The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary in Switzerland

Switzerland is a country that seems like it belongs in a storybook. Snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, charming villages, and efficient transportation make it a dream destination. But with so much to see and do, planning can feel overwhelming. So, here’s what we did—and what you can do too—to maximize your time, effort, and experience in Switzerland.

We landed at Zurich International Airport in the morning, eager to start exploring. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is a mix of history and modernity, making it a great starting point for any trip.

To get a feel for the city, we started with a stroll through Zurich Old Town (Altstadt). The medieval buildings, narrow alleys, and hidden courtyards made us feel like we had stepped back in time. If you enjoy history, this is a must. We spent about two hours here, stopping by small cafes and admiring the historic Grossmünster church.

Afterward, we made our way to Lake Zurich. Walking along the promenade was refreshing, and we recommend grabbing a snack and sitting by the water to soak in the views. If you have time, a boat ride on the lake offers a different perspective of the city.

For a panoramic view, we took a quick 30-minute train ride up to Uetliberg Mountain. The hike from the station to the peak took about 20 minutes, and the view from the top was well worth it. You can see the entire city and even the distant Alps.

We ended the day with dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying classic Swiss dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in creamy sauce). Then, we got some rest before heading out for the next part of our adventure.

For food lovers, don’t miss this feature here on must-try Swiss dishes and where to find them.

The next morning, we took a 1.5-hour train ride from Zurich to Meiringen. This small town is known for its connection to Sherlock Holmes and its stunning natural attractions.

Our first stop was Aare Gorge, a breathtaking natural canyon formed by the Aare River. Walking through the gorge took about an hour, and we highly recommend it. The dramatic rock formations and turquoise water made for some of the best photos of the trip.

After a quick lunch, we headed to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, it’s still a fascinating place to visit. The museum is small, so 30–40 minutes is enough to explore.

We wrapped up the day by relaxing in the quiet town and preparing for the mountain adventure ahead.

For day 3, we took a 1-hour train ride from Meiringen to Grindelwald, a stunning village known as the gateway to the Bernese Alps.

Our main activity here was visiting First Mountain. We took the gondola up (about 25 minutes) and spent a few hours exploring the area. If you love adventure, try the First Cliff Walk—a metal walkway hanging off the edge of a cliff! The views were spectacular, and it wasn’t as scary as it sounds.

For a more laid-back experience, we wandered through the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon, a beautiful spot with wooden walkways that let you see the power of nature up close.

We ended our day in Grindelwald, watching the sunset over the Alps with a warm cup of Swiss hot chocolate.

A 35-minute train ride took us from Grindelwald to Interlaken, a town perfectly situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Our first stop was Harder Kulm, a viewpoint reachable by funicular. The view from the top was unbelievable—you can see both lakes and the towering mountains in the background. We spent about an hour up there, taking photos and just soaking in the scenery.

For those who crave adventure, Interlaken is the place to try paragliding. We didn’t do it this time, but watching people glide over the mountains was incredible.

For something unique, we took a boat ride on Lake Brienz in the afternoon. The turquoise water and peaceful atmosphere made this one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.

Want more adventure? Read this blog here on the best hiking trails in Switzerland for even more breathtaking routes.

From Interlaken, we took a 1-hour train ride to Alpiglen, a quiet and lesser-known retreat in the mountains.

We spent the morning hiking the Eiger Trail, one of the best ways to experience Switzerland’s natural beauty. The hike took us about two hours, and the views of the Eiger mountain were jaw-dropping.

For lunch, we stopped at a mountain hut, where we enjoyed hearty Swiss dishes like rösti (potato pancakes). If you want an authentic Swiss experience, eating at one of these huts is a must.

The rest of the day was spent simply enjoying the quiet and stunning views before heading to our next destination.

For our sixth day, A 1-hour train ride took us from Alpiglen to Lauterbrunnen, and we were immediately struck by how magical it looked. Towering cliffs, green meadows, and waterfalls—it was like stepping into a painting.

We spent the morning exploring Staubbach Falls, an easy walk from the town center. The water plunging from such a great height was mesmerizing.

In the afternoon, we visited Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten powerful waterfalls inside a mountain. Walking through the tunnels and seeing the rushing water up close was a unique experience. We spent about an hour here.

Lauterbrunnen is a place where you can just wander and take in the beauty, so we spent the rest of the day doing just that.

To finish our trip, we traveled 2 hours by train from Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt, home of the famous Matterhorn.

The best way to see the Matterhorn up close is by taking the Gornergrat Bahn, a scenic mountain railway that climbs up to a spectacular viewpoint. The ride took about 30 minutes, and the view at the top was simply unforgettable.

For an even higher perspective, we took the cable car to Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. Here, we walked through an ice cave and even had the chance to play in the snow—even in summer!

This was the perfect way to wrap up our Swiss adventure before heading back to Zurich for our flight home.

If you love charming European towns, you might also enjoy our blogs here.

Switzerland is a place where every train ride feels like a postcard, every town looks like a fairy tale, and every hike is unforgettable. If you’re planning your own trip, this itinerary covers a mix of cities, mountains, and hidden gems, ensuring you get the most out of your time.

Switzerland isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience. And trust us, once you’ve been here, you’ll want to come back.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo