5 days in Switzerland - 10 itineraries from Zurich

Five days is a great amount of time to spend in Switzerland if you’ve never been here and want to get a taste of this beautiful country. It’ll just give you enough time to see different places without having to rush too much. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following itineraries will help you with that process.

They are all doable within five days and have their starting point in Zurich. However, if you’d like to start in a different place, you can easily adapt your trip accordingly. Zurich is very well connected and can be reached from every other city in Switzerland.

You will notice that we only talk about travelling by public transport and not by car. Most itineraries are also possible by car, in case you decide to get a rental during your stay in Switzerland. But with our very dense network of trains and buses, there’s no real need to travel by car.

Of course, the choice is all yours.

Also, if you have more than three days available and see a Switzerland itinerary you like, you can easily stretch it out by spending an extra night at some of the places.

Happy planning!

• Public Transport in Switzerland
• The 10 most important railway passes for your trip in Switzerland
• Everything you need to know about train tickets in Switzerland

1. Itinerary to the sunny south of Switzerland and to the Matterhorn in Zermatt

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover the sights of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
• Ride through Gotthard-Basistunnel, the world’s longest train tunnel
• Visit one of the popular river valleys Maggia or Verzasca
• Enjoy a few scoops of delicious ice cream in Locarno or Ascona
• Embark on a windy train ride from Locarno to Domodossola in Italy
• Hike in front of the mighty Matterhorn in Zermatt

Day 1: Zurich - Bellinzona - Locarno

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Bellinzona.

Thanks to the 57 kilometres (35 miles) long Gotthard-Basistunnel, it now takes you less than two hours to bolt through the Alps and reach Switzerland’s warm south. Stop over in Bellinzona and visit the Castello di Montebello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before travelling on to Locarno.

Spend the rest of the evening taking in the Italian atmosphere in Locarno. Hang out at Piazza Grande, stroll along Lago Maggiore or just enjoy a few scoops of ice cream by the lake. And just in case you’re wondering: Yes, you’re still in Switzerland. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. This is as Italian as our country gets...

Since you’re staying in the Canton of Ticino for the next two nights, you’re entitled to a Ticino Ticket. You’ll receive it when you check in to your accommodation. This fantastic travel pass lets you use public transport for free all across the Canton of Ticino. It also gives you numerous discounts on other local attractions and activities.

• Best things to do in Zurich

Day 2: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Get ready to explore the Italian part of Switzerland in all its glory. With the abundance of activities to choose from, you won’t get bored today. First up, we recommend you head to one of the two river valleys: Maggia or Verzasca. Both are fantastic for hiking, spending some time by the river or going for a refreshing swim.

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. One of our favourite places is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo.

If you prefer calmer waters over cold mountain streams, head to Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. Both lakes are stunning and provide you with more photo opportunities than you can imagine.

Other popular destinations in Ticino are the inspiring little artsy town of Ascona next to Locarno and the city of Lugano further south.

To brush up on your Swiss geography knowledge, visit Swissminiatur in Melide just outside Lugano. It’s a miniature version of Switzerland and displays incredible attention to detail.

In case you’re one of those adrenaline junkies, there’s always the 007 bungy at the end of Verzasca valley. You might have seen this 220 metre (720 feet) dive in the James Bond movie Golden Eye. If you decide to throw yourself off that wall, please don’t forget to share your picture with us. We’d love to see that...🙂

As you might have gathered by now, this day is by no means long enough to do everything on the list.

Good thing there’s always tomorrow.

• Best things to do in Ticino

Day 3: Locarno - Domodossola - Zermatt

You’re probably going to laugh now. But the station your train to Domodossola leaves from is called Locarno FART. Unfortunate name, we know. It’s short for Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticinesi and translates to “regional railway of Ticino”.

The ride to Domodossola lasts just under two hours. It might be the slowest train you’ve ever been on but chances are you won’t even notice time passing by.

The landscape is beyond stunning from start to finish. As you travel through the impressive Centovalli region – which stands for one hundred valleys – you’ll pass several charming villages with old stone houses, ride across tall viaducts and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall or two.

Enjoy the views because from Domodossola to Brig, you’ll be spending most of the time in a tunnel. That’s ok though because the ride from Brig to Zermatt is part of the Glacier Express – another scenic train ride.

Once you arrive in Zermatt, spend the rest of the day strolling through this little town and enjoy the sight of the mighty Matterhorn. Provided it’s not veiled in clouds.

Day 4: Free day in Zermatt

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular mountain views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt five-lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure, is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1.620 feet) across the valley.

Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see some mountains the easy way, we recommend heading up to Gornergrat. After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn.

Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

• Best things to do in Zermatt

Day 5: Zermatt - Zurich / Geneva

There’s certainly more than one day’s worth of things to do and see in Zermatt. Which means today is the perfect time to tick off anything you didn’t get round to yesterday.

Once you’re ready to leave the alpine air, catch the train back to Zurich. Or, if you’re flying out of Geneva or planning on visiting Switzerland’s second largest city, you can head in that direction instead.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 1

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Locarno, you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket. This beauty lets you use public transport in the whole Canton of Ticino for free for the duration of your stay.
• Ticino is a highly popular holiday destination for the Swiss. If you travel during school holidays, please make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
• The peace and quiet in the Verzasca and Maggia valleys can be deceiving. As soon as it starts raining further up in the mountains, those streams become a dangerous force of nature. Please check the weather forecast before you head out. In case it does rain further up, keep a safe distance from the water and don’t take a nap on one of the cosy boulders inside the river. People have been surprised by the enormous mass of water and died. We don’t want you to be one of them.
• The part between Brig and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave Zermatt and St. Moritz three times daily and are only for people with a reservation. But there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation. The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.
• Since you’ll be travelling through Italy from Locarno to Domodossola, you’ll need to have your passport handy for inspection.

2. Itinerary with two rides on the panorama train and a trip across the Alps to Ticino

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover the sights of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
• Take a stroll through Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city
• Visit St. Moritz, the place where the rich and famous hang out
• Travel across the Alps to Lugano on the Bernina Express
• Visit one of the popular river valleys Maggia or Verzasca
• Take a day trip across the border to Como in Italy
• Cross the Alps again on the Gotthard Panorama Express

Day 1: Zurich - Chur - St. Moritz

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Chur.

For better views of Lake Zurich and Lake Walensee on your way to Chur, we recommend grabbing a seat on the left when you get on the train. Spend an hour or two strolling through Chur – the capital of the Grisons – and get ready for the clean alpine air awaiting you in St. Moritz.

To get to St. Moritz, catch the train in Chur. Make sure you have your camera ready because you’ll be spoiled with panoramic views from start to finish. The Landwasser Viaduct and the curvy Albula Line are two highlights on this leg.

Spend the rest of the day hanging out in St. Moritz. If you find yourself feeling unusually sleepy tonight, thank the high altitude of 1822 metres (5977 feet) above sea level for that. It usually takes people a day or two to get accustomed to the thin air.

• Best things to do in Zurich

Day 2: St. Moritz - Tirano - Lugano

Today, you’ll be spending quite a few hours travelling across the Alps from St. Moritz all the way to Lugano. Your journey will take you up to the highest point of the Bernina Express Line, past glistening glaciers and crystal clear mountain lakes, down to the southern part of Switzerland and across a spectacular viaduct before crossing into Italy.

And eventually back to Switzerland...

The first leg of this scenic train ride takes you to Ospizio Bernina, the highest point of today’s journey. This little railway station isn’t far from St. Moritz and lies 2253 metres (7391 feet) above sea level. It’s all downhill from here. Figuratively speaking, of course. As you make your way down toward Italy, you cross the circular viaduct in Brusio. Here, the train takes a full 360-degree turn to overcome the altitude.

At this point, you’ll have lost quite some altitude and the outside temperature will be a lot warmer than it was just a couple of hours ago. The last leg of the journey starts in Tirano, right next to the Swiss-Italian border. From Tirano, the Bernina Express Bus takes you through the impressive Valtellina wine region.

Before crossing back into Switzerland, you’ll drive past Lake Como, the place where George Clooney and many other celebrities got married.

After this long day, you might like to stretch your legs at the promenade of Lake Lugano. Enjoy the view, grab a few scoops of ice cream and take a stroll through Lugano.

You’ve earned it.

• Bernina Express

Day 3: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Since you’re staying in the Canton of Ticino, you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket when you check in to your accommodation. This travel pass lets you use public transport for free all across Ticino and gives you discounts on other local attractions and activities.

For some ideas of things to do around here, move back to the previous itinerary No. 1 on day 2, where we listed about three days worth of activities. Those should keep you busy for a while.

Alternatively, leave Switzerland and hop across the border to Italy.

Not far from Lugano lies the idyllic Como region, the place where George Clooney and other celebrities got married. If you’re curious to find out what Mr. Nespresso saw in this part of the world, today’s your chance.

The two main places we recommend visiting in the area are the city of Como and the village of Menaggio. Both are situated by the shores of Lake Como and will automatically make you take a step back and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

• Best things to do in Ticino

Day 4: Lugano - Lucerne

If you’re visiting Switzerland between April and October, you have the opportunity to travel back across the Alps on the Gotthard Panorama Express.

On the first leg of this journey, a panoramic train will take you through the old Gotthard tunnel to Flüelen. Before Gotthard-Basistunnel opened in 2016, this was the only way to reach Ticino by rail. Nowadays, since the opening of the world’s longest tunnel, the old one is only used for tourist purposes.

From Flüelen, a steamboat will take you on a three-hour ride across Lake Lucerne. You’ll arrive in Lucerne around 3 pm, right next to the train station. This will leave you with plenty of time to explore this stunning city and its surroundings. If you can’t travel to Lucerne on the Gotthard Panorama Express, simply catch the regular train instead.

• Gotthard Panorama Express
• Best hings to do in Lucerne

Day 5: Lucerne - Zurich

Luckily, you don’t have to leave Lucerne until the afternoon or even evening today. So spend the day doing whatever you didn’t get to do yesterday.

A popular day trip from Lucerne is heading up to Mount Rigi. To get there, store your luggage either at your accommodation in Lucerne or at the train station and take the train to Arth Goldau. From here, the Rigibahn – a cog railway that’s been around for over 150 years – takes you on a 45-minute ride to the top station Rigi Kulm.

Provided Mount Rigi isn’t veiled in clouds, you’ll be presented with spectacular views over the Alps, Lake Lucerne and other surrounding lakes. Just follow the signs to the viewing point after getting off at Rigi Kulm.

Once you’ve snapped enough photos, either take a break at the restaurant, catch the train down to Vitznau or go for a hike. With over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of hiking trails at your feet, you’re spoiled for choice here. Upon arrival in Vitznau, the passenger ship to Lucerne will be waiting for you. Keep your camera within reach because this scenic and peaceful ride offers some more stunning views.

Back in Lucerne, grab your bags and head back to Zurich.

• Mount Rigi Guide

Additional tips and information for itinerary 2

• The Bernina Express schedule changes throughout the year. To find your connection and make a reservation, consult the RhB website. The Bernina Express Bus between Tirano and Lugano runs May through November.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lugano, you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket. This beauty lets you use public transport in the whole Canton of Ticino for free for the duration of your stay.
• The Gotthard Panorama Express runs from April through October, Tuesday through Sunday. If you travel outside of these months or on a Monday, catch the regular train from Lugano to Lucerne instead.
• If you travel with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, only the train ride from Lugano to Flüelen is fully covered on the Gotthard Panorama Express. The steamboat costs extra.

3. Itinerary with the Golden Pass Line, a free day in Interlaken and a trip to Lake Geneva

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Walk across the Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• Travel the scenic Golden Pass Line
• Explore the adrenaline and scenery-packed area around Interlaken
• Spend a night in the Bernese Alps in Gstaad
• Pose next to the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux

Day 1: Zurich - Lucerne - Interlaken

Leave Zurich first thing in the morning, head to Lucerne and spend a few hours exploring the city. Walk across the Kapellbrücke, take a stroll through the old town, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden. Leave for Interlaken around lunchtime.

The Golden Pass Line is a popular scenic train route from Lucerne to Montreux and is served by several train companies. It connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.

This panoramic journey leads past eight lakes, rides through six different cantons (the Swiss version of states), crosses three mountain passes and connects two language regions. Today’s leg between Lucerne and Interlaken is run by Zentralbahn and takes just under two hours.

Once you arrive in Interlaken, spend the evening in this popular yet very touristy town. Activities here are endless and if you want to enjoy this region to its fullest, one night won’t be enough. However, there should be enough time for a stroll along the River Aare or a short trip up to Harder Kulm.

• Golden Pass Line
• Best things to do in Interlaken

Day 2: Free day in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from today than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

If even that...

Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning and jet boating are all popular activities that will get your adrenaline flowing.

Another option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either Giessbach (Lake Brienz), the Saint Beatus Caves or Spiez (Lake Thun).

The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is nearly endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody wants to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe. If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly experience, we suggest looking into visiting Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First or Männlichen instead. The rides up to these mountains and the views from the top won’t disappoint you.

Other places of interest in and around Interlaken are: the open-air museum Ballenberg, the chocolate workshops at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee or the Aare Gorge.

And let’s not forget those charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.

We could go on forever here but we guess this would only make you hate that you don’t have all week here.

• Best things to do in Interlaken
• 12 Tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch
• Mount Schilthorn Piz Gloria
• Schynige Platte - Top of Swiss Tradition
• Skydive Interlaken - why you shouldn’t miss it
• Ballenberg open-air museum

Day 3: Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Gstaad

You’re in for plenty more scenic treats today. Once you leave Interlaken and head toward Zweisimmen, you’ll have Lake Thun to your right. For the best lake views, we recommend grabbing a seat on the right when you get on the train.

Just over one hour into the journey, you’ll need to transfer to a different train in Zweisimmen. That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland towards Gstaad begins. This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

In Gstaad, you have several options to spend the afternoon. Since this area is a hiker’s paradise, you’re spoiled for choice here. One hike takes you to Lake Lauenensee, a mountain lake surrounded by moorland.

A trip that is easily doable from Gstaad is a visit to the impressive Glacier 3000. After a 35-minute bus ride to Col du Pillon, you’ll find yourself at the base of the cable car. Hop on the gondola and enjoy the ride. At the top, you’ll be presented with the most astonishing 360-degree views across the Alps.

On a clear day, you can see several huge players in the alpine scene like the Matterhorn, the Mont Blanc massif and the popular mountain-trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. If you’re brave enough, tackle the Peak Walk to Scex Rouge. This is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. You’ll also find other activities on Glacier 3000 like the mountain coaster or a walk across the glacier.

In the evening, if you decide to wander through Gstaad, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. This place is a playground for the rich and famous. Much like St. Moritz.

• Golden Pass Line
• Glacier 3000 Guide

Day 4: Gstaad - Montreux

Time to say goodbye to this beautiful region already. Catch the Golden Pass train after breakfast and continue your scenic journey. After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Bienvenue...

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux, where you’ll be spending the night. Enjoy the day in this wonderful area on the shores of Lake Geneva. Walk to the Promenade and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head in the opposite direction toward Vevey, where you’ll find a stunning riviera and many interesting museums. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle Guide

Day 5: Montreux - Zurich / Geneva

You probably didn’t have enough time to cover everything you wanted to yesterday. So spend however much time you need exploring Montreux and its surroundings today. If you’re out of ideas, start making your way to Zurich or Geneva. Whichever city it is you’re leaving Switzerland from. On the way to Zurich, you can stop over in Bern. If you travel towards Geneva, you could put in a stop in Lausanne.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 3

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Interlaken and Montreux, you’ll receive a Transport Card that allows you to use local transport for free.
• You can complete the Golden Pass journey without making a reservation. However, the Golden Pass customer service recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get pretty busy during high season.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.

4. Itinerary for mountain lovers through the heart of Switzerland including Lucerne and Interlaken

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Stroll across the Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• Take in the fascinating landscape of Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne
• Embark on a scenic train ride through the Entlebuch (UNESCO)
• Fill up on free Kambly biscuits in Trubschachen
• Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO)
• Enjoy the mountain views in Interlaken

Day 1: Zurich - Mount Rigi - Vitznau - Lucerne

Leave Zurich first thing in the morning and catch the train to Lucerne. Store your luggage either at the train station or at your accommodation and take the next train to Arth Goldau. From here, the Rigibahn – a cog railway that’s been around for over 150 years – takes you on a 45-minute ride to the top station Rigi Kulm.

Provided Mount Rigi isn’t veiled in clouds, you’ll be presented with spectacular views over the Alps, Lake Lucerne and other surrounding lakes. Just follow the signs to the viewing point after getting off at Rigi Kulm.

Once you’ve snapped enough photos, either take a break at the restaurant, catch the train down to Vitznau or go for a hike. With over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of hiking trails at your feet, you’re spoiled for choice here.

Upon arrival in Vitznau, the passenger ship to Lucerne will be waiting for you. Keep your camera within reach because this scenic and peaceful ride offers some more stunning views.

Back in Lucerne, spend the rest of the evening exploring the city or find a cosy spot by the lake to relax.

• Mount Rigi Guide

Day 2: Free day in Lucerne

Lucerne has an abundance of activities to offer. One of the most obvious picks is to catch the world’s steepest cog railway to Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s backyard mountain. This railway only leaves from Alpnachstad during summer, while the cable car from Kriens takes you up to Mount Pilatus all year round.

Speaking of mountains: Mount Titlis is another landmark in the area worth visiting. From Engelberg, you’ll reach the top by catching two gondolas. One of them is the world’s first revolving aerial cableway. So expect some impressive 360-degree views at the top.

For an easy hike, including a ride on a 152.8 metres-high rocket-like outdoor elevator, catch the passenger ship or the bus to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock.

And let’s not forget Stanserhorn, a mountain close to Lucerne that is accessed by a fancy double-deck cable car. The best way to take this trip is by catching the passenger ship to Stansstad. From there, catch the funicular railway for the first leg and get on the open-air gondola for the final part to Stanserhorn.

Another great way to spend the day around Lucerne is on Lake Lucerne. Several steamboats and passenger ships operate on the Lake and take you on the most stunning journeys.

As you can see, Lucerne has plenty to offer on a sunny day. But in reality, the weather isn’t always too promising. In this case, here are some cool indoor options for you.

For one, there’s Aeschbach’s Chocoworld in Root. Getting there by bus takes around 30 minutes. Nothing brightens up a rainy day like some delicious chocolate, does it?

In Hergiswil, not far from Lucerne, you’ll find what the Swiss affectionately call the Glasi. Hergiswil Glassworks runs you through the process of glass-making, lets you watch the pros in action and even offers the opportunity to give glassblowing a shot. When’s the last time you made your own glass?

Another bad-weather option is the Museum of Transport. As the name suggests, this museum covers every means of transport throughout history. From bicycles to astronautics, they’ve got it all.

• Best hings to do in Lucerne
• Mount Pilatus Guide
• Mount Titlis Guide
• Mount Stanserhorn Guide
• Boat trips on Lake Lucerne
• Aeschbach chocolate factory
• Museum of Transport Lucerne

Day 3: Lucerne - Kambly - Bern

Luckily, you don’t have to leave Lucerne until lunchtime today. So spend the morning doing whatever you didn’t get to do yesterday. Whatever you do, make sure you work up an appetite and don’t grab too big a lunch for your ride to Trubschachen. You’ll need every free inch in your stomach for the biscuit-feast awaiting you.

Once you’re ready to move on, catch the train to Trubschachen. But watch out. This train gets split up along the way and only the front part travels through the picturesque Entlebuch region to the Kambly factory. When you’re at the platform in Lucerne, please check the display to make sure you get on the right half of the train.

The Kambly factory store right next to Trubschachen station is free to visit. In here, you can spend as much time as you like tasting up to 100 types of delicious biscuits. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the factory and watch the production of this iconic Swiss biscuit. However, they do have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insight into this traditional family business.

After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two biscuits before, move on to Bern. To digest your Kambly overdose, go for a walk in Switzerland’s capital city. For an impressive night view over Bern, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten.

Day 4: Bern - Interlaken - Bern

Today, you’re going to take a day trip to one of the most popular and scenic places in Switzerland. Interlaken seems to be on almost everyone’s list when coming here. And while there are tons of other places with stunning views and perfect hiking opportunities, you’d struggle to find a place that caters to visitors like Interlaken does.

For an extensive list of things to do in and around Interlaken, turn to itinerary No. 3 on day 2, where we listed about three days worth of activities. Those should keep you busy for a while.

If you leave Bern early in the morning, you’ll have enough time to catch the passenger ship to Interlaken once you get to Thun. This boat ride takes just over two hours and will most likely take your breath away.

Expect to peacefully cruise past charming villages and towering mountains while you traverse all of Lake Thun before turning into Interlaken. This has to be one of the most scenic cruises in Switzerland. And even if the weather isn’t perfect, it’s a mystical experience worth getting up for.

It’s also fully covered if you travel with an Interrail, Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass. Don’t miss out on the opportunity...

The train ride from Interlaken back to Bern only takes an hour, which leaves you with plenty of time to go nuts in the mighty Bernese Alps.

• Things to do in Interlaken

Day 5: Bern - Zurich

Today, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from. Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back to Rosengarten for the views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

Oh the agony of choice...

Toward the end of the day, catch the train back to Zurich and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s largest city.

• Best things to do in Bern
• Best things to do in Zurich

Additional tips and information for itinerary 4

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lucerne and Bern, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• On your way down from Mount Rigi to Vitznau, try to sit on the right side of the train for better views of Lake Lucerne.
• If you travel with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the Rigibahn as well as the passenger ship from Vitznau to Lucerne. If you travel with a Swiss Travel Pass or the National Day Pass, all rides are fully covered.

5. Itinerary for culture and cookie lovers to Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city
• Enjoy a chilled boat cruise on the River Aare
• Visit Switzerland’s largest stork station
• Go for a hike in the Jura mountains
• Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO)
• Fill up on free Kambly biscuits in Trubschachen
• Take a stroll across the Kapellbrücke in Lucerne

Day 1: Zurich - Solothurn

Leave Zurich first thing in the morning and head to Solothurn, commonly known as Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city. With its impressive baroque cathedral and the many hidden and pretty alleyways, the city has earned this title with no doubt.

After a few hours of exploring Solothurn, hop on the passenger ship to Biel. How long you stay on it really depends on your preferences. You can go all the way to Biel – which takes around three hours – or get off anywhere along the way and catch the train back to Solothurn.

One of the highlights on this tour will be Switzerland’s largest stork station in Altreu, which you’ll pass about 45 minutes into the journey. In 1950, when storks were nearly extinct in Switzerland, Max Bloesch started his reintroduction project to save our storks. Thanks to him, around 40 breeding pairs can be seen soaring through the air, strutting across the fields and clattering on the rooftops around Altreu these days.

Only in spring and summer, though. They travel to warmer territories in autumn until winter is over.

If you continue your journey onward to Biel, the views of the Jura mountains and the Swiss Central Plateau will accompany you all the way. After passing through a watergate, you’ll arrive at the port in Biel, which is only a short walk from the train station.

From there, heading back to Solothurn will take 15 minutes by train.

Day 2: Free day in Solothurn

Although Solothurn is by no means a big city, there’s still plenty to see and do in the area. One activity we particularly recommend is going on a hike in the Jura mountains. This high plateau is a wonderful area to visit all year round.

One option to reach the top with its countless walking trails is by cable car from Oberdorf to Weissenstein. Feel free to walk as long and as far as you like before hiking back down or catching the cable car to Oberdorf.

A very popular hike is the round trip from Solothurn via Balmberg and Weissenstein. Catch the Postauto in Solothurn, get off at Balmberg, walk along the crest to Weissenstein and head back down to Oberdorf by cable car. From Oberdorf, the train will take you back to Solothurn.

This is an easy walk and takes you into the Jura without too much effort. During your hike, you’ll also enjoy the view over the Alps, including Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Another place you can visit is Verena Gorge. You can walk along the creek through the forest in the gorge until you reach the little hermitage at the end. The walk takes roughly 45 minutes return and is super peaceful.

In the evening, treat yourself to a few scoops of ice cream at Vitaminstation – one of the ice cream places ever – and have it while sitting on the stone wall along the River Aare.

You’ll fit right in with the locals in doing so.

Seraina’s Tip: My two absolute favourite places for food in Solothurn are Pittaria and Vitaminstation. Anyone that likes a good falafel or hummus is going to love Pittaria. And Vitaminstation makes some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted in Switzerland.

Day 3: Solothurn - Bern

Leave Solothurn after breakfast and head to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. In this beautiful UNESCO listed city, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from.

Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back to Rosengarten for the views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for a day. In the evening, we recommend heading back up to Rosengarten for some impressive night views.

Day 4: Day trip from Bern

Bern is conveniently located in close proximity to a variety of breathtaking destinations. For one, there’s Thun and Interlaken, which are two wonderful places to visit for some spectacular lake and mountain views. If you’re interested in heading that way, turn to itinerary No. 4 on day 4.

If you’re into mountain lakes, you’re in luck, too. Lake Oeschinensee and Blausee are both within reach from Bern and more than worth a trip. The crystal clear water in both lakes will leave you breathless.

Only half an hour west of Bern lies the mediaeval city of Fribourg. If you decide to head over there, follow the citywalk signs leading you through this mighty old town. The signs will lead you up and down some very steep alleyways, across ancient wooden bridges, down to the River Saane and past the city’s very own funicular. For an even better view of your surroundings, tackle the 365 steps to the tower of the Cathedral. The River Saane at the bottom of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a snack.

Technically, you could take this even further and head to Gruyères and Broc for some typical Swiss cheese and chocolate. Whatever you end up doing today and whenever you’re ready, head back to Bern for your last night in the city.

• Best things to do in Fribourg
• Best things to do in Thun
• Best things to do in Interlaken
• Lake Thun - best attractions and prices

Day 5: Bern - Kambly - Lucerne

It’s crucial you keep your breakfast to a minimum today. Because as soon as you’ve swallowed your last bite, it’s time to catch the train to Truebschachen. This is the place where the iconic Kambly biscuits come from.

The Kambly factory store right next to Trubschachen station is free to visit. In here, you can spend as much time as you like tasting up to 100 types of delicious biscuits. Second breakfast anyone?

Unfortunately, you can’t visit the factory and watch the production of this iconic Swiss biscuit. However, they do have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insight into this traditional family business.

After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two bites before, move on to Lucerne.

To digest your Kambly overdose, walk across the Kapellbrücke, take a stroll through the old town, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden with its famous Lion Monument. Toward the end of the day, catch the train back to Zurich and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s largest city.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 5

• The passenger ship between Solothurn and Biel only runs three times daily from May through October. Please check the timetable to find your connection.
• If you travel with a Swiss Travel Pass, all rides are fully covered. If you travel with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the passenger ship ride from Solothurn to Biel.
• When you’re in Altreu, watch out for pooping storks. They usually don’t hold back and you wouldn’t be the first person to get sprayed with, well, you know what.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Bern, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.

6. Itinerary for mountain and culture lovers with Mount Titlis and three city trips

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Hang out in the mountain village of Engelberg
• Visit the Benedictine monastery in Engelberg
• Enjoy the mountain views from Mount Titlis
• Walk across the Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• Explore the vibrant city of Basel

Day 1: Zurich - Engelberg

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Engelberg.

This versatile mountain village is situated about 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Lake Lucerne and lies at an altitude of 1013 metres (3323 feet) above sea level. At 3239 metres (10.626 feet), towering over the other peaks surrounding Engelberg, you’ll find mighty Mount Titlis.

Since you’ll arrive in Engelberg mid- or late afternoon, there won’t be enough time to head up there right away. So let’s leave that until tomorrow to make sure you don’t feel rushed.

Instead, what you can do this afternoon is check out the centre of Engelberg. Or more specifically, the Benedictine monastery. This ancient monastery, which was founded in 1120, is still inhabited by 20-odd monks. You can either visit the premises on your own or join a guided tour.

• Best things to do in Zurich

Day 2: Free day in Engelberg

Like so many places in the Swiss Alps, Engelberg has its focus on the outdoors. Unarguably the most popular destination in this area is Mount Titlis. From Engelberg, you’ll reach the top by catching two gondolas. One of them being the world’s first revolving aerial cableway. Expect to be presented with some impressive 360-degree views at the top. Alongside an impressive glacier cave and the exciting Titlis Cliff Walk by Tissot.

The hiking options in the area around Engelberg are also seemingly endless and cater to all kinds of preferences. One recommended hike is the so-called “Kitzelpfad” in Brunni. What literally translates to “tickle-path” requires you to take off your shoes and walk across different types of soil. And whilst your feet get tickled by nature, you’ll also be able to enjoy the perfect views of Mount Titlis.

Now what would a proper hike be without coming across a mountain lake or two...?

A slightly more advanced hike called Four-Lakes hike takes you past – you might have guessed it – four mountain lakes. Since this excursion takes almost five hours to complete, we recommend you only opt for it if you’re feeling fit enough.

For a more relaxing and less straining day, you might prefer the wheelchair accessible path around Engelberg. This two-hour walk starts at the monastery in the centre of Engelberg and leads all the way to the picturesque River Aa and back. Even though this walk doesn’t take you up into the peaks, it still comes with some pretty acceptable mountain views.

During winter, Engelberg turns into an absolute heaven for snow lovers. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice skating or sledging, you’ll have your expectations met. Engelberg is especially popular among freeriders.

• Best things to do in Engelberg
• Brunni Engelberg
• Mount Titlis

Day 3: Engelberg - Lucerne - Basel

If there’s anything you wanted to do in Engelberg yesterday but ran out of time, get that over with in the morning and leave for Lucerne whenever you’re ready. Travelling from Engelberg to Lucerne takes less than an hour and is very straightforward.

Once you arrive, store your bags at the train station and spend a few hours exploring this charming city. Walk across the Kapellbrücke, take a stroll through the old town, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden with its famous Lion Monument.

You’ve got all afternoon here so take your time. For more ideas of things to do around here, turn to itinerary No. 4 on day 2.

From Lucerne, the onward train ride to Basel will only take an hour. Spend whatever you have left of the day hanging out by the River Rhine or walking through the old town of Basel.

• Best things to do in Lucerne

Day 4: Free day in Basel

Basel is a vibrant city right on the German and French border. It offers several guided and self-guided city tours. Some of them are centered around a certain theme like “Basel by Night” or “Prison Runaways”. Don’t miss out on getting a deeper insight into this culturally rich city.

You can also head out on your own. Stop by the Pfalz – the perfect viewing platform to snap some postcard-quality photos – walk along the River Rhine to watch the big cargo ships enter and leave the harbour, pass by the Cathedral or geek out in one of the many museums. Basel has a very high density of museums. So whether you’re into culture, art or history, you’ll find your perfect match here.

If you’re visiting during summer, you might even like to go for a swim in the River Rhine. Which is exactly what the locals do. Before hopping into the water and letting the current take them downstream, they usually pack their clothes into a so-called “Wickelfisch”. This dry-bag comes in the shape of a fish and is iconic to Basel.

In case you’ve seen enough of the city already by the afternoon, you can always hop across the border and visit Weil am Rhein in Germany or St. Louis in France.

Technically, you could even visit three countries in one day. That’s completely doable in Basel and might be something you don’t get to experience every day. Especially if you’re from a country that requires you to get on a plane to cross the nearest border within a reasonable amount of time...

• Best things to do in Basel

Day 5: Basel - Zurich

If there’s something you didn’t get to do in Basel yesterday, today’s your day. Whenever you’re ready to leave, head back to Zurich and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s largest city.

If time permits, you can finish off this itinerary with a visit to the Lindt chocolate factory. Close to Zurich, in Kilchberg, you'll find the brand new Lindt Visitor Centre, which opened its doors to the public in September 2020. If you've never tried a roasted cocoa bean, eaten as many Lindor balls as possible or spent some time with the world's tallest chocolate fountain, this is your chance.

• Lindt Home of Chocolate

Additional tips and information for itinerary 6

• Every year on a weekend in June, the Engelberg Strongman race takes place. The area will be completely packed during that time so make sure you book way ahead if you visit on that specific weekend. It’s quite a spectacle to behold and if you can, it might be fun to watch.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Basel, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• In case you decide to take a trip across to Germany or France, don’t forget to exchange some Euros. And make sure to bring your passport, too. Since Switzerland isn’t part of the European Union, you usually have to show your passport when leaving the country.

7. Itinerary across Switzerland from St. Gallen to Lake Geneva including four city trips and two panoramic trains

Day 1: Zurich - St. Gallen

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to St. Gallen.

Spend the afternoon exploring the old town of St. Gallen. With the UNESCO listed Abbey District, its towering Cathedral and the impressive Abbey Library, this city has quite a few things to offer.

While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the recreational area of Drei Weieren. To get there, either catch the Mühleggbahn or take the stairs. Alternatively, visit the wildlife park Peter & Paul or still your cultural thirst at one of the many museums.

By far the best place to relax is at Drei Weieren. Go for a refreshing swim to recover from the many steps you took up here or go for a stroll in the forest. You also get a fantastic view over the whole city, Lake Constance and all the way to Germany.

• Best things to do in Zurich
• Best things to do in St. Gallen

Day 2: St. Gallen - Lucerne

Luckily, you don’t have to leave St. Gallen until lunchtime today. So spend the morning doing whatever you didn’t get to do yesterday. Around midday, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the Voralpen Express to Lucerne.

Out of the many scenic train rides in Switzerland, this is one of the less touristy ones. It doesn’t come with fancy panorama windows and there’s no friendly voice pointing out what viaduct you just crossed.

But that doesn’t make it any less worth riding.

We recommend breaking up your journey halfway in and getting off in Rapperswil, a real hidden gem of a city. Head up to the castle, spend some time with the deer in the castle’s garden, go for a swim in Lake Zurich and walk along the idyllic esplanade.

An excellent spot to relax is the lawn behind OST, the technical college of Rapperswil. You can’t miss it when you head toward the lake after leaving the train station.

If you’re looking for an easy walk, follow the wooden footbridge and the connecting walkway across the lake to Pfäffikon. In doing so, you’ll be completing three kilometres (1.8 miles) of the Camino de Santiago trail, a pilgrim route leading from different places across Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Once you’re ready to move on, catch the next train to Lucerne and spend the afternoon exploring the city. Walk across the Kapellbrücke, take a stroll through the old town, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden with its famous Lion Monument.

For an extensive list of things to do in Lucerne, turn back to itinerary No. 4 on day 2.

• Best things to do in Lucerne

Day 3: Lucerne - Interlaken - Montreux

Today, you’ll be spending a fair amount of time on trains and enjoying some of the best views in the process. The Golden Pass Line is a popular scenic train route from Lucerne to Montreux and is served by several train companies. It connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.

This panoramic journey leads past eight lakes, rides through six different cantons (the Swiss version of states), crosses three mountain passes and connects two language regions. Your first leg between Lucerne and Interlaken is run by Zentralbahn and takes just under two hours.

Once you arrive in Interlaken, you have maybe an hour or two in this popular yet touristy town. With a relatively long journey still ahead of you, we recommend you don’t stick around much longer than that.

The second leg of the journey first takes you past Lake Thun to Spiez and finally into Zweisimmen, where you’ll transfer to a different train. That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland towards Gstaad begins. This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

Even if you don’t have enough time to get off along the way, the ride through this picturesque area is something you probably won’t forget anytime soon.

After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Spend whatever you have left of the day exploring Montreux and its surroundings.

Bienvenue...

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux and depending on when you arrive, you might have an hour or two to explore. Head to the Promenade, check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall and take a stroll through the city. There’s no rush though since you’ll be spending two nights here. Plenty of time to discover Montreux and its surroundings.

• Best things to do in Montreux

Day 4: Montreux - Gruyères / Broc - Montreux

Today is all about cheese and chocolate. After all, that’s what Switzerland is famous for. So catch the train to Gruyères and get ready for some culinary and mediaeval action.

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station. For a small entrance fee, you can watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included.

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the village centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes.

The main attraction in Gruyères is probably the castle, which is open to the public and costs 12 CHF to enter. But the hidden cobblestone alleys and the countless souvenir shops also tend to have people stick around longer than they expected.

After exploring Gruyères, and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler. Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a lot of free samples.

More than you thought you could handle.

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose. Spend the rest of the day hanging out in Montreux.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

• Gruyères Cheese Factory
• Cailler Chocolate Factory

Day 5: Montreux - Lavaux - Zurich / Geneva

Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taking a stroll through the vineyards with the perfect view of Lake Geneva is almost a must in this area. So venture right out after breakfast.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards. Once you’re ready to continue your journey, either head back to Zurich or hop on the train to Geneva. Whichever city it is you’re leaving Switzerland from.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 7

• Both scenic train rides, the Voralpen Express and the Golden Pass Line, are fully covered by the Interrail and Eurail Passes as well as the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in St. Gallen, Lucerne and Montreux, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• You can complete the Golden Pass journey without making a reservation. However, the Golden Pass customer service recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get pretty busy during high season.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.
• When travelling from Montreux to Gruyères, you’ll need to transfer in Montbovon. If your budget allows, you can book the chocolate train that’ll take you straight from Montreux to the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. This is also served by the Golden Pass Line.

8. Itinerary with the highlights of eastern Switzerland including mountains, lakes and waterfalls

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover the main sights of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
• Admire the Abbey District in St. Gallen (UNESCO)
• Enjoy and spend a night in the stunning Alpstein mountain range
• Hang out by Lake Constance in Kreuzlingen
• Hop across the border to the charming German town of Constance
• Visit the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfalls

Day 1: Zurich - St. Gallen

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to St. Gallen.

Spend the afternoon exploring the old town of St. Gallen. With the UNESCO listed Abbey District, its towering Cathedral and the impressive Abbey Library, this city has quite a few things to offer.

While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the recreational area of Drei Weieren. To get there, either catch the Mühleggbahn or take the stairs. Alternatively, visit the wildlife park Peter & Paul or still your cultural thirst at one of the many museums.

By far the best place to relax is at Drei Weieren. Go for a refreshing swim to recover from the many steps you took up here or go for a stroll in the forest. You also get a fantastic view over the whole city, Lake Constance and all the way to Germany.

• Best things to do in Zurich
• Best things to do in St. Gallen

Day 2: St. Gallen - Alpstein

The following two days are fully dedicated to exploring the Alpstein mountain range. Leave whatever luggage you won’t need in St. Gallen and get ready for some serious hiking.

The hiking options are absolutely endless in this mountain range. Whether you’d like to catch a glimpse of the famous Äscher restaurant or go for a swim in the charming Seealpsee, you’ll find your match.

Since you’ve got two days to spare, we’ll run you through one of our favourite hikes in this area. It starts in Brülisau, includes two mountain lakes, some fresh milk and cheese, maybe a night in a stable above the cows and definitely a pair of sore calves.

Firstly, make your way to Brülisau in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. From here, start your walk to the restaurant Ruhesitz, which you’ll reach halfway up a mountain called Hoher Kasten. From Ruhesitz, follow the signs pointing you toward Lake Sämtisersee. By now, you might be ready for a break. Spend as much time as you like hanging out by or inside this beauty.

From Sämtisersee, keep going until you reach Bollenwees by Lake Fälensee. If you’re looking for comfort, this mountain inn is where you can spend the night. They offer private rooms or dorms with showers as well as a restaurant. The views over the lake are unparalleled and after this long day of hiking, you’ll probably be more than happy to just stretch your legs and take in the stunning backdrop.

However, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, keep going. Follow Lake Fälensee to the end and you’ll bump into Fälenalp, a little Alp where a farmer’s family takes their cows, goats and pigs to spend the summer. They offer beds in a big dorm in a stable above the cows and cook a rustic farmers’ dinner for you.

Everyone looking for a place to forget about this busy world out there will love coming here. In case you decide to stay at Bollenwees, we still recommend you walk to Fälenalp to see this magical place and to try their fresh goat cheese. Either today after settling in at Bollenwees or tomorrow before heading back to St. Gallen.

Day 3: Alpstein - St. Gallen

Wherever you spent last night, we hope you slept well in this fresh mountain air. How you plan out your day today is totally up to you. You haven’t exhausted your hiking options by far, so keep going for as long as you please.

One option is to climb to Bogartenmannli and terminate your hike in Wasserauen after passing Seealpsee. This should put you on the train to St. Gallen some time in the afternoon. Or you can just walk back to Brülisau via Sämtisersee and Brüeltobel. The world is your oyster here.

On your way back to St. Gallen, you might like a quick stopover in Appenzell, the charming capital of the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. In case you’re feeling brave, visit the little cheese store at Hauptgasse 13. But be warned, those smelly cheese fumes will knock your socks off the second you enter the store.

There’s no way your feet will be able to compete with that odour. Not even after two full days of being trapped inside your trekking boots... 🙂

Oh, and don’t miss out on a piece of Appenzeller Biber, an iconic local sweet treat made of gingerbread and a honey almond filling. And before you ask: Nope. This Biber doesn’t have any famous Canadian relatives...

Also, if you’re a beer-lover, make sure to stop by the Locher brewery. They brew the popular Quöllfrisch beer that is consumed all across Switzerland. In the evening, head back to St. Gallen and enjoy sleeping like a baby tonight. Spending a day or two in the mountains has a tendency to leave you peacefully exhausted.

Day 4: St. Gallen - Kreuzlingen

It’s time to take it a little easier today. After two intense and possibly exhausting days in the Alpstein, pack your bags and head to Kreuzlingen by Lake Constance. Fairly big Lake Constance is 63 kilometres (39 miles) long, up to 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) wide and shares its shores with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This tri-national area offers a considerable amount of sights and activities for you to discover.

For one, there’s the picturesque town of Constance in Germany, which is within walking distance from Kreuzlingen. Most Swiss go there for its cheap shopping, but Constance has more to offer than low-priced stores.

With its charming old town, a wide array of cafés, restaurants, ice cream places and peaceful spots to hang out by the lake, Constance certainly manages to attract visitors throughout the warmer months. If you’re into fish and other creatures that live and dwell under water, the Sea Life is always a potential bad weather option.

Of course, you don’t need to leave the country to enjoy Lake Constance to its fullest. Visit one of the many beaches, go for a swim, catch a passenger ship, rent a stand up paddleboard, grab a bike and follow the trails or go for a walk along the lakeshore.

The Canton of Thurgau, which makes up most of the Swiss part along Lake Constance, is famous for its apple trees. One of the walks we recommend in this area is the Altnauer apple trail. It’s particularly idyllic when the trees bloom in April and May or then again during harvest time in autumn. The trail is divided into three separate trails, which all contain informative signs addressing different topics. Combine all three trails and you’ll know everything there is to know about apples. Options to buy and taste a selection of apple products are plentiful along the way, too.

Additional places of interest by Lake Constance are the towns of Romanshorn, Rorschach and of course Kreuzlingen, where you’ll be spending the night.

• Lake Constance

Day 5: Kreuzlingen - Rhine Falls - Zurich

In the morning, spend some more time by or inside Lake Constance. The train ride to Zurich takes just over an hour so technically, you could spend all day here.

However, if you’re ready to move on after lunch, catch the train to Neuhausen to visit Europe’s largest waterfalls. The mighty Rhine Falls attract visitors from all over the world and are one impressive force of nature. Access to the falls is free from the northern shore, while seeing them from Laufen Castle in the south costs 5 CHF.

Once you’ve seen enough, head back to Zurich and spend the rest of the evening exploring Switzerland’s largest city.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 8

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in St. Gallen, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free. This even includes transport all the way to Lake Constance.
• There’s a ton of hiking trails in the Alpstein so please feel free to go on a different hike than the one we suggested.
• Throughout the Alpstein, you’ll find farms / alps to buy fresh farmers’ produce like milk, cheese, bread and so on. In our opinion, milk never tastes better than it does when it’s fresh and you’ve just spent a few hours dragging your body up a steep hill.
• Particularly during summer, the Alpstein gets crazy busy. If you can, try to plan your hike on a weekday or make sure you book your bed ahead if you visit on a weekend.
• If you’d like to stay at Fälenalp, we recommend making a reservation. Just to make sure they have enough space and to let them know you’re coming. Either ask at your accommodation in St. Gallen or at the tourist information to give them a call for you. The same goes for Bollenwees. Book your bed online or give them a call.

9. Itinerary for outdoor and mountain lovers to the Canton of Grisons

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Stop over in Chur, the capital of the Canton of Grisons
• Visit Ruinaulta, also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon
• Explore the Alps in Davos and Scuol
• Marvel at the beautiful and iconic stone houses of the Engadine
• Spend the night in Switzerland’s only national park

Day 1: Zurich - Chur - Davos

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Chur.

Spend an hour or two strolling through Chur – the capital of the Canton of Grisons – and get ready for the clean alpine air awaiting you in Davos. Before you move on to Davos, stop by two of the most beautiful Swiss mountain lakes that both happen to be very close to Chur: Lake Cauma and Lake Cresta. Those lakes are as picturesque as can be and are highly popular with locals as well as visitors.

Another fantastic place in the area is Ruinaulta, the impressive Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO world heritage site carries the nickname Swiss Grand Canyon for good reason. There’s a hike connecting Ruinaulta with Lake Cauma and Lake Cresta. This easy 2.5-hour walk starts at the Postauto stop Flims Waldhaus. Depending on how much time you spent in Zurich and Chur earlier today, you might be able to fit in the whole hike. If not, just pick one or two destinations before catching the train to Davos.

• Best things to do in Zurich
• Best things to do in Chur

Day 2: Davos - Scuol

Situated at 1560 metres (5118 feet) above sea level, Davos is the highest city in the Swiss Alps. It’s also an incredibly popular destination for hikers, skiers, bikers and outdoor lovers in general. During summer, three cable cars take you up into the mountains, where an extensive network of hiking trails awaits you. Combined, those trails expand to roughly 700 kilometres (435 miles), which should be enough to keep you busy for a day.

However, if you’re not into hiking, you have other options to make most of your time in Davos. Like mountain biking, paragliding or taking a stroll to Lake Davos. If you’re visiting during winter, you’ve come to the right place to go skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just going for a walk in the snow.

You have until later in the afternoon to mock around in Davos before it’s time to move on to Scuol. The train ride takes just over an hour and you’ll need to transfer in Landquart. You’ll notice that, even though it’s also situated in the Canton of Grisons, Scuol is quite different from Davos. It’s a good thing you’ve got another two days to explore the stunning Engadin region.

• Best things to do in Davos

Day 3: Scuol - Chamanna Cluozza

The Engadin has to be one of the most magical places in Switzerland. Especially during autumn, when the leaves turn yellow, orange and red. But throughout the rest of the year, it’s just as fantastic a place to visit.

For organisational purposes, it makes sense to head into the National Park first thing in the morning and come back for Scuol later. If you ask nicely, they might let you leave your luggage at your accommodation in Scuol until you come back from the mountains tomorrow night.

The rules that apply when visiting Switzerland’s only National Park are pretty strict. There’s no leaving the marked trails, no taking plants with you, no making fires and so on. Once you arrive at the gates of the park, please read the signs or stop by the visitor centre in Zernez to make sure you’re prepared.

What you probably weren’t expecting is that visiting the park is free. Everything in Switzerland seems to be more expensive than anywhere else in the world. And yet, while you pay an entrance fee to pretty much every National Park in the world, ours is free. Pretty cool, right?

Since the only place to spend the night inside the Swiss National Park is a mountain hut called Chamanna Cluozza, you’ve got one task to accomplish today. Get to Chamanna Cluozza.

One hike we recommend starts half an hour from Scuol, in the village of Zernez. From there, you’ll spend a good three hours until you reach your camp for the night. The hike isn’t too straining. And if you’re not the most experienced hiker, just give yourself enough time and you should be alright.

Enjoy this evening far away from civilisation without phone reception and sitting around a table chatting to strangers. You’ve earned it.

Day 4: Chamanna Cluozza - Scuol

If you haven’t planned out today’s hike yet, ask the owners of Chamanna Cluozza for their recommendations. You have several further options of different difficulty levels to explore the National Park.

Or you can make your way straight back to Scuol after breakfast if you’ve had enough. It’s entirely up to you. If you’re looking for some relaxing alternatives to climbing up and down those steep mountains, the Engadin certainly has you covered.

For one, there are the hot springs in Scuol. Depending on how sore your legs are from your National Park endeavours, a few hours in this relaxing setting might just be what you need.

Otherwise, we suggest heading to one of the nearby villages. Like for instance Guarda or Sent. The stone houses you’ll encounter are characteristic to this part of Switzerland. And while you’re walking by those mighty buildings, keep an eye out for a bakery.

The Engadin is where the iconic Engadiner Nusstorte comes from. If you have a sweet tooth, we highly recommend you don’t leave before grabbing a slice or two. It’s heavy and rich. And it’s worth every single calorie.

• Best things to do in Scuol
• Best things to do in the Engadine

Day 5: Scuol - Zurich

Guess what, you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Scuol today. So work on that list you’ve put together in your head. Another potentially interesting sight we haven’t mentioned yet is the castle of Tarasp.

This impressive construction near Scuol has been dominantly sitting on a steep hill since the 11th century. To see it from the inside, joining a tour is mandatory. If this is something you could see yourself doing before heading back to Zurich, check their current schedule to join a public tour.

The train ride from Scuol to Zurich takes almost three hours and unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 9

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Davos, you’ll receive a Guest Card that gives you discounts on all sorts of activities.
• For better views of Lake Zurich and Lake Walensee, grab a seat on the left on your train journey to Chur.
• While you’re out exploring Chur, Ruinaulta and the lakes, leave your luggage in a locker at the train station in Chur.
• Whenever you’re out hiking, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Your chances of spotting a couple of marmots, chamoix or even ibex are very real.
• Booking ahead when you stay at Chamanna Cluozza is crucial. You don’t want to end up getting stranded in the park after your hike and having to head back. Use their booking site to make a reservation.
• This itinerary works best during summer or autumn. Especially if you’re planning on spending time in the national park. Of course, you can also visit during winter. But that would mean you’d have to skip Chamanna Cluozza and spend more time in the snow in Davos and Scuol. Not a bad alternative, either...

10. Itinerary including the Alps and a ride on the Glacier Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Go on a hike at the base of the famous Matterhorn
• Check out the Gorner Glacier at Gornergrat
• Travel the full Glacier Express Line - the world’s slowest express train
• Visit St. Moritz, the place where the rich and famous hang out
• Discover the highlights of Zurich

Day 1: Zurich - Zermatt

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Zermatt. If you’re not in a rush to get to Zermatt, take a quick break in Bern, Spiez or Thun. Those cities are all along the way from Zurich to Zermatt and offer plenty of sights and things to do.

Between Visp and Zermatt, you’ll be getting a first glimpse of what’s about to expect you on your Glacier Express journey. Once you arrive in Zermatt, spend the rest of the day strolling through this little mountain town and enjoy the sight of the mighty Matterhorn.

Provided it’s not veiled in clouds.

• Best things to do in Zurich

Day 2: Free day in Zermatt

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular mountain views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt five-lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure, is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1620 feet) across the valley.

Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see some mountains the easy way, we recommend heading up to Gornergrat. After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn.

Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

• Best things to do in Zermatt

Day 3: Zermatt - St. Moritz

Today, you’re going to complete the full Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. This ride on “the world’s slowest express train” is a once in a lifetime experience and will spoil you with the best views the Alps have to offer.

The train leaves Zermatt twice a day, with both trains departing in the morning. The schedule changes throughout the year and there are certain trains that don’t do the full journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz. To find your connection, please make sure you consult their current timetable.

There’s a reason why the Glacier Express is one of the most popular scenic railway routes in Switzerland. What makes this journey so memorable are the fantastic views you get left, right and centre throughout the whole ride. The train takes you across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, three cantons and two language regions.

It takes just over 8 hours to complete and depending on what time you leave Zermatt, you’ll arrive in St. Moritz between 5 and 6 pm. Whenever you do arrive, spend the rest of the day strolling through this fancy mountain town in the Engadine.

• Glacier Express - What to expect on this scenic train journey

Day 4: Free day in St. Moritz

Like Zermatt, St. Moritz is all about the outdoors. Summer and winter. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, stand up paddling, swimming, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just going for a walk, you’ll find your fix.

Only a short ride from St. Moritz lies Lake Silvaplana, a stunning place to cover some of those activities.

Another place worth visiting, since you have a full day in St. Moritz, is Ospizio Bernina. With 2253 metres (7397 feet) above sea level, this little railway station is the highest spot of the Bernina Express Line. Trains from St. Moritz leave every hour and lead you past several good-looking spots with lakes, glaciers and towering mountains.

On the culinary side, we recommend two things in the Grisons. Firstly, don’t miss out on a bowl of Bündner Gerstensuppe. This barley soup with vegetables and meat is iconic to the Grisons and one of our favourite soups. It warms you up like nothing else on a chilly day.

Secondly, treat yourself to a slice of Engadiner Nusstorte. This heavy, delicious pastry puts the calories right back where you’ve been trying to lose them. But it’s so worth it.

Back in St. Moritz, spend the rest of the day strolling through the town. It’s not as charming and mystical as other villages in the area like Samedan or La Punt. But it’s great for window shopping and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a celebrity or two.

• Best things to do in St. Moritz
• Best things to do in the Engadine

Day 5: St. Moritz - Zurich

If there’s anything you didn’t get to do yesterday, today’s your chance. The train ride back to Zurich takes just over three hours so there’s no rush to leave just yet. However, if you’ve seen it all and you’re ready to move on, you’re welcome to hop on the train and spend some time anywhere along the way between St. Moritz and Zurich.

One place you might like is the dreamy village of Bergün with its impressive stone buildings that are iconic to this area. You’ll arrive in Bergün right after navigating the confusing Albula Line, the part where the train overcomes the altitude by taking a few loops and tunnels through the mountains. As you look out the window, you’ll notice the train crosses sides of the valley while spiralling down the mountains.

Another place you might enjoy between St. Moritz and Zurich is Walenstadt. Or more precisely, Lake Walensee. This beautiful lake is the perfect stopover. It’s a stunning and mystical lake and, depending on the weather and the light reflection, it sometimes reminds you of a Scottish loch.

Spend the rest of the evening in Zurich and snack on some more Engadiner Nusstorte by the lakeshore or at Lindenhof.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 10

• The Glacier Express Line is fully covered by all major travel passes like the Swiss Travel Pass as well as the Interrail and Eurail Passes. However, you still need to make a reservation, even if you have a travel pass.
• During winter, Zermatt is a popular skiing destination. Unfortunately, it’s the most expensive one in Switzerland. But if you’re looking for some slopes, you should find what you’re after.
• The Engadin, the eastern part of the Grisons, is especially impressive during autumn, the season of the Golden Forests.
• If you’re planning on getting off in Walenstadt, make sure you don’t hop on the express train between Chur and Zurich. This one doesn’t stop in Walenstadt.
• For a better view of Lake Zurich and Lake Walen, you should choose the right side on your train journey to Zurich.

And this concludes our collection of five-day itineraries for Switzerland starting in Zurich. We hope you’ve been able to find the Switzerland itinerary to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.