Swiss Winter Wonderland: A 5-Day Itinerary in Switzerland 2024

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your day with their famous Luxemburgerli macarons and a rich hot chocolate at this iconic café.
Located in the city center, it can be reached by a short walk from most hotels.
CHF 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Old Town (Altstadt)

Stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Zurich's historic district filled with medieval buildings and boutique shops.
Walking tour through the streets, with a visit to the Fraumünster Church.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss fare like rösti and sausage in this atmospheric restaurant housed in a former armory.
A short walk from the Old Town.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Swiss National Museum

Discover the history and culture of Switzerland through engaging exhibitions and artifacts.
Take tram line 4 from the city center, a 10-minute ride.
CHF 15, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Christmas Market at Zürich Hauptbahnhof

Wander through this charming market featuring handcrafted gifts, delicious foods, and warm glühwein.
Located within the main train station, easy access.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Indulge in a classic Swiss raclette experience while enjoying the cozy alpine atmosphere.
A 15-minute walk from the Christmas Market.
CHF 40, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Stroll by Lake Zurich

Cap off your day with a peaceful evening walk along the shore of Lake Zurich, enjoying the city lights reflecting on the water.
Walk to the lakeside area; it's nearby.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Lake Lucerne and Surroundings

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Heini Bakery

Grab a delicious pastry and fresh coffee to fuel your day while enjoying the views of Mt. Pilatus.
It's a popular local bakery located in the heart of the city.
CHF 15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Explore these iconic structures of Lucerne and learn about their rich history.
A short walk along the lake from the bakery.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a scenic boat ride around Lake Lucerne, taking in charming villages and snow-capped mountains.
Board the boat from the pier near Chapel Bridge.
CHF 30, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Old Swiss House

Savor their renowned schnitzel in a rustic yet classy setting overlooking the lake.
Located within walking distance from the boat's disembarkation point.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Day Trip to Mt. Pilatus

Take the cogwheel train up to Mt. Pilatus for stunning views and winter activities like snowshoeing.
Catch the cogwheel train from the station in Lucerne.
CHF 70, 3 hours round trip

7:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with a famous cheese fondue.
Return to Lucerne and walk to the restaurant.
CHF 45, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, energizing you for a day of adventure.
On-site at your accommodation in Lucerne.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train to Interlaken

Board an early train for a scenic ride from Lucerne to Interlaken, enjoying stunning views of the Alps.
Head to Lucerne station for a direct train to Interlaken East.
CHF 20, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Hiking Around Lauterbrunnen

Take a bus to Lauterbrunnen and enjoy a picturesque hike to see the stunning waterfalls and natural beauty.
Board the bus at the Interlaken East station.
CHF 10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Weidstuebli

Enjoy a peaceful meal that features local dishes while admiring the alpine scenery.
Located in the Lauterbrunnen area.
CHF 30, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Jungfraujoch Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable train journey to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', for breathtaking views.
Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch.
CHF 100, 5 hours round trip

8:00 PM

Dinner at The 3 Telles

Dine at this cozy restaurant in Interlaken serving hearty Swiss cuisine with a warm ambiance.
After returning from Jungfraujoch, it’s a short walk from the train station.
CHF 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Glorious Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a revitalizing breakfast at your hotel in Interlaken to get ready for a day in Grindelwald.
On-site at your accommodation in Interlaken.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Grindelwald

Take the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald, a short and scenic journey.
Board the train at Interlaken Ost station.
CHF 10, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore First Cliff Walk

Walk the unique First Cliff Walk, an exhilarating suspension bridge offering stunning mountain views.
Take a gondola lift from Grindelwald to First.
CHF 20, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurant First

Refuel with a light lunch while enjoying panoramic views from the mountaintop restaurant.
Just a short walk from the Cliff Walk.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Hit the slopes at one of Grindelwald's amazing ski resorts and experience the thrill of skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Rental shops are available in Grindelwald; get ski passes on-site.
CHF 80, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Grindelwald Village

Catch the gondola back to the village and take some time to explore the charming local shops.
Same gondola back down.
CHF 10, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Conclude your adventure with a delightful dinner featuring regional specialties.
At your accommodation in Grindelwald.
CHF 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Charming Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your staying hotel in Grindelwald to dive into the last day of your itinerary.
On-site at your accommodation in Grindelwald.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Train to Geneva

Take a train from Grindelwald to Geneva and enjoy the picturesque journey through the Swiss countryside.
Board the train at Grindelwald station.
CHF 60, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Les Frangins

Savor a delectable variety of dishes in a chic bistro with a cozy atmosphere.
Walk from the train station to the restaurant.
CHF 40, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Jet d'Eau and Flower Clock

Explore Geneva's iconic landmarks, including the famous water fountain and the beautiful Flower Clock.
A pleasant 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Tour of the United Nations

Take a guided tour of the Palais des Nations and learn about its vital role in global diplomacy.
A short taxi ride from the Flower Clock.
CHF 15, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Parc des Bastions

Wind down in this beautiful park, perfect for a leisurely stroll and reflecting on your journey.
A quick 10-minute walk from the UN.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Café de Paris

Indulge in classic French cuisine in this renowned restaurant, perfect for concluding your Swiss adventure.
Located near the lakefront, it’s easy to locate.
CHF 70, 2 hours
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