Purchase or activate an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass at the station or online — recommended to cover intercity trains, many boats and local transit; this will simplify travel for the week. Doing this first saves ticket queues later.
If you arrive at Zürich HB or ZRH airport, take the direct train to Lucerne (approx. 45–60 minutes). Trains run frequently; covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
Ascend with the Harder Kulm funicular to the viewpoint for panoramic views of Interlaken and Lakes Thun and Brienz; funicular operates roughly 9:00–18:00 in summer (check schedule).
Short regional train (~20–25 minutes) to Lauterbrunnen or Wengen to join the ascent to Jungfraujoch; covered by Swiss Travel Pass to the base stations.
Board the mountain railway from Kleine Scheidegg up to Jungfraujoch — the full round trip and time on the summit area will take most of the day; trains run frequently but reserve/buy tickets in advance for peak summer days.
Scenic regional and intercity trains (approx. 2.5–3 hours total). Change at Visp for the Matterhorn Gotthard / regional service into car-free Zermatt; covered by Swiss Travel Pass for main segments.
Ride the Gornergrat Railway for one of the best Matterhorn vistas; trains operate frequently in summer — reserve seat for the best times. Note: not fully covered by Swiss Travel Pass; partial discounts may apply.
Regional train to Visp, then direct/resort trains along the lakeshore to Montreux (approx. 2–2.5 hours); enjoy vineyard views in the Rhône valley. Covered by Swiss Travel Pass for main segments.
Wander the cobbled streets, visit Saint Pierre Cathedral (climb the towers for city views; check opening hours, often 10:00–17:00) and local boutiques.
Return to your hotel to collect luggage and take the train to the airport or onward destination — Geneva Airport is a short train ride from the main station (~7 minutes).