Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring Switzerland: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Tuesday, October 17: Zurich

Start your Swiss adventure in the charming city of Zurich. In the morning, visit the Zurich Zoo, where you and your family can admire a diverse range of animals. Afterward, take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Zurich, enjoying the picturesque scenery. In the evening, explore the historic Old Town, filled with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and local shops.

  • Zurich Zoo: Estimated cost CHF 30 per adult, CHF 15 per child | Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Lake Zurich boat ride: Estimated cost CHF 20 per adult, CHF 10 per child | Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Old Town exploration: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wednesday, October 18: Lucerne

Head to Lucerne, a picturesque city nestled among the Swiss Alps. Start your morning with a visit to the Lion Monument, a fascinating sculpture carved into a rock face. Then, take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. In the evening, wander through the charming streets of Lucerne's old town and indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine.

  • Lion Monument: Free | Time spent: 1 hour
  • Lake Lucerne boat ride: Estimated cost CHF 30 per adult, CHF 15 per child | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Lucerne's old town: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • For a delicious breakfast in Lucerne, head to Café de Ville. They serve a variety of freshly baked pastries and traditional Swiss breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
  • If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, try Rathaus Brauerei. This charming restaurant offers a menu of hearty Swiss dishes, including sausages and Swiss cheese specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
  • For a memorable dinner experience, visit Wirtshaus Taube. Located in a historic building, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of Swiss classics like fondue and rösti. The average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
Thursday, October 19: Interlaken

Travel to Interlaken, a gateway to the Swiss Alps. Begin your day with a thrilling adventure at Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," where you can enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Interlaken and go for a leisurely walk around Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

  • Jungfraujoch excursion: Estimated cost CHF 200 per adult, CHF 100 per child | Time spent: Full day
  • Interlaken town exploration: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Walk around Lake Thun or Lake Brienz: Free | Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • A cozy breakfast spot in Interlaken is Café de Paris, offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
  • For a tasty lunch option, visit Bella Napoli, a family-friendly Italian restaurant known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
  • In the evening, enjoy a fine dining experience at Restaurant Schloss Schadau, located on the shores of Lake Thun. Indulge in their gourmet Swiss cuisine while admiring the breathtaking lake views. Average cost for a meal is about 60 CHF per person.
Friday, October 20: Zermatt

Head to Zermatt, a car-free Alpine village renowned for its stunning views of the Matterhorn. Start your morning by taking a scenic train ride to Gornergrat, where you can witness breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, explore Zermatt's charming streets and indulge in some Swiss chocolate tasting.

  • Gornergrat train ride: Estimated cost CHF 100 per adult, CHF 50 per child | Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Exploring Zermatt: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Swiss chocolate tasting: Estimated cost CHF 10 per person | Time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, October 21: Bern

Visit the capital city of Switzerland, Bern, known for its well-preserved medieval old town. Begin your day with a visit to the Bear Park, home to the city's beloved bears. In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed old town, featuring impressive architecture, charming arcades, and local markets. For dinner, savor traditional Swiss fondue.

  • Bear Park: Free | Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Exploring Bern's old town: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Swiss fondue dinner: Estimated cost CHF 30 per person | Time spent: 2 hours
Sunday, October 22: Lausanne

Head to the vibrant city of Lausanne, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Start your day with a visit to the Olympic Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Olympic Games. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Ouchy Promenade and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. End your day with a visit to the Lausanne Cathedral.

  • Olympic Museum: Estimated cost CHF 18 per adult, CHF 10 per child | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Ouchy Promenade: Free | Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Lausanne Cathedral: Free | Time spent: 1 hour
Monday, October 23: Geneva

Conclude your Swiss adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Start your day by exploring the beautiful Jet d'Eau, a famous water fountain on Lake Geneva. In the afternoon, visit the United Nations Office and learn about international diplomacy. End your trip with a relaxing walk through the picturesque Old Town and indulge in some Swiss chocolate shopping.

  • Jet d'Eau: Free | Time spent: 1 hour
  • United Nations Office tour: Estimated cost CHF 12 per adult, CHF 8 per child | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Geneva's Old Town: Free | Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Swiss chocolate shopping: Estimated cost CHF 20 per person | Time spent: 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Switzerland, make sure to visit the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and enjoy a family-friendly hike. Another hidden gem is the Trummelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, where you can witness the power of nature as water cascades through a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain.

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, where you can learn about the history of transportation and explore interactive exhibits. Lastly, don't miss out on trying raclette, a traditional Swiss dish consisting of melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.

Check out the hotel and flight prices for your Switzerland trip here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version