6-Day Switzerland Itinerary

  • Day 1: Zurich
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Zurich Airport

    Start the trip with a visit to the historical Grossmünster church, which dates back to the 12th century. Afterward, take a stroll around the charming Old Town and enjoy the picturesque streets and colorful houses. Spend the evening admiring the exhibits at the Kunsthaus Zurich, which houses an impressive collection of Swiss art.

  • Day 2: Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus
    55 minutes (31 miles) from Zurich to Lucerne via train, then 1 hour and 10 minutes (19 miles) from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus via cogwheel train and cable car

    Head to the medieval town of Lucerne, and walk along the glittering Lake Lucerne. Don't miss out on the iconic Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge in the world. Later, ascend into the clouds with a ride on the Mount Pilatus Railway, a truly unforgettable experience. Take in the stunning views of the Swiss Alps from the top of the mountain.

  • Day 3: Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen Valley
    2 hours and 30 minutes (88 miles) from Lucerne to Interlaken via train, then 20 minutes (8 miles) from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen via train

    Interlaken is a picturesque town situated between two gorgeous lakes. Go for a leisurely stroll around Thun Lake and Brienz Lake. Later, on to Lauterbrunnen Valley for the stunning Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls.

  • Day 4: Jungfrau and Grindelwald
    1 hour (22 miles) from Interlaken to Grindelwald via train, then 16 minutes (4 miles) from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch via cogwheel train

    Embark on a journey to the top of Europe with a trip to the Jungfraujoch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The panoramic views of the Swiss Alps are breathtaking. Afterward, visit the charming alpine village of Grindelwald and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

  • Day 5: Gruyeres and Lausanne
    1 hour and 5 minutes (46 miles) from Interlaken to Gruyeres via train, then 1 hour and 10 minutes (37 miles) from Gruyeres to Lausanne via train

    In the morning, visit the iconic Gruyeres Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Later, go for a stroll along the picturesque streets of Gruyeres and try the world-famous Gruyere cheese. In the evening, visit the charming lakeside town of Lausanne and take in the spectacular views of Lake Geneva.

  • Day 6: Geneva
    40 minutes (4 miles) from Lausanne to Geneva via train

    End the trip with a visit to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in the world. Later, visit the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations, and stroll around the gorgeous Old Town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Grossmünster (1 hour, free)
  • Old Town (2 hours, free)
  • Kunsthaus Zurich (2 hours, 26 CHF)
  • Lake Lucerne (1 hour, free)
  • Chapel Bridge (30 minutes, free)
  • Mount Pilatus Railway (4 hours, 72 CHF)
  • Thun Lake and Brienz Lake (2 hours, free)
  • Trümmelbach Falls (2 hours, 22 CHF)
  • Jungfraujoch (6 hours, 238 CHF)
  • Grindelwald (2 hours, free)
  • Gruyeres Castle (2 hours, 12 CHF)
  • Gruyere cheese (1 hour, price varies)
  • Lausanne (4 hours, free)
  • Jet d'Eau (30 minutes, free)
  • Palais des Nations (2 hours, free)
  • Old Town (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 370 CHF

Transportation

Switzerland has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The best way to travel between cities is by train, and the Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited travel within Switzerland, including bus, train, and boat rides. A 6-day Swiss Travel Pass costs 425 CHF. Taxis and Uber rides are also available but more expensive, and driving is not recommended because of the mountainous terrain and challenging roads.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the picturesque town of Zermatt and seeing the iconic Matterhorn. Or, take a scenic train ride on the Bernina Express, which travels from Chur to Tirano, crossing the breathtaking Swiss Alps.

If you have less time, consider skipping Lausanne and spending a day exploring Zurich instead.

Airports

The largest airport in Switzerland is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is located 8 miles north of Zurich city center. Another major airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), which is located 4 miles northwest of Geneva city center.

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