12-Day Scenic Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne & Brienz Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Zurich City

Zurich, Switzerland on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your day with Swiss pastries and coffee at this iconic Zurich institution, open from 7am to ensure a fresh start.
CHF20, 1h0m

9:30am

Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich’s historic Altstadt with its winding cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and landmarks like Grossmünster Church. Guided tours usually last 2 hours.
CHF25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy hearty Swiss fare in a traditional armory-turned-restaurant open for lunch from 11:30am with authentic Zurich specialties.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Leisurely walk along the scenic shores of Lake Zurich to enjoy views and relax before the afternoon museum visit.
Free, 1h0m

2:45pm

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit Zurich’s premier art museum showcasing Swiss and international art collections. Open from 10am to 6pm.
CHF23, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine in a classic Zurich setting known for its exquisite Swiss cuisine and art-filled interiors, open until 11pm.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Zurich Museums & Shopping

Zurich, Switzerland on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy artisanal coffee and fresh bakery goods; open from 8am, perfect to fuel your museum day.
CHF18, 1h0m

9:45am

Swiss National Museum

Discover Swiss cultural history in this castle-like museum with engaging exhibits, open 10am to 5pm.
CHF15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Taste the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant’s diverse menu; open continuously from 11:30am.
CHF28, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping

Stroll and shop along Zurich’s famous luxury shopping street with boutiques and Swiss watch stores.
Free to browse, 2h0m

4:00pm

Lindenhof Hill

Visit Lindenhof to enjoy quiet ambiance and panoramic views over Zurich’s old town.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Maison Manesse

Experience modern Swiss cuisine with an innovative tasting menu. Reservations recommended; open until 11pm.
CHF80, 2h0m
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Day 3: Zurich to Lucerne

Zurich to Lucerne, Switzerland on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:15am

Train from Zurich to Lucerne

Take the direct train (approx 1 hour) through scenic Swiss countryside to Lucerne.
CHF25, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-in and settle in Lucerne

Get settled at your hotel and prepare for exploration.
N/A, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Rathaus Brauerei

Sample local brews and Swiss dishes in a charming brewery located in the Old Town; open noon to 10pm.
CHF35, 1h0m

1:00pm

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Explore Lucerne’s iconic wooden bridge and water tower, symbols of the city and perfect for photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Lion Monument

Visit the poignant Lion Monument carved into rock commemorating the Swiss Guards fallen in 1792.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

Immerse yourself in Switzerland’s transport history with interactive exhibits. Open 10am to 5pm.
CHF32, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy traditional Swiss comfort food in a cozy setting in Lucerne’s Old Town; open till 10pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Mount Pilatus Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for a mountain adventure.
Included, 0h30m

7:45am

Travel to Pilatus

Take boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the world's steepest cogwheel railway (opens 8am) to Pilatus summit.
CHF72 (round trip), 3h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Enjoy lunch with panoramic mountain views, open 11am–3pm.
CHF40, 1h0m

12:45pm

Explore Pilatus Trails

Walk scenic trails and take in vistas before taking cable car down to Kriens; cable cars operate until 5pm.
Included in ticket, 2h0m

3:00pm

Return to Lucerne

Cable car to Kriens, then bus to Lucerne city center.
Included, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balance

Modern Swiss cuisine focused on seasonal ingredients, open till 10pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Explore Lucerne & Surroundings

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Heini

Start with fresh baked goods and coffee in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town.
CHF18, 1h0m

9:30am

Glacier Garden Lucerne

Visit this fascinating natural monument with glacial potholes and a mirror maze; open 9am to 5pm.
CHF15, 1h30m

11:15am

Lakeside Walk and Boat Tour

Relax with a lakeside stroll and take a 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, departing multiple times midday.
CHF28, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Opus

Dine on refined Swiss-European fare with lake views, open from noon to 10pm.
CHF45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Richard Wagner Museum

Visit the composer’s lakeside villa to explore his life and works; open 10am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays.
CHF12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Free time for shopping or rest

Evening leisure in Lucerne before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Old Swiss House

Experience traditional Swiss dishes in a historic setting, serving until 11pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucerne to Brienz Transfer

Lucerne to Brienz, Switzerland on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Brienz

Take a scenic 2-hour train journey east through the Bernese Oberland region to Brienz.
CHF40, 2h0m

11:15am

Check-in and settle in Brienz

Prepare for mountain and lakeside activities over the coming days.
N/A, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Brienzerburli

Enjoy traditional Bernese Oberland specialties in a cozy alpine setting; open noon to 9pm.
CHF35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Brienz Lakeside Promenade

Take a relaxing walk along the turquoise shores of Lake Brienz, ideal for photos and peaceful views.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Wood Carving Museum

Explore installations celebrating Brienz’s woodcarving tradition, open 10am to 5pm.
CHF10, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant Brienz

Sample local cuisine featuring fresh lake fish and mountain herbs, with stunning views.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Brienz & Giessbach Falls

Brienz, Switzerland on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Prepare for an active day with a solid breakfast.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Boat to Giessbach Falls

Take a 20-minute boat trip on Lake Brienz to the Giessbach funicular; enjoy the spectacular cascades and historic Grandhotel Giessbach, open 10am to 6pm.
CHF30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Giessbach Grandhotel

Dine overlooking the falls and lake in this historic venue, serving lunch until 2pm.
CHF50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Brienz by boat

Leisurely scenic ride back to Brienz after your nature exploration.
Included, 0h30m

3:00pm

Hiking or Relaxation

Choose from gentle forest trails around Brienz or relax lakeside.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gasthof Bären

Traditional Swiss inn serving rosti and regional specialities, open until 9pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Brienz to Interlaken Day Trip

Brienz & Interlaken, Switzerland on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Prepare early for day trip to nearby Interlaken.
Included, 0h30m

8:15am

Train to Interlaken Ost

Short 20-minute train journey connecting two iconic Bernese Oberland towns.
CHF10, 0h20m

9:00am

Höhematte Park & Shopping

Explore the scenic central park with mountain views and browse Interlaken's shops and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Harder Kulm Summit

Take the funicular (opens 9am) to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the Jungfrau region.
CHF38, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant Harder Kulm

Lunch with stunning alpine vistas near the summit restaurant.
CHF45, 1h0m

2:45pm

Return to Interlaken & visit Höhematte Adventure Park

Experience paragliding viewing spot or stroll through this family-friendly park.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Train back to Brienz

Return to your base town to relax.
CHF10, 0h20m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Brienzersee Restaurant

Savor lakeside dining with fresh fish and Swiss specialties.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Brienz Nature & Leisure

Brienz, Switzerland on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in town

Enjoy a casual breakfast at a local café such as Bäckerei-Konditorei Tulipan.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Brienz Rothorn Railway

Ride the historic steam train to Brienzer Rothorn summit for breathtaking views; operating from late May typically (double check seasonal schedule).
CHF70, 5h0m including summit time

3:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax in Brienz village after a scenic mountain experience.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Giessbach

Enjoy refined dining at this lakeside hotel with spectacular views, open till 9pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 10: Brienz Relaxation & Culture

Brienz, Switzerland on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start leisurely and enjoy your hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Explore traditional Swiss buildings and crafts in a vast open-air museum near Brienz, open 9am to 5pm.
CHF32, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ballenberg Restaurant

Enjoy Swiss farm-style food amidst the museum grounds; open to visitors during museum hours.
CHF28, 1h0m

3:15pm

Return to Brienz

Relaxation or walk by the lakeside after an enriching cultural visit.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Löwen

Traditional Swiss cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, open evening hours.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Brienz & Surrounding Hikes

Brienz, Switzerland on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei-Konditorei Tulipan

Grab fresh pastries and coffee to prepare for a hiking day.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking the Aare Gorge Trail

Take a day trip to the nearby Aare Gorge for an easy to moderate hike through the stunning narrow gorge, open 9am to 6pm.
CHF10, 3h30m including transit

1:30pm

Lunch at Handeck Restaurant

Dine near the gorge entrance with typical Swiss food, open until 4pm.
CHF40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Brienz

Afternoon free to relax or explore Brienz village shops.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Laterne

Eat at this well-loved local spot known for Swiss classic dishes, open nightly.
CHF45, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure

Brienz, Switzerland on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in beautiful Brienz.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Pack and checkout

Prepare for your departure journey.
N/A, 1h0m

9:30am

Train from Brienz

Begin onward travel to your next destination or airport.
Variable, N/A
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