Switzerland · planning
Switzerland itineraries.
Routes across the parts of Switzerland that work well together — from an easy first weekend to a wider two-week rail journey.
A long weekend: Zurich + Lucerne
3–4 nights · City, lake and an easy first taste of Switzerland. Land in Zurich, explore the old town, then take the short train to Lucerne for the lake, old bridge and a mountain day.
Bernese Oberland properly
5–7 nights · Base in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen or Wengen and use the trains for Lake Brienz, Oeschinensee, Grindelwald and mountain days. Do not try to change hotel every night.
Zermatt + the Valais
4–6 nights · For Matterhorn views, mountain railways and a car-free alpine stay. Pair Zermatt with Montreux or Lausanne if you want lake and wine-country contrast.
The classic Swiss train trip
7–9 nights · Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt → St. Moritz. Use the Glacier Express as a full travel day, not a rushed add-on.
Graubünden + the Bernina Express
5–7 nights · St. Moritz or Pontresina for lakes and mountain walks, then take the Bernina route through the Alps towards Tirano. Best for dramatic scenery and rail lovers.
Ticino: Switzerland with an Italian feel
4–6 nights · Lugano, Locarno and the lakeside villages. This is warmer, slower and ideal if you want mountains without a full alpine itinerary.
Two weeks across Switzerland
12–14 nights · Zurich/Lucerne → Bernese Oberland → Zermatt → St. Moritz → Lugano. The route covers cities, lakes, the Alps and panoramic trains without trying to see every corner.
Plan experiences
Use the destination pages to compare memorable train journeys, mountain railways and day trips as you shape your route.
Explore Switzerland experiences ↗Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.