Exploring Swiss Cities in 9 Days

  • Day 1: Zürich
    From Zürich Airport to City Center - 10 minutes (6 km)

    Visit the Grossmünster Church and its towers for panoramic views of the city. Explore Fraumünster Church that houses stunning stained glass windows created by Marc Chagall, enjoy a walk by the Limmat River or visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history and culture.

  • Day 2: Bern
    From Zürich to Bern - 1 hour 15 minutes by train (130 km)

    Discover the UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old City of Bern, and its well-preserved medieval architecture, fountains, and arcades. Visit the Bern Minster Cathedral, one of Switzerland's tallest cathedrals, and the Zentrum Paul Klee museum, showcasing the intriguing artwork and life of Swiss painter Paul Klee.

  • Day 3: Lucerne
    From Bern to Lucerne - 1 hour by train (100 km)

    Explore the beautiful Old Town of Lucerne and walk across the Chapel Bridge, a 14th-century wooden bridge decorated with paintings. Visit the Lion Monument, a sculpture dedicated to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Day 4: Basel
    From Lucerne to Basel - 1 hour by train (100 km)

    Admire the modern architecture of the Vitra Design Museum and its collection of furniture, lighting, and home accessories. Visit the Basel Minster, a beautiful red sandstone cathedral, and the Historical Museum Basel, showcasing the cultural history of the city and Switzerland.

  • Day 5: Geneva
    From Basel to Geneva - 2 hours by train (250 km)

    Visit the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe, and take a guided tour. Explore the Old Town of Geneva and see the stunning Jets d'Eau, the city's famous fountain. Visit the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and learn about the history and art of Geneva through its extensive collection.

  • Day 6: Lausanne
    From Geneva to Lausanne - 40 minutes by train (60 km)

    Discover the Lausanne Cathedral and its gothic architecture, and climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city and Lake Geneva. Visit the Olympic Museum and learn about the history of the Olympic Games through its interactive exhibits. Take a stroll through the Flon District, a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and shops.

  • Day 7: Interlaken
    From Lausanne to Interlaken - 2 hours 30 minutes by train (200 km)

    Discover the picturesque town of Interlaken, situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and surrounded by the stunning Swiss Alps. Walk around the town and take in the scenery, then explore further with a cable car ride to the top of the Harder Kulm peak for panoramic views. Alternatively, take a cogwheel train up to the Jungfrau mountain peak, the highest railway station in Europe.

  • Day 8: St. Gallen
    From Interlaken to St. Gallen - 2 hours 15 minutes by train (180 km)

    Visit the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the medieval architecture and library. Walk around the Old Town of St. Gallen, and see the baroque-style cathedral and the impressive frescoes on the houses surrounding the marketplace. Visit the Kunst Halle St. Gallen, an art museum showcasing contemporary art and design.

  • Day 9: Zurich
    From St. Gallen to Zurich - 1 hour by train (80 km)

    Visit the Bahnhofstrasse, a bustling street filled with luxury shops, hotels, and restaurants. Take a stroll in Lindenhof Park and enjoy the views of the city and the Limmat River. End the trip with a visit to the Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Switzerland's most prominent art museums, known for its modern and contemporary art collection.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Grossmünster Church (1 hour, free)
  • Fraumünster Church (1 hour, free)
  • Swiss National Museum (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Bern Minster Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Zentrum Paul Klee (2 hours, CHF 20)
  • Chapel Bridge (30 minutes, free)
  • Lion Monument (30 minutes, free)
  • Vitra Design Museum (2 hours, CHF 18)
  • Basel Minster (1 hour, free)
  • Historical Museum Basel (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Palais des Nations (1 hour, free)
  • Jets d'Eau (30 minutes, free)
  • Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Lausanne Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Olympic Museum (2 hours, CHF 18)
  • Harder Kulm (3 hours, CHF 60)
  • Jungfrau (5 hours, CHF 200)
  • Abbey of St. Gall (2 hours, CHF 12)
  • Kunst Halle St. Gallen (2 hours, CHF 10)
  • Bahnhofstrasse (2 hours, free)
  • Lindenhof Park (1 hour, free)
  • Kunsthaus Zürich (2 hours, CHF 26)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 314

Transportation

Most destinations can easily be reached by train, with excellent connections between cities. Check for multi-day passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card, to save costs on train travel. Consider using local public transport, bikes or e-scooters for city sightseeing.

Estimated Total Transport Costs: CHF 340

Estimated Total Travel Time: Approximately 12 hours

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider adding a day trip to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen or exploring smaller towns such as Thun, Murten or Gruyères. If you have less time, consider skipping St. Gallen or Lausanne to spend more time in the other cities.

Airports

Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the largest airport in Switzerland, located 13 km away from Zurich city center. It serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and offers connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. Geneva Airport (GVA) is the second-busiest airport, located 5 km away from Geneva city center, and provides connections to major European cities, North Africa and the Middle East.

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