THE ULTIMATE SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – ONE WEEK
It’s exciting to visit Switzerland your the first time. It’s exciting to be frantically creating a list of things you want to do in Switzerland, and I can’t wait for the day when you can pack. Planning a Switzerland itinerary can seem overwhelming.
The places you’re going. The people you will meet. The food you’ll eat. Every trip comes with questions you need to answer.
What time should you spend in Switzerland? How can you get around Switzerland? What are the top highlights that you must see? What’s realistic and possible to do with the limited time you have?
Let me assist you if you are planning a week-long trip to Switzerland. This Switzerland itinerary can be completed in seven days. It also includes some of the best things about Switzerland. The Ultimate 3 Weeks In Switzerland Road Trip is a longer itinerary.
The Swiss Alps and lakes. Also, scenic train rides, chocolate and cheese, and charming towns. These are just a few. This itinerary is seven days long and begins in Zurich. It is the main entry point for tourists arriving by plane in Switzerland.
Because Switzerland is such a small country, you can technically end and start in any other city. Sound good? Let’s get started.
One Week In Switzerland Highlights
Zurich – Lucerne – Trubschachen – Bern
Morning – Zurich
You can explore Zurich by yourself or join a walking tour for free in the morning. These tours are offered daily at 11:00 am and include all the highlights of Switzerland’s largest city.
Alternativ, you can also visit the Niederdorf (old Zurich), Lindenhof park (great view over the city), bustling Bahnhofstrasse, and Bellevue at the lake on your own.
Technically, you can even explore the city on a bike. The service “Zuri roll,” which rents bicycles for free, is beneficial as it allows you to cover more ground quickly. Take a bite to eat on the train from Lucerne, either after the walking tour or around midday.
Short Stop in Lucerne
You will have little time to spend in Lucerne today as you still have a lot of ground to cover. It should be enough to stroll around the old town and enjoy the views of Lake Lucerne.
Trubschachen-Kambly factory store
Continue your journey to Trubschachen after an hour or so. This charming little village will give your sweet tooth the best time. The Kambly factory store is next to Trubschachen Station and is open to the public for free. You can enjoy as many as you like tasting over 100 varieties of delicious biscuits here.
You can’t see the factory in its heart or witness the creation of its delicious treats. They offer a cinema in the shop, giving you more insight into this family-run business. Move on to Bern after you have reached the point of explosion or perhaps two bites.
Evening – Bern Switzerland
It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Switzerland’s capital. The train departs once an hour. Although there might be little to do today, depending on when you arrive in Bern, you may still have time to stop at bear park or visit Rosengarten to enjoy its spectacular night views. Walking is the best way to get rid of a Kambly overdose.
Bern – Interlaken
It takes less than an hour to travel by train to Interlaken, giving you nearly a whole day to explore this place everyone wants to see when they visit Switzerland.
Interlaken is a tourist hot spot that I avoid as a local. It gets very crowded and overrun by tourists. There’s a good reason. Interlaken is convenient for all kinds of outdoor adventures and breathtaking mountain excursions.
There are more options than you could ever imagine. Your budget will play a significant role in your decision, but Interlaken is an adrenaline-packed destination that offers endless possibilities. There are plenty of activities to keep your adrenaline pumping if you spend some time in Interlaken. Your wallet will be bleeding.
Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
You can also take a cruise by passenger ship on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This is a more affordable option. These rides offer breathtaking views that will leave you wishing you never had to go. Interlaken’s Jungfrau region is a great place to hike. There are many trails to choose from, so no matter your fitness level or ambitions, there is something for everyone.
Afternoon: Jungfraujoch, aka Top of Europe
The No. The famous Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe, is undoubtedly the #1 destination. This spectacular ride is only for some. Mount Schilthorn is a cheaper alternative if you are looking for something a little more affordable. You will be blown away by the views from the top and the ride up the cable car.
Interlaken – Golden Pass Line – Montreux
- Ride parts of the famous Golden Pass Line, one of the five major scenic train rides in Switzerland
- Visit the Chateau de Chaillon
- Enjoy a glass of wine at the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO).
It’s time to leave Interlaken. But don’t worry. You will be satisfied by the Golden Pass Line. It is one of five sizeable scenic train rides in Switzerland. It connects the central part of Switzerland, Lucerne, with Montreux at the shores of Lake Geneva.
Today you will travel from Interlaken toward Montreux. This account for approximately two-thirds of the Golden Pass Line. You’ll travel from Interlaken to Spiez and then to Zweisimmen, where you will transfer to another train.
Morning: Train journey through Switzerland on the Golden Pass Line
This area is a paradise for mountain lovers. It is the epitome of what Switzerland is all about. This area is home to beautiful landscapes, charming villages, lakes, and mountains. It’s a shame you can’t stop along the way. But you must keep going if your goal is to reach Lake Geneva today.
Afternoon: Montreux
Depending on when you arrive, you can still explore Montreux with the Golden Pass Line. The Chateau de Chillon is an old castle near Lake Geneva. I also recommend the Lavaux wine terraces, just a short drive west of Montreux. You can enjoy the stunning views from this UNESCO World Heritage Site by getting off at Cully or Epesses and following the marked footpath through the vineyards.