An unforgettable 10 days in Switzerland Itinerary for first-timers

Looking to enjoy a vacation in Switzerland that covers the country’s sparkling lakes, majestic mountains and charming history-packed cities and towns? This unforgettable 10 days in Switzerland Itinerary for first-timers might just save you the hassle of deciding where to visit. It covers many of the best things to do in Switzerland — a country that’s often hailed one of the most beautiful in the world. 

An unforgettable 10-day Switzerland Itinerary for first-timers

Before running through the day-by-day detail, here’s an overview of how I spent my ten-day trip to Switzerland.

In short, it’s the best 10-day Switzerland itinerary if you’re looking to cover a mix of landscapes (think cities, mountains, lakes and villages) and experiences — from dining on fine food and wine, to exhilarating cable car excursions..

• Day 1: Arrive in Zurich
• Day 2: Explore Zurich
• Day 3: Travel from Zurich to Interlaken
• Day 4: Day trip to Jungfraujoch
• Day 5: Day trip to Oeschinen Lake and Unterbäch
• Day 6: Travel from Interlaken to Zermatt
• Day 7: Explore Matterhorn
• Day 8: Travel from Zermatt to Montreux
• Day 9: Explore Lake Geneva
• Day 10: Travel from Montreux to Lausanne

Want to make the most of your 10 days in Switzerland? Consider hiring a professional to plan your trip. Our Switzerland travel experts will craft an itinerary that's perfect for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich

Once you’ve got to Zurich, check into your hotel, shake off any impending jetlag, and head out to start exploring.

If your heart is set on seeing particular sights in Zurich, choose your base wisely so you can max out your time enjoying them. 

Where to stay in Zurich

Being Switzerland’s largest city, it’ll come as no surprise that accommodation in Zurich runs the full gamut from cute and cozy guesthouses, to fancy modern mega-hotels.

More surprising, perhaps, is the fact that one of the most expensive cities in the world does have more affordable places to stay, including hostels.

On that subject, the lively Langstrasse district is, overall, best-suited to budget travelers, thanks to its affordable hostels, budget hotels and mid-range options.

Meanwhile, first-timers and sightseers who want to be close to Zurich’s historic heart would do well to check out accommodation near the Grossmünster in the Old Town (Altstadt). While there are plenty of luxury options here, you can also find mid-range hotels.

Or, if you’re keen to see Zurich’s more modern side, check out places to stay in Zurich West.

Day 2: Explore Zurich

Perhaps best known as a global financial hub, be assured that Zurich offers visitors so much more than banks and business, as I discovered when I found myself falling for the city in unexpected ways. 

Melding the medieval charm of its Altstadt with modern sophistication, Zurich also offers grand natural beauty, thanks to shimmering presence of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, and distant views of the Alps.

Things to do

Here’s how to make the most of a one full day in Zurich.

Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Rise early to devote a few hours to exploring Zurich’s Altstadt (Old Town). This is the city’s handsome, historic heart — a maze of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and hidden courtyards. 

Highlights here include the Grossmünster — a remarkable Romanesque church with twin towers — and the Fraumünster, which boasts beautiful stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. 

Editor’s tip: I especially loved the Niederdorf neighborhood for its boutiques and cute cafés.

Stroll Bahnhofstrasse

Even if you’re not planning to splash serious cash, we recommend taking a walk along well-heeled Bahnhofstrasse.

One of the most famous shopping streets in the world, this elegant boulevard is loaded with luxury brands (think Chanel, Louis Vuitton and fancy Swiss watch shops) and upscale cafes. 

At the southern end, Paradeplatz (Zurich’s financial center) is also home to some famous Swiss chocolate shops like Confiserie Sprüngli.

Marvel at masterpieces in Kunsthaus Zurich 

Kunsthaus Zurich — Zurich’s leading art museum — houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Swiss artists like Alberto Giacometti and Johann Heinrich Füssli.

In comparison with other major European galleries, it’s also a less-crowded place to admire works by international masters like Monet, Munch and Picasso. 

Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich

For a special city experience, take a short boat ride on the lake to see Zurich from the water. 

Regular tours departing from Bürkliplatz offer panoramic views of the lake, mountains and surrounding towns.

 Visit Lindenhof for lovely views 

End your day with a visit to Lindenhof Hill — an historic hilltop park (it used to be a Roman fort) that offers sweeping views of the Zurich’s Old Town and the Limmat River, with the Alps in the distance.

Day 3: Travel from Zurich to Interlaken

Traveling from Zurich to Interlaken by train is straightforward and scenic — especially if you choose to use the glorious Golden Pass route, and even more so if you decide stop-off in Lucerne on the way, as we did.

Travel time: 2 hours (direct route) to 3.5 hours (Golden Pass route)

By train via Bern

If you’re short on time, you can simply take a train from Zurich HB (Zurich’s main train station) to Interlaken Ost. This route requires a simple transfer in Bern.

While this is the quickest way to reach Interlaken — it takes round two hours — and passes through rolling countryside, it’s not nearly as scenic as the Golden Pass route.

By the Golden Pass scenic route (via Lucerne)

For a more scenic experience, take the Golden Pass route — it only happens to be one of Switzerland’s most beautiful train journeys. 

This route takes you through Lucerne and the stunning landscapes of the Bernese Oberland — think panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque towns.

You’ll switch trains in Lucerne to start the Golden Pass leg of the journey to Interlaken, with a total journey time of 3.5 hours.

Optional: stop in Lucerne

Though we’ve included this as an option, we really recommend making the stop off. 

You have to change in Lucerne anyway, so it seems a crying shame not to spend a couple of hours in a lovely lakeside city that invites slow travel joys.

While here, don’t miss see the 14th-century Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) — one of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks — and wandering the Old Town, with its wonderful, well-preserved medieval buildings.

If you have time, take a short walk along the lake, or even hop on a 1-hour boat cruise.

Where to stay in Interlaken

Interlaken lies in the Jungfrau region, which itself is at the heart of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland.

Being a popular gateway to the Swiss Alps, accommodation in Interlaken covers pretty much all budgets and travel styles — from luxury hotels with panoramic mountain views, to cozy guesthouses, and budget-friendly hostels.

If it’s luxury you’re after, check out Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. One of the grandest hotels in the country, it offers sensational views of the Jungfrau and a state-of-the-art spa.

For a convenient mid-range hotel stay close to the center, try Hotel Beausite.

I personally loved Hotel Hirschen — an atmopsheric history-packed guesthouse that’s that’s been in the same family for 300 years

Day 4: Day trip to Jungfraujoch 

On day four, a thrilling journey to the “Top of Europe” is in store, as the tagline goes, courtesy of a day trip to Jungfraujoch 

At 3454 meters, Jungfraujoch is home to Europe’s highest railway station and offers incredible views of the Aletsch Glacier, the Bernese Alps, and several famous peaks, including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

When it comes to getting there, you have a few options — take your pick from going it alone on public transport, or else book a guided tour.

Getting to Jungfraujoch by public transport

Getting to Jungfraujoch by train is straightforward, but requires a few transfers, and takes around 2.5 hours one-way.

From Interlaken Ost, take a train to either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Both routes are scenic and take around 20 minutes.

From Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, you’ll board a cogwheel train up to Kleine Scheidegg. Taking 30-40 minutes, this leg of the journey is especially scenic, offering views of views of the lush valley, waterfalls and mountains landscapes. 

At Kleine Scheidegg, you transfer to the Jungfrau Railway for the final ascent to Jungfraujoch.

This famous cogwheel train takes about 50 minutes to reach the summit, with a portion of the journey passing through tunnels inside the Eiger and Mönch mountains. 

Editors tip: check out ways to save money on your train tickets. For example, with a Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Travel Pass, you can get a discount of 25% or more on the ticket price. The Swiss Half Fare Card also provides a 50% discount on this journey.

Guided tour to Jungfraujoch

If you prefer a more hassle-free experience, consider taking a guided tour — be sure to book in advance, though, so you don’t miss out.

Most guided tours include all train tickets, plus a guide who can share insights into the area’s history and geology.

Some tours also include hotel pick-up and drop-off in Interlaken, and extras like lunch at the top.

Day 5: Day trip to Oeschinen Lake and Unterbäch

Mixing the magic of natural landscapes with the enchantment of a charming village, day five turned out to be a highlight of my 10-day trip to Switzerland.

I left Interlaken early and jumped on a train to Kandersteg, which takes around an hour. From the station, it’s a short walk (or a shuttle bus ride) to the Oeschinensee Gondola station. 

In around ten minutes, the gondola takes you up to the mountain station, from where you walk down to the mind-blowingly beautiful Oeschinen Lake – an expanse of bright turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

When you’ve had your fill of the lake’s loveliness, take the gondola back down to Kandersteg, then catch the train back to Spiez. 

From Spiez, take the train toward Visp, then transfer to the regional train to Raron, where the magic really ramps up when you take the cable car up to Unterbäch. Think narrow streets, traditional wooden chalets, and sweeping views of the Valais Alps.

I actually wished I’d had longer here to follow some of its walking paths, but with limited time, I did a bit of shopping and found a spot at a café to enjoy a pastry and glass of local wine — no complaints!

Day 6: Travel from Interlaken to Zermatt

Day six will see you transfer from Interlaken to Zermatt, where you can set the tone for the next leg of your 10-day itinerary by riding the Gornergrat Railway for views of the mighty Matterhorn.

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Start with taking early train from Interlaken Ost to Spiez (20 minutes), then transfer to a train heading to Visp. This leg of the journey takes around 30 minutes, and offers some rather special countryside views.

When you get to Visp, transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for the final stage of the journey.

After climbing through the narrow Mattertal Valley for around one hour 15 minutes, you’ll be in Zermatt.

On arrival: take the Gornergrat Bahn

Given that Gornergrat Railway station is close to Zermatt’s main train station, you could ride this cogwheel railway for the best views of the Matterhorn pretty much as soon as you arrive.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach Gornergrat — a ridge that sits pretty at a height of 3089 meters — on a ride that’ll see you ascend through alpine forests.

On arrival, the Gornergrat platform offers an incredible unobstructed view of the Matterhorn. 

At the top, you’ll also find Kulmhotel Gornergrat — the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps, and one of our recommended places to stay (more on that right below). 

If you opt to stay elsewhere, the café here is a great place to sit and savor the views.

Where to stay in Zermatt

There are dozens of hotels in Zermatt, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes and budget.

Our tip is to book well in advance if you’re visiting during the winter or summer high seasons, and — if your budget can stretch to it — consider paying extra for Matterhorn views from your balcony or window.

On the subject of views, staying in Kulmhotel Gornergrat is likely to be a highlight of your trip, in all senses of the word. As mentioned above, this is the highest hotel in the Alps.

If you’re looking for something fancy, it doesn’t get fancier than Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. As its name suggests, this is the grandest hotel in the canton, and one of Switzerland’s best.

On a slightly smaller budget? Swiss Alpine Hotel Allalin is cute and cosy, and you can pay extra for a room with a mountain view.

Day 7: Explore Matterhorn

Mixing cable car adventures with alpine trails — with iconic views of this legendary mountain served at pretty much every moment — here’s how to enjoy an epic day exploring around the Matterhorn.

Things to do

Cable cars loom large as your mode of transport between activities on this adventure-packed day.

Ride the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Start your day by heading to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. 

The cable system leads you up to the Klein Matterhorn, where a viewing platform serves a 360° panorama of 38 mountain peaks and 14 glaciers across the Swiss, Italian and French Alps. On a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc in the distance.

Editor’s tip: don’t miss the magical Glacier Palace. Located inside the glacier itself, this enchanting ice cave contains ice sculptures, illuminated tunnels, and an ice slide.

Explore hiking trails around Schwarzsee

After soaking up the high-altitude views of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, take the cable car down to Trockener Steg, then transfer to the Schwarzsee cable car.

Schwarzsee (“Black Lake") — a peaceful alpine lake — is also a popular hiking destination. For example, the Matterhorn Glacier Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes you close to the Theodul Glacier.

Take the cable car to Furi for fun and adventure

In the afternoon, head down to Furi, another cable car stop on the way back to Zermatt.

Gateway to several picturesque hiking trails, some of which include suspension bridges, Furi also offers access to Gorner Gorge — a beautiful natural attraction of turquoise glacial waters and carved rock formations.

If you’re traveling with kids, Furi’s Forest Fun Park is packed with zip lines, rope bridges and climbing courses in a beautiful forest setting.

Into adventure? Discover the best outdoor experiences in Switzerland.

Day 8: Travel from Zermatt to Montreux

The journey from Zermatt to Montreux is something special in itself, especially if you take the Glacier Express for part of your journey.

Travel time: 2 hours 50 minutes (Glacier Express); 2 hours 10 minutes (regular train)

Glacier Express route

Though this takes longer than the regular train, being one of the best scenic train rides in Europe, we really recommend riding the Glacier Express between Zermatt and Montreux.

While this normally travels between Zermatt and St. Moritz or Davos, you can ride the first segment from Zermatt to Brig (1.5 hours) and then switch to a regular train from Brig to Montreux (1 hour 20 minutes), so you’ll get to experience the Glacier Express's panoramic views for part of your journey.

Note that reservations are required  — book tickets directly through the Glacier Express website.

Regular train route

If you prefer a faster or more flexible option without booking the Glacier Express, you can simply take regular Swiss trains from Zermatt to Montreux via Visp or Brig.

You’re looking at a journey time of up to 2.5 hours, depending on where you transfer.

Explore Montreux in the afternoon 

Backed by the Swiss Alps, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux has a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

We suggest soaking this up by strolling its flower-lined lakeside promenade when you arrive.

Where to stay in Montreux

Decidedly upscale and elegant, Montreux isn’t short of extra-special accommodation. 

If that’s what you’re looking for — and cash isn’t an issue — consider splashing out on a stay in Le Montreux Palace. This legendary luxury hotel is set in its own gardens on the lake. 

Alternatively, to enjoy much of the style and atmosphere of Le Montreux Palace at a lower price, consider staying in Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, or Villa Toscane — a fabulous Art Nouveau creation on the waterfront.

Day 9: Explore Lake Geneva

After all those high-altitude adventures, Lake Geneva sees things shift to a more leisurely pace.

Things to do around Lake Geneva

From world-class wine, to scenic cruises and a fairy tale chateau, Lake Geneva makes it easy to enjoy the finer things in life. 

Soak up sights on a scenic cruise

A boat cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate Lake Geneva’s glory, with the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) operating a fleet of charming paddle steamers and modern boats that connect many towns along the lake.

Take your pick from one-hour cruises, to full-day excursions. A popular route runs between Lausanne and Montreux, which offers views of the Lavaux vineyards, the castle of Chillon, and countless picturesque lakeside villages.

Explore the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

Stretching between Lausanne and Montreux along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, the UNESCO-designated Lavaux Vineyard Terraces — some of which date back to the 11th century — are famous for producing rather special Swiss wines, notably crisp white Chasselas. 

Walk the Lavaux Vinorama Trail for spectacular views as you stop-off to taste wine at family-run wineries in villages like Epesses and Saint-Saphorin.

Alternatively, two charming tourist trains — Lavaux Express and Lavaux Panoramic train — wind through the vineyards.

Be enchanted by Château de Chillon

Visiting Château de Chillon — an impossibly romantic 12^th-century castle located on a tiny island along the shores of Lake Geneva — was another highlight of my own trip to Switzerland.

This fairy-tale-esque charmer had been on my radar since I read that its dungeon inspired Byron’s The Prisoner of Chillon.

Best approached via a 45-minute shoreline walk, your first glimpse of Château de Chillon is unforgettable — an elegant, turreted pile jutting from the water, framed by trees and craggy mountains.

Day 10: Travel from Montreux to Lausanne

Our suggested Switzerland itinerary for 10 days comes to a showstopping end in Lausanne, with the journey between them also an absolute joy, whether you travel by boat or train

By train

The fastest way to travel from Montreux to Lausanne is to take the train. It takes just 20–25 minutes, and train runs every 15-30 minutes.

By boat

A scenic alternative is to take a CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) boat across Lake Geneva from Montreux to Lausanne.

This journey takes 1–1.5 hours and will have you passing the Lavaux Vineyards and lots of charming lakeside villages enroute.

Explore Lausanne

Here’s a run-down of some of the best things to do in Lausanne.

Visit the Olympic Museum

Home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Lausanne’s Olympic Museum is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.

Surrounded by Olympic Park — a beautiful garden with sculptures, fountains and artwork themed around the Olympic spirit — it’s also a pretty place to walk.

Meander Lausanne’s Old Town 

Loaded with historic buildings and squares, Lausanne’s Old Town is a delight to wander, with the cobbled Place de la Palud at its heart the perfect place to people watch and pick up food and local crafts when the weekly market is on.

A highlight of the Old Town is Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building that dates back to the 13th-century.

Stroll the Ouchy Promenade

While much of the city is wooded, Ouchy is Lausanne’s lakeside district, with its promenade lined with flower gardens and sculptures, plus playgrounds for kids to let off steam in.

During your stroll, be sure to stop off at Château d’Ouchy — a medieval castle-turned-luxury hotel with a terrace café open to non-guests.

How to visit Switzerland in 10 days

Now you’re armed with detail on the best things to see and do during an unforgettable ten-day trip to Switzerland, we turn our focus to practical matters that’ll help you plan your vacation.

When to visit Switzerland

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on the kinds of things you most want to do. It really is a year-round destination, with each season inviting different activities.

It’s worth knowing that Switzerland has two main peak tourist seasons. The summer months of July and August attract tons of sightseers and hikers, while the winter peak season (late-December to February, especially around Christmas and New Year) is popular with skiers.

If you’re not coming for winter sports, aren’t set on visiting in the hottest summer months — and don’t want to pay peak-season prices — visit in late spring (May to mid-June), or early fall (September to October).

How to get around Switzerland

In short, getting around Switzerland is a breeze. 

The country’s transport infrastructure is second to none — punctual, comfortable, clean and modern.

It’s clear why the Swiss are the most frequent train users in Europe — the network is super-scenic, and super-efficient — with its bus network covering ground not served by rail.

In addition, bus and train timetables are coordinated, which means making connections is a smooth experience.

Ahead of your trip, you’ll want to research all the money-saving Swiss rail passes that are available.

While they're all good value, you’ll need to figure out which option best suits your trip, from the Swiss Travel Pass — which gives free unlimited travel on three, four, six, eight or fifteen consecutive days on just about every train in the country, plus free entry to 500+ museums — to the Swiss Family Card..

Cost of a Switzerland 10-day trip

Known for its high cost of living, Switzerland isn’t exactly a budget destination.

The cost of a 10-day trip also depends on the kind of accommodation you opt for, how much distance you’re covering, how you to choose to get around, and the types of trips and tours you take.

As a ballpark guide, for a comfortable but not overly luxurious trip, you can expect to spend around $2,000–$3,000 per person, excluding international flights.

That means staying in the likes of 3-star hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs, and choosing where you eat wisely. Generally, dining out in Switzerland is expensive, but you can manage costs by mixing mid-price restaurant meals with self-catering.

When it comes to getting around, be sure to research travel passes, and to pick the right one. The same goes for tours, trips and activities — there are a lot out there, so define what you most want to do, and compare costs.

Also note that some experiences are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (e.g. a Lake Geneva boat trip), and others (mountain cable cars) offer discounted rates for pass holders. 

Do you need a visa?

US citizens can enter Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without needing a visa. 

This is part of the Schengen Area agreement, which allows visa-free travel to 26 European countries, including Switzerland, for short stays.

Just note that your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. 

Is 10 days enough?

How long you need in Switzerland — and whether 10 days is enough — kind-of depends on your expectations, and how much you end up falling for the places you visit, and wish you had longer in. 

That said, as revealed by this itinerary, with planning, you can definitely experience stacks of Swiss delights in ten days.

If, on the other hand, you’re not set on a ten-day trip, keep here are rewarding ways to spend seven and fourteen days in Switzerland. 

Switzerland in 7 days

If you have 7 days in Switzerland, it’s better to focus on one area, or couple of destinations, rather than zip around too much. While the public transport network is incredibly efficient, tying to cover a lot of ground is likely to hamper your enjoyment.

For example, one of our expert-curated 7-day Switzerland itineraries suggests concentrating on Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne, while another does a deep dive into Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region.

Switzerland in 14 days

Having 14 days in Switzerland opens up fresh possibilities. 

You could, for example, simply expand the 10-day itinerary shared above to give you more time in a couple of the destinations. 

It would also be easy to include Bern in this trip plan (its UNESCO Old Town is utterly enchanting) and Basel, which is accessed in around an hour from Zurich.

Want more ideas? Browse our Switzerland itineraries — they can all be customized to your interests and trip duration, and they all free you up from the hassle of planning and booking.