Switzerland tinerary itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Switzerland makes it easy to get lost in the landscape. Mountains rise straight from lakes, and city streets weave between medieval buildings and modern architecture. Trains run through the Alps, carrying you past villages and valleys without any hassle.

Planning a route helps the days flow, and these Switzerland itineraries show how to make the most of your time. If you’d like some help with the details, Rough Guides’ local travel experts can create a tailor-made trip to Switzerland for you. They know the area inside and out and can work with you to put together a plan that fits your interests. If you prefer to plan your own adventure, keep reading. 

Best Switzerland itinerary at a glance

Switzerland works well for trips of different lengths. Seven, ten, or fourteen days gives you time to move through the country without feeling rushed. Trains and buses run on time, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

• 7 days in Switzerland: Spend your week moving between Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Take the train or cableway up to Jungfraujoch and see the glacier views, then walk around Zermatt with the Matterhorn overhead. It’s a clear path if this is your first trip and you want the Alpine highlights.
• 10 days in Switzerland: With ten days, you can add Zurich and Montreux to your route. Take the Glacier Express for a train journey through the mountains, and break up your city days with time in the Alps. You’ll get a sense of both Swiss city life and the landscape that draws people here.
• 14 days in Switzerland: Two weeks opens up more options. Ticino in the south brings a different language and feel, and the Lavaux vineyards along Lake Geneva are easy to reach by train. Towns like Appenzell give you a look at life outside the usual tourist paths. You’ll move more slowly and get a broader view of the country.

Don’t want to stress the details? Our Switzerland local travel experts can handle the planning for you.

Best 7 days Switzerland itinerary

How to plan a trip to Switzerland that's only a week long? This Switzerland itinerary give you seven days in Lauterbrunnen Valley. During the week, you’ll have time to take in waterfalls, ride Europe’s highest railway, and explore car-free villages without rushing.

Day 1: Lauterbrunnen

You’ll start in Lauterbrunnen, known as the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls." Coming from Interlaken Ost, the valley walls rise about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) on each side. Staubbach Falls is easy to reach from the village center. The 974-foot (297-meter) drop sends mist across the path and is easy to take in while wandering around. Spend the rest of your day getting oriented. You can walk through the village, and pick up any essentials or local souvenirs.

Insider tip: Grab a regional transport pass at the station. It covers cable cars and mountain trains and saves time and money while you’re in the valley.
 

Day 2: Jungfraujoch - "Top of Europe"

On day two of this Switzerland itinerary, you’ll take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg, then switch to the Jungfrau Railway, which has been running since 1912, to reach Jungfraujoch at 11,332 feet (3,454 meters).

At the summit, you can walk through the Ice Palace carved into the glacier, where the tunnels and sculptures stay frozen all year. The Sphinx Observatory has panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, which stretches 14 miles (23 km) across the Alps. You can also actually take a step onto the glacier plateau. Return via the Grindelwald route to see the Eiger North Face and surrounding peaks from a different angle.

Insider tip: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. UV radiation is strong at high altitude, and the snow reflects even more light.

Day 3: Mürren & Schilthorn

On day three, visit the car-free village of Mürren, about 5,413 feet (1,650 meters) above the valley floor. You can take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and then the mountain railway along cliffs to Mürren.

The village has an authentic alpine feel and clear views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From there, continue up to Schilthorn at 9,741 feet (2,970 meters), to the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant. The views extend across more than 200 peaks in Switzerland, France, and Austria.

Hikers can go down on foot from Birg middle station to Mürren. It is a moderate two-hour trek through alpine meadows with wide valley views.

Insider tip: Check the Schilthorn webcam before you go. Weather can make a big difference for visibility.
 

Day 4: Trümmelbach Falls

Start the day at Trümmelbach Falls, where ten waterfalls run inside the mountain. Meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers crashes through rock with a constant, powerful flow.

You’ll move through tunnels and take lifts to platforms that get you close to the action, where up to 20,000 liters of water pass per second in peak season. After the falls, hike from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. It’s about a 2.5-hour uphill walk through open meadows, wooden chalets, and grazing cows. The trail gradually opens onto mountain views and gives a clear feel for the alpine landscape. From Wengen, take the train back down or walk the 1.5-hour descent, stopping at local bakeries for pastries.

Day 5: Paragliding

Get above the valley with a tandem paragliding flight from Mürren or Interlaken. Certified instructors handle the takeoff, landing, and safety, so you can focus on the view. Flying over the peaks you’ve been hiking around gives the valley a completely different feel.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, try a Via Ferrata route from Mürren. It mixes hiking with sections fixed with cables and iron rungs.

Day 6: Männlichen & Kleine Scheidegg

On day six of this Switzerland itinerary, take the cable car from Wengen up to Männlichen. The Royal Walk is a 30-minute ridge stroll with full mountain views and no technical climbing needed.

From the top, follow the trail toward Kleine Scheidegg. It’s an easy walk across open alpine meadows, usually taking around 90 minutes. Once you reach the pass, you can use the viewing scopes to spot climbers on the Eiger’s North Face. The area has long been a gathering point for mountaineers. Head back down through Wengen and return to Lauterbrunnen with time to catch any waterfalls you didn’t see before.

Insider tip: Download the SwissPeaks app. It identifies peaks and shares climbing history while you walk.

Day 7: Sefinen Valley

For your last day, take the PostBus from Lauterbrunnen into the Sefinen Valley. It’s much quieter out here, with wide alpine landscapes and steep cliffs that feel a world away from the busier trails. You’ve got time for one last walk to a waterfall or to revisit a favorite viewpoint before picking up any last-minute souvenirs or snacks. Look for local cheese, pocketknives, or weatherproof gear in the small shops.

From there, head to Interlaken Ost for your onward journey. The BOB train rolls through the valley every 30 minutes and connects easily to Bern, Zurich, and other major hubs. During peak times, it’s worth reserving a seat.

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10 days in Switzerland itinerary

Switzerland may be small, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re winding through mountains, hopping between lakeside towns, or riding trains that climb into the clouds. With ten days, you can move at a steady pace and see the major highlights like the Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch while also spending time in quieter corners that aren’t packed with tour groups. This itinerary is designed around the Swiss Travel Pass, with smooth connections by train, boat, and cable car.

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich makes a good starting point thanks to its easy airport connections and walkable city center. After you check in, head over to St. Peter’s Church to see the largest church clock face in Europe. It’s nearly 29 feet (8.7 meters) across.

From there, wander the Old Town. The narrow alleys and quiet courtyards lead past historic guild houses and eventually take you to Bahnhofstrasse, the main shopping street. For a view over the rooftops and lake, ride the Dolderbahn funicular up to Zurichberg.

Insider’s tip: Buy your Swiss Travel Pass at the airport train station so it’s ready to use as soon as you arrive.

Day 2: Rhine Falls day trip

For your second day of this Switzerland itinerary, leave the city and head to the Rhine Falls, which is about 492 feet (150 meters) wide and drops 75 feet (23 meters). It’s the most powerful waterfall in Europe by volume and is easy to reach by train from Zurich.

You can ride a boat out to the rock platform in the middle, but it’s best to book ahead. After visiting the falls, continue to Stein am Rhein to see the old buildings covered in detailed frescoes. Schaffhausen has a walkable old town with Renaissance architecture. Finish in St. Gallen, where the Abbey Library holds around 170,000 books in an elaborate Rococo hall.
 

Day 3: Transfer to Lucerne

For your third day, you’ll take a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne which takes around 50 minutes.

Lucerne sits right on the lake, surrounded by mountains and full of easy walking routes through the old town. Start with Chapel Bridge, a wooden footbridge lined with 17th-century paintings. Next to it, the old Water Tower has stood in the river for centuries. Just up the hill, the Musegg Wall still has nine original towers from the city’s fortifications.

Nearby, the Lion Monument is carved into a sandstone wall to honor Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution. You’ll also pass the Mill Bridge, which has paintings showing scenes of death and judgment.

Day 4: Mt. Pilatus 

Mount Pilatus is just outside Lucerne and easy to reach on the Golden Round Trip route. Start by taking the steep cogwheel railway, which climbs through forest and pastures at a 48 percent incline until it tops out at 6,995 feet (2,132 meters). From the summit, you’ll have wide views in all directions. 

A short trail called the Dragon Path winds through tunnels and ledges and ties into old legends of dragons seen in the area. For the return, ride the aerial cableway and gondola down the other side to Kriens. From there, take the bus back to Lucerne or end the day with a boat ride across the lake.

Insider tip: Download the free Pilatus app before you go. It shares local geology, folklore, and history as you move through the route.

Day 5: Transfer to Interlaken & Lake Thun

Today takes you deeper into the mountains. Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Jungfrau range in the background. Once you arrive, hop on a vintage paddle steamer across Lake Thun. You’ll pass lakeside castles, including Oberhofen, where the tower seems to rise straight out of the water, and Spiez, which is tucked into vineyards on a small hill. Back in town, stroll along the Aare River or ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for a view across both lakes.

Insider's tip: The Golden Pass route from Lucerne to Interlaken takes about 2 hours. Trains run hourly and climb over the Brünig Pass.

Day 6: Jungfraujoch: the “Top of Europe”

Start the day by taking the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal. It’s a fast 15-minute ride up to Eigergletscher station. From there, switch to the cogwheel train that climbs through tunnels cut into the Eiger and Mönch.

Jungfraujoch station is perched at 11,332 feet (3,454 meters), making it the highest train station in Europe. The Sphinx Observatory has wide views over the Aletsch Glacier, which stretches for about 14 miles (23 kilometers), and on a clear day you can see into both France and Germany. Inside the glacier itself, you’ll find a tunnel system with ice sculptures and frozen walkways. It stays cold all year, so be sure to bring layers.
 

Day 7: Travel to Zermatt

On day seven of this Switzerland, you’ll head to Zermatt, and getting there is part of the experience. The train ride winds through steep valleys and crosses dramatic bridges before reaching the car-free village.

Once you arrive, the Matterhorn dominates the skyline. Take a walk through the old town to see traditional wooden storehouses raised on stone stilts, designed to keep grain safe from mice. The Matterhorn Museum tells the story of the first successful climb and has early mountaineering gear on display. There's also a small cemetery nearby where climbers who died on the mountain are buried.

Insider's tip: Electric taxis wait by the station and can take your luggage to your hotel so you’re free to explore right away.

Day 8: Matterhorn

To get to Klein Matterhorn, take the cable car up to 12,739 ft (3,883 m). From the top, you’ll see a wide sweep of mountains, including Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso. Inside the Glacier Palace, tunnels and sculptures are carved 49 ft (15 m) under the ice. It stays at around 25°F (minus 4°C) all year.

If you’re visiting in summer, you can try short glacier hikes on marked trails. The Breithorn plateau is a good choice for a gentle high-altitude hike with a very different view of the Matterhorn than you get from Zermatt.
 

Day 9: Zermatt to Geneva via Montreux

Today you’ll leave the Alps and head toward Lake Geneva. It’s worth breaking up the journey in Montreux to visit Chillon Castle, a lakeside fortress built on a rocky island. The castle is made up of 25 connected buildings, and the vaulted dungeons inspired Lord Byron’s The Prisoner of Chillon.

Inside, the main hall has a massive wooden ceiling that’s worth a look. After the castle, walk along the lake promenade toward town. You’ll pass a statue of Freddie Mercury, a nod to his time living and recording here. When you’re ready, continue by train to Geneva. The route runs right along the lakeshore, through the vineyard-covered hills of the Lavaux region.

Insider's tip: Use the lockers at Montreux station to stash your bags while you visit the castle.

Day 10: Geneva

Geneva is known for its global institutions, but there’s also a well-preserved Old Town. Head to the United Nations district to see the headquarters, then walk toward the historic center. The Jet d’Eau fountain shoots water 460 ft (140 m) into the air at 124 mph (200 km/h), and you’ll often see rainbows if the sun’s out. 

Climb the towers at St. Peter’s Cathedral for a good view over the rooftops, then check out Place du Bourg-de-Four, which has been a central square since Roman times. Finish with a walk along the lakeside and through the English Garden, where the Flower Clock changes with the seasons.

Insider's tip: You can borrow bikes for free for four hours from Genève Roule. Just bring an ID to leave as a deposit.

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14 days in Switzerland itinerary

This two-week Switzerland itinerary moves through mountain towns, scenic trains, and quiet alpine trails. Fourteen days gives you enough time to cover a good range of landscapes without feeling like you're rushing through it all.

Day 1: Montreux

You’ll start your trip with a walk along the lakeside promenade in Montreux. The views over Lake Geneva are especially nice in the morning when everything feels calm.

Later in the day, you can ride a tuk-tuk into the Lavaux vineyards. The narrow roads wind past stone walls and steep terraces, and you’ll likely stop at a small winery or two to try Chasselas and talk with whoever’s working that day. Back in Montreux, grab a drink by the water before dinner. Trains from Geneva Airport run about every 30 minutes and take just under an hour.

Day 2: Glacier 3000 & Chillon Castle

On day two of this Switzerland itinerary, you’ll want an early start and head toward Col du Pillon, where the cable car takes you up to Glacier 3000. The Peak Walk connects two summits at 9,746 feet (2,971 meters), and on clear days you’ll get a wide view of the Alps.

After heading back down, make your way to Chillon Castle, which is easy to reach by local train or bus from Montreux. Inside, you can walk through the old halls and see the underground prison that inspired Byron’s The Prisoner of Chillon.

Insider’s tip: Buying a joint ticket for both Glacier 3000 and Chillon ahead of time can save a few francs and helps you skip the lines.
 

Day 3: Chocolate Train

If you like Swiss cheese and chocolate, today’s route is a good one.  The Chocolate Train leaves Montreux in the morning and takes you through the countryside to Gruyères. You’ll visit La Maison du Gruyère to watch cheese being made, then have some time to wander around the old car-free village before heading to the castle.

In the afternoon, the train continues to Broc, where you can tour the Cailler chocolate factory. It’s a full process from raw beans to finished bars, and you’ll get to taste quite a bit at the end.

Insider’s tip: Book first-class seats early if you want a guaranteed window view.

Day 4: Grindelwald & Männlichen

On day four of this Switzerland itinerary, you’ll travel to Grindelwald by train, changing in Interlaken. The full ride from Montreux takes about four hours. Try to sit on the right side for the best views through the Golden Pass route.

Once you arrive, take the gondola to Männlichen at 7,290 feet (2,223 meters). The hike to Kleine Scheidegg is an easy one, mostly downhill, with views of the Eiger North Face, Mönch, and Jungfrau as you go. From Kleine Scheidegg, take the cogwheel train down into Wengen. It’s car-free and worth a short wander. 
 

Day 5: Jungfraujoch

After spending the night in Grindelwald, head out early to catch the Eiger Express from the terminal. The cableway takes you most of the way up, then you switch to the cogwheel train that climbs through tunnels inside the Eiger and Mönch. Jungfraujoch is 11,338 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level, and you’ll likely feel the altitude as soon as you step out. The Sphinx Terrace gives you wide glacier views, and inside there’s the Ice Palace with tunnels carved directly into the ice.

A small exhibit tells the story of how the railway was built. Before heading back down, stop for a chocolate at Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven. The descent through Kleine Scheidegg and Lauterbrunnen Valley is a great way to end the day.

Day 6: E-bike Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen Valley is easy to explore by e-bike. The path runs along the Lütschine River, with views of cliffs and waterfalls almost the entire way. Staubbach Falls is one of the most recognizable, and you can walk behind the water when the path is open. Farther into the valley, Trümmelbach Falls roars from inside the mountain and is reachable by tunnel lift. The e-bike helps with the steeper sections, especially if you want to get up to a few higher viewpoints and see more of the valley.
 

Day 7: Beatus Caves & Lake Thun

You’ll start day seven at the Beatus Caves, where the limestone formations are lit up underground. The caves stay around 46–50°F (8–10°C) year-round, so bring something warm.

After the caves, head up to the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge. It stretches about 1,115 ft (340 m) and hangs 591 ft (180 m) above Lake Thun, with views across the water to the mountains beyond. Then head into Thun itself, where the castle overlooks the river and the raised sidewalks in the old town are fun to wander.

If you’ve got time before dinner, swing by Blausee. The water is intensely blue, and the lake feels tucked into the trees End the day with a short boat ride across Lake Thun as the sun goes down.

Day 8: Travel to Zermatt

It’s a longer travel day, but scenic the whole way. From Grindelwald, catch the train toward Zermatt, changing in Visp. The last leg on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway runs through narrow valleys and climbs steadily toward the mountains.

Zermatt doesn’t allow cars, so once you get in, it’s all on foot. The town’s older wooden chalets are built on stone stilts and sit side by side with newer hotels and gear shops. It’s worth popping into the Matterhorn Museum to see how the first ascent in 1865 played out. They’ve even got some of the original climbing gear. If the weather’s clear, take a short walk up to one of the nearby viewpoints to watch the light shift over the Matterhorn in the evening.
 

Day 9: Gornergrat

The ninth morning of your Switzerland itinerary is dedicated to getting a fantastic view. The Gornergrat Railway takes you up to 10,131 ft (3,089 m). Along the way, it climbs past trees and alpine meadows before leveling out on a ridge. From the top, you’ll see 29 peaks over 13,100 ft (4,000 m), including Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. The Gorner Glacier spreads out below, like a frozen river. You can eat at the restaurant here or walk down to Rotenboden, where the lake reflects the Matterhorn when it’s still.

Insider's tip: Afternoon tickets starting around 1:30 PM are half price and the light in late afternoon is great for photos.

Day 10: Glacier Express to St. Moritz

The Glacier Express leaves Zermatt in the morning and gets you to St. Moritz by late afternoon. It’s around eight hours on board, but the time goes quickly if you lean into it. The train moves slowly on purpose, winding through valleys and high mountain passes, with big windows designed so you don’t miss a thing.

You’ll cross 291 bridges and go through 91 tunnels, but some parts stand out more than others. The Rhine Gorge carves through white cliffs with a pale river running below, and the Landwasser Viaduct curves across a stone bridge straight into a tunnel cut into the rock. The Oberalp Pass, at 6,663 ft (2,033 m), is the highest point of the route

Insider's tip: You can pre-order lunch to your seat. It usually lines up with the most scenic parts of the route.
 

Day 11: Travel to Zurich

The train from St. Moritz to Zurich runs along the Albula line, which cuts through tunnels and crosses tall viaducts as it drops down from the Engadin valley.

Once in Zurich, head to Old Town. The streets are narrow and cobbled, with buildings that date back to the medieval guild days. Climb Lindenhof hill to check out the Roman ruins and the view over the Limmat River. Niederdorf has a mix of small shops, restaurants, and student hangouts.

Insider's tip: If you're planning to visit museums or take public transport a few times, the Zurich Card usually works out cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Day 12: Zurich

If you missed Fraumünster yesterday, start there. The Chagall windows are the reason most people visit, and they’re worth seeing up close. Cross the river to Grossmünster and head up the tower if you haven’t yet. It’s a steep staircase, but you get a wide view of the city and the lake.

Bahnhofstrasse runs from the train station down to the lake. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s a useful street to walk since it connects a lot of the center. Near the station, the Swiss National Museum is a mix of historical objects and reconstructed rooms that cover different eras. If you're looking for a quieter place to walk, the Botanical Garden has a few greenhouses and tree-lined paths, with thousands of labeled plants.

Later, walk along the lake promenade. Swans drift near the edge, and on a clear day you’ll see the Alps in the distance.

Day 13: Appenzell

Appenzell is about 90 minutes by train through open countryside with scattered farms. When you arrive, the main street, Hauptgasse, is car-free and full of brightly painted houses with folk-art details.

You can stop by a local dairy to see how Appenzeller cheese is made. The recipe still uses a secret herb blend, and you’ll smell it the second you walk in. From town, take the Ebenalp cable car up to the limestone cliffs. The Wildkirchli caves near the top were once used by hermits, and you can walk through them now.

The Äscher restaurant is built directly into the cliff face. It’s simple and a bit rugged but worth the stop. Back in town, browse stalls with handmade crafts and traditional embroidered goods before heading back to Zurich.

Day 14: Final Zurich

Spend your last morning in Zurich West. This part of the city used to be industrial, but now the old warehouses are full of galleries, cafes, and shops. If you're around on a weekend, the flea market at Bürkliplatz is fun to browse: lots of secondhand books, tools, cowbells, and random souvenirs.

Getting to the airport is easy. The train runs every 10 minutes and only takes 11 minutes from the main station.
 

Personalize your Switzerland travel itinerary

How you experience Switzerland depends on what you enjoy. You might spend your days hiking glacial trails or sitting by a lake with a glass of wine, watching the mountains change with the light.

Our local travel experts can help you plan around your interests, fitness level, and travel style. They can arrange mountain hut reservations, a chocolate-making session in a village, or a room with views of the Matterhorn. With someone handling details like Swiss Travel Passes and restaurant bookings, you can focus on moving through the landscape, taking it all in. Reach out to receive a free personalized trip plan.
 

Other Switzerland travel itineraries

Switzerland isn’t huge, but the landscapes shift quickly, so it helps to have a focus. Some travelers stick to the mountains for hiking and scenic trains, while others build their trip around lakeside towns and food. You can move between regions fairly easily, especially by train. Here are some other great Switzerland itineraries.

Best family Switzerland itinerary

This week combines the lakes of northern Italy with time in the Swiss Alps. It's a good mix if you're traveling with kids or just want a slower pace. You’ll move from Milan to Lake Como, then into the mountains near Zermatt, and finish with a few relaxed days in Lucerne.

• Days 1 to 3: Italian Lakes District
  • Start in Milan with a visit to the Duomo. It's worth climbing to the rooftop if the weather’s clear. From there, head to Lake Como. The ferry system makes it easy to hop between towns. Varenna and Bellagio are two of the more walkable ones. If you're up for it, take a boat out to the Borromean Islands. The palaces and gardens there are easy to explore in a half-day.
• Days 4 & 5: Zermatt & the Matterhorn
  • Next, take the train into Zermatt. The town is car-free, so you'll need to transfer from Täsch, but the ride is short. Once you're in Zermatt, the Matterhorn is visible from almost everywhere. The cable cars take you up to the glacier area at around 13,000 ft (4,000 m). If the weather holds, the Five Lakes Trail is worth doing. It's not too steep, and the views are constant. Kids usually like the clear water and seeing the mountain reflected in the lakes.
• Days 6 & 7: Lucerne & Mt. Pilatus
  • End your trip in Lucerne. The Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip is a good way to spend most of a day. It’s a mix of boat, cogwheel train, and cable car, and gives you a full loop with plenty of views. Back in town, the Chapel Bridge and Old Town are both easy to walk. From here, it’s a direct train to Zurich for your departure.

Best adventure Switzerland itinerary

This 10-day Switzerland itinerary focuses on outdoor activities and mountain travel. You’ll cover some of Switzerland’s most scenic regions while staying active with hiking, biking, climbing, and a few easy thrills along the way.

• Days 1 to 4: Interlaken
  • Interlaken works well as a base if you're planning to stay active. Tandem paragliding here usually means flying with views of the Jungfrau range. If you’ve never tried canyoning before, this is a good place to give it a go. Some routes include rappelling through waterfalls and jumping into narrow pools. Up at First, the cliff walk has a metal suspension bridge and an 800-foot (244 meter) zip line.
• Days 5 to 7: Zermat
  • Zermatt is car-free, so you’ll be walking or taking local electric shuttles. The Five Lakes Trail is an easy loop with Matterhorn reflections on clear days. For something more challenging, rent an e-bike and take it up toward Furi or Schwarzsee. You can also hike to the Hörnlihütte, which is where climbers begin their Matterhorn ascent. It’s about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) each way, with steady elevation gain, and gives you a feel for high-altitude conditions without needing technical gear.
• Days 8 to 10: Glacier Express to St. Moritz
  • The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. It’s a full-day ride, so bring snacks or book a seat with a meal. Once in St. Moritz, there’s a short via ferrata route above Pontresina that’s good for beginners, and a few longer ones if you’ve done it before. You can also paddleboard or kayak on Lake St. Moritz or nearby Lake Silvaplana. 
     

Best adventure Switzerland itinerary

This 10-day tSwitzerland itinerary focuses on outdoor activities and mountain travel. You’ll cover some of Switzerland’s most scenic regions while staying active with hiking, biking, climbing, and a few easy thrills along the way.

• Days 1 to 4: Interlaken
  • Interlaken works well as a base if you're planning to stay active. Tandem paragliding here usually means flying with views of the Jungfrau range. If you’ve never tried canyoning before, this is a good place to give it a go. Some routes include rappelling through waterfalls and jumping into narrow pools. Up at First, the cliff walk has a metal suspension bridge and an 800-foot (244 meter) zip line.
• Days 5 to 7: Zermat
  • Zermatt is car-free, so you’ll be walking or taking local electric shuttles. The Five Lakes Trail is an easy loop with Matterhorn reflections on clear days. For something more challenging, rent an e-bike and take it up toward Furi or Schwarzsee. You can also hike to the Hörnlihütte, which is where climbers begin their Matterhorn ascent. It’s about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) each way, with steady elevation gain, and gives you a feel for high-altitude conditions without needing technical gear.
• Days 8 to 10: Glacier Express to St. Moritz
  • The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. It’s a full-day ride, so bring snacks or book a seat with a meal. Once in St. Moritz, there’s a short via ferrata route above Pontresina that’s good for beginners, and a few longer ones if you’ve done it before. You can also paddleboard or kayak on Lake St. Moritz or nearby Lake Silvaplana. 
     

Switzerland travel itinerary FAQ

Hre are some of the most frequently asked questions to help shape your Switzerland itinerary.

How many days do you need in Switzerland?

Switzerland works for both quick trips and longer stays. A week to ten days lets you cover a few regions comfortably. You can combine cities like Zurich or Geneva with mountain areas such as the Jungfrau region or Zermatt, and still fit in scenic train rides and alpine activities without feeling rushed.

Shorter trips of four or five days are possible if you focus on one region, like the Bernese Oberland. The train network is reliable and frequent, so day trips from a single base are easy.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

July through September is the best time to visit Switzerland for hiking and swimming in alpine lakes, and most mountain passes are free of snow. That said, this is also the busiest time, so expect more people and higher accommodation prices.

Winter from December to March transforms the mountains into ski terrain and Christmas markets, although visibility can sometimes be limited. Shoulder seasons can be quieter. May and June bring flowers in the valleys.

How do you get around Switzerland?

The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, boats, and most city transport, with discounts on mountain railways. Trains are punctual and reach even small villages. Scenic routes, like the Glacier Express, show the landscape clearly, and seat reservations are recommended in summer.

PostBuses reach places trains cannot and often make their way along winding mountain roads with familiar horn melodies. Renting a car gives flexibility in remote valleys, but costs for fuel, parking, and alpine tolls add up. Some mountain areas restrict vehicle access. The SBB Mobile app shows real-time schedules and platforms, and connections are generally timed well.

How much does a trip to Switzerland cost?

Switzerland is expensive compared with most of Europe. Budget travelers can manage on around 100–150 CHF per day, while more comfortable travel is usually 300 CHF or higher. Shopping at Migros or Coop for picnics and making the most of hotel breakfast can help stretch a budget. Mountain restaurants are pricey, so packing food for the day can make a difference. The Swiss Travel Pass can feel expensive but saves money if you travel by train frequently.

Where should I stay for a first-time visit?

For a first trip to Switzerland, it helps to base yourself somewhere that makes exploring easy without having to repack every night. Interlaken is a practical choice if you want to see the Jungfrau region. You can get to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen quickly, then come back to the same hotel at the end of the day.

Lucerne has lakeside paths, a walkable old town, and quick connections to Mount Pilatus or Rigi. If you’re heading to the French-speaking part, Montreux works well. You’re right on Lake Geneva and close to the Lavaux vineyards and Château de Chillon.

Where should I try chocolate and cheese?

If you’re after a real taste of Swiss chocolate and cheese, skip the touristy fondue chains and head to a Stübli where locals actually go. Gruyères is a good stop for cheese. There’s a demonstration dairy where you can see how it’s made and sample the different aging stages. The village restaurants serve proper fondue too.

Appenzell is another great region, with small dairies set in the hills where you can watch cheese being made the traditional way. For chocolate, Läderach stores are everywhere and usually hand out samples. In Zurich, Confiserie Sprüngli’s city-center shops show what high-end artisanal chocolate looks like. It’s definitely better than the airport version. 
 

Are there accessible options for seniors or travelers with mobility issues?

Switzerland does a good job when it comes to accessibility. Most trains have level boarding and space for wheelchairs, and you can request assistance through SBB by calling or booking online at least an hour before your trip.

Many mountain railways and cable cars are also accessible, though it’s worth checking the specific route in advance. Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Schilthorn all have ways to reach the top without too much hassle. Cities like Zurich and Bern are easy to navigate, with low-floor trams and buses throughout the network.

Many hotels have accessible rooms, but older mountain lodges can be a bit more limited. If you want to take in the scenery without a lot of walking, lake cruises are a great option. And if you're looking to avoid crowds, traveling in spring or fall makes a noticeable difference.

If you want peace of mind while traveling, Rough Guides’ local travel experts are the way to go. They’ll design the itinerary, handle all bookings, and give you constant support while you explore.  Learn more about our tailor made trips.