Suggested itineraries in Switzerland

Despite being one of the most visited countries in Europe, Switzerland remains one of the least understood. It is often thought of as simply the well-ordered land of cheese, chocolate and watches. Come for a summer mountain vacation, a week of skiing or a short city break, and you’ll appreciate the pristine beauty, genteel calm and well-oiled efficiency of the country. Stay a little longer – if you’re equal to the notoriously high prices – and you’ll discover a place that’s a whole lot more varied and idiosyncratic, with strong regional identities, exuberant carnivals, local culinary traditions and urbane cosmopolitan cities. Want to know more? Take a look at our top Switzerland itinerary.

Recommended Switzerland itineraries

To make a visit to Switzerland a fulfilling experience, you need to create an itinerary that covers the diverse and scenic Swiss landscapes. Here are some of our specially designed Switzerland itineraries to help you with your planning:

• 5 days in Switzerland: ideal if you're short on time but keen to see the breathtaking views and cultural sights of Switzerland. This quick trip can include the medieval charm of Zurich, the scenic beauty of Lake Lucerne and a day in the majestic Alps, perhaps in the Jungfrau region.
• 7 days in Switzerland: Allows you to explore Switzerland's iconic destinations in depth. You can start in Geneva, enjoying the lakeside sights and museums, before traveling to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. Finish with a visit to Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland for hiking and chocolate tasting.
• 10 days in Switzerland: The extended itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to Switzerland, from cosmopolitan Zurich and Geneva to the quaint towns of Lugano and Lucerne. Include a few days to explore the alpine wonders of Graubünden or Valais, which offer ample opportunities for mountain adventures such as skiing or snowboarding in winter and mountain biking and hiking in the warmer months.
• 14 days in Switzerland: With two full weeks in Switzerland, you have the luxury of exploring the country's diverse landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant cities without rushing. Such an itinerary takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva to the dramatic peaks of the Alps and through some of Switzerland's most picturesque villages.

These itineraries are designed to help you maximize your time and enjoy a range of experiences, from city exploring to alpine adventures, taking into account the different seasonal and regional characteristics of Switzerland.

5 day Switzerland itinerary

This carefully planned 5-day Switzerland itinerary combines cultural treasures, spectacular scenery and the quintessential Swiss experience to guarantee an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: Basel

Begin your Swiss adventure in Basel as you explore its charming Old Town. Admire the Gothic architecture of Basel's Munster and stroll along the Rhine. Diverse art collections await you at the Beyeler Foundation and Kunstmuseum, featuring everything from medieval masterpieces to contemporary art. Enjoy local delicacies in a traditional restaurant, sampling regional favorites such as Basler Leckerli.

Day 2: Bern

Head to Bern, the heart of Swiss government and culture. The medieval UNESCO-listed city center is home to the ancient Zytglogge clock tower and the majestic Federal Palace. Visit the Bear Park and the Rose Garden for exceptional views and an insight into Bern's rich history. The evening will be ideal for exploring the local cuisine: we highly recommend trying the Berner Platte, a hearty traditional dish.

Day 3: Lausanne and Lavaux Vineyards

Continue to Lausanne and wander along the picturesque promenade of Ouchy. A short train ride will take you to the stunning Lavaux vineyards, where you can taste wine surrounded by terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. Return to Lausanne for a colorful evening in the Flon district, known for its lively art scene and chic restaurants.

Day 4: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus

In Lucerne, discover the iconic Drop Bridge and Water Tower, then visit the Swiss Transport Museum to get a taste of the country's innovative spirit. A scenic boat ride and a cogwheel train ride up Mount Pilatus will offer awe-inspiring views and hiking opportunities. Back in Lucerne, enjoy a lakeside dinner as you reflect on the panoramic views of your day.

Day 5: Zurich

Your trip will end in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. Start with a tranquil walk around Lake Zurich and then visit the Kunsthaus, one of the country's premier art galleries. Explore the chic boutiques and cafés on Bahnhofstrasse. A farewell dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant will be the perfect end to the trip, where you can sample Zurich's famous veal rosti.

7 day Switzerland itinerary

Immerse yourself in the heart of Switzerland as you embark on a 7-day Switzerland itinerary through an intertwining of Swiss history, culture and breathtaking scenery. From the bustling streets of Zurich to the serene lakes of Montreux, this itinerary is the perfect blend of urban exploration and natural wonders, offering a deep dive into iconic Swiss experiences.

Day 1: Zurich

Kick off your Swiss journey in Zurich, the country's vibrant cultural center. Start with a visit to the Old Town (Altstadt), where winding streets lead to landmarks such as St Peter's Church and Grossmünster. Don't miss the Bahnhofstrasse for world-class shopping.

Day 2: Winterthur and Rhine Falls

Take a short train journey to Winterthur, known for its vibrant cultural and artistic life, and explore its many museums, including the Museum of Photography and Kunstmuseum. Later, head to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Europe's largest waterfall, for a stunning natural spectacle.

Day 3: Lucerne

Head to Lucerne, where the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument await you. Enjoy the atmosphere of the city and take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 4: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

From Lucerne, head to Interlaken, located between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Take a day trip to the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe", with its observatory and ice palace.

Day 5: Bern

Head to the capital, Bern, a city rich in history with a well-preserved medieval center. See the Zytglogge, Bern Cathedral and the Federal Palace. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Aare River or visit the Einstein Museum.

Day 6: Montreux and Château de Chillon

Travel to the Swiss Riviera and stroll along the waterfronts of Montreux. Visit the legendary Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Day 7: Geneva

Finish your journey in Geneva. Start with a tour of the United Nations Office and the Red Cross Museum, then explore the Old Town and relax on the shores of Lake Geneva. Be sure to visit the Jet d'Eau pond and the Flower Clock.

10 day Switzerland itinerary

Discover Switzerland on this 10-day Switzerland itinerary that offers a variety of landscapes - from dramatic mountain peaks to enchanting lakes, from bustling cities to quaint villages. Each day reveals a unique destination, providing a deep dive into Switzerland's natural beauty and cultural richness.

Day 1: Geneva

Start your Swiss adventure in Geneva, a cosmopolitan lakeside center. Explore sights such as the Palais des Nations, home to the United Nations, and the Red Cross Museum. Stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva to see the spectacular Jet d'Eau, and sample Swiss delicacies in the vibrant city center.

Day 2: Montreux

Head to Montreux, famous for its mild climate and the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Stroll along the flower-strewn promenade, visit the historic Château de Chillon and enjoy serene views of Lake Geneva.

Day 3: Gruyères

Head to the medieval town of Gruyere, famous for its cheese. Tour Gruyere Castle, enjoy a cheese tasting at the local Fromagerie and perhaps visit the HR Giger Museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist known for his work on the film Alien.

Day 4: Zermatt

Head to the medieval town of Gruyere, famous for its cheese. Tour Gruyere Castle, enjoy a cheese tasting at the local Fromagerie and perhaps visit the HR Giger Museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist known for his work on the film Alien.

Day 5: Lugano

Head south to Lugano, located in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Discover Mediterranean-style architecture, take a boat ride on Lake Lugano and explore Monte Bre or Monte San Salvatore for panoramic views.

Day 6: St. Moritz

From Lugano, head to St Moritz in the Engadine Valley, a luxurious alpine resort area known for its world-class skiing and winter season glamour.

Day 7: Davos

Continue to Davos, Europe's highest mountain town and a renowned winter sports destination. In summer, it's a great place for hiking, mountain biking and alpine views.

Day 8: Appenzell

Head to Appenzell, a region known for its rural traditions, colorful houses and local customs. Explore the town, visit a local brewery or cheese factory, and hike in the Alpstein area.

Day 9: Lucerne

Head to Lucerne, home to the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the Lion Monument. Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne or climb the nearby Pilatus or Rigi mountains for breathtaking views.

Day 10: Zurich

Finish your journey in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. Explore the vibrant art scene at the Kunsthaus, browse the high-end boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse and enjoy one last Swiss dinner in the Old Town.

14 day Switzerland itinerary

For extensive exploration, choose the 14-day Switzerland itinerary. Enjoy cultural attractions, natural beauty and local experiences.

Day 1: Basel

Kick things off in Basel with a visit to the iconic Basel Minster. Explore the quirky Tinguely Museum, filled with fascinating mechanical sculptures, before wrapping up your day with dinner in the charming old town.

Day 2: Basel’s Museums

Dive into Basel’s cultural side at the Kunstmuseum, home to an impressive art collection. Next, head to the Basel Paper Mill Museum for hands-on history. End your day with a peaceful stroll along the Rhine River.

Day 3: Zurich

Drive to Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant city. Start at the Swiss National Museum to uncover the country’s history, then wander Zurich’s Old Town with its cobbled streets and medieval charm.

Day 4: Zurich’s art

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich, packed with works by Swiss and international artists. Later, take a scenic boat trip on Lake Zurich, then unwind in the tranquil Chinese Garden.

Day 5: Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls

Drive to Schaffhausen for a day of dramatic sights. Marvel at the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and climb the Munot Fortress for stunning views of the town below.

Day 6: Medieval Stein am Rhein

Discover the storybook charm of Stein am Rhein. Wander its medieval streets, visit the serene St. George’s Abbey, and enjoy a relaxed stroll along the riverbank.

Days 7-8: Lake Constance

Drive to Lake Constance and explore its beauty. Visit the flower-filled Mainau Island and spend time wandering the picturesque lakeside towns.

The next day, start with a boat ride on the sparkling waters of the lake. Visit the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen to learn about the history of airships, then relax on the lakeside.

Day 9: Return to Zurich

Drive back to Zurich and uncover more of the city’s treasures. Spend the day exploring lesser-known attractions, then toast your trip with a farewell dinner in the city.

Day 10: Winterthur’s Highlights

Take a day trip to Winterthur. Get hands-on at the Technorama Science Center and explore the charming Old Town, filled with art galleries and cafés.

Day 11: St. Gallen

Head to St. Gallen to visit the magnificent Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, take a peaceful stroll through the city’s Botanical Garden.

Day 12: Appenzell

Drive to Appenzell for a mix of culture and nature. Visit the Appenzell Museum to learn about local traditions, then hike the scenic hills that surround this quaint town.

Day 13: Return to Zurich

Return to Zurich for one last day of exploration. Visit the Museum of Art and soak up the charm of the Lindenhof district, with its leafy squares and historic ambiance.

Day 14: Departure

Spend your final morning at leisure in Zurich. Pick up some last-minute souvenirs before heading to the airport to say goodbye to Switzerland.

How to plan your Switzerland travel itinerary

Planning your Switzerland travel itinerary involves several key steps to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. First of all, decide on the length of your trip: Switzerland offers many experiences, whether you have 5 days or 2 weeks. Think about what interests you most: skiing, hiking, lake cruises or cultural sightseeing.

Choose regions according to these interests. For short trips, focus on one or two regions; for longer trips, explore a mix of places such as the majestic Alps of Zermatt, the vibrant cultural life of Zurich and Geneva, and the serene lakes of Lucerne and Montreux.

Don't forget the weather conditions as they can have a big impact on your vacation (more on this later). The winter months are ideal for skiing and winter sports, while summer is perfect for hiking, cycling and lake cruises. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer people and beautiful natural scenery.

Also, book accommodation and transport throughout the country in advance, especially during peak seasons, to maximise your experience. Switzerland's well-organised public transport system makes traveling between different regions quick and easy.

How many days do you need in Switzerland?

The number of days you'll need in Switzerland depends largely on your interests, the pace of your trip and the regions you want to explore. Here's a general guide to help you decide:

• 3-5 days: Ideal for focusing on one or two regions, such as spending time in a major city like Zurich or Geneva and taking a day trip to nearby attractions like Lucerne or the Rhine Falls. This duration is suitable for those who want to experience the culture and scenery of Switzerland without traveling too far.
• 7-10 days: Allows for a more relaxed exploration of several regions. You could start in a city, then head into the Alps for hiking or skiing, and finish with a vacation in a lakeside city such as Montreux or Lugano. This duration will allow you to experience a good mix of urban and natural attractions.
• 2-3 weeks: Ideal for a comprehensive tour of Switzerland. With more time, you will be able to explore each region in more depth, visit places away from the roadways, experience the local culture more fully and perhaps look into lesser-known regions such as Valais or Graubünden.

Getting around during your Switzerland itinerary

Traveling around Switzerland is convenient and flexible as there are several travel options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Car rental: Renting a car provides the most flexibility and is ideal if you prefer to travel at your own pace. Switzerland offers well-maintained roads and scenic landscapes that make driving a pleasure. Choose a car that is suitable for mountainous terrain, especially if you plan to visit the alpine regions in winter.
• Trains: For those who prefer not to drive, Switzerland has an exceptionally reliable railway network that covers most regions of the country, including scenic routes such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. Trains are a convenient and punctual way to travel between major cities and reach remote areas.
• Domestic flights: Although Switzerland is small and domestic flights are not as common, they are a quick way to reach regions such as Zurich and Geneva. However, due to the country's compact size, trains often offer a more scenic and efficient alternative.
• Public transport: In the cities, public transport systems (including trams, buses and boats) are very efficient and cover both urban and suburban areas extensively. Swiss Travel Passes can be an economical option for unlimited travel on public transport.
• Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are convenient options for short journeys within the city. Taxis are metered and regulated, ensuring that services are reliable and fair.

Also, find information on how to get to Switzerland.

When's the best time to visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland depends largely on your interests, in particular whether you prefer winter sports or summer activities.

• Winter (December to February): This is the ideal time for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. Resorts in the Alps such as Zermatt, St Moritz and Davos offer some of the world's best ski runs with picturesque snowy scenery. It's also a great time to visit Christmas markets and festive events in cities such as Zurich, Basel and Lucerne.
• Spring (March to May): The landscape begins to blossom and the weather warms, making this a great time for sightseeing and hiking in the low-lying areas as the snow melts. It's not as crowded as the peak summer months during this period, making for a more relaxed vacaton. You can also catch the end of the ski season in early spring.
• Summer (June to August): The peak tourist season when all the tourist services and attractions are in full swing. The weather is usually warm and sunny, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, swimming in lakes and outdoor activities. Famous scenic train rides, such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, offer stunning views of lush landscapes.
• Fall (September to November): A great time to visit: fewer tourists and milder weather. Fall leaf fall is a great backdrop for hiking and photography, especially in the alpine regions. It is also a good time to enjoy the harvest season, when wine festivals are organised in regions such as Valais and Vaud.

Best places to add to your travel Switzerland itinerary

Lausanne and Lake Geneva

You can find the whole of Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva: snowy mountains, bucolic wine-villages, city nightlife, the sound of cowbells in rolling pastureland, castles, cathedrals and the beautiful blue lake itself (Lac Léman in French). 

The southern shore of the lake is in France, taking in the Savoy Alps as well as Mont Blanc a little further south. The northern shore forms the economic and cultural focus of French Switzerland, centered around Lausanne, an energetic, endearing city that’s too often skimmed over.

The Arc Jurassien

The northwest frontier dividing Switzerland from France is the Jura mountain range – line after line of northeast–southwest ridges that trap between them a succession of sausage-shaped lakes. The Jura are nothing like the Alps: much lower to start with (rarely more than 1500m), with none of the majesty but all of the ruggedness. 

Scrubby hilltops and deep, parallel valleys are dotted by windswept, privately minded villages nursing a weather-beaten Gallic culture cut off for centuries from both France and Switzerland.

The Bernese Oberland

South of Bern and Lucerne lies the Bernese Oberland, the grand Alpine heart of Switzerland, a spectacular region of high peaks, sheer valleys and cool lakes that makes for great hiking and world-class winter sports. At the heart of the Oberland is the Jungfrau region, named after the highest peak, though it’s one of a number that crests 4000m. 

On the approaches to the high mountains, the Thunersee (Lake Thun) and Brienzersee (Lake Brienz) offer Alpine beauty to merit a stop of their own. Between them, the bustling town of Interlaken is the main transport hub for the region, but the sheer volume of tourist traffic passing through can make it a less-than-restful place to stay, and you’d do better to head straight for the mountains.

Valais

The Valais is Switzerland’s third-largest canton, a diverse swathe of country occupying the valley – hence the name – of the River Rhône, from its source in the Rhône glacier to its inflow to Lake Geneva. Fully twenty percent of the canton is covered by ice, and yet the region has the driest climate in Switzerland, with the lowest rainfall and the most sunshine in the whole country: the artificial irrigation channels known as bisses in French and Suonen in Swiss-German still weave across the foothills, while in the high mountains the annual snowmelt is stored behind half a dozen of the tallest and highest-altitude dams in the world.

Northeast Switzerland

Northeast Switzerland – known as Ostschweiz – is one of the least celebrated areas of the country, and is often sidelined by tourists anxious to get to the famous Alpine regions further south. Which, of course, means that you can enjoy the mountains and lakes, medieval town centers and verdant countryside in relative peace. 

The region’s two appealing cities offer very different attractions. Just beyond Zürich, Winterthur is Switzerland’s sixthlargest city, but far too often overlooked, with a clutch of museums more famous cities would be proud of and a lively, easy-going vibe. Sandwiched between the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and the Alpstein mountains, St Gallen centers on its magnificent Baroque cathedral and well-preserved medieval town center.

Do you need a visa to enter Switzerland?

Visiting Switzerland as a tourist for up to 90 days? Citizens of many countries, including all EU/EFTA states and the USA, do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days within 180 days.

To enter Switzerland, you will need a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area. You must also have proof that you intend to leave Switzerland before your entry stamp expires. This can usually be confirmed by a return ticket or an itinerary indicating further travel.

The period of stay is usually up to 90 days, but please note that the exact length of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officers at the point of entry.

In some cases, you may be asked to provide proof of sufficient financial means to stay in Switzerland. It is also a good idea to provide proof of accommodation and a detailed travel itinerary.

More information can be found on the official website of the Swiss Federal Office for Migration or at your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate.

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