Family-Friendly 13-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Intro

Zurich, Switzerland on June 30, 2025

12:30pm

Arrival at Zurich Airport

Arrive and transfer to your hotel to settle in after the flight. Perfect time to rest and prepare for the trip ahead.
CHF 0, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Enjoy classic Swiss sausages and kid-friendly options at this outdoor eatery open daily from 11am to 10pm.
CHF 15-25 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Zurich Old Town Walk

Explore the scenic cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops in the Old Town, suitable for a gentle stroll with kids.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Haus Hiltl

Enjoy a family-friendly vegetarian buffet with plenty of choices. Open till 11pm, great for a relaxed dinner.
CHF 30-40 per person, 1.5h

Day 2: Zurich Museums and Lake

Zurich, Switzerland on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee. Open from 7am, with excellent choices for kids too.
CHF 12-18, 1h

9:30am

Swiss National Museum

Explore fascinating exhibits on Swiss cultural history. Open 10am-6pm; perfect educational stop for the family.
CHF 10-15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss cuisine served in a historic armory building, offering ample kid-friendly dishes, open 11:30am-10pm.
CHF 20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

Take a scenic boat cruise around Lake Zurich. The boat rides operate frequently in summer afternoons, fun for children.
CHF 8-15, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Zurich Playground (Plaine de Plainpalais)

Let the kids enjoy an engaging playground and open space while adults relax before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sprüngli Café

Savor light dinner and famous Swiss chocolates, ideal for a sweet end to the day. Open till 8pm.
CHF 20-30, 1h

Day 3: Day trip to Rhine Falls

Zurich to Schaffhausen, Switzerland on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day early with an in-house breakfast to fuel up for the day trip.
Included if hotel booked with breakfast, 1h

8:30am

Train ride to Schaffhausen

Take a scenic train ride (about 1h) north towards Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.
CHF 30 adult, CHF 15 child approx. return, 1h

10:00am

Visit Rhine Falls

Walk the trails and boat rides (seasonal) to get close views of the waterfall. Open daily 9am-7pm.
CHF 5 entry, boat rides extra, 2.5h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Rhine Falls Park

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch with views of the falls, or eat at nearby kiosks offering snacks and sandwiches.
Variable, 1h

2:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Relax on the journey back in the afternoon, preparing for next day.
Included in previous ticket, 1h

4:00pm

Leisure time at hotel or explore Zurich Bahnhofstrasse

Stroll the famous shopping street or have downtime at the hotel, depending on family energy levels.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl or Local Pizzeria

Choose a casual option for dinner to keep the kids happy and rested.
CHF 20-35, 1.5h

Day 4: Transfer to Lucerne & Sightseeing

Lucerne, Switzerland on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before checkout and travel to Lucerne by train (about 1h).
Included if hotel breakfast booked, 1h

9:30am

Train to Lucerne

Comfortable train ride south to Lucerne; check into hotel and freshen up.
CHF 25-40, 1h

11:00am

Explore Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk the famous covered wooden bridge and enjoy the picturesque medieval old town, fun for all ages.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Lucerne cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere, open 11:30am-2pm.
CHF 20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive exhibits on all forms of transport with a planetarium; engaging for kids and adults. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF 32 adult, CHF 12 child approx., 3h

5:30pm

Leisure walk along Lake Lucerne

Enjoy the beautiful lakeside promenade, relaxing after museum visit.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stern

Local Swiss dishes in a comfortable setting, open until 10pm.
CHF 30-40, 1.5h

Day 5: Lucerne to Interlaken Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before traveling to Interlaken by train (approx 2h).
Included if booked with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Train to Interlaken

Enjoy a scenic train journey through Swiss countryside and mountains.
CHF 40-50, 2h

11:00am

Check in and lunch at Bären Restaurant

Traditional Swiss dishes near Interlaken Ost, open from 11:30am.
CHF 25-35, 1h

1:00pm

Harder Kulm Funicular & Viewpoint

Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm viewpoint for spectacular views over Interlaken and lakes. Open 9am to 6pm (seasonal).
CHF 38 adult, CHF 19 child approx., 2h

4:00pm

Interlaken Höhematte Park

Relax and let children play in this scenic park with views of the Jungfrau.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bebbis Restaurant

Casual dining with options for children and adults, open until 10pm.
CHF 20-30, 1.5h

Day 6: Jungfraujoch Day Trip

Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Switzerland on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast is essential before the full-day Jungfraujoch excursion.
Included if booked, 1h

8:00am

Train to Jungfraujoch

Journey via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. Open daily, train approx 2h one way.
CHF 100+ per adult (children discounted), 5-6h total including return

1:00pm

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Have lunch while enjoying stunning alpine views in this high-altitude restaurant.
CHF 25-40, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ice Palace and Snow Activities

Visit the Ice Palace and snow park; great fun for children and adults, available year-round.
Included in train ticket, 1.5h

4:30pm

Return to Interlaken

Relax on the scenic return train ride after a magical day.
Included in ticket, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel or casual meal

After a long day, a simple meal near accommodation works best.
CHF 15-25, 1h

Day 7: Lake Thun and Relaxation Day

Interlaken, Switzerland on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast to start the day well fed.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat cruise on Lake Thun

Scenic boat ride with beautiful mountain and lakeside views, fun and relaxing for kids. Boats run regularly from 9am to 5pm.
CHF 30 adult, CHF 15 child approx., 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Beatus Caves Restaurant

After boat cruise, enjoy lunch nearby at this family-friendly restaurant, open 11am to 7pm.
CHF 20-30, 1h

1:30pm

Beatus Caves Visit

Explore the fascinating caves and learn about local geology, suitable for kids aged 5+. Open 9am-6pm.
CHF 12 adult, CHF 7 child, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Interlaken; Leisure time

Walk through town or relax at the hotel.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lucky Restaurant

Family-friendly Italian and local dishes open until 10pm.
CHF 20-30, 1.5h

Day 8: Travel to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel for the day before traveling to Zermatt by train (approx 2.5-3h).
Included if booked, 1h

8:30am

Train to Zermatt

Scenic train journey including a transfer at Visp, arriving in car-free Zermatt.
CHF 50-70, 3h

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch at Zermatt Matterhorn Museum Café

Light lunch in the museum café, offering kid-friendly options and insight into mountain history.
CHF 15-25, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Matterhorn Museum

Explore the cultural heritage of Zermatt and mountaineering history, informative for all ages.
CHF 10 adult, CHF 5 child, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll through Zermatt village

Enjoy shopping, chocolate tasting, and walking in a charming alpine village.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Swiss specialties served family-style, open from noon to 9pm.
CHF 30-40, 1.5h

Day 9: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Zermatt, Switzerland on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before visiting the highest cable car station in Europe.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Cable Car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Take the cable car to the glacier for breathtaking views, snow play areas, and an ice palace. Open daily 8am-6pm.
CHF 80 adult, CHF 40 child approx., 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant on glacier

Enjoy lunch with stunning views, offering kid-friendly meals.
CHF 25-35, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Zermatt; Relax

Rest or explore local shops.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Du Pont Restaurant

Traditional Swiss dishes with a cozy ambiance, open until 10pm.
CHF 30-40, 1.5h

Day 10: Travel to Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing to Geneva by train (approx 3.5h).
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Geneva

Comfortable train journey passing through scenic Swiss landscapes.
CHF 75-90, 3.5h

12:30pm

Check in & lunch at Bains des Pâquis

Laid-back lakeside spot offering casual food; great for families and open until 9pm.
CHF 15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Jet d'Eau and Jardin Anglais

See Geneva's iconic fountain and beautifully kept English Garden by the lake, perfect for kids to run around.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Old Town Geneva

Walk historic streets with cafes and shops, including St. Pierre Cathedral. Open always, shops vary.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café du Soleil

Famous for its fondue and child-friendly atmosphere, open until 10pm.
CHF 25-40, 1.5h

Day 11: Exploring Geneva Museums

Geneva, Switzerland on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Remor

Classic Swiss café with pastries and coffees, open from 7am.
CHF 12-18, 1h

9:30am

Visit Natural History Museum of Geneva

Explore impressive family-friendly dinosaur exhibits and natural sciences, open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Armures

Traditional Swiss meals in Old Town, open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-10:30pm.
CHF 25-35, 1h

1:30pm

Patek Philippe Museum Visit

Watchmaking history and beautiful exhibitions, interesting and compact visit, open 10am-6pm.
CHF 10 adult, free for kids under 18, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax in Parc des Bastions

Playground and chess boards for kids, shaded walking paths for adults.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Café du Centre

Seafood and Swiss dishes with a lively atmosphere, open until 10pm.
CHF 30-40, 1.5h

Day 12: Geneva to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before making the return journey to Zurich.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Zurich

Travel back to Zurich for last night before departure, approx 3h train ride.
CHF 75-90, 3h

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Josef Restaurant

Modern Swiss cuisine with good vegetarian and kids options, open 11:30am-2:30pm.
CHF 20-35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Zurich Zoo

Large, award-winning zoo with play areas, perfect for children, open daily 9am-6pm.
CHF 26 adult, CHF 13 child approx., 3h

5:30pm

Relax at hotel

Return to hotel to pack and rest before last dinner.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Raclette Stube

Experience Swiss raclette in cozy traditional atmosphere, open till 10pm.
CHF 30-45, 2h

Day 13: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to make the most of your final day before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Zurich Airport

Take a taxi or airport shuttle to reach Zurich Airport comfortably ahead of your flight.
CHF 50 approx., 1h

10:00am

Flight from Zurich to Delhi

Depart for home with wonderful memories of Switzerland.
Variable, Long-haul flight