Switzerland is a small country packed with stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and exciting cities. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and only have one week to spare, don’t worry! With a little planning, you can experience the best that this country has to offer. In this article, I’ll share my one week itinerary for Switzerland, filled with insider tips and recommendations.
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Upon arrival in Zurich, check into your hotel and spend the day exploring this vibrant city. Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and is known for its stunning old town, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful lakeside promenade.
Take a walk around the Old Town and admire the charming buildings and narrow streets. Visit the famous Grossmünster Church and the iconic Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. End the day with a relaxing dinner by Lake Zurich and enjoy the stunning views.
Day 2: Lake Geneva Region
Take a train from Zurich to Lake Geneva, one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are several charming towns and villages to visit.
Start the day in Montreux, a charming town known for its jazz festival and scenic lake promenade. Take a stroll along the lake and visit the castle of Chillon, one of the most popular attractions in Switzerland. In the afternoon, take a train to Lausanne and explore this vibrant city, known for its medieval old town and Olympic Museum.
Day 3: The Swiss Alps
Take a train from Lausanne to Interlaken and spend the day exploring the Swiss Alps. Interlaken is a popular base for outdoor activities and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Nearby, you can also visit the cute and quaint village, Brienz. One of my personal favorites since the first time I ever visited Switzerland. The lake and views in Brienz are absolutely breathtaking and you can even take a pedalo boat out on the lake during the summer months.
Take a scenic gondola ride up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint for panoramic views of the mountains and the surrounding valley. If you’re feeling adventurous, go paragliding or take a hike in the mountains. In the evening, return to Interlaken and enjoy a traditional Swiss meal in one of the local restaurants.
Day 4: Lucerne
Take a train from Interlaken to Lucerne, a charming city located on Lake Lucerne. Lucerne is known for its well-preserved old town, covered bridges, and beautiful lakeside promenade.
Spend the day exploring the city, visiting the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, and the Lion Monument. Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and admire the stunning mountain scenery. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at one of Lucerne’s famous restaurants or grab a few things from the grocery store and have a nice picnic near the water.
Day 5-6: The Swiss Alps
Take a train from Lucerne to Zermatt, a picturesque town located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a popular destination for outdoor activities and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Spend two days exploring the area, going on scenic hikes, taking gondola rides, and visiting the Matterhorn Museum. In the evenings, relax in one of Zermatt’s charming restaurants and enjoy a traditional Swiss meal.
Day 7: Departure
Take a train from Zermatt back to Zurich and spend your last day in Switzerland exploring this vibrant city. Visit some of the sights you missed on your first day and do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, head to the airport for your flight back home.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a beautiful country filled with stunning natural scenery, charming cities, and delicious food. With this one week itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of Switzerland and make the most of your time. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Switzerland has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Switzerland!
