A 6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary to Explore Switzerland

  • Day 1: Zurich
    1 hour (30 miles) from Zurich Airport

    Start your trip in the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich. Take a stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive shopping streets, and visit the Fraumünster Church to see the famous Chagall stained glass windows. Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich and enjoy the panoramic city views.

  • Day 2: Lucerne
    50 minutes (30 miles) from Zurich

    Explore the medieval town of Lucerne surrounded by mountains and water. Visit the famous Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Take a boat tour on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the scenic views. Don't miss the Museum of Transport, which is suitable for visitors of all ages.

  • Day 3: Interlaken
    2 hours (75 miles) from Lucerne

    Take a train ride to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps and try adventurous activities like paragliding and river rafting. Visit the famous Jungfrau region and ride the cogwheel train to the highest train station in Europe (Jungfraujoch).

  • Day 4: Zermatt
    2.5 hours (96 miles) from Interlaken

    Head to the car-free town of Zermatt, located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Swiss Alps and try skiing or snowboarding in the winter months. Take a train to Gornergrat and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.

  • Day 5: Geneva
    3.5 hours (137 miles) from Zermatt

    Take a train ride to Geneva, a city located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Visit the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and the Jet d'Eau, a famous landmark fountain. Explore the old town and try some Swiss chocolates.

  • Day 6: Lausanne
    40 minutes (38 miles) from Geneva

    End your trip in the beautiful city of Lausanne, located on Lake Geneva. Visit the Olympic Museum and learn about the history of the Olympics. Take a stroll down the Flon District, an up-and-coming area with trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Zurich Fraumünster Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Lake Zurich boat ride (1 hour, CHF 20)
  • Lucerne Chapel Bridge (1 hour, Free)
  • Lake Lucerne boat tour (1.5 hours, CHF 20)
  • Museum of Transport in Lucerne (2 hours, CHF 18)
  • Interlaken Paragliding (2 hours, CHF 170)
  • Jungfraujoch (5 hours, CHF 200)
  • Zermatt Gornergrat train ride (3 hours, CHF 100)
  • Palais des Nations in Geneva (1 hour, Free)
  • Lake Geneva Jet d'Eau (30 minutes, Free)
  • Olympic Museum in Lausanne (2 hours, CHF 18)

Total Estimated Costs: CHF 546 (excluding accommodation and transportation costs)

Transportation

You can travel between these locations primarily by train, as Switzerland has an excellent train network. Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, which can provide significant discounts. Some journeys require additional modes of travel, such as boats and cable cars, which are not included in these passes. Taxis and rental cars are available for shorter distances, but this can be expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider spending more time in the cities mentioned. Some suggested activities include visiting the Uetliberg mountain in Zurich or Mount Pilatus in Lucerne. Additionally, Switzerland has many outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing, depending on the season. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the cities or attractions mentioned. Additionally, you may want to consider keeping a packed lunch to save on food expenses.

Airports

Switzerland has several international airports, including Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). Zurich Airport is located about 8 miles north of Zurich city centre, and Geneva Airport is located about 3 miles north of Geneva city centre.

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