Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 66 travelers

15-Day Nature Adventure in Switzerland and Austria

Wednesday, May 15: Arrival in Zurich, Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland! Begin your nature adventure in Zurich, a vibrant city nestled amidst stunning landscapes. In the morning, explore the picturesque Old Town with its charming cobblestone streets and historical buildings. Afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Zurich and admire the breathtaking views. In the evening, visit the trendy Zurich West district, known for its hip cafes and art galleries.

  • Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Lake Zurich Boat Ride: $20, 1-2 hours
  • Zurich West: Free, 2-3 hours
Thursday, May 16: Lucerne

Travel to Lucerne, a city known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful Lake Lucerne. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Chapel Bridge and explore the quaint streets of the Old Town. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lucerne and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Chapel Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Boat Tour on Lake Lucerne: $30, 2-3 hours
  • Traditional Swiss Dinner: $40, 1-2 hours
Friday, May 17: Interlaken

Head to Interlaken, a paradise for nature lovers nestled between two magnificent lakes and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Start your day with an exhilarating paragliding experience, enjoying panoramic views of the Jungfrau region. Afternoon, explore the charming town and visit the Harder Kulm viewpoint for breathtaking vistas. In the evening, savor Swiss chocolate at a local chocolatier.

  • Paragliding Experience: $200, 2-3 hours
  • Harder Kulm Viewpoint: $15, 1-2 hours
  • Swiss Chocolate Tasting: $20, 1 hour
Saturday, May 18: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen

Embark on a day trip to the captivating villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Start your day with a hike to the famous Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," and marvel at the majestic glaciers and mountain peaks. Afternoon, explore the idyllic village of Lauterbrunnen, known for its beautiful waterfalls. In the evening, return to Interlaken and relax by the lakeside.

  • Jungfraujoch Excursion: $150, 6-8 hours
  • Lauterbrunnen: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Lakeside Relaxation: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, May 19: Salzburg, Austria

Travel to Salzburg, Austria, a city renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and visit Mozart's birthplace. Afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the Salzach River and admire the city's picturesque views. In the evening, attend a classical music concert at one of Salzburg's historic venues.

  • Salzburg Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Boat Ride on Salzach River: $15, 1-2 hours
  • Classical Music Concert: $50, 2-3 hours
Monday, May 20: Hallstatt

Embark on a day trip to the fairy-tale village of Hallstatt, nestled on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. Morning, explore the charming streets, visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, and take a leisurely boat ride on the lake. Afternoon, hike up to the iconic Skywalk for mesmerizing panoramic views. In the evening, enjoy a lakeside dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Hallstatt Salt Mine: $30, 2-3 hours
  • Boat Ride on Lake Hallstatt: $20, 1-2 hours
  • Skywalk: $10, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, May 21: Innsbruck

Head to Innsbruck, a picturesque city nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps. In the morning, explore the historic Old Town and visit the famous Golden Roof. Afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Nordkette mountain range and enjoy breathtaking views. In the evening, visit a traditional Austrian beer garden for a refreshing beverage.

  • Innsbruck Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Nordkette Cable Car: $40, 2-3 hours
  • Austrian Beer Garden: $15, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, May 22: Salzkammergut Lakes

Explore the enchanting region of Salzkammergut, known for its picturesque lakes and charming villages. Morning, visit the stunning Lake Wolfgang and take a boat trip to the charming village of St. Wolfgang. Afternoon, explore the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, relax by the lakeside and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

  • Lake Wolfgang Boat Trip: $25, 2-3 hours
  • Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Lakeside Relaxation: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, May 23: Vienna

Travel to Vienna, the capital of Austria and a city renowned for its historical grandeur and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and its stunning gardens. Afternoon, visit the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral and take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Viennese dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Schönbrunn Palace: $25, 2-3 hours
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Ringstrasse Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Traditional Viennese Dinner: $50, 1-2 hours
Friday, May 24: Wachau Valley

Embark on a scenic drive through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vineyards and medieval castles. Morning, visit the stunning Melk Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery. Afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride along the Danube River and admire the picturesque landscapes. In the evening, savor a wine tasting experience in one of the local vineyards.

  • Melk Abbey: $15, 2-3 hours
  • Danube River Boat Ride: $30, 2-3 hours
  • Wine Tasting in Wachau Valley: $40, 1-2 hours
Saturday, May 25: Graz

Travel to Graz, the second-largest city in Austria and a hidden gem known for its Renaissance architecture and vibrant cultural scene. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit the iconic Clock Tower. Afternoon, explore the beautiful Schlossberg hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the evening, dine at a traditional Styrian restaurant and savor local delicacies.

  • Graz Old Town: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Schlossberg Hill: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Styrian Dinner: $40, 1-2 hours
Sunday, May 26: Salzburg

Return to Salzburg for a final day of exploration. In the morning, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, known for their beauty. In the evening, enjoy a Mozart-themed dinner with live music to celebrate your time in Salzburg.

  • Hohensalzburg Fortress: $20, 2-3 hours
  • Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Mozart-themed Dinner: $60, 2-3 hours
Monday, May 27: Departure from Zurich

End your unforgettable nature adventure in Switzerland and Austria. Depart from Zurich, taking with you cherished memories of the stunning landscapes, charming towns, and cultural delights you experienced during your 15-day trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

In Switzerland, explore the lesser-known gem of Arosa, a peaceful mountain village offering breathtaking hiking trails and stunning alpine scenery. In Austria, venture off the beaten path to the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the country, for a mesmerizing nature experience. Locals also love the Kahlenberg hill in Vienna, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and indulge in traditional Viennese cuisine at the hilltop restaurant.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, check 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