7 day swiss tour

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7 Day Switzerland Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Switzerland tour with TourRadar. Choose from 45 trips with 84 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

45 Switzerland 7 day tour packages with 84 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Luxury Golden Pass Line of Switzerland Trip with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• In-depth Cultural

Magical Switzerland (Classic, 7 Days)

Totally excellent!!! The greatest tour quide I ever had too!!!

Germany and Switzerland in a week - Covering Munich, Lucerne and Zurich

SWITZERLAND – Geneva to Zurich Highlights

• Self-Guided Cycling

Swiss Chocolate Cycle

• Coach / Bus

European Extravaganza

Super unorganized tour- it wasn’t Sofia’s fault but I would say it is the way the tours are structured to all overlap at various points. Very strange setup. We have done many other tours with different companies and I will not be recommending your company, nor would I ever book with your tour company again.

• Walking Adventure

An Introduction to Switzerland

Independent Switzerland Tour of Moutain Tops

The planning was great and easy to follow. We had great time. I do hope I could get the itinerary earlier so we can make additinal plan at each stop early on. And it would be great to have more transparency on the pricing also.

Magical Switzerland (Small Groups, 7 Days)

Swiss Lakes Cycle

​First Discovery

We really enjoyed our tour.. and I will be happy to recommend it to my family and friends

• Hiking & Trekking

Walking in Kandersteg

Barcelona to Zurich

Ived enjoyed the trip overall.

Swiss Alps Adventure

Trip to Paris and Switzerland

Everything was great, and contact through what’s app was very helpful

What people love about 7 Day Switzerland Tours

Excellent and unique experience

Vitalli was a wonderful tour guide and a pleasure to work with.

Regions in Switzerland

• Swiss Alps (13)

Other Regions in Switzerland

• Swiss Alps 7 day Tours (16)
• Swiss Alps 10 day Tours (10)
• Valais 10 day Tours (5)
• Discover the Best Switzerland Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• Switzerland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• National Parks
• Affording Travel
• Photography
• Responsible Travel
• Worldschool
• Wanderlust Guides
• Travel Planning
• Work with Us

Europe , Switzerland , Travel

The perfect switzerland itinerary 7 days – 10 days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Switzerland

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

Here's a Short Cut

Map of Switzerland

How do i get around switzerland, where do i purchase my swiss travel pass, swiss half fare card, where should i stay in switzerland, what languages are spoken in switzerland, do i need to know germany before i visit switzerland, what is the best time to visit switzerland, is it safe to travel to switzerland, how many days are enough for my switzerland itinerary – 7 days or more, what apps should i download for visiting switzerland, what currency is used in switzerland, how much is a trip to switzerland, is the tap water safe to drink in switzerland, what should i pack for my vacation to switzerland, some things to do in zurich, some things to do in lucerne, some things to do in interlaken, some things to do in lake thun, some things to do in the lauterbrunnen valley, some things to do in zermatt, some things to do in bern switzerland, some things to do in gruyeres, some things to do in montreux, some things to do in geneva, to sum this all up, here is my recommended switzerland trip itinerary:.

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

Things to Know About Visiting Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Switzerland Itinerary for 7-10 Days

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

Day 1 – Arrive in Zurich & Explore

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Interlaken and Lake Brienz

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

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

Day 4 – Lake Thun

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

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

Day 5 – Lauterbrunnen, Murren & Schilthorn

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

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

Days 6 & 7 – Zermatt

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

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

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

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

Day 8 – Bern 

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

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

Day 9 – Gruyere & Montreux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanderlust Crew

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• Check cruise details.   
• Browse hotels in Interlaken .
• Browse more Interlaken sightseeing options .

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

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. 

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. 

Book your Schilthorn tickets.

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.

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.

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
• 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

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

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

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 :

• 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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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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The Ideal 7-Day Itinerary for Switzerland (With Alternatives)

One week in Switzerland – so many things to see, so little time. If it’s your first trip to Switzerland you’ll want to start with the best and most famous places – Zurich, Lucerne, Top of Europe, Zermatt, etc. This detailed itinerary will help you plan every little detail of that journey, from buying plane tickets to looking for souvenirs. 

What to do and see, where to stay, and how much you should plan to spend in each of the locations are all included in this itinerary. I’ve also covered the overall cost of the journey, the best travel passes for Switzerland, and more.

Keep in mind this is just a rough guide. Switzerland is a bigger country than you might think and you can explore it any way you like. But if you’re not sure where to begin, this 7-day Switzerland itinerary is a great start!

Table of Contents

Arrival in Zurich

The best place airport to fly to is Zurich Airport. It is the largest and busiest airport in Switzerland so is ideal for international visitors like you. You’ll find the most flight connections to Zurich, and tickets will probably be more affordable than to Switzerland’s smaller airports. 

Getting from the airport in Zurich to the city center is as simple as boarding a local train. Here are the details:

• run every 5-10 minute
• journey time is 10-15 minutes
• full-price tickets are around 7 CHF

It’s also possible to take a taxi from the airport to town. The ride can cost anywhere from 30-45 CHF, and it can sometimes take longer than the train because of traffic.

Day 1: Zurich

• Zurich Airport to Zurich HB Train: 10-15 minutes 
• Accommodation: 50-100 CHF (budget), 150-300 CHF (mid-range), 400-1000+ CHF (luxury)
• Average Restaurant Meal: 25 CHF
• Zurich 24-Hour City Card: 24 CHF

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the best place to start your trip. It has a lot to offer new visitors, so I recommend booking a guided walking tour if you’re unsure where to begin with your exploration of Zurich . 

Most walking tours of Zurich cover the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, including

• Bahnhofstrasse
• Fraumunster
• Grossmunster
• St. Peter’s Church
• The Opera House

I would – highly recommend finding a condensed tour of the city’s most famous sights so you have plenty of time to discover some other hidden gems. 

One such lesser-known gem in Zurich is the Chinese Garden. I recently recommended it to a friend who was staying in Zurich for the first time, and she was stunned. While you’re there, you can also see the Pavillon Le Corbusier, which is just a 5-minute stroll away. 

If you’d like to visit a museum in Zurich, you should pick just one if you’re in the city for only a day. My top picks are

• The Swiss National Museum
• Kunsthaus Zürich
• The Zoological Museum of Zurich

On the other hand, if you want to see something entirely different, consider one of the following museums: 

• WOW Museum – museum of illusions with lots of opportunities for weird photographs
• FIFA Museum – a must for any football lovers in Zurich 
• Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich – a fascinating exhibit on the history of clocks and watches
• focusTerra – a science museum with an earthquake simulator and exhibits on geology

I could go on and on about Zurich museums, but these are the best for first-time visitors. 

Zurich is the most expensive city in Switzerland, so hotels aren’t cheap. Even hostels with shared bathrooms are 70-80 CHF, and you’ll spend at least 150-300 CHF for a night at a mid-range hotel. It’s best to stay near the train station because the inner city area will be a short walk away, plus you won’t have to travel far with your luggage when you arrive in Zurich. 

Luxury hotels are abundant in Zurich and the best one, in my humble opinion, is the Dolder Grand Hotel, with fabulous views of the city’s rooftops.  

Lucerne is cheaper, so if you want to save money, head to Lucerne once you’re done discovering the sights of Zurich. 

Day 2: Lucerne

• Zurich to Lucerne: 40-50 minutes
• Accommodation: 40-100 CHF (budget), 150-250 CHF (mid-range), 300+ CHF (luxury)
• Average Restuarant Meal: 25-30 CHF

For me, Lucerne is the most picturesque city in Switzerland. It’s known for its medieval architecture that dominates this small city and impressive natural surroundings. That’s why I’ve allocated two days for Lucerne –

• One for exploring the top sights in the city
• The second one is for a day trip to one of the majestic nearby mountains 

If you stay at a hotel near the train station in Lucerne (which there are loads of) you can leave the luggage at the hotel and be ready to explore the city in 10-20 minutes. Also, you won’t have to waste time traveling to the main station for day trips or heading to the next destination in Switzerland. 

Kick off your stay in Lucerne with a walking tour of the city. Book a guided tour if you want, or do a self-guided tour if you’re trying to save money. Lucerne is significantly smaller than Zurich and it will be easier to see all the top sights on your own. 

Walk to the Old Town – it’s only about 10 minutes from the train station, and you can cross the iconic Chapel Bridge . It’s the city’s most famous landmark, known for its unique artwork inside its roof. The old town of Lucerne is full of medieval buildings, and the best way to explore it is just to roam around and get lost in it. 

Then head all the way north to the Panorama Terrace, where you can experience a fabulous view of Lucerne’s rooftops. The Musegg wall with its nine towers is also close to this area, so be sure to spend some time there. You can climb the stairs to the top of the city walls to enjoy an even more impressive view of Lucerne. 

Next, make sure to visit the Lion Monument. It’s an iconic Lucerne landmark and a special place for many locals. This part of the city is also home to the Glacier Garden of Lucerne (a museum with exhibits on ice age glaciers) and Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne. The latter is a museum with a cylindrical painting of the Franco-Prussian War and an attraction you should try to incorporate into your Lucerne itinerary, as it only takes about 30 minutes to tour the entire museum. 

Other popular landmarks in the city are

• the Jesuit Church (on the southern bank of the Reuss River)
• the 19th-century Needle Dam
• the Franciscan Church known for its Gothic style, paintings, and large pipe organ.

You can see all of them during a walk through the city. 

Museums In Lucerne

As for the best museums in Lucerne, you’ve got quite a few options. My favorite is the Sammlung Rosengart because its collection heavily focuses on the works by Picasso and has some fascinating pieces. Gameorama Spielmuseum is another unique museum in the city and it’s quite nostalgic. It’s a museum about games where you can play old arcades and even play board games at the museum cafe. 

Other popular museums in Lucerne are: 

• Natur-Museum Luzern — natural history museum known for its collection of gold wasps
• Kunstmuseum Luzern — a vast art museum
• Diorama of the Alps — a museum with models and landscape paintings of the Alps
• Historisches Museum Luzern — a museum with an exhibit on the local history of Lucerne
• Swiss Museum of Transport — a fascinating technology museum with trains, cars, airplanes, and more

Hotels In Lucerne

Hostels and budget hotels in Lucerne start at 40 CHF for a single bed in a dormitory but are around 100 CHF for a night in a double room. Some 200 CHF can get you a night at a mid-range hotel, but you’ll need at least 300 CHF for a night in one of the city’s upscale hotels. 

Day 3: A Day Trip From Lucerne

Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus are excellent destinations for a day trip from Lucerne. Each has its own unique attractions, so let’s start with a quick comparison of the two to help you decide where to go on your day trip from Lucerne: 

Option 1: Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is excellent for a round trip because you can ride on all the different types of public transport. Regional trains, boats, cogwheel railways, and cable cars are all part of the journey from Lucerne to Pilatus and back, but only if you travel between June and October.

Note; Boats don’t run between Lucerne and Alpnachstad the rest of the year, so you can only travel by train. The upside is that the journey will be shorter – 40-50 minutes total. 

The mountain is a great destination for adventure seekers thanks to a variety of fun and exciting things to do. You can ride the longest summer toboggan in Switzerland (Fräkigaudi toboggan), visit the stunning observation decks at the summit, explore the numerous hiking trails, have fun at the adventure park, and even see where a dragon used to live (according to local legends.) 

Enjoying a fondue during a gondola ride to the summit is possible! So, let’s see if Mount Rigi can beat the pot of melted cheese with a side of spectacular views. 

Option 2: Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi is situated on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, overlooking the water, nearby towns, and other summits in the Bernese Alps. It’s accessible by boat and cogwheel train from Lucerne, and the entire journey is wonderfully scenic. The summit features hiking trails, a cheese dairy, observation decks, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. There’s also a luxurious spa center at Rigi Kaltbad, perfect for anyone who wants to spend some time relaxing in thermal baths, with a view of the Alps. 

Rigi is a better destination if you’re primarily interested in hiking or skiing in the winter. But if you want a wider variety of things to do on the mountain, Pilatus is the better choice. 

Also, Pilatus is steeper and more rocky (so more like a “mountain”) if that makes any difference to you!

Lucerne City Guest Card

You should get the Lucerne City guest card for free if you stay at any accommodation in the city registered with the Lucerne Tourist Board. The card entitles you to 10-20% discounts on museum tickets, boat cruises, and train tickets to the nearby mountains. You can also get discounts at certain restaurants and free access to the public transport network in the city of Lucerne. 

Day 4: Interlaken 

• Lucerne to Interlaken: 1 hour 50 mintues
• Accommodation: 80-150 CHF
• Average Restuarant Meal: 20-30 CHF

The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken is impressively scenic, offering views of surreal blue lakes and countless summits in the Alps that tower over them. It’s just under two hours, but it will feel much shorter because of the jaw-dropping landscapes that make the time fly. 

Interlaken is named after its geographical location. The name of the town means “between lakes” which refers to its position between lakes Thun and Brienz. It’s one of the best destinations in Switzerland for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts because there’s a huge range of things in the nearby Jungfrau region!

Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lauterbrunnen are close to Interlaken and can be visited on day trips. The same goes for Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, Schynigge Platte, and Grindelwald First, – all impressive summits with many activities to keep you occupied. 

But before you can go on day trips from Interlaken, you should at least explore the town a bit. Walking tours of Interlaken ’s top sights usually take 1-3 hours, with the longer ones including a trip to Unterseen, which is the cute old town portion of Interlaken. Some will even include a ride to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town. 

Harder Kulm is also a great destination for hiking. It’s famous for its ridge hike, one of Switzerland’s most deadly ridge trails. But more importantly, it gets you high enough to see epic views of the Bernese Oberland mountains – Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.

Adventure Sports

On top of that, Interlaken is known for countless adventure sports. I can’t think of any other place in Switzerland with so many different companies operating such a wide range of adventure sports, including:

• paragliding
• parasailing
• helicopter skydiving

And many more of course! 

Go on a scenic flight over the lakes, and then jump out of a helicopter from a height of more than 4,000 meters – how does that sound? Or, maybe do what most visitors do in Interlaken, and paraglide back into town from the nearby hills. Then run off on your next adventure!

If it sounds like something you would enjoy, Interlaken is doubtless a top Swiss destination for you. 

Then there are also all the towns on the shores of lakes Thun and Brienz. Thun, Iseltwald , Brienz, and Spiez all have their own attractions and landmarks and are great alternatives to a standard Interlaken itinerary.  I just did a walk from Thun to the nearby suspension bridge via a stunning panorama walk just a few months ago!

Accommodation

In terms of places to stay, Interlaken has some of the most affordable accommodations in Switzerland. Hostel beds start at 40 CHF per person, and mid-range hotels are around 120-180 CHF for two people. There are plenty of luxury hotels in town as well, with prices of 300-600+ CHF per night. 

Day 5: Jungfraujoch

• Interlaken to Jungfraujoch: Approximately 90 minutes 
• Seasonal Availability: Open year-round
• Tickets: 187.8 CHF without discounts, 10 CHF seat reservation (not obligatory)

Jungfraujoch is a mountain saddle in the Bernese Alps and a truly special place you should absolutely visit if you have the time. It’s home to the highest train station and post office in Europe, both situated within a visitor’s complex known as Top of Europe. 

Traveling to the Top of Europe from Interlaken is straightforward and you can read all about it in our detailed guide to Jungfraujoch . You will need most of the day for this excursion and it’s best to head to the train station early in the morning because the last train from Jungfraujoch is at around 4:45 PM in the winter or 5:45 PM in the summer. My pro tip is to bring postcards, so you can mail them from Europe’s highest post office. 

Plan to spend 4-5 hours at Top of Europe (aka Jungfraujoch) to see everything at the top.

• Walk through the Alpine Corridor,
• Visit the Ice Palace
• Head up to the Sphinx Observation Deck
• Hike to Monschjochhutte if the weather allows it.

You can even ride a zipline or ski at the summit, although these experiences will cost you extra (20-25 CHF per experience). 

There are 3-4 different restaurants at Jungfraujoch, but you’ll want to bring your own snacks if your budget for Switzerland is tight. There’s also a Lindt Chocolate Shop where you can buy sweets and even see a master chocolatier creating desserts, and it’s the highest Lindt shop in the world! 

If you take the last train home from Jungfruajoch, you should arrive in Interlaken before 7:30 PM (or 6:30 PM in the winter). You’ll likely be back in town even earlier, especially if you catch one of the early-morning trains to Top of Europe, so you’ll have plenty of time to continue exploring Interlaken. 

Use the time to do some of the things that you didn’t manage to do on day 4 – maybe it’s a quick trip to Harder Kulm or a tour of the Interlaken Castle. You can even go to Weissenau Nature Reserve to see the ancient ruins and chill long the river or near the lake. 

Day 6: Zermatt

• Interlaken to Zermatt: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Accommodation Cost: 60-150 CHF (budget), 250-300 CHF (mid-range),  800-1200 CHF (luxury)
• Average Meal At Restuarant: 30 CHF

Head to the train station in Interlaken and board a one-way train to Zermatt. The journey to the car-free village is amazing, and you get to see some stunning Swiss landscapes while on the train. You’ll pass through the long Lötschberg Tunnel, then climb up the Mattertal Valley for sprawling views of villages, all the while being surrounded by summits higher than 4000 meters. 

Zermatt is a car-free resort so there are loads of pedestrian walking paths throughout the town. 

Regarding things to do in Zermatt , I’m honestly unsure where to begin. The Matterhorn Museum is a good place for a crash course on local history, including tales of many Alpinists who have completed the ascent on the pyramid-shaped peak. On the other hand, the museum is situated right next to the Mountaineer’s Cemetery, where many of those who failed at the attempt and faced fatal consequences are buried. 

Then there are all the hiking trails most easily accessible in the summer. Some trails start at the downtown area of the resort, and you can begin hiking as soon as you get off the train. But leave your luggage at the hotel first since most trails from Zermatt include a lot of uphill walking. 

The Five Lakes Trail is one of the most famous hikes near Zermatt. It takes about two and a half hours and is moderately challenging but stunning in views and landscapes. The trailhead is at the Blauherd funicular station, and the trail is almost a loop to Sunegga, the bottom station of the same funicular. The trail’s highlights are the five lakes you pass during the hike, which are

In that order. 

The Gorner Gorge is another beautiful natural landmark just outside the town. It is around 20-30 minutes walk from the edge of the village. The stunning ravine is accessible from May to October and visitors can explore it by following a wooden walkway for an entrance fee of just 5 CHF. You can complete this entire excursion in about an hour, an hour and a half, so don’t miss out! If you’re not in the mood for the walk to the gorge, just grab an electric taxi from the village. 

Believe me, I’ve only scratched the surface of fun things in Zermatt. You could also cross the Furi suspension bridge (accessible by the Furi gondola), visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (near the border with Italy), hike to the tiny chapel at Schwarzsee, and more. 

Moving on to the accommodation options in Zermatt – hostels and campsites are the cheapest, at least 60 CHF per person. Mid-range hotels are around 200-300 CHF, although on the lower end are 2-star hotels with the bare necessities. Zermatt has a huge selection of luxury hotels, the best of which are at least 500 CHF per night. 

I recommend something a little wild – don’t book a hotel in Zermatt. Instead, catch the last train to Gornergrat or Rotenboden and set up camp on the shore of Riffelsee Lake for an epic conclusion of your week in Switzerland. 

Day 7: More time in Zermatt, Return to Zurich

• Zermatt To Zurich: 3 hours 30 minutes

Make the most of your last day in Switzerland by exploring the attractions you didn’t get to see previously, either in Zermatt or Zurich. I’m operating under the assumption that you’re flying out of Zurich Airport; you can either spend most of your day in Zermatt and then take the train to Zurich, or head to the bigger city early in the morning and spend the rest of your day roaming around the city streets. 

The train ride from Zermatt to Zurich takes about three and a half hours, and an extra 10-15 minutes to get from the city center to the airport. I advise booking late-night plane tickets so you can make the most of your day while still managing the almost four-hour train ride. 

But let’s go back a few paragraphs – I advised you to spend your last in Switzerland sleeping in a tent near Riffelsee. Why? Because it’s the only reasonable way of witnessing the sunrise over the Matterhorn and getting an epic shot of the mountain’s golden peak reflected in the lake. Yes, I’ve included the shot at the start of this section. 

The trains don’t start running before 7 AM, well past sunrise, so camping is the only way. Then you’re just half an hour away from the train station in Zermatt, and you can be on your way to Zurich in no time! Just keep in mind that nights in the mountains are very cold even in the summer, so if you’re going to do this, you will need warm sleeping bags, waterproof tents, and all the best gear. 

Back To Zurich

Back in Zurich you can pay a visit to the Old Botanical Garden in the Old Town, or head to the ETH University Complex for panoramic city views. Visit one final museum, play chess with locals at Lindenhof, or head to Teddy’s Souvenir Shop at Limmatquai to pick up a few final souvenirs for friends and family back home. Just enjoy your last few hours in Switzerland fully until it’s time to board the train to the airport. 

Tweaking Your Itinerary

Everything I’ve listed above is a rough guide for a week in Switzerland. Feel free to extend time in any location or skip some locations entirely. 

Panoramic Train Rides

If you’re not into adventure sports or hiking, maybe skip Interlaken and do a panoramic train ride instead. The Bernina Express, the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the Glacier Express are all fabulous panoramic trains in Switzerland, which will wow you with stunning landscape views. 

You could also stay in Zurich or Lucerne for an extra day and explore more museums, or do another day trip. Another option is to begin this journey in a completely different country – why not land in Paris, stay in the city for a day, and then head to Zurich? It’s only four hours by train.  Or ride the train to Basel, stay there for a day, and then travel to Zurich. You can even end your journey in Milan, just four hours from Zurich.  

An alternative itinerary for a week in Switzerland would be to start in Zurich or Geneva and then explore the towns and cities in the country’s southwest, such as

• Montreux & Vevey

Maybe include a day trip to Gruyeres, or Le Locle and Neuchatel Lake. It’s an entirely different vibe, but there’s plenty to discover and love about this region of Switzerland as well. Let me know how that sounds, and maybe I’ll do an alternative itinerary for that route too!

Useful Information

It’s worth it to buy a travel pass for Switzerland. I did the math so you don’t have to, and the verdict is that the one-month Half-Fare Card is the best value for money for this itinerary. With it, the cost of (train) tickets for everything in the itinerary is approximately 451.1 CHF.

The full price of the train and mountain tickets is 662.2 CHF, and with a 6-day travel pass, the entire trip will cost you around 527.2 CHF. Remember that those prices include both Rigi and Pilatus, so the trip is cheaper if you’re only making a single-day trip from Lucerne. 

It is a complicated calculation that really depends on your specific itinerary as more mountain trips cost more, and museum entrance is only included in the Swiss Travel Pass, most of the time anyway.

Download the SBB app on your phone to buy tickets and see timetables. The app is easy to use and it will help you get around Switzerland. 

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). If you have Euros you might be able to use them in major shops and in some areas of big cities. But in general, they are not accepted in Switzerland.

Cards are widely accepted in bigger cities and popular resorts, but it’s still smart to carry cash for emergencies. 

All major train stations in Switzerland offer luggage storage services . If you arrive in a city before check-in, you can leave your luggage at the train station and go out and explore. 

Don’t waste money on bottled water. Tap water in Switzerland is perfectly safe for drinking, so there is absolutely no need to buy tap water at supermarkets. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at your accommodation so you can always have water while you’re out. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seven days enough in switzerland.

Yes, seven days is enough in Switzerland. You will be able to discover the city’s most famous cities and landmarks, but a lot will be left undiscovered so you can always come back. 

What is the required budget for a 7-day trip to Switzerland?

The minimum required budget for a 7-day trip in Switzerland is 1100-1500 CHF. That’s if you’re staying at the cheapest hotels that are no more than 120 CHF per night and not eating your every meal at restaurants. A budget of 2,000-3,000 CHF will allow you to travel much more comfortably through Switzerland. 

Which season is the most ideal for a 7-day trip to Switzerland?

Summer is the ideal season for a 7-day trip in Switzerland. More specifically, the period between May and October is perfect for this itinerary.

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Travel Home > Switzerland > Itineraries > 7 Day

7 Days in Switzerland

Officially licensed guides, luxury vehicles, flexible rescheduling, touring switzerland in 7 days.

Welcome to Switzerland, one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating countries. This 7-day tour itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the top destinations in Switzerland, including Geneva, Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zurich.

Whether it’s a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Pilatus, a boat ride around Lake Lucerne, a visit to the Jungfrau Railway in Interlaken, or a walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town, this tour will provide you with an unforgettable adventure that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Destinations on our one-week Switzerland Itinerary

• Day 1 & 2: Geneva
• Day 3 & 4: Zermatt
• Day 5 & 6: Lucerne

Day 7: Zurich

Day 1: arrival in geneva.

Located on the banks of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the majestic Alps and Jura mountains, Geneva is the perfect destination to begin your seven-day itinerary of Switzerland.

Whether you want to explore the city’s landmarks and monuments, indulge in its art and culture scene, or relax and enjoy its breathtaking views, our tour itinerary allows you to enjoy a slice of everything that makes the city such a must-visit destination.

Your private chauffeur will collect you from the airport and deliver you to your hotel in Geneva, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start to your trip.

Geneva Guided Walking Tour

Once you are suitably refreshed, a private walking tour of the city with an officially licensed guide is the perfect way to explore Geneva on the first evening of your seven-day itinerary.

This private walking tour will take you to Geneva’s top landmarks and attractions, offering a comprehensive overview of the city’s rich history and culture.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Jet d’Eau, one of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks. This massive water fountain shoots up to 140 meters high, creating a breathtaking display that can be seen from across the city. Your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of this impressive structure, and you will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Next, your tour will take you to the heart of Geneva’s Old Town. This charming district has narrow cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and bustling squares. You will explore the old town’s hidden alleys and secret courtyards, learning about the city’s past and present as you go.

One of the highlights of the Old Town is the St. Pierre Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style church that dates back to the 12th century. Your guide will take you inside the cathedral, where you will marvel at the stunning stained-glass windows and intricate carvings. You will also learn about the important role that the church played in the city’s history, from the time of the Reformation to the present day.

Another must-see attraction on this tour is the Reformation Wall, a tribute to the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. This impressive monument is carved into the side of a hill and features larger-than-life statues of famous figures such as John Calvin and William Farel. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of the Reformation and the creation of this magnificent sculpture.

Finally, your tour will take you to the Palace of Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe. This impressive building is home to various international organizations and symbolizes Geneva’s role as a global diplomatic center. You will have the opportunity to learn about the vital work at the Palace of Nations and the fascinating history of the United Nations.

Throughout your City Highlights Tour, your officially licensed guide will provide knowledge and insights into Geneva’s history, culture, and landmarks. In addition, you will have the chance to ask questions and explore the city at your own pace, making this private tour an unforgettable experience.

Overnight in Geneva.

Day 2: Geneva Art Culture & Shopping

Join your guide in the morning as you explore Genva’s fabulous wealth of art, culture, and luxury shopping.

The tour begins with a visit to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, one of Geneva’s most important cultural institutions. The museum has a vast collection of contemporary artworks featuring works by world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Pablo Picasso. Your officially licensed guide will provide in-depth knowledge about the artists and their works, helping you appreciate the pieces even more.

Next, the tour will take you to the historic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, a former hydroelectric power plant that has now been transformed into a cultural center. You will experience various performing arts here, including dance, music, and theater. Your guide will explain the history of the building and its cultural significance while you enjoy a world-class performance in a unique setting.

The third stop on the Art and Culture Tour is the Patek Philippe Museum, which is a must-visit for watch enthusiasts. This museum is home to an extensive collection of timepieces from the 16th century. Your guide will help you explore the museum’s collection, providing insight into the fascinating history of watchmaking.

Lake Geneva Cruise

The Lake Geneva Tour is a fantastic way to experience the stunning beauty of the area around Geneva. This private tour takes visitors on a scenic boat ride around Lake Geneva, where they can soak up the magnificent views and explore picturesque towns and villages.

Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your officially licensed guide and set off on a journey to Lake Geneva. Once you arrive at the port, you will board a boat and embark on a leisurely cruise around the lake.

As you sail, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Alps, the Jura Mountains, and the famous Chillon Castle. Your guide will provide information about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass, ensuring you deeply understand the area’s culture and heritage.

During the tour, you will stop at several picturesque towns and villages, including Nyon, Vevey, and Montreux. These charming places are known for their historical buildings, scenic views, and vibrant local culture. In addition, you will have time to explore each town on foot, taking in the sights and sounds and getting a taste of local life.

At the end of the tour, the boat will dock at Montreux, where you will disembark and meet your private driver. From here, you will travel to your accommodation in Zermatt, which is approximately a 1- and 45-minute journey.

Overnight in Zermatt.

Day 3: Zermatt

In the morning, your guide will collect you from your accommodation as you go to The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour, which takes you on a cable car ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, one of the highest viewing platforms in Europe.

Once you arrive at the summit, you will be surrounded by a sea of snow and ice, with the majestic Matterhorn looming overhead.

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to explore the glacier and take a guided tour of the Ice Palace. The Ice Palace is a stunning network of ice tunnels and caves filled with spectacular ice sculptures created by world-renowned artists. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of the region and the creation of the sculptures.

In addition to the Ice Palace, you can explore the other attractions at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, including the viewing platform and the restaurant. You can soak up the stunning scenery, enjoy a delicious meal, and take in the unique atmosphere of this remarkable location.

The Zermatt Village and Historical Tour

In the afternoon, join your private guide for a walking tour that offers an in-depth exploration of the charming village of Zermatt. An officially licensed guide lets you learn about the village’s rich history and culture and discover hidden gems.

Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your guide and set off on foot. Your guide will take you to St. Mauritius Church, a historic landmark from the 15th century. You will learn about the history and significance of the church and marvel at its beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive architecture.

Next, your guide will take you to the Hinterdorf, the oldest part of Zermatt, where you can explore its narrow alleys and charming courtyards. You will discover traditional Swiss chalets, barns, and stables and learn about the way of life of the people who lived here in the past.

Walking through the village, your guide will point out landmarks, attractions, local artisan shops, and restaurants. You will have the opportunity to stop and shop for souvenirs, as well as to taste local delicacies, such as cheese and chocolate.

Day 4: The Gornergrat Railway Tour

This private guided tour takes you on a scenic train ride up to the Gornergrat summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. Your guide will provide you with insights into the history and culture of the region, as well as the geological features of the area.

As the train winds up the mountain, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Your guide will provide information about the area’s geology and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in the alpine environment.

Once you arrive at the summit, you will be surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. Your guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region, as well as the significance of the Gornergrat summit in the development of the area.

You will have time to explore the summit on foot, taking in the stunning views and visiting the various attractions, such as the observatory and the Matterhorn Museum. Your guide will be on hand to provide you with information and answer any questions.

Zermatt Guided Hiking Experience

Zermatt is a hiker’s paradise, with many stunning hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley below. A private guided hiking tour is an excellent option for light to medium-difficulty hikes suitable for all ages. With an officially licensed guide, you can experience the area’s natural beauty while receiving expert guidance and information about flora and fauna.

Your hiking tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your guide and set off on foot. Your guide will choose a hiking trail that suits your fitness and experience, ensuring you can enjoy the hike at your own pace and comfort.

As you hike, your guide will provide insights into the area’s natural history and the flora and fauna you encounter along the way. In addition, you will learn about the region’s geology and the unique ecosystems that thrive in the alpine environment.

Throughout the hike, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and forests. Your guide will point out landmarks and attractions along the way and provide information about the history and culture of the area.

Some popular light to medium-difficulty hikes in the Zermatt area includes the Riffelsee Lake trail, which takes you to a beautiful alpine lake with stunning views of the Matterhorn, and the Sunnegga-Blauherd trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 5: Arrival in Lucerne

Driving to Lucerne from Zermatt with a private driver is a comfortable and scenic way to travel between the two destinations. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Your private driver will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Lucerne City Walking Tour

The City Highlights Tour is a private guided tour that covers the top landmarks and attractions in Lucerne, providing an excellent introduction to the city. Then, with an officially licensed guide, you will explore the charming Old Town and discover the cultural and historical significance of the area.

Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your guide and set off on foot. You will first explore the famous Chapel Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks of Lucerne. The bridge dates back to the 14th century and is covered in beautiful paintings depicting the city’s history.

Next, you will visit the Lion Monument, a powerful sculpture that honors the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution. The monument was created by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and is a must-see attraction in Lucerne.

You will also be able to explore the Musegg Wall, part of the city’s original fortifications. The wall features nine towers, each with a unique design, and provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to the landmarks, you will also explore the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and local artisan shops. Your guide will provide you with information about the history and culture of the area, as well as the unique traditions and customs of the region.

The tour will also include visiting the impressive Lucerne Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The castle features stunning architecture and a beautiful courtyard and provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city.

Lake Lucerne Cruise Tour

As you cruise around the lake, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Your guide will provide you with information about the history and culture of the area, as well as the unique flora and fauna that thrive in the alpine environment.

You will also be able to explore charming towns and attractions along the way. The tour typically includes stops at towns such as Weggis, Vitznau, and Brunnen, where you can experience the local culture and traditions and explore the local landmarks and attractions.

In addition to the towns, you will also have the opportunity to visit various attractions along the way, such as the Rigi mountain, the Bürgenstock resort, and the historic town of Schwyz.

Day 6: Mount Pilatus Tour

On day 6 of our itinerary, you will enjoy a thrilling adventure up to the summit of Mount Pilatus, one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps. With an officially licensed guide, you will embark on a cable car and cogwheel train ride up to the summit, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your guide and set off on your journey. Once you arrive at the foot of Mount Pilatus, you will board a cable car that will take you on a scenic ride up to the Krienseregg station.

From Krienseregg, you will switch to a cogwheel train that will take you on a thrilling ride up to the summit of Mount Pilatus. The train ride is one of the steepest in the world and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Once you arrive at the summit, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the various attractions on the mountain, including the Dragon Path, the Rope Park, and the Pilatus Skyline.

The Dragon Path is a unique adventure trail that takes you on a journey through the history and myths of the mountain. The trail includes various obstacles and challenges and provides a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.

The Rope Park is a high-altitude adventure park that offers a range of challenging activities, such as rope bridges, zip lines, and balance beams. The park provides a fun and exhilarating experience for visitors who want to push their limits and test their skills.

The Pilatus Skyline is a thrilling aerial cableway that takes you across the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The cableway is the longest in the world and provides an unforgettable experience for visitors who want to soar above the mountains.

Afternoon Swiss Chocolate and Cheese Tour

Your tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point, where you will meet your guide and set off on your journey. Once you arrive at the chocolate and cheese factories, you will be treated to a behind-the-scenes production process tour.

At the chocolate factory, you will learn about the art and science of chocolate-making and discover the secrets behind the rich and delicious flavors. In addition, you will have the opportunity to taste various chocolate products, from creamy milk chocolate to intense dark chocolate, and learn about the unique characteristics of each.

At the cheese factory, you will explore the various stages of cheese production, from the milk to the final product. You will learn about the different types of cheese produced in the region, such as Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller, and have the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious cheeses.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and culture of Swiss cuisine and the unique characteristics of the local products. For example, you will learn about the significance of chocolate and cheese in Swiss culture and discover how they are used in local cuisine.

You will arrive in Zurich after just 47 minutes from Lucerne with your private driver. With its stunning lake, charming Old Town, and world-class museums and galleries, Zurich is the ideal destination for your last day of the seven-day Switzerland itinerary.

Zurich Walking Tour

The Old Town Walking Tour is a private guided tour that takes you through Zurich’s charming and historic Old Town. With an officially licensed guide, you will explore the various landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that make up the city’s heart.

The tour typically begins in the heart of the Old Town, at the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. From there, your guide will take you on a stroll through the quaint streets and alleyways of the Old Town, pointing out the unique architecture, local shops, and historic landmarks along the way.

As you explore the Old Town, you can visit landmarks such as the Grossmunster, a stunning Romanesque-style church that dates back to the 12th century, and the Fraumunster, a beautiful church that features stunning stained glass windows created by artist Marc Chagall.

In addition to these landmarks, you will also have the opportunity to explore the charming streets and alleyways of the Old Town. You can soak up the unique atmosphere and discover hidden treasures and local shops offering unique and exciting products.

Zurich Art Tour

The Art and Culture Tour is a private guided tour that takes you through Zurich’s vibrant and diverse art and culture scene. With an officially licensed guide, you will explore the various museums, galleries, and performance venues that make up the city’s cultural landscape.

The tour typically begins at one of the city’s top art museums, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, which features an impressive modern and contemporary art collection. From there, your guide will take you through the various museums and galleries that showcase the best of Zurich’s art scene, including the Museum of Digital Art, the Rietberg Museum, and the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art.

In addition to these museums and galleries, the tour may include a visit to one of the city’s many theaters, concert halls, or performance venues, where you can experience the unique art and culture of the city in action. Whether it’s a performance by the Zurich Opera House, a concert by the Tonhalle Orchestra, or a show at the Theater am Neumarkt, you will surely be impressed by the quality and diversity of the city’s cultural offerings.

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Our 7-day tour of Switzerland through Geneva, Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zurich is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. From the stunning beauty of Lake Geneva to the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps, and from the charm of Lucerne’s Old Town to the vibrant art and culture scene of Zurich, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the best of Switzerland.

If you are interested in a bespoke seven-day tour of Switzerland, our specialist tour planners will happily produce a complimentary version for you. To get yours, complete our online contact form today.

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Best Switzerland Itinerary 7 days – How to spend 7 days in Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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For the purposes of this 7 days in Switzerland Itinerary, we will use Zurich as the starting point. Zurich and Geneva are the two popular cities for arriving in Switzerland .

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

7 days in Switzerland Itinerary: Snapshot

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

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

Travel documents and visa

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

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

Currency and Credit Cards

As Switzerland is not part of the EU, they use its own currency which is the Swiss Franc. Euros are accepted but change will be provided back to you in Francs.

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

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

Packing Tips for Switzerland

Depending on your month of travel and the activities you will be indulging in Switzerland, your packing list will differ. But here is what you MUST carry.

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

Swiss Travel Pass

To explore all of the beautiful places in Switzerland in 7 days – purchase the Swiss Travel Pass . The Swiss Travel Card allows you to take unlimited train rides across the country (for a set duration of time) and also comes with discounted entry fees to many iconic landmarks in the city.

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

Day 1  – Arriving in Zurich Switzerland and city sightseeing 

Zurich Airport to City Center or hotel

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

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

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

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

Recommend hotel in Zurich:

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

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

READ : Hotels guide to Zurich

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

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

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

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

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

Admire the Limmat River and join in the activities near it – The Limmat River flows through the city of Zurich and it makes the city center even more picturesque with its presence. Stroll the river banks and if you are visiting during the summer months, go on a river cruise. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zurich to Bern

Trains – 1 hour. Freeride with Swiss Travel Card .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Explore Lucerne 

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

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

Zurich to Lucerne

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

Tour – Day tour to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus with lunch    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tour :  Visit Stanserhorn and Lucerne in one day tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zurich to Interlaken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other options to reach Jungfraujoch: 

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

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

Day 5 of Switzerland Itinerary 7 days  – Head to Basel

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

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

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

Zurich to Basel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For many travelers, exploring Switzerland means checking off the Matterhorn. Now because one way trip to Zermatt city, which is the base to explore Matterhorn is about 3-4 hours, we recommend staying in Zermatt for the night with 2 days of sightseeing.

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

Zurich to Zermatt

Trains – 3 hours 10 minutes. 

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

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

Panoramic views are everywhere as you reach the summit and if you love mountains as we do, you will be welcomed by 29 mountain ranges snow-capped and all pretty, including the Matterhorn.

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

Or you can explore the old town and dine in their finest restaurants whilst enjoying the views of Matterhorn.

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

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

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

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

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

The cableway to the viewing platform only takes 9 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zermatt to Geneva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days are enough in Switzerland?

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Switzerland Travel Guide 

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

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

Quick Facts about Switzerland:

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

There are four official languages spoken in Switzerland. They are German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Switzerland has a rich cultural heritage. Swiss cuisine varies by region, although dishes like fondue and raclette are popular throughout the country. 

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

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

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

When should you visit Switzerland in summer or winter?

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

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

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

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

Read : Planning a trip to Switzerland

Is Switzerland expensive?

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation budget for one week in Switzerland travel itinerary

Swiss Travel Card

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

If you are planning to use local trams and trains extensively (and no day tours), then opt for the 8-day pass. This will cover your transport back to the airport as well. 

BUY   Swiss Travel Card .

Note: The Swiss Travel Card is different from Swiss Half Fare, which offers 50% off on train, bus, boat rides, and mountain railways. Its validity is for one month (which is beyond the scope of this itinerary). Unless you love Switzerland so much and wish to extend your stay from one week to a month, check out the Swiss Half Fare card here.

Combination of tours and Travel Card

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

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

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

BUY> Swiss Travel Card .

Best of Switzerland tours – Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland 

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

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

BONUS ROUTE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coco Chanel is buried in Switzerland.

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

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

North America: Switzerland trip cost from USA & Canada

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

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

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

For transport, take the Swiss Travel Card. And for some of the days, you can also do a few day tours that cover a guided walk and includes entry into attractions. (We covered that in our budget section).

Traveling from Canada 

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

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

Toronto has non stop flights to Zurich for around the same price, but flight times are a bit better – 8.50 hours+ of flying time. After flights hotels and food will account for most of your budget.

For simplicity of math, if you stay in Zurich for 7 days and take day trips out, which is completely doable you are looking at $1070- 2100 CAD double occupancy for a mid-range hotel. Food, although expensive, is under your control – for 7 days, allot $100 CAD a day.

Traveling from European cities to Switzerland 

We arrived in Switzerland – Zurich from Morocco and at one time also flew from Zurich to Barcelona . Our flight from Fes Morocco was via Lisbon Portugal . So that means, flight connectivity from within Europe is great. TAP Portugal, Vueling Airlines, and other budget airlines all have flights to and from Switzerland.

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

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

Switzerland trip cost from India – Switzerland packages from India

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

Many tour companies in India have an organized group tour with a 3-star hotel stay for a total of 1.20 to 1.50 lakhs (no meals or shopping, just limited sightseeing plus flights, and hotels). The only thing to keep in mind here is that you will be restricted to set an itinerary of the provider.

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

Why do Indian movies aka Bollywood love Switzerland?

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

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

We have been to quite a few countries in Europe, and Switzerland does make it to the list of our favorite places. And the entire country although located in Western Europe is not the same as its counterparts – it is not overcrowded, not dirty and scenic landscapes everywhere!

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

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

Additional Travel Tips – Switzerland 7 day itinerary

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

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

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

Europe Itinerary & Travel Guide  – Read our itineraries from Europe

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

Pin: Most beautiful places in Switzerland 7 days Itinerary

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

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29 Comments

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

That beautiful images of Switzerland!

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

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

Thanks so much!

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

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!

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

Thanks so much!Happy travels!

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

Thanks so much! Happy Planning!

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

Thank you so much

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

Bob AZ, USA

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

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

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

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

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

2 days in Switzerland itinerary (9 Epic Samples)

Perfect 5 days in Switzerland Itinerary (with 5 samples)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Planning 🙂

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

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

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

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

Hope this was helpful!

Happy travels 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope this helps! Happy Travels! 

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

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

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

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

Here are a few suggestions for you 🙂

***********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Much love and good wishes! Mayuri

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The Ultimate 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

By: Author Charles

Posted on July 25, 2023

As I was planning my trip to Switzerland, I knew I wanted a mix of both the beautiful Swiss cities as well as the outdoor adventure of the Alps.

I realized though that not everyone wants the hiking/active type of trip, which is why I put together this one week in Switzerland itinerary focusing solely on the cities of Switzerland.

Read on to learn more about what the cities of Switzerland have to offer & how to put together a trip for yourself!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

Unlike my 10 days in Switzerland itinerary which focuses more than half the time in the Alps, this 7 day itinerary will take you through many of the main towns and cities of the country.

As you go from one side of the country to next, this itinerary will take you to:

• Geneva (1 night)
• Lausanne (3 nights)
• Montreux (day trip)
• Bern (day trip)
• Lucerne (2 nights)
• Zurich (day trip)

Depending on travel plans mentioned below, you could remove one night in Lausanne and add one to Lucerne. You might also have a one night stay in Zurich to end your trip.

It is the perfect route for those that want to get a taste of what the Swiss city life is about, and have ample time to walk around and enjoy each place.

A few things to note before jumping into the itinerary:

1) You should check out some of the Switzerland guides I put together that go over train travel , weather , and helpful tips . All of these should be very useful when preparing for your trip.

2) Unlike in the Alps, weather will not have as much of a negative effect on your trip . Of course there could be some poor weather days, but that doesn’t need to stop you from walking the town and visiting the sites. In the Alps on the other hand, weather can more so dictate what can and cannot be done.

3) There is not much need to purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for this trip as the full price train costs would cost less than the 8 day pass. You may want to consider purchasing the Half Fare Card (mentioned in the train travel guide above), which could potentially save you some money depending on if you do one of the mountain excursions in Lucerne.

4) Day 1 assumes a full day – either landing the previous night or early on day 1. Same goes for day 7 – either a late evening flight or fly out on day 8.

5) The itinerary assumes you will be flying into Geneva and out of Zurich . It is important to note that you can do the itinerary backwards, or you can take one last train at the end of your trip if you were flying into and out of the same city.

6) You can go about the trip in one of two ways – either stay in a couple cities and take day trips to the remaining cities from there, or pack up your bags and actually stay in each city as you make your way around.

For simplicity purposes I will walk through the itinerary with three towns as your bases for the trip – Geneva, Lausanne and Lucerne . From these places, you will easily be able to take day trips to the other places mentioned in the itinerary.

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary Map View

The map shown below shows the 7 day Switzerland itinerary starting in Geneva on the bottom left before stopping in Lausanne, Montreux, Bern, Lucerne, and finally Zurich to end the trip.

What you won’t see here is each and every attraction that is mentioned in the itinerary (those can be found throughout the page). The map below is more so giving you a sense of where the 7 day itinerary takes you throughout Switzerland.

Detailed 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

Below you will find a detailed guide for what exactly you will be doing on a day to day basis. Each day gives you a good overview of what to do and what to expect along the way, with some high level logistics of the itinerary.

If you want more details for any given day, you can click on the relevant Switzerland guides found throughout the page. These guides will go into greater detail and give you everything you need to know about a city or attraction.

Day 1 – Explore Geneva

Since you will be landing in Geneva, the first full day of this 7 day Switzerland itinerary will focus on exploring the ins and out of the city. Like many of the other cities in Switzerland, it is very easy to get around solely by foot.

You can also take advantage of the public busses and trams if you do venture a bit farther out from the lakeside. You will spend one night here before moving on to Lausanne on day 2.

The 7 Things to do in Geneva Guide will walk you through it all in greater detail. The main highlights include:

• Treille Promenade
• City Center
• Jet d’Eau
• Lake Tour Option
• United Nations
• Broken Chair

Once you are all done wandering around Geneva, make your way back to your hotel, where you will spend the night before moving on to Lausanne the next day.

Take a look at Booking.com below for some of the best value hotel options in Geneva:

• Hotel N’vy
• Tiffany Hotel
• Hotel d’Alleves
• Hotel Kipling
• Eastwest Hotel

Day 2 – Travel To & Enjoy Lausanne

On your second day, pack up your bags and jump on the train to Lausanne, where you will be basing yourself for the next 3 days of the trip.

You will spend time in Lausanne itself, while also spending a day at the lakeside town of Montreux and another in the capital city of Bern.

For your time in Lausanne though, you can walk your way around the city and make your way to some top attractions that it has to offer. Some of these include:

• Lausanne Cathedral
• Olympic Museum
• Oucy Promenade
• Place de Palud
• Esplanade de Montbenon
• Escaliers du Marche
• Tour de Sauvabelin

For your few nights in Lausanne here are some highly rated and good value hotel options to choose from:

• Agora Swiss Night
• Hotel Angleterre
• Lausanne Palace
• Ibis Lausanne Center
• Movenpick Hotel

Day 3 – Montreux Day Trip

It is now time to head a bit further along down the lake to the town of Montreux. A short 25 minute train ride away, it makes for the perfect day trip. The last main town of Lac Leman, Montreux is a popular summer destination for locals and foreigners alike to hit the water and stroll around the city center.

During your day there, be sure to walk around the promenade, explore the lake, and then walk your way to the famous Chateau de Chillon – a medieval castle sitting right on the lake.

Learn More: For more info about these activities and more check out the Day Trip Guide to Montreux

If you have some more time, on the way back to Lausanne, you can head up to the Rochers de Naye viewpoint (~1 hour mountain train ride from Montreux) or relax in the vineyards of the Lavaux region.

Day 4 – Bern Day Trip

A little more than an hour train ride away from Lausanne, lays the capital city of Bern, Switzerland. Bern was one of my favorite towns to walk around in as I took in the beautiful architecture, winding river, and fantastic viewpoints.

Spending a day just strolling the streets is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

You can decide to either make this a day trip from Lausanne, or to save some time altogether, pack up your bags and make Bern a pit stop between Lausanne and Lucerne (which you will be visiting next). You can leave your luggage at the Bern train station lockers once you arrive and then grab your luggage at day’s end before moving onwards to Lucerne. This option will save you some money on train tickets as well.

Similar to the other cities around Switzerland, Bern is extremely walkable and there is no need to worry about additional transportation once you arrive there.

Simply hit the streets and make your way from one place to the next. The Bern Switzerland Guide will walk you through it all – logistics, attractions, and more!

The main highlights include:

• The Parliament Building
• Zytalogge – Bern’s Clock Tower
• Einstein House
• The Fountains of Bern
• Bern Cathedral & Munsterplattform
• Barengraben
• Rosengarten
• The Aare River

At day’s end either make your way back to Lausanne for the night or grab your luggage from the station and continue onwards to Lucerne.

Day 5 – Lucerne

The 2.5 hour train from Lausanne to Lucerne is sure to fly by as you enjoy the Swiss countryside. If you decided to head there right after Bern, then enjoy your first wakeup in this beautiful city.

Once you get yourself situated, it is time to do some sightseeing. Lucerne is filled with things to do – from ornate churches to walking the walls above the city, to taking in the one and only Kapellbrücke bridge.

There will be no shortage of things to see during your time there. A few of the highlights that I made my way to during my day there included:

• Kapellbrücke Bridge & Water Tower – a historic bridge crossing the Reuss river with paintings drawn throughout
• Museggmauer – the old city wall with the opportunity to check out some of the clock towers, as well as great views overlooking the city
• The Lion Monument – a huge lion carved into a rock facade dedicated to the Swiss Guards who passed away in the French Revolution
• Gletschergarten (Glacier Garden) – an indoor / outdoor exhibit with ice age glacial potholes, a mirror house, viewing platform, among others (cost is 15 CHF but free with the Swiss Travel Pass)
• A few other buildings I stopped by to take in the architecture included:
• Church of St. Leodegar
• Lucerne Town Hall
• Jesuit Church

Learn More : One Day Lucerne Itinerary

Beyond all of that I just spent my time wandering the town. The murals on the buildings were just some of the highlights I came across, along with exploring the whole riverfront area.

Once you had enough time exploring the ins and outs of Lucerne, head back your hotel and call it a night to rest up for your second day in the city.

Take a look at some Lucerne hotel options to finish off your trip:

• Hotel Monopol
• Art Deco Hotel Montana
• The Tourist Hotel
• Cascada Boutique Hotel
• Seehotel Hermitage (away from city center)

Day 6 – Lucerne Part II

Now that you have seen the city itself, it is time to head up into the mountains to get some incredible views from up top.

As mentioned earlier, this 7 day Switzerland itinerary is focused more on the cities of Switzerland rather than the hiking/outdoors type of trip. But I did want to include one day to take part of viewing some incredible scenery.

From Lucerne you can choose from three different options: Mount Pilatus , Mount Rigi , and Mount Titlis . They are all easily accessible from the city center and any of them make for a great day trip choice.

Each one is a bit different than the next but you cannot go wrong with any that you choose. Depending on which excursion you take part of you will need to take a combination of trains, boats, cogwheels, and/or gondolas.

Day 7 – Explore Zurich

After two days in Lucerne you can take the quick 45 minute train ride to spend your last day in the city of Zurich. Depending on when your flight is (either night of day 7 or morning of day 8) you may need to spend one night at a hotel here.

If you are leaving on the night of day 7, you will have the option to keep your luggage in a locker at Zurich station before exploring the town.

Another beautiful old charm feel city, with a river running through it, Zurich has plenty to offer its visitors. Some of these highlights included:

• Grossmunster Church – not only a beautiful church but also one where you can climb to the top for a small fee (5 CHF). It offers some of the best views of the entire city of Zurich.
• Fraumünster Church – another iconic church with a large plaza off to the side. There are events happening time to time which really fills up the area nicely
• Zurich Opera House – just taking in the beautiful architecture from the outside was an incredible site to be seen
• Bahnhofstrasse – one of the main shopping streets of Zurich
• Walk through the Old Town – beyond checking out the churches, most of my day was filled with getting lost in the Old Town (Altstadt). There are plenty of streets to check out and explore.

If you are staying the night here are a few of the top and best value hotel options in Zurich:

• Hotel Continental MGallery
• 25hours Hotel Langstrasse
• Hotel Krone Unterstrass

That about wraps up the Switzerland 7 day itinerary, taking you from Geneva to Zurich with plenty of city stops along the way.

If you really want to have the chance to explore the ins and outs of many of the major cities of Switzerland than this is a great option for you.

On the other hand if you want more mountain/hiking opportunities, feel free to check out the longer 2 Week Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary .

Hope you enjoyed the itinerary and as always feel free to comment below with any questions. Check out all the Switzerland itineraries & guides I already have up on the site. Safe travels out there and enjoy!!

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Friday 19th of July 2019

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! We are planning our trip to Switzerland in early January and I was wondering how much of these activities will still be possible in the winter months and if the views will still be as beautiful then?

Sunday 21st of July 2019

Hi Whitnee - no problem! Glad you enjoyed it. I don't doubt that the views will be just as good in the winter months. Most of this itinerary is city based and the views will certainly be there either way. When heading to Montreux for example, you wont be able to take advantage of lake activities but you will have some incredible views of snow capped mountains all around. So while I do think the views will be just as beautiful, you just may need to bundle up a bit!

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Travel Guide

If you ask the first person you meet what they know about Switzerland, their answer will likely feature chocolate, yodeling, Alpine valleys, mountains, and a reference to cows. Predictable, right? But apart from all of these world-famous stamps, Switzerland provides even more amusement, culture, experiences, and unforgettable adventures.

Switzerland is faithful to its long-standing traditions and values. It is also rich in historical landmarks and UNESCO Heritage sites, delicious food, and family-run farms. To put it simply, you might never have enough time to visit all the exciting places in Switzerland because every time you explore something new you want to stay longer and see more.

However, your 7-days Swiss itinerary can still be comprehensive and an excellent way to discover the country.

When is the best time to travel to Switzerland?

What to pack, day 1: arrival in zurich, day 2: lake walen discovery or lake zurich cruise, day 3: zurich – lucerne, day 4: mount pilatus, day 5: bourbaki panorama, fondue tasting and depart to interlaken, day 6: visit jungfraujoch, day 7: departure to zurich.

Switzerland is pretty capricious weatherwise, and the best seasons are spring and summer. Winter is windier, and you shall pack more warm clothing if you plan to visit the mountains. Also, see What to Pack for Europe .

Depending on the season you are traveling, you can pack either light or warm clothing. But please, keep an umbrella in your backpack, as it can start raining even if this is a perfect sunny day in July.

The train system is perfectly developed in Switzerland. Therefore, even if you spot a train change from one destination to another on your ticket, don’t worry; it’s always fast and convenient. You can get tickets online or from the vending machines located at the railway stations, but not on the train.

7-day Itinerary to Switzerland to make your holidays unforgettable

To enjoy Switzerland and see the most famous places, you can start in Zurich – a very modern and vivid city. The most significant advantage of Zurich is its very convenient international flight options which makes it a perfect starting point. There are direct flights to Zurich or comfortable layovers without many-hours-waiting connections from many destinations.

After Zurich, proceed to magnificent Lucerne, which is deservedly on the bucket list for many tourists worldwide. Here you witness the ancient beauty of Switzerland represented in churches and towers, wooden bridges, and cobbled streets.

Later on, when you better understand Switzerland and its cities, it’s time to see something unexpectedly beautiful and inspiring – Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch mountain.

Upon arrival at the airport, be sure you bought train tickets to the city. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to buy them on the train, and you can get a fine. It will take you about 15 min by train to reach the city center. On the first day of your trip, you can relax or have a leisurely walk. Don’t miss Fraumünster Church, an outstanding example of architecture famous for its stained glass. Later on, have a nice dinner at a local restaurant.

If you didn’t have a long flight and feel full of energy – go ahead with a guided tour with a local guide . Take this unique chance to see the city with the local eyes and learn something you will never find online or in the books. During the guided tour, you see the Old city and cover all of the main highlights the business capital of Switzerland is famous for.

Zurich is also an ideal destination for nightlife and beer culture. If you would like to feel street vibes, visit Rheinfelder Bierhaus, where Cardinal beer is served – the famous beer in Switzerland.

Address: Rheinfelder Bierhaus , Marktgasse 19 | 8001 Zürich | Telefon 044 251 29 91.

Depending on your travel style, you can choose something active or leisurely for your second day in Zurich.

Just 1.5 hr away from Zurich is the beautiful mountain area with Lake Walen right in the middle. This region is ideal for spending a day admiring gorgeous views, cycling, hiking, and learning about earth’s geological history. For many years, scientists researched the area from a geological perspective, as this region is unique for its rocks. In addition, the Lake Walen area is one of the most exciting places for spending time with family, alone or with friends. The close location to Zurich makes it easy to reach and return for by nightfall.

If you would like to stay in Zurich and explore more of its sights,

don’t skip Zurich Lake Cruise – on a sunny day, this is one of the best ways to see the city and enjoy a pleasant breeze. After the cruise, you can visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate, one of Switzerland’s most famous and biggest chocolate shops, a real paradise for all sweet tooths out there.

After a thorough Zurich exploration, it’s time to move on and see a different life in Lucerne. Take the train, and in one hour, you will arrive at a true Swiss fairytale.

Lucerne is something unusual for everybody. The city itself is like a masterpiece drawn by a talented but a bit chaotic artist. Please be careful if you arrive by car – the city has a minimal number of parking lots, and it can take hours to find a free spot. The best way to move around the town is actually by walking or cycling.

Right in the middle of the city, you see the historic wooden bridge built in the 14th century. Three centuries later, the bridge was decorated with paintings that are still present today. Although a significant part of the bridge was destroyed because of an enormous fire, the government renovated the wooden monument to keep the memory and history alive.

One more significant highlight you definitely can’t miss is the Dying Lion monument. None of the pictures can express how beautiful and tragic this monument is when you see it with your own eyes. “The Dying Lion” was created in 1820 and dedicated to all Swiss Soldiers who died during the French revolution in 1792.

After visiting the main highlights, have a good dinner in a local restaurant, observing the Reuss river.

To be in Lucerne and to skip Mount Pilatus is a crime. Switzerland is all about mountains and picturesque views from above, and here is one more spot where you feel like a grain of sand and forget how to breathe.

Please note that you need to dedicate the whole day to see the Pilatus. However, this is worth it. If your trip takes place during a warm season, don’t miss a chance to take a cruise, observe Lucerne from the water, and arrive at Alpnachstad. From there, the real adventure begins! Taking one of the famous red Swiss cogwheel trains, you enjoy the scenic ride to Mount Pilatus. You pass by Alpine fields, gorgeous rocks, and dramatic cliffs. Travelers not used to heights might feel a bit dizzy, as the mount is at 2,132 m (6,995 ft) altitude, but you get used to new conditions very fast and can enjoy fantastic pictures, exactly like Jules Verne described in his books.

On top of the mountain, you can expect to see the enormous complex, allowing you to have your break. Following tourist trails, you walk around and see the stunning panorama, breathtaking views over the area, mountains, lakes, and even small churches and farms existing nearby. All of these inspire and make you understand nature’s power and the importance of being in balance with it. On your way back, you experience the cable car ride and see the scenic landscape from a birds-eye view one more time.

To make your day trip hassle-free, you could check services from touristic companies organizing Switzerland tours and clarify if they include guide services and transport tickets for Mount Pilatus.

Today you can dedicate to Swiss culture as you further explore Lucerne. The stunning city is famous for its museums, monuments, historic sites, and cultural attractions. However, even if you are not a big fan of visiting something like that, you will love the Bourbaki Panorama. This 112-meter (367 ft) by 10-meter (32 ft) size circular painting presents the story of Bourbaki, almost 90,000 French soldiers, fighting during the German-French war in 1871.

The unique feature of this masterpiece is realistic sculptures implemented so professionally in the painting, so you feel like being inside the action among all of these people. For a more immersive experience, use the audio guide with a story told by professional actors in your language.

On the floor below, you have constantly changing exhibitions and performances – big fun for families and kids, but also solo travelers or couples.

After the Bourbaki Panorama, take advantage of being in the city of fondue and try this dish at a local restaurant. You can’t go wrong selecting a restaurant with a beautiful view. If you asked locals for recommendations, chances are you will hear them say Fondue House du Pont, as it meets all of the criteria.

After lunch, board your train and depart to Interlaken. In 2.5 hours, you arrive in the city and can have a wonderfully relaxing walk to meet the town.

Address: Fondue House du Pont , Falkengasse 6, 6004 Lucerne.

Interlaken has a unique vibe. This charming small town is located right in the middle of the valley and is surrounded by majestic mountains. Nobody here is in a rush, looking for a parking lot and checking the time for the business meeting. Instead, life here is calm and measured, making Interlaken perfect for a couple of days’ getaway.

One of the most popular reasons for coming over here is the Jungfraujoch. The mount is 3,463 meters high and is the highest point in Europe. Thousands of tourists want to see the peak and take a picture right on top. You might say that after Mount Pilatus, nothing could wonder you. And you will be wrong.

Jungfraujoch is not only the mount itself but also the way you go there and the history and attractions you see on the top. And, of course, the best thing about this ‘package’ is the view you see, staying at the very top of the mount and observing villages and rivers, valleys and cable cars.

To reach this awe-inspiring destination, first of all, you need to take a train to Grindelwald. This stunning destination is worth a separate exploration, as from here, you can go to the waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen or the iconic Eiger Mountain. From Grindelwald, you change the train and go to Kleine Scheidegg and enjoy the marvelous view over the valley and tiny villages harmonically located among the waterfalls, cliffs, and streams.

The last part of your way to the highest point in Europe is also by train from Kleine Scheidegg. What’s unique about your journey is the tunnel you have to go through. It was built one century ago across the Eiger rocks at an altitude of 3000 meters. You have a short stop to see the snow plateau during the ride.

Ice Park – Jungfraujoch

On the top of Jungfraujoch, there is a large complex dedicated to the peak’s history that offers authentic activities. For example, you can visit an Ice Park or taste the famous Swiss chocolate Lindt with a cup of tea.

To have a different experience on your way back, you can take a cable car and “fly” over the mountains and forests, see wild animals and skiing paths. Then, with a heart filled with inspiration, the feeling of unity, and love, you return to Interlaken.

Please note: If your trip is in spring or summer, don’t take too many warm clothes with you, as the majority of the time you spend is inside the complex or onboard the train.

The best way to return home is from Zurich airport. Another opportunity to enjoy a train ride; in just 2.5 hours, you arrive at your destination.

If you have more time before departure and would like to see something else, you can take a train from Interlaken to Montreux – a Pearl of Switzerland. This fancy city is an attractive point for anyone who loves the perfect lake-mountain backdrop. You can stay here for a couple of hours to see the promenade, have lunch and, later on, take a train to Zurich for your departure.

As you can see, Switzerland can surprise you and can make you feel like a part of nature or the king of the world. This 7-day Switzerland itinerary is a perfect starting point for your great vacation and country exploration. If you have more days, consider extending your trip to Bern, experience Glacier express, or visit Zermatt to see the Matterhorn or hike in Randa. We hope you got inspired to travel to Switzerland and will start planning your trip soon!

Related Posts

by Mila Polovneva

3 responses to “7 days in switzerland itinerary: travel guide”.

Perfect timing to find this post. We’re planning a Europe trip for the family next summer and Switzerland has been at the top of our list for a long time. We’ll be referencing this for sure!

Chris Christensen

Excellent! This itinerary was similar to a trip we did to Switzerland except that we went for the Züri Fäscht festival in Zürich as well.

We plan to stay a week. This is perfect. With your suggested itinerary, should we buy Swiss Rail Pass or point-to-point train tickets? Thanks!

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Tags: article , interlaken , lucerne , switzerland , zurich

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The Ultimate Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary For a Memorable Trip

Switzerland has captivated the hearts of travelers from all over the world, and for a good reason! This small, beautiful county is packed full of fun outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping scenery, endless alpine hikes, and historical sites dating back centuries.

But there is so much more to Switzerland than trains, gondolas, and mountain summits. We recently spent 7 days in Switzerland traveling all over the country in search of the best attractions, hidden gems, and photography spots that you don’t want to miss out on!

Before you pack your bags and set out on your adventure, here is our Switzerland 7-day itinerary to help you plan a trip of a lifetime!

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links which helps support this blog! Thank you!

The Ultimate Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive In Geneva & Travel To Zermatt

Day 2: Five Lakes Trail In Zermatt

Day 3: gornergrat bahn in zermatt.

• Day 4: Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk
• Day 5: Lauterbrunnen & Aare Gorge
• Day 6: Oeschinen Lake & Interlaken
• Day 7: Bern & Return To Geneva

Before we dive into the details of what you should see & do in Switzerland, here are some frequently asked questions to help you with trip planning:

Are 7 Days Enough For Visiting Switzerland?

Switzerland is a small country so if you’re planning your first trip, 7 days is enough to see many of the top sights and attractions ( although there is plenty to see and do to stay for weeks! ).

Plan to fly into Geneva airport or Zurich airport and then take trains or rent a car so you can reach all the major towns, attractions, and small villages in the mountains. Within 7 days you can easily visit Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Bern.

Is It Better To Take Public Transportation Or Rent a Car?

Whether you choose to take public transportation or rent a car will highly depend on your budget and needs. On our Switzerland road trip, we decided to rent a car so we could get around easier and see attractions from early morning to late evening without worrying about train schedules and how we would get back to our hotel at the end of the day.

The roads in Switzerland are very easy to navigate, well-marked, paved, and wide .

If you’re set on renting a car, browse the best rental car deals here!

If you don’t feel comfortable driving a rental car in a new country and would rather take public transportation, we highly advise getting the Swiss All-in-One Pass to save on costs during your trip.

The Swiss All-in-One Pass offers unlimited travel by train, bus & boat in more than 90 urban areas along with a 50% discount at many of the top mountain destinations. This pass will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Get the Swiss All-in-One Pass here!

Is Switzerland Expensive To Visit?

Yes, Switzerland is one of the most expensive places to visit in all of Europe. The cost of living is very high in this country so everything from food to hotels and activities is very expensive .

We traveled to Switzerland in the fall ( which is the shoulder season ) so the hotels were a bit cheaper. We averaged $160/night which is more affordable compared to the busy summer season.  

Here are some tips on how to lower costs in Switzerland:

• Accommodations – consider traveling with friends or family to split hotel rooms or vacation rentals. There are also lots of hostels in Switzerland that are great budget-friendly options if you don’t mind sharing a room.
• Food – food is very expensive in Switzerland. There are convenience stores that sell ready-made foods such as sandwiches and salads which are great alternatives to eating in pricey restaurants. Some accommodations come with kitchenettes so you can make your own meals instead of eating out.
• Activities – we spent around $700 on activities during our Switzerland trip between both of us. Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt alone cost us $240 for two people! Trains, gondolas, and cable cars are by far the most costly options for getting to destinations. As an alternative, you can often find hiking routes that lead to the same attractions and are free (just might take some time to complete).

Do People Speak English In Switzerland?

Yes, just about everyone in Switzerland speaks English, especially at tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants.

Switzerland is home to a mix of cultures and nationalities so you will hear many different languages during your visit. Some of the main languages spoken in Switzerland are German, French, and Italian.

What To Pack For a Switzerland Trip

We visited Switzerland in September so we packed for both cold and warm weather . The trip started with sunny, warm days and ended with rainy and overcast weather.

Here are a few of my favorite outdoor gear items that I recommend to bring for adventures in the Swiss Alps:

• Warm Puff Jacket . Weather in Switzerland can change drastically without much notice. I always bring a warm jacket in case it starts raining or the temperatures start dropping. With a windproof and moisture-repelling shell, the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket will keep you warm by trapping your body heat and blocking the wind.
• Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes . A good pair of hiking shoes can make all the difference in outdoor adventures! I recommend getting a pair that are tough and have lots of traction so you don’t fall, especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking. The Danner 2650 shoes are lightweight, durable, and made with Vibram 460 outsoles for an extra strong grip.
• REI Co-op Nalgene Water Bottle . Bring plenty of water since there are limited amenities at mountain destinations. I love my reusable REI Co-op Nalgene bottle which is leakproof, easy to clean, and great for the planet by eliminating one-time plastic bottle use!
• Anker Portable phone charger . I always bring a battery pack when going on international trips. A portable phone charger can come in handy in case your phone runs out of battery and you need to use it to look up directions, trail routes, reservation information, and places to eat.
• Small Day Pack . I have a small lightweight day pack that fits all my essentials, water, and camera gear. The Gregory Nano pack comes with a padded mesh back, several adjustable straps, and plenty of pockets where you can put small things like  hand sanitizer ,  sunscreen , a  headlamp , and an emergency medical kit .

Here Is The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary For 7 Days:

Day 1: Arrive In Geneva & Travel To Zermatt

On our trip, we flew into the Geneva Airport which is close to all the major attractions that we wanted to visit in Switzerland. From here you can also easily travel to Chamonix, France, and Aosta, Italy if you want to check off a few other countries from your bucket list.

After landing in Geneva, we picked up our rental car from the airport. From there we started driving towards Zermatt which is about a 2.5-hour drive.

Zermatt is one of the top tourist attractions in Switzerland – so visiting this town is a must! In the summer Zermatt is a popular destination for outdoor adventures and hiking, while in the winter it attracts skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all around the world.

Tip: Zermatt is a car-free town so you will need to leave your car in Parking Matterhorn Terminal Täsch and take a train into Zermatt. The train from Täsch to Zermatt costs 16.40 Swiss Franc round trip and runs every 20 minutes.

Once you arrive in Zermatt, you can arrange a pickup taxi with your hotel, get a taxi on your own or walk to your hotel. The majority of the hotels are situated within 10-15 of the arrival train station so it’s easy to get around on foot unless you have extra luggage that is too heavy to carry.

On our first day of arrival, we always feel jetlagged and tired from all the traveling. Instead of diving into the first activity, we like to adjust to the time zone, relax, go out for dinner and get a good night’s sleep so we can feel refreshed for the rest of the trip!

Driving time from Geneva to Zermatt: 2.5-3 hours

Here are some of the best places to stay in Zermatt :

• The Omnia . This unique hotel is perched on a rock 148 feet above the town offering some of the best views overlooking Zermatt and Matterhorn Mountain. The spectacular location high above the city is just one attraction of The Omnia, along with excellent amenities and an on-site restaurant.
• Backstage Boutique . This boutique hotel offers visitors a luxurious place to stay at the heart of Zermatt not far from the main attractions. The guest rooms come furnished with elegant pieces and feature fireplaces, private balconies, and some come with a bathtub overlooking the Swiss Alps.

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How To Visit Gorner Gorge In Zermatt

The Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) is one of the best things that you can do in Zermatt, Switzerland! This hike offers a bit of everything – stunning blue lakes, charming mountain lodges, rivers, alpine forests, and great views of the famous Matterhorn mountain.

The Five Lakes Trail is about 6-7 miles long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete , depending on which direction you decide to hike it. During our time in Zermatt, we dedicated a full day to hiking the 5 Lakes Trail.

To reach the starting point of the trailhead, you will need to take a funnicular and a gondola from downtown Zermatt up the mountain. You can start the hike in Sunnegga or Blauherd transit stations, depending if you want to hike the trail downhill or uphill.

The five lakes that you can visit along this route are:

During your hike, you will be able to see stunning reflections of Matterhorn Mountain in three of the five alpine lakes!

TIP: If you’re short on time, we recommend taking the gondola to Blauherd and only hiking to Stellisee Lake. This is one of the most beautiful lakes along this route and a great option if you’re not up for a full-day hike.

The Five Lakes Trail goes in a loop so you can finish where you started. As a fun way down the mountain, you can rent a mountain cart and a kickbike that you can ride all the way into downtown Zermatt.

Although Zermatt itself is a small mountain town, there is plenty to do in this area so we recommend staying for 2-3 days to explore various activities before traveling to the next destination.

Along with hiking the Five Lakes Trail, the Gornergrat Bahn is a popular activity that you should have on your Switzerland bucket list! This high-altitude train will take you to the top of Gornergrat Mountain for panoramic views of alpine lakes, glaciers, and some of the tallest peaks in the Swiss Alps.

The Gornergrat Railway costs over 100 USD so it’s quite an expensive bucket-list activity. During this 30-minute train ride, you’ll be able to enjoy up-close views of the Matterhorn and rugged mountain landscapes.

At the top, you can walk around an observation platform that overlooks Gorner Glacier and the surrounding 29 peaks. Many people also stop at the gorgeous Riffelsee Lake one train exit down to see picture-perfect reflections of the Matterhorn in the lake water.

Photography Tip: To get the best photos of Riffelsee Lake try to come early in the morning or late in the evening for the best lighting and to avoid the crowds.

If you’re looking for a unique place for an overnight stay, these two top-rated hotels are located along the Gornergrat Railway route:

• 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat – sitting at 3100 meters in elevation, the 3100 Kulmhotel is the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps. This hotel is situated at the ending station of the Gornergrat Railway so the only way to reach this hotel is by taking the train to the summit. Within 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, you can explore a planetarium, a library, and a shopping center, or dine at one of the two restaurants offering a variety of Swiss plates.
• Riffelhaus 1853 – this hotel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a relaxing stay in the mountains. The rooms are beautifully decorated and many have a balcony with excellent views. Spa facilities include a sauna, steam bath, and relaxation room. There is a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and sun terrace with excellent views of the snow-capped mountains.

Day 4: Grindelwald & First Cliff Walk

After spending a couple of days in Zermatt, we recommend moving on to the Bernese Oberland region . This area is home to charming mountain towns such as Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen, and Interlaken where you can take trains and gondolas to summits of mountains for surreal views of the Swiss Alps.

You can start off with Grindelwald town which is located about a 2.5-hour drive from Zermatt. Be sure to account for extra time to get back to the Täsch parking lot from Zermatt.

We recommend having an early head start so you can spend more time in Grindelwald town and Grindelwald First . This is a popular attraction where you walk on a cliff pathway built into the side of a mountain , hike to Bachalpsee lake, ride a mountain cart, or pedal Trottibike scooter down from the summit. Grindelwald First has so many fun activities that we dedicated an entire day to this fun attraction!

To reach Grindelwald First you will need to take a 25-minute gondola to the top of the mountain. After you exit the gondola, you can head directly to the First Cliff Walk where you can go on a 15-minute walk across a metal pathway with dizzying heights below .  

At the end of the First Cliff Walk, be sure to stop by Berggasthaus First Hotel which has a restaurant and patio overlooking the surrounding mountains. At this location, you can also go hiking, zip lining, or take the gondola back to Grindelwald to explore the town.

Driving time from Zermatt to Grindelwald: 2.5 hours

Here are some of the best places to stay in Grindelwald:

• Bergwelt Grindelwald . This stunning hotel is perfect for all adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and dreamers planning a trip to Grindelwald, Switzerland. There is a spa within the resort where you can unwind in a sauna room, take a steam bath, or go for a swim in an indoor or outdoor pool.
• Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel offers spectacular views of the Grindelwald valley from its rooms, along with fine dining restaurants and wellness areas for relaxation. The wellness area has an indoor swimming pool along with steam baths, saunas, and massages. There is also a cocktail bar on the property where you can enjoy a variety of drinks before or after dinner.

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen & Aare Gorge

Lauterbrunnen is another charming village that is situated just a 30-minute drive from Grindelwald. Due to the close location, most people visit both of these towns on the same Switzerland trip.

Lauterbrunnen is a great place to explore if you enjoy beautiful landscapes surrounded by towering waterfalls ( and who doesn’t? ). This little village is home to 72 waterfalls including the popular Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbachfälle.

Here are some of the best things to do in this area:

Trümmelbachfälle

If you arrive at Lauterbrunnen, I recommend starting with the Trümmelbachfälle attraction. Trümmelbach consists of ten glacier waterfalls situated within a granite mountain that can be reached by taking a tunnel lift.

Trümmelbachfälle is the only mountain glacier waterfall in Europe that is accessible to the public . It can get very chilly inside the mountain so be sure to bring an insulated puff jacket to stay warm.

To see the waterfalls you will need to purchase an admission ticket for 14 CHF (Swiss Francs) and take a funnicular to get higher up. Once you exit the cable car ride, you can walk through a series of tunnels and stairs carved into the mountain providing you with closer access to the waterfalls.

As you descend, you will pass 10 glacier waterfalls that you can witness rushing down the mountain. The sheer force of the water makes a loud, thunderous noise that shows the power of Mother nature!

Tip: For safety reasons, this attraction does not allow little kids under 4 years old. The waterfall current is very dangerous and the pathways are very slippery.

Staubbach Falls

Staubbach Falls is situated at the center of Lauterbrunnen town and is an easy attraction to visit, even if you’re short on time. This is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Switzerland and a popular photography spot!

If you’re looking to snap a few photos, head over to the Staubbachfall Viewpoint . You can park your car at Parkplatz Lauterbrunnen and reach the overlook within a couple of minutes walk.

From this viewpoint, you’ll have a great vantage point of Staubbach Falls and the entire Lauterbrunnen village. There is a little pathway that you can use to frame your photo with the waterfall in the background.

Walk Around Lauterbrunnen

After capturing photos of the Staubbachfall waterfall, we spent an hour walking around downtown Lauterbrunnen and marveling at this magical scenery. The landscape in this part of Switzerland is just unreal with great photo opportunities around every corner !

The Water Fountain by the Lütschine river is another great location for viewing the Staubbach Falls with a closer vantage point. The Lütschine river is fed by glacier water giving it that stunning blue color tone.

After visiting the waterfalls, we walked around town and did a bit of souvenir shopping. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can try local Swiss mountain cuisine. For dessert, we indulged in freshly made mini donuts at the Waffeln pop-up stand.

If you have extra time on your hands after exploring Lauterbrunnen village, I recommend going on a quick trip out to Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) in Meiringen town .

We drove out to Aare Gorge from Lauterbrunnen on a whim by randomly finding it on Google Maps. This attraction is not as well advertised as other locations in Switzerland so it’s mostly visited by locals – which means cheaper entrance prices and smaller crowds!

The entrance to Aare Gorge costs 10 CHF and consists of a long pathway built into a cliff wall next to a blue glacier river . We were truly amazed at how beautiful and underrated this natural wonder was!

It takes about 45-60 minutes to walk the entire gorge. You can start the walk on one end and finish it on the other end, then take a train back to the starting point.

Aareschlucht consists of towering cliff walls and a milky blue river that has carved its way through this limestone canyon. The cliff walls that surround the gorge are about 180 meters tall so they’re quite high!

Driving time from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen: 30 minutes

Driving time from Lauterbrunnen to Aare Gorge: 45 minutes

Here are some of the best places to stay in Lauterbrunnen:

• Hotel Staubbach is a cozy place to stay in Lauterbrunnen that strives to provide guests with excellent service. Built in the 1890s, Hotel Staubbach has been winning the hearts of tourists due to its proximity to nature and local attractions. The rooms also offer excellent panoramic views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Falls.
• Hotel Silberhorn is nestled in a peaceful location away from the main road with jaw-dropping mountain views all around. The hotel features an alpine-style restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious Swiss buffet breakfast.

Day 6: Oeschinen Lake & Interlaken

Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee) is one of the most beautiful places that we visited in all of Switzerland. This lake is situated between Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland region so you can stop by here while traveling in between both of these areas. Due to a late start leaving Zermatt, we didn’t have enough time so we decided to put this hike off until the end of our trip and designate an entire morning/afternoon for it.

Oeschinen Lake is about an hour’s drive from Lauterbrunnen. Be sure to head out early and give yourself plenty of time to drive out there, take a gondola to the summit, and hike to the lake. We spent around 5 hours visiting this gorgeous alpine lake so it can be an all-day type of activity.

Upon arrival, most people stay at the main visitor area by  Berghotel Oeschinensee Hotel , but I highly recommend going on the 5.4-mile-long Lake Oeschinen Circular Trail for better vantage points. The higher you go, the better the views will get!

Once you pass the tree line, you will have clear unobstructed views of Oeschinen Lake. This is truly one of the best places to visit in Switzerland where you can enjoy dramatic mountain landscapes surrounded by tall mountain peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls!

After completing the hike and heading back to the parking lot, we drove out to Interlaken. Interlaken is the largest city in the Bernese Oberland region that has a lot of hotels and food choices from Indian to Mexican, Thai, and a variety of European restaurants.

A few of our favorite places to eat in Interlaken were:

• Aare – a Korean BBQ place next to the river. We shared one pot of Spicy Bulgogi BBQ between the both of us which was plenty!
• Hopplá Bistro – a small and intimate restaurant serving mouth-watering European dishes. The owner was very friendly and even gave me a complimentary glass of wine to pair with my cabbage roll entre.
• Delicias Algarve – an excellent Portuguese restaurant if you’re looking for a hearty meal. I ordered the shrimp dish made in butter sauce and it was so delicious!

Interlaken is also one of the best places in Switzerland for paragliding. At any time during the day, you can look up and see at least 10 paragliders in the sky!

If this exciting activity is on your bucket list, check out this Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken where you can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Thun and Jungfrau summits from a bird’s point of view – an experience that you’ll remember long after your trip!

Driving time from Lauterbrunnen to Oeschinen Lake: 1 hour

Driving time from Oeschinen Lake to Interlaken: 1 hour

Here are some of the best places to stay in Interlaken:

• Hotel Interlaken is one of the most luxurious places to stay in all of Switzerland. This 4-star hotel dates back to the 14 th century but has been remodeled with a chic and luxurious interior. If you wish to try authentic Swiss food along with international cuisine and wines, there is an on-site restaurant to satisfy your cravings!
• Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken MGallery Collection is another excellent hotel at the heart of Interlaken. The unique rooms are furnished in a baroque style and offer great amenities and excellent views. At night, the hotel’s elegant restaurant offers guests French and Swiss cuisine made from fresh local produce.

Day 7: Bern & Return To Geneva

On our last day in Switzerland, we decided to stop by Bern city. We had heard many great things about this historic town and it truly lived up to our expectations!

Similar to other Swiss cities, the Old City of Berne is built around a river. But its downtown has much older architecture and many historic buildings earning this beautiful city the UNESCO World Heritage Site title .

Upon arrival, I recommend parking your car and exploring the city center on foot. Here you can walk along old cobblestone streets and see elaborate water fountains, charming buildings, and intricate clock towers. The entire downtown is painted in a sage green color so it has a uniform look.

For one of the best views of the city, head over to the Kirchenfeldbrücke bridge that overlooks the turquoise Aare River and the Old Town Geneva.

One of the most unexpected places ( that took us by surprise ) was the Bear Pit Park . This riverfront animal habitat was established in the 19 th century and now houses several bears. It is free to visit the Bear Pit Zoo and we were able to see several brown bears up close through a clear glass wall.

With the Old Town as its backdrop, the Bear Pit is quite a unique attraction that is especially great for families with little kids. If you’re up for a unique experience, you can even sleep next to the bears by staying at the boutique One Suite Hotel – Zollhaus next door!

A few other popular attractions in Bern include:

• Kramgasse – the Main Street that travels through Old Town Bern with shops and restaurants lined along both sides.
• Zähringerbrunnen – historic 16 th -century water fountain featuring the city’s founder surrounded by bears (yes, they sure love bears in Bern!).
• Zytglogge – ornate medieval clock tower from the year 1405.
• The Cathedral of Bern – grand Gothic cathedral at the center of Bern’s downtown.
• Einstein Museum – Bern was home to the world-famous scientist Albert Einstein for 7 years. At this museum, you can explore various historic, scientific, and archeological exhibits centering around Swiss culture and history.

After exploring Bern for a couple of hours, we started driving towards Geneva and getting ready for our flight back home to the US.

Driving time from Interlaken to Bern: 45 minutes

Driving time from Bern to Geneva: 2 hours

Here are some of the best places to stay in Geneva:

• Les Armures . This hotel offers visitors a luxurious stay in Old Town Geneva near the St Pierre Cathedral. The Les Armures hotel is housed in a 17 th -century building that has been upgraded with modern furniture and excellent amenities. Within a short walk, you can reach local restaurants and shops, but there is also a restaurant on site serving classic French cuisine.
• Hôtel Longemalle . Contemporary chic décor wows at Hôtel Longemalle, a boutique hotel nestled in downtown Geneva. The elegant rooms are quite impressive with an option to book a room with a balcony overlooking the city. In the mornings, indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast before heading out to the airport.

We hope this post has inspired you to book a flight to Europe and add a few new places to your Switzerland 7-day itinerary!

Looking for more Europe travel inspiration? Here are a few other popular travel posts that you may enjoy:

• Best Places To Stay In Zermatt For a Trip To The Swiss Alps
• 12 Best Places To Stay In Bern, Switzerland For a Great Trip
• How To Visit Gorner Gorge (Gornerschlucht) In Zermatt
• How To Visit Mer de Glace In Chamonix, France
• 22 EPIC Things To Do In Seville, Spain For Visitors
• 12 Best Hotels In Aosta Valley, Italy For a Wonderful Stay
• 12 Marvelous Things To Do In Aosta Valley, Italy

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Bookable with luggage transport

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - The Classic

7 days / 6 nights.

Take in the very best of Switzerland on this exciting 7-day itinerary. Travelling by rail throughout, marvel at the diversity of bustling cities and shimmering lakes; from snow-capped mountain peaks to palm-tree lined streets. With panoramic carriages, these trains and destinations truly offer something for everyone.

• Lucerne - Lugano
• Lucerne - Interlaken

• Gotthard Panorama Express
• Bernina Express
• Glacier Express
• Zermatt with the Matterhorn
• GoldenPass Express
• Lucerne-Interlaken Express

«Discovering Switzerland on a scenic train is an unforgettable experience.»

Your itinerary.

• Lucerne on Lake Lucerne
• Freddie Mercury Statue - Montreux

From your starting point in Switzerland, take public transport to Lucerne. Overnight stay in Lucerne.

Highlights: Lucerne Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne, Musegg Wall

Lucerne - Lugano / approx. 5h 30

Today you cross Lake Lucerne on the historic paddle steamer to Flüelen and travel in the 1st class panoramic carriage of the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano. Overnight stay in Lugano.

Highlights: Gotthard Panorama Express, Lugano, Gotthard Tunnel

Lugano - Tirano / ca. 3h 20

Tirano - St. Moritz / ca. 2h 20

Travel by Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Continue with the Bernina Express in the panorama coach to St. Moritz. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.

Highlights: Tirano, Lago Bianco, Bernina Express, St. Moritz

St. Moritz - Zermatt / approx. 8h

Today, the world-famous Glacier Express takes you from St. Moritz to Zermatt in eight hours on an exciting panorama train ride. Overnight stay in Zermatt.

Highlights: St. Moritz, Landwasser Viaduct, Rhine gorge, Oberalp pass, Matterhorn

Zermatt - Montreux / approx. 2h 30

Today you travel towards Montreux. The rest of the day is at your leisure to discover the Swiss Riviera. Overnight stay in Montreux.

Highlights: Montreux Riviera, Lake Geneva, Lavaux vineyards, Chillon Castle  

Montreux - Interlaken / approx. 3h

From Montreux, the GoldenPass Express takes you directly to Interlaken. Golden vineyards, alpine pastures and picturesque villages accompany you along the way. Overnight stay in Interlaken.

Highlights: Gstaad, GoldenPass Express, Interlaken

Travel with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne. From Lucerne, take public transport back or to your next destination.

Highlights: Lucerne Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne, Musegg Wall.

• Rail journey from your starting point in Switzerland and back
• Overnight stay with breakfast in Lucerne, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux and Interlaken
• Seat reservation on the Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express
• Upgrade on board the Gotthard Panorama Express to 1st class
• From price applies per person in a 3-star double room, 2nd class, basic half-fare card
• Booking period: all year round
• Travel period: 15.04. - 09.10.2024
• Price example calculated on 01.09.2023 for 01.05.2024

Good to know

• Travel documents are sent by email if possible, in exceptional cases by post.
• The trip can also be booked in reverse
• Additional overnight stays in all destinations bookable
• The route in the Bernina Express from Tirano to Lugano takes place in 2nd class bus.
• Table reservations on the boat can be made directly via +41 41 367 67 67 or online at www.lakelucerne.ch .
• The journey on the Bernina Express from Lugano to Tirano is in coach 2nd class
• Here you can find the current timetables .
• The SBB luggage transport from hotel to hotel can be added in the booking process
• Benefit from over 100 2 for 1 offer and save up to CHF 4,500 with the Swiss Coupon Pass .
• Would you like to make someone happy? Give the trip away as a voucher .
• Download the  app  for the Grand Train tour of Switzerland now and playfully collect points for great offers while discovering the "must see" spots.
• You can find more inspiration for your trip at our partner MySwitzerland.com/classictour

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The best of Switzerland unlocked for you

Experience Switzerland differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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Want to explore a Swiss mountain by cable car?

Want to explore Lake Geneva by boat?

Cruise Lake Geneva

On a sunny day, there’s no better way to tour Switzerland than by water. Gaze at the country from its largest lake and learn something new about its shores, choosing a historic paddle boat, passenger ferry or cocktail-sipping sunset cruise.

Discover the 15th-century vineyards of Cave Champ de Clos

The Conne family have been producing wine for centuries in the heart of the UNESCO heritage region of Lavaux. Be hypnotized by rows of terraced vineyards then retire to the stone cellar to taste the vintages they have produced.

Take a horse carriage ride through the Alps and Rosegg Valley

The alps are home to an endlessly romantic trail that can be taken on horse carriage ride. Rug up in blankets for this fairytale experience through alpine forests, arriving at a destination of snow capped mountains and an impressive glacier. The kind of views imagined when dreaming up a Switzerland trip.

Ride up to Stans by Switzerland's oldest mountain railway

Start in Lucerne and travel along tracks from the 1890s, watching villages and views pass by in the window. With wildflower meadows in the summer and snow dusted trees in winter, you will unwind as you wind around the mountains for 30 minutes before reaching the top.

Travel to the heart of Switzerland, Interlaken

The unassuming town of Interlaken is the perfect base to connect with the soul of Switzerland. Explore over 700 hikes which roam into the mountains from your doorstep, with charming isolated villages found sitting between them.

Our top 5 things to do in Switzerland

We'll take you through the pristine natural beauty of this country, with a trip that's filled with moments of awe. Lakes, grapevines and alpine forests prove it's not just the hills that are alive in Switzerland.

Swiss National Museum

There is a reason this is Switzerland's most frequently visited museum of cultural history. Inside, you will immerse in the past and present through some 840,000 objects. From bronze Age bowls to silver knight’s armor, nowhere else will deliver such a rich and comprehensive insight into the Swiss.

Lake Geneva

Charlie Chaplin museum

The property where Charlie Chaplin spent his last years provides an intimate glimpse into the iconic entertainer's life and work. Be moved by a walk through the vast estate, where you will marvel at his original bowler hat and boots, hear tales from friends and touch painstakingly replicated movie sets.

Zentrum Paul Klee

The namesake of this museum is one of the 20th century's most important artists. Step into the space to quietly take in his artworks, you might find yourself lost in the famous cubism inspired 'Insula dulcamara' or colorful jigsaw that the German-Swiss genius was most famous for.

Best museums in Switzerland

There's more to this landlocked country than army knives and chocolate. With Trafalgar, you will gain a deeper understanding of Switzerland through these must-visit museums.

Once a farmers’ breakfast, Rösti is now a plate popular amongst the Swiss. One bite into this crisp baked potato and you will be hooked. Luckily, the country's many regions boast their own versions, offering an excuse to sample many during your tour of Switzerland.

There is more to this classic fare than dipping bread into a pot of melted cheese. It’s a sacred pastime. To the Swiss, fresh bread and bubbling creamy Gruyere is incomplete without one vital ingredient: good company. Indulge in authentic fondue in Switzerland in the company of new friends.

Swiss chocolate

Chocolate aficionados will find no shortage of pleasure in the smooth chocolate of Switzerland. The birthplace of Lindt, Toblerone, Mövenpick and more, a banquet of cocoa will be enjoyed here in the name of culture.

Best food in Switzerland

Baked potato, melted cheese and genuine chocolate. The culinary delights of Switzerland were designed with only the pleasure of taste in mind, and it's an indulgence Trafalgar is only too happy to share with you.

What to pack for Switzerland

Even in summer, layers are vital in Switzerland. Temperatures differ throughout through the country and can get particularly crisp in the higher mountains.

A good quality camera

In a place known for pinch me moments, it would be remiss to forget something more than just a smartphone to capture them all.

Swiss Francs

Switzerland may be at the core of Europe, but this country abandoned the Euro many years ago. Though you can still use them in some larger establishments, but it's better to arm yourself with plenty of Francs so you're never caught short.

A phrasebook

A phrasebook with the national languages of German, French and Italian is essential on a tour of Switzerland. If you really can’t spare the space, download them to your Google Translate app offline.

Walking shoes

If your trip is likely to see you traversing the dynamic landscapes of Switzerland, a pair of sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots should be on the packing list.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Europe's highest altitude railway station at 3454 metres.

Mount Titlis

World’s first revolving cable car offering you a magical 360° panoramic view.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Europe’s highest and largest snow sport destination at 3883 metres.

Glacier 3000

Amazing attractions: Alpine Coaster – the highest bobsleigh track, Husky sled rides & the snow bus.

Mount Pilatus

Known as the Mountain of Dragons, Pilatus boasts the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

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• Switzerland

• 1 Zurich City Tour
• 2 Lindt Home of chocolate
• 3 Swiss Transport Museum
• 4 Mt. pilatus
• 5 Mt. titlis
• 7 Harder kulm
• 8 Grindelwald First
• 9 Matterhorn glacier paradise
• 10 Glacier 3000
• 11 Aletsch Arena
• 12 Diavolezza
• 13 Swiss Miniatur
• 14 Charlie Chaplin's World
• 15 Schilthorn
• 16 Sunnegga

Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins

Luzern Interlaken Express

Duration: 1hr 50 mins

Duration: 5hr 30 mins

The slowest express train in the world

Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins

Bernina Express (train):4 h - 4 h 30 min

Bernina Express (Bus): 3 h

Popular Packages

Chalet Style Holiday - Interlaken

7 Nights / 8 Days

Glimpses of Switzerland & Paris

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Magic of Glacier Express

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Guided Day Tours by SWISS tours

Discover the best of Switzerland with guided tour activities.

Take a guided stroll through the Old Town, embark on a pleasant boat trip Lake Zurich, and visit the world's largest Lindt Chocolate museum with unlimited chocolate tasting.

Zurich Tour with Cruise and Chocolate

A super saver package combining Europe’s biggest waterfall along with an afternoon city tour of Zurich

Rhine Falls and Zurich City Tour

Discover the Europe’s biggest waterfall, and the Laufen Castle. Explore the medieval village Stein am Rhein on a guided walk.

Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Enjoy this classic combination of Zurich city tour by bus, guided walking tour of the Old Town with a one-hour boat trip on Lake Zurich!

Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

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7 Nights / 8 Days

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Discover Switzerland

08 Nights / 09 Days     Destination Lucerne  |  Interlaken  |  Golden PassLine  |  Montreux  |  Zermatt Gornergrat  |  Zermatt  |  Glacier Express and St. Moritz Validity 1st April – 26thOctober – 13th – 20th January – 1st April 2015  BOOK...

Grand Tour of Switzerland

07 Nights / 08 Days  DestinationZürich/Geneva  |  St. Moritz  | Zermatt  |  Lucerne  |  Glacier Express Geneva/Zurich Validity1st April – 25th October, 12th – 19thDecember 2015 and 9th January – 1st April 2016 BOOK NOW Grand Tour Of Switzerland Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in...

Highlights of Switzerland-S803

07 Nights / 08 Days    Destination Lucerne | St. Moritz | Zermatt | Interlaken              BOOK NOW Highlights of Switzerland – S803   Itinerary Day 1 Arrival Lucerne Transfer by rail to Lucerne and...

Sweet Swiss Dreams

07 Nights / 08 Days    Destination Geneva  |  Lucerne   |  Montreux  |   Emmental/Entlebuch  |  Interlaken  |  Lausanne  |  Geneva   Validity 1st April 2015–1st April 2016    BOOK NOW Sweet Swiss Dreams   Itinerary Day 1  Arrival...

Swiss Premium Tour

Lucerne – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch – Zermatt – Gornergrat – Glacier Express – St. Moritz Valid from 1st April – 22nd October, 10th – 24th December 2017 and 8th January – 28th March 2018 1st day:Arrival in lucerne by train...

Panoramic Round Trip-S801

07 Nights / 08 Days     Destination Montreux | Interlaken | St. Moritz            BOOK NOW   Panoramic Round Trip – S801   Itinerary Day 1 Arrival Montreux Transfer to Montreux by rail. The town nestles...

Switzerland Rail Adventure-S802

07 Nights / 08 Days    Destination Lucerne | Lugano | St. Moritz | Zermatt              BOOK NOW Switzerland Rail Adventure – S802   Itinerary Day 1 Arrival Lucerne Transfer by rail to Lucerne. Discover...

Switzerland’s Peaks-S804

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland-S805

07 Nights / 08 Days    Destination Zürich | Interlaken | Montreux | Zermatt | St. Moritz | Lugano | Lucerne            BOOK NOW Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – S805    Itinerary  Day 1 Arrival...

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07 Nights / 08 Days    Destination Zürich | Interlaken | Montreux | Zermatt | St. Moritz | Lugano | Lucerne          BOOK NOW Escorted Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – S806   Itinerary Day 1: Arrival...

The Chocolate & Cheese Side of Switzerland

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The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Written By: Seraina Zellweger

City Guides , Switzerland

Updated On: February 8, 2024

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

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

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

Table of Contents

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

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

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

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

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

One Week in Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Zurich – Lucerne – Trubschachen – Bern

Day 1 Switzerland Itinerary highlights:

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

Morning – Zurich

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

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

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

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

Insider tip:

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

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

Short Stop in Lucerne

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

Insider Tip:

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

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

Trubschachen – Kambly factory store

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

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

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

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

Evening – Bern Switzerland

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

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

Day 2: Bern – Interlaken

Today’s highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

• Paragliding

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe

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

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

But there’s more to do in Jungfrau

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

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

Swiss Travel Passes

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

Day 3: Interlaken – Golden Pass Line – Montreux

Day 3 highlights:

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

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

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

Morning: Train Journey Through Switzerland on Golden Pass Line

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

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

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

Afternoon: Montreux

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

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

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

Insider tips:

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

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

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

Morning: Gruyères

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

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

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

Gruyères Medieval Castle

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

Gruyère Cheese Factory

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

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

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

La Maison Cailler

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

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

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

Evening: Zermatt

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

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

Day 5: Zermatt – Domodossola – Locarno

Day 5 Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Journey to Locarno

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

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

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

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

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

Suggested Things to do

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Locarno – Zurich

Day 7 highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Train Travel in Switzerland

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

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

Explore more Switzerland Travels

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

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

Travel Planning Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Seraina Zellweger

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you once again Ateka

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

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

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

Hello Reeva

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

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

All the best, Seraina

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

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing this amazing article!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More From Forbes

7 things to do as soon as you board a cruise ship.

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Making the most of embarkation day can set you up for an enjoyable cruise vacation.

If you’ve never cruised before, embarking a modern vessel for the first time can be truly overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know, but by not doing certain things within the first hours, you risk spoiling your dream vacation.

The embarkation day process for a cruise is like a streamlined airport experience. Cruise lines provide a time window, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon, for arrival at the port.

Upon arrival, keep your boarding documents and ID ready. Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, cruise staff guide you to check-in where you'll present your ID, complete a health form, and receive your cruise card or wristband.

This card acts as a boarding pass, room key, and payment card onboard. Some lines offer keyless embarkation, allowing direct access to rooms and cards collected at the cabin. Before boarding, you'll go through a security line, albeit less rigorous than at an airport.

Once onboard, make sure to do these seven things as soon as you can. From checking your accommodations to enjoying the iconic sailaway, these steps ensure you maximize your onboard experience right from the start.

Hundreds of Russian Troops Gathered Out In The Open They Didn t Know The Ukrainians Had Aimed Four ATACMS Rockets At Them

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, the richest person in every state 2024, check your accommodation thoroughly.

As soon as you enter your cabin, inspect everything to ensure it meets your expectations and everything is in working order. Check that all facilities, such as the shower, toilet flush, lights, and electrical outlets, function properly.

If there is anything amiss, this is the time to contact guest services. You should expect a long queue on embarkation day, but the sooner you identify an issue, the higher the chance of a quick resolution, especially if an alternative cabin may be required.

You should check your cruise ship cabin and meet your room steward as soon as you can on embarkation ... [+] day.

This time also gives you an opportunity to stow your valuables in the cabin safe, and freshen up if desired.

Meet Your Cabin Steward

Introduce yourself to your cabin steward . They are key to ensuring your stay is comfortable, and will most likely call on you as soon as they realize you have arrived.

Discuss any specific preferences or needs you might have, such as extra pillows or allergies, or mention if you are late sleepers, for example. If you have any queries about room service or laundry options, now is the time to ask.

Cabin stewards are always professional, but getting to know yours early can enhance your onboard experience significantly.

Book Everything

Modern cruise ships are home to a dazzling range of entertainment and dining options. Early booking is crucial for popular onboard activities, dining reservations, and shore excursions.

In some cases, popular activities may have sold out prior to the cruise. For those that need to be booked on board, visit the relevant information desk or use the onboard app to make all your bookings as soon as possible.

You should also check your allocated dining time, if you are on a ship that operates a fixed dining concept. If you’re unhappy with the allocation, visit the maitre’d to request a change.

Attend Muster

The only absolute must-do on the first day is the muster drill. Prior to the pandemic, many cruise lines still required physical attendance in the theater or other large venue to go through the cruise safety procedures .

Nowadays, almost all cruise lines offer a virtual muster experience. Typically, a safety video is available on the cabin TV (which must be watched before accessing other functions) or even on the cruise line app.

You may still need to attend your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken, but this is straightforward and takes mere minutes.

Take Advantage Of Ship Tours

When you arrive in your cabin, check your daily planner to see if there are any introductory tours or sessions offered by the cruise line.

Embarkation day can be hectic and overwhelming. Join a guided tour to get your bearings.

Ship tours are ideal for first-time cruisers unfamiliar with the ship’s layout and generally how things work on board.

Keep an eye out for embarkation day tours or introductory sessions at the spa, fitness center, or casino. These often include special promotions or offers to kickstart your cruise experience.

Airplane Mode

To avoid hefty roaming charges, switch your phone to airplane mode. While at sea, your device could inadvertently connect to a cellular maritime network , which incurs high costs or data.

Even if you don't actively use your phone, you might accrue a significant bill from background data usage by your apps before you even receive an SMS notification—if you receive one at all.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, so consider purchasing one if you need to stay connected. Remember, cruise line apps typically require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, but you can use them without buying an internet package.

Alternatively, use this time to disconnect and enjoy the break from constant connectivity. If so, use the time before sailaway to send some farewell messages.

Enjoy Sailaway

The sailaway party is a cruise tradition not to be missed. On many lines, the top decks will host live music and festivities as the ship departs.

It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, meet other travelers, and take in the stunning views as you set sail on your adventure. If you want to toast the sailaway, be sure to get a drink in good time, as the bars will all be busy.

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2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson leaderboard, scores: Reigning champion Jason Day three back of lead after Round 1

Jordan spieth also had a good, but not great, day at tpc craig ranch.

After a copious amount of rain delayed the beginning of the first round at TPC Craig Ranch for the 2024 edition of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, scoring plummeted as players took advantage of soft conditions. 

Players who shot even 1 under found themselves well back of the lead with tons of ground to make up over the next three days. This is not unusual for this golf course, though the overnight rain surely made it play a bit easier than it otherwise would have.

Several golfers took full advantage of the 2-under scoring average, including Alex Noren, Jake Knapp, Taylor Pendrith and Round 1 leader Matt Wallace.

Let's take a closer look at the first round on Thursday.

1. Matt Wallace (-8)

The Englishman went out early and destroyed the golf course. Incredibly, he was not even top 40 in putting but still posted eight birdies on the day. The question, of course, is whether he can sustain the lead. Wallace does not have a top-15 finish anywhere in the world this year. 

Wallace said he's still learning about his game and how to play it at the highest level, noting that he watched the Masters and took away a lot in terms of his mindset. That's something he'll try to use over the next three rounds.

"So, watching some of the best players in the world, and what I'm seeing from a lot of them, especially the younger guys, younger than me -- I'm not too old, but younger than me -- they're so focused in their shot and not worrying about the outcome or what's out there," said Wallace.

"That's what I'm trying to do now. So this might be test number 158 of me with a different round of golf. But taking care my business and my swing is the most important part, and I'm able to do that at the moment because I'm in a good place."

Other contenders

T2. Taylor Pendrith, Alex Noren, Chesson Hadley, Jake Knapp, Davis Riley (-7) T7. Alex Smalley, Hayden Buckley, Kelly Kraft (-6) T14. Justin Lower, Keith Mitchell, Jason Day (-5)

Day is a massive name among the current contenders. As a major champion, as well as the reigning winner of this very tournament, he has to be considered one of the handful of favorites going into the next three days. His day started hot with three birdies in his first five holes and mostly continued on the second nine. His big mishap came at the par-5 5th hole (he started on the back nine on the course), where he made a bogey 6 on a hole that was averaging close to 4.5 shots on the day.

Still, he's in good position to win for the first time in just under a year. It was a victory I thought could propel him for the rest of 2023, but Day has just five top 20s since that win at this course last May (albeit all five of them at really good events, including a T2 at the Open Championship). 

Day said after his round that his approach play was better than it has been but that he has mixed feelings about having his coach, Chris Como, in town (Como lives in Dallas) because it can lead to obsessing over his swing from a technical standpoint. He noted that there are probably some other degenerates out there that can relate.

Can confirm: There are.

Spieth pops and then fades?

Jordan Spieth also birdied three of his first five and ran it all the way to 4 under through 13 holes before also making bogey at the par-5 5th hole. His 3-under 68 was decent and will have him in a good enough position going into the next 54 holes. Even more encouraging? The fact that he was solid from tee to green after a stretch of play that has, uh, not been so solid from tee to green.

"Started really nicely and then stalled," Spieth said. "You know, I snuck one on 4 but I thought I would maybe grab one on 3 and then [hole] five in. To play 1-over [on the last five holes] is kind of a bummer. You're looking to play those holes a couple under.

"It's a very gettable golf course," he continued. "Obviously very wet, but I just played the easy holes poorly; played the par-5s 1 over. That was kind of the story of the day. The par-5s you kind of need to be two-and-a-half-under out here each day. I'll have to make that back up."

2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson updated odds, picks

Odds via Sportsline consensus

• Alex Noren: 8-1
• Matt Wallace: 16-1
• Jason Day: 16-1
• Jake Knapp: 16-1
• Ben An: 16-1
• Taylor Pendrith: 18-1
• Stephan Jaeger: 18-1
• Min Woo Lee: 18-1

This is a board that is somewhat untouchable for me, but if I had to make a pick here I kind of like Wallace at 16-1. That's a nice number for somebody with the outright lead who didn't do it all with the putter. I like that better than everybody else shorter than 25-1. Keith Mitchell is intriguing at 25-1, and Si Woo Kim is interesting at 35-1.

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Former security guard Jake Knapp leads the Byron Nelson after 2 rounds

Jake Knapp lines up a putt on the 18th hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Matt Wallace of England lines up a putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jake Knapp putts on the 18th hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Kelly Kraft hits an approach shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jordan Spieth gestures as the gallery applauds his putt on the sixth green during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jake Knapp waves on the 18th hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jordan Spieth stretches to see where his shot from the rough landed on the sixth green during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Jason Day hits from the bunker on the sixth green during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Matt Wallace of England hits an approach shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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McKINNEY, Texas (AP) — Jake Knapp is spending his weekends much differently now as a rookie on the PGA Tour, just more than two years after working security at a restaurant in his hometown that was also a late-night hotspot.

A first-time Tour winner earlier this year , Knapp went into this weekend leading the CJ Cup Byron Nelson after a second consecutive 7-under 64 on Friday. At 14-under 128, he was a stroke ahead of Troy Merritt (62) and first-round leader Matt Wallace (66), and two ahead of Kelly Kraft (66).

“Even when I was doing any of that stuff, I always knew this was what I wanted to do, and felt like it’s where I should be. Just wasn’t there yet,” Knapp said. “Just kept working away and sticking at it.”

Merritt closed is season-low round with an eagle at the 531-yard ninth hole, where he hit his approach to 16 feet and made that putt. He had birdied four of the previous six holes.

Wallace finished on the same par 5 later in the day, and saved par after driving into a native area and then chunking a shot from there to under a bridge.

Hometown favorite Jordan Spieth, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 20, shot a 70 to finish at 4-under 138 and miss the cut by two strokes. On the 16th, his wayward drive ricocheted off the elbow of a male spectator back into the fairway. He still bogeyed the hole, then parred his last two.

Defending champion Jason Day closed his round with a 35-foot par putt for a 70, and was just on the cut line at 6-under 136.

Kris Kim, a 16-year-old from England, made the cut in his PGA Tour debut , shooting 68-67 to enter the weekend 7 under. His South Korean-born mother played on the LPGA Tour in the 1990s. He is the first amateur sponsored by South Korean Company CJ Group, the first-year sponsor of the Nelson, and is playing on a sponsor exemption.

Spieth was a 16-year-old amateur at the Nelson in 2010, when the Dallas native tied for 16th in his first PGA Tour start.

Knapp’s only bogey through the first two rounds was on his 12th hole Friday, the dogleg No. 3, where his drive went into the left rough. But he birdied four of his last six holes, that stretch starting with a 32-foot putt at the par-3, 192-yard fourth hole.

“Obviously, a putt you’re not trying to make,” he said. “Hit it a little bit harder than I would’ve liked and luckily it was on a good line and went in.”

Knapp, who turns 30 on May 31, lost his card on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour before taking the part-time job in the fall of 2021 at the place in Costa Mesa, California, where for nearly nine months he worked Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights — often until 2 or 3 a.m. The former UCLA player would practice and go to the gym in between his work shifts.

He got his third win on PGA Tour Canada in August 2022, and last year earned his PGA Tour card by finishing the season 13th on the Korn Ferry Tour. He won the Mexico Open in his fifth start this season, and his ninth overall, including two as an amateur in 2015.

His PGA Tour biography also touts that he can solve a Rubik’s Cube, loves to work out and would pursue a career in the fitness industry if he wasn’t playing golf.

“Yeah, few interesting ones about me,” Knapp said. “I do my best to, I’m kind of a golf-only guy. Just play a lot of golf and practice a lot. That’s been my focus for the last four, five years.”

At TPC Craig Ranch north of Dallas, Knapp hit 16 of 18 greens each of the first two rounds. He also had the same number of putts (28) both days, though the combined distance of those shots on the greens went from 75 feet on Thursday to 139 feet on Friday.

“For the most part hitting it pretty solid and keeping in the right areas. Made it relatively easy on myself.” Knapp said. “Early on in the year felt like I was putting well, and for the last month or so the stroke felt the same and ball wasn’t going in the hole. ... Nice to see a few more going in.”

Merritt opened his round with consecutive birdies before a three-putt bogey at No. 12, though he got that stroke right back with a 52-foot chip-in at No. 13. He made only his second cut in his past six tournaments, and finished 67th in the other one.

“It’s fantastic, especially when you hit the ball solid and making a lot putts,” said Merritt, who is in his 331st PGA Tour event and last won in 2018. “You’re not accidentally there. You’ve actually played well to get there. I haven’t done that. I’ve accidently back-doored a couple top 10s last fall.”

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf