The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary

Visiting Switzerland for the first time is exciting. You’re frantically putting together a bucket list in your head, and you can’t wait to start packing. However, planning a Switzerland itinerary, especially a detailed seven-day Switzerland itinerary, can be overwhelming.

All the places you’re going to see. The people you’re going to meet. The foods you’re going to eat. But every trip also comes with its burning questions that need answering.

How much time should you spend in Switzerland? How do you get around? What are the highlights you can’t miss? And what’s even realistic to see and do in the time available?

7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

If you’re planning a one-week trip to Switzerland, let me help you with some of those issues. The following Switzerland itinerary is doable within seven full days and includes a bit of everything Switzerland has to offer. If you are looking for a longer Switzerland Itinerary, we have mapped out the Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip here.

The Swiss Alps, lakes, scenic train rides, chocolate, cheese, and charming towns. Just to name a few. This seven-day itinerary starts and ends in Zurich, the main entry point for visitors arriving by plane to Switzerland.

But with Switzerland being such a small country, you could technically start and end in any other city as well. Sound good? Let’s dive in. 

One Week in Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Zurich – Lucerne – Trubschachen – Bern

Morning – Zurich

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own or join a free walking tour. Those run daily at 11:00 AM and cover all the hotspots of Switzerland’s largest city.

Alternatively, you can check out the Niederdorf (the old town of Zurich), the Lindenhof Park (great views over the city and the River Limmat), busy Bahnhofstrasse (Zurich’s main shopping street), and of course Bellevue by the lake, on your own.

Technically, you even have the option to explore the city by bike. A service called “Züri rollt” rents out free bikes, which is extra handy as it lets you cover more ground in less time. Around midday, or after the walking tour, grab a small takeaway lunch and have it on the train to Lucerne. (You’ll understand why it needs to be small in a minute.)

Read more: Things to do in Zurich / 3 Days in Zurich

Short Stop in Lucerne

Since you’ve still got a bit of ground to cover today, you won’t have much time in Lucerne. But it should suffice for a stroll through the old town, take in the views of Lake Lucerne, and a walk across Kapellbrücke, the iconic wooden footbridge in the centre of Lucerne. Consider taking a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Read more: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland

Trubschachen – Kambly factory store

After an hour or two, continue your journey to Trubschachen, an innocent little place that’ll give your sweet tooth the time of its life. This inconspicuous village is home to a family business that dates back to 1910.

The Kambly family has been making some of the most iconic Swiss biscuits for over a hundred years.  And trust me. They know what they’re doing.

The Kambly factory store, which you’ll find right next to Trubschachen station, is free to visit. Here, you can spend as much time as your heart desires to taste up to 100 different types of delicious biscuits. (And now you know why you had to keep that lunch to a minimum…)

Unfortunately, you can’t visit the heart of the factory or watch the production of their tasty creations. However, they do have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insights into this traditional family business. After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two bites before, move on to Bern. 

Evening – Bern Switzerland

The direct train leaves once an hour and takes around 45 minutes to arrive in Switzerland’s capital city. There might not be much left of today, but depending on what time you get to Bern, you could still fit in a quick stop by Bear Park or a trip up to Rosengarten for its impressive night views. After all, the best way to digest a Kambly overdose is to walk it off.

The train to Trubschachen gets split up along the way, and only the front part travels through the picturesque Entlebuch region to your culinary destination.

Day 2: Bern – Interlaken

To get the most out of your time in Interlaken, I suggest you leave Bern early in the morning.

The train ride to Interlaken takes just under an hour, which gives you almost a full day to explore the place everybody wants to visit when coming to Switzerland.

As a local, I try to avoid Interlaken as it gets super busy and completely swamped by tourists. But there’s a darn good reason for that. Interlaken is conveniently located for all sorts of fantastic outdoor adventures and spectacular mountain excursions.

You’ve got more options to choose from today than you can wrap your head around.  It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit. If you want to spend time in Interlaken, there are many activities that will get your adrenaline flowing. And your wallet is bleeding. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4-Day Itinerary

• Skydiving
• Paragliding
• Canyoning
• Jetboating

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

A more budget-friendly option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise or boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either

• Giessbach Hotel (Lake Brienz)
• the Beatus Caves
• or the town of Spiez (Lake Thun)

As if that wasn’t enough, the Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Afternoon: Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody dies to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch—aka the Top of Europe. Unfortunately, this spectacular cable car ride and platform visit is a real budget-strainer. Expect to pay up to 210 CHF (197€ / 220 USD) for a return trip. 

In case you’re after a slightly less expensive alternative, look into visiting Mount Schilthorn instead. The ride up the cable cars and the panoramic views from the top have equal potential to take your breath away. Read more: Spectacular Switzerland, a Visit to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

But there’s more to do in Jungfrau

Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, two quaint little mountain villages nestled in the Swiss Alps, are close to Interlaken as well. And let’s not forget about the Aare Gorge, the place where the River Aare makes its way down from the glacier toward Lake Brienz.

Ok, I had better stop listing your options here as this will only make you quit reading and decide to spend all week at Interlaken. And we wouldn’t want that. Read more: Things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland – Complete 4 Day Itinerary

Day 3: Interlaken – Golden Pass Line – Montreux

Day 3 highlights:

• ride parts of the famous Golden Pass Line, one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland
• visit the popular Château de Chillon
• grab a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO)

Time to leave Interlaken already. But don’t worry. The Golden Pass Line, which is one of the five big scenic train rides in Switzerland, has plenty of mesmerizing views in store for you. It connects the center of Switzerland in Lucerne with Montreux by the shores of Lake Geneva.

Today, you’ll be traveling from Interlaken to Montreux, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the Golden Pass Line.  The first leg takes you past Lake Thun to Spiez and finally into Zweisimmen, where you’ll transfer to a different train. From Montreux, you can also take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Château de Chillon and the Lavaux vineyards.

Morning: Train Journey Through Switzerland on Golden Pass Line

That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland, my favorite part of the Golden Pass Line, begins. 

This region is an absolute dream for mountain lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about.  Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes, and cute little villages are abundant in this area.  It’s too bad you can’t hop off along the way, but you need to keep going if you want to make it to Lake Geneva today. 

After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Bienvenue…

Afternoon: Montreux

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux, and depending on when you arrive, you might still have a few hours to explore the area. Read more: Montreux and its Musical Legacy

The main spots I recommend are the famous Château de Chillon, an old castle by Lake Geneva, and, of course, the Lavaux vineyard terraces, which are only a short ride west of Montreux. To fully experience the gorgeous views of this UNESCO World Heritage site, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards. 

Cheers to a relaxing night after a long day on the train.

Insider tips:

• The Golden Pass Line is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass as well as the Eurail and Interrail Passes.
• You can complete the Golden Pass Line without making a reservation. However, their customer service recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get fairly busy during the high season. Costs vary between 5 and 8 CHF per person.

Day 4: Montreux – Gruyères – Broc – Montreux – Zermatt

Morning: Gruyères

What’s a trip to Switzerland without visiting a cheese or chocolate factory?  Exactly. So today, you have the option to do both. After breakfast, store your bags either at the train station in Montreux or ask if you can leave them at your accommodation for the day.

Then, catch the train to the slightly touristy yet wonderful village of Gruyères. You might recognize parts of the journey from yesterday. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon is served by regular regional trains as well as the Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can get a bit crowded. But, like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a medieval castle.  And cheese. Lots of cheese. 

Gruyères Medieval Castle

The main attraction in Gruyères is the medieval castle, which is open to the public and costs 12 CHF to enter. However, the hidden cobblestone alleys and the countless souvenir shops also tend to have people stick around longer than they expected. 

Gruyère Cheese Factory

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station, and for a small entrance fee, you can watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included. 

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the center of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes.

After exploring Gruyères and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler.

La Maison Cailler

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a looot of free samples. 

Probably more than you thought you could handle. Definitely more than I could handle the last time I went…

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to move on to Zermatt for the night.

Evening: Zermatt

This final ride takes around two and a half hours, and if you leave Montreux early in the evening, you’ll make it to Zermatt just in time for dinner.  Provided you find any room for it…  Also read: Incredible Zermatt, Switzerland – 23 Exciting Things to See and Do

Insider tips:

• The part between Visp and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express train. Those leave three times daily and are only for people with a reservation.
• However, there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation.
• The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.

Day 5: Zermatt – Domodossola – Locarno

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. For instance, the popular Zermatt lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete, leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes and offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 meters (1.620 feet) across the valley.  Hello, vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

Gornergrat

If you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see those mountains the easy way, I recommend heading to Gornergrat. 

After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3.089 meters (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn. Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

Afternoon: Journey to Locarno

Try leaving Zermatt at the latest around 2 or 3 in the afternoon because your journey to Locarno takes more than four hours.

After your transfer in Brig, the onward train continues to Domodossola in Italy. This particular ride isn’t too pretty, as you’ll be spending most of it in a tunnel. But that shouldn’t bother you too much, as the next leg of the journey is beyond stunning from start to finish.

As you travel through the impressive Centovalli region – which stands for one hundred valleys – you’ll pass several charming villages with old stone houses, ride across tall viaducts, and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall or two.

You’re probably going to laugh now because your final station today is called Locarno FART. An unfortunate name, I know. It’s short for Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticinesi and translates to “Regional Railway of Ticino.” Any questions? 🙂

Day 6: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Get ready to explore the Italian part of your Switzerland itinerary in all its glory. With the abundance of activities to choose from, you won’t get bored today. Also read: Things to do in Lugano and the Ticino Region of Switzerland

First, I recommend you head to one of the two river valleys: Maggia or Verzasca. Both are fantastic for hiking, spending time by the river, or going for a refreshing swim.

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. 

Suggested Things to do

My favorite place is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo. If you prefer calmer waters over cold mountain streams, head to Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. Both lakes provide you with more photo and swimming opportunities than you can imagine.

In case you’re one of those adrenaline junkies, there’s always the 007 bungy at the end of the Verzasca Valley. You might have seen this 220-metre (720 feet) dive in the James Bond movie Golden Eye.  If you decide to throw yourself off that wall, please send me a picture. I’d love to see that…

Other popular destinations in Ticino, apart from Locarno, are Lugano and the inspiring little artsy town of Ascona, which is right next to Locarno.

Ascona is definitely worth a visit and if you’re after some delicious pizza and ice cream, it’s the perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner. You can taste the proximity to Italy in any restaurant here.

I’m aware that one day isn’t anywhere near enough to cover all of these activities. That’s why you’ve got another day here until you return to Zurich tomorrow.

Day 7: Locarno – Zurich

Spend this final day ticking off whatever’s still on your list from yesterday. Alternatively, leave Switzerland again and hop across the border to Italy. 

Lake Como

Not far from Lugano lies the idyllic Como region, the place where George Clooney and other celebrities got married. If you’re curious to find out what Mr. Nespresso saw in this part of the world, today’s your chance. 

The two main spots I recommend visiting in the area are the city of Como and the village of Menaggio. Both are situated by the shores of Lake Como and will instantly enchant you with their laid-back atmospheres. For the most accurate information on how to get to Menaggio, I suggest you consult the tourist information in Locarno, Lugano, or Como.

Afternoon

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Locarno and onward to Zurich.  Thanks to the 57-kilometer (35-mile) long Gotthard Basistunnel, which is currently the longest train tunnel in the world, you’ll be in Zurich within two and a half hours. Happy travels

This concludes our little one-week itinerary through Switzerland. I hope it has inspired you and helped you answer some of your initial questions. 

Train Travel in Switzerland

By the way, you probably noticed I didn’t talk about rental cars in this post. With the fantastic network of public transport that Switzerland is blessed with, there’s really no need for a car. Almost every village, no matter how small and remote, is accessible by train or bus.

This is why I recommend for this Switzerland itinerary, buying yourself one of the two travel passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail for Europeans, Eurail for non-Europeans) for the time of your stay to enjoy your flexibility. Bon voyage.

FAQ’s

Swiss Travel Pass

• If you travel by a Swiss Travel Pass or an Interrail / Eurail Pass, your train and boat rides are fully covered.
• Rail passes are valid for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days.
• Includes Unlimited travel on Swiss Rail, bus, boat, cable cars, and public transport in cities.
• Free entrance to more than 500 museums
• 50% off most mountain excursions
• However, you pay extra for the Jungfraujoch train and the gondola ride to Schilthorn.
• The travel passes entitle you to a discount between 25% and 50%, though.

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card allows you to buy tickets for trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways in Switzerland at half price. It’s perfect for those who are staying in Switzerland for more than a few days but don’t need to travel every day. The card is valid for one month from the date of purchase and is much cheaper than the Swiss Travel Pass, so it’s a great option if you have a more flexible itinerary.

Use the Swiss Half Fare Card instead of the Swiss Travel Pass if you’re going to travel on a few specific days rather than every day. We prefer to get The Swiss Travel Pass because it gives you unlimited travel on consecutive days and includes free entry to many museums and attractions. But if you have a more relaxed schedule or are focused on a few destinations, the Swiss Half Fare Card will save you more.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Truthfully, there are great things to do in Switzerland no matter what time of year you plan your Switzerland trip. If you love winter sports, December to March is ideal, as the Swiss Alps offer excellent skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are great if you like a little warmer weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful landscapes, with blooming flowers in spring and those fall colors in the Fall. Summer (July to August) is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring picturesque towns and cities; just remember that this is peak tourist season, and things will be much busier and cost a lot more.

How Much is a Trip to Switzerland?

This is a bit of a loaded question, and we actually have a whole article titled Is Switzerland Expensive To Visit? with budget breakdowns and all the information you need to budget your trip. But, in a nutshell, you can expect to spend about $3000 USD per person for this particular Switzerland Itinerary, depending on what accommodation you stay in and what activities you choose to do.

Eating out costs in Switzerland

Eating out in Switzerland is more expensive than in Canada. In Switzerland, a cheap meal at a restaurant will cost between $20-$30 per person, and in Canada, between $12-$20. For a mid-range restaurant with a 3-course meal for two, you can expect to pay between $70-$120 in Switzerland and $50-$80 in Canada. Fast food combo meals are a bit more expensive in Switzerland, $12-$15, compared to $10-$12 in Canada.

Beverages: A cappuccino in Switzerland costs around $4-$5, and in Canada, $3-$4. When visiting Switzerland, you will notice that beer is more expensive; 0.5 liter draught beer costs between $6-$8, and in Canada, it is $5-$7. Eating out in Switzerland can be much more expensive than in Canada, especially at mid-range and higher-end restaurants.

What currency is used in Switzerland?

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated as CHF. It is one of the most stable and widely traded currencies in the world. Swiss banknotes and coins are well-known for their high-quality design and security features. They will take Euros, but the change will be made in Swiss Francs.

What languages are spoken in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most spoken language in the center and east and has many dialects called Swiss German. French is spoken in the West, especially in Geneva and Lausanne. Italian is spoken in the south in the canton of Ticino and some parts of the canton of Graubünden. Romansh is spoken in parts of Graubünden but is less common. English is widely understood and spoken, especially in urban areas, so it’s easier for tourists and international business.

Explore more Switzerland Travels

• Ultimate 3 Weeks in Switzerland Road Trip
• The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
• 7 of the Best Things to do in Basel, Switzerland
• Our Best Switzerland Pictures
• Unique and Crazy Things to do in Switzerland
• Switzerland Travel Guide