14-Day Family-Friendly Switzerland Itinerary

  • Day 1: Zurich
    0 minutes (0 miles) from Zurich Airport

    Arrive at Zurich airport and explore the city's landmarks such as the Grossmünster Church, Fraumünster Church, Bahnhofstrasse, and Kunsthaus Zurich. Take a stroll in the Old Town and enjoy the unique architecture of the city.

  • Day 2: Lucerne
    1 hour (30 miles) from Zurich

    Lucerne is a charming town surrounded by mountains and Lake Lucerne. Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Swiss Museum of transport. Take a ferry tour around the lake for an unforgettable experience.

  • Day 3: Mount Titlis
    2 hours (43 miles) from Lucerne

    Mount Titlis is a mountain in the Urner Alps and is famous for its stunning views, glacier cave, and suspension bridge. Take a cable car ride to the top and indulge in the activities including skiing, hiking, and sightseeing.

  • Day 4: Grindelwald
    2.5 hours (80 miles) from Mount Titlis

    Grindelwald is a ski resort town located near the famous Jungfrau mountain. Enjoy skiing in Wengen, take a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, and visit the Ice Palace.

  • Day 5: Interlaken
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Grindelwald

    Interlaken is a popular resort town located between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Visit the Harder Kulm viewpoint, take a boat ride on Lake Brienz, and enjoy shopping in the town's many shops.

  • Day 6: Montreux
    2 hours (76 miles) from Interlaken

    Montreux is located on the shore of Lake Geneva and is known for its scenic beauty, vineyards, and Chillon Castle. Visit the Freddie Mercury statue, take a walk on the flower promenade, and enjoy the views of the lake from the Castle.

  • Day 7: Lake Geneva
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Montreux

    Explore the cities surrounding Lake Geneva: Geneva, Nyon, Lausanne or Yverdon-les-Bains. Admire the Jet d'eau, visit the Palace of Nations, and take a tour of the famous CERN laboratory.

  • Day 8: Gruyeres
    1 hour (29 miles) from Lausanne

    Gruyeres is a charming medieval town known for its cheese production and the Gruyeres Castle. Visit the HR Giger Museum, taste the famous fondue, and enjoy hiking trails in the scenic Gruyeres countryside.

  • Day 9: Zermatt
    2.5 hours (118 miles) from Gruyeres

    Zermatt is a car-free town located at the foot of the Matterhorn mountain. Take a cable car ride to get a panoramic view of the mountains and glaciers, hike the Gornergrat trail, and enjoy skiing in the winter.

  • Day 10: St. Moritz
    3.5 hours (161 miles) from Zermatt

    St. Moritz is a luxurious resort town located in the Swiss Alps. Visit the Engadin Museum, ride the Bernina Express train, and indulge in the town's high-end shopping and dining.

  • Day 11: Appenzell
    2 hours (105 miles) from St. Moritz

    Appenzell is a picturesque Swiss town known for its colorful facades, traditional costumes, and folk music. Visit the historic Landsgemeindeplatz, buy handmade crafts and souvenirs, and hike the Alpstein Massif mountains.

  • Day 12: Rhine Falls
    2 hours (83 miles) from Appenzell

    Rhine Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall located on the Rhine River. Take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls, enjoy the panoramic view from the Belvedere panoramic platform or take a short hike to Laufen Castle.

  • Day 13: Zurich
    1 hour (47 miles) from Rhine Falls

    Return to Zurich to see anything missed previously or spend time shopping in Bahnhofstrasse or having a picnic near the lake or visit Zurich zoo.

  • Day 14: Departure
    30 minutes (0 miles) from Zurich

    Check-out from the hotel and return to the Zurich airport for your departure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zurich landmarks (3-4 hours, Free)
  • Lucerne (6-8 hours, $20-30/person)
  • Mount Titlis (8-10 hours, $70/person)
  • Grindelwald (6-8 hours, $40-50/person)
  • Interlaken (4-6 hours, $10-15/person)
  • Montreux (6-8 hours, $20-30/person)
  • Lake Geneva Cities (full day, Free-$20)
  • Gruyeres (6-8 hours, $10-20/person)
  • Zermatt (8-10 hours, $50-60/person)
  • St Moritz (8-10 hours, $30-50/person)
  • Appenzell (6-8 hours, Free-$10/person)
  • Rhine Falls (4-6 hours, $10/person)
  • Zurich (4-6 hours, Varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $350-500 per person

Transportation

Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and cable cars. To save money and time, consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on public transport, discounts on attractions, and free admission to over 500 museums. The pass costs $240-640 per person depending on the duration and class chosen.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the cities of Bern, Basel, or Lugano. If you have less time, shorten the duration of some stops or skip smaller towns. To save money on food, buy groceries from supermarkets and have a picnic. To avoid crowds, travel during mid-week and offseason.

Airports

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest international airport in Switzerland, located 10km north of Zurich city center. It offers many transportations from buses, trains and also taxis, making it easy to reach your final destinations.

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