10-Day Shoestring Rail Adventure in Switzerland

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Schober

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the charming Café Schober, known for its delectable pastries and local coffee.
Walk to the café from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (10 min walk).
CHF15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Zurich Old Town

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Zurich's Old Town, discovering historic architecture and quaint shops.
Walk through the Old Town area (15 min walk).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Indulge in Swiss comfort food at Zeughauskeller, famous for its sausages and hearty portions.
Walk to Zeughauskeller (10 min walk).
CHF25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Explore the rich history of Switzerland through fascinating exhibits at this impressive museum.
Walk to the museum (20 min walk).
CHF10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Lake Zurich Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the pristine shores of Lake Zurich, soaking in the serene views.
Walk to Lake Zurich (15 min walk).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi

Savour a traditional cheese fondue experience at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, a quintessential Swiss dish.
Take tram line 4 to the restaurant (20 min ride).
CHF35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your accommodation to rest and prepare for the next day's adventure.
Tram back to the hotel (20 min ride).
CHF3, 40 min
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Day 2: Enchanting Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Buri

Start your day with fresh bread and coffee from Bäckerei Buri, a local bakery popular for its pastries.
Travel by train from Zurich to Lucerne (1 hour ride).
CHF10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Chapel Bridge

Marvel at the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne's most famous landmarks adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Walk to Chapel Bridge (10 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Lion Monument

Witness the poignant Lion Monument, a tribute to Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
Short stroll to the monument (5 min walk).
Free, 30 min

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Rasthof

Enjoy light, local dishes including rösti at this charming eatery near the lake.
Walk to restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Boat Trip on Lake Lucerne

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Walk to boat dock (10 min walk).
CHF20, 2 hours

3:30PM

Hiking Trail at Pilatus

Embark on a short hike with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as you traverse the trail.
Take the cogwheel train to Pilatus (1 hour ride).
CHF30, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Delight in homemade Swiss dishes at this popular local spot, known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Return train to Lucerne (1 hour ride), then walk to restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF30, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel in Lucerne and get a good night's rest for the next day.
Walk back to hotel (15 min walk).
Free, 15 min
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Day 3: Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast including traditional Swiss pastries at Café de Paris.
Train from Lucerne to Interlaken (2 hours ride).
CHF15, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Harder Kulm

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for panoramic views over Interlaken and the surrounding Alps.
Board the funicular from Interlaken (10 min walk).
CHF38, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Grab lunch at Restaurant Taverne, enjoy a local Swiss salad with fresh ingredients.
Return to Interlaken (10 min walk).
CHF20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through Interlaken West Station

Take in the beauty of Interlaken West and shop for local souvenirs.
Short walk around the station area (15 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Lake Brienz Visit

Head to Lake Brienz for stunning waterside views and photo opportunities.
Short train ride to Brienz (30 min ride).
CHF10, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Rüti

Enjoy a local favourite, the fresh fish caught from Lake Brienz at Restaurant Rüti.
Return to Interlaken (30 min ride).
CHF35, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Return to your hotel in Interlaken and unwind after an adventurous day.
Walk back to hotel (15 min walk).
Free, 15 min
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Day 4: Nature in Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of breathtaking views and natural wonders.
Travel via train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen (20 min ride).
CHF8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Trümmelbach Falls

Discover the stunning Trümmelbach Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls inside the mountain.
Bus or walk to the falls (30 min journey).
CHF12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Oberland

Savour fresh local dishes at Hotel Oberland, right in Lauterbrunnen.
Short walk to the restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley

Hike through Lauterbrunnen Valley, which features 72 waterfalls and stunning landscapes.
Start hiking from the village center (10 min walk).
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Horner

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Restaurant Horner, known for its Swiss specialties and warm service.
Walk back to Lauterbrunnen (30 min hike).
CHF30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Relax at your accommodation after a day filled with stunning natural sights.
Walk back to hotel (15 min walk).
Free, 15 min
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Picturesque Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast at your hotel, gearing up for an exciting exploration.
Travel via train from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald (30 min ride).
CHF10, 1 hour

9:30AM

First Cliff Walk

Take in the breathtaking First Cliff Walk, a spectacular suspended walkway with amazing views.
Take gondola to First (20 min ride).
CHF30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hiking from First to Bachalpsee

Embark on a stunning hike from First to Bachalpsee, absorbing the alpine scenery.
Hike along the marked trails (1 hour hike).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Berggasthaus Panorama

Refuel at this mountain restaurant with panoramic views of the Alps, offering local dishes.
Continue hike to the restaurant (30 min hike).
CHF25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return Hike to First

Head back down, soaking in the landscape one last time as you return to the gondola.
Return along the same trail (1 hour hike).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Slopes of Grindelwald

Time to relax and unwind on the slopes of Grindelwald, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Walk to local slopes (10 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pizzeria da Salvi

Indulge in delicious pizza and Italian cuisine at Pizzeria da Salvi, a local favourite.
Walk to restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Relax in your hotel after a day of adventures in the pristine nature of Grindelwald.
Walk back to hotel (10 min walk).
Free, 10 min
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Iconic Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at breakfast before heading to Zermatt, famous for its stunning peaks.
Train from Grindelwald to Zermatt (2.5 hours ride).
CHF35, 3 hours

11:30AM

Gornergrat Railway

Take the Gornergrat Railway for incredible views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Walk to the railway station (10 min walk).
CHF75, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Gornergrat Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Gornergrat Restaurant with breathtaking views while dining.
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the summit.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll Through Zermatt

Wander around the charming streets of Zermatt, featuring delightful shops and local culture.
Walk around the village center (10 min walk).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Walliserstube

Try hearty mountain dishes and local wines at Restaurant Walliserstube, popular among travelers.
Walk to the restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF45, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to Hotel

Rest at your accommodation after a day of awe-inspiring views.
Walk back to hotel (10 min walk).
Free, 10 min
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Bern

Bern, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Bern, the capital city.
Travel by train to Bern (2 hours ride).
CHF30, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore the Zytglogge

Visit the Zytglogge clock tower, an iconic symbol of Bern with impressive astronomical features.
Walk to Zytglogge (10 min walk).
CHF8, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Rosengarten

Enjoy lunch with a view at Restaurant Rosengarten, overlooking the city.
Short walk to the restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Bear Park

Discover the Bear Park, home to Bern's symbol, the bears, amid a lovely park setting.
Walk to the Bear Park (20 min walk).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through the Old Town

Wander through Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town, admiring the beautiful medieval architecture.
Walk through the Old Town (15 min walk).
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Dampfzentrale

Dine at Restaurant Dampfzentrale for a unique Swiss culinary experience with innovative dishes.
Walk to restaurant (15 min walk).
CHF40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your accommodation, reflecting on the rich history of Bern.
Train back to hotel (2 hours ride).
CHF30, 2.5 hours
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Day 8: Charming Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before exploring the iconic city of Geneva.
Travel by train to Geneva (2 hours ride).
CHF30, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Jet d'Eau

Take photos of the magnificent Jet d'Eau, one of Geneva's most iconic landmarks located on Lake Geneva.
Walk to the Jet d'Eau (15 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Parc des Bastions

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parc des Bastions, home to a giant chessboard and botanical gardens.
Walk to Parc des Bastions (10 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Café du Soleil

Savour a traditional Swiss raclette at Café du Soleil, a nostalgic and warm atmosphere.
Walk to café (15 min walk).
CHF35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the United Nations Office

Take a guided tour of the United Nations Office, learning about its significant role in world affairs.
Ride tram to the UN building (20 min ride).
CHF10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Les Armures

Indulge in dinner at Les Armures, a restaurant known for its traditional Swiss cuisine.
Walk to the restaurant from the UN building (30 min walk).
CHF40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hotel

Retreat to your accommodation after a fulfilling day of exploring Geneva.
Train back to hotel (2 hours ride).
CHF30, 2.5 hours
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Day 9: Serenity in Montreux

Montreux, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to scenic Montreux on Lake Geneva.
Travel by train to Montreux (1 hour ride).
CHF15, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Chillon Castle

Explore Chillon Castle, a historic island castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Walk to Chillon Castle (30 min walk).
CHF12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll along the Lakeside Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along Montreux's beautiful lakeside promenade dotted with flowers.
Walk along the promenade (10 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant La Rouvenaz

Have lunch by the lake at Restaurant La Rouvenaz with fresh local fish specialties.
Continue walking along the promenade (10 min walk).
CHF35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Freddie Mercury Statue

Visit the statue dedicated to Freddie Mercury, a vibrant tribute to the famous musician.
Walk along the lakeside to the statue (10 min walk).
Free, 30 min

3:00PM

Wine Tasting at Lavaux Vineyards

Venture to Lavaux Vineyards for a wine tasting experience among picturesque grape fields.
Take train to Lavaux (30 min ride).
CHF25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Montreux Palace

Enjoy dinner at Hotel Montreux Palace, sampling exquisite dishes featuring local ingredients.
Return to Montreux (30 min ride).
CHF50, 2 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hotel

Unwind at your accommodation after a beautiful day spent in Montreux.
Walk back to hotel (10 min walk).
Free, 10 min
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Day 10: Charming Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel before exploring the vibrant city of Lausanne.
Train from Montreux to Lausanne (30 min ride).
CHF10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Olympic Museum

Discover the Olympic Museum, celebrating the spirit of Olympic sports in an interactive setting.
Walk to the museum (15 min walk).
CHF18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Romand

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Café Romand, famous for its local dishes and friendly service.
Walk to café (10 min walk).
CHF25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ouchy Promenade

Stroll along Ouchy Promenade, taking in stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Take a short walk to the promenade (10 min walk).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Cathedral of Notre-Dame

Marvel at the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Lausanne.
Walk to the cathedral (15 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Le Vaudree

Wrap up your Swiss adventure with dinner at Restaurant Le Vaudree, treating yourself to gourmet Swiss cuisine.
Travel back to the city center (15 min walk).
CHF50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Return Home

Reflect on the adventure-filled trip while making your way to the train station for departure.
Walk to train station (10 min walk).
Free, 10 min
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