3-Day Switzerland Itinerary from Italy: Best September Picks - Travel Expert

Explore the best Swiss cities and alpine escapes for a 3-day trip from Italy in September, featuring Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, and scenic train routes.

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Q: best cities and places to visit in switzerland 3 days from italy i will go in september

Switzerland is incredibly accessible from Northern Italy (especially Milan), and September is the 'golden month' to visit. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is mild, and the historic Alpine Cow Descents (Désalpe) begin in mid-September.

For a 3-day trip starting from Italy, the most efficient and scenic route focuses on Central Switzerland.

Day 1: Lugano & The Gateway to the Alps

  • Journey: Take a direct train from Milan Centrale to Lugano (approx. 1 hour).
  • The Vibe: Lugano offers a stunning mix of Mediterranean flair and Swiss precision. It is the perfect 'soft entry' into Switzerland with its palm-tree-lined lake and Italian architecture.
  • Top Activity: Take the funicular up to Monte San Salvatore for a 360-degree view of Lake Lugano and the Alps. In the afternoon, catch a train north through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Lucerne (2 hours).
  • Stay: Lucerne.

Day 2: Lucerne & Mountain Peaks

  • Morning: Explore the city's iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and the medieval Old Town. In September, the lakeside is particularly pleasant for a morning walk.
  • Afternoon: Choose one major mountain excursion.
    • Mt. Pilatus: Take the 'Golden Round Trip' which includes a boat cruise, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and an aerial cableway.
    • Mt. Rigi: Known as the 'Queen of the Mountains,' this is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and offers gentler hiking trails.
  • September Tip: Check for the Lucerne Festival (running into early September), one of the world’s most prestigious classical music events.

Day 3: The Lauterbrunnen Valley (The 'Fairytale' Landscape)

  • Journey: Take the 2-hour scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken, then a 20-minute local train to Lauterbrunnen.
  • The Sights: This is the 'Valley of 72 Waterfalls.' Walk the flat trail to Staubbach Falls or take the cable car up to the car-free village of Mürren for views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
  • Return: In the late afternoon, take the train from Lauterbrunnen back to Milan via Spiez and Brig (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours total).

Alternative: The Bernina Express Route (For Train Lovers)

If you prefer scenic rail over city sightseeing, follow this route from Milan:

  1. Milan to Tirano: 2.5-hour regional train.
  2. Tirano to St. Moritz: Board the legendary Bernina Express (UNESCO World Heritage). It crosses the mountains at over 7,000 feet.
  3. Experience: Spend 2 nights in the luxury alpine town of St. Moritz, enjoying the early autumn colors before heading back to Italy on Day 3.

Travel Tips for September

  • The Weather: Expect daytime highs of 15°C to 20°C (60°F–68°F) in the valleys, but mountain peaks can drop near freezing. Dress in layers.
  • Alpabzug (Cow Descents): If you visit in mid-to-late September, look for local calendars for cow parades. Farmers bring cattle down from high pastures with the cows wearing massive bells and elaborate flower crowns.
  • Swiss Travel Pass: For this 3-day itinerary, a 3-day Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended. It covers all trains, boats, and city transport, and provides deep discounts on mountain cable cars.
Asked on January 14, 2026