Switzerland is a breathtaking country where fairy-tale landscapes come to life. With snow-capped Alpine peaks, emerald-green lakes, and charming medieval towns, it’s no wonder this small nation tops many travelers’ bucket lists. But planning a trip to Switzerland can feel overwhelming—especially when you only have one week to experience its many wonders. This carefully crafted 7-day Switzerland itinerary will guide first-time visitors through the country’s most spectacular highlights, ensuring you make the most of every moment in this Alpine paradise.
Switzerland’s stunning Alpine scenery awaits on your 7-day journey
7-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Overview
Before diving into the day-by-day details, here’s a quick overview of what this itinerary covers:
- Day 1: Lucerne & Mount Rigi
- Day 2: Mount Pilatus & Lucerne
- Day 3: Interlaken & Lake Brienz
- Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Grindelwald
- Day 5: Zermatt & the Matterhorn
- Day 6: Montreux & Lake Geneva
- Day 7: Zurich
This route is designed to minimize travel time while maximizing your exposure to Switzerland’s diverse landscapes. You’ll experience mountains, lakes, and cities—all connected by Switzerland’s efficient train network. The itinerary starts and ends in major transportation hubs (Lucerne and Zurich), making it convenient for international arrivals and departures.
Save on Transportation with the Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus free entry to over 500 museums. It’s the most cost-effective way to experience this itinerary!
Day 1: Lucerne & Mount Rigi
Your Swiss adventure begins in Lucerne, a picturesque city nestled between mountains and a stunning lake. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and breathtaking natural surroundings, Lucerne is the perfect introduction to Switzerland’s charm.
Lucerne’s iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is a must-see attraction
Morning: Explore Lucerne’s Old Town
Start your day with a stroll through Lucerne’s charming old town. Don’t miss these highlights:
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): This iconic wooden covered bridge from the 14th century is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.
- Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal): A moving sculpture carved into natural rock, commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
- Old Town Squares: Wander through Weinmarkt, Kornmarkt, and Hirschenplatz to admire the frescoed buildings and feel the medieval atmosphere.
- Lake Promenade: Take a refreshing walk along the shores of Lake Lucerne with views of the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Mount Rigi Excursion
Known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” Mount Rigi offers spectacular panoramic views of the Alps and surrounding lakes. The journey itself is part of the experience:
- Take a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau (40 minutes) – a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne.
- Board Europe’s first mountain railway from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm (30 minutes).
- At the summit (1,798m), enjoy breathtaking 360° views of 13 lakes and the entire Alpine panorama.
- Take a short hike along one of the well-marked trails at the top.
- Return via the cogwheel train to Vitznau and boat back to Lucerne.
Budget Tip: The Mount Rigi excursion is completely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, including both the boat ride and the cogwheel train!
Evening: Dinner in Lucerne
Return to Lucerne for dinner at one of the traditional Swiss restaurants in the old town. Try local specialties like cheese fondue or rösti (Swiss-style hash browns). Restaurant Pfistern or Restaurant Wirtshaus Taube offer authentic Swiss cuisine with lovely views.
“Mount Rigi offers one of the most accessible and rewarding mountain experiences in Central Switzerland. On a clear day, you can see Germany’s Black Forest and France’s Vosges mountains from the summit.”
Overnight: Stay in Lucerne
Find Your Perfect Stay in Lucerne
From lakeside luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses in the Old Town, Lucerne offers accommodation for every budget.
Day 2: Mount Pilatus & Lucerne
Your second day combines another magnificent mountain experience with more time to explore Lucerne’s cultural attractions. Mount Pilatus, with its distinctive dragon legends, offers a different perspective of the Swiss Alps.
The breathtaking view from Mount Pilatus over Lake Lucerne
Morning: Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip
The “Golden Round Trip” to Mount Pilatus combines boat, cogwheel railway, gondola, and bus transportation for a diverse experience:
- Take a boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (1 hour).
- Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Pilatus Kulm (30 minutes).
- At the summit (2,132m), explore viewing platforms and short hiking trails.
- Descend via the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway and gondola to Kriens.
- Return to Lucerne by public bus (15 minutes).
Travel Tip: Start this excursion early in the morning to avoid crowds and have better chances of clear weather at the summit. The entire round trip takes about 4-5 hours.
Afternoon: Lucerne’s Museums and Shopping
Spend the afternoon exploring more of Lucerne’s attractions:
- Swiss Museum of Transport: Switzerland’s most popular museum showcases the evolution of transport and mobility with interactive exhibits.
- Glacier Garden: Discover glacial potholes from the Ice Age and a fascinating mirror maze.
- Shopping: Browse for Swiss souvenirs like watches, chocolates, and Swiss Army knives along Kapellgasse and Hertensteinstrasse.
Evening: Lake Cruise
Cap off your time in Lucerne with an evening cruise on Lake Lucerne. The 1-hour panoramic cruise offers stunning views of the city lights and surrounding mountains as the sun sets. Several departures are available from the main pier near the train station.
Overnight: Stay in Lucerne
Day 3: Interlaken & Lake Brienz
Today you’ll travel to Interlaken, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland region and home to some of Switzerland’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The journey from Lucerne to Interlaken is part of the famous GoldenPass Line, offering spectacular views along the way.
The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Brienz
Morning: Scenic Train Journey to Interlaken
Board the train from Lucerne to Interlaken (about 2 hours). This scenic route takes you through the Brünig Pass with beautiful views of mountains, forests, and lakes. Arrive in Interlaken and check into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Lake Brienz Cruise
Lake Brienz is famous for its extraordinary turquoise color, created by glacial minerals in the water. Experience its beauty with these activities:
- Take a 2-hour scenic cruise on Lake Brienz from Interlaken East station.
- Visit the charming village of Brienz, known for its traditional wood carving industry.
- Explore Giessbach Falls, a spectacular 14-stage waterfall cascading 400 meters down to Lake Brienz.
- Optional: Ride the historic Brienz Rothorn Railway for panoramic mountain views (operates May-October).
Evening: Interlaken Exploration
Return to Interlaken and spend the evening exploring this resort town nestled between two lakes:
- Stroll along Höheweg, the main street with views of the Jungfrau mountain.
- Visit Höhematte, a 35-acre park in the center of town offering excellent mountain views.
- Shop for Swiss souvenirs, chocolates, and watches in the town center.
- Enjoy dinner at one of Interlaken’s restaurants – try Restaurant Laterne for traditional Swiss cuisine.
Photography Tip: For the best photos of Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters, visit on a sunny day between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun illuminates the water’s unique color most vividly.
Overnight: Stay in Interlaken
Book Your Stay in Interlaken
Interlaken offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, many with stunning mountain views.
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Grindelwald
Today you’ll explore the heart of the Bernese Oberland, visiting the spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls and the charming mountain village of Grindelwald. This day offers some of the most iconic Swiss landscapes on your 7-day Switzerland itinerary.
The stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley with Staubbach Falls
Morning: Lauterbrunnen Valley
Take a short train ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen (20 minutes). This valley, with its vertical cliff faces and numerous waterfalls, inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish realm of Rivendell in “The Lord of the Rings.”
- Staubbach Falls: Walk from the train station to view this 300-meter waterfall that inspired Goethe’s poem “Song of the Spirits over the Waters.”
- Trümmelbach Falls: Visit these unique glacial waterfalls inside the mountain. Ten glacier-fed waterfalls cascade through the rock in a thundering display of nature’s power (entrance fee: CHF 14).
- Valley Walk: Take a leisurely walk through the valley floor to appreciate the dramatic scenery and traditional Swiss farms.
Optional Add-on: If you’re willing to splurge, consider adding the Jungfraujoch excursion (“Top of Europe” at 3,454m) to your day. This 4-5 hour round trip from Lauterbrunnen takes you to Europe’s highest railway station with spectacular glacier views. While expensive (CHF 190+), it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount.
Afternoon: Grindelwald and First
From Lauterbrunnen, take the train to Grindelwald (35 minutes), a charming village at the foot of the imposing Eiger North Face.
- Take the gondola from Grindelwald to First mountain station (25 minutes).
- Experience the “First Cliff Walk” – a thrilling metal walkway built along the cliff face with spectacular views.
- Optional: Hike to the beautiful Bachalpsee lake (45 minutes each way) for picture-perfect reflections of the mountains.
- Try one of the adventure activities: First Flyer zip line, mountain carts, or trottibike scooters.
The thrilling First Cliff Walk offers breathtaking Alpine views
Evening: Return to Interlaken
Head back to Interlaken in the evening. If you have energy left, consider taking the funicular to Harder Kulm for sunset views over both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains in the background (last descent varies seasonally, check times in advance).
Overnight: Stay in Interlaken
Day 5: Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Today you’ll travel to Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn – perhaps the most recognizable mountain in the world. This car-free alpine village offers a quintessential Swiss mountain experience with excellent views, hiking, and a charming atmosphere.
The iconic Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee lake
Morning: Journey to Zermatt
Take the train from Interlaken to Zermatt (about 2 hours), changing once in Visp. The last section of the journey on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn offers spectacular mountain scenery as you climb into the Alps. Zermatt is car-free, so you’ll arrive directly in the center of the village.
Travel Tip: Store your larger luggage at Visp train station if you’re continuing to another destination after Zermatt. This makes it easier to navigate the car-free village with just a small overnight bag.
Afternoon: Gornergrat Railway
After checking into your accommodation, head to the Gornergrat – one of the best places to view the Matterhorn:
- Take the Gornergrat cogwheel railway from Zermatt to the summit at 3,089m (30 minutes).
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Matterhorn and 29 other peaks over 4,000m.
- Visit the observation platform, mountain hotel, and small shopping area.
- Optional: Hike down from Gornergrat to Riffelberg station (about 1.5 hours) for more amazing views and photo opportunities of the Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee lake.
Alternative Option: If you prefer, you could take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car to Europe’s highest cable car station (3,883m) for views of the Italian, French, and Swiss Alps. This is a good option in cloudy weather as you might rise above the clouds.
Evening: Explore Zermatt Village
Spend the evening exploring the charming village of Zermatt:
- Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, the main street lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels.
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the mountain’s first ascent and the tragedy that followed.
- Explore the old village (Hinterdorf) with its traditional wooden houses and barns.
- Enjoy dinner at one of Zermatt’s many excellent restaurants – try traditional Swiss raclette or fondue.
Overnight: Stay in Zermatt
Find Accommodation in Zermatt
From luxury chalets to cozy alpine hotels, Zermatt offers a range of places to stay with Matterhorn views.
Day 6: Montreux & Lake Geneva
Today you’ll travel to the French-speaking part of Switzerland to experience the beautiful Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva. Montreux offers a completely different atmosphere with its Mediterranean feel, palm trees, and vineyard-covered hillsides.
The picturesque Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva
Morning: Journey to Montreux
Take the train from Zermatt to Montreux (about 2.5 hours), changing once in Visp. The journey offers beautiful views as you descend from the Alps to the shores of Lake Geneva. Arrive in Montreux and check into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Château de Chillon & Montreux Riviera
Spend the afternoon exploring the highlights of the Montreux area:
- Château de Chillon: Visit Switzerland’s most famous castle, built on a small island on Lake Geneva. This medieval fortress inspired Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” (entrance fee: CHF 13.50, covered by Swiss Travel Pass).
- Montreux Lakeside Promenade: Walk the beautiful flower-lined promenade from Montreux to Chillon Castle (45 minutes one way) or take the bus if you prefer.
- Freddie Mercury Statue: See the statue of the Queen frontman who loved Montreux so much that he recorded his last album here and called it his peaceful refuge.
Evening: Lavaux Vineyards
For the evening, consider visiting the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyards:
- Take a short train ride to Cully or Epesses (15 minutes).
- Walk through the terraced vineyards with spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
- Stop at a local winery to taste the region’s distinctive Chasselas white wine.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in the vineyards or return to Montreux for more dining options.
Seasonal Tip: If you’re visiting in July, you might catch the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious music events held along the lakefront.
Overnight: Stay in Montreux
Day 7: Zurich
For your final day, you’ll travel to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and a major international transportation hub. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and urban sophistication to conclude your Swiss adventure.
Zurich’s charming old town with the Grossmünster church towers
Morning: Travel to Zurich
Take the train from Montreux to Zurich (about 3 hours). This scenic journey takes you through the heart of Switzerland. Arrive in Zurich and check into your accommodation or store your luggage at the train station if your flight departs later in the day.
Afternoon: Explore Zurich
Spend your last day exploring Switzerland’s largest city:
- Bahnhofstrasse: Stroll down one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, connecting the main train station with Lake Zurich.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Explore the medieval center on both sides of the Limmat River, with its narrow lanes, guild houses, and historic churches.
- Grossmünster: Visit this iconic Romanesque-style church with twin towers that dominate Zurich’s skyline.
- Fraumünster: See the stunning stained-glass windows created by Marc Chagall in this elegant church.
- Lake Zurich: Take a short boat trip on the lake or simply enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade.
Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street
Evening: Final Swiss Dinner
Conclude your Swiss adventure with a memorable dinner:
- For traditional Swiss cuisine in a historic setting, try Zeughauskeller or Swiss Chuchi.
- For a splurge, dine at Kronenhalle, where Swiss specialties are served amid original artworks by Picasso, Chagall, and Miró.
- For something more casual, head to the trendy Zürich-West district for innovative restaurants in converted industrial spaces.
Departure Tip: Zurich Airport is well-connected to the city center by train. Trains run every 10 minutes from Zurich HB (main station) to the airport, taking just 10-15 minutes. Allow at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
Practical Tips for Your 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary
Switzerland’s efficient train system makes traveling between destinations easy and scenic
Transportation
- Swiss Travel Pass: For this itinerary, a 8-day Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended. It covers all train, bus, and boat transportation plus free entry to many museums.
- Train Travel: Trains in Switzerland are punctual, clean, and offer spectacular views. No reservations are needed for regular trains.
- Luggage: Travel light if possible. Most Swiss train stations offer luggage lockers and some have a luggage shipping service that can send your bags ahead to your next destination.
- SBB Mobile App: Download the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) app for timetables, platform information, and mobile tickets.
Accommodation
- Book in Advance: Switzerland is a popular destination, especially in summer. Book accommodations at least 2-3 months ahead.
- Location: Stay near train stations for convenience, especially in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt.
- Budget Options: Consider Swiss hostels (often very clean and well-maintained) or vacation rentals for more affordable stays.
Budget Tips
- Dining: Restaurants in Switzerland are expensive. Save money by shopping at supermarkets like Migros or Coop for picnic supplies.
- Water: Tap water is excellent in Switzerland. Refill a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water.
- Free Activities: Many of Switzerland’s best experiences are free – hiking trails, public beaches on lakes, and wandering through picturesque towns.
- City Cards: Some cities offer visitor cards with free public transportation and discounts (often included with hotel stays).
Weather and Packing
- Mountain Weather: Weather in the Alps can change quickly. Pack layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, even in summer.
- Rain Gear: Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as rain is possible year-round.
- Hiking Shoes: Pack comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking on mountain paths.
- Adapters: Switzerland uses Type J electrical outlets (though Type C European plugs usually work too).
Ready to Experience Switzerland?
This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect introduction to Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Start planning your Swiss adventure today!
Conclusion
This 7-day Switzerland itinerary takes you through the country’s most spectacular highlights, from the medieval charm of Lucerne to the Alpine splendor of the Bernese Oberland and Zermatt. You’ll experience crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, and charming villages – all connected by one of the world’s most efficient transportation systems.
Switzerland may be a small country, but its diverse landscapes and cultural experiences leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photo of the Matterhorn, savoring Swiss chocolate beside a turquoise lake, or hiking through flower-filled Alpine meadows, Switzerland offers unforgettable moments at every turn.
While one week can’t cover everything this beautiful country has to offer, this carefully crafted itinerary ensures first-time visitors experience the essence of Switzerland – a perfect introduction that will likely leave you planning your return before you’ve even departed.
The natural beauty of Switzerland will leave you planning your return visit
🚞 From alpine views to fairytale towns, this 7-day Switzerland itinerary is the perfect way to experience the best of the country—start planning your dream trip today.
