Explore the Best of Switzerland in 7 Days with Your Family
Tuesday, November 14: Arrival in Zurich
Welcome to Switzerland! Start your adventure in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along Lake Zurich and enjoy the stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Old Town and explore its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and historic buildings. As evening sets in, indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine at one of the local restaurants.
Lake Zurich: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Zurich Old Town: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Local Restaurants: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, November 15: Lucerne
Head to Lucerne, a picturesque city known for its stunning lakeside location and well-preserved medieval architecture. Start your day by visiting the iconic Chapel Bridge and the nearby Old Town. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the promenade and try some Swiss chocolate.
Chapel Bridge: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Lucerne Old Town: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Lake Lucerne Boat Ride: Cost - $30-$50 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Promenade and Swiss Chocolate: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mill'Feuille. This charming cafe offers a selection of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, try the authentic Swiss cuisine at Hirschenplatz. This restaurant offers hearty dishes like cheese fondue and rösti, made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 25 CHF per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Schiff Restaurant. Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, this restaurant offers stunning views and a menu featuring seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 50 CHF per person.
Thursday, November 16: Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
Head to Interlaken, a gateway to the stunning Bernese Oberland region. In the morning, visit Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Interlaken and the surrounding mountains. Afterward, take a scenic train ride to Lauterbrunnen, known for its famous waterfalls. Explore the picturesque village and enjoy a leisurely hike to Staubbach Falls. Return to Interlaken for dinner and relax at your hotel.
Harder Kulm: Cost - $20 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Lauterbrunnen Village and Waterfalls: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Hiking to Staubbach Falls: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, start your day at the charming Café de la Poste in Interlaken. Enjoy a delicious spread of freshly baked pastries and breads, along with a variety of hot drinks. The average cost for a breakfast here is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, try the Restaurant Eigernordwand in Lauterbrunnen. This cozy mountain restaurant offers hearty Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti. The average cost for a lunch here is about 25 CHF per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at the renowned Hiltl Restaurant in Interlaken. Known for its vegetarian and vegan options, the restaurant offers a diverse menu with international flavors. The average cost for a dinner here is about 50 CHF per person.
Friday, November 17: Zermatt
Travel to Zermatt, a car-free alpine resort famous for the Matterhorn mountain. Explore the charming town filled with traditional chalets and enjoy a relaxing stroll. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Gornergrat and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Return to Zermatt for a delightful fondue dinner, a must-try Swiss dish.
Zermatt Town: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Gornergrat Cable Car: Cost - $100 per person, Time Spent - 3 hours
Fondue Dinner: Cost - $20-$40 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the charming Café du Pont in Zermatt. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious hot drinks. Average cost for a meal is about 15 CHF per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Sonnmatten located near Gornergrat. They serve hearty Swiss dishes with a stunning view of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 30 CHF per person.
For dinner, indulge in a mouthwatering meal at Restaurant Whymper-Stube. They specialize in traditional Swiss cuisine, including the famous cheese fondue. Average cost for a meal is about 40 CHF per person.
Saturday, November 18: Lake Thun and Bern
Enjoy a day trip to Lake Thun, a beautiful lake nestled between the Bernese Alps. Take a leisurely cruise on the lake and admire the stunning landscapes. Visit the castle in Thun and explore the charming old town. In the afternoon, continue to the capital city of Bern. Discover the UNESCO-listed Old Town, marvel at the Bear Park and enjoy shopping at local markets. Return to Zurich for the night.
Lake Thun Cruise: Cost - $30 per person, Time Spent - 4 hours
Thun Castle and Old Town: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Bern Old Town and Bear Park: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Shopping at Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1 hour
Sunday, November 19: Chur and Arosa
Head to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, also known as the gateway to Graubünden. Explore the charming old town, visit the impressive Chur Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, take a scenic train ride to Arosa, a picturesque mountain village known for its ski resorts. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, go for a hike, or relax at a spa. Return to Chur for the night.
Chur Old Town: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Chur Cathedral: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Arosa Scenic Train Ride: Cost - $20 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Hiking or Spa in Arosa: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 3 hours
Monday, November 20: Lake Brienz and Blausee
Take a stunning drive to Lake Brienz and enjoy the breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and surrounding mountains. Take a boat ride on the lake and visit the charming village of Brienz. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Blausee, a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by a nature park. Explore the hiking trails and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Return to Zurich for your departure the next day.
Lake Brienz Drive: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Lake Brienz Boat Ride: Cost - $30 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Brienz Village: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Blausee Nature Park: Cost - $10 per person, Time Spent - 3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One hidden gem in Switzerland is the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. Take a day trip from Zermatt to explore this natural wonder and marvel at its beauty. Another local favorite is the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne, offering an interactive experience exploring Switzerland's transportation history. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the engaging exhibits. Don't miss out on these family-friendly attractions!