Switzerland, a place to experience everything or nothing.10 days in Switzerland is perfect for the lazy traveler seeking nothing except the view outside his window or the enthusiastic traveler wanting everything he can possibly do with land, air and water.
With 10 days in hand you can not only to cover the main Swiss attractions but also have some leisure time to go off the beaten path or just walk around soaking in all the beauty.
If you are coming in with an international flight, you will most likely land in Zurich so let’s start an itinerary based on this.
For your travel across the country, it would be best to arrive with a pre purchased Swiss Pass so that you can directly hop on to a train from the Zurich airport train station without having to wait in line and buy tickets or passes when all you want to do is head for your destination after a long flight.
Keep in mind that local travel in Switzerland is quite pricey. The pass will cover all public transport, give discounts on mountain trips, free entrance to museums and is totally free for kids under 16!
Overview of Switzerland itinerary 10 days:
- Day 1: Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport or City Tour or Mount Pilatus
- Day 2: Lucerne – Mount Titlis
- Day 3: Interlaken, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Day 4: Montreux and Gstaad
- Day 5: Zermatt, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- Day 6: Zermatt Village Tour or Sunnegga
- Day 7: Glacier Express Trip
- Day 8: Bernina Express Trip
- Day 9: Lugano – Lake Como, Italy
- Day 10: Depart from Zurich or Milan
Day 1: Lucerne
Arrive in Zurich and hop on to a train for Lucerne, which takes roughly 1.15 hours.Your day will depend on your arrival time into Lucerne. Here are some of the options for things to do in Lucerne today
Apart from showcasing the history of air, land and even space transport, this open air museum has a huge open arena where kids can try their hand at various activities. The complex also houses a planetarium, the country’s largest cinema screen and the popular Swiss Chocolate Adventure. This is justifiably Switzerland’s most visited museum.
Keep in mind - since it is partly open air, it would be wise to check the check weather before heading there. You can easily spend over half a day at the museum
Note: A Swiss Travel Pass discount is applicable on Swiss Museum on Transport entrance fees.
Option 2: Local City Tour
If you are too tired to do much after your flight, head out to explore the city at your own pace.
Start with old town by crossing over the famous Chapel Bridge and walk on the cobbled stone streets.
As you wind your way through these narrow roads, it will lead you to the famous Lion Monument. From here head back walking along the lake. If you have already started pining for chocolate, you will find many local chocolatiers along this walk so make sure to pop into them.
Option 3: Mount Pilatus
If you have almost the full day in hand, start off with a visit to one of the nearby mountains.Mount Pilatus would be a good choice here. The golden round trip offered on this mountain makes the travel as exciting as the peak.
Head to the Lucerne jetty (conveniently located opposite the main train station) and hop on to the boat heading to Alpnachstad. (This journey is free as it is a public transport and part of the Swiss Travel Pass).
At Alpnachstad, get off the boat and head to the cog wheel train (the steepest in the world) and proceed to Mount Pilatus. On the way back use the cable car down to Kriens and take the bus back to Lucerne. If you still have time upon your return, carry on with your exploration of the this lakeside town
Day 2: Lucerne – Mount Titlis
Take a train from Lucerne train station to Engelberg (45 minutes) a beautiful Swiss village located at the base of the famous Mount Titlis.
From here either walk for 15 minutes or take a bus to the cable car valley station for Titlis. Start your journey by 2 cable cars (including the revolving cable car – Titlis Rotair) to reach the top with mesmerizing views of the Swiss Alps.
On the top, enjoy various activities like the Ice Flyer Chairlift, the Ice cave and the amazing Titlis Cliff Walk.
Try making it back to Engelberg with some time to spare so that you can walk around the village before going back to Lucerne.
Day 3: Lucerne – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch
We visit one of the most famous sights in Switzerland –Jungfraujoch -Top of Europe and the highest train station in Europe. For this journey, it is highly advisable to depart early from Lucerne – ideally by 7 am or latest by 8 am.
It takes 2 hours by train on the famous scenic train, Lucerne – Interlaken Express to reach Interlaken. Check in to your hotel and proceed to the mountain.
One can opt for the old and traditional route with 2 train changes to the top or the Eiger route.
Route 1
The traditional route takes you from Interlaken Ost station to the peak via 2 changes in Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. This route takes around 2 hours.
The route is very scenic and on the last journey the train stops at couple of times at viewing points that give breath taking views of the glacier.
Route 2
The new route (started in 2020) takes you from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald by train. At Grindelwald, you switch to the cable car to reach the Eiger Glacier Station. Then again switch to train to reach the peak. This route takes roughly 1.15 hours
The Jungfrau excursion is one of the more expensive ones so make sure you have your Swiss Travel pass so that you get the almost 35% discount for pass holders
At the top enjoy amazing views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the alps.
Enjoy the ice palace with its sculptures, experience snow fun in the snow park in the summer and give in to temptation at the Lindt Chocolate Heaven.
On the way back down, you can stop at Grindelwald and visit this Alpine village or else stop at Lauterbrunnen and visit the glacial Trummelbach Falls.
The falls can be reached by a 10 minute bus ride from Lauterbrunnen station.
The Trummelbach falls are actually 10 waterfalls inside the mountain and can be reached via a lift.
Note: Kids under 4 years of age are not allowed to visit the falls.
Day 4: Interlaken – Montreux and Gstaad
The most idyllic pictures of Switzerland are likely shot in Gstaad. Leave early morning and head to this beautiful village (roughly 1.50 hours) via the famous Golden Pass Line.
The beauty of Gstaad has lured the rich and famous to holiday there and also made many leave their homes to settle there permanently. The perfect little wooden chalets in a perfectly manicured setting remind you of a scene from a fairy tale.
From Gstaad proceed by train to Montreux (1.35 hours) a beautiful village on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by beautiful Swiss Alps.
Walk along the lakeside promenade and visit the Chillon Castle, the most visited historical building in Switzerland.
In the evening, proceed back to Interlaken (2.15 hours).
Day 5: Interlaken – Zermatt
Travel to Zermatt (2.10 hours), the most popular car free village and famous ski resort. There are many things to do in Zermatt but the main attraction is the Matterhorn.
Settle into your hotel and proceed for a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to get the best views of the Matterhorn. Walk through the village to reach the cable car base station.
If you have already purchased your excursion, exchange the voucher and take the first gondola up. The ride up is as beautiful as the view from below. You get a feeling of being enveloped in snow and ice. Spend some time getting the perfect photos, visit the Ice palace, have a hearty Swiss meal with a view before you head back down.
Note: Zermatt is a car free village. In case you have a hotel that is far from the station, make sure you call ahead and check if they offer complimentary or paid pick-ups
Day 6: Zermatt
Soak in the atmosphere of this typical Swiss village today. Just walk along the village centre with its numerous souvenir shops, cafes and boutiques.
Wander along the Hinterdorf, Zermatt’s unique old town with centuries old structures.
If you have not had enough of the Matterhorn, visit another vantage point - Sunnegga a famous scenic viewing spot for Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.
With a funicular from the base station, you are at the top of the Sunnegga in under 5 minutes. Just relax with the best views or opt for some activities. There is a Marmot trail, the Wolli Adventure park and even kick biking available.
Day 7: Zermatt – St. Moritz
All aboard! Embark on what is said to be the most beautiful train journey in the world – The Glacier Express. It connects the west of Switzerland (Zermatt) to the east (St. Moritz).
The train journey is roughly 7 hours 45 minutes. The views are mesmerizing with a mix of snow, ice, glaciers, valleys, deep gorges and hair-raising Viaducts.
Seat reservation is mandatory and one of the benefits of Swiss Travel Pass is that one can get these at special rates.
It is advisable to book these seats well in advance as they always sell out soon.
St. Moritz is known to have some of the best ski pistes (slopes) in the world. This little village, which sits on a picturesque lake, is also home to some of the most exclusive spas and hotels.
Note: Depending on the season, there are up to 3 Glacier Express departures in a day.The Glacier Express has a fully equipped restaurant and meals can also be pre booked.
Day 8: St. Moritz – Lugano
One more scenic journey today. Only this time you head from snowy climes to Mediterranean warmth. The journey on the Bernina Express takes you from St. Moritz to Lugano passing through the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Bernina express is a combination of train and bus journey. A compulsory reservation is required for both and is advisable to be done well in advance. Swiss Travel Pass holders get special rates.
The first leg of the journey is by train from St. Moritz to Tirano and takes 2 hours 15 minutes. The next part of the journey is via bus. The bus journey from Tirano to Lugano is 3 hours and gets you into Lugano at around 5:30 In the evening.
Note: While booking, pay attention to match the timings between train and bus connections.
The ideal booking would be:
- Depart St. Moritz at 9:17am and arrive Tirano at 11:32am
- Depart Tirano at 2:20pm and arrive Lugano at 5:30pm
Timings are subject to change and should be checked as per your travel date.
Day 9: Lugano – Lake Como
Venture into Italy today. Visit Lake Como, a picturesque and popular resort in Italy that can be reached via a direct train in just 45 minutes. Spend time walking around the lake or shopping for silk which this area is famous for. Return to Lugano in the evening
Note: You will need to purchase a train ticket to visit Como since the Swiss Travel Pass is not valid for this journey
Day 10: Lugano – Zurich or Lugano - Milan
What you can do today will be determined by your departure time and point of departure. In all likelihood, you will either depart from Zurich or else head to Milan
Option 1: - Zurich
Reach Zurich main station via a direct train (roughly 2 hours). You can deposit your bags at the main station and head towards the Rhine Falls. Spend some time at Europe’s largest waterfall, take a boat ride to the centre of the falls or view it from one of the viewing points close enough to feel the spray and hear the thunder.
Later, proceed back to Zurich main train station. Get out of the main entrance and continue walking down Bahnhofstrasse (main street) filled with retail outlets of all the top fashion, watch and jewelry brands.
Spend some time at the lake front at the end of Bahnofstrasse before heading back to the station to collect your bags and leave for the airport.
Of course, if you have more time, there are many other sights to see and things to do in Zurich
Note: The Rhine Falls charge an entrance fees of roughly CHF 5 per person as it is a protected National Park. The boat ride will cost additional CHF 8 to CHF 10 francs per person.
Option 2: - Milan
If you are departing from Milan airport, you will take a train to Malpensa airport (roughly 1.35 hours). You will have to purchase a train ticket since the Swiss Pass will not cover this journey.
Time permitting, you can get off at the main station and take a Hop-on -Hop-off bus tour to get a feel of the city.
Don’t forget your last-minute shopping. After all you are in the fashion capital of the world!
This 10 days in Switzerland itinerary covers some of the best mountains, lakes and train journeys that will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.
Things to know:
The Swiss Travel Pass comes in versions of 3, 4, 8 and 15 days. There is also a continuous pass and a flex option which allows you to travel the chosen number of days within a month (very handy for those staying in one place much longer than in others)
Switzerland is certainly expensive when compared to the rest of Europe. To help with the budget, you can opt for apartments in Switzerland instead of hotels. Apartments can accommodate more people per unit and also have a kitchenette, which makes it comfortable to cook a few meals or have some grocery-bought-meals instead of going to restaurants
Restaurant meals can cost upwards of Swiss Francs 35 per person whereas a quick pizza, McDonalds or doner kebab meal can cost Swiss Francs 18-20
The best souvenirs to purchase would be the Swiss army knife, cow bells, chocolates and cheese…and if budget permits...Swiss watches!!
Never travel without a warm jacket, comfortable shoes and sunglasses. Many mountains are snow bound throughout the year.
Even though the Swiss Franc is the official currency, the Euro is accepted everywhere. Just keep in mind, that even if you pay Euro, change is always returned in Swiss Francs.
Euro coins are not accepted at most places. However, there are a few shops at the airport that do accept them.
