1-Week Switzerland Itinerary for the Ultimate Alpine Adventure

Dreaming of an alpine adventure? Switzerland is the place to go. With stunning snowy sceneries and fairytale-like towns, it’s an ideal holiday destination. The well-connected train network, along with the readily accessible buses and boats, make it easy to visit and go from one place to another. Plus, with the Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t have to worry about the costs. You can enjoy unlimited rides on the famous panoramic trains, buses, boats, and the local public transport with a single pass.

With so many sights to see at every turn, planning your Swiss escapade can be challenging. To help you plan out your trip, we’ve made a 1-week itinerary of the best places to visit in Switzerland:

When it comes to Switzerland cities, Zurich can’t be missed. Start your Swiss holiday at the Old Town, where you explore four mediaeval churches, shop for souvenirs at one of the unique stores, and grab a coffee at a cafe with a view of the Limmat riverfront.

Then, head to Münsterbrücke for unobstructed views of Lake Zurich. You can snap photos of one of the most famous locations of the city. Art lovers can visit the Museum of Art and see masterpieces by Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso while history buffs can stop by the Swiss National Museum to learn more about the country’s rich cultural heritage and important events.

Train stations: Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Luzern to Engelberg (Then a cable car to Stand)

Duration: Approximately two hours

With your Swiss Travel Pass, you can reach Mount Titlis by train in around two hours while soaking up the views of picturesque mountain ranges and vibrant valleys along the way. To make the most out of your time, leave Zurich early in the morning for a full day in the mountains.

Once you arrive at Mount Titlis, ride the Ice Flyer chairlift to Glacier Park, where there’s always snow even during the summer. If you’re visiting during winter, head to the snow park in Trübsee where you can ski, snowshoe hike, and more. You can also challenge yourself by crossing the Titlis Cliff Walk, located 3,000 metres above sea level.

Train stations: Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Luzern

Duration: Around 43 minutes

Lucerne is an easy day trip from Zurich. You can use the Swiss Travel Pass to take the train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and arrive in Lucerne in under an hour.

While in the city, grab a meal or enjoy some drinks at one of the restaurants along Reuss River to get a view of the charming riverside buildings with Mount Pilatus in the backdrop. Then, take a stroll around the Old Town, visit the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge, and snap photos of the ancient Museggmauer.

Train stations: Luzern to Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch

Duration: 3.5 hours

Up for an adventure in Switzerland’s mountains? Look no further than Jungfraujoch. With a height of 3,466 metres, it’s the highest train station in Europe. You can make the most out of the views at the Sphinx Observation Deck, where you can see the Aletsch glacier in its full glory. For some fun winter activities, go snow tubing, sledging, and skiing at the Snow Fun Park! 

Before you head back to the city, stop by the charming town of Interlaken. Boasting well-preserved homes and buildings, vivid grasslands, and snow-capped mountains in the background, it looks straight out of a fairytale.

Train stations: Interlaken Ost to Bern

Duration: Under an hour

From Interlaken, Bern is an easy train ride away. Swiss Travel Pass holders can catch the SBB train that runs until 11:00 pm.

The Swiss capital city offers visitors a glimpse of mediaeval Europe thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. As you walk through the narrow streets, you’ll spot centuries-old towers and well-maintained facades. But to get the best view of the Old Town, it’s best to climb the tower of the Bern Minster.

Train stations: Bern to Visp to Zermatt

Duration: Around two hours

Zermatt is a holidaymaker’s dream come true. With the majestic Matterhorn in the backdrop, no-car policy, and heaps of activities to try throughout the year, the town is basically made for good times with the whole gang.

In the winter, hit the slopes and make the most out of the area’s powdery snow. You might even find yourself skiing alongside national athletes who are training for competitions. For something a bit different, you can also try heli-skiing and paragliding.

In the summer, you can go for a walk or a bike ride through the lush valleys. If you just want to soak up the views, head to Europe’s highest cable car station and see the neighbouring French and Italian Alps.

Train stations: Bern to Geneva

Duration: Under two hours

With plenty of flights to Australia, it makes sense to finish off your Swiss holiday at Geneva. Using the Swiss Travel Pass, the city is an easy train ride away from Bern.

Cross the Pont du Mont Blanc Bridge and watch the water jet make a splash at Lake Geneva. Enjoy the sauna at Bains des Pâquis, find the Flower Clock at the English Garden, and enjoy the interactive exhibitions at International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.