How many days do you need in Switzerland?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Switzerland, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Switzerland?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Switzerland. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

A Week in Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Visit Old Town

Start your day with a stroll through Zurich's charming Old Town, filled with medieval alleyways, historic buildings, and cozy cafes.

Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Swiss National Museum

Immerse yourself in Swiss culture and history with a visit to the Swiss National Museum, located near the main train station.

CHF 10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zunfthaus zur Waag

Indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at Zunfthaus zur Waag, housed in a historic guild house with a lovely courtyard.

CHF 30-50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lake Zurich Cruise

Relax on a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich, taking in panoramic views of the city and the Swiss Alps in the distance.

CHF 15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Experience fine dining at Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant known for its art collection and delectable Swiss specialties.

CHF 50-100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 2: Day Trip to Rhine Falls

Zurich, Switzerland

9:00AM

Train to Schaffhausen

Take a scenic train ride to Schaffhausen, the gateway to the magnificent Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall.

CHF 30 (round trip), 1 hour

11:00AM

Rhine Falls

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Rhine Falls, where you can take a boat ride to get up close to the cascading waters and feel the mist on your face.

CHF 5 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall

Enjoy a delicious meal with a view at the restaurant overlooking the Rhine Falls, offering a perfect vantage point for photos.

CHF 20-40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Schaffhausen

Stroll through the charming town of Schaffhausen, known for its well-preserved medieval old town and the imposing Munot fortress.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Zurich

Take the train back to Zurich and relax in the evening at one of the city's vibrant bars or cafes.

CHF 30 (round trip), 1 hour

Find Hotels in Zurich

Day 3: Discovering Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Begin your day with a visit to Lucerne's iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, offering picturesque views of the Reuss River and the surrounding mountains.

Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Embark on an unforgettable excursion to Mount Pilatus, taking a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne followed by a cogwheel train ride to the summit for panoramic vistas.

CHF 72 (round trip), 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Old Swiss House

Savor a delightful lunch at the historic Old Swiss House, known for its exquisite Swiss cuisine and charming ambiance.

CHF 40-60, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Old Town

Wander through Lucerne's enchanting Old Town, filled with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops offering Swiss souvenirs.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Rathaus Brauerei, a traditional brewery and restaurant serving up hearty Swiss dishes and local beer.

CHF 30-50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 4: Lake Lucerne and Rigi

Lucerne, Switzerland

9:00AM

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, soaking in the stunning alpine scenery and passing by charming lakeside villages.

CHF 40 (round trip), 2 hours

11:00AM

Rigi Mountain Excursion

Take a cogwheel train up Rigi Mountain, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', and enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Plateau and the Alps.

CHF 70 (round trip), 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Rigi Kaltbad

Dine at one of the restaurants in Rigi Kaltbad, a charming mountain resort village offering stunning views and fresh alpine air.

CHF 25-40, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Hiking or Spa Time

Choose to either go for a scenic hike on one of the trails around Rigi or relax at the mineral baths and spa facilities in Rigi Kaltbad.

CHF 20-40, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Rigi Kaltbad

Indulge in a delicious dinner at the restaurant of Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, offering a cozy and elegant setting with stunning mountain views.

CHF 50-80, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Lucerne

Day 5: Enchanting Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Jungfraujoch Excursion

Embark on a memorable excursion to Jungfraujoch, also known as the 'Top of Europe', where you'll experience breathtaking views and unique alpine attractions.

CHF 160 (round trip), 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Savor a delightful lunch at Restaurant Taverne, located in the heart of Interlaken and offering a charming ambiance and Swiss specialties.

CHF 30-50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Boat Trip on Lake Thun

Relax with a leisurely boat trip on Lake Thun, surrounded by the stunning panorama of the Bernese Oberland and the picturesque lakeside towns.

CHF 20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hüsi Bierhaus

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Hüsi Bierhaus, a traditional Swiss restaurant offering a wide selection of beers and hearty Swiss dishes.

CHF 30-50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Interlaken

Day 6: Scenic Train to Geneva

Interlaken, Switzerland

9:00AM

GoldenPass Line to Montreux

Embark on an unforgettable train journey on the GoldenPass Line to Montreux, passing through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and scenic valleys.

CHF 60 (one way), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Montreux

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Montreux, known for its beautiful promenade along Lake Geneva and its vibrant music scene.

CHF 25-50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Old Town Geneva

Discover the historic charm of Geneva's Old Town, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and the iconic St. Pierre Cathedral.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Café du Soleil

Dine at Café du Soleil, the oldest restaurant in Geneva, offering a cozy atmosphere and traditional Swiss cuisine with a touch of French influence.

CHF 40-60, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Interlaken

Day 7: Departure from Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

9:00AM

Jet d'Eau

Start your day with a visit to Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest water fountains in the world, shooting water 140 meters into the air against the backdrop of Lake Geneva.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Lake Geneva

Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade of Lake Geneva, enjoying the scenic views of the lake, the city, and the distant Alps.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café des Bains

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Café des Bains, a charming bistro offering French and Swiss cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

CHF 35-60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping and Souvenirs

Browse the boutiques and shops in the city center of Geneva for Swiss chocolates, watches, and other unique souvenirs.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Les Armures

Conclude your Swiss adventure with a memorable farewell dinner at Les Armures, a historic restaurant serving gourmet Swiss and French cuisine in a medieval setting.

CHF 50-100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Geneva

Step 1 Outline Preview:

A Week in Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Zurich

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Day Trip to Rhine Falls

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Discovering Lucerne

8:00AM

10:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Lake Lucerne and Rigi

9:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Enchanting Interlaken

8:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Scenic Train to Geneva

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Departure from Geneva

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

More About Switzerland

Plan Your Switzerland Trip