switzerland trip tips

30+ Switzerland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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There are many countries I love in Europe, but if I were to pick one that has me (and my bucket list) in an absolute chokehold, it’d be Switzerland.

I mean… There’s glossy lakes in every shade, epic mountains caked with snow, and town after town with views so perfect, they’ll actually make you mad.

… which explains why I keep crawling back, like a sad obsessive ex.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Switzerland in all seasons and for all reasons – whether solo, with friends, with family, or as a romantic getaway. In that time, I’ve not only been able to amass a restraining order-level of enthusiasm, but I’ve also collected quite the list of random Switzerland travel tips learned through trial and error.

… so allow me to share those with you today!

Read on for a list of must-knows before you visit Switzerland for yourself. With these on your side, you’ll soon see why this is one of my favourite countries in the world.

Save this list of Switzerland Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Budget plenty of money for your Switzerland trip

As you might expect from a country that seems this perfect, Switzerland has one fatal flaw: and that is its prices.

Indeed – beautiful Switzerland is a country filled with sights that will drop many a jaw, but perhaps none more so than the sight of your first restaurant receipt.

Dining out is expensive in Switzerland, a place known for having the priciest Big Mac in the world . But so is practically everything else – from transport and hotels to groceries. In fact, it’s fairly common for Swiss residents near the border to road trip across to France, Germany or Italy to save a few francs on household goods.

All this to say: make sure you’re ready for Switzerland’s high price points, and plan accordingly.

Of course, there are ways to cut costs and save money while travelling Switzerland, but we’ll cover those more in-depth below.

2. Remember Switzerland is NOT in the EU

While Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone (which means yay, borderless travel!), it is not actually part of the European Union. 

Practically speaking, this isn’t a big deal for tourists, BUT I need to mention it in case you’ve purchased some kind of phone plan that is for EU only. 

On a trip a few years ago, I was happily using my German SIM card as we crossed the border into Switzerland and within minutes, all 20 euros of my phone credit had been zapped because I forgot my plan didn’t cover countries outside of the EU! 

Now, most packages have smartened up these days and offer options for “EU + Switzerland” but be sure to double check just in case, lest you end up in debt from loading a TikTok recipe you’ll never even make.

3. Switzerland has its own currency

Another practical Switzerland must-know related to the above point is that Switzerland has its own currency – the almighty Swiss Franc (or CHF).

The bad news is, this means your euros probably won’t get you far. The good news is, their money is vibrant and beautiful, like every other dang thing in the country.

Of course, if you’re wary of withdrawing too much local currency, I’ve found Switzerland to be very card-friendly, so if you have a good credit/debit card with minimal foreign transaction fees, you’ll get by fine with that in most places. I can highly recommend Wise for that purpose.

4. Switzerland also has its own unique plugs/outlets

In addition to the currency being different, the outlets are also different.

In Switzerland, they use Type J outlets that typically look like this, with scattered dots akin to a shocked emoji:

Usually Type F Euro plugs can fit these outlets, but it’s very important you make sure your adapter isn’t one of the circular ones because some of the outlets in Switzerland have these flat thin frames and the circular adapters won’t properly fit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

5. Know that they speak different languages in different parts of Switzerland 

Another important Switzerland must-know is that when it comes to the local language, there’s no such thing as “Swiss”. 

People in Switzerland are among the most multilingual you’ll meet (next to Luxembourg, anyway!) so depending on where you are in the country, you’ll hear German, French, Italian or Romansch spoken.

So, come prepared and do your research about which languages are widely spoken where you’re visiting, and try to at least learn hello and thank you in those languages as well.

6. Consider flying into one airport and out another

The major international airports in Switzerland can be found in Zurich, Geneva and Basel (which, fun fact – is one of the few airports jointly operated by two countries, France and Switzerland).

Anyways, if you plan on covering a lot of ground while in Switzerland, I would actually recommend flying into one airport and out of another, if the cost difference isn’t substantial. 

The reason I say that is while Switzerland is small, there isn’t really a good way to travel around the country in a loop. So logistically, it kind of makes sense to travel in one direction, so you don’t have to double back.

7. Or concentrate your Switzerland trip in a smaller area

Alternatively, I would advise picking a smaller region/area of Switzerland and exploring it thoroughly, rather than try to cover too much ground.

Transportation in Switzerland is expensive, so one of the best ways to cut costs is to simply not move around as much… which is Mission Impossible, I know, because of the many, many iconic spots you’ll no doubt want to see.

The trouble is though, many of these most famous spots aren’t actually that close together.

So, instead, I’d advise committing to one area – by doing that, you also start to discover more hidden gems and unique spots beyond the most famous attractions… which is of course a huge win in my books!

8. Go beyond the big cities in Switzerland

I have loved visiting many of the big cities in Switzerland like Lucerne, Zurich and Basel .

BUT, I would say the real charm of the country lies beyond city life, and if you really want the ultimate Switzerland experience, I highly encourage you venture off to the countryside for at least a day trip – exploring everything from quaint little villages and epic mountains to lakes more vibrant than Gatorade.

That’s where the real magic happens!

9. Go for Christmas markets!

Once upon a time, I did a whirlwind tour of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets , and it was probably that trip that sealed the country’s fate as one of my favourites.

Twinkly lights and the smell of Glühwein are usually enough (on their own) to make me tear up with joy. Add on the beauty of Swiss landscapes as the backdrop? Oof – I never stood a chance.

So, if you’re looking for one of the the most magical times to visit Switzerland, then I can highly recommend Christmas market season. If you plan your visit for earlier in the season (late November, rather than close to Christmas), you’ll usually be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Here are my top must-knows for visiting Christmas markets in Europe if you want to learn more, and you can check out my Swiss Christmas market guides for more details on those:

• Zurich Christmas Market Guide
• Lausanne Christmas Market Guide
• Basel Christmas Market Guide
• Montreux Christmas Market Guide

10. Use public transport as much as possible

Swiss public transport is an astounding marvel in itself. It’s so clean. So beautiful. So scenic.

(And so expensive… but hey, probably not as expensive as renting a car!)

So, if you are planning mainly city to city travel, I can advise just getting around with the public transport. In fact, most cities will offer a free Guest Card when you stay overnight, which usually gives you unlimited public transport for the duration of your stay. Not too shabby at all!

11. Look into scenic Swiss trains 

And if you’re someone who likes to gaze out large windows and pretend they’re in a coming-of-age film, boy do I have the Switzerland travel tip for you.

Book yourself on one of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides. .. and thank me later.

12. Book regional trains on scenic routes to save money

Now, if you do find yourself with a rabid desire to hop on Switzerland’s most scenic train routes (which duh, why wouldn’t you) then I have another secret money-saving tip.

Odds are you’ve heard of the big famous Swiss trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express . Both are great, but also pricey and sometimes over-congested with our fellow tourists.

But if the views are more your priority, what you can actually do is hop on a regional train that goes along the same route. This way, you get the same views at a fraction of the cost and even bonus perks like being able to roll down the (admittedly smaller) windows, or even special train cars that have space for photography!

I did this on the Bernina Express route, and actually preferred it to the main tourist/sightseeing train.

13. Look into Swiss transport passes

Even if you don’t end up using my Swiss train travel hack above, there are still many ways to save money on trains in Switzerland.

Overall, if you plan to take trains very frequently (or plan to be in the country for a while), then you’ll almost certainly save money by purchasing some kind of Swiss transport pass.

There are a few popular ones, and which is best depends on your specific situation, but here are the top options:

• Swiss Travel Pass: Gives you unlimited transport and discounts on attractions across Switzerland – prices vary depending on the time period you buy for.
• Swiss Half Fare Card | 120 CHF for a month: Gives you discounts of up to 50% on all journeys by train, bus, boat and most mountain railways in Switzerland, as well as public transport in over 90 cities. 
• Regional Passes: Grants unlimited entry to attractions/public transport in a particular region, usually cheaper than buying the passes above which are nationwide. E.g. Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass

And of course, if you’re travelling to multiple countries, it might be more worthwhile to use a Eurail pass instead. This is how I managed to ride the Bernina Express and Glacier Express for a fraction of the full cost.

Read my full Eurail review for more details.

14. Rent a car if you plan to do a lot of natural sights or smaller villages

But while public transport across Switzerland is amazing, it does have its downsides.

The main one for me is that local bus services don’t tend to drop you to more remote hiking destinations or nature spots, so if your goal is go more off the beaten path, definitely rent a car.

IMPORTANT: To use the motorways in Switzerland, you need to purchase something known as a Vignette. This is a sticker you pay for that allows you to use Swiss highways. Unfortunately it’s only available as an annual sticker so it does cost 40 CHF, so that’s another cost to hear in mind.

Interested in renting a car? Here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

15. Learn all the tricks to saving money with your accommodation

Alright, so we’ve covered Switzerland travel tips for saving money on transport, now here are a few quick tips for saving money via your accommodation:

• Book accommodation with a kitchen to save big on food costs
• Stay in a smaller village outside a big expensive resort/city to save big
• Look for freebies/inclusions when booking accommodation (e.g. a visitor pass, meals included, etc.)

16. Budget for the tourist tax

We’ve already covered the fact that Switzerland is pricey, but an additional cost that surprises many visitors is the Swiss tourist tax.

This is an additional tax that usually has to be paid in person and can range from 2-7 francs per person per night. Yes, more money. Whee! 

17. Don’t take Swiss directness personally

One of my most important Swiss travel tips? Don’t take any perceived ‘rudeness’ as a personal attack.

Culturally speaking, Swiss people can be very direct so don’t be surprised if you enter a bakery and they just ask “what do you want?” instead of “hey how are you? How’s your day? How’s your mom??”

They don’t tend to do the whole ‘overly friendly customer service’ thing here, so just accept it as a cultural difference, and know it’s not worth ruining your trip over.

18. Prepare for an earlier start to the day

Another potential Swiss culture shock? Generally speaking, Swiss people get up early.

As a result, shops open earlier, and close earlier too. It’s not uncommon for grocery stores to close at 6:30 or 7pm, so keep that in mind when preparing your day.

19. Learn how to tip in Switzerland

Tipping is definitely not expected in Switzerland to the same extent as in North America. Often rounding up is considered enough (e.g. if your bill is 45 euro, then rounding up to 50), with 10% being a rough benchmark for good service.

20. Thoroughly research your hiking route beforehand

Alright, now this is a more specific Switzerland travel tip, but if you plan to do any hiking while you’re there, listen up.

Research beforehand is very very important.

Swiss locals tend to be highly athletic and begin hiking from a young age. In fact, I’m convinced most Swiss people exit the womb with hiking boots on.

As such, I’ve noticed hiking resources like signs in Switzerland aren’t super helpful for beginners, so make sure you thoroughly research the trail and make sure you can do it before committing. Swiss mountains are no joke.

One of the most infuriating parts of travelling in Switzerland is the ubiquitous “Wanderweg” (Hiking Path) sign, which often points in two directions and offers little to no help for those new to these trails… so here’s an example of what you might be working with:

21. Consider an SAC membership

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking and intend to stay at mountain huts, another Swiss money-saving tip is getting a membership for the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) .

This membership costs between 80 – 110 CHF a year but comes with a ton of perks like 50% off mountain hut stays.

Considering how expensive accommodation is, this can definitely be worth it for a longer hiking heavy trip.

22. Splurge on some Swiss specialties

Alright, now let’s engage in a swift pivot from Swiss hiking to Swiss FOOD.

Yes, welcome to your happy-place.

Food-wise in Switzerland, I’ll be sharing some budget friendly tips below, but I do think it’s important that you don’t miss out on Swiss food while you’re over there. I know it can be pricey, but frankly there are some Swiss specialties that are worth the splurge.

Some Swiss must-tries include: 

• Fondue: A delicious pot of melted cheese or chocolate that you dip things in
• Raclette: An amazing cheese that you melt a layer of and scrape over top potatoes and veggies
• Rösti: a crispy potato pancake
• Chocolate: A treat that requires zero introduction

NOTE: Apparently it’s considered sacrilegious to drink a cold beverage other than white wine while eating fondue or raclette. It stems from an old belief that this will lead the cheese to glop up weirdly in your body and kill you, but that has been scientifically dismissed. Instead, you’ll just be getting some weird stares from locals if you do… like we did when this photo was taken:

23. Have a quick search of regional specialties before you go

While yes, fondue and raclette are great, you should make sure to try some other lesser known Swiss delicacies too.

The cuisine in Switzerland can vary a lot depending on where you go, so I’d recommend doing some research beforehand about what the best must-tries are, so you can keep an eye out for them.

24. Stock up on supplies before visiting Switzerland

Alright, now for the less fun budget-friendly version of my Switzerland advice.

It’s a lot less exciting, but nonetheless necessary. Unless you want to leave Switzerland bankrupt.

First off – one of the best ways to keep your budget down is to ensure you grab all your necessities before you get to Switzerland.

The last thing you want to do is realize you forgot shampoo, or a razor, or your favourite granola bars, then be at the mercy of Swiss prices for all these random items.

So, stock up before you leave and your budget will thank you.

25. Buy groceries & cook to save big

On a similar note, if you’re on a budget, don’t feel pressured to dine at a restaurant for every meal while in Switzerland.

These costs can add up quickly, and since service in Europe is less rushed than in North America, often this will cut into your sightseeing time as well.

Instead, don’t forget that grocery stores and markets are a great resource for cheap grab & go meals, or even groceries for whipping up your own meals if you’ve booked accommodation with kitchen facilities.

The cheapest places to get groceries in Switzerland would be ALDI or Lidl (huge German chains known for their rock bottom pricing), or Switzerland’s own leading discounter, Denner.

Depending on where you are though, I’ve found that there often aren’t one of these available, so in those cases, be sure to look for the budget store brand for whichever supermarket you’re shopping at. These would be…

• M-Budget brand at Migros
• Prix Garantie brand at Coop

26. Shop for souvenirs at the supermarket

If you’re looking for nice goodies to bring back home to loved ones, often you’ll save a lot of money by buying them at the supermarket, rather than at pricey souvenir shops.

And no, I don’t mean in a “hey Timmy, I missed you, here’s some Swiss lettuce” kind of way, but moreso in a “suitcase full of Swiss chocolates and personalized Toblerones” kind of way.

Many souvenir shops will sell chocolate and the like, but usually for a higher markup than supermarkets. Beyond that, many supermarkets in more touristy areas will also have things like postcards and magnets too, so keep an eye out! Nobody from home has to know.

27. Visit Äss Bar 

Yay! My favourite Switzerland tip for saving money! Because I’m sure you’re all absolutely mortified right now from that heading.

Don’t worry though – I haven’t completely lost it. I know the name seems a bit… questionable, but Äss Bar is actually a unique Swiss chain known for their low prices because they sell day old food that’s still good to consume.

It’s all bakery stuff like sandwiches, salads, and pastries, and honestly really good value for money, with quite a few locations now spread across the country. I’ve enjoyed a salad from there before, and was very pleasantly surprised by the price and quality.

Overall – it’s a great pick if you’re on a budget, or at the very least a fun photo opp:

28. Consider sightseeing/attractions passes

If you plan to do a lot of paid attractions while in Switzerland, those costs can add up, so another way to save money on those is by purchasing… you guessed it – a pass!!

Most cities and regions will offer an attraction pass of some kind that bundles up entry to multiple attractions and modes of transport for one set price. If you plan to do a lot of paid sights, these can save you a ton of cash.

I’ve previously purchased one in Lucerne and was shocked by how much I saved.

Buuuut beware that some attractions and cable cars are privately owned and won’t be part of certain passes, so definitely read the fine print to double check if there’s a specific sight you had your hopes on. 

29. Prepare for ever-changing weather

Generally, I have been blessed with beautiful weather on every trip of mine to Switzerland, but I’ve learned the hard way that Swiss weather conditions can change quickly. Very quickly.

It can also vary a lot depending on your elevation.

Many first time visitors fail to take into account that nasty weather conditions can mean zero visibility up in the mountains, which is a bummer when you pay so much to get up there!

So, be sure to check weather reports diligently and don’t forget what a huge consideration that is during your Switzerland trip… and pack layers so that you’re not caught off guard with swift changes in temperature and conditions.

30. Use webcams to spy on visibility conditions for mountain attractions

Another important tip is to use webcams to check visibility conditions before heading up to alpine attractions.

Swiss mountains are epic… but they’re also very high up. And just because the visibility is fine on ground level doesn’t mean it will be 2000m above ground.

This is why I’d advise against booking set date tickets or tours for Swiss alpine attractions until you get close to the date and have an idea of the forecast. It can be very disappointing to spend a bunch of money just to get up and see nothing but pure whiteness.

Anyways, one way to quickly check on weather is by using webcams. Most mountains will have a few installed so just google the viewpoint name and webcam to see if you can find one.

31. Rent free bikes

And as if Switzerland didn’t sound Utopian enough, another hot Swiss travel tip for you is that some cities actually offer free bike rentals so long as you put down a deposit and ID.

Here are two known cities that do this:

• Zurich: ‘Züri rollt’ program – free bike rental with a deposit of 20 CHF
• Geneva: GenèveRoule program – free bike rental in the summer with a deposit of 20 – 100 CHF plus an ID

32. Use train station lockers

When travelling around Switzerland, if you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore a city for the day, or if you need a place to dump your bags before check-in or after check-out, remember that most Swiss train stations have a paid locker service that will totally save your life.

With them, you can explore with ease without worrying about lugging your bags around. So helpful!

33. Get familiar with the many free things to do in Switzerland

Alright, as we near the end of this list of Swiss travel must-knows, it’s worth mentioning that while the country is (generally) quite expensive to travel, many of the best things to do in Switzerland are free.

Hiking? Free. Swimming in lakes? Free. Leaving a trail of drool as you gape at all the landscapes? Very messy… and very free!

Beyond the obvious however, there are many free attractions in pretty much every major Swiss city, from museums and parks to even a free tour of the Swiss Parliament Building.

So, be sure to google “Free Things to Do + Destination” to uncover a wealth of great freebies.

34. Know what “CH” means

Last but not least, allow me to solve a Switzerland mystery for you so you can strut around during your trip as someone ‘in the know’.

All over Switzerland, you’ll see the letters “CH” everywhere – the currency is CHF, most Swiss website URLS end in .ch…. etc. etc.

So what is that about? Well, as I learned, it comes from the Latin “Confoederatio Helvetica”, AKA the “Helvetic Confederation”. 

The Helvetians were a Celtic tribe that occupied Switzerland for hundreds of years up to the 5th century. 

Their legacy lived on through the Latin name of Switzerland through the Middle Ages (Helvetia), which is still seen today all over the country in the form of “CH”. Just in case you were curious (and want to flaunt your knowledge in front of your travel companions).

I hope this list of Switzerland travel tips was helpful!

Made it this far? Still reading? Wow! Hi mom 🙂 I admit this was a VERY long list of tips for Switzerland travel, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “30+ Switzerland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

I’ve lived here for ten years and still always giggle when I see the Äss Bar.

“The main one for me is that local bus services don’t tend to drop you to more remote hiking destinations or nature spots”

Yes they do. There are endless bus and train stops in the middle of nowhere. Certainly there are some spots you can drive to that would be an hours walk or more from the nearest public transport stop, but it would take years to exhaust all the options that are possible without a car.

“One of the most infuriating parts of travelling in Switzerland is the ubiquitous “Wanderweg” (Hiking Path) sign, which often points in two directions and offers little to no help for those new to these trails”

Those signs are just to indicate which of multiple options the path follows. If you come across a sign like that it means you just somehow stumbled into the middle of the section.

There are frequent signposts at every junction on the network and likely starting place (village, bus stop, car park etc) showing the destinations with the average time to reach them, and useful things like food or transport options – often with a map too in villages/transport stops.

You can also download the map on the SwissTopo app for free and check your position on that if you do somehow start mid-route.

Great article, and a ton of useful info !!!

I’m going there for Christmas & New Years by myself for the first trip across the pond. Flying in and out of Zurich. Starting off in Bern for Christmas, and eventually making my way back to Zurich. Any suggestions for Christmas day in Bern or New Years in Zurich….or elsewhere ?

Thanks again for your awesome article !!!

Hi Craig, sounds like you have a great trip planned! I haven’t spent Christmas in Bern so I’ll point you towards their official tourism page which will have more helpful info: https://www.bern.com/en/christmas/highlights If you didn’t know though, do prepare yourself for the fact that most (if not all) of the Christmas markets will be closed on Christmas Day.

As for New Years in Zurich, again, I haven’t had that experience myself but it looks like they do a cool fireworks display over the lake! Here’s more info on that: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/new-years-eve-in-zurich

Hope that helps, and safe travels! 🙂

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14 things to know before going to Switzerland

May 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Use our local tips to ensure your Swiss vacation is unforgettable © emperorcosar / Shutterstock

Little did I know when I moved to Switzerland a decade ago that I’d still be here now. But with its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport, multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even if things are a bit on the pricey side.

Get a taste of Swiss life for yourself with these top tips everyone should keep in mind before visiting Switzerland.

1. Prioritise what you want to see

It’s possible to drive the breadth of Switzerland in just a few hours, but this small country packs in a lot, from culture-rich cities and little mountain villages to epic alpine landscapes and vast lakes. Thanks to the smooth transport network, it’s all very accessible, allowing you to explore a city center in the morning, ride across a lake at lunchtime and be up a mountain come the afternoon. So whether you’re coming for a weekend-long city break, or taking your time to explore by train, car or bicycle, Switzerland suits the lot.

2. Pack for all weathers

Generally speaking, Switzerland is seasonally predictable, with hot summers and cold winters, but there are always exceptions to keep you on your toes. Violent storms on summer days can catch you off guard, while temperatures can plunge in the mountains at night even after a very hot day – snow isn’t uncommon at altitude in August. Prepare for all eventualities, and always pack a little more clothing than you think you’ll need if you’re exploring alpine areas. The federal weather service is a go-to for accurate local forecasts.

3. Download the SBB app and look for Supersaver tickets

The easiest way to buy train tickets is on the app provided by SBB/CFF/FFS , Switzerland’s rail service. Input your credit card details the first time you use it and then it’s just a couple of taps to buy any ticket. If you purchase on the day of travel, journeys are the same price throughout the day (i.e. no early bird or off-peak deals), but if you can plan in advance, search for Supersaver tickets that can shave a fair few francs off the price. Multi-day transport passes and day passes can also save you money.

4. Book hotels and mountain cabins well in advance

Switzerland’s a popular place, so accommodation gets booked up in advance. Always plan ahead, especially if you’re on a budget. That doesn’t just apply to cities and famous resort towns – even a dorm bed in a rustic cabin high in the mountains can be highly sought after in peak season. Don’t forget to pack a sheet sleeping bag, which is obligatory in most high-mountain cabins.

5. Be prepared to splash the cash

Everyone knows Switzerland is pricey. There are ways to travel frugally here, but it’s prudent to accept that certain things are unavoidably expensive. Even though it might hurt to shell out for food, accommodation and travel, it'll be worth it when you’re standing on top of a mountain taking photographs so achingly beautiful your friends will later say you’ve photoshopped it – trust me.

6. Don’t assume everyone is multilingual

When it comes to communication, Switzerland isn’t straightforward. Though the country has a distinct national identity, its four official languages – French, Swiss German, Italian and Romansh – divide the country into discrete linguistic areas. Though there’s some crossover in towns such as Biel/Bienne and Fribourg that straddle the language border, in rural areas the so-called röstigraben can be so stark that you might encounter a francophone village on one side of the border and a Swiss-German-speaking one five kilometers down the road. And while many Swiss are multilingual, don’t assume that everyone speaks each other’s language – many people are more likely to speak English than another Swiss national language.

7. Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Swiss German is not the same

German speakers may come to Switzerland thinking they’ll have no problems understanding the Swiss, but that may not be so. German – or Hochdeutsch , high German – is quite different to Swiss German, or Schweizerdeutsch , so even native German speakers might be left scratching their heads at times. Not only that, but Swiss German isn’t a single language – it encompasses various different dialects across the region. However, don’t despair if you greet someone with Grüezi (hello) only to get Grüessech in response – people will appreciate the effort, even if you get it wrong.

8. Remember what country you’re in

When discussing Switzerland’s language regions with a local, never refer to, for example, the "French" area – always say French-speaking or francophone. This is a proudly independent, neutral country and any suggestion that it is part of another nation does not go down well!

9. Call places by their local names

Likewise, you’ll make friends more quickly if you call things by their proper names, not their anglicized ones. Say Lake Geneva to a Lausanne resident and you’ll get a stern look and a pointed reply about Lac Léman. Likewise, Lake Lucerne is actually Vierwaldstättersee, and Lake Constance is Bodensee.

10. Tip if you want to, but it’s not obligatory

There isn’t a big tipping culture in Switzerland. Leaving 10% on top of the meal bill, if you’ve enjoyed a meal, will be very much appreciated but it’s not obligatory – and certainly not if you’ve only had drinks at a bar. Prices are high enough and salaries in the service industry are decent.

11. Drink wine with a fondue

Switzerland’s cheesiest dish comes with numerous etiquette rules – don’t double-dip, don’t drop your bread in the pot, never leave the crusty bit at the bottom ( la religieuese ) uneaten – but the most important rule must be: only drink wine with it (preferably a dry Swiss white like Chasselas, the country’s most widespread homegrown grape). It supposedly helps with digestion (see also: schnapps). Apparently drinking water would cause the cheese to solidify in your stomach. Or perhaps (evidently, if you ask me) it’s simply that the Swiss love drinking wine and use any excuse to do so.

12. Don’t buy bottled water – tap water is just as good

One of the greatest rip-offs in Switzerland must be bottled water. It’s expensive and buying it is wholly unnecessary since the tap water is just as tasty and abundantly available. Carry a reusable bottle and fill up wherever you can – including from the many fountains you’ll see in cities, towns and mountain villages all over the country. Unless otherwise stated, it’s drinkable and delicious. Despite this, don’t be surprised if restaurants grumble when you order tap water – apart from in the canton of Ticino , they aren’t legally obliged to provide it for free and some will either charge you, or refuse to serve it, if you don’t also order another drink.

13. Keep an eye on your bags when traveling from the airport

Switzerland is generally a safe, honest country, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your suitcases when you’re traveling on the train from the airport, as thieves sometimes see newly arrived tourists as prime targets. Sit near the luggage rack or put your bags on the shelf above your head.

14. Stay safe in the mountains – and watch out for cows

Part of the thrill of touring Switzerland is spending time in the mountains, but don’t underestimate the unpredictability of nature. Make sure you’re well equipped with good boots and suitable clothing in case the weather turns. Check the forecast and trail conditions before you set out, and abide by any local rules such as avoiding areas where there might be rockfalls or other hazards.

Ideally, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back. Consult trail maps on Wanderland.ch and save 1414 – the emergency number for Rega , Switzerland’s air rescue service – in your phone just in case.

Oh, and if you see cows with calves in the fields, give them a wide berth – though rare, there have been instances of hikers being trampled by irate mother cows.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Switzerland:

Save this guide to the best things to do in Switzerland.  Plan a road trip (or seven) with this guide. Check when is the best time to go  depending on your interests and budget. Give your wallet a break with these free things to do in Switzerland . And find out why you should take the train (plus other transport tips ) for Switzerland.

This article was first published Jun 9, 2023 and updated May 5, 2024.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

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

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

Planning Your Trip

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

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Things to Do

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

Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary:

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

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

What to Eat and Drink

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

Getting to Switzerland

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

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

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

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

Culture and Customs

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

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

Money Saving Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switzerland Travel Guide

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

The 10 Best Restaurants in Switzerland

How to Travel From Florence to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

How to Travel Between Italy and Switzerland by Train

Matterhorn: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

How to Use Swiss Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

The Complete Guide to Switzerland's Nature Parks

Skiing in Switzerland: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

10 Days in Switzerland: Detailed Trip Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Visiting Switzerland for the first time, have about 10 days, and wondering which places are not to be missed and how to plan your trip? In this article, we share a recommended 10-day Switzerland itinerary that is perfect for your first visit.

If you want to see ‘everything’ in Switzerland in ten days, you should know that even several months wouldn’t be enough for that…. We have been going to Switzerland at least twice a year for almost three decades and still feel like we just scratched the surface…

The good news is that – with some good planning – you can see some of the best cities and visit several of the most impressive nature destinations even if you only have 10 days in Switzerland.

So to help you plan a trip, in this guide we share  a detailed 10-day Switzerland itinerary that brings you to some of the most famous places in the country : Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva, Bern, as well as the most iconic mountain destinations that should be at the top of every Swiss bucket list.

We also include a map and practical information such as how to get from one place to the other, how long it takes, and where to stay. At the bottom of this guide, you can also find several additional suggestions of places to add to your Swiss itinerary if you have more time.

Info & Tips for Planning a Trip to Switzerland

When to visit: Switzerland is a year-round destination and all the places in this itinerary can be visited in any season. However, your experience and many of the things you can do will highly depend on the season when you travel. For summer scenery and hiking, visit between late May and early October; for snowy landscapes and skiing – between Christmas and Easter.

Airports: The biggest airports in Switzerland are in Zurich and Geneva. This itinerary starts and ends in Zurich, but it’s very simple to adjust it if you are flying in or out of Geneva. In addition, you can easily extend this trip and combine it with France or Italy as well (flying in or out of e.g. Milan).

Getting around: The best way to travel around Switzerland is by train. With 10 days in the country, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass that includes all public transport (and more). Switzerland is also a nice country to explore by car. However, traveling by car is only convenient if you are planning on visiting many smaller places in the mountains and not too many cities. In that case, you can also rent a car , but it’s not necessary for this itinerary. In most cases, it will not make your journey any faster or cheaper and you will also have to look (and pay) for parking, etc.

Just to avoid any confusion – you can follow this Switzerland itinerary no matter how you choose to travel – by car or public transport. In our descriptions and time indications, we assume you take a train. If you decide to drive, be sure to double-check driving times and distances, especially if traveling in winter. Also foresee some extra time if driving around the main cities at peak times, and be sure that your accommodation has parking (nearby).

Tours: If you prefer not to change hotels too often, you can also visit many of the places highlighted in our itinerary by taking day trips by train or organized tours from either Zurich or Lucerne. There are even day tours from Zurich to Zermatt ! However, we only recommend this approach if your time is extremely limited or if you prefer to travel with local guides and not have to worry about practicalities.

MAP: To help you get a better idea of where everything is located, we created this map that should give you a good overview of how this trip could be structured. Take a look!

10-Day Switzerland Itinerary – OVERVIEW:

• DAY 1: Zurich area

DAY 2: Bern

• DAYS 3-4: Geneva area
• DAYS 5-6: Zermatt
• DAYS 7-8: Interlaken – Jungfrau Region
• DAYS 9-10: Lucerne area
• If you have more time

This is our recommended Switzerland itinerary for 10 days:

DAY 1: Rhine Falls & Zurich

Since many international travelers fly into Zürich, we start our Switzerland itinerary in this city. However, let me be completely honest with you – there are so many nicer places to see in just 10 days in Switzerland than its financial center.

So for this itinerary, we recommend just half a day in the city, in combination with a half-day trip to Rhine Falls , one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Europe. In addition, you can visit the medieval village of Stein am Rhein .

Good to know: You can easily get to Rhine Falls by train from Zurich; the journey takes about 1 hour each way. In that case, you’ll need to also book a boat ride . Alternatively, take an organized half-day tour that includes a boat ride as well. There are 3-4 hour tours like this one that only visit the waterfall and there are also somewhat longer tours like this 5-hour tour that also visits Stein am Rhein village.

No matter which way you travel to the waterfall, we recommend starting your day early. That way, you can spend the afternoon exploring the city center of Zurich.

Some of the must-sees in Zurich include the Old Town ( Altstadt ) and its iconic churches (Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s). A boat cruise on Lake Zürich is nice to do as well. There are city tours available, but you can also just walk around the old town on your own.

TIP: If you want to see more of the city in a short time, check out this highly-rated eTuk-Tuk city tour . It takes just a bit over an hour and has flexible departure times making it easy to incorporate it into any itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay in Zürich, ideally close to the central station. Here are some recommended hotels: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich ($$$$), Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich ($$$), or 25hours Hotel Langstrasse ($$).

On your second day, take a train from Zurich to Bern (1 hour), visit Bern, and in the late afternoon take a train from Bern to Geneva (2 hours). You can leave your luggage at the train station in Bern. You could also stay in Bern, but it’s not really a must and this way you can save one hotel change. Plus, you’ll also have more time in Geneva.

Even though Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, it’s a rather small and cozy town and you can easily see the best places in a few hours.

Don’t miss the Old Town with its ornate fountains, the Cathedral (climb the tower!), and Zytglogge clock tower . Be sure to walk to the Bear Pit and check out the famous Nydeggbrücke bridge. If you have more energy, climb to Rosengarten Park for nice city views.

If interested, you can also visit Einstein House. With more time to spare, consider visiting the Einstein Museum/Bern Historical Museum as well.

TIP: If available on the day of your visit, join this guided city tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to get a quick introduction to the charming capital city of Switzerland.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bern

ACCOMMODATION: Stay in Geneva for 3 nights. We recommend staying close to the station – it will make things so much easier. Here are some recommended hotels: Warwick Geneva ($$$$), Hotel Bernina ($$$), or VISIONAPARTMENTS ($$).

DAY 3: Geneva

Geneva is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland and has a lot to offer. With a full day in the city, you could see many of the highlights and maybe visit one museum.

In the Old Town, see the top attractions like St. Pierre’s Cathedral, Bourg-de-Four Square, English Garden, and the Flower Clock, and consider a chocolate tour . Check out the Jet d’Eau (fountain) in Lake Geneva and be sure to take a scenic lake cruise as well!

In the International Quarters, see the UN buildings, the Avenue of the Flags, and the Broken Chair monument.

Depending on your interests, you could visit one of the many museums. We recommend either the Red Cross Museum or the Patek Philippe Museum.

TIP: If you want to get the absolute most out of your trip, you could also consider a half-day trip to Annecy (France). In that case, you can explore Geneva in the afternoon, when you get back from the tour. There is also this highly-rated tour that combines the Geneva city tour with a trip to Annecy – perfect if you don’t have much time to do research and just want to see the top spots in a short time.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Geneva

DAY 4: Chamonix (or Another Day Trip from Geneva)

There are many wonderful places that you could visit near Geneva. So if you have just one extra day in this area, the choice will be tough.

We already mentioned a day trip to Annecy . Other popular options include the smaller towns of the Swiss Riviera , Lausanne, Glacier 3000 , and Gruyères …

But the most popular day trip from Geneva is to Chamonix, France . This beautiful mountain village is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.

There are many guided tours that can bring you to Chamonix from Geneva. They normally include a cable car to Aiguille du Midi where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Most tours also include a trip on the famous Montenvers cogwheel train to Mer de Glace Glacier where you can also visit an ice cave.

Good to know: Day tours from Geneva to Chamonix take about 8-10 hours. So plan an entire day for this excursion.

DAY 5: Zermatt

Today, take a train from Geneva to Zermatt . The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours, so we recommend leaving early in the morning. Zermatt is a car-free village and no matter how you travel – by car or public transport – you’ll need to take a train for the last part of the journey (from Täsch).

Zermatt is an Alpine resort located at the foot of the famous Matterhorn Mountain on the Swiss-Italian border. It’s known for luxury hotels and restaurants and some of the best skiing in Switzerland. In the summer, you could spend days hiking here.

For this itinerary, we suggest that you plan to spend 1 night in Zermatt, which gives you about a day and a half to explore. What exactly you’ll be able to see and do will depend a bit on the season when you visit. You also need to take into account the schedule of mountain trains and gondolas when planning your sightseeing itinerary.

On the day of arrival and after checking in at the hotel, take a mountain train to Gornergrat (you’ll need a ticket for it, but if you have a Swiss Pass , you can buy tickets on the spot with a big discount). Gornergrat is a mountain ridge at 3,089 meters (10,132 ft). From the top, you can see the Gorner Glacier and countless mountain peaks including the Matterhorn.

Train-schedule and season permitting, hike from Gornergratt to Riffelsee and potentially even further down to Riffelalp. The scenery here is breathtaking!

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do at Gornergrat

Good to know: If you just take the train to the top, walk around and enjoy the views at the top, and go back, you need about 1.5-2 hours for a visit here.

Add about 1 hour for a hike to Riffelsee and another hour if you go all the way down to Riffelalp. All in all, half a day is plenty for this area, even in the summer. In the winter, you won’t be able to hike, so you’ll need less time (but the trains stop earlier too).

In the evening, take a train back to Zermatt and explore the town. Don’t miss Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis and the old traditional buildings of Hinterdorfstrasse.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Zermatt

ACCOMMODATION: Stay in Zermatt for 1 night. Also here, if you want to make it easy for yourself and save time, stay not too far from the railway station. Here are some recommended hotels: Schweizerhof Zermatt  ($$$$$), Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel ($$$$), or Hotel Bahnhof ($$).

DAY 6: Zermatt

We recommend starting your day early and taking a gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m (12,739 ft)). Also here, you’ll need to get a separate ticket (also here, you can get a discount if you have a Swiss Travel Pass).

At Klein Matterhorn, you can enjoy 360° views from the highest viewing platform in the Alps. On a clear day, you can see more than a dozen glaciers and 38 mountain peaks higher than 4,000 m (13,123 ft), including the Mont Blanc.

Your ticket also includes a visit to the Glacier Palace, a natural ice tunnel. There are also several other experiences, souvenir shops, etc.

Good to know: If you just visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and go back to Zermatt, you need about 2.5-3 hours for a visit here.

LEARN MORE:  Things to Do at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

If visiting in the summer, you can also do some hiking in this area. For that, take a cable car back down the same way you came and then hop off at one of the intermediate stations.

Depending on the season and your ability, consider hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Trail (you’ll need at least 2-2.5 hours for this medium-difficulty trail). It starts at Trockener Steg gondola station and ends at Schwarzsee. Alternatively, you can simply hop off at each of these places, walk around, and take the gondola further.

Anywhere you go in this area, you have amazing views of the Matterhorn Mountain. In addition, at Schwarzsee, you can walk to the ZERMATT sign for some nice photos. In the summer, people sometimes also swim here, so if you are up for it, you may want to pack your swimwear and a travel towel.

There are some easier hikes further down the mountain as well. For example, the Furi Suspension Bridge Trail which is very easy and takes about 1 hour, or the Furi – Zmutt – Zermatt hike that takes about 1.5 hours.

READ ALSO: Best Hikes in Zermatt

In the late afternoon, pick up your luggage from the hotel and take a train from Zermatt to Interlaken . The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay in Interlaken for 2 nights. To minimize travel time, we recommend basing yourself close to Interlaken Ost railway station. Here are some recommended hotels: Hotel Du Nord ($$$) or Hotel Interlaken ($$).

Good to know: Interlaken is a good hub for many excursions in the area. Depending on what you ultimately decide to do, you could also base yourself in e.g. Grindelwald which would add at least 30-45 minutes to your train journey. Accommodation in Grindelwald is also more expensive than in Interlaken.

DAY 7: Jungfraujoch + Lauterbrunnen + Grindelwald + Harder Kulm

There is so much to do in the Jungfrau Region in central Switzerland that you could easily spend a week or even two here and not get bored. We’ve been to this area so many times, sometimes longer than a week at a time, and our list of places still to visit (and revisit) is just getting longer… Anyway, with 10 days in Switzerland, you could spend two or maximum three days in this area.

On the first day, visit the famous Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe, home to the highest railway station in Europe (3,454 m (11,332 ft)). There are several ways to get there, so you could make a sort of a mini road trip.

First, take a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and explore the valley a bit. Foresee extra time if you want to walk to Staubbachfall Waterfall and even more time if you want to visit Trümmelbach Falls (especially because this waterfall can’t be just seen from outside and has opening hours).

After that, take a train to Kleine Scheidegg (potentially stopping for lunch and in Wengen village on the way), and from there yet another train to Jungfraujoch.

After visiting Jungfraujoch, take a train or gondola and visit Grindelwald town on the other side of the mountain.

In addition, in the summer, you could also do some hiking. One of the options is the Eiger Trail (medium-difficulty, 3 hrs), but with just a day for this area, it’s probably better to do the famous Panorama Trail (easy-medium, 1h15).

However, keep in mind that depending on what you choose, the transportation you’ll need to take also differs – the whole area is full of gondolas and trains so there are tons of possibilities how to plan this day.

If you want to take it easy and don’t plan to do any longer hikes, just stop for a short walk/photo stops at Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, and Grindelwald.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Jungfraujoch

In the late afternoon/early evening take a train back to Interlaken. If you still have some energy left, take a funicular to Harder Kulm . It usually runs quite late in the evening, so it’s one of the few places around Interlaken that you can visit at the end of the day.

Harder Kulm , also known as The Top of Interlaken offers easy access to some sweeping views of the azure-blue lakes below as well as the mountains of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau which you’ll have visited earlier this day.

DAY 8: Interlaken Day Trip of Your Choice

As already mentioned, there are tons of places to visit and things to do around Interlaken, especially if you are visiting in the summer. So you’ll have to be selective with what you choose to do.

Below are my top 3 suggestions for this day. Keep in mind that you can only do one per day so it will be a tough choice as it is and I don’t want to overwhelm you with yet more options.

(1) Simply stay in Interlaken , visit Harder Kulm if not done on the previous day, and take a boat trip on one of the lakes – either Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. If you plan well and don’t hop off the boat anywhere along the way, you could even do both. Otherwise, pick one and explore some of the beautiful surroundings a bit deeper.

LEARN MORE: How to Spend 1 Day in Interlaken

(2) Take a train back to Grindelwald and this time visit another side of the mountains – Grindelwald-First. You can easily spend the entire day here.

At the top, don’t miss the scenic First Cliff Walk , try one of the many fun activities such as First Glider or First Flyer, hike to Bachalpsee Lake , and/or do one of the longer hikes in the area.

LEARN MORE: What to See & Do at Grindelwald-First

(3) Visit Schynige Platte , which is yet another mountain peak, somewhat closer to Interlaken. From here, you have unparalleled views of the two lakes of Interlaken on one side and the most iconic mountains of the Jungfrau Region to the other side.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Schynige Platte

If you come this way, be sure to do some hiking – the Panorama Trail offers the best views with relatively little effort. Experienced hikers may even want to attempt the hike from Schynige Platte to Grindelwald and quickly see both areas (you’ll need to start very early for this!).

LEARN MORE: Best Hikes at Schynige Platte

In the late afternoon, get back to Interlaken, pick up your luggage from the hotel and take a train from Interlaken to Lucerne . No matter which of the above day trips you choose, you will need to change trains in Interlaken anyway, so if your hotel is nearby, it’s not a big detour.

The train journey from Interlaken Ost Station to Lucerne takes almost 2 hours.

ACCOMMODATION: Stay in Lucerne for the rest of the trip. If you are flying out of Zurich, you can easily take a train from Lucerne to the airport without having to stay in Zurich anymore. Also here, the main railway station is located right in the center so try to find a hotel nearby. Here are some recommended hotels: Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel ($$$$), AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora ($$$) or Radisson Blu ($$+).

DAY 9: Mt Pilatus & Lucerne

Today, take a half-day trip from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus. After that, spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Mt Pilatus is located just near the city of Lucerne and offers stunning panoramic views of the area and Lake Lucerne. It can be visited year-round, but is best on a sunny cloudless day of course.

There are several ways to visit Mt Pilatus from Lucerne , including a bus, gondolas, trains, and scenic boat. In the summer season, we recommend that you do the so called Golden Round Trip which involves all of the above. You’ll need about 4-6 hours for this, so start early in the morning. If you are visiting in the lower season, you can simply visit by gondola (the same way there and back).

LEARN MORE: Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Upon return in Lucerne, explore the picturesque old town with colorful buildings, charming squares, and impressive churches. Don’t miss the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, the Spreuer Bridge, and do the Lucerne Ramparts Walk.

Next, check out the Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden of Lucerne. If the weather is nice, take a walk along the lakeshore.

Also here, you can find some very good city tours – either walking tours or by eTukTuk . Some of these tours have lots of possible starting times. If you visit Mt Titlis first thing in the morning and don’t plan to do much hiking there, you’ll likely be back in the city by 2-3 PM.

TIP: The Swiss Museum of Transport is also well worth a visit, especially if you are traveling with kids. However, it’s located a bit further away from the other attractions and you really need at least a few hours to do it justice. This could also be a good choice for the last day of this itinerary.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Lucerne

DAY 10: Mt Titlis (or Another Day Trip from Lucerne)

Just like in Interlaken, there are tons of beautiful places to visit and things to do around Lucerne, even more so if you are traveling in the summer. So also here, you’ll have to choose where to go based on your interest and also on the season when you travel.

One of the most popular day trips from Lucerne is Mount Titlis , which can be visited almost the whole year (apart for a few days of maintenance, usually in November). It’s yet another mountain-peak destination, a bit like Jungfraujoch Top of Europe near Interlaken or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt.

At Mt Titlis, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas from a viewing platform at 3,020 meters (10,000 ft), explore a glacier cave, and walk over Europe’s highest suspension bridge.

In the summer, you can also go tobogganing on a glacier and hiking at lower altitudes – the area around Trübsee Lake is not to be missed! In the winter ski season, you’ll find sleds, snow tubes, and snowmobiles near the Trübsee gondola station on the way to/from the peak.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Mt Titlis

Since Mt Titlis offers a bit similar experience as several other places included in this itinerary, you may want to opt for another day trip near Lucerne (or potentially skip Jungfraujoch (day 7) and visit other places in that area). If you are not sure which one to choose, take a look at our guide comparing Mt Titis to Jungfraujoch . Or visit both.

Also around Lucerne, you have a lot more choices in the summer than in the winter. Here are a few alternatives if you decide to skip Mt Titlis (or have more time in the Lucerne area):

(1) Simply book a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and spend more time in the city. In that case, definitely try to visit the Swiss Museum of Transport as well.

(2) Another choice and easy to visit in any season is Mt Rigi , aka Queen of the Mountains. The experience is somewhat comparable to Mt Pilatus, but Mount Rigi is located on the other side of the city so offers different views.

(3) Stoos – Fronalpstock. This area is located on the other side of Lake Lucerne and will require a bit of an effort to get to if you don’t have a car. But if you like hiking and want to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lake Lucerne area, you may want to check out the Stoos Ridge Trail .

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Lucerne

If You Have More Than 10 Days in Switzerland

If you decide to spend more time in Switzerland, you could add extra days pretty much anywhere in this itinerary and you’ll find plenty to do.

We already included some additional recommendations in the article above (mostly the areas around Interlaken, Lucerne, and Geneva). Here are a few extra suggestions:

• If you want to see more towns, spend an extra day in Zurich, or visit Basel or Lausanne. From Basel, you can also take a day trip to France and visit the picturesque Colmar or some of the best little towns on the Alsace Wine Route . This area is also beautiful during the Christmas Markets season.
• If you are also visiting Italy on the same trip, check out the Lugano area in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, close to Lake Como . In this same area, you can also do the famous Bernina Express train ride .
• If you like hiking (and are visiting in the summer), I highly recommend the Oschinensee Panorama Hike . It’s located in Kandersteg and could be done as a day trip from the Interlaken area.
• If you like skiing (and are visiting in the winter), you could add a few days extra at any of the mountain destinations mentioned in our itinerary. We personally love skiing in Engelberg (at Mt Titlis) and also in the Wengen – Grindelwald area . Zermatt is also great and they even have a small ski area that remains open all year.

These are just a few famous destinations; we are not even mentioning lesser-known places…

There’s more to see in Switzerland than you could ever do in one or even ten trips, let alone days. So my best advice is leave the FOMO behind, pick the places that interest you the most and simply make the most of the time that you have. And don’t forget to slow down once in a while and simply enjoy the moment.

Whatever you choose to visit, you are sure to fall in love with Switzerland. And once you visit this beautiful country, you’ll definitely want to come back and explore more!

So these are our suggestions for how you could plan a trip focusing on the top sights and most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland.

If you are visiting for the first time and want to see THE VERY BEST of Switzerland in ten days , this itinerary should help you do just that.

Yes, it’s quite packed and on some days you will also have to make some tough choices on what to visit and what to skip. But no matter what you decide, this trip will give you a very good overview of what Switzerland has to offer. Plus, you can always plan a repeat visit to the areas that you like the most and explore deeper.

TIP: Take a look at our Switzerland travel guide for more destination guides and helpful tips.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Planning Your First Trip to Europe

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: Personal collection, Depositphotos.com, Shutterstock.com.

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Sunday 14th of April 2024

Switzerland sure is beautiful. I am saving this article.

You should visit, Michael!

Monday 25th of March 2024

Thank you, this is great. I am interested in the day trip to Chamonix. Would it be better to spend the night in Chamonix and then go directly to Zermatt?…and do you have a recommendation for accommodations in Grindelwald area, for spending more time in that area?

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

Hi Bo, I can't really answer your question without knowing where you are traveling from to start with and which means of transport you'll use. The drive from Chamonix to Täsch (the place where you leave the car before taking the train to Zermatt) is about 2.5 hours. Whereas the bus + train journey involving quite a few changes along the way can be 3.5-4.5 hours (all the way to Zermatt). If, for example, you take a train from Geneva to Zermatt, the shortest connection is also about 3.5 hours, but you only need to change the train once. As for Grindelwald, depending on how you travel, you may want to stay closer to the train station. But it's not such a huge village and if you stay somewhat closer to the main road (so not somewhere on the mountain), then it's all quite convenient. Some of the hotels we had booked in the past include Hotel Spinne and Sunstar Hotels. They are both very centrally located between the main station and the Grindelwald-First gondola. Hope this helps.

Saturday 23rd of March 2024

Can you help with what are the best things to do or visit or best place to stay in Lausanne.

Just thinking of a 2 nights stay before returning to Zurich for a day tour that I have booked.

Sunday 24th of March 2024

Hi Lynn, one of the main points of interest in Lausanne is the Olympic Museum. You can also take a boat and visit some places on Lake Geneva. If you are looking for more ideas, take a look at all the options here and see if something interests you. As for where to stay, if you are traveling by train, it's always simplest to stay within walking distance of the station, for example, Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind or Hotel Victoria. If you are looking for a more unique accommodation, check out Château d'Ouchy (a renovated medieval castle) - it's located very close to the Olympic Museum and just steps away from the lake where the boat trips start, so it's very convenient for sightseeing as well. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

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Switzerland is known for its stunning scenery, mountains, lakes, and wide range of cities, from its capital of Bern to cosmopolitan Zurich and the Alpine ski city of St. Moritz. Lakeside cities include Lucerne, with medieval buildings and old churches, Lugano and Locarno, on Italy’s border, and Geneva, home of the United Nations. Many travelers visit the mountainous Jungfrau Region for a scenic train ride or gondola trip to the mountaintop for panoramic views.

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20 Travel Tips for Switzerland to Know Before You Travel

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2023

Categories SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is easily one of the most ‘epic’ countries I have visited. You’ll experience countless moments where you are completely lost for words because Switzerland is one of the most scenic countries in the world. However, it is also one of the most expensive places to visit so it takes a bit of planning to figure out the best ways to get around, find places to eat, and affordable accommodation. Hopefully these travel tips for Switzerland will help you have an awesome first experience exploring this amazing country.

Table of Contents

Helpful Travel Tips for Switzerland

I spent 100 days traveling in Switzerland and in this travel blog post, I will explain my top travel tips for Switzerland. Many of them you simply can’t figure out until you have traveled to Switzerland, so I hope these tips prepare you for certain situations, save you money, keep you safe, and keep you healthy while traveling through Switzerland!

WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR?

This guide is for everyone, not just those on a budget. I’ve got lots of tips that will help budget backpackers in Switzerland but many of the tips are related to activities, train trips, and food that both budget and luxury travelers will be involved in or encounter during their travel through Switzerland.

Most people in Switzerland are on a budget of some sort due to the high prices throughout the country so lots of the tips in this guide will help you find ways to make the most out of your time in Switzerland while not burning a hole in your wallet.

MY 20 TRAVEL TIPS FOR SWITZERLAND

I’ll start off with some basic tips about transport, the best towns to base yourself for hiking, and general costs, and then as we go deeper and deeper into the list, the Switzerland travel tips will get more and more specific and will definitely be things you wouldn’t have thought of.

SWISS TRAVEL PASS or HALF-FARE CARD

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card : Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass : The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass : The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!

Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass .

The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.

WHAT LANGUAGE WILL YOU NEED TO SPEAK IN SWITZERLAND?

In Switzerland, there are actually four official languages but the main two languages are Swiss-German and French. Depending on which region you are in will determine the languages most locals are speaking.

In the north and the east of Switzerland you can expect to hear mostly Swiss-German and around Geneva and the west you can expect to hear French. Those are the main two but in the south, there are many Italian-speaking regions, such as Lugano. The final official language is Rhaeto-Rumantsch but is spoken by a very small number within Switzerland.

So, what can you expect language-wise? Well, I spoke only a few words of German and no French, Italian, or otherwise. What I found is that there are a surprisingly high number of people in Switzerland who speak very little to no conversational English. However, there were, of course, lots of people who could speak English.

You will find that in touristy areas the prevalence of English increases and usually train conductors, tour operators, ticket booth attendants, and waiters will all know enough English to get you by.

What I will say is you should try and learn a few basic phrases of German and French say you can greet people out on the hiking trails, say thank you and please at a restaurant and ask where the bathroom is. I think it is polite to learn those and any more is up to you but the more the better and locals always appreciate the effort even if your accent is horrible.

Many of the signs are in English or easy to follow, especially out on the hiking trails or at the train stations. The names of places are of course in Swiss-German or French but the directions are clear.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BASE IN SWITZERLAND?

This is a question I can’t completely answer without knowing your budget and motives. However, I can make a few broad suggestions based on my 100-day journey around Switzerland.

If you are keen on hiking or at least viewing the mountains. I highly advise you to stay in Interlaken. I’ll go through a few key reasons that make Interlaken the best home base for your adventures.

• Price: Interlaken is relatively cheaper than most other towns. It has luxury resorts and hotels don’t get me wrong but it has more budget options than most towns. For example, in Zurich, the cheapest hostel I could find was $80 USD and in Interlaken, I stayed at a hostel for $40 USD including breakfast, two coffees per day, free locker storage, and $2 washing/drying machines.
• Location: Interlaken is a hub. If you stay in Murren , Wengen, or Lauterbrunnen you are in a great spot but you are very deep in and to get anywhere else becomes a bit of a journey. Especially if you want to go anywhere other than the Jungfrau region you are in for a long-haul trip. I was based in Interlaken for several weeks and was able to catch the train to Grindelwald in under 45 minutes, Lauterbrunnen in under an hour, and also Thun and Brienz in half an hour. You are more central and I would do things like go up to Murren at midday, do the Via Ferrata , and head home to Interlaken.
• Interlaken is quite a scenic town itself with lots to do like the Harder Kulm viewpoint, the epic Hardergrat Trail , the Schynige Platte Hike , and activities like Paragliding over the lake .

I created a couple of guides to help you investigate the best places to stay in Interlaken depending on your budget. There are a lot of budget hotels and hostels but also some traditional, stunning hotels. Here are the guides I wrote:

• Interlaken Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN
• Interlaken Budget Accommodation: BEST CHEAP PLACES TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN

BEST TIME TO VISIT SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is quite multi-dimensional when it comes to weather and the perfect time to visit. Unlike some destinations around the world that have one amazing season that is clearly prime for that location, Switzerland is fantastic in the summer and the winter. The shoulder seasons are still okay for traveling and you can avoid tourists by opting out of the prime weather windows but it is the main winter and summer that are the popular times of the year to travel to Switzerland.

• Best time to visit to avoid crowds (shoulder season) : April – June, September – October
• High Season : July – August
• Low Season : October – March
• Ski Season : December – March
• When are the Seasons : April – June (spring), July – August (summer), September – October (fall), November – March (winter)
• High Season: 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 an over 50% increase in prices.
• Ski Trips: Winter (between December and March) is a low season in most parts of the country, as there will be intense snowstorms. However, this is the best season for those who want to go on ski trips.

My experience With Seasons in Switzerland

I arrived in Switzerland in July and it was incredibly hot. It was great for hiking and enjoying the alpine lakes. There were big crowds in some places but there are so many hikes in Switzerland so unless you choose the most popular hike you won’t have too many people to fend off.

There were a number of cases though, where things were a bit crowded but it was never a big issue. If you try and go to Jungfraujoch and the massive tourist sites, you will be with hundreds of tourist sites in the peak season of the summer.

The summer was perfect for hiking because as you get above 2000m (which happens frequently in Switzerland), the temperature drops and it was enjoyable to not freeze to death on every trail.

As the months passed and the summer faded, the inevitable happened and I witnessed the first snow of the season. Now we had to check the snow reports and the trail reports to see if hikes were open and in a safe condition. Things became much more serious for hiking and I had to exercise more caution when hiking alone. Eventually, in August many trails and mountain huts started to close to regular hikers, so if you are looking to do hiking and are not on a crazy snow expedition, I would say get all your hiking in by August or you will be a little disappointed if things are closed.

IS SWITZERLAND SAFE?

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. It has a very low crime rate, the people are quite reserved but very friendly and will help if you ask. Never did I feel unsafe and I spoke to a number of solo female travelers who also felt safe out hiking and in the towns.

There was a good vibe at the hostels and things were organized quite well. I can’t really imagine how Switzerland could be safer. There is internet connection throughout the country so you can stay in touch, which is an important safety factor also.

The most unsafe part about Switzerland is that it is so adventurous that many people go a bit far out of their comfort zone. It’s important to remember that what is comfortable for locals who grew up with mountain experience is not necessarily suitable for a city kid who is on their second hiking vacation. Play within your limits especially if alone on a trail.

HOW DOES IT WORK HIKING TO MOUNTAIN HUTS

While you are hiking in Switzerland, it is inevitable you will come across some incredible mountain huts. I didn’t know much about the hut culture in Switzerland but once I was in on it, I loved it. Basically, the mountain huts are kind of like mountain cabin hotels. They usually have a restaurant and also a number of dormitory-style rooms.

For average-sized huts, it is common for a family to live up in the hut on the mountain during the summer and hiking season and visitors can book a night or more up at the hut. When they arrive they have dinner and breakfast included in their nightly fee. I stayed overnight at five different huts (which were listed above) and most ranged from about $60 a night to $100 a night per person including breakfast and dinner.

The ‘huts’ are actually pretty fancy and have heating, nice restaurants, balcony, alcohol, games, books, and much more. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag liner and your hiking gear and you are set. You can also shower at most of the huts (usually included in the price also).

I always did a one-night stay so I would hike up, watch the sunset and stay the night. I would then hike at sunrise and explore further on before hiking back down.

Many hikers like to do hut-to-hut mountain hiking, which means you map out several huts that are within hiking distance of each other and you do a multi-day trek where each night you will make it to a new mountain hut on the connecting trails throughout the Swiss Alps. It’s a great way to hike because you don’t need to carry all of your food, heavy camping gear, or warmer clothes for the cold nights outside. You do all your eating at the hut restaurants and carry a few snacks with you and sleep in the comfort of the cabin dormitories. If you are in Switzerland in the summer, I can’t recommend it enough. 

You can click on one of the following links to visit my blog post about the mountain huts I visited. I stayed at  Gleckstein Hut ,  Trift Hut ,  Ebenalp Hut ,  Baregg Hut  and visited many others while passing through on  hikes in Switzerland .

The other key point to remember is that most meals in Switzerland are $20-$40 at least so when you consider you are getting two meals included, the accommodation is really only $30-40 per night, which will be the cheapest accommodation you find in Switzerland but the best view!

If you are planning to stay at a lot of mountain huts you can buy a  Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) membership , which also involves a rescue service if you get stuck on the mountain. This membership gives you a discount of usually 40-50% off the regular price of the hut price. It costs about $80 USD for the yearly membership so after three overnight stays you have made your money back and you are supporting the mountain hut owners of Switzerland, who you will see are all really nice families.

CAN YOU DRINK THE TAP WATER?

The tap water was one of my favorite parts of Switzerland. After traveling through Asia for many years, I was used to the constant battle to find safe drinking water without buying wasteful plastic bottles. In Switzerland, the water is 100% safe to drink from taps in buildings and it even goes one step further.

Most towns and even trails have fountains and taps installed (often very intricate and beautiful fountains) and you can fill your bottle up straight from the fountain. With so many glaciers and alpine regions, there is no shortage of fresh, clean water in Switzerland. I always carry a Hydroflask with me and keep it full all the time so I can stay hydrated and save money on buying drinks.

A UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTOR WILL DO THE JOB

In Switzerland, the adaptor you will need is for TYPE J outlets compared to the rest of Europe that uses Type F. To avoid all the confusion of plugs, it’s best to get a universal adaptor that works for any device in any country outlet. I’ve had one for two years and it wasn’t expensive at all and takes the hassle and stress out of figuring out the outlets and plug types of each country. Importantly it means you don’t need to carry lots of adaptors and plugs for every country, just one that fits them all. I’ll link the one I’ve used for two years here:  Universal Travel Adaptor

ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR FOR SWITZERLAND

Hiking in Switzerland is very different in the summer to the winter, which will obviously make a huge impact on what type of clothes and gear are necessary. However, for this little section on essential gear, I will just point out a few key items that you should have for basic hiking in average conditions. You’ll need hiking boots or trail running shoes, beanies, hiking socks, and more but I’ll write a more detailed post about that another time. This is just a quick round-up of three essentials but for a full rundown of all the hiking gear and camera gear I use you can check out this post:  MY TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK

• Hiking Poles : Not everyone will use them but the Swiss are religious about them, unlike many Australians or Americans. You will learn to love them too as they take the strain off your knees and quads on both the uphill and the downhill. I used them to power up hills and help as a shock absorber on the way down. You can get them quite cheap but I found that there were two components to my hiking poles that I really liked. They were foldable down to a small size so I can put them in my backpack side pocket and they were the carbon fiber/lightweight style. They are a bit more expensive but I used them a lot and they became a necessity in the end. I’ll link you  here  to the carbon-fiber LEKI foldable hiking poles that I bought. I purchased them in Switzerland so they were very expensive but you can get them online much cheaper. My Hiking Poles:   Leki Micro Vario Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles

• Down Jacket : The next key item to have is a down jacket. Even in the summer when it might be hot at lower altitudes, once you reach the summit it gets that much colder. If it’s a sunrise or a sunset, I always had a lightweight but very warm down jacket with me. I chose one that I could stuff into my backpack when it was too hot but could always afford to carry it size-wise in case it was colder than I expected and I used it too many times to count. I’ll link you  here  to the Patagonia lightweight down-jacket that I bought online before heading to Switzerland. My Down-Jacket:   Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
• Hiking Gloves : They might seem like a small item but your hands are the first things to go when it gets cold. They don’t have to be amazing gloves but you want something. I chose gloves that still let me operate my camera and phone but had a decent amount of warmth too. Once you start doing sub-zero hikes in Switzerland, you will want a more heavy-duty type of glove. I’ll link  here  to the gloves I used in Switzerland that let me still operate my camera. My Hiking Gloves:   North Face E-tip Gloves

YOU ALWAYS NEED A TICKET

There are many countries around the world where you might be able to get away with little hacks or find ways to cheat the system. In Switzerland, the system is so efficient that you shouldn’t bother. When we found the prices of the train so high, of course, it crossed our mind whether we should risk it and not buy a ticket at all. We still bought the ticket and quickly found out then on most major routes the tickets were checked by the staff who walk up and down the train.

It is very expensive to ride the trains but don’t try and outsmart the system as it is just too efficient. If you get caught on the train without a ticket it is a $99 USD equivalent fine plus the cost of the far you were taking so it’s not worth the risk. Of course, you should have high morals and never even consider this but when you purchase a train ticket for $100+, everyone begins to question their morals!

RED AND BLUE TRAIL MARKERS

Red and white markers on the trail mean it is a Swiss walking trail and you won’t need any expertise in climbing. It doesn’t mean it’s easy though as it could be 20 kilometers of hiking trails with 2000m of consistent incline but it won’t be technical so you will still need to look into the hike first to know what you are up against. Blue and white markers will be painted when they are indicating a technical or alpine route. Sometimes they are still quite tame but again, this is a warning sign that it is not going to be a leisurely walk on a trail and you can expect some kind of rock scrambling or climbing to be involved.

Swiss locals have years of experience on the trails so never compare yourself to a local and assume you can do it. I saw some local children on hikes that were far more experienced than me so you are better off comparing yourself to your previous efforts when deciding if you can take a certain route or make a certain climb.

YOU HAVE TO TRY A VIA FERRATA

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

Every 10 steps or so, you reach a new section of wire and you unclip one Carabiner clip from the old section and attach it to the new section. Once it is firmly secured, you unclip the second clip from the old section and also add it to the new section so you now have two Carabiner clips in the new section and you move another ten steps.

I had never heard of it before Switzerland but it fast became one of my favorite activities. I did four Via Ferrata courses across Switzerland and they were definitely a highlight of my trip.

You can click any of the links for the places I did a Via Ferrata in so you can check out those specific blogs. My Favorite Via Ferrata experiences were:  Murren to Gimmelwald Via Ferrata ,  Furenalp Via Ferrata ,  Rotstock Via Ferrata , and  Pinut Via Ferrata .

CHECK THE SUMMIT CONDITIONS BEFORE YOU HIKE

Many trails and summits in Switzerland have a webcam at the top. This isn’t to ruin the surprise of the view for yourself but to check the weather. Remember in some cases you may be at accommodation several thousand meters below the summit you are hiking up so there can be a big difference and you may want to check that there isn’t a huge layer of fog and maybe wait for a more appropriate day.

I used the webcams as a guide but sometimes the weather can change quickly. Simply search webcam+name of hike and you will find if there is one. One site that has many of them is Bergfex , which I used regularly.

If you have multiple days to plan your activities, why not give yourself the best shot of not getting rained on or the greatest opportunity to ‘get lucky’ with a beautiful sunrise or sunset? Once you start planning by the weather forecast, you will realize that luck plays a smaller part than you think. I only found out about the Switzerland travel tip after a few weeks in the country but then used it to plan my hikes for certain days when I could get the best weather and photos.

FREE OUTDOOR GYMS IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world so you would expect working out to cost you an arm and a leg also. However, we found out that there are lots of outdoor gym courses hidden in the forests of Switzerland. It’s a bit strange but pretty cool when you see the locals actually using them.

Basically, there’s an app and a website called Zurich Vita Parcours and you can just search your location and find the nearby outdoor gyms. They are often set up at several stations in a little forest course so you have to walk or jog between them. Josh and I found lots throughout our trip and they were really well equipped and kept us in shape. This is one of my top tips for traveling in Switzerland, especially if you are there for an extended period of time

SAC HIKING SCALE -DIFFICULTY RATING GUIDE

Switzerland has a SAC difficulty scale, which labels hikes with a technical score such as T2 or T5 etc. All of the hikes in this blog post are T4 with a few T5 exceptions. I have included the full table/difficulty scale below so you can see what level suits you and the explanation of each level.

Below you can see the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) difficulty rating scale I mentioned earlier in the article. Each level from T1 to T6 is explained in detail so you can understand what to expect when you see that terminology during your time in Switzerland.

• T1: Hiking – Well-developed and marked paths, mostly flat or slightly inclined, suitable for walking in trainers, navigation without a map possible.
• T2: Mountain hiking – Continuous route marking, some steep sections with a risk of falling, trekking shoes recommended, basic navigation skills required.
• T3: Challenging mountain hiking – Footpath available, partially exposed areas with ropes or chains, steep terrain and danger of falling, good trekking shoes and average navigation skills needed.
• T4: Alpine walking – No guaranteed path, sometimes requires the use of hands, exposed with various terrains including grass heaps, rocky slopes, and snow-covered areas, stable trekking shoes, terrain assessment, and good navigation skills necessary.
• T5: Challenging Alpine walking – Often without a path, includes simple climbing sections, exposed and challenging terrain with steep slopes and snow-covered areas, requires mountaineering boots, excellent navigation skills, proven alpine experience, and familiarity with alpine equipment.

MAPS IN SWITZERLAND

used Google Maps for getting around Switzerland and planning my train transits, which is important to see when the last train is, which connection you need to make, and what the quickest route is. You can also use the SBB app, which is even more accurate than Google Maps but I still prefer Google Maps as it includes any walking or a more broad scope of getting around. The SBB app is the official transport app of Switzerland and you can use it to get cheap, non-peak-time train tickets and it has all of the scheduling and official information about transit in Switzerland.

START SMALL AND EASE YOUR WAY INTO IT

If you are a city dweller or into moderate outdoor activity only, this applies to you. However, even if you are quite athletic you should still listen up. Switzerland is not your average adventure. A tough hike from where I’m from in South Australia is 400m of incline and 10km return. In Switzerland that might be considered a warm-up.

This is a country that thrives in the mountains so make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew on your first few trails. Pick a couple of hikes that are good for beginners. Don’t let your ego lead you astray thinking you are well above a beginner hike because a Swiss beginner hike is relative to a regular or tough hike in other parts of the world.

Try and stick to hikes under 10km in distance and with no more than 600m of incline for your first couple. If you are finding them too easy then start looking at 1000m+ vertical hikes and longer distances or multi-day hikes.

CABLE CARS IN SWITZERLAND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The cable cars in Switzerland are great. If it’s a big hike, you can either catch one up to the summit and hike down, or hike up and catch the cable car down. If you aren’t interested in hiking just catch one up and down. It makes the mountains accessible to all types of hiking and adventure abilities.

I think this is one of the top things to know before traveling to Switzerland so that you understand you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the awesome views.

Many cable cars are not covered by the  Swiss Half-Fare Pass  or the  Swiss Travel Pass  or some may give you a small discount. I found this a bit strange when the Swiss Travel Pass is more than $100 a day and it still didn’t include all cable cars but it’s because many cable cars are privately owned and run and not part of the Swiss transport system like the trains and buses.

Cable cars can range from $8 to $60 depending on the journey with some of them taking you several kilometers. It can add up quickly and you can save yourself a lot by hiking down from summits.

It’s important to note that the cable cars often stop running well before sunset and not early enough for sunrise. This means if you want to see the golden hour, you will need to get your hiking boots on and your head torch ready. We did this many times and it was always worth it but always a pretty wild adventure in the dark. Make sure you check the timetable of the cable car so you know when the last ride down is to be sure you are safe.

SUNRISE & SUNSET SPECIAL CABLE CARS

I did say above that the cable cars don’t run during sunset and sunrise most commonly. However, there are a few special services that happen several times a month or on special occasions that specifically cater to those who want to watch the sunset or sunrise at the summit.

I was lucky enough to hear about two of these services and made the most of one while the other was too expensive. There is a sunrise train to the Riffelsee in Zermatt . Here you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake at sunrise. That ticket cost $100 USD and included breakfast at the top of the Gornergrat . I thought that was a bit much and hiked up by myself.

The second was the ‘late’ cable car at Mount Niesen near Interlaken . At Mount Niesen, there is a beautiful restaurant, and several times a month in the summer they run cable cars all the way until 10 pm so that diners can enjoy the sunset. There is no massive fee like at the Riffelsee Rail in Zermatt, the regular Niesen cable car just runs later so it isn’t expensive.

I hiked up, watched the sunset, and then caught the cable car down at 9 pm after enjoying soup at the restaurant after sunset. Definitely ask around and try and plan these into your trip because sunrise or sunset at a summit in Switzerland is worth the planning and effort. This is a Switzerland travel trip I wish I had heard about earlier in my three-month stay!

THE BEST VALUE FOOD IN SWITZERLAND

I’ve established by now that Switzerland is very expensive so, of course, the food is right up there with things you probably can’t afford while on your Swiss tour. Meals can cost upwards of $30 and eating at restaurants just isn’t an option for many travelers who frequent the grocery store and smaller cafes.

However, if you don’t find yourself at a restaurant or mountain hut go for the soup and ask for extra bread. Here are a few reasons why soup is always the best option:

• The soups throughout Switzerland are amazing and they are a bit of a specialty with a unique recipe at every mountain hut or cute restaurant.
• Soup is usually half the price of any meal but when the free side of the bread is added in, it’s usually just as filling.
• It will warm you up on a chilly adventure.
• You can usually ask for an extra bit of bread and for just $8-12 you have filled yourself up instead of a $25+ pasta or regular meal.

Those are my top Switzerland Travel Tips and I hope they help you have a smooth trip through Switzerland. I’m sure you’ll learn lots more helpful travel hacks and Swiss travel tips as you go so do let me know in the comments if you think there are any more tips that I should add to this list!

MY SWITZERLAND HIKING GUIDES

I spent 100 days hiking in Switzerland and created a guide for different regions around the country. You can click on one of my Switzerland hiking guides below to help you plan your trip.

• The Complete Guide: 50 AWESOME HIKES IN IN SWITZERLAND
• The Via Ferrata Guide: 4 EPIC SWITZERLAND VIA FERRATA COURSES
• Lauterbrunnen Guide: 10 AWESOME HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
• Interlaken Guide: 15 AWESOME HIKES IN INTERLAKEN
• Grindelwald Guide: 12 AWESOME HIKES NEAR GRINDELWALD :
• Mürren Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES IN MURREN
• Appenzell Guide: 9 AWESOME HIKES NEAR APPENZELL
• Chur Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR CHUR

MY SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS

• For Backpackers: SWITZERLAND BUDGET BACKPACKING GUIDE
• Travel Tips: 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND
• Transport Tips: RENTING AND DRIVING A CAR IN SWITZERLAND
• Accommodation Guide: 30 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND

William Henry

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

Thank you so much for lv bunny cream varsity jacket sharing such a great and knowledgeable blog. Thanks!

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

Love all the details you provide like technical epertise needed/optional routes, etc. Also love the pictures. All of this is so helpful in planning our upcoming trip.

Sunday 8th of May 2022

Thanks for this detailed review. I would also add that it is also important to have a vaccination now or a covid test. Websites like https://personichealthcare.com/ can help you get it done quickly. This is essential for a safe and easy trip to Switzerland

Saturday 16th of October 2021

Thanks for the armchair travel experience to one of my favourite countries during this time of limited travel. An important thing to know is that many gondolas and funiculars can be closed for maintenance a couple of times a year. Usually this happens after each high season. Of course being Swiss, they will have that information posted well in advance so you can plan around it. Here is a website that lists some of the most popular oneshttps://holidaystoswitzerland.com/cable-car-and-funicular-closures-winter/ When I went hiking in Switzerland and was passing through one of the more main train stations, I would stop at a Migros Take-Away and grab one of their delicious sandwiches to eat on my hike. Or pop into a mini-sized Migros or Coop grocery stores conveniently located in the train stations and purchase my trail meal there (Swiss chocolate anyone?)

Sunday 29th of August 2021

I bought a Lonely Planet guide and, given that hiking is a primary activity in Switzerland, was shocked to find that the info they had was paltry. I ran across your blog, which is an absolute goldmine and the best info I found scanning the internet today. I returned my Lonely Planet guide.

I'm planning to go in October, but worried about paths not being open. I'm fine with day hikes since it sounds like huts won't be open, but you mentioned trails might be closed too? Just because of snow or more officially? What are your thoughts on going in the first week of October? Am I better off just waiting for another time of year?

While every year the weather changes, I was in Switzerland til October 25 on my visit. There may be some routes closed but the first few weeks of October should have a decent number open. It depends on when the first snowfall is in that particular region. Many of the lower elevation trails may well be open.

Love and Road

5-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Where To Go And What To Do

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Switzerland is a dream country that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. It might be difficult to plan where to go and what to do, especially if you only have 5 days. But it’s worth it!

I lived in Switzerland for 3 years and explored the entire country extensively, it’s my pleasure to share with you this travel guide!

I’ve created this 5-day Switzerland itinerary based on my experience so you can enjoy country’s highlights within 5 days. You’ll visit the most beautiful city, enjoy the breathtaking mountains, and experience Lake Geneva.

Let’s explore Switzerland together!

5-Day Switzerland Itinerary Overview

During the 5 days you’ll be in Switzerland, you’ll enjoy a little bit of everything. The best way to get around is by train, which I recommend for this itinerary.

So here is an overview of your Switzerland 5-day trip:

• DAY: Lucerne
• DAY: Lucerne – Lake Brienz – Interlaken – Grindelwald
• DAY: Grindelwald & Adventure Activities
• DAY: Jungfraujoch
• DAY: Grindelwald – Golden Express – Montreux – Geneva

This itinerary mixes natural wonders and city experiences, you can have a taste of Switzerland and later come back for more. 

How To Get To Switzerland

I recommend you fly to Zurich to start this itinerary. It has an international airport and the best flight connections. From Zurich airport, you can take a direct train to Lucerne.

You can search for the best flight deals to Switzerland at Skyscanner . 

I don’t recommend visiting Zurich, as Lucerne is much nicer. However, if you want, you can spend a few hours in Zurich on your arrival day before taking a train to Lucerne. It’s up to you! 

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and it’s easy to lose track of time, so check out the famous lake Zurich and the old town, then find your way to Lucerne.

This itinerary officially starts in Lucerne.

How To Get Around Switzerland & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around Switzerland is by train or by car. If you have a limited time, trains come in handy. The Swiss railway system is efficient and will get you from one place to another without further planning.

Several railway passes will make your entire trip more flexible and affordable.  Here are some of the best passes: Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and regional passes.

I would normally recommend the Swiss Travel Pass, but there isn’t one that covers five days. But don’t worry, I found a combination of passes that will work perfectly, and without breaking the bank.

Since you’ll spend most of the time on this itinerary in the beautiful Bernese Oberland Region, I recommend getting the 4-day Bernese Oberland Pass .

In addition, you can purchase a Day Pass on your last day via the SBB website (SBB – Swiss Railways).

How To Get Around Switzerland With The Bernese Oberland Pass

The Bernese Oberland Pass is valid from Lucerne for the entire Bernese Oberland region, Jungfrau region, to Bern, Brig, and Domodossola (in Italy ).

The pass gives you flexibility as it serves as one ticket for all, so you don’t have to buy separate tickets. It gives you access to train journeys, boats, and even a few scenic cable car rides in the region.

You’ll start using the pass from Lucerne on your 1st day in Switzerland. Your last day to use the pass will be day n. 4 in the Jungfrau region.

For the journey from Zurich to Lucerne, I recommend buying separate train tickets via the SBB official website. The more in advance you buy them, the cheaper they’ll be.

For day 5. of this itinerary, I recommend purchasing the so-called Saver Day Pass . You can buy this day ticket on the SBB website and travel with it on all trains, buses, and boats in Switzerland. And the same, the earlier you buy it, the cheaper it will be.

Here is the SBB website where you can buy all the Saver Day Pass and the ticket from Zurich to Lucerne . 

Here is the Bernese Oberland Pass website to buy your 4-Day Pass.

Detailed Switzerland Itinerary For 5 Days

Now that you have basic information to prepare for your itinerary, let’s talk about the journey and what you’ll experience each day.

In this section, I’ll guide you to the best things to do in each place and give you further insider tips.

1 DAY: Lucerne

Lucerne is hands down the most beautiful Swiss city. Its iconic Chapel Bridge, the beautiful lake, stunning architecture, and the breathtaking Alps in the background make this place so special, perfect for a honeymoon in Switzerland .

I recommend spending an entire day in this picturesque city. There is a lot to do, but you can easily see almost everything within half a day since it’s a small town. So, if you want to maximize your time, you can add an extra mountain excursion on this day to Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis, or Mount Rigi.

I recommend Mt. Pilatus for the experience, incredible views and Mt. Rigi for hiking and its unique cogwheel train.

If you decide to do a mountain excursion, do so first in the morning before the crowds arrive. After, return to Lucerne, have lunch, and explore the city in the afternoon.

Best Things To Do In Lucerne & Surroundings

These are the highlights I suggest seeing in Lucerne:

• Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) : This iconic wooden bridge, adorned with colorful paintings depicting Lucerne’s history, is the city’s most famous attraction. You can walk through the bridge and enjoy the views of the city.
• Old Town (Altstadt) : Explore Lucerne’s charming Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and colorful frescoed facades. Some of the most beautiful spots are Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz, with cafes and shops.
• Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) : Visit the poignant monument carved into a sandstone cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution. The sculpture of a dying lion is a powerful symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
• Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten) : Explore this unique geological site featuring glacial potholes, ancient rock formations, and interactive exhibits about the Ice Age. It’s a fascinating insight into the natural history of the region.
• Château Gütsch : This Chateau, nowadays also a hotel, is set in a 19th-century castle on the hill overlooking the city and Lake Lucerne. You can take a funicular train (included in your Berner Oberland Pass) to get up and down.
• Swiss Museum of Transport : Perfect for both adults and children, this interactive museum showcases the evolution of public transportation in Switzerland, featuring exhibits on trains, automobiles, aviation, and more. Get your skip-the-line ticket here to save time. And, besides the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, an experience about the beloved chocolates from Switzerland.

The best way to explore Lucerne is to walk through its Chapel Bridge towards the Old Town. Then, stroll through the Old Town for a while, and take a funicular train to Château Gütsch. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne before you head back to the city.

Afterward, you can check out the Lion Monument with the Glacier Garden. Add a few museums if you’re a fan.

Don’t forget to enjoy Lake Lucerne a bit. You can take the boat from Lucerne to nearby towns (Weggis, Vitznau, Fluelen) and relax. The boat rides are also included in your Berner Oberland Pass.

PRO TIP: A unique experience to have in Lucerneis to join the 1-hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman . It happens in the evening, so perfect for your itinerary, and will give you a hint of the history and legends of medieval Lucerne. Y ou can book this tour here!

Lucerne is also the best place to try the Swiss cheese fondue. This and other experiences are in this guide about what to do in Lucerne, where to stay and eat .

Where to stay in Lucerne

As you only have one night in Lucerne, I suggest you stay near the old town or the train station, making your life easy to get to the attractions or in and out of the city. 

Here are three options for good places to stay in Lucerne:

• Hotel Anker (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)
• Hotel Waldstaetterhof (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)
• Backpackers Luzern (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)

2. DAY: Lucerne – Lake Brienz – Grindelwald

Today is a travel day. If you missed anything in Lucerne that you still want to visit, do so in the morning.

Here is your day trip itinerary:

You’ll then travel on the famous Luzern-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Brienz. It’s one of the panoramic trains in Switzerland. You’ll pass by the Lake Lungern and via the Brunig Pass until you reach another stunning area – the Jungfrau region.

The train runs until Interlaken, but I highly recommend you get off in Brienz. It’s a small village on the shores of Lake Brienz.

PRO TIP: If you want, take the steam rack train to Brienzer Rothorn Mountain. The journey takes 1 hour, and the views are incredible. And the best part is that the excursion is included in the Berner Oberland Pass.

Alternatively, you can stroll the streets of Brienz and see the local Swiss life in this typical village.

Then, take the boat from Brienz to Interlaken Ost. The color of Lake Brienz is insane, unlike you’ve seen anywhere else. So enjoy the boat ride until you get to Interlaken.

From Interlaken Ost, take the last train to Grindelwald. You’ll stay 3 nights in this mountain town, making various excursions and hiking trips. Book one of the best hotels in Grindelwald to make your stay even more magical.

Where to stay in Grindelwald

• Hotel PINTE (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)
• First Lodge (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)
• Grindelwald Youth Hostel (click on the hotel name to see photos and prices)

3. DAY: Grindelwald & Adventure Activities

Good morning in Grindelwald. I hope you slept well because today, you have an amazing adventure planned on the top of the First Mountain. You’ll be flying above the Swiss meadows, overlooking the mountains and glaciers in the Jungfrau area.

In the morning, take the cable car from Grindelwald (opposite Sunstar Hotel) to Grindelwald First.

First, walk around the cable car station and enjoy the Cliff Walk until you reach the glass viewing point. Take a few photos before the crowds arrive.

If you like hiking, I recommend walking up to Bachalpsee Lake. It’s an easy 50-minute hike, mostly flat, with a few uphill sections.

If you’re an experienced hiker and need a bit more adventure, then continue hiking from the Bachalpsee Lake to the Faulhorn Hut. It’s a typical Swiss mountain hut where you can have lunch. After, return to Grindelwald First.

Grindelwald First & Adventure Activities

Besides hiking, Grindelwald First offers the following Adventure Activities you can enjoy:

• First Flyer: Experience an adrenaline rush with the First Flyer zip line, which allows you to soar through the air at high speeds while enjoying panoramic views of the Alps below. It starts in Grindelwald First and takes you down to the middle station called Schreckfeld.
• First Glider: Once you’re in Schreckfeld, take the First Glider, which will take you back to First. It’s a combination of a zip line and a hang glider. You’re strapped into a harness, attached to a cable, and flying above the Swiss meadows.
• Mountain Cart: You must return to the Schreckfeld station (either walk or take a cable car). That’s where you’ll pick up your mountain cart and ride it down the mountain road to another middle station called Bort. It’s an activity for all ages, and you can drive at your own pace, so take it easy.
• Trotti Bike: The last adventure activity is the Trotti Bike, which you can pick up at the Bort station. This one might seem the scariest as you ride a small bike down the steep roads. But don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it looks. As long as you drive slowly and break, you’ll love it. Ride the Trotti Bike back to the cable car station in Grindelwald.

NOTE: You’ll have to buy separate tickets for these adventure activities at the cable car station in Grindelwald (they’re not included in the Berner Oberland Pass). You can choose to do one or all of them.

The Grindelwald First excursion, which includes hiking and adventure activities, takes the entire day. Afterward, you can explore Grindelwald, play mini-golf, or relax in a spa at the Sports center.

4. DAY: Jungfraujoch Excursion

Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular mountain excursions in Switzerland. Although it is very touristy, it’s 100% worth visiting.

It’s known as the ‘Top of Europe,’ not because it’s the highest mountain on the continent. Jungfraujoch hosts the highest train station in Europe. Besides, you’ll experience walking through an ice cave, learn about the construction of the mountain railway and its meteorological station, and see spectacular views of the largest glacier in the Swiss Alps—Aletsch Glacier.

It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for those who don’t get to see snow that often.

NOTE: The excursion is not entirely covered by the Berner Oberland Pass. But you’ll get a discount and pay a fraction of the price, which is 99 CHF for a return ticket from Eigergletscher station. You can buy tickets at the Grindelwald Terminal station.

How To Get To Jungfraujoch

To get to Jungfraujoch, you must take a train from Grindelwald to Grindelwald Terminal station. You can buy your discounted tickets here.

After, take the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher. Then, take the red Jungfrau region to Jungfraujoch.

What To Do In Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch offers so many things to do despite being a small area on top of a mountain.

Once you arrive by train, you’ll follow a route through the tunnels inside the station and enjoy all the activities.

Here is what not to miss once you’re there:

• Jungfrau Panorama, 360° Cinema
• Sphinx Observatory
• Alpine Sensation
• Glacier Plateau
• Lindt Chocolate Heaven
• Snow Fun Park
• Jungfraujoch Pass

If you follow the signs inside the station, you won’t miss any of the highlights I listed above. The visit to Jungfraujoch takes approx. 3 hours.

Getting Back To Grindelwald

You can make the exact same journey back to Grindelwald. Or, if you want to add some extra activity, you can take the red Jungfrau train down to Kleine Scheidegg. Have lunch there, and then make the exciting Eiger Trail hike back to Grindelwald.

The Eiger Trail is a 2-hour hike (only downhill) that starts at the Eigergletscher station and ends in Alpiglen. You’ll walk beneath the famous Eiger North Face and enjoy panoramic views of the area. Not many people know about this hike, so it’s less crowded.

Once you reach Alpiglen, you can keep walking down to Grindelwald (but the road is very steep, and it might hurt your knees). Or you can take the local train to Grindelwald, which is included in your Berner Oberland Pass.

5. DAY: Grindelwald – GoldenPass Express – Montreux – Geneva 

Today is your last day in Switzerland, so let’s get the most out of it.

In the morning, you’ll ride another panoramic train called the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken Ost to Montreux. After, you’ll get to explore Montreux and its lakeside promenade.

And in the end, you’ll make it to Geneva, where you’ll end this itinerary.

In the morning, take a train from Grindelwald to Interlaken Ost. Check the train connections via the SBB website or app to make it on time for your panoramic train.

GoldenPass Express Train

The GoldenPass Express is one of the Swiss panoramic trains. This means the journey is more comfortable, as it has fewer seats, the windows are wider and panoramic, and you can enjoy the stunning views. It also requires a seat reservation.

The entire ride is included in your Saver Day Pass. But you’ll need to buy an extra seat reservation on their official website.

Hop on the train in Interlaken Ost and see how the scenery changes throughout the ride as you get from the German-speaking region of Switzerland to the French-speaking area with lush green forests.

In the end, you’ll get to see the stunning Lake Geneva before you arrive in Montreux.

Best Things To Do In Montreux

Montreux is one of my favorite cities in Switzerland, mainly thanks to its charm. It feels like you’ve arrived somewhere in Lake Como or a Mediterranean area.

Take it easy and stroll through its streets first. After, you can check out some museums and then walk alongside the breathtaking promenade to see the iconic Chillon Castle.

Here are my top things to do in Montreux:

• Montreux Museum: learn about the history of the city.
• Freddy Mercury Statue: take a photo with Freddy Mercury at the lakeside promenade. Or if you are a fan, join this: In the footsteps of Freddie Mercury Tour .
• Queen – The Studio Experience: visit the recording studio of Queen in the heart of the city.
• Chillon Castle: this medieval fortress boasts stunning architecture, fascinating history, and picturesque views. You can book a guided tour and explore the castle’s halls, dungeons, and courtyards, offering insights into its rich past.
• Montreux Lakeside Promenade: this scenic lakeside promenade stretches from Montreux to nearby Vevey. Enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps, dotted with charming cafes, gardens, and sculptures.

Getting From Montreux To Geneva

In the late afternoon, make your way to Geneva. You can either take regular train routes from Montreux to Geneva. Or if you want to make your ride a bit more special, take a boat on Lake Geneva. The boat ride takes approx. 2 hours and will take you directly to the city.

This itinerary ends in Geneva in the evening, as the city offers great international connections. It’s the perfect base city from where you can fly back home or continue road-tripping through France and down to Spain.

I don’t necessarily recommend spending much time in Geneva. There are more beautiful places. So, if you want to experience the vibe, 1 – 2 hours in the city is enough.

Travel Advice:

Don’t forget your Travel Insurance! You don’t want anything to ruin your trip, right? So don’t take the risk! Reliable travel insurance can help you in case of travel issues, from accidents to health problems, travel delays, and lost luggage.

There are many insurances in the market, our picks are  HeyMondo  and  SafetyWing . We used both and always had a good experience. Click on the insurance names to get a quote.

FAQs – Switzerland in 5 Days Itinerary  

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions. Check my answers below:

Is 5 Days In Switzerland Enough?

No, 5 days isn’t enough time in Switzerland. While you can visit many places and enjoy some parts of the country, your itinerary will miss many things. So, if you want to explore Switzerland fully, I recommend spending 8 – 10 days.

Which Cities Should You Visit In Switzerland?

Lucerne, Montreux, Bern, Lugano, Bellinzona, and Zurich are cities that are most worth your time in Switzerland. My favorite cities in Switzerland are Lucerne, Montreux, and Lugano. They have a special charm and offer many activities for every traveler.

I s It Better To Stay In Zurich Or Interlaken?

It’s better to stay in Interlaken, as it’s the gateway to the wonderful Jungfrau Mountains, which offers so many activities. This region is the true Switzerland that you want to experience when you visit.

Which Is Better Interlaken Or Lucerne?

Lucerne as a city is better than Interlaken. In Interlaken, there isn’t much to see and do. Interlaken is great to base yourself and make daily excursions to the mountains. But Lucerne as a city is truly beautiful and is 100% worth visiting.

Switzerland Travel Itinerary Final Tips

Now that you already have your 5-day in Switzerland trip planned, there are two more tips I want to give you.

1 – Switzerland is not a cheap country to visit, you probably already know. But there are ways to save a bit of cash here and there. So after planning your itinerary have a look at this guide: Switzerland trip costs , it can help you plan your travel budget.

2 – Mobile Roaming fees can be a real pain, and not all European SIM cards work in Switzerland. So If you are traveling from abroad consider getting a Switzerland eSim card , to save money and time. 

We know it’s hard to plan international trips, so I hope this 5-day Switzerland itinerary helps you get around the country, and shows you the highlights. Make the most of your time and add mountain excursions with the panoramic trains to make the journey even more special.

But don’t rush from one place to another, because Switzerland is truly about the views. So leave some time off to soak up the atmosphere.

About the Author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

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9 Switzerland Travel Tips

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Don’t plan a trip to Switzerland without reading these Switzerland travel tips first. You’ll save money and have a better time!

Invest in a Swiss Travel Pass

Switzerland is easy to get around, thanks to an impeccably run transit system that includes everything from boats to trains and cable cars. If you plan on traveling between cities, as well as utilizing intra-city transportation (like city buses), get a Swiss Travel Pass that covers unlimited travel  “throughout the rail, bus and boat Swiss Travel System network.”  It also offers 50 percent off most mountain railways and cable cars.

Not only will you save money on travel, but the Swiss Travel Pass also gets you free entrance to 500 museums and exhibitions.

Don’t Take Taxis

Swiss public transportation is easy to navigate, with well-marked signage for routes and countdown clocks that let you know when your bus will arrive. Most cities and towns in Switzerland are walkable as well. If you want to save money, avoid taxis, though, as you may be shocked—even for a short ride—at the exorbitant cost. In fact, a recent survey by Carspring found that the taxis in Zurich are the most expensive in the world, at an average of $5.19 per kilometer. So, not taking a taxi is one of the best money saving Switzerland travel tips.

Mind the Altitude

Headed to the Swiss Alps? Thanks to the great network of cable cars, trains, and gondolas, it’s easy to get up to high altitudes quickly. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you, as you’ll get a sunburn faster at higher altitudes. Don’t push yourself too hard if you’re hiking, and take breaks if you feel lightheaded or dizzy—even if you’re just walking around a viewing platform. Be sure to drink lots of water, as that can help with some of the effects. Learn more about altitude sickness .

Don’t Buy Water

Purchasing bottled water from the supermarket in Switzerland is a total waste of your money, as the country is home to some of the world’s cleanest and best-tasting tap water. (In fact, in some places, you can even drink straight from a lake with no ill effects , but I don’t advise testing that on your trip if you’re not familiar with the area.) You can drink from any tap or one of the numerous free-flowing fountains you’ll find in every town, city, and sometimes even along mountain trails. Unless there’s a sign advising that the water is not potable (like you’ll see in train bathrooms), feel safe to drink for free and skip the bottled water.

Don’t Buy Tourist Chocolate

Souvenir shops and airport kiosks display mouth-watering assortments of Swiss-branded chocolates. Use your willpower to walk straight past those and into the nearest supermarket, where you’ll find entire aisles of equally great (or better) quality chocolate that the locals eat—at less than half the price.

Check Out Less Touristic Spots

Famous spots like Lausanne and Zurich get packed with tourists in the peak season, so if you’re adventurous and don’t mind getting off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with a cheaper and less crowded vacation experience. Try lesser-known towns of Biel, Solothurn, and Thun in the summer—you’ll likely never have to deal with crowds or lines.

Take Out Minimal Cash

Although it’s surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. Since the country has its own currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF), it’s a good idea to take out out a small amount of cash when you arrive to use for emergencies (like when you want to buy ice-cream from a cash-only street vendor) and use your credit card (assuming it doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee) everywhere else. This way, you won’t get stuck with a bunch of leftover CHF at the end of your trip.

Also note, that some places in Switzerland (but not all) will accept Euros, but they will likely give you your change in CHF.

Learn Which Language is Spoken

Normally, it’s pretty clear ahead of time what language is spoken in a country. Not so much in Switzerland, which has four official languages—German, French, Italian and Romansh. This can make it pretty confusing when deciding how to greet a local. As a general rule, Swiss-German is a safe bet, as it’s the most popular language in Switzerland, with 19 of the country’s cantons, or districts, being Swiss-German speaking. And many people speak English, so you shouldn’t have much trouble communicating.

Watch Out for Closing Times

Hoping to do some souvenir shopping or pick up groceries for a picnic dinner? Keep an eye on closing times. Particularly in the smaller towns, many shops close for lunch from noon until 2 pm, and then close fairly early, at around 5 pm. On Sundays and Mondays, many shops are closed all day.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping in Switzerland: The Switzerland Tipping Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide: What to Do in Switzerland
• 10 Ways to See Switzerland Like a Prince or a Pauper

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Caroline Morse was hosted by Switzerland Tourism . Check out their website for lots of great Switzerland travel tips, and be sure to follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for more photos or to share your Switzerland travel tips!

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Switzerland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

As one of the most expensive countries in Europe , Switzerland is often skipped over by budget travelers.

Yet, while it is not a cheap destination, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

This land-locked country is home to shimmering lakes (more than 7,000 of them!), picturesque mountains (hello Alps!), tiny walled medieval towns, historic cities, soaring peaks, endless green fields you want to run through, delicious chocolate and cheese, incredible beer, and friendly, welcoming people. It’s known for ski resorts, hiking trails, its neutral foreign policy stance, being a banking and finance center, and making Swiss watches.

Everything runs on time here, the country is safe, and everyone is super nice. I loved my time traveling around Switzerland and the country rocks no matter what time of the year you visit.

This travel guide to Switzerland to help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Switzerland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in switzerland.

1. Tour the capital

Bern has an amazing historic center. This part of town is filled with medieval clocktowers, cobblestone streets, churches, and well-preserved sandstone homes. Be sure to walk the River Aare way, visit the History Museum and the Einstein Museum, and check out the bears at the Bear Park!

2. Ski the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn’s sharp angular peak is one of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions. You have to take a train or bus into the Zermatt area (the closest town to the mountain) as cars aren’t allowed. If you miss ski season, come hike the mountain in the summer. You can take the world’s highest cable car up to the viewing platform.

3. Visit Zurich

Zürich is also set on beautiful Zürich Lake, near the mountains, and is close to a lot of other cities (like Bern ). I love the historic center that opens up on the lake. A perfect day here involves sitting in the parks and drinking a beer on the lakefront. The city is also very arty and full of street art and museums.

4. Be adventurous in Interlaken

Interlaken is one of the outdoor capitals of the country (though it’s quite touristy during peak season). There is a lot to do here for the adrenaline-seeker: skydiving over a Swiss glacier, water-skiing, skiing, hiking, and more. This is also ground zero for backpackers since there are so many free outdoor activities.

5. Visit the Swiss Riviera

The “Swiss Riviera” is situated in Lavaux (Canton of Vaud) and goes along Lake Geneva. You can visit unique terraced vineyards that overlook the lake, the 12th-century castle Château de Chillon built on the water, and the town of Montreux, which is famous for its annual jazz festival.

Other Things to See and Do in Switzerland

1. join in the fasnacht spring carnival.

This festival in Basel is a three-day party that welcomes in the warm weather and takes place annually on the Monday following Ash Wednesday. It’s something that’s highly anticipated by both tourists and locals, and it’s definitely Switzerland’s most popular festival. Fasnächtlers dress in elaborate costumes to hide their identities and parade around town with “cliques” (bands playing drums and piccolos). All the bars and restaurants in town remain open throughout the entire three days and everyone is in a good mood!

2. Explore Geneva

As the third-largest city in Switzerland, Geneva offers spectacular views of the city’s lake (Lake Geneva), the world’s largest fountain, one of the main UN headquarters, a historic city center, and a collection of international restaurants to satisfy anyone’s palate. While you’re here, make sure you check out the Geneva’s Art and History Museum and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. There are 40 museums here in total so there’s a lot to keep you entertained!

3. Hike Mt. Pilatus

Located right outside the city of Lucerne, this beautiful mountain has breathtaking views of the alps. From the city, you can take a gondola or hike the trails to the top to look out over the Swiss Alps (it’s about two hours to the top if you hike and 30 minutes by gondola). There are some easier trails around the northern side of Pilatus, as well as other attractions in the summer months such as a ropes course.

4. Picnic at the Rhine Falls

Pack a picnic and admire the view of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. If you hop on a boat tour you can get extra close to the giant rock in the middle of the falls and tour the Rhine Falls Basin. Nearby in the town of Schaffhausen, there’s a medieval castle that also houses a hostel for cheap (but interesting) accommodations.

5. Explore St. Gallen

The seventh-largest city in Switzerland, St. Gallen boasts beautiful museums, colorful murals, and one-of-a-kind architecture. It doesn’t receive as much tourist traffic as the other cities and regions around the country, but it’s a fun town full of students and you’re likely to befriend a few locals during your visit. Don’t miss the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library, which is home to nearly 170,000 documents. Some are hand-written and over a thousand years old!

6. Tour rural Switzerland

Rent a car and explore the Graubunden area of the country, where there are houses and structures dating back to the 13th century. You’ll also be able to hear the ancient language Romansh, which has died out everywhere else in the country and many locals take great pride in keeping the tradition alive. Of course, it’s a haven for nature lovers too — there are 615 lakes and 150 valleys in the region. Soglio, Brigels, Bergün, and Vals are just some of the quaint villages worth visiting in the region.

7. Have a romantic time in Montreux

With a picturesque castle (Chateau de Chillon) lying at the edge of a lake, this area makes for a romantic getaway. Tour the castle, which dates all the way back to the 12th century and inspired the likes of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The town was also the home of Freddie Mercury and there is a statue here in his honor. It costs 13.50 CHF to visit the castle.

8. Discover rural culture in Appenzell

This small village of 7,000 lies in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. There are no cars and the village has upheld much of its local traditions and culture, including dance and folk music. It’s an incredibly picturesque little town, with frescoed buildings and narrow alleyways. Its location near the foot of the Alpstein mountains makes it a great gateway for participating in summer and winter outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Take the Appenzell Railway to Wasserauen, and explore the fascinating prehistoric Wildkirchli caves (which were inhabited over 40,000 years ago).

9. Visit Lucerne

You can’t get much more of a typical Swiss destination than Lucerne. Located on the beautiful Lucerne Lake, the city offers a wonderful combination of urban life and nature. Spend some time in the old town, especially Weinmarkt, surrounded by medieval guildhalls and decorative buildings. Cross Chapel Bridge, the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge, and pay attention to the 17th-century ceiling paintings showing events from Lucerne’s history.

10. Ride the Jungfraujoch Railway

The Jungfraujoch is the highest train station on the continent. Started in 1896 and stretching 9 kilometers (5 miles), this mountain railway takes passengers up Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch where they can admire stunning views and an incredible amount of snow. A round-trip journey costs 210.80 CHF.

  For more information on specific cities in Switzerland, check out these city guides:

• Basel Travel Guide
• Bern Travel Guide
• Geneva Travel Guide
• Interlaken Travel Guide
• Zurich Travel Guide

Switzerland Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms average 30-40 CHF per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. Private hostel rooms range from 70-120 CHF per night. Most hostels offer free linens, Wi-Fi, and some include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, there are a few campsites around Interlaken. Prices cost around 15-30 CHF per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Hotels are super expensive, costing 70-120 CHF per night for a basic room. For something a little nice and more spacious, expect to spend closer to 150-200 CHF per night.

A much better alternative to hotels is Airbnb, where a private room typically costs 30-50 CHF per night and an entire apartment starts at about 70 CHF (though they usually cost double that so book early to find the best deals).

Food – With strong French, German, and Italian influences, Swiss cuisine is a mix of meat and potato-based dishes along with plenty of local cheeses. Popular dishes include veal and mushrooms, fondue (with bread or potatoes), rösti (fried grated potatoes), and quiche. Naturally, Swiss cheese and chocolate should not be missed either. When it comes to breakfast, muesli is a go-to healthy choice.

If you want to eat out, bars and cafés are the cheapest food option and cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. An inexpensive restaurant costs about 25 CHF while a 3-course meal at a mid-range one costs about 60 CHF.

If you want to drink with your meal, a beer costs around 7 CHF and cocktails can cost 12-15 CHF.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 15 CHF for a combo meal. A large pizza is 15-21 CHF.

You can keep your food spending in check by going to the local supermarkets and buying your own groceries. Expect to spend around 100-125 CHF per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, eggs, seasonal produce, and some meat. The major supermarkets are Migros, COOP, and Spar. COOP is the most expensive.

Backpacking Switzerland Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Switzerland, my suggested budget is 95 CHF per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking al of your meals, taking public transit, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like enjoying nature and taking walking tours.

A mid-range budget of about 200 CHF per day covers a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid tours and activities like visiting museums and going skiing.

For a “luxury” budget of 400 CHF or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CHF.

Switzerland Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

Switzerland is a very expensive country to visit but there are plenty of ways to save money in the country, especially if you like the outdoors (nature is free!). Here are some ways I lowered my costs while visiting Switzerland:

• Get a student discounts – Many museums and other tourist attractions offer student discounts so always ask if there are discounts if you happen to be a student. You’ll save around 20% off.
• Get a city card – Most cities have a city tourist passes that get you discounts or free admission into museums and various local sights. Most of them also provide free public transportation too. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, these cards are really cost-effective and can save you around 20-40%. Just make sure the cost of the pass is less than the cost of seeing the attractions you want.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It was a lifesaver that allowed me to keep my costs down the most. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
• Use BlaBlaCar – Transportation is very expensive, even more so than accommodation. Most intercity trains are around 50 CHF. That adds up quickly! Instead, use the ride-sharing website BlaBlaCar to avoid the trains and meet locals. It’s like Airbnb but for ridesharing. Just make sure you’re flexible as some rides will cancel last-minute.
• Use hotel points – Hotel reward points are a lifesaver in an expensive destination, so rack up hotel points before your trip. This tip really only works if you are from the U.S. (though there are options in Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand) but hotel points have save me thousands of dollars a year. You can click here to learn about how to get points and free hotel stays .
• Don’t drink – Alcohol is not cheap here. Skip the booze to save money and keep your budget intact. If you do drink, stick to happy hours and hostel bars for the cheapest drinks.
• Cook your meals – Eating out here is expensive so go grocery shopping and cook your own meals to save. It’s not glamours, but it makes visiting Switzerland much more affordable! My recommendation is to make your own lunch and then eat out for dinner if you don’t want to cook.
• Eat lunch specials – If you are going to eat out, do so during lunch when most lunch specials at cafes and restaurants cost around 10-19 CHF. It’s the cheapest time to eat out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Switzerland

Hostels are the way to go in Switzerland but unfortunately there aren’t many of them. If you are traveling during peak season, be sure to book well in advance as they fill up quickly. My favorite places to stay in the country are:

• Balmers (Interlaken)
• Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken)
• Zurich Youth Hostel (Zurich)
• Oldtown Hostel Otter (Zurich)
• City Hostel (Geneva)
• Nyon Hostel (Geneva)
• Bern Youth Hostel (Bern)
• Bern Backpackers Hotel & Hostel Glocke (Bern)
• Basel Backpacker (Basel)
• Hyve Hostel Basel (Basel)

How to Get Around Switzerland

Public transportation – Cities and towns in Switzerland are incredibly well connected with trams, buses, funiculars, and trains. Each mode of transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. A single fare usually costs between 2.50-5 CHF depending on the length of time and number of zones you travel.

You should consider getting a Swiss Half Fare Card. It allows you to travel by train, bus, boat, and most mountain railways at half the price for one full year. It costs 185 CHF. This is only cost-effective if you intend to spend more than 370 CHF on public transportation.

If you’re staying a while and plan on cramming a LOT into your itinerary, you might want to look into getting a Swiss Travel Pass . It’s steep in price, ranging from 232 CHF for three consecutive days to 429 CHF for 15 consecutive days (there are non-consecutive passes as well), but it could be worth your time. It covers public transit, free travel on panorama trains, admission to 500 museums, mountain excursions, and more. The card also holds your Mobility and PubliBike memberships, and any MobilSki passes for the resorts.

If you’re considering the Swiss Half Fare Card or the Swiss Travel Pass, use the sbb.ch website to figure out the full fares for some of the trips you plan to make. This is the best way to figure out if either card is cost-effective for you.

Train – Train is the best way to travel in Switzerland and is the most preferred method for locals. It’s economical and efficient. Bern to Geneva (a two-hour ride) costs 50-95 CHF. The two-hour trip from Zurich to Interlaken is 54-96 CHF, while a one-hour trip from Zurich to Bern is 40-75 CHF. Expect to pay anywhere between 40-100 CHF for a second-class train ticket between cities.

As mentioned above, if you plan on doing a lot of train travel, consider the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Bus – FlixBus offers a few routes around the country. A 90-minute ride from Zurich to Bern starts at just 6 CHF, while a 5-hour journey from Zurich to Geneva starts at 17 CHF. It’s considerably cheaper than the train but options are much more limited than the train.

Flying – The country is so tiny, there’s no need to fly. It’s expensive and not worth the hassle. Take the train or bus instead.

Ridesharing – Using a ridesharing service like BlaBlaCar is one of the best ways to get around the country, although it does require some flexibility. You simply request a seat, pay a small fee, and off you go! It’s a faster and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train.

When to Go to Switzerland

Most visitors come to Switzerland in the summer, between May and September. July and August have the warmest temperatures, with snow-free hiking trails and longer days. If you’re around on August 1st, there are tons of celebrations for Swiss National Day (fireworks!). Peak summer temperatures are 18-28 °C (65°-82°F).

The shoulder seasons are from April-May and October-November, which is known in Switzerland as Zwischenzeit — the “between time” for the ski and summer seasons. It’s a good time for city hopping, but the ski resort towns are completely quiet and a lot of things are closed. The weather can also be unpredictable.

Ski season is from December to March, where resort towns get crowded and very expensive! If you’re a skier, that probably won’t matter much as Switzerland has some of the best skiing in the world. Conversely, cities like Zurich are quieter as everyone flocks to the mountains. The weather is cold and hovers below freezing so be sure to pack plenty of layers.

How to Stay Safe in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. The most common type of crime is pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas, but even that is rare. In some cities, like Geneva, petty crime is on the rise but it’s still nothing to be concerned about. Just keep your valuables secure and out of reach and you’ll be fine.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone at night if intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re traveling in the mountains, keep an eye on weather reports and forecasts. The weather can be extreme and change rapidly so plan accordingly. If you go hiking alone, let your hostel/hotel staff know where you’re heading just in case.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you plan on hiking or spending some time skiing in the mountains, pay careful attention to weather reports. Heed avalanche warnings, and stay off the trails if you’re told to do so.

If you experience an emergency, dial 117 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Switzerland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Switzerland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary 10 days by train (+tips)

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Looking for the perfect Switzerland itinerary 10 days that covers all the major highlights and more? You are at the right spot!

Switzerland is a beautiful mountainous country with lush pine forests and magnificent cities. Picture this: you are traveling along the winding roads through the towering Swiss Alps as the brilliant blue sky and spots of perfectly white clouds set the landscape. And gorgeous rolling hills!

Now that you see it, imagine this for ten luxurious days as you travel through this glorious country. Don’t get us wrong, Switzerland is much more than just breathtaking scenery; it’s a country steeped in rich history and culture.

In this 10 days in Switzerland itinerary, we’ll take you through the rolling mountains, quaint villages, and medieval castles that’ll leave you stunned. With such a wealth to explore, you’ll be booking your tickets and planning a trip to Switzerland in no time.

Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: 2 Samples + Planning Tips by train & other sightseeing options

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

With 10 days in Switzerland, you can pack a punch. You can mix a city and culture destination, with amazing culinary delights and mountain and panoramic train excursions! 

We have included 2 Swiss itinerary samples below . The first one starts and ends in Zurich and is focused on cultural/city sightseeing, and includes the famed Glacier Express. 

And the second one covers Zurich, and Geneva, with hikes in Zermatt and a train ride to Montreux – GoldenPass. 

Sample 1: 10 days in Switzerland itinerary (Zurich, Basel, Zermatt, Glacier Express, Lucerne, Bern, and Lauterbrunnen)

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Zurich
• Day 2: More sightseeing in Zurich, travel to Basel in the evening
• Day 3: Explore the City of Culture on the Rhine – Basel
• Day 4: More of Basel, and ‘Three Countries’
• Day 5: Take a train to Zermatt and explore later in the day
• Day 6: Explore more of Zermatt (hikes or mountain excursions)
• Day 7 : Spend the day at the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur (return to Zurich) 
• Day 8 :Take a day trip to Lauterbrunnen from Zurich (with a stop in Thun) 
• Day 9: Explore Lucerne and Mount Pilatus from Zurich 
• Day 10: Travel to Bern on a day trip from Zurich 

Sample 2: 10 day Switzerland itinerary (Basel, Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfrau, Geneva, Montreux, and Zermatt)

Day 1: Explore the city of Basel

• Day 2: Travel through Aargau Jura Park and end off in Zurich 
• Day 3: Explore the city of Zurich 
• Day 4: Enjoy a day trip to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Day 5: Spend the day in Lucerne and end off in Interlaken

• Day 6: Spend the day at Jungfraujoch 
• Day 7: Explore Interlaken and take a train to Montreux

Day 8: Enjoy Lake Geneva and the regional park

Day 9: travel to zermatt and explore the five lakes hike, day 10: explore to breathtaking hikes of zermatt .

Don’t worry if you can’t stay in Switzerland for ten days; check out our 2 days , 5 days, or 7 days in Switzerland itinerary .

What you need to know before your 10 days in Switzerland

Arriving in Switzerland

Switzerland is located on the continent of Europe. Its capital city is Bern, and Zurich is the largest city. 

If you are traveling from overseas, consider arriving in Zurich. Zurich International Airport or Flughafen Zürich is the largest international airport in the country and is the hub of Swiss International Air Lines (Star Alliance member).

The next best option is to touch down in Geneva. Both cities have international airports that connect you to Switzerland. 

Note that Switzerland is not a part of the European Union, and Euro is not its official currency. Switzerland’s official currency is the Swiss Francs (CHF), and it is almost at par with the Euros. 

If you require a tourist visa to Europe or the Schengen zone , you can use the same visa to enter Switzerland. 

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Best way to get around Switzerland

The best way to get around Switzerland is by train. The country has a vast network of well-run railways, and it’s one of the more affordable modes of public transportation. 

We utilized the 8 day Swiss Travel Pass to cover all the destinations by train including the panoramic excursion (extra for a seat reservation). 

So the Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one transportation card in Switzerland. You can hop on the train, trams, cable car, etc, and travel from one part of the country to another for free with unlimited rides. 

You can choose from a 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15-day pass. 

So for our 10-day itinerary in Switzerland, the 8 day Pass was perfect . Tickets are to be used for consecutive days once redeemed, and you have the option for 1st Class or 2nd Class tickets. 

During our trip, we were in the 1st Class compartment and they were hardly ever crowded. It is perfect if you are traveling with luggage or want to get some work done on the go. The seats were spacious too. 

In the 2nd Class, you still have similar amenities (luggage space, etc.), but it is mostly crowded. 

For city travel, this pass is also useful as you have free access to over 500 museums. Plus a bus ride is a fantastic option for getting around. 

In general, using public transportation in Switzerland is the best way to get around, especially if you get a Swiss travel pass.  

Now let’s kick start the itinerary (yay)

Switzerland itinerary 10 days: Major cities, an epic train ride, and a charming village (Sample 1)

• Day 2: More sightseeing in Zurich, later start for Basel in the evening

Day 1 of the Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: Arrive in Zurich and explore

Arrive in Zurich on your first day or the night before. 

In this sample 10-day itinerary for Switzerland, you have 2 days in Zurich so that gives you ample time to check off the city highlights. 

If you arrive in Zürich by plane, you can connect to the city centre by SBB or Swiss trains. Trains run daily from the airport to the main station every 5-10 minutes from 05:00 am onwards. 

Your Swiss Travel Pass covers this ride, so make you download it or print a copy. 

There is also the option of arriving in the city with the airport shuttle, private transfer, or taxi. These options are noticeably more expensive than the train or tram. 

Plan to stay in Zurich Old Town so that sightseeing is a breeze. 

Where to stay in Zurich

• Storchen Zurich : Zurich is one of the many beautiful cities in Switzerland , and for an unforgettable visit, consider staying at Storchen Zurich. Overlooking the Limmat river, you have unrivaled views of the city. It’s also one of the many 5-star hotels in Zurich that doesn’t miss out on anything. Book your stay here.

• Walhalla Hotel : This affordable hotel is located near Zurich HB and you will also find a tram stop right outside. The rooms are not fancy (they are clean though) but the location is convenient as you will travel by train to other Swiss destinations when using this sample itinerary. Breakfast can be arranged for a fee. Find current prices here .
• Good4Yew BnB : If you’ve had enough hotels for one trip, have a look at this cozy BnB along the Limmat river. With access to a private garden and a mesmerizing terrace, you will have a quiet and intimate stay in the heart of Zurich. Book your stay here.

Top Tip: For a more in-depth look at hotels and accommodation, read about where to stay in Switzerland .

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Café Bar ODEON before exploring the city. This cafe has fresh and light meals and rests in the heart of Old Town Zurich, which just so happens to be the first destination.

The Old Town or Altstadt is a car-free village within the city, separated by the ever-blue Limmat river. This is the historic hub of Zurich, where you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering its cobbled stone streets.

One of the main attractions is St Peter’s Church , with the largest clock face in Europe. Continue up the road, and you’ll get to Lindenhof Hill, where you can get the best panoramic views of Zurich. 

Don’t forget to snap some unforgettable photos in the city while here.

The next destination is Lake Zurich , where you can see the more casual side of the city. You can enjoy a cruise along the lake or get wet in the natural swimming pools. Either way, it’s an excellent way to learn more about local culture.

Before exploring the city’s museums, dig into some delicious food on the Zurich Fondue Tram . You can kill two birds with one stone this way, seeing this beautiful city while enjoying a relaxing lunch. You can also join a Zurich highlights city tour to see everything in a few hours.

The next stop is the Swiss National Museum, which has a distinct collection of artifacts that shows precisely what makes Switzerland unique. 

There are more than 50 museums for you to explore – with your Swiss Travel Pass in hand – including the FIFA Museum and Kunsthaus Zurich, to name a few.

Top Tip: If you visit in August, try and join the annual Street Parade, an all-night festival that fills Zurich’s lakeside streets and clubs.

Day 2 of the Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: More sightseeing in Zurich, start for Basel in the evening

On day two of your Swiss itinerary, continue exploring Zurich and nearby areas. We will leave you with two options (with both options we recommend leaving for Basel by evening). 

Option 1: Join a Chocolate museum visit in Zurich and go shopping at Bahnhofstrasse 

This option will allow you to go back to some of the Zurich attractions from day one, in case you missed it (depending on your arrival time). 

In addition, you can add a chocolate museum tour, and spend some time at Bahnhofstrasse, which is one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets!

You might also like this tour: Swiss Cheese Fondue and Wine Tuk-Tuk Tour (2 hours)

Option 2: Venture on a day tour to Liechtenstein (with stops in Heidiland and Rapperswil)  

Liechtenstein is a European microstate, and it is best visited from Zurich, so why not take the opportunity while you are here? 

Zurich to Liechtenstein – Vaduz is about 2 hours by car or public transportation. On a day trip, you can stroll the lanes of the capital city, visit a couple of museums and hike near/to the castle for views. 

This can be booked as a day tour combining stops at Heidiland and Rapperswil. More information here

Option 2 will be a full-day affair – at least 10-12 hours, so plan to start early. 

Read : 2 days in Zurich Itinerary

In the evening, start for Basel from Zurich . Zurich to Basel is about an hour or so by train. This is where you will be checking in for the next 2 nights. 

Where to stay in Basel

• Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois : Basel is a breathtaking city, and the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois exemplifies that. It’s a beautiful palace-turned-hotel along the Rhine river with a lovely combination of rich wooden flooring and white walls. Book your stay here.
• Hotel Marthof Basel : If you are looking for simple pleasures, then Hotel Marthof Basel is a great option. This 4-star hotel is close to the Rhine river and monuments such as the Blue and White Houses. Book your stay here.
• MotelOne: MotelOne Basel is an affordable 3-star accommodation located in the heart of the city – there is a tram station right outside. Plus you can walk to all tourist attractions (from the Cathedral, Rhine promenade and more). They offer free breakfast and many suites have balconies too! Check availability here.

Day 3 of the Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: Explore the City of Culture on the Rhine – Basel

For an unforgettable Swiss itinerary, you’ll want to explore the city of Basel, a place full of color, life, and history. 

We recommend kicking off with a tour of the Old Town – Altstadt – which has narrow streets and buildings dating back to the 14th century.

In Old Town, there is plenty to see, from the picturesque Market Place (Marktplatz) to the Hoosesagg Museum, one of the world’s smallest museums. 

With these sights and the Basel Munster Cathedral all within a five-minute walk of one another, it’s easy to explore the diverse history of Basel.

We recommend joining a Basel Old Town walking tour to get the most out of your time in this part of the city.

After a lovely morning walk through the medieval streets of Old Town, head over to the Kunstmuseum Basel . This is where your Swiss Travel Pass comes in handy, giving you free access to the oldest public art collection in the world.

Here you can see some world-famous pieces by Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, and an entire room full of Pablo Picasso’s work.

Basel is more than just Old Town, with 40 museums to explore, the medieval gate of Spalenter, and the ancient Basel Paper Mill. You can let your imagination run wild in the afternoon and explore some of these iconic monuments.

Top Tip: Join a sunset boat ride down the Rhine river for a memorable afternoon. It’s one of the more spectacular things to do in the city.

Day 4 of the Switzerland Itinerary: More of Basel, and ‘Three Countries’

Explore more of Basel on day 4 of your Switzerland itinerary. Because you are in such a cool location you can also visit Germany and France in 10 minutes – keep reading as we show you how. 

Good to know : Switzerland is a landlocked country. It has Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Germany as its neighbors. Perfect to visit when you are on a Schengen visa. 

Start your day at the Foundation Beyeler . This art museum is the most visited museum in all of Switzerland and is located in Riehen, a little outside of Basel. 

The museum features both traditional and modern art exhibits. You can reach there by tram or by bike. 

Plan to spend at least an hour or so at the Beyeler Foundation, and admire over 200 works of modern classics, including 23 Picassos on display. They also have a lovely cafe where you grab a bite to eat before heading to Germany!

From the Beyeler Foundation make your way to Weil am Rhein (Germany) to visit the Vitra Design Campus. 

There are 2 campuses at Vitra (south and north), with multiple exhibition rooms and centres showcasing the history and research of design and architecture. 

There are also unique structures such as the Dome, Vitra Slide Tower, and Piet Oudolf Garden on-site.

You can get there by tram (stop at Weil am Rhein, Bahnhof/Zentrum) or bus (bus number 55 from Badischer Bahnhof to Vitra). The Swiss Travel Pass or the Basel Card (obtained for free when you check in to a Basel hotel is applicable). 

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to cover the following, 

• Vitra Design Museum : Dedicated to the research and popularization of design and architecture, this museum has a showroom on the evolution of technology and robots which is kinda cool!
• The Vitra Schaudepot : They have over 400 exhibits of modern furniture design and its evolution! 
• Vitra Slide Tower: This is a 30.7-meter-high tower, designed by the German artist Carsten Höller. It is a slide and a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Campus and the surrounding landscape. 

After exploring the Vitra Campus, make your way back to Basel with a stop at the Three Countries Bridge. 

Dreiländerbrücke is an arch bridge located in the 3 countries of France, Germany, and Switzerland. It crosses over the Rhine River, within the Basel metropolitan area, and is for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ use!

You can get there by biking or taking the tram as you travel back to the city. So from Weil am Rhein (Germany) get down at the bridge site and then walk over to Huningue in France. 

Once in France, you can enjoy a walk down the Rhine promenade and if you have additional time, check out the Military museum nearby. (So yea, Three Countries in 10 minutes) 

When you return to Basel, have dinner at the Old Town. We recommend – Papa Joe’s or Restaurant Kraft.

Day 5 of the Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: Take a train to Zermatt and explore later in the day

Check out from your Basel hotel and travel to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. 

Basel to Zermatt is 3.50 hours by train (and free with the Swiss Travel Pass ). Zermatt is a car-free resort village, so you will have to park your vehicle in the neighboring village/town of Täsch, in case you are driving.  

We recommend staying in Zermatt for two nights and then hop on the popular Glacier Express route. 

Note: If you are not keen on a train excursion you can also explore Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat on a day tour from Basel (in this case, you have to book a third night in Basel). Here is a tour to book

Because we had the Glacier Express on our bucket list, we stayed in Zermatt for a few days. 

Where to stay in Zermatt

• Alpen Resort Hotel : This is the place if you ever want to stay at a picturesque ski resort hotel. It is one of many luxury hotels in Zermatt but sticks out with its minimalist style and subtle finishes. Book your stay here.
• Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: If you want to stay in style and where celebrities do, then the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is the place to book. It is centrally located and has luxurious and modern amenities to boost! Check out photos and reviews here.
• Hotel Cheminee: Located just 5 minutes from Zermatt train station, Hotel Cheminee offers uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn from its window or balcony (if you book such a suite). Breakfast can be arranged for extra. Book your stay here.
• Chalet A la Casa : These chalets are perfect if you are over hotels and want something more secluded. At Chalet A la Casa, you can sit in front of a lovely fire and admire the scenery. With a sauna and hot tub, you simply can’t go wrong with these chalets. Book your stay here.

Day 5 will be a travel day for you. Set aside at least 4-5 hours to get to Zermatt (with connections, and stops along the way). 

When you arrive in Zermatt, check in to your hotel and then head out for a short walk and dinner at a local bar/restaurant. We opted for the Grizzly’s Bar & Bistro and their Nachos were delish!

Day 6 of the Switzerland Itinerary 10 days: Explore more of Zermatt (hikes or mountain excursions)

Wake up to a nice breakfast in Zermatt, and then explore more of this cute village and beyond. 

The mountain resorts of Zermatt and Matterhorn Mountain are a short 13 kilometers or 8 miles away from one another. 

The journey is best experienced with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car. Tickets are valid for a full day.  

You will be at Europe’s highest mountain station at 12,740 ft (3,883 meters) above sea level in 45 minutes with this ride. 

On your gondola ride, you will pass lush green meadows, hamlets, and enchanting forests before arriving at the snowy and icy landscape! 

At Trockener Steg, you will have to transfer to the highest 3S cable car all the way to the peak. At the summit, visit the viewing platform and soak in the alpine giants of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps as well as 14 glaciers. 

Spend as much time as you like – hang out at the cinema lounge, enjoy short movies, or visit the highest ice palace in the world before returning to Zermatt.  

BOOK: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket here

Alternatively, you can also book a full-day guided hike from Zermatt. This is a combo of a hike and a cogwheel train ride. 

You will be accompanied by an expert guide on an easy-to-moderate hike to take in the views of the gorgeous Matterhorn. 

This is a full day activity. Find more information about this excursion here

Day 7 of 10 day Switzerland itinerary: Spend the day at the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur (return to Zurich) 

Today it is all about relaxation and drooling over gorgeous Swiss landscapes! 

As you are in Zermatt, you can hop on the Glacier Express – this panoramic train journey connects the two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland. 

The total journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz is 7.50 hours. It goes through 91 tunnels running across 291 bridges. But it has a few stops along the way where you can get off.

The Glacier Express was a wonderful experience for us. We were relaxed and enjoyed our three-course meal in a first-class compartment with gorgeous Swiss scenery right outside. 

Because you have the Swiss Travel Pass , it is worth paying for the seat reservation (which starts at 27 CHF) and checking it off your bucket list. 

We paid for a three-course meal as well (47 CHF) but you can skip it, and order anything off the menu later when you are on board (or nothing when traveling on a budget). 

For the purposes of this Switzerland 10-day itinerary, we recommend getting off in Chur (so that you can travel to Zurich to complete the remainder of your trip). 

Zermatt to Chur will be about 5.50 hours and it goes via Andermatt in the Swiss Alps. 

You will get to see a lot on this leg of the Glacier Express as well. We started at 09:00 am and arrived in Chur by 02:30 pm and this allowed us to pop by the city, before returning to Zurich.

Chur to Zurich is only an hour’s train ride away. Plan to stay in a centrally located hotel such as Walhalla Hotel (near Zurich HB) for this leg of your itinerary. 

Day 8 of the 10 day Switzerland Itinerary: Take a day trip to Lauterbrunnen from Zurich 

For the next 3 days of the 10 day Swiss itinerary, keep Zurich as a base and explore more of this wonderful country. With day tours and an efficient train network, you are not far away from places like Bern, Lucerne, and beyond. 

On day 8, start for Lauterbrunnen. To get to Lauterbrunnen from Zurich, you have to change 2 trains (via Bern/Interlaken) but it is all worth it! We had an amazing time there. 

Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. The valley is home to numerous waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls, and is surrounded by towering mountains. 

You can explore the valley by hiking or taking a cable car up to one of the many viewing platforms. There are also several charming villages located within the valley, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring. 

With your Swiss Travel Pass, you can go up to Wengen for free. Stops ahead/higher than Wengen like Allmend and Kleine Scheidegg, you have to pay extra. In this situation, buying a Bernese Oberland Pass is a better idea as it covers Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen, and Schynige Platte.

If you extend your trip here, do visit the Schilthorn (1.25 hours to get there from Lauterbrunnen) where a popular James Bond movie was filmed!

For the purposes of this itinerary, you will spend the majority of your day in the village of Lauterbrunnen. 

The Staubbach Falls are unmissable. You can even hike to the little cave to get up close to the Falls and behind it. 

There are easy walking trails in the village, so take the time to wander and explore. There is a charming church – Lauterbrunnen church which looks gorgeous against the waterfalls and the Alps, so don’t forget to visit and snap a photo or two.

You can also shop for traditional Swiss souvenirs and hang out in a local cafe/restaurant. 

When you return to Zurich it is possible to stop in Thun and get off the train to admire the scenery. 

There are multiple trains available to bring you back to Zurich, so go on exploring! 

Day 9 of 10 days in Switzerland itinerary: Explore Lucerne and Mount Pilatus from Zurich 

Once again, you can use your Swiss Travel Pass to arrive in Lucerne from Zurich. The trains depart every hour from Zurich HB and arrive in Luzern after an hour-long journey. 

There are lots of things to do and see in Lucerne. 

Start by walking through the old town, and cross the Chapel Bridge or the Kapellbrücke . This is said to be the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe, dating back to 1333. 

Don’t miss the charming buildings and views of Lake Lucerne as you enjoy the stroll. 

See the Lion’s Monument , and later visit the Glacier Garden. This is one of the 500 museums accessible with the Swiss Travel Pass . The garden is estimated to be millions of years old and contains kettle basins from the most recent Ice Age. 

Mount Titlis is an essential stop on your itinerary. Book an afternoon tour to Mt Titlis from Lucerne and ride the cableway as you absorb marvelous views.

After sightseeing, enjoy a nice dinner at the Old Town before returning to Zurich for the night. 

Day 10 of 10 days in Switzerland itinerary: Travel to Bern on a day trip from Zurich 

Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and it is located just an hour-long train ride from Zürich. 

Your Swiss Travel Pass will cover the ride from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Bern and you can easily find a schedule that will work for your last day in Switzerland. 

The Old City in Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is steeped in gorgeous buildings with rich history, river views, and more. 

As soon as you arrive in Bern, take a wander through the Old City. If interested you can also book a guided walking tour (because you will be in Bern all day, this will be a nice learning experience).  

Here is the guided Bern Old City Walking Tour.

Don’t miss the Zytglogge , the clock tower located on Bern’s western city gate. This is one of the oldest in Switzerland.

Other stops for the day include the Bern Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Being the capital city and one of the world’s oldest democracies, you must stop by the Swiss Federal Assembly , the Bundeshaus, and admire its impressive interiors. 

BärenPark is another popular attraction and a nice outdoor activity to add to the itinerary.

Sign off from Bern after you take in the views of the River Aare from one of its historic bridges (like the Nydeggbrücke, near BarenPark).

Return to Zurich after a fun-filled day of sightseeing and fly out the next day. 

10 days Switzerland itinerary: The picturesque country (Sample 2)

The first itinerary was jam-packed with iconic Swiss cities, museums, and sights. For the second sample, you will still get to visit Zurich, Basel, and Zermatt, but you will explore Geneva (the second largest city), Interlaken/ Jungfrau region, and go on hikes!

Here is what this 10-day Switzerland itinerary will look like,

Kickstart your 10-day Swiss itinerary with Basel. 

Basel is located in northwest Switzerland and you can either land in Zurich and then take the train to Basel (one hour+ train ride using the Swiss Travel Pass) or fly to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, which is an international airport in the French Alsace region, serving the city of Basel. 

On one of our trips, we flew to Zurich (better connectivity from Canada), and then took the train to Basel. 

• Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
• Hotel Marthof Basel

So, once you arrive in Basel, check in to your centrally located hotel and then get exploring. 

Book a walking tour of the Old Town check off the Basel Minster and cloisters, and walk the Rhine Promenade, Marktplatz and Kunstmuseum if you have time!

In the evening, opt for a lovely dinner in a traditional Swiss restaurant such as Gifthüttli Basel. 

Day 2: Travel through Aargau Jura Park and arrive in Zurich

After spending the day in a city, it’s about time to explore the outdoors. Roughly an hour and 30 minutes out of Basel by train or bus, you will reach the vast lush landscape of Aargau Jura Park.

The Linner Linde is the mightiest tree in the park, with a trunk circumference of an impressive 36 feet. 

You can also explore the lovely old town of Linn. It nestles beautifully in the green hills of Aargau, with a stunning vineyard in Weingut Zur Linde.

After a lovely lunch at Zur Linde, explore some more sights, such as the Linner waterfall. It’s like something from a movie, with the lush greenery overgrowing on the rocky outcrops and crystal clear water.

Top Tip: If you plan to explore Switzerland in June, you might want to go to the Outdoor Selection Festival, an outdoor music and arts festival that happens once a year.

After a day in the open air, use your handy Swiss travel pass to catch an hour-and-a-half train ride to Zurich. Along the way, you can admire the beautiful sunset while relaxing in a cozy cabin.

Although there is food on the train, we recommend waiting until you get to Zurich. If you choose to stay at Storchen Zurich, they have a fantastic food selection for you to enjoy. 

If not, we suggest going to Swiss Chuchi (for fondue) or Zeughauskeller for authentic Swiss food in a rustic 14th-century building.

• Storchen Zurich
• Walhalla Hotel
• Good4Yew BnB

Day 3: Explore the city of Zurich

After a good night’s rest, warm up to a nice breakfast at Cafe bar Odeon or Cafe Henrici, both located in Old Town. 

Zurich Altstadt is small and this is where we will spend most of your time. 

All destinations are easily accessible by foot, so there is no need to take public transport. However, if you need to travel between attractions quickly or have kids in tow, you can use public transport.

Be sure to add the Swiss National Museum and the FIFA World Football Museum (free with the Swiss Travel Pass ), and later stroll on Bahnhofstrasse – shop or window shop, hike up to Lindenhof for city views. 

Go on a river cruise, and wander through Zurich Old Town. The Limmat River flows through the city into Lake Zurich but is spanned by a series of bridges which makes it easy to crisscross back and forth on your Zurich day itinerary.

Read : One day in Zurich Itinerary

Day 4: Enjoy a day trip to the Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Another unforgettable day begins, and it’s the perfect opportunity to tick the Rhine Falls , and Stein am Rhein off your 10-day Switzerland itinerary. 

For this day trip, we suggest joining this full-day tour through the countryside on the first of many day trips on this Swiss itinerary.

Begin the day by meeting at the Zurich main train station, where you’ll join a comfortable touring bus. 

During a leisurely hour trip, take in the mesmerizing views of Zurichsee, a renowned wine region. There are endless hills of lush green vineyards you can stare at for hours.

After a lovely trip through the countryside, you’ll reach Laufen . Start by visiting Schloss Laufen, a magnificent castle with stunning views of the Rhine Falls. Words can’t explain this medieval castle’s beauty, with the powerful falls and evergreen forest surrounding it.

The Rhine Falls are Europe’s largest and strongest set of waterfalls. You just need to walk up the Balverde trail to the viewing deck above the falls to understand the sheer power and natural beauty of Rhine Falls.

After taking in the raw beauty of nature, jump back onto the bus and head towards Stein am Rhein , a historic village in northern Switzerland. It’s about a 30-minute drive, where you can continue to enjoy the sights of rolling hills and vineyards.

Stein am Rhein is a beautiful medieval town, with the facade of many buildings having intricate fresco paintings for you to admire. 

Once here, we suggest grabbing a bite to eat at Uferlos. The restaurant offers a delicious mixture of flavors at an affordable price.

After you’re re-energized, it’s time to explore this unique town. We recommend visiting the Weisser Adler to see stunning frescoes and the Lindwurm museum. It’s also worth visiting the town gates, such as Untertor and Obertor.

This is a lovely and quaint little town in Switzerland where you can enjoy a relaxing and refreshing afternoon. 

At the end of the day trip, head back to Zurich on the tour bus and enjoy dinner at your restaurant of choice.

Note: The tour we recommend includes a tour guide that will take you past all these famous 

After a couple of days in Zurich, it’s time to head on to the next destination, and where better to go than Lucerne? With your Swiss travel pass , catch a 40-minute train ride to this spectacular lakeside village.

The village is well known, with picture-perfect Lake Lucerne taking center stage. Here, you can take a walk down Chapel bridge, the world’s oldest truss bridge. 

Chapel Bridge is an emblem of the town’s beauty as you walk over the turquoise waters of the Reuss, which flow into Lake Lucerne.

After crossing the bridge, take a 10-minute walk to the Dying Lion Monument, an intricate relief sculpture on the side of an old sandstone quarry. 

Down the road from the lion monument is Glacier Garden, an extraordinary set of large potholes formed over 20,000 years ago.

After this, we recommend getting some lunch at Villa Schweizerhof for breathtaking views of Lucerne and the mountain peaks in the distance. 

One of those mountain peaks happens to be Mount Pilatus, which has the steepest mountain railways in Europe.

Top Tip: We don’t include visiting Mount Pilatus on this itinerary, but if you want, you can do so on this all-terrain guided tour.

After a delicious lunch, we suggest visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport, which Swiss travel pass holders can access. Here you will learn all about transportation, from cars to space shuttles. 

After this, you have just about enough time to visit the Hofkirche. This is a famous 17th-century renaissance-style basilica that captures the diverse cultural history of the town. 

The afternoon will be approaching by now, and a two-hour train ride awaits (to Interlaken). During the ride, you can admire the Swiss countryside or look over the beautiful photos you’ve taken so far during your holiday.

Where to stay in Interlaken

• Hotel Brienzersee : This budget hotel has all the bells and whistles you would see in a luxury hotel. It sits in the lakeside town of Interlaken and is only a 5-minute drive from the city centre. At Hotel Brienzersee, you overlook the magical turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Book your stay here.
• Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa : This luxurious hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a complete sensory experience. Imagine an indoor swimming pool with arched walls and soft, crisp finishings in all the rooms. At the center of the town, you have quick access to all the sights of this lovely place on earth. Book your stay here.

Day 6: Spend the day at Jungfraujoch – Jungfrau Region

There are several day trips on this list, and possibly the most breathtaking is the excursion to Jungfraujoch. 

The trip to Jungfraujoch is nothing short of spectacular, with a winding train journey through the Schynige Platte Alpine Garden to the Grindelwald Terminal. 

From here, it’s a dramatic cable car ride up to the Jungfrau railway, the highest train station in the world.

Now you can enjoy the scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, a quaint car-free town in the mountains. You’ll travel for just over one hour and 30 minutes, but your Swiss travel pass will make the trip smooth.

Start by taking an elevator from the train station up to the Sphinx Observatory to take in breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. 

At the Sphinx, you can see the Aletsch Glacier , Europe’s longest glacier. It’s safe to say Jungfraujoch has an unlimited supply of fantastic photo opportunities.

To get your blood racing, head to the Snow Fun Park, where you enjoy skiing, snow tubing, ziplining, and sledding. You can spend the rest of the morning here before getting lunch at Crystal, one of two restaurants in the town.

All the main attractions are within walking distance from the train station so you can spend more time at each site. 

The next adventure is to the Ice Palace, carved out of Aletsch Glacier, and you can see hand-crafted ice sculptures like tiny penguins.

If you still have time, there are a few more things to do, such as going on a walking tour of Alpine Sensation or hiking to Monchsjoch Hut.

At the end of an exciting day, you’ll be glad to relax on the cable cars and head back to your comfy accommodation in Interlaken.    

Day 7: Explore Interlaken and take a scenic train to Montreux

Day 7 is about exploring the mountain lake city of Interlaken, with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz dominating the landscape. 

To kick off the day, we suggest taking a 15-minute bus drive to the shores of Lake Thun to explore St. Beatus Caves. These caves are the stuff of legends, with underground waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, and perfectly still lakes.

After a thrilling walk through the St. Beatus Caves, it’s time to explore Lake Thun. We suggest getting an Interlaken boat day pass to enjoy both lakes from the water. 

On the western side of Lake Thun, you’ll see the medieval town of Unterseen. 

The town also has a castle from the 14th century, which sits perfectly amongst the rolling Bernese Alps.

After a luxurious boat ride, we recommend making your way up to Harder Kulm. After a 16-minute bus ride, the breathtaking panoramic restaurant and viewing deck will meet you.

You can admire the unforgettable views of Interlaken and its majestic lakes, with picturesque mountains framing the scene. The restaurant up here is also fantastic, so it’s the perfect spot for lunch.

Once you’re all filled up, it’s time to hit Lake Brienz. 

A great way to experience the lake is by kayak, as you can take in the reflections of the mountainous landscape on a whole new level. It’s a more vigorous way to explore the lake, so you can always join a boat ride with the swiss pass .

After enjoying both lakes, it’s time to join a scenic train to Montreux. 

The train departs from Interlaken Ost Station as part of the Golden Round Trip . Usually, the round trip would take five and a half hours, but you will only enjoy three hours of this trip.

You will pass through the jaw-dropping Simmen Valley, with the stunning Wimmis Castle coming into focus. 

From here, you’ll travel past the pretty resort village of Gstaad and cross into the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Here, the narrow valley of Les Avants and its magnificent forests before ending off in Montreux.

Top Tip: You can get a discount on the GoldenPass scenic train with your Swiss travel pass.

Where to stay in Montreux

• Hotel Victoria Glion : This grand old building is set in the foothills of the Swiss Alps and overlooks Lake Geneva. The facade has aged like fine wine, while the interior has had a modern makeover. Book your stay here.
• Fairmont Le Montreux Palace : For a luxurious 5-star stay, consider Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Situated right along the beachfront, it has everything, from a relaxing spa to a lively nightclub. Book your stay here.

Geneva is Switzerland’s largest lake, so it’s not easy seeing everything in one day. Especially when you consider there are six cities surrounding the lake. We’ll try to squeeze all the best bits in though.

For starters, you simply have to visit Chateau De Chillon. It’s only five minutes out of Montreux. 

It’s an ancient castle that sits along Geneva Lake’s shores and has existed since the Bronze Age.

After this, we recommend joining a Geneva tour and cruise to show you the best bits of the region. It’s best to take an hour-long train trip to Geneva city as the tour begins there.

Once in Geneva, you will spend three glorious hours exploring the city centre and its outlying areas. 

You will see amazing attractions such as the Jet d’Eau fountain and the Flower Clock.

After a lovely city tour, you’ll hit the water on a one-hour cruise. You will see unforgettable attractions from the water, such as Villa Diodati and the Black Harbor. 

Drinks are available during the cruise, but if you want to get food, it comes at an extra cost.

At the end of your tour, head back to the local train station and use your Swiss travel pass to get back to Montreux. 

Going to Geneva city is one of the many day trips you can enjoy, and the few hours spent on the train are well worth the trip.

Time to leave the beautiful city of Montreux and head to the final destination of the Switzerland itinerary. 

Using your Swiss Travel Pass – it really has come in handy – you’ll take a two-hour drive with public transport to the beautiful resort city of Zermatt.

Once here, you’ll have a couple of minutes to settle in before heading on one of the many hiking trails in the area. Before heading out, we recommend diving into some Swiss cuisine at the Schaferstube.

From the city centre, you’ll catch a quick lift up to the Sunnegga cable car station, a great starting point for the trail. From here, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute hike to Five Lakes. 

If you are up for more of a challenge, there is a two-hour and 30-minute (7.1 miles or 11.4 km) version you can enjoy. We promise you won’t be disappointed whichever way you decide to go. 

At the trail’s end, five magnificent lakes subside in the landscape, providing stunning views of the mountains. 

Three of the lakes have perfect reflections of Matterhorn Mountain, so you won’t fall short of photo opportunities. This is a great way to start your time in Zermatt and could be one of your best days in Switzerland. 

If you have some extra time in the afternoon, we’ve got an exhilarating activity lined up for you. Take to the skies on a paragliding flight to experience this mountain region from a bird’s eye perspective.

• Alpen Resort Hotel
• Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
• Hotel Cheminee
• Chalet A la Casa

The final day of this exhilarating 10 day Switzerland itinerary is all about exploring the mountain regions of Zermatt.

Start with the easy Gorner Gorge hike; a 1.6-mile or 2.5 km wooden walkway elevated above the dramatic cliff walls. It’s a relatively easy hike that will take about an hour to complete.

The next hike you should try is the Furi Suspension Bridge Trail. After a short cable car trip to Furi, you embark on a short 1.8-mile or 2.9 km loop trail. 

The main highlights of the hike include the 328 feet long suspension bridge which makes for an epic photo opportunity. You also pass through the glacier garden, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

After a light lunch, there is one last hike we recommend you take on. 

The Matterhorn Mountain is something that dominates the Zermatt landscape, and it’s time you get close to this iconic landmark.

Start by taking a cable car up to the trailhead, where a barren and conflicting landscape meets you. It’s nothing like you have seen during this Switzerland itinerary, which makes it so unique.

Altogether this is a 4.1-mile or 6.6 km hike that’ll take roughly two and a half hours to complete. 

At the end of the day, you will fall in love with Zermatt and wish you could stay forever.

How to plan the perfect 10 days in Switzerland itinerary: Switzerland Travel Tips

When it comes to traveling across Switzerland, the best way to get around is with public transport. The country isn’t huge, so bus rides or direct trains from point to point are easy and affordable.

Here are some other practical things to consider when planning an unforgettable Switzerland itinerary.

Weather in Switzerland

Summer, autumn, and spring in Switzerland are lovely times to visit. The day temperatures range between 18.3 °C (65° F) and 27.7°C (82° F). 

The wettest season is summer, with high levels of rainfall. Autumn and spring are the driest, but you can still expect rain.

Winter is very different, with the overall temperature being a freezing – 3° C or 26.6° F. This is also when you’ll see snow-capped mountains, with high levels of snowfall during this season.

Best months for a Swiss holiday

The best time to visit Switzerland would be between March and October.

If you visit in March, you’ll still be in time for the winter sports like skiing, and you’ll get to see the Swiss blooms popping up for spring. 

From April to October, you will experience the best weather with lovely warm days.

What to pack for your 10 days in Switzerland itinerary

To make your Switzerland trip the best it can be, it’s always a good idea to come prepared. What you pack depends on when you are planning on visiting Switzerland. 

In winter, you will need warm and waterproof clothing. You’ll still need some waterproof clothes in summer, but they can be a lot lighter.

Ultimate packing list for Switzerland 

Your travel packing list for Switzerland must include the following 

• Carry a waterproof warm/light jacket (all season), or winter parka for winters
• Wear comfortable walking shoes , they are perfect for exploring city centres and traveling on public transportation
• A universal adaptor is a must for charging your electronics 
• Don’t forget your camera to take stellar photos !

For more details, read our post on what to wear in Switzerland .

For your documents, do not forget to carry your passport, credit cards, and of course travel insurance.

Scenic train ride through Switzerland

There are several fantastic train rides you can enjoy during your time in Switzerland. For the sake of time, here are our top three beautiful rides you can enjoy (in addition to the routes mentioned above).

Bernina express train

The Bernina Express is a scenic train route. It is a 4-hour journey that starts in Chur (overlapping a bit with the Glacier Express). You can join the ride in Chur or Tirano in Italy.

It takes you through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges with gorgeous scenery outside the window! 

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the trip, but seat reservation is extra. 

GoldenPass line

Traveling from Montreux to Interlaken is a beautiful train ride. Over a distance of 49 miles or 79 km, this breathtaking train journey takes you past the elegant town of Gstaad and up the Saanenmoser Pass. 

The trip will take roughly three hours to complete and is not a direct train as you will stop in Zweisimmen.

Jungfrau railway

This route has Europe’s highest train station at an impressive altitude of 11,328 feet. 

Traveling from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch (the highest station in Europe), you can enjoy a scenic 5.6-mile or 9.1 km journey. 

You can also book your tickets with this fantastic Jungfraujoch train ride package .

Cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus

If you’re looking for the steepest cogwheel train ride in the world, look no further than this journey from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus. 

Along this 30-minute climb up the mountainside, you can take in the spectacular views of the Swiss Alps.

Top Tip: Read more about the 10 most scenic train rides in Switzerland .

Why you should get a Swiss travel pass

As this Switzerland itinerary involves a lot of traveling, it’s a no-brainer to get a Swiss travel pass.

You get an all-in-one, hassle-free ticket that includes train, boat, cable car, and bus costs. It also includes free entry to over 500 museums across the country.

You can also choose how long you are traveling and pay accordingly, so it’s a great deal no matter how you look at it. 

You can compare prices between various day options and book it .

• For a 10-day trip, an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass is great. 
• If you are in Switzerland for one week, both 6 or 8-day Swiss Travel Pass will work depending on your sightseeing plans. 
• For those with a 2 week Switzerland itinerary in mind, the 15 days pass might be well worth it – depending on your day of departure/arrival. 

If you are planning to stay for more than 2 weeks and have a loose itinerary, consider the Swiss Half Fare Card . It gives you a 50% discount for transport by train, bus and boat and most mountain railways. 

Its validity is for a month which is great if you are in Switzerland for a longer duration. 

Final thoughts on the ultimate 10-day Switzerland travel itinerary

One thing we took away from our time in Switzerland is that this is a beautiful and diverse country with so much to offer.

Whether you want to explore its spectacular cities or picturesque mountain landscapes, you are in for a treat. 

Throughout this Switzerland itinerary, we are sure you see this as well, and we hope you have just a fabulous time as we did.

Pin: Switzerland 10 day itinerary: Switzerland Travel Guide, maps, and sightseeing

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

7 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY + TRAVEL TIPS

CREATE A PERFECT ONE-WEEK IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Table of Contents

I am lucky – lucky because I normally spend about 2 months (or even longer) in Switzerland and have had the chance to explore almost all of Switzerland.

As a frequent visitor to this wonderful country, I can assure you that there are countless places absolutely worth seeing and 7 days in Switzerland is a good amount of time to see some of these unique wonders.

Let me help you plan the best Switzerland itinerary ever! You’ll discover breathtaking sceneries – from sparkling lakes and gorgeous mountains – while visiting the most charming old-world villages & towns – all this in Switzerland in 7 days.

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

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 7 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND

I’m proud to present my 7 days in Switzerland itinerary – it’s guaranteed to show you the best activities and places this awe-inspiring country has to offer.

Can’t stay one week in Switzerland? Then check out my 5-day alternative.

In this 7-day Switzerland itinerary post, you will find out:

• How to get around
• Money tips 
• How much does a 7-day Switzerland trip cost
• The best time to visit
• Where to stay in Switzerland for a week
• More travel tips
• Places to visit and best things to do 

How to Get to Switzerland

BY PLANE : Kickstart your journey in Zurich , the biggest city in Switzerland! Whether you choose to take the train or rent a car at Zurich International Airport, it’ll just be 20 minutes to the city center.

Some people leave from Geneva . Geneva is not part of this travel itinerary for Switzerland, because though Geneva is pretty it is not a must-see. So, if you plan to leave from Geneva, then add an extra day (or a few hours). 

BY TRAIN: Your journey should begin in Zurich! It’s a great place full of amazing experiences – and all the more convenient with its well-connected train station. No need for any long hikes ; simply hop on board at the central hub and be whisked away into the city center!

How to Get Around Switzerland

Whether you prefer the convenience of car travel or the romance of a train journey, each route reveals breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. 

Switzerland is a road-trippers paradise! There’s so much to explore – mountain roads, lakeside views, and Alpine sunsets. And with a Swiss toll sticker (40 CHf, about $44, that is valid for a full calendar year) you can get there in record time.

Driving in Switzerland is fun and safe.  The highways and country roads are well-maintained, making for a smooth ride. Of course, things can get busier around main city centers if you plan on visiting those – so keep that in mind before departing.

And luckily there are plenty of gas stations along your route as well; although gas here is also quite expensive. 

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

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland sure knows how to make public transportation a real pleasure ride ! On-time, reliable, clean, and safe – what’s not to like? Well…okay the price tag might be hefty but hey when you’re taking in the postcard-perfect views during your journey it totally makes up for those € spent.

Believe me, with so many gorgeous sights you can see from your window seat; riding that train is a reward!

SWISS TRAVEL PASS

For this Switzerland itinerary, I strongly recommend the Swiss Travel Pass if you do not road trip. It is only available to non-Swiss – but for most visitors from abroad, it is perfect for getting around. 

ℹ️  Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is quite expensive but it will pay off.

ℹ️  You can use buses and trains without any extra costs .

ℹ️  Also, most boat cruises on most lakes are included.

ℹ️  Even some mountain excursions are included (like Mount Rigi) and for most others, you will get a 50% discount.

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

ℹ️  There are passes for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days available. I suggest, getting the 8-day pass for this itinerary.

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

Money / Currency

ℹ️  Switzerland is not part of the European Union and does not have the Euro (€). They use Swiss Francs. At the moment, 1 Swiss Franc equals about 1€ or $1,15. 

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

ℹ️ Accommodations are costly. Also, food is not cheap (though the quality is often better than in other European countries).  Ideally, you can save money by reducing your meat, alcohol, and cigarette consumption for those seven days – and find out more about Switzerland’s budget tips here or check out my guide on how expensive a Switzerland trip is.

How Expensive Is a 7-Day Switzerland Trip

When I get this question I always struggle to answer because the cost of a 7-day trip to Switzerland really depends on your travel style, the time of year, and the activities you choose to do.

However, since I do love to ask this question myself whenever I visit a new destination, I try to break it down for you before we talk about your actual one-week Switzerland itinerary.

Here are some estimated costs for three different travel styles: budget, mid-range, and luxury.

BUDGET TRAVEL

Let´s talk about budget travel in Switzerland.

• Accommodation: Hostels or budget hotels can cost around 30-90 CHF per night.
• Transportation: A Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days (there is no 7-day pass) costs around 380 CHF, which gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country. A rental car for 7 days can cost around 400-600 CHF, depending on the size and type of car + petrol. If you are on a budget and want to stay in one place to avoid a lot of travel time, it could bring your transportation costs down to 100 CHF for some bus rides, etc.
• Activities: Many of Switzerland’s natural attractions, such as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, are free. Other activities, such as visiting museums and attractions, can cost anywhere from 10-30 CHF per person, but many activities are also included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Food: Budget for around 15-30 CHF per meal – for food in restaurants or cafes.

MID-RANGE TRAVEL

If you do not have to watch your budget that closely, here is what a mid-range Switzerland budget trip could cost.

• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels can cost around 100-200 CHF per night.
• Transportation : A Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days (there is no 7-day pass) costs around 390 CHF, which gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country. A rental car for 7 days can cost around 600-2000 CHF, depending on the size and type of car + petrol
• Activities : You may want to budget around 50-100 CHF per day for activities such as visiting museums or taking guided tours.
• Food: Budget for around 30-50 CHF per meal, or 70-150 CHF per day, for food in restaurants or cafes.

LUXURY TRAVEL

If you like to splurge – or just have this lifestyle – then here is what your luxury Swiss itinerary would look like.

• Accommodation: Luxury hotels can cost around 300-1000 CHF per night.
• Transportation:  A Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days (there is no 7-day pass) for the first class costs about 630 CHF, which gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country. A luxury rental car for 7 days can cost around 1000-3000 CHF, depending on the size and type of car + petrol. Private transfers or hiring a luxury car for 7 days can cost around 2000-4000 CHF.
• Activities: Budget for around 100-400 CHF per day for activities such as helicopter tours or private guided tours.
• Food: Budget for around 50-100 CHF per meal, or 150-300 CHF per day, for food in high-end restaurants or cafes.

These are rough estimates and actual costs can vary depending on many factors. Here is a more detailed post on how much traveling to Switzerland is .

Switzerland is small and has only a bit more than 8,5 million inhabitants. However, it has four official languages! 

ℹ️  Most of the country speaks  Swiss-German . The places I mention here are mostly located in the German-speaking part of the country (which is the north and east of Switzerland) as well as Central Switzerland. If you learn German at school etc., you will probably not understand that dialect, though. It is not German that is spoken in the news, movies, or so. But most Swiss people will try to speak High German if they realize you do not speak/understand the Swiss dialect.

ℹ️  Italian is spoken in some parts of South Switzerland – especially in the canton of Ticino .

ℹ️  French is another main language that people in the West and South speak. This includes Zermatt (where also German is spoken) but also places around Lake Geneva.

ℹ️  Romansh is a minor, yet still official, language that is spoken by very few (about 37,000 people) in the southeast of Switzerland.

ℹ️  English is not an official language but many people – especially in the tourism sector – speak at least some basic language. 

PLACES TO VISIT IN SWITZERLAND IN 7 DAYS

So, after all the travel tips, let´s dive into some of its top destinations so you can make the best out of your Switzerland trip .

DAY 1 – STEIN AM RHEIN + RHINE FALLS

Why not begin your one week in Switzerland of bliss in a hidden gem nestled away up north – an idyllic little town that makes you transport back in time?

📍 Stein am Rhein

After exploring many towns across the country – this beauty stood out to me with its unique architecture. I highly recommend visiting Stein am Rhein!

This quaint  Swiss town has everything you could want from a traditional Swiss village – colorful houses, cobbled streets, gabled roofs, and narrow alleys. Not only is it picturesque, but also one of the country’s oldest settlements. Walk along its old walls and streets to soak in the atmosphere of days gone by. 

THINGS TO DO IN STEIN AM RHEIN

The highlights are in the town center, where you can admire the stunning buildings (maybe have lunch in one of the restaurants here). The Rathausplatz – town hall square – is the main attraction in the town, where you will find these interesting buildings.

Head to the medieval castle “Burg Hohenklingen”, from where you have really lovely views of the town and the surroundings. 

Stroll the lovely river outside the town center and enjoy the scenery before heading to the next destination which is close to Stein am Rhein.

➡️  Find out more about Stein am Rhein here.

📍  Rhine Falls Near Schaffhausen

The biggest waterfalls in Europe aren’t in Iceland . You might be surprised to hear, that they are actually in Switzerland. The astonishing waterfalls  know how to impress.  

Take a boat ride to get up close to the thundering water and be mesmerized by its sheer power. It is a must-see if you want to experience some of Switzerland’s most impressive waterfalls!

THINGS TO DO AT RHINE FALLS

There are two main vantage points – one is the platform from where you can watch the falls from very close. There is an entrance fee of around 5 CHF for getting on the platform. The other side of the waterfalls also offers nice views – it is free to visit and I highly recommend enjoying the waterfalls from both sides.

You can also take a boat ride and get very close to the waterfalls – you might get wet a bit but it is a fun and short boat ride. 

➡️  Check out my guide on the Rhine Falls for more info

Click here to find the best accommodation near the waterfalls

The Rhine Falls are an especially great place to start if you come from Zurich (by train) or come by car from countries like Germany or France.

DAY 2 – ZURICH

Time to talk about the second day in Switzerland!

📍  Zurich

One of the most well-known attractions in Zurich is Grossmünster , a Romanesque-style church with two towers and beautiful stained glass windows. It is located near the Limmat River in the heart of the city and close to other popular sites like Lake Zurich and Lindenhof Park .

THINGS TO DO IN ZURICH 

Stroll the old town and Bahnhofstrasse (which is the most expensive street in the world).  Though it does not look spectacular, this street beats New York’s 5th Avenue with renting prices (have I mentioned that Switzerland is expensive?). 

Plan 1-3 hours to explore the beautiful old town with its many beautiful buildings (there are also great restaurants) – also head to Lindenhof Hill for some nice views of Zurich.

Do a boat cruise on Lake Zurich (free with a Swiss Travel Pass) – there are several routes, including short and long ones (up to 3 hours),

I think that there is no better way to end a day in Zurich than at/on/in Lake Zurich .  This is especially true on summer days when street musicians play music and people gather around the lake.

ℹ️  If you have a Swiss Travel Pass , you can use public transportation, including boats, in Zurich without any extra charge.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

Luxury: Baur au Lac – Zurich has some great luxury hotels that are amazing for getting spoiled and enjoying life. Baur au Lac is one of the best-rated luxury hotels close to the city center. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at Baur au Lac here .

Mid-Range: The Glärnischhof by TRINITY – One of the best-rated mid-range hotels close to the city center this 4-star hotel, right next to the famous Bahnhofstrasse. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at The Glärnischhof by TRINITY here .

Budget: Oldtown Hostel Otter – Warning, there are not many budget hotels in Zurich. This is a good-rated hostel in Zurich. I stayed here once and for a hostel, it actually was quite good – especially because of its great location. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at Oldtown Hostel Otter here .

DAY 3 – MOUNT PILATUS / MOUNT RIGI + LUCERNE

Another day in Switzerland and several more gorgeous places to visit. 

• Lucerne & Surroundings

Arrive early in the morning in Lucerne and store your luggage at the hotel before exploring this lovely city – and its astonishing scenery. I recommend heading to one of the surrounding mountains first. Lucerne has two impressive mountain peaks, which are easily accessible via cable cars/cogwheel trains.

📍  Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi

Both of the mountains are amazing places to visit.

MOUNT PILATUS

From the top of Mount Pilatus, you can take in stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. You’ll be able to see Lake Lucerne and some of the most famous Swiss mountains like Mount Rigi and Stanserhorn.

There are also several  attractions at the summit, including an Alpine wildlife park, restaurants, shops, hiking trails, paragliding activities, and more.

If you visit Mount Pilatus from Lucerne, the best way to get there is by taking the boat across Lake Lucerne and then transitioning to a cogwheel railway or cable car at either Kriens or Alpnachstad. 

ℹ️  Tip: With a Swiss Travel Pass, you have a 50% discount on the ride up (and can do a Lake Lucerne boat cruise for free).

Mount Rigi is in Central Switzerland, between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug . It stands at 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level and is the most popular tourist destination in Switzerland.

Enjoy walking along its ridge or take the funicular railway up to the top and explore. From its peak , you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy like mountain biking, paragliding , snowshoeing & skiing in the winter, and more.

The best way to get to Mount Rigi is by taking a boat trip from Lucerne. From there, take the cogwheel (the RigiBahn) to the top of Mount Rigi Kulm. It’s a quick and easy journey that will bring you right to the top!

TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT RIGI

ℹ️  With the Swiss Travel Pass, the Mount Rigi excursion (cogwheel) is included in 2023, so there are no extra costs for you.

ℹ️  If you enjoy hiking (or want to save money because you do not have a Swiss Travel Pass), you can also hike one way, or if you are fairly fit, you can hike up and down. You could also hike just some parts and take the funicular for the rest.

ℹ️  There is a restaurant at the top of the mountain if you want to enjoy lunch/dinner in the mountains.

MOUNT RIGI OR MOUNT PILATUS? I loved both mountain excursions and have done each several times actually (in winter and summer). Both are amazing! But with only 7 days in Switzerland, I suggest visiting Mount Rigi because it takes less time. Also, the funicular ride to Mount Rigi is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and it will save you money.

📍  Lucerne

Lucerne – located in the German-speaking region of the country – is situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps.

The city is a must-see, but since you are also going to spend some time on a mountain peak (at least, this is my recommendation), you will spend only a few hours in the city center of Lucerne.

Lucerne is also known for its landmark attractions such as the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) , the Water Tower (Wasserturm), and the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal).

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

First, visit Chapel Bridge which is close to the train station of Lucerne. It is Europe’s oldest covered bridge, constructed in the 14th century as part of the city’s fortifications. In the 17th century, pictorial panels were added, depicting scenes from both Swiss and Lucerne’s history.

Then explore the Old Town – which is a wonderful Swiss old town with many medieval buildings that know how to impress. In the old town, you will also find the Lion Monument . It is one of the main sights of Lucerne-  a rock relief in the shape of a giant crying lion from the 19th century. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution in 1792.

Stroll Lake Lucerne Promenade – if you still have some energy left, enjoy the beautiful promenade and enjoy the views of the Swiss Alps and nature. It is also a great place to sit down and have a drink/picnic.

Do a Lake Lucerne boat cruise (if you don’t do any mountain excursions, you will have time for a boat trip) – free with a Swiss Travel Pass

ℹ️  Check out my Lucerne travel guide for more info 

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

Luxury: Schweizerhof Lucerne – If you want to book a luxury hotel in Lucerne, I recommend this beautiful 5* hotel. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at Schweizerhof Lucerne here.

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

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

DAY 4 AND 5 – INTERLAKEN / JUNGFRAU

Okay, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite area in the world – the region of Interlaken and Jungfrau. 

You could spend months exploring what this regions have to offer, but sadly most of us just have a limited time so, you probably can only spend 2-3 days here. Pick your favorites from my suggestions.

• Region of Interlaken

When I talk about Interlaken, I actually mean the Interlaken and Jungfrau region and not just the town of Interlaken.

Interlaken and the Jungfrau Regions are definitely world-class destinations. Just reading about them makes my heart skip a beat – it’s that spectacular! I’ve written about this dreamy Swiss paradise before, but let me tell you something: each visit is more breathtaking than the last. 

📍  Jungfraujoch

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland at Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest train station! From its majestic glacier peaks to stunning snow-capped vistas and thrilling activities, it is an unforgettable Swiss experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THINGS TO DO AT JUNGFRAUJOCH

Enjoy the views of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphynx Observatory at over 3,000 meters (about 12,000 feet) above sea level – the glacier is the longest in the Alps. At the top, walk through the Ice Palace, a tunnel carved from the interior of Europe’s longest glacier, and enjoy the ice sculptures and more. 

If you are looking for some extra winter fun, do some winter sports like snow tubing, skiing, or playing in the snow throughout the year.

Before (or after) getting to the top of Jungfraujoch, get off at the Kleine Scheidegg and enjoy some more scenic views from there.

ℹ️  Prices for this exceptional day trip are admittedly high, but with your Swiss Travel Pass, you can get up to Wengen for free and then get a 25% discount.  Find out more about a Jungfraujoch day trip with a Swiss Travel Pass.

ℹ️  But of course, you can get up the Jungfraujoch even without a Swiss Travel Pass – more info here .

ℹ️ Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here.

ℹ️ There are actually many more things to do at Jugrfrauhoch – h ere is my more detailed post on the Jungfraujoch.

If you start your journey early (around 8 am), you could do something in the evening, like explore the gorgeous town of Thun, for example.

PERSONAL OPINION:  A trip to Jungfraujoch is a unique experience BUT, it is pricy and time-consuming. There are many other options almost as good as a trip to Jungfraujoch (check out my post on great mountain views ).

📍  Thun

Thun is the place to be if you’re looking for a picturesque town and plenty of attractions, including the lovely Aare River flowing through the town.

Thun is located at the northwestern tip of Lake Thun . With its manicured parks, pristine river views, and colorful houses, it’s easy to see why this picturesque spot should be on your itinerary!

It’s also a great place to explore Swiss culture with its historic castle and cobblestone streets . Other attractions include the picturesque old town, majestic harbor, and delightful Thun Art Museum. 

THINGS TO DO IN THUN

Spend time at gorgeous Lake Thun – given Thun´s location, I highly recommend spending time at Lake Thun. Visit Schloss Schadau (a pink castle) and stroll the garden area (views of the Alps and the lake).

Check out the cute streets of the old town – Thun is a rather big town and thus has plenty of historic buildings that are really pretty. Explore the castles – Thun Castle is an interesting museum and offers a great panorama as well.

ℹ️  With your Swiss Travel Pass, you get free access to all the castles. If you stay at an official accommodation in the region, you will receive a little discount.

ℹ️  Check out my Thun travel guide for more information

PERSONAL OPINION:  Spend the day at Thun and wander around this picturesque town. With plenty of activities, you can enjoy everything it has to offer in one full fun-filled day – or if you’re short on time but still want an adventure, get out there and explore Interlaken’s surrounding region with just half a day’s worth!

📍 St. Beatus Caves, Sigriswill Suspension Bridge, and  Grabenmühle

Here are three of my favorite places in the region. You can do the next three/four activities in one day.

ST. BEATUS CAVES

The caves offer the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Switzerland uniquely. Inside the caves are incredible limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and an array of wildlife.

For the caves, you need to buy tickets. But even if you don’t buy tickets for the caves at the gate, this is truly worth every second spent getting here – though perhaps not as high up as other picturesque spots around town, its beauty more than makes up for that!

TIPS FOR VISITING ST. BEATUS CAVES

ℹ️  For this amazing view, you need to do a 10-minute uphill hike.

ℹ️  Depending on whether you do a guided tour inside the caves or not – plan between 1.5 and 4 hours for this activity.

➡️  Check out my detailed post for St. Beatus Caves .

SIGRISWIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Add an excursion up to the picturesque Sigrswil Suspension Bridge! It is just a short ride from St. Beatus with more impressive views of Lake Thun and the surroundings.

Cross the 340-meter-long suspension bridge between Sigriswil and Aeschlen,  and take a look at some seriously stunning views of Lake Thun AND the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau peaks – all while suspended in mid-air!

These places are still not as well known, so I love the serenity and tranquility there. 

Then explore Grabenmühle, an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem in Sigriswil. Grabenmühle is like an oasis of calm – a place to escape the hustle and bustle.

Take in spectacular views while exploring lush gardens, grab some snacks at the cafe, and meet furry friends along your journey.

TIPS FOR VISITING SIGRISWIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND GRABENMÜHLE

ℹ️   For about 8 CHF, you can pass the suspension bridge .

ℹ️   Afterward, the ticket from the bridge is your entry ticket for Grabenmühle.  

ℹ️  Check out my guide on Grabenmühle and Sigriswil.

ℹ️  As always, it depends on how long you will spend at each place, but considering driving time, I estimate that all activities (including St. Beatus Caves) will take about 5-9 hours .

So, for the evening, you could head to one of the cute towns, Thun or Interlaken, to end your day.

If I had to pick one of my favorite places to stay – it would be around Lake Thun . It is not very budget-friendly, but it is worth the money. Especially the sunset around Lake Thun is especially spectacular. Click here to find the best accommodation around Lake Thun .

➡️  Here are more tips on things to do around Lake Thun.

📍  Lauterbrunnen / Muerren / Schilthorn Peak

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland . Home to some of the most breathtaking sites, it is no surprise. Though a day in the valley is not a lot, you can see the 3 most amazing attractions in one day. Let´s start with Lauterbrunnen.

LAUTERBRUNNEN

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the breathtaking Alps and Lauterbrunnen are for YOU! Jump off cliffs with base jumping and challenge yourself to extreme outdoor sports like never before. 

Lauterbrunnen may be known for its daredevil sports, but it’s also a must-see location in Switzerland! Jaw-dropping views that can’t be found anywhere else. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss out on the chance to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful regions!

The village is home to several natural attractions – known as the valley of 72 waterfalls, one of the main waterfalls is the picture-perfect Staubbach Waterfalls .

THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

Visit the Staubbach Falls. one of the highest waterfalls in the country which makes it an impressive sight. In the summer, you can actually walk behind the falls (accessible by a narrow path and a rock balcony).

Get a ticket and visit Trümmelbach Waterfalls  in the summer months. You will not regret it. TIP: If you visit after a rainy day, bring your rain jacket as the waterfalls tend to be even heavier, and you will get wet.

From Lauterbrunnen, hike to Murren (or take the cable car) and then you could get to Schilthorn, which is the famous “ James Bond mountain.”

  Since Lauterbrunnen is a haven for outdoor sports, you can choose from many hikes around Lauterbrunnen  – check out my Lauterbrunnen guide.

Ready to explore Switzerland’s most picturesque mountain village? Then get ready for a visit to Murren, one of the cutest towns in all of the Swiss Alps !

Murren is my place to go for some incredible views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Even just taking the train there is an amazing experience. Here is more info on Mürren!

Do not miss the amazing Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains on your Switzerland itinerary – they are so gorgeous you’ll be speechless (on a clear day). You can see this natural skyline from many places in the Jungfrau Region but one of the best places is from Mürren/Lauterbrunnen.

ℹ️ T he train ticket to Lauterbrunnen and even Mürren is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. The short train ride from Grütschalp (a station between Lauterbrunnen and Mürren) is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world! 

From Mürren, continue your journey and get ready to have a tuxedo-worthy adventure! Get up the legendary “James Bond Mountain” – Schilthorn via cable cars from Lauterbrunnen/Stechelberg/Muerren. Your James Bond dreams will come true when you reach the summit!

The Schilthorn mountain is a special place for James Bond fans . It was featured in the 1969 movie “ On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” , where James Bond skis down the slopes of Piz Gloria. The cable car journey up to the summit was also filmed here and it has since become one of the most iconic James Bond scenes.  

At the top, you have stunning views of the Alps but also the 007 Walk of Fame and an exhibition dedicated to the movie! It’s a unique way to experience one of Hollywood’s most famous movies.

ℹ️  The gondola/train ride to Mürren is free with a Swiss Travel Pass – for the last part of the journey, you´ll need an extra ticket.

ℹ️  The ticket from Mürren to Schilthorn costs around 44 CHF with the discount of the Swiss Travel Pass.

📍  Brienzer Rothorn & Brienz

One day of your 7-day in Switzerland itinerary can be all about Brienz and Lake Brienz.

I’ve been around the world, but there’s nothing quite like my unforgettable journey to new heights with Brienzer Rothorn! It is a mountain in the region of Interlaken located at 2,350 meters (7,710 feet) above sea level . 

That hour-long ride in a vintage steam locomotive is absolutely breathtaking; I mean seriously – one of the most stunning views you’ll ever see. 

TIPS FOR GETTING UP BRIENZER ROTHORN

ℹ️  The best way to arrive at Brienzer Rothorn station is via boat  which means you will take a cruise on Lake Brienz , my favorite lake in the world).

ℹ️  Then hop on the iconic steam loc to get up. 

ℹ️  Boat tours on Lake Brienz are included in the Swiss Travel Pass , and there is a 50% discount for the ride to Brienzer Rothorn with the pass.

ℹ️  This activity is only available from mid-April to mid-October (depending on the weather).

Check out my Interlaken one-day itinerary for more on Brienzer Rothorn.

For the rest of the day, enjoy the gorgeous village of Brienz.  Located on the edge of Lake Brienz, this charming village has a lot to offer. Its main attractions are its wooden chalets and historic buildings that fill the village with atmosphere.

There is also plenty to explore in and around Brienz – from its famous woodcarving factory that sells handmade souvenirs to the Brienzersee Museum which showcases the region’s traditional culture. Whether you want to relax in nature or explore its fascinating history, Brienz is sure to delight you!

This idyllic town is a must-see for anyone visiting Switzerland and offers an unforgettable experience. Check out my Brienz guide for more activity tips.

📍 Oeschinensee and Blausee

Are you looking for a spectacular day trip? Head to Kandersteg and check out Lake Blausee and Lake Oeschinen which will blow your mind! With a car or public transportation, you can easily explore both of these breathtaking spots in one incredible excursion. 

TIPS FOR VISITING BLAUSEE

ℹ️  There is an entrance fee for the park which depends on the season and arrival time.

ℹ️  You will not need a lot of time here – plan between 30 – 60 minutes to walk around the lake and do a quick boat tour.

Check out my more detailed guide on visiting Lake Blausee .

PERSONAL OPINION : Switzerland is known for its picturesque lakes, where you don’t need to pay an entry fee to enjoy the beauty of this country! Blausee offers a lovely atmosphere, but I do not think it is a must-see if you’re trying to explore Switzerland in just one week or if you have a tight budget.

OESCHINENSEE

If you’re looking for some perfect blue skies, then Oeschinensee in Switzerland isn’t guaranteed to deliver! The atmosphere might be cloudy at times but the views are still breathtaking and worth a visit.

Lake Oeschinensee is a stunning glacial lake located at 1,578 meters (5.177 feet) above sea level. With its striking blue waters and majestic mountain views, this lake is an absolute must-see.

Plus, during the summer months, you can take a boat ride around the lake or even do some swimming – but keep in mind that it is a mountain lake, fed by glacier water, so it is freezing!

TIPS FOR VISITING OESCHINENSEE

There are different ways to see the Oeschinensee. I got my favorite views when I went on the (intermediate) hike, but I also enjoyed spending time at the shores of Lake Oeschinen which does not require a lot of hiking

ℹ️  You can get to Kandersteg train station by train and then walk to the gondola station. If you get there by car, leave your car at one of their handy parking spots and take those last few steps on foot – they’ll lead you right up to the gondola station.

ℹ️  Take a cable car up. From there, walk for 20 minutes or so, and you are at the lake. If even that sounds too tiring for you, you could take a shuttle bus for a couple of CHF to get dropped off at the foot of the lake).

ℹ️  The best, most amazing view over Lake Oeschinen requires some hiking, though. It takes about 3-5 hours, and the views are BREATHTAKING.

ℹ️  This trip takes something around 4-8 hours.

Check out my full Lake Oeschinensee guide with all the info you will need for a trip to Lake Oeschinen.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE REGION OF INTERLAKEN

I suggest staying in Interlaken. From there, you can reach many places in the area quite easily, as it is well connected with its two train stations and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz boat station. Also, you can spend an evening in Interlaken without making it an extra point on your 7-day itinerary.

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

Mid-Range: Hotel du Nord – For your stay in Interlaken, I recommend this hotel – Hotel du Nord – which is centrally located and is quite nice. It is one of my favorite accommodations for your 5-day Swiss itinerary. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at Hotel du Nord here .

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

DAY 6 AND 7 – ZERMATT

Here is an idea of how to spend the last two days in the country.

📍  Zermatt

Check out Zermatt on your last days in Switzerland! This town is one my favorite destinations – and extremely popular amongst all visitors. So, though Zermatt is not a hidden gem it is still a must-see on your 7-day Switzerland itinerary because it is jam-packed with exciting activities and breathtaking scenery 

THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT

Explore the small old town of Zermatt with its traditional Swiss chalets and many shops, cafes, and restaurants.   Stroll along the Vispa River – it’s a beautiful path, often with a view of the iconic Matterhorn Mountain.

And if you are into watches, go luxury watch shopping (Zermatt is known as a paradise for luxury watches).

Visit Klein Matterhorn and enjoy the best views from there.  But be aware that going up almost 4,000 meters (more than 12,000 feet) above sea level can cause headaches for those who aren’t used to the altitude. Since I had been to several mountain peaks before, I thought I would not suffer from headache and dizziness but I did the first time I went up. So, my tip is to drink plenty of water.

There are more great mountain peaks easily accessible – like Gornergrat which also comes with amazing views.

➡️  Here is my Zermatt guide for the winter.  

➡️  You’ll find more information in my Zermatt guide .

WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT

Luxury: Hotel Mont Cervin Palace – Hotel Mont Cervin Palace defines luxury. If you are looking for a 5-star hotel in Zermatt, this might be perfect for you because it has everything you could be asking for from luxury accommodation. 🛌🏻  Book your stay at Hotel Mont Cervin Palace

Mid-Range: Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartment – Hotel Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments, which opened in December 2012, is located in the heart of Zermatt’s historic center. Decorated in a classic Alpine style, it boasts a wellness area with three different saunas. The hotel is conveniently situated just a two-minute walk from a ski bus stop. 🛌🏻  BOOK YOUR STAY AT MATTERHORN LODGE HOTEL & APPARTMENTS HERE

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY PLANNING

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

Get your customized itinerary for Switzerland here .

LAST DAY – DEPARTURE

It’s time to say goodbye to the breathtaking views of Zermatt and head off for your trip home. 7 days in Switzerland is not a lot of time and never have you realized how quickly it ends!

Switzerland has one of the most reliable public transport networks around. But just like in any other country, trains can be late sometimes.

CONCLUSION: 7 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Looking at this 7-day itinerary for Switzerland,  I think, I added many amazing places but of course, there are many, many more great destinations in Switzerland.

There are numerous gorgeous places in the French- and Italian-speaking parts (like Montreux and Valle Verzasca  or the super beautiful Engadine Valley with St.Moritz ) worth visiting. However, it might get hectic trying to visit all of the areas in Switzerland in a week, so I created this itinerary, which is busy yet not too busy.

If you happen to be 7 nights and 8 days in Switzerland, you can enjoy a bit more time in one of the above-mentioned places rather than adding a completely new destination to your itinerary.

Plan your trip to Switzerland wisely and make the most of it! After an incredible 7 days in Switzerland, it’s time to leave this incredible country!

• Check out prices for a Swiss Travel Pass here
• Find out about a road trip itinerary for Switzerland

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In short, Switzerland is about as far from being a budget destination as it’s possible to be, and the continued strength of the Swiss franc hasn't helped.

The same goes for the “unpegging” of the Swiss franc and the euro — the exchange rate used to be fixed, but since January 2015 it’s been subject to fluctuation. 

While value for money is the national motto, careful budgeting will be a vital part of planning a trip to Switzerland for all but the most well-heeled of visitors.

Travelling on a budget? You'll need to book well in advance to stay in glitzy St Moritz © Shutterstock

One way of avoiding the worst excesses is to travel in the off season (October and November are cheapest), book hotels well in advance, and stay in out-of-the way places rather than resorts.

For example, stay in Biasca rather than Lugano or Locarno, or bed down in Brig rather than Zermatt .

Best places to stay in Brig

• Best for couples: Hotel Victoria . A family-run hotel with well-appointed rooms.
• Best for families: Gästehaus St Ursula . Family rooms plus a glorious garden and terrace.
• Best for indie travellers: Schlosshotel Self Check-In Hotel . Comfy and convenient, with fine views.

Browse more of the best places to stay in Brig .

Prices also drop once you cross Switzerland’s borders. For instance, staying just over the frontier in Italy can hugely reduce the costs of a visit to Ticino. 

That said, Ticino is a glorious region to spend time in, not least for its stunning scenery and excellent regional food and drink .

Best places to stay in Ticino

• Best for understated style:  Giardino Lago, Locarno . A quietly opulent waterfront hotel.
• Best for big spenders:  Eden Roc, Ascona . One of the top Swiss hotels, this attracts money’s-no-object visitors.
• Best for romantics: Hotel Federale, Lugano . An atmospheric old town charmer hotel in a leafy district.

Discover more top places to stay in Ticino.

Looking for cost-cutting Switzerland travel tips? Visit Ticino for top food and drink, but stay in Italy © Keitma/Shutterstock

A comfortable double room in a two- or three-star city hotel is on average Fr.150–200 (£120–160/US$160–215). 

Two people using this kind of accommodation, eating lunch and dinner in modest restaurants, taking in a scattering of sights and a luxury or two, are likely to shell out roughly Fr.300–350 (£240–280/$320–375) a day between them. 

Remember to factor in a public transport pass. Find out more in our guide to getting around Switzerland — it's packed with top Switzerland travel tips.

Staying at rural inns or guesthouses, avoiding cities altogether, and spending your days hiking or just relaxing in reasonable comfort is unlikely to set you back more than Fr.160 (£128/$172) per day each.

Going up a mountain – which may be the whole point of you visiting Switzerland in the first place – can wipe out a day’s budget.

A return journey to the Jungfraujoch from Interlaken, for instance, costs roughly Fr.200 (£160/$215). Hiking part or all of the way up or down can bring big savings.

Best places to stay in Interlaken

• Best for couples: Hotel Restaurant Hirschen . An atmospheric old inn south of the centre.
• Best for luxury: Victoria Jungfrau . One of Switzerland's grandest hotels, with a sensational spa and views
• Best for affordable comfort:  Weisses Kreuz . A centrally-located affordable hotel with cosy no-frills rooms.

Explore more places to stay in Interlaken , and read up on sports and outdoor activities in Switzerland . 

If you’re prepared to cut all corners by walking or cycling your own bike around the country, staying in hostels or campsites, and never eating out, you could scrape by on Fr.60–70 (£48–55/$65–75) a day.

For travellers on a budget who like the great outdoors, this is one of our top Switzerland travel tips.

Aerial view of Interlaken, Switzerland © 4kclips/Shutterstock

Switzerland has a small force of plain-clothes federal police. Most policing is managed by the cantons, which have uniformed forces operating in conjunction with municipal police. 

You must carry your passport at all times. All drugs are illegal — if you’re caught in possession, expect either prison or deportation plus a criminal record. 

If you’re a victim of theft, go to the nearest police station to get a report filled out — you’ll need it for your insurance.

220v, 50Hz (the same as in the rest of continental Europe). Plug sockets are mostly the thin, three pin type, although European plugs or adaptors should work in them. 

British appliances mainly need the European adaptor or a special Swiss adaptor for the socket shape, while North American appliances will also need a 220-to-110v transformer. 

Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area, and all EU nationals and citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need only a valid passport.

For related Switzerland travel tips, read our guide to getting to Switzerland .

Swiss embassies maintain websites , with offices located in Bern . 

Best places to stay in Bern

• Best for character:  Hotel Marthahaus . A cosy hotel-pension on a quiet cul-de-sac near the Old Town.
• Best for budget travellers:  Bern Backpackers/Hotel Glocke . An Old Town gem with fine facilities.
• Best for big occasions:  Innere Enge . This Art Nouveau dazzler hosted Empress Josephine in 1810.

Browse more of the best places to stay in Bern .

Beautiful Bern - capital city of Switzerland © 4kclips/Shutterstock

In connection with the Covid-19 pandemic, visitors should check for any restrictions before they travel.

At the time of writing, all travellers had to possess a valid Covid-19 certificate. In addition, only people with the certificate could visit restaurants, museums and other attractions.

Medical care

EU citizens are entitled to discounted emergency medical care in Switzerland and Liechtenstein on production of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). 

The UK nationals can use their EHIC cards until they expire, and then they should obtain a GHIC ( Global Health Insurance Card ). 

You normally have to pay the full cost of treatment upfront and claim it back when you get home, so hang onto full doctors’ reports, signed prescription details and all receipts.

Virtually every Swiss hospital has some kind of 24-hour emergency service. Wherever possible, seek advice from your embassy in Bern as well as your insurer at home before getting hospital treatment.

Hazards of the great outdoors

You can get sunburnt very quickly in the mountains. High-factor sunscreen, a hat and total sunblock for lips, nose and ears are essential. UV sunglasses protect your eyes. 

Hypothermia is most often brought on by cold, wind and rain, with hunger and fatigue also factors. Symptoms include exhaustion, lethargy or dizziness, shivering, numbness in the extremities and slurring of speech. 

Get the hypothermia sufferer under cover, replace any wet clothing, give them hot liquids and high-calorie sugary foods. Do not give them alcohol. 

Above 3000m altitude sickness can kick in. If the symptoms of headaches, dizziness and breathlessness don’t pass after a day or two, the only treatment is to head down.

Be mindful of altitude sickness when exploring the likes of the Matterhorn © Shutterstock

It’s essential to have good travel insurance to cover against theft, loss of property and illness or injury. 

Before paying for a new policy, however, it’s worth checking whether you’re already covered — home insurance may cover your possessions when overseas.

In addition, many private medical schemes include cover when abroad, and premium bank accounts and/or credit cards often have travel insurance included.

Almost all the country’s hotels, B&Bs and hostels provide internet access for their guests either free or at minimal charge. 

Often a terminal is available for guests to use in the lobby, though otherwise wi-fi is pretty standard in hotels, cafés and restaurants throughout the country.

It’s also available for free at railway stations and at Geneva airport. 

Best places to stay in Geneva

• Best for couples:  Beau Rivage . This classical-style palace boasts the luxury of its 1865 foundation.
• Best for families:  Hotel Central . This quiet hotel has excellent-value rooms for three, four and five people.
• Best for Old Town elegance:  Les Armures . This 17th-century building is the height of understated luxury.

Explore more of the best places to stay in Geneva .

Lake Zurich as seen from Uetliberg © Oscity/Shutterstock

Wi-fi is also free at Zürich  airport, although there’s an hour-long time limit.

Best places to stay in Zürich

• Best for culture vultures:  Alma Hotel . An upmarket designer hotel focused on sustainability.
• Best for couples:  Hotel Kindli . One of Zürich’s most charming, tranquil hotels.
• Best for nightlife-lovers:  Pension Furdich . Backing onto Backeranlage park, this is close to funky bars and clubs.

Browse more of the best places to stay in Zürich .

For devices that are WLAN-enabled, Public Wireless LAN enables surfing with any device at more than 1700 hotspots in Switzerland, charged on an hourly, daily or monthly basis. 

Similarly, using a Travelers Wifi Mobile Hotspot allows 4G LTE data access throughout Switzerland. Users can share their portable Wifi with up to ten other devices.

Switzerland is very tolerant towards gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles. All towns have organisations which serve as a focus for the local scene. National mouthpieces are Pink Cross and  Los . Specific city organizations include VoGay in Lausanne . 

Best places to stay in Lausanne

• Best for couples:  Angleterre & Residence . A classy hotel on the Ouchy waterfront.
• Best for luxury: Beau-Rivage Palace . One of Switzerland’s finest hotels, set in ten-acre waterside gardens.
• Best for families:  Elite . Extremely pleasant and well-run, this is Lausanne's best mid-price hotel.

Explore more places to stay in Lausanne .

Lausanne is known as the San Francisco of Switzerland © Shutterstock

Prices in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are in Swiss francs. The most common abbreviation is “Fr", but you may also see “fr”, “sFr”, “Sfr”, “SF”, “FS”, or the official bank abbreviation “CHF”.

Each franc is divided into 100; these are called Rappen (Rp.) in German-speaking areas, centimes (c) in francophone areas, and centesimi (also c) in Italian-speaking areas. 

There are coins of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, Fr.1, Fr.2 and Fr.5, and notes of Fr.10, Fr.20, Fr.50, Fr.100, Fr.200 and Fr.1000.

Tourist brochures often quote hotel prices in CHF and EUR – be sure to check which column you’re reading.

Almost all Swiss banks have English-language ATMs (cash machines) which accept foreign debit and credit cards in a panoply of brands including Visa, MasterCard, EC, Maestro, Cirrus and Plus.

The best place to change cash is usually the desk beside the ticket counters at larger train stations. Rates are identical with the banks, no commission is charged (except at some airport locations), and they’re usually open seven days a week for long hours. 

Travellers’ cheques — best purchased in euros, US dollars, sterling or Swiss francs — can only be cashed at bureaux de change in larger stations, and at banks.

Outside larger towns you’ll find most shops and services take a break between noon and 2pm to allow staff to go home for lunch. Otherwise, shop opening hours are roughly Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm. 

Quiet Sundays are sacrosanct. Most towns have late opening until 9pm for one day a week, often Thursday. Exceptions to all this are shops and cafés located beside or within train stations, which generally open daily for long hours. 

Banks in cities generally open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, sometimes with a break for lunch. Town and village branches have shorter hours.

Many museums and public attractions close on Mondays, and most cantons supplement national public holidays with local religious holidays.

Liechtenstein has the same Swiss public holidays except 1st August’s Swiss National Day. Liechtenstein’s national holiday is on 15th August. It also celebrates Tag der Arbeit on 1st May.

Basel's Fasnacht carnival © Schweiz Tourismus/Christof Sonderegger

For calls within Switzerland you must dial all ten digits — including the first zero of the area code — even if you’re in the same area. 

Numbers beginning t0800 are free; t0900 and t0901 are expensive; t0848 are charged as local calls.

Mobile phone coverage in Switzerland is excellent — you can often get a signal at the tops of mountains, though you shouldn't depend on this when in the wilds, enjoying the best outdoor activities in Switzerland .

The most popular smartphones all work internationally, but to use your mobile (cell phone) in Switzerland, ask your provider about roaming and charges. 

As in other parts of the world, you can save huge amounts — up to ninety percent — on international calls by using an international prepaid calling card. Those offered by your own provider will have charges that can be added to your usual bill.

Useful numbers

• Police t117
• Fire t118
• Ambulance t144
• Helicopter rescue t1414/1415
• Enquiries/Operator t1811

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland © Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

Post offices , identified by a yellow logo, generally open Monday to Friday 7.30am to noon and 1.30pm to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to 11am.

That said, you should be mindful of regional variations and restricted hours in smaller branches. Some main offices stay open over the lunch break.

Switzerland is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of London, six hours ahead of New York, and eight hours behind Sydney.

All bar, restaurant and hotel bills are calculated with fifteen percent service included. Staff are on proper salaries and tipping is officially abolished.

That said, unless service was truly diabolical, everyone rounds up to the nearest franc. In restaurants, it’s common to add two or three francs.

Learn more about culture and etiquette in Switzerland — from meeting and greeting, to dining out.

Cheese fondue — Switzerland’s national dish © Shulevskyy Volodymyr/Shutterstock

Switzerland Tourism is a treasure trove of Switzerland travel tips, with details about visiting all corners of the country, plus virtual tours, weather forecasts, maps, and special offers.

All Swiss cities, virtually all towns, and a sizeable number of villages have a tourist office. These are almost always located beside or near the train station.

Most staff speak at least some English and can provide you with free local maps, lists of hotels, restaurants, campsites and rental apartments, and information on local sights, events and transport. 

Most offices sell hiking maps and guides to the surrounding area. Some sell transport tickets and parking permits.

During the low season (in the mountains this means mid-Oct to mid-Dec plus April & May; elsewhere Sept–June), many tourist offices outside major cities and resorts have limited seasonal hours, perhaps only Monday to Friday 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm, plus Saturday morning. 

If you miss these times, it’s still worth going to the office as many keep leaflets outside. Alternatively, ask at the train station, where staff often keep brochures behind the counter.

Switzerland is one of the most enlightened European countries for travellers with disabilities — you’ll find most facilities have been designed with everybody in mind. 

There’s lots of material at Switzerland Tourism — look for the sections “Barrier-free travel” and “Barrier-free accommodation.”

Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva, Switzerland © FenlioQ/Shutterstock

For more Switzerland travel tips read  The Rough Guide to Switzerland , arm yourself with info on  accommodation in Switzerland and find out how to get to Switzerland . 

In addition, our run-down of  things not to miss in Switzerland  will help you plan. 

Not a fan of planning? Consider booking a hassle-free tailor-made trip to Switzerland, with customisable itineraries curated by local experts covering everything from  unforgettable highlights of Switzerland , to  touring the Grand Circle . 

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.   

Related articles from the blog

The Rough Guides to Switzerland and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

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5 Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To Switzerland

Discover five essential travel tips for first-time visitors to switzerland. learn how to plan your perfect swiss adventure with our comprehensive guide., unlocking switzerland : 5 essential travel tips for first-time visitors.

Often known as the land of chocolate, cheese, and stunning alpine landscapes, Switzerland is a bucket list destination for many travelers. However, for first-timers, navigating this picturesque country, nestled in the heart of Europe, can be a daunting experience. Between the efficient but complex public transportation, multilingual environment, high cost of living, and erratic weather, there are several factors that can prove to be stumbling blocks when planning for your trip . To help you on your journey, we’ve put together 5 useful pointers you can refer to when getting ready to see the majestic Alps.

1. Plan Your Switzerland Vacation Itinerary Wisely

When planning your trip to Switzerland , it’s crucial to prioritize your must-see destinations to make the most of your time. Start by researching iconic places like Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and the Swiss Alps. These destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant city life to breathtaking natural landscapes. 

Utilize travel resources such as guidebooks, online forums, and travel blogs to gather inspiration and guidance for crafting your itinerary. With so many things to do in Switzerland and limited time, even a small amount of planning can go a long way. Consider what activities and experiences are most important to you and plan your itinerary accordingly. If you’re an art and history enthusiast, include visits to museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. If you love the outdoors, focus on hiking trails, scenic train rides, and adventure sports.

2. Understand Swiss Transportation

Switzerland boasts an efficient and convenient public transportation system that makes getting around the country a breeze. Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland . With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can explore various regions of the country without having to worry about purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Additionally, familiarize yourself with train schedules, ticketing options, and transportation apps to streamline your experience. 

If your plan involves travel to other countries in Europe, getting an eSim is crucial to ensure you have internet and GPS accessibility. GPS is essential when vacationing in both Switzerland and Europe , where you may find yourself navigating unfamiliar cities, countryside, or remote areas. An eSim ensures that you have continuous access to maps, navigation apps, and real-time updates on traffic and public transportation.

3. Pack Smart for Switzerland’s Weather

Switzerland is known for its unpredictable weather, which can vary greatly depending on the region and time of year. When packing for your trip , it’s essential to bring layers to accommodate for fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions. Be sure to include items such as waterproof jackets, sturdy walking shoes, and versatile clothing options that can be easily layered for warmth or removed for comfort. Don’t forget accessories like a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf, especially if you’re visiting in the colder months. A compact umbrella and sunglasses are also handy to bring along as they can be useful in a pinch.

Consider the activities you’ll be participating in, whether it’s hiking in the Alps or exploring urban cities, and choose accordingly. By packing smart for Swiss weather, you’ll be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

4. Respect Swiss Culture and Customs

As you explore Switzerland , it’s important to respect the country’s culture, traditions, and etiquette. Swiss society values punctuality, politeness, and cleanliness, so be sure to adhere to these customs during your visit. Additionally, be mindful of tipping practices and always thank service staff for their assistance. 

While many Swiss people speak English, making an effort to speak a few words in German, French, or Italian can show respect and endear you to the locals. Simple phrases like “Bitte” (Please), “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me), and “Auf Wiedersehen” (Goodbye) can make a significant difference in your interactions. By minding your manners and respecting Swiss culture, you’ll leave a positive impression wherever you go.

5. Budget Wisely for Vacation Expenses:

Switzerland is renowned for its high cost of living, so it’s important to budget wisely for your trip . Be prepared for higher expenses, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining, and transportation. Consider opting for budget accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities such as hiking or visiting public parks. Additionally, familiarize yourself with currency exchange rates, banking options, and managing expenses during your trip to avoid overspending. By budgeting wisely for Swiss expenses, you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.

Between cultural attractions, natural wonders, and charming urban landscapes, there’s something for nearly every traveler to Switzerland . By keeping in mind the five essential travel tips stated above, you can plan a hassle-free and memorable vacation to this amazing country.

Stay connected while you roam around the Swiss countryside with Switzerland eSIM data plans from Nomad. With prepaid plans that ensure you have high-speed internet access and great network coverage, you never have to worry about outrageous roaming charges or getting disconnected. Have a question before your trip ? Feel free to reach out to us and get your doubts cleared up.

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Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home.

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How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

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

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

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

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

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

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

Getting Around Switzerland

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

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

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

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

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

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

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

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

Swiss Half Fare Card

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

Renting a Car in Switzerland

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

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

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

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

Why Autumn is the best time to visit Switzerland (Travel tips from local experts)

• Jun 11 2024
• Length: 18 mins

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Have you ever wondered, “What is the best time to visit Switzerland?”

If you're considering a trip to this stunning country, Switzerland in autumn might just be the perfect answer.

In this special 100th episode, we'll explore the incredible beauty of autumn in Switzerland.

During fall, the Swiss landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors that makes Swiss travel particularly magical. I've interviewed several experts who share their favorite experiences and tips for traveling during this beautiful time.

We'll take you on some of the most scenic train rides Switzerland has to offer, like the famous panoramic trains. Switzerland’s spectacular panoramic train routes wind through the amazing towns and lush countryside in autumn colors.

Join us as we discuss everything from the best spots to enjoy during autumn to hidden gems that are less crowded during this time.

Tune in to discover why Switzerland in autumn is a must-visit, and get all your questions answered about Swiss travel during this enchanting season.

Happy travels,

👉 Show notes - Episode 100

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

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