Switzerland 7 Day Itinerary

Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich and Exploration

  • Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH)
  • Take a train or tram to your hotel in the city center (~30 minutes, CHF 6.60)
  • Visit the Old Town (Niederdorf), including the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street
  • Explore the Lake Zurich (Limmat) waterfront and take a stroll along the promenade
  • Try some traditional Swiss cuisine for dinner, such as fondue or raclette

Things to Know

  • Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. You may encounter different languages depending on the region you visit.
  • The country is known for its high standard of living, which can also mean higher prices.

Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne

  • Take a train to Lucerne (approximately 1 hour, CHF 30)
  • Visit the Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden bridge with beautiful paintings
  • Explore the old town, including the Lion Monument and Kornmarkt
  • Take a stroll along the lake promenade and enjoy the views of Mount Pilatus

Activities

  • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lucerne (CHF 20-40)
  • Visit the Swiss Transport Museum, showcasing the country’s transportation history (CHF 30)

Day 3: Lucerne to Interlaken

  • Take a train to Interlaken (approximately 2 hours, CHF 60)
  • Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and picturesque villages
  • Take a cable car ride to Schilthorn Mountain for breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks (CHF 80 return)

Things to Do

  • Go hiking or biking in the beautiful Bernese Oberland region
  • Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Day 4: Interlaken

  • Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls (CHF 12)
  • Explore the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”, for stunning views and snow activities (CHF 120 return, including train and cable car)

Activities

  • Go paragliding or canyoning for an adrenaline-packed adventure
  • Take a scenic helicopter tour over the Alps (CHF 150-300)

Day 5: Interlaken to Zermatt

  • Take a train to Zermatt (approximately 3 hours, CHF 80)
  • Enjoy the car-free village and its picturesque chalets
  • Hike to the Gornergrat for stunning views of the Matterhorn (CHF 50 return)

Things to Do

  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum, showcasing the history of mountaineering in Zermatt (CHF 10)
  • Take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through the village

Day 6: Zermatt

  • Take a cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains (CHF 50 return)
  • Hike to the Hörnlihütte, a mountain hut with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn (CHF 30 return)

Activities

  • Go skiing or snowboarding in one of Zermatt’s many ski resorts
  • Take a scenic mountain bike tour through the picturesque valleys

Day 7: Departure from Zurich

  • Take a train back to Zurich Airport (approximately 4 hours, CHF 100)
  • Depart from Switzerland with unforgettable memories!

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, do not need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
  • Check the Swiss Government’s website for specific requirements.

Transportation

  • The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers an efficient network of trains, buses, and boats. You can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transportation (CHF 246-492).
  • Renting a car is also an option, but be aware that driving in Switzerland’s mountainous regions can be challenging.

Other Things to Know

  • Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
  • Learn some basic German and French phrases to interact with locals and appreciate the culture.

This itinerary provides a mix of urban excitement, picturesque villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery. However, feel free to adjust it based on your interests and preferences!