5-Day Scenic and Cultural Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken & Grindelwald Adventure

Day 1: Explore Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on August 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Start your morning with delicious Swiss pastries and coffee at the iconic Café Sprüngli located on Bahnhofstrasse, open from 7am.
CHF20, 1h

10:30am

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping & Stroll

Enjoy window shopping and local boutiques along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping avenues.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Taste hearty Swiss cuisine like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes in this historic armory-turned-restaurant in Zurich’s Old Town.
CHF35, 1h

1:30pm

Old Town (Altstadt) Walking Tour

Explore narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, and landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster with its famous stained glass windows.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Relax by Lake Zurich’s beautiful promenade, take photos, or join a short boat cruise (about 1 hour) to see the city from the water.
CHF25 (boat cruise optional), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Kronenhalle

Dine at this elegant Zurich institution known for Swiss classics and its impressive art collection featuring works by Chagall and Picasso.
CHF60, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Lucerne culture & nature

Lucerne, Switzerland on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Zurich hotel

Enjoy a convenient buffet breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Lucerne.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

9:00am

Travel Zurich to Lucerne by train

Take a direct scenic train, approximately 1 hour, for a comfortable journey to Lucerne.
CHF25 per person, 1h

10:30am

Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

Visit this iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and tower, emblematic of Lucerne’s medieval charm.
Free, 45m

11:15am

Lion Monument

See the poignant monument carved into rock commemorating Swiss Guards who died in France in 1792.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy family-run tavern famous for Luzerner Chügelipastete (meat pie).
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Lucerne boat cruise

Relax on a 1.5-hour panoramic cruise to admire the surrounding mountains and picturesque villages.
CHF30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Swiss Museum of Transport

Explore Switzerland’s most visited museum with interactive exhibits on trains, planes, and automobiles. Open until 5pm.
CHF32, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel des Balances

Dine riverside in Lucerne’s Old Town serving modern Swiss and European dishes in a picturesque setting.
CHF50, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Interlaken Outdoor Adventure

Interlaken, Switzerland on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Lucerne

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before an exciting day in Interlaken.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:00am

Train Lucerne to Interlaken

Travel by train approximately 2 hours through scenic countryside and lake views, arriving in Interlaken by mid-morning.
CHF45, 2h

10:30am

Harder Kulm Panorama

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views over Interlaken and the Jungfrau region. Open 8:30am-6pm.
CHF38, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Panorama Restaurant Harder Kulm

Enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains at the summit restaurant.
CHF40, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Interlaken Town

Walk through Höhematte Park, visit local shops, and consider paragliding or boat rental on nearby lakes.
Free (optional activities extra), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Savor casual Swiss dishes and fresh fish in a central restaurant popular with locals and travelers alike.
CHF45, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Alpine Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Interlaken

Enjoy an early hotel breakfast before heading to the mountains.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:45am

Train Interlaken to Grindelwald

Short 30-minute scenic train ride to the mountain village of Grindelwald.
CHF15, 30m

9:30am

First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Experience a thrilling cliff walk with panoramic alpine views and exhilarating suspension bridge. Open 8am-6pm.
CHF10, 1h

10:45am

Hiking or Cable Car to Pfingstegg

Choose a gentle hike or cable car to Pfingstegg for views, alpine slides, and family-friendly attractions.
Cable car CHF20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Barry's

Cozy spot serving hearty Swiss alpine specialties right in Grindelwald village.
CHF35, 1h

2:30pm

Explore village & Glacier Gorge

Walk around Grindelwald village shops and visit the spectacular Glacier Gorge with safe trails and waterfalls, open year-round.
CHF10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Eiger Restaurant

End your Alpine day with a fine dining experience offering Swiss and international dishes.
CHF55, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Zurich Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Grindelwald

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for your return journey.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:30am

Train Grindelwald to Zurich

Travel approximately 2.5 hours by train back to Zurich for your last day or onward connections.
CHF50, 2h30m

11:30am

Brunch at Café Henrici

Enjoy a relaxing brunch in Zurich’s Old Town with fresh local ingredients, open from 8am.
CHF28, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Kunsthaus Zurich

Explore the premier art museum of Zurich, highlighting Swiss and international artists. Open 10am-6pm.
CHF16, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Lindenhof Hill

Stroll this peaceful park offering city views and historic ambiance in the heart of Zurich.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee and pastries at Babu's Bakery

Stop for a light late afternoon snack at a beloved Zurich bakery.
CHF15, 45m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Hiltl

Enjoy vibrant vegetarian and international dishes at the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, open till 11pm.
CHF40, 1h30m
View Hotels