My Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip
Did you know that Switzerland is home to 1,500 lakes and 208 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres?
From the vibrant art scene in Zurich to the awe-inspiring mountains of the Jungfrau region, splurging on a Switzerland trip is definitely worth it!
But where to begin? This 7-day Switzerland itinerary invites you to indulge in the finest Swiss offerings – think gourmet dining, scenic train rides, and breathtaking views.
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A note on the Swiss Travel Pass
Travelling around Switzerland is an experience in itself, and with the Swiss Travel Pass, it can be an even more seamless part of your trip.
I’d really recommend investing in the Swiss Travel Pass, which is a comprehensive ticket that allows you to travel on most forms of public transport – including trains, buses, and boats – throughout Switzerland.
It’s available for different durations, ranging from three to 15 days. I love that the pass even provides free entry to many world-class museums and exhibitions throughout Switzerland.
You can also grab discounts on some mountain railways and cable cars, such as the iconic Jungfraujoch railway.
Day one: Zurich
Fun fact: Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland.
On my first day there, I set off to explore the picturesque streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), where mediaeval buildings line cobblestone alleys.
Some key attractions to visit include:
Bahnhofstrasse: One of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, perfect for indulging in luxury brands.
Lake Zurich: Ideal for a scenic stroll or a relaxing boat ride where you get to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Alps.
Uetliberg Mountain: A short train ride away, it offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.
For dinner, I recommend trying Swiss fondue at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, located in the heart of the city.
After dinner, consider a stroll along the lake or enjoy a lively evening at one of the local bars.
If you do have longer in the city, check out my favourite day trips from Zurich.
Getting there
From Zurich Airport: The city centre is just a 10-15 minute train ride away.
Public transport: Zurich’s trams and buses make it easy to navigate, or simply get around on foot.
Day two: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
After a delightful breakfast in Zurich, hop on a train heading to Lucerne – just an hour away. It’s nestled between Lake Lucerne and the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps.
There are many landmarks there to explore, including:
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): A wooden bridge adorned with 17th-century paintings that tell stories of the city’s history.
Lion Monument: A poignant sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who died in the French Revolution (a must-visit for history buffs!).
Musegg Wall: This well-preserved Mediaeval fortification offers a unique perspective on Lucerne’s history.
In the afternoon, I’d suggest heading to Mount Pilatus. Take the cable car for Kriens and you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking aerial views of the lake and mountains.
At the summit, you can:
Hike the trails: There are numerous trails with varying difficulties to cater to all levels.
Enjoy a meal: The restaurant at the top offers local delicacies, perfect for refuelling after a hike.
One of my favourite memories there was witnessing the sunset from the summit – an experience I guarantee you’ll never forget.
Getting there
From Zurich: Trains run frequently to Lucerne.
Transport in Lucerne: Buses and boats make getting around the city effortless.
Day three: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen
On my third day, I travelled to Interlaken. I heard it was a paradise for adventure seekers, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – and it certainly was!
The journey from Lucerne takes about two hours by train, with stunning views along the way. Key highlights from Interlaken were:
Harder Kulm: A viewpoint where you can take in panoramas of the Jungfrau region.
Galore of adventure activities: Options like paragliding, skydiving, and hiking are all available to thrill-seekers.
After having my fill of Interlaken, I took a short ride to Lauterbrunnen to admire its renowned waterfalls.
Trümmelbach Falls, in particular, was my favourite. They’re a series of impressive waterfalls inside the mountains, accessible by lift.
There’s also Staubbach Falls. It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, where you can walk behind it for a unique view (just be careful because it can be slippery!).
Getting there
From Lucerne to Interlaken: About two hours by train, with beautiful scenery along the route.
Transport in Lauterbrunnen: Easy to navigate by foot or with local buses.
Day four: Jungfraujoch & Grindelwald
On day four, set off for one of the most worthwhile experiences in Switzerland – Jungfraujoch, often dubbed the Top of Europe.
Even the train journey from Interlaken to these mountains is an adventure!
Once you get there, make sure to check out:
Aletsch Glacier: The largest glacier in the Alps, stretching over 23 kilometres.
Ice Palace: A fascinating world of ice sculptures.
Sphinx Observatory: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Aletsch Glacier.
Standing at 3,454 metres, the views from the observation deck were nothing short of spectacular.
In the afternoon, make your way to the charming village of Grindelwald.
I’d recommend visiting The First Cliff Walk, an exhilarating walkway with views of the Eiger mountain.
Getting there
From Interlaken: Trains run frequently to Jungfraujoch.
Grindelwald: A short train ride from Jungfraujoch.
Day five: Spiez & Lake Thun
After an exhilarating day in the mountains, I was ready for a more laid-back experience at Spiez and Lake Thun. The train ride from Grindelwald took about an hour.
Spiez is known for its beautiful castles and vineyards. The picturesque lakeside setting has many must-visit landmarks, including:
Spiez Castle: A stunning mediaeval castle overlooking the lake. I suggest taking a leisurely stroll through its gardens.
Lake Thun: Ideal spot for a boat trip or simply lounging by the shore with a good book. The gentle waves and fresh mountain air are incredibly refreshing.
Giessbach Waterfalls: A short boat ride away, these cascading falls provide a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Getting there
From Grindelwald: About an hour by train to Spiez.
Transport around Lake Thun: Boats and local buses make it easy to explore.
Day six: Glacier Express from Brig
Day six is all about luxury travel on the iconic Glacier Express. It’s a train journey renowned for its stunning scenery and gourmet dining experience.
After the short train ride from Spiez to Brig, board this legendary train for a mesmerising adventure.
Here’s what the Glacier Express offers:
Panoramic views: Large windows allow you to soak in breathtaking landscapes as you glide through valleys and over bridges.
Gourmet dining: I’d recommend treating yourself to Excellence Class if you can, where you’ll get incredible food and service.
As you travel through the Swiss Alps, make time to marvel at the Landwasser Viaduct – an impressive engineering gem that stands 65 metres high.
Also check out The Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland; it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
You can either travel all the way to St Moritz, or leave at Chur where you can then hop on a train back to Zurich.
While St Moritz is slightly further away, the hotels there are far superior to those in Chur.
Getting there
From Spiez to Brig: A quick train ride connects you seamlessly to the Glacier Express.
Day seven: Travel back to Zurich
The final leg of your journey will involve returning to Zurich.
If you travel from Chur, it’s a quick train ride that takes about one hour and 15 minutes – or it’s several hours if you’re travelling from St Moritz.
Your trip doesn’t have to stop there, though! Once back in Zurich, you can go on some last-minute adventures:
Visit Kunsthaus Zurich: This art museum houses works from famous artists, like Alberto Giacometti and Marc Chagall.
Stroll along Lake Zurich: Perfect for soaking up the sun before packing and heading home.
Before catching that flight, why not treat yourself one last time to your final Swiss meal at a local restaurant? Nothing beats fondue after an amazing week!
Do you have any more suggestions for this 7-day Switzerland itinerary? Of course there were so many amazing Swiss towns and villages I couldn’t fit in, such as Zermatt, Montreux, Basel and Bern.
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