3-Day Scenic and Cultural Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne & Interlaken

Day 1: Zurich Culture & Lake Views

Zurich, Switzerland on June 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your day with Swiss pastries and strong coffee at Café Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse, operating from 7:30am, a famous spot for Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:45am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich's historic Altstadt with its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. Tours usually last around 2 hours.
CHF30, 2h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes at this historic armory-turned-restaurant open 11:30am–10pm, famous for sausages and rosti.
CHF35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lake Zurich Promenade and Boat Ride

Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich followed by a scenic one-hour boat cruise to see surrounding mountains and views of the city from the water. Boats operate from 10am to 5pm.
CHF25, 2h0m

3:45pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Discover one of Switzerland's most important art museums with its impressive collection from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Open 10am to 6pm on weekdays.
CHF20, 1h15m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Dine in style with classic Swiss-European cuisine in a historic venue filled with original artwork by Chagall and Picasso. Reservations recommended; open 6pm to 11pm.
CHF60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lucerne History & Mountains

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Heini

Grab fresh pastries and coffee from this popular local bakery, open from 7am weekdays.
CHF12, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel from Zurich to Lucerne

Take a scenic 1-hour train ride from Zurich to Lucerne, enjoying Swiss countryside views.
CHF25, 1h0m

9:45am

Chapel Bridge and Old Town Walk

Walk the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge and visit Lucerne’s charming Old Town with its murals and medieval buildings.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Lion Monument Visit

See the famous Lion Monument carved into rock commemorating Swiss Guards who died in France. Open 24 hours free to visit.
Free, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy hearty Swiss-German cuisine like sausages and potato salad at this local favorite near the Lion Monument, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
CHF30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Mount Pilatus Excursion

Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus or the aerial cableway from Kriens. Operating hours roughly 8am-8pm; offer stunning views over the Alps.
CHF72, 4h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Dine riverside with gourmet Swiss and international dishes in Lucerne’s Old Town, open until 10pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Interlaken Outdoor Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bäckerei Konditorei-Kaffee Interlaken

Start your day with fresh Swiss breads and coffee from this cozy bakery in central Interlaken, open from 6:30am.
CHF14, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel from Lucerne to Interlaken

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour train journey through the Swiss Alps heading to Interlaken, a hub for adventure and nature.
CHF45, 2h0m

10:15am

Harder Kulm Funicular

Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm viewpoint for panoramic views of Interlaken and surrounding mountains; open 8:30am to 6pm.
CHF38, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Taverne

Enjoy Swiss specialties like fondue in a cozy alpine setting at this highly-rated restaurant, open 11:30am to 2pm and 6pm to 9:30pm.
CHF40, 1h15m

2:00pm

Lake Thun Boat Cruise

Relax on a 1.5-hour boat cruise across Lake Thun with stunning mountain views and picturesque villages, operating from 9am to 5pm.
CHF30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Interlaken Höhematte Park Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk through this large green park surrounded by mountains, perfect for photos and relaxing time.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Husi Bierhaus

Cap off your trip with a casual meal and local beers at this popular spot, open 5pm to midnight with Swiss and international dishes.
CHF35, 1h30m
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