Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Switzerland in July 2024

  1. Day 1: Zurich
    20 minutes (10.5 miles) from Zurich Airport

    Begin your family trip in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city. Visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history and culture, or take a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden. Enjoy Zurich's waterfront by taking a boat tour on Lake Zurich and visit the famous Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.

  2. Day 2: Lucerne
    1 hour and 15 minutes (30 miles) from Zurich

    Travel to Lucerne, a charming medieval city. Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, or take a cable car to the top of nearby Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Relax by the tranquil Lake Lucerne and take a stroll through the old town, featuring colorful buildings and narrow cobblestone streets.

  3. Day 3: Interlaken
    2 hours and 10 minutes (85 miles) from Lucerne

    Head to Interlaken, a picturesque resort town nestled between two stunning lakes with the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps as a backdrop. Take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or ride a cogwheel train up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. You can also explore the fascinating St. Beatus Caves or visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum to experience traditional Swiss life.

  4. Day 4: Zermatt
    2 hours and 30 minutes (91 miles) from Interlaken

    Travel to Zermatt, a car-free mountain resort town at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the world's most iconic peaks. Take a ride on the famous Gornergrat Railway for exceptional views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Alps, or hike the scenic trails around the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Explore Zermatt's charming village center, lined with cafes and shops, and visit the Matterhorn Museum for a glimpse into the town's history and culture.

  5. Day 5: Geneva
    3 hours (135 miles) from Zermatt

    Finish your trip in Geneva, a cosmopolitan city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll through the picturesque Old Town, featuring medieval buildings, narrow streets, and the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain. Visit the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, or explore the Natural History Museum of Geneva. End your trip with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva, taking in the stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Swiss National Museum (2 hours, $10)
  • Boat Tour on Lake Zurich (1 hour, $25)
  • Mount Pilatus Cable Car (3 hours, $60)
  • St. Beatus Caves (2 hours, $15)
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (4 hours, $80)
  • Palace of Nations (2 hours, $15)
  • Boat Ride on Lake Geneva (1 hour, $20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $225
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