Itinerary for Switzerland for 7 Days (Plus 3, 5, 10 and 14-day options)
Deciding which places to include in your itinerary for Switzerland can be one of the hardest parts of the whole trip planning process. Which towns and cities you visit will largely depend on how much time you can spend in Switzerland as well as your particular interests.
Many visitors want to see Switzerland in a week, so I’m sharing my best Switzerland 7 day itinerary ideas! But if you don’t have a week, don’t worry – I’ve also got itineraries for longer and shorter stays including this 10 day Switzerland itinerary.
All these Swiss itinerary options are suitable for both train travelers and those who would prefer to rent a car and enjoy a Switzerland road trip.
To help you visualise where the Switzerland itineraries mentioned in this article will take you, use the map below as a guide.
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What's in this Article
Itinerary for Switzerland for 7 Days
In a perfect world, a week in Switzerland is not enough as there is just so much to see and do. However, it is long enough for you to experience some of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.
No doubt Switzerland’s famous Alps are on your must-visit list and this 1 week Switzerland itinerary gives you the opportunity to visit some real beauties and go on a best of Switzerland tour. It also includes the picturesque city of Lucerne with its medieval covered wooden bridge and pretty Old Town.
Switzerland in 7 days itinerary overview:
- Lucerne – 2 nights
- Interlaken – 3 nights
- Zermatt – 1 night
This itinerary in Switzerland is ideal for travellers who only have one week in Switzerland and would like to do a round-trip itinerary starting and finishing at Zurich International Airport.
Day 1 – Arrive into Zurich and travel to Lucerne
By train: 1 hour / By car: 45 minutes
Overnight: Lucerne
Start your trip with sightseeing in Lucerne (depending on time of arrival).
Stroll through the Old Town
A wander through the Old Town is, for many, the highlight of a visit to Lucerne. This is not an ordinary city centre; it’s a place lined with charming cobblestoned streets, medieval squares and ancient bridges.
In the Weinmarkt area, pay close attention to make sure you spot the painted facades and original oriel windows Lucerne is famous for.
Lucerne’s Old Town is also great for shopping and dining out. Whether you want to buy fresh local produce, Swiss items like watches, chocolates and army knives or clothing and accessories by international fashion brands, there are lots of department stores, smaller shops and boutiques to browse.
Many of the best cafes and restaurants are also found here, so whether it’s a coffee and cake break or a three course dinner you will have no trouble in finding a fabulous eatery in which to while away the hours.
Visit the Chapel Bridge
Incredibly, Chapel Bridge dates back to 1333 and visitors from all over the world flock to see this medieval wooden footbridge at close quarters – and of course to snap themselves standing by it for posterity.
In 1993 fire caused severe damage to the structure. Fortunately it remains, but the evidence can be clearly seen on the decorative panels beneath the eaves.
The Water Tower dates back even further to the turn of the century. Although it doesn’t store water, it has been used at various times as a treasury, a prison and an archive.
See the ‘Dying Lion’
This is one of the most famous monuments in the world, let alone Switzerland or even Lucerne. Mark Twain described the big cat carved from stone as one of the most emotive sculptures to be found anywhere.
The ailing lion is said to represent Swiss heroes who died while trying to protect Louis XVI during the late 18th century. Its latin inscription roughly translates as ‘to the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss’.
Take a cruise on Lake Lucerne
With clear blue waters set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, Lake Lucerne is a picture-perfect body of water. Taking a lake cruise is a must during your 7 day Switzerland itinerary.
The lake is 38 kilometres long and bordered by four Swiss cantons. You can cruise its famous waters by paddle steamer, luxury yacht or modern motorboat. Some options include morning tea or lunch, served as you glide over the surface of the water.
- Check cruise options and buy your tickets.
- Browse hotels in Lucerne
- Browse more Lucerne sightseeing options
Day 2 – Full day in/around Lucerne
Overnight: Lucerne
If you have another day to spend in the Lucerne area and would like to explore the surrounding area, taking a trip to one of the following peaks is highly recommended.
Mount Titlis
A train to Engleberg followed by a cable car ride will take you to the summit of Mount Titlis. From here there are panoramic views over the majestic Swiss alps, as well as a range of activities to get involved in.
Snow tubing and sledding area ideal for thrill seekers, while the Cliff Walk, revolving cable car and Glacier Cave are simply waiting to be explored.
Check prices and buy your Mt. Titlis tickets.
Mount Pilatus
The first stage in reaching Mount Pilatus is a bus ride to Zentrum Pilatus, where you can board the cable car for the trip up the mountain. The journey is just as memorable as any other part of the day.
Once you arrive, there’s a whole smorgasbord of delights to discover including restaurants, walking trails, a rope play park, sledding and an adventure playground.
Check prices and buy your Mt. Pilatus tickets.
Mt. Rigi
The journey to Mount Rigi begins with a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. From there the charming cogwheel railway will transport you to the top, where sweeping views over the alps are yours to savour.
A leisurely trip back down the mountain is recommended, so you can stop at each station to explore.
Alternatively, take the cable car to Weggis, where you can cruise the lake once more while en route to Lucerne.
Check prices and buy your Mt. Rigi tickets.
Day 3 – Travel to Interlaken
By train: 1 hour 50 minutes / By car: 1 hour
Overnight: Interlaken
There are plenty of great choices when in comes to sightseeing in Interlaken. Our recommendations for an enjoyable one day Interlaken itinerary include:
Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s own mountain and one of the most popular attractions in the area. It can also be accessed directly via the funicular railway, which can be reached from Interlaken Ost station via just five minutes’ walk.
Services run half hourly each day from mid April to early December and the scenic trip takes only ten minutes.
From the summit there are stunning views over lakes Brienz and Thun, as well as the Bernese Alps. At the top you will also find a restaurant, walking trails, a kids’ playground and the Two Lakes Bridge. Don’t miss seeing the views from the latter, which are breathtaking.
Lake cruise on Lake Brienz to Brienz, or on Lake Thun to Thun and Spiez
Lake Thun is the largest lake and is known to the Swiss as Thunersee. You can sail on the lake, or try your hand at various water sports. Several villages are dotted around the shores of the lake, including Oberhofen, Faulensee, Thun and Spiez.
Taking a boat trip on Lake Thun is one of the most popular things to do in Interlaken, and among our favourites is the sunset cruise with wine and a Swiss cheese fondue.
Known locally as Brienzersee, Lake Brienz is the smaller of the two lakes, but is more peaceful and just as pretty as Lake Thun. The active minded can try stand up paddle boarding, or you can sit back and relax on a modern boat for a cruise around the lake.
At the edge of the water you can see small villages, waterfalls and tree-clad hillsides. Of these Brienz is the most attractive, and you can take a cruise over the lake from Interlaken to Brienz.
If the weather isn’t kind during your stay, there are still plenty of things to do in Interlaken on a rainy day.
Day 4 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region
Overnight: Interlaken
Often referred to as the ‘Top of Europe’, taking a day trip to Jungfraujoch is a must for many visitors to the region.
A series of shorter train trips spread over a two hour period culminates in the scenic ascent via the Jungfraubahn. Trains operate every day of the year.
Alternatively, you can take a cable car for part of the journey which reduces the travel time by around 45 minutes each way.
The summit is almost 3,500 metres above sea level and offers incredible views over the surrounding peaks. There is also lots to do at the top, with a range of shops and restaurants and a snow sports park to keep visitors happily occupied.
> Book your Jungfraujoch train ticket.
If time permits, why not stop at the pretty villages of Wengen or Lauterbrunnen on the return journey?
Day 5 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region
Overnight: Interlaken
There’s still so much to see in the Jungfrau region during this one week Switzerland itinerary. Today we recommend you visit either Grindelwald-First or Schilthorn.
Grindelwald and Grindelwald-First
You can drive from Interlaken to Grindelwald in around 30 minutes, with the train trip taking around the same amount of time.
The town itself offers a range of attractions including shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, spas and wellness centres, and winter sports. There is also an indoor rope park, and at Grindelwald Glacier you can take a canyon walk or ride on the swing.
Also popular is a trip to Grindelwald First, widely regarded as one of the best things to do from Interlaken. From the town of Grindelwald, a cable car service operates during all seasons and there is lots to do once you arrive at the mountain summit.
A great restaurant, the First Flyer Zipline, Trottibike scooter rides, the First Cliff Walk and mountain carts await those who make the trip to the top.
Schilthorn
Another excursion well worth considering is to Schilthorn, famous as a film location for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The summit is around 3,000 metres above sea level and can be reached via train and cableway from Interlaken.
As well as the superb mountain views from the observation deck with a glass floor, there are various Bond-themed attractions at the summit. You can also take a thrilling circular walk around the cliff face.
The authentic Swiss village of Mürren is well worth exploring either on your way to or from Schilthorn.
The Schilthorn can be reached by cable car from Stechelberg which is easily reached from Interlaken. Simply take a train to Lauterbrunnen and then a local bus to the Schilthorn cable car station.
Tandem Paragliding
If neither or those excursions appeal, or you are a bit of a thrill seeker, why not book a tandem paragliding flight and see the beauty of the Swiss Alps from above?
Day 6 – Travel to Zermatt
By train: 2 hours 40 minutes / By car: 2 hours 55 minutes*
Overnight: Zermatt
*This route travels via the Lotschberg Tunnel. You are required to drive your car onto a special car-train to go through the tunnel. The cost is around CHF25 per vehicle for the 10-minute journey through the tunnel.
Note that Zermatt is a car-free town. All vehicles must be parked in a parking station at Tasch and visitors can transfer to town via the Zermatt train station.
We suggest you arrive in Zermatt by midday so that you have time to enjoy an excursion to see the Matterhorn up close and stroll around the picturesque village.
Gornergrat
An original rack railway can take visitors from Zermatt to Gorner Ridge. The trip takes around half an hour and services depart frequently throughout the day.
Once you arrive, favourite things to do at Gornergrat include wildlife spotting, hiking, dining and souvenir shopping – and of course simply admiring the magnificent views. Ibex, chamois and marmots may be spotted in the area.
> Book your Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train ticket.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is very aptly named, as it’s the highest European cable car station in terms of altitude. The 360 degree viewing platform offers incredible views over 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks.
From car-free Zermatt, you can take a trip to the gondola station on the electric bus before the three-section trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
As well as soaking up the scenery, you can ski, take an ice toboggan ride or a trip into the Glacier Palace, or even watch a movie at the cinema. There is also a souvenir store and a restaurant.
- Buy your Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car ticket.
- Browse hotels in Zermatt
- Browse more sightseeing options in Zermatt
Day 7 – Return to Zurich
By train: 4 hours / By car: 4 hours
Departure from Zurich
Although the city is often seen as a transport hub rather than a destination in itself, we highly recommend getting to know Zurich a little if time permits. The Old Town and Lindenhof in particular are delightful places in which to spend some time.
Zurich Old Town
The Old Town straddles the Limmat River, and there are wonderful views over the water from the quay – Limmatquai.
This part of the city is both the most central and the most picturesque. Several bridges span the river, but don’t miss crossing the Muhlesteg Footbridge, which is decorated with numerous love locks.
Lindenhof
Once you’ve had your fill of wandering around the Old Town, stopping in cafes and browsing in the boutiques, Lindenhof offers a welcome change of pace. This peaceful green space overlooks the Old Town and was formerly the site of a Roman fort.
Picnicking here is popular, and you may hear live music or see the giant outdoor chess set being played during your visit.
Depart Zurich after one week in Switzerland full of highlights and breathtaking scenery!
Note: Whilst I refer to Interlaken in this Switzerland one week itinerary above, you could opt to stay at Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, Mürren or another nearby village should you prefer.
You could start and/or finish this Switzerland 7 day itinerary in Geneva or Basel. Travel times and distances should be amended accordingly.
Switzerland Itinerary – 3 Days
Only have three days to enjoy the best places in Switzerland? May I suggest quality over quantity? I recommend you choose just one place as your base on your Switzerland trip and see it properly rather than squeeze too much in.
Although you’d probably like to fit in as much in three days as you would if you had one week in Switzerland, you’re not going to fully appreciate the places you visit if you overdo it. Sometimes – and definitely in this case – less is more!
What is your ‘must see’ in Switzerland? If it’s the Alps, you have plenty of options. Spend your three days in Switzerland in either Lucerne, Interlaken or Zermatt.
Interested in learning more about using the Swiss Rail System to travel around Switzerland? Read our comprehensive guide to Switzerland train travel.
If it’s the charm of Switzerland’s elegant medieval cities that you’ve always wanted to experience, Zurich, Bern and Lucerne all offer plenty to see and do.
Basing yourself in one destination doesn’t mean you can’t visit other places. One benefit of having a single base is that you will save valuable time by not having to change accommodation each night.
A day trip from Interlaken to Lucerne (or vice versa) is definitely possible so you can still combine the best of both worlds from one convenient base.
Switzerland Itinerary – 5 Days
If you don’t have a full week available for your visit and you can only spend 5 days in Switzerland, I suggest you follow days one to four of the 7 day itinerary above and return to Zurich on day five.
5-day Switzerland itinerary overview:
- Lucerne – 2 nights
- Interlaken – 2 nights
This Switzerland 5-day itinerary still gives you the chance to explore two of Switzerland’s highlights, Lucerne and the Jungfrau region, without being too rushed.
Switzerland Itinerary – 10 Days
If you have a few more days available to add to your itinerary for Switzerland, 10 days in total gives you the option to add another destination or two. I’d include a couple of nights in Zurich and an overnight stay at lovely Montreux on the Swiss Riviera.
10-day Switzerland itinerary overview:
- Zurich – 2 nights
- Lucerne – 2 nights
- Interlaken – 3 nights
- Montreux – 1 night
- Zermatt – 1 night
Day 1 – Arrive into Zurich
Sightseeing in Zurich (depending on time of arrival)
Overnight: Zurich
Browse hotels in Zurich | Browse Zurich sightseeing options
Day 2 – Full day in/around Zurich
Overnight: Zurich
Explore the Old Town and Lake Zurich and/or enjoy a day trip to Stein am Rhein and the Rhine Falls.
Check out these suggestions for more things to do in Zurich.
Note: For days 3-7 of this 10-day Switzerland itinerary, please see details outlined above in the 7-day itinerary for Switzerland.
Day 3 – Travel to Lucerne
By train: 1 hour / By car: 45 minutes
Sightseeing in Lucerne (depending on time of arrival).
Overnight: Lucerne
Browse hotels in Lucerne | Browse Lucerne sightseeing options
Day 4 – Full day in/around Lucerne
Overnight: Lucerne
Explore the Old Town and Lake Lucerne and/or enjoy a mountain excursion to Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi.
Day 5 – Travel to Interlaken
By train: 1 hour 50 minutes / By car: 1 hour
Overnight: Interlaken
Do some sightseeing in Interlaken town, take the Harder Kulm funicular, or enjoy a lake cruise.
Browse hotels in Interlaken | Browse Interlaken sightseeing options
Day 6 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region
Overnight: Interlaken
I recommend taking the Jungfraujoch excursion with the option to stop at Wengen and/or Lauterbrunnen in either direction.
Day 7 – Sightseeing in Jungfrau Region
Overnight: Interlaken
Consider the Grindelwald-First or Schilthorn excursions with the option to stop at Murren and/or Birg in either direction.
If you’re keen to step outside your comfort zone, why not try one of these things to do in Interlaken for adrenaline junkies?
Day 8 – Travel to Montreux
By train: 2 hours 45 minutes* / By car: 1 hour 40 minutes
Overnight: Montreux
*This route goes via Visp. You can also take the Golden Pass Line from Interlaken to Montreux via Zweisimmen – journey time 3 hours 45 minutes.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva with a backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps, Montreux is a great stop on your Switzerland itinerary. The active will enjoy the many trails and walking paths surrounding the lake, or a beautiful lake cruise.
Must-see attractions include Chillon Castle, a visit to the quaint town of Vevey and its Charlie Chaplin statue, and the Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux’s Old Town. There’s also “Queen: The Studio Experience” where you can visit the original sound studio where Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury recorded his last songs.
You could also take a ½ day trip to Gruyeres from Montreux.
Browse hotels in Montreux | Browse Montreux sightseeing options
Day 9 – Travel to Zermatt
By train: 2 hours 35 minutes / By car: 2 hours*
Overnight: Zermatt
* Zermatt is a car-free town. All vehicles must be parked in a parking station at Tasch and visitors can transfer to Zermatt by shuttle train.
Arrive by midday so you have time to enjoy an excursion on the Gornergrat train or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cableway to see the Matterhorn up close. See above 7-day itinerary for more details.
Browse hotels in Zermatt | Browse sightseeing options in Zermatt
Day 10 – Return to Zurich
By train: 4 hours / By car: 4 hours
Switzerland Itinerary – 14 Days
14 days in Switzerland? Lucky you! You’re going to see a great deal of the country and a beautiful variety of landscapes.
From the attractive cities of Zurich and Lucerne, to the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps, and the picturesque lakeside towns of Montreux and Lugano, you’ll enjoy a varied and scenic Switzerland vacation.
2 weeks in Switzerland itinerary overview:
- Zurich – 2 nights
- Lucerne – 2 nights
- Interlaken – 3 nights
- Montreux – 1 night
- Zermatt – 1 night
- Lugano – 2 nights
- St Moritz – 2 nights
Use the first nine days of the 10-day Switzerland travel itinerary above for the first part of your trip and then add the following days:
Day 10 – Travel Zermatt to Lugano
By train: 5 hours 20 minutes / By car: 3 hours 10 minutes (from Tasch)
Overnight: Lugano
Sightseeing late afternoon (depending on time of arrival).
Browse hotels in Lugano | Browse sightseeing options in Lugano
Day 11 – Full day sightseeing in Lugano
Overnight: Lugano
Explore the city and lakefront promenade, ride the funicular to Monte Bre for spectacular views over Lake Lugano or visit Swissminiatur Open-Air Museum.
Not sure which month you should travel? My guide will help you to decide the best time to visit Switzerland.
Day 12 – Travel Lugano to St. Moritz
By train: 3 hours 50 minutes / By car: 2 hours 40 minutes
Overnight: St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a popular resort town in Switzerland, famous for its ski slopes, luxury hotels, and natural beauty. Some of the best things to do include skiing, hiking, visiting Lake St. Moritz, riding the Glacier Express, experiencing the spas, or exploring Segantini Museum or Engadine Museum.
Browse hotels in St. Moritz | Browse sightseeing options in St. Moritz
Day 13 – Full day in St. Moritz
Overnight: St. Moritz
Enjoy a mountain excursion, have a picnic by the lake or take a scenic ride aboard the Bernina Express.
Day 14 – Travel St. Moritz to Zurich
By train: 3 hours 10 minutes / By car: 2 hours 50 minutes
Need more ideas for a Switzerland road trip? Check out my alternative two-week Swiss itinerary by car.
Choosing Your Transport
Now you have an idea of which places you’ll be visiting, it’s time to decide on your method of transport.
Travelling around Switzerland by train
Switzerland’s rail network is one of the best in the world. Trains and connecting buses take you all over the country with ease.
Most trains in Switzerland don’t require reservations – you just hop aboard the next available train that suits you. The Swiss Railways SBB app is a handy tool to download to look up timetables.
If you plan to travel by train, it’s definitely worth considering purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass as this covers all public transport within Switzerland, free entry to over 500 museums, and 50% off most cable cars and funiculars.
Buy your Swiss Travel Pass now.
Travelling around Switzerland by car
Renting a car can give you a bit more flexibility as well as the opportunity to stop where and when you like.
You’ll need to consider parking and fuel costs but if you are someone who doesn’t like being committed to a timetable, driving in Switzerland could be the way to go.
Switzerland’s roads are excellent and the mountain passes, with their many hairpin bends, are a highlight for many drivers. If you’re not too keen on a white-knuckle drive, don’t panic! All of the destinations mentioned in our itineraries above can be reached without travelling on a super-twisty mountain pass.
To plan your exact driving route, take a look at the AA Route Planner. I find it really helpful as it allows you to include via points and see the latest traffic warnings for your chosen route.
Our guide to driving in Switzerland has lots of useful info and tips to help make your road trip go smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, take this itinerary for Switzerland and amend it to suit your personal interests. These itineraries should be a good starting point to help get your Switzerland trip planning off on the right foot.
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