Overview
Switzerland offers stunning Alpine scenery, pristine lakes, charming villages, and world-famous train routes. This 8-day itinerary covers highlights of Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and scenic journeys.
Best Time to Visit
June-September (summer hiking) or December-March (skiing)
Daily Budget
$180-350 per day
Duration
8 Days
Photo Gallery
Trip Highlights
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
Matterhorn in Zermatt
Scenic train routes
Lake Lucerne cruise
Swiss chocolate and cheese
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrive Zurich
Activities:
- Arrive Zurich
- Old Town walk
- Bahnhofstrasse shopping
- Lake Zurich
- Swiss dinner
💡 Tip:
Buy Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited trains/boats. Great value.
📍 Book Activities:
2
Day 2
Zurich to Lucerne
Activities:
- Train to Lucerne
- Chapel Bridge
- Lion Monument
- Old Town
- Lake Lucerne cruise
- Mount Pilatus sunset
💡 Tip:
Lucerne most charming Swiss city. Very photogenic.
📍 Book Activities:
3
Day 3
Lucerne to Interlaken
Activities:
- Train to Interlaken
- Harder Kulm viewpoint
- Höheweg promenade
- Adventure activities
- Lake Thun or Brienz
💡 Tip:
Interlaken base for Jungfrau region. Book accommodation early.
📍 Book Activities:
4
Day 4
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
Activities:
- Early train to Jungfraujoch
- Top of Europe
- Ice Palace
- Sphinx Observatory
- Snow activities
- Return Interlaken
💡 Tip:
Book tickets day before. Weather crucial - check forecast.
📍 Book Activities:
5
Day 5
Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
Activities:
- Train to Lauterbrunnen
- 72 waterfalls valley
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Grindelwald
- First Cliff Walk
- Mountain activities
💡 Tip:
Lauterbrunnen valley stunning. Consider paragliding.
📍 Book Activities:
6
Day 6
Interlaken to Zermatt
Activities:
- Scenic train to Zermatt
- Car-free village
- Matterhorn views
- Village exploration
- Mountain restaurants
💡 Tip:
Zermatt car-free. Electric taxis only. Very charming.
📍 Book Activities:
7
Day 7
Gornergrat & Matterhorn
Activities:
- Gornergrat Railway
- Matterhorn panorama
- Hiking trails
- Riffelberg stop
- Photography
- Swiss dinner
💡 Tip:
Best Matterhorn views from Gornergrat. Clear mornings best.
📍 Book Activities:
8
Day 8
Return to Zurich & Departure
Activities:
- Morning in Zermatt
- Scenic train to Zurich
- Last-minute shopping
- Swiss chocolate
- Airport departure
💡 Tip:
Train journey scenic. Allow 4+ hours for journey.
📍 Book Activities:
Where to Stay
Must-Try Food
Fondue
Raclette
Rösti
Swiss chocolate
Birchermüesli
Getting Around
Swiss Travel Pass recommended. Trains punctual and scenic. Covers most transport.
Packing List
Layers for altitude
Hiking boots
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Rain jacket
Camera
Swiss adapter
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