Dreaming of an alpine adventure? Switzerland is the place to go. With stunning snowy sceneries and fairytale-like towns, it’s easily an ideal holiday destination. The well-connected train network, along with the readily accessible buses and boats, make it easy to go on a Switzerland tour by train—which is essential to a European vacation. 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 Switzerland itinerary can be challenging. To help you plan out your trip, we’ve made a one week itinerary of the best places to visit in Switzerland:
Day 1: Zurich
When it comes to Switzerland cities, Zurich can’t be missed. Start your Swiss holiday at the Old Town, where you explore four medieval 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.
Day 2: Mount Titlis
Train stations: Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Lucerne 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 meters above sea level.
Day 3: Lucerne
Train stations: Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Luzern
Duration: Around 43 minutes
Lucerne is an easy day trip from Zurich. You can also use the Swiss Travel Pass to take the train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and arrive in Lucerne in less than an hour.
While in the city, your Switzerland itinerary should include a delicious Swiss meal or 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 Chapel Bridge (the oldest wooden bridge in Europe!), and snap photos of the ancient Museggmauer.
Day 4: Jungfraujoch and Interlaken
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—definitely a must on any Switzerland itinerary. With a height of 3,466 meters, 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.
Day 5: Bern
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 medieval 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, which is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. The Minster boasts a Gothic architecture style after being first founded in 1421 and if the exterior doesn’t have you in awe, the interior surely will with exquisite stained glass windows, wooden carvings, and vaulted ceilings.
Day 6: Zermatt
Train stations: Bern to Visp to Zermatt
Duration: Around two hours
Zermatt is a holidaymaker’s dream come true and usually tops everyone’s Switzerland itinerary. With the majestic Matterhorn in the backdrop, a 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, the Klein Matterhorn, and see the neighboring French and Italian Alps.
Day 7: Geneva
Train stations: Bern to Geneva
Duration: Under two hours
Finish off your Swiss holiday at Geneva. Using the Swiss Travel Pass, the city is an easy train ride away from Bern, so you can check these attractions off of your Switzerland travel itinerary without a hassle.
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 try out the interactive exhibitions at the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
You’re in for a jam-packed week with this Switzerland itinerary, but the travel is all worth it—we promise! There are many Switzerland tour packages that will take you to charming towns, perfect snow-capped mountains, sparkling rivers, and endless views. Plus the Swiss Travel Pass makes the adventure much more convenient and enjoyable, so all you have to focus on is having fun.