an important railway junction. This is where three railway lines meet: the Thunersee line of BLS AG, the Brünig line of Zentralbahn, and the Bernese Oberland railway (BOB). Trains from these three lines all stop at this station. Additionally, passenger trains from Swiss Federal Railways and Deutsche Bahn also stop here. The station provides a place where people can switch from the bus to the train. The local bus network and the regional bus line to Thun both stop at the station.
Harder Kulm
The Harder Kulm is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Interlaken, and for good reason. Sitting at an altitude of 1,322 meters, the Harder Kulm offers breathtaking views of some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The Talstation building, which houses the cable car that takes visitors up to the top of the mountain, is a listed building in Interlaken and has remained largely unchanged since it was built over 100 years ago. In addition to the stunning views, the Harder Kulm is also home to a palatial restaurant and the Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine views or just looking for a unique place to visit, the Harder Kulm is sure to impress.
Lake Brienz
Interlaken is a small town located in the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps, and it is home to two of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. While both lakes offer stunning views and ample opportunities for recreational activities, many visitors find that Lake Brienz is the more enjoyable of the two. One reason for this is that Lake Brienz is smaller than Lake Thun, meaning that a full boat tour takes less time. Additionally, the lake is surrounded by steeper mountains and rock walls, which makes the whole experience more impressive. Finally, the Giessbach falls are located on Lake Brienz and are simply breathtaking and the water is a deep turquoise color, which is so beautiful. So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to visit Lake Brienz when you’re in Interlaken.
Day 5: Travel to Murren the car free village
If you’re looking for a breathtaking mountain village that will make you feel like you’re in a James Bond film, then Murren is the place for you. The only way to reach Murren is by taking a series of trains and cable cars, but it’s well-worth the trek. Once you’re there, you’ll be treated to 32 miles of skiing and snowboarding trails, plus lots of off-piste opportunities. And the sledding is even better. Make sure to take the cable car to the summit of Schilthorn for epic alpine views.
You can also visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, which features the Bond World 007 exhibit. And don’t forget to check out the Lauterbrunnen Valley and its subterranean, glacial Trümmelbach Falls.
There’s also plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. There are amazing hotels along the cliff face, where you can stay, or eat in the restaurant, and have a jaw-dropping view.
For example, Hotel Alpenruh has a beautiful outdoor patio with a gorgeous view of the mountains. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Murren for an unforgettable adventure.
Jungfraujoch
From Murren, you can do a day trip to Jungfrau. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you definitely won’t want to miss out on Jungfraujoch. Also known as the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is one of the highest and most easily accessible mountain destinations in all of Europe. And trust me, it’s totally worth the visit! Not only will you get to experience some of the most breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, but you’ll also get to see the Aletsch Glacier – the largest glacier in all of Europe. Plus, if you visit during the winter months, you can even go sledding and tubing down the snowy slopes. Basically, there’s something for everyone at Jungfraujoch.
To go to Jungfraujoch from Murren, go to Lauterbrunnen. Then take the cogwheel train up to Kleine Scheidegg.
Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass in Switzerland. It is at an elevation of 2,061 m and it is below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks. The pass offers views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as a view of the Aletsch Glacier, which is the biggest glacier in the Alps. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend taking the cable car or walking up to one of the many lookout points. For those who are feeling adventurous, there are several hiking trails that lead up to Kleine Scheidegg. Kleine Scheidegg is an amazing place to go for several reasons. First, the scenery is incredible. You’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and beautiful alpine meadows. Second, the village of Kleine Scheidegg is very charming. It’s a great place to stay if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of some of the larger Swiss towns and cities. Third, the area has great hiking and skiing opportunities. There are plenty of trails to explore in the summer and winter, so you can really make the most of your time in Kleine Scheidegg. And finally, the train ride up to Jungfraujoch is an experience in itself. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, and it’s definitely worth making the trip.
Grindelwald
In the afternoon, take a cable car ride down to Grindelwald and explore this quaint village before heading back to Murren.
Grindelwald is a popular place for people to go to the Jungfrau Region. People like to ski there in the winter and hike there in the summer. The village is also a popular spot for mountain climbers looking to ascend the iconic north face of Eiger Mountain.
Gletscherschlucht is a gorge located just outside Grindelwald. The path has signs with information, as well as waterfalls and walls made of striated limestone. The village of Grindelwald is truly a place of natural beauty and should not be missed by any traveler to Switzerland.
Day 6. Travel to Bern
From the Berner Oberland, it’s a short train ride to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Start your day with a walk around the city center called Old Town, admiring the medieval architecture and taking in the views from the top of the Zytglogge, a towering clock tower.
Old Town is an absolutely beautiful UNESCO site that will transport you back in time. The Old City of Bern is a well-preserved example of a medieval European city. The compact layout and mix of buildings from different periods give the city a unique character. The 15th-century arcades and 16th-century fountains are particularly noteworthy. Most of the medieval city was restored in the 18th century, but it has retained its original character. The Old City is worth visiting for its architectural heritage and its role in Swiss history. The buildings date back to the 12th century and are just gorgeous. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this place. It’s the perfect spot to take some pictures and just soak in the history. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Bern Historical Museum
If you’re interested in Swiss history, make sure to visit the Bern Historical Museum, which chronicles the city’s past. The Bern Historical Museum is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland. It was designed by the Neuchâtel architect André Lambert and built in 1894. Since it was initially conceived as the Swiss National Museum, the architect took as his model various historic castles from the 15th and 16th centuries. Here are some amazing castles in Switzerland that you can visit as you plan your itinerary.
The ten permanent exhibitions at the Bern Historical Museum are devoted to the topics of history, archeology and ethnography. The integrated Einstein Museum presents the life of the Nobel-prizewinning physicist and the museum’s modern addition measuring 1,200 m² houses various exciting and rotating exhibitions. Visitors can explore the history of Switzerland from its earliest beginnings up to the present day. Highlights include a massive recreation of a Bronze Age village, an immersive installation detailing the life of medieval peasants, and a hands-on exhibit about Graubünden during the Reformation. The Einstein Museum brings together rare documents and personal belongings to tell the story of the iconic scientist’s life, work, and legacy. And the rotating exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from traditional Swiss crafts to contemporary design. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or art, there’s something for everyone at the Bern Historical Museum.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through one of Bern’s many parks or go for a swim in the River Aare.
Day 7: Depart from Geneva
From Bern, it’s just a short train ride to Geneva, Switzerland’s second largest city. Start your day exploring the city center, home to sights such as the jet d’eau, a gigantic fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, being featured on the city’s official tourism web site and on the official logo for Geneva’s hosting of group stage matches at UEFA Euro 2008. The fountain is located on the edge of Lake Geneva and is visible from many parts of the city. The Jet d’Eau is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland.
If you’re interested in Swiss history, take a walk around the Old Town (called Vieille Ville in French ), where you’ll find the remains of the city’s medieval walls. Geneva’s Old Town is a beautiful, historic area full of charming cafés, restaurants, museums, and squares. The must-see sights include St. Peter’s Cathedral, Maison Tavel, the Old Arsenal, Place du Bourg-de-Four, the Brunswick monument and The Treille Promenade.
The square in the center of Old Town, Bourg-de-Four Square, is the oldest place in Geneva and a great place to start exploring the area. Old Town is located on a hill, so be prepared for a little bit of a climb if you’re coming from the lake. However, the views from Old Town are well worth the effort! In the afternoon, head to Lake Geneva for some relaxation time or take a boat ride out to one of the surrounding towns.
Then sadly it’s time to go home. Geneva airport is aan international airport located just outside of the city. In 2014, it surpassed 15 million passengers for the first time and shows no signs of slowing down. The airport has two main terminals – one for domestic and one for international flights. It also has a regional terminal that handles smaller planes. The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including Swiss Air, which is based in Geneva. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a variety of transportation options available. Overall, Geneva Airport is a convenient and easy-to-use airport that handles a large number of passengers each year.
Conclusion
There you have it – a 7-day Switzerland itinerary that covers all of the must-see sights in this beautiful country. From the picturesque lakes to the towering mountains, Switzerland has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
FAQ
- How much does it cost to travel to Switzerland? The cost of travel to Switzerland will vary depending on your itinerary and the type of traveler you are. If you are staying in hostels and eating at budget restaurants, you can expect to spend around $100 per day. However, if you are staying in nicer hotels and eating at more expensive restaurants, your daily cost will be closer to $400.
- Does Switzerland have an airport?Yes, Switzerland has a number of airports that handle both domestic and international flights. The largest airport in Switzerland is Zurich Airport, followed by Geneva Airport.
- What is the best time of year to visit Switzerland? The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your interests. If you are looking to ski or snowboard, the best time to visit is between December and February. However, if you are more interested in hiking and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is between June and August.
- Can I use my credit card in Switzerland? Yes, most major credit cards are accepted in Switzerland. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards. American Express is also accepted, but to a lesser extent.
- Can I drink the tap water in Switzerland? Yes, the tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink. In fact, it is some of the cleanest water in the world!
- Do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland? No, citizens of the United States do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland. However, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Switzerland.
- What is the currency of Switzerland? The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF). One Swiss franc is divided into 100 centimes. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, as well as 1 and 2 francs. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000 francs.
- What is the official language of Switzerland? The official languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, English is also widely spoken, so you should have no problem getting by without speaking any of the Swiss languages.
- What power voltage and plugs are used in Switzerland? The standard voltage in Switzerland is 230 volts (50 hertz). The standard plug type is the C plug, which has two round pins. Plug type J can also be used, and it is the plug which has three round pins.
- Do I need to tip in Switzerland? Tipping in Switzerland is not required, but it is appreciated. For example, you may want to leave a small tip (5-10%) for your hotel maid or server in a restaurant. However, you are not expected to tip taxi drivers or other service providers.
- Is Switzerland a safe country to travel to? Yes, Switzerland is a safe country to travel to. The crime rate is low and there are no areas that are particularly dangerous for travelers. However, as with any country, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- What vaccinations do I need for Switzerland? There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Switzerland. However, it is recommended that you are up-to-date on your tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccinations. You may also want to consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, as well as covid and influenza.
- Do I need travel insurance for Switzerland? Yes, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance when traveling abroad. Travel insurance will protect you in case of an emergency, such as lost luggage, canceled flights, or medical emergencies.
- How do I get around Switzerland? The best way to get around Switzerland is by public transportation, including bus and train. The Swiss rail network is one of the most efficient in the world and can take you just about anywhere you want to go. If you will be traveling a lot by train, you may want to consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel on most trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland. You can also consider the Swiss Half Fare Card (Halbtax), which lets you can travel through Switzerland at half price and is less expensive than the full Swiss Travel Pass. You can also get around by car, but keep in mind that parking can be expensive and traffic can be heavy in the larger cities.
- If I can extend my trip, what are the best additional places to visit in Switzerland? There are too many great places to visit in Switzerland to list them all here! Some of the best places to visit include St. Moritz, taking the Glacier Express train between Zermatt and St. Moritz, and visiting the iconic Matterhorn mountain in Zermatt.
For more travel ideas, here are 40 best vacation destinations for nature lovers.
Have you been to Switzerland before? What was your favorite region?
2 Comments
Comments are closed.