9 Days Nature Itinerary in Switzerland

  • Day 1: Rhine Falls
    1 hr 20 mins (52.4 km) from Zurich

    Rhine Falls is the largest plain waterfall in Europe, with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters. You can take a boat ride to the middle of the falls or hike to the top for an unforgettable view.

  • Day 2: Aletsch Glacier
    3 hrs (137 km) from Rhine Falls

    Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a cable car to Eggishorn to get a panoramic view or hike the Glacier Gorge trail.

  • Day 3: Swiss National Park
    2 hrs 40 mins (160 km) from Aletsch Glacier

    Swiss National Park is home to over 5,000 species of animals and plants. You can hike the Val Trupchun trail to see chamois, ibex, and other wildlife or take a guided tour to learn more about the park.

  • Day 4: Grindelwald
    2 hrs (176 km) from Swiss National Park

    Grindelwald is a charming mountain village with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. You can take a cable car to First for a scenic view or hike the Eiger Trail to Kleine Scheidegg.

  • Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Valley
    30 mins (13.7 km) from Grindelwald

    Lauterbrunnen Valley is a picturesque region with 72 waterfalls, including the famous Trümmelbach Falls. You can hike the Männlichen Royal Walk or take a cable car to Schilthorn to see the panoramic view.

  • Day 6: Lake Geneva and Montreux
    2 hrs 25 mins (191 km) from Lauterbrunnen Valley

    Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland, and Montreux is known for its jazz festival and picturesque Chillon Castle. You can take a boat ride on Lake Geneva or explore the castle's medieval architecture.

  • Day 7: Matterhorn
    2 hrs 45 mins (180 km) from Montreux

    Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. You can take a cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to see the panoramic view or hike the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.

  • Day 8: Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
    2 hrs (138 km) from Matterhorn

    Lavaux Vineyard Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vineyards and cultural landscape. You can take a guided tour or hike the Lavaux Vineyard Trail to experience the stunning views.

  • Day 9: Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
    2 hrs 40 mins (183 km) from Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

    Lake Lucerne is a stunning lake surrounded by mountains, and Mount Pilatus is one of the most iconic peaks in Switzerland. You can take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne or ride the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Rhine Falls (1-2 hrs, 5-10 CHF)
  • Aletsch Glacier (4-5 hrs, 30-40 CHF)
  • Swiss National Park (3-4 hrs, 20-30 CHF)
  • Grindelwald (2-3 hrs, 20-30 CHF)
  • Lauterbrunnen Valley (2-3 hrs, 20-30 CHF)
  • Lake Geneva and Montreux (4-5 hrs, 30-40 CHF)
  • Matterhorn (3-4 hrs, 30-40 CHF)
  • Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (2-3 hrs, 10-20 CHF)
  • Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus (4-5 hrs, 40-50 CHF)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 210-280 CHF

Transportation

Switzerland has an excellent public transportation network that includes trains, buses, and cable cars. If you're planning to visit multiple destinations, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel on the entire network. The average cost for a one-way train ticket is around 20-30 CHF, and travel time between destinations ranges from 1-4 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Interlaken, Zermatt, or St. Moritz. If you have less time, you can skip Lake Geneva and Montreux or Lavaux Vineyard Terraces. Make sure to check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, and bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Airports

The main airports in Switzerland are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). Zurich Airport is located 13 km from Zurich city center, and Geneva Airport is located 4 km from Geneva city center.

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