7-Day Nature Itinerary in Switzerland Starting from Zurich

1. Day 1: Rhine Falls
   1 hour (47.5 km) from Zurich

   Admire Switzerland's largest waterfall and take a boat tour to the middle of the falls to get a closer look.

2. Day 2: Lauterbrunnen Valley
   2.5 hours (168 km) from Rhine Falls

   Explore the valley that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings and see famous Swiss waterfalls.

3. Day 3: Jungfraujoch
   1 hour (19.2 km) from Lauterbrunnen Valley

   Take a train journey through the Alps to reach the highest railway station in Europe and enjoy breathtaking views.

4. Day 4: Aletsch Glacier
   2 hours (89.4 km) from Jungfraujoch

   Visit the largest glacier in the Alps, and hike through scenic trails showcasing the surrounding nature.

5. Day 5: Lake Geneva
   2.5 hours (222 km) from Aletsch Glacier

   Discover Switzerland's largest lake and enjoy excursions, water sports, and wine tasting in picturesque vineyards.

6. Day 6: Matterhorn
   2.5 hours (203 km) from Lake Geneva

   See Switzerland's most famous mountain and take a cable car ride to the top or go mountain climbing for an exciting adventure.

7. Day 7: Appenzell
   4 hours (287 km) from Matterhorn

   Visit a traditional Swiss village filled with natural beauty, culture, and delicious cheese.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Rhine Falls Boat Tour (1 hour, CHF 8)
• Lauterbrunnen Valley Hike (2 hours, free)
• Jungfraujoch Train Journey (3 hours, CHF 210)
• Aletsch Glacier Hike (4 hours, free)
• Lake Geneva Boat Tour (2 hours, CHF 27)
• Matterhorn Cable Car Ride (3 hours, CHF 150)
• Appenzell Village Visit (2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: CHF 395

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the picturesque village of Zermatt near Matterhorn or the Swiss National Park near Appenzell. If you have less time, skip Appenzell and head directly to Zurich from Lake Geneva.