Switzerland is a dream destination for so many travelers for good reason. Whether you are in the country for a long weekend or a month, you won’t find yourself with a shortage of things to do. Those with a cosmopolitan sensibility will love Switzerland’s cities which ooze with old-world charm and European sophistication. Meanwhile, travelers who revel in time spent in the great outdoors will adore the Swiss countryside and mountains – some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Europe, if not the entire world.
The following blog is designed to offer inspiration for those with around five days to spend in Switzerland. Our itinerary will guide you through some of the most iconic Swiss locations, ensuring you get to taste the best the country has to offer. With visits to Lucerne, Interlaken, and even the heights of Jungfraujoch, our trail captures something of the essence of Switzerland; just because a journey is short, doesn’t mean it won’t offer memories to last a lifetime.
If you have any questions about the recommendations below, please get in touch. And please also be sure to check out our Switzerland Day Tours and Multi-Day Experiences in Switzerland.
Day 1: Explore Lucerne
Start your Swiss adventure in the picturesque town of Lucerne, where you can enjoy old-world charm and exceptional natural scenery. Begin your day with a leisurely walk through Lucerne’s Old Town, where you’ll find beautifully preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades.
Don’t miss the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower, two of Lucerne’s most iconic landmarks. The bridge, dating back to the 14th century, is ornamented with paintings that tell the story of the town’s past. Our own Lucerne City Food Tour offers an excellent introduction to Lucerne and Swiss foodie culture.
After exploring the Old Town, take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering picture-perfect scenery. The calm waters and fresh alpine air make this a truly revitalizing experience.
In the evening, take a final stroll along the lakefront, where the city lights reflect off the water, creating a magical ambiance that perfectly caps off your first day in Switzerland.
You may also wish to consider booking a place on one of our Lucerne Day Tours, which provide an introduction to the city before visiting majestic natural sites outside the town, such as Mount Rigi and Interlaken.
Day 2: Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi
On your second day in Switzerland, enjoy an adventure in the Swiss Alps. Start with a trip to Mount Pilatus, one of the most famous peaks in the region. From Lucerne, you can take a scenic cable car ride from Kriens to the top of Mount Pilatus, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Once at the summit, you can explore the various viewpoints and enjoy the fresh mountain air. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the thrilling Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, for your descent. The cogwheel train experience is included in our popular Mount Pilatus & Lucerne City Day Tour.
After conquering Mount Pilatus, head over to Mount Rigi, often referred to as the Queen of the Mountains. You can reach Mount Rigi by taking a short boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where a train will transport you up the mountain. The views from Rigi’s summit are nothing short of spectacular, with panoramic scenes of the Alps, lakes, and even glimpses of the Black Forest in Germany on a clear day. Rigi offers a range of activities, from peaceful hikes to cozy time spent chilling in one of the mountain’s restaurants with a hot drink. If you want a guided experience of Mount Rigi, join us on our Mount Rigi and Lucerne Day Tour.
Return to Lucerne in the evening, where you can unwind after a day full of alpine adventures. Choose to explore more of Lucerne’s nightlife or simply relax by the lakeside; there are few more picturesque cities than this.
Day 3: Discover Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
Day three takes you to the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where you’ll explore the picturesque towns of Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. Start your day with a train ride to Interlaken, a town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offering some of the most amazing landscapes in Switzerland.
Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, where thrill-seekers can try activities like paragliding. Don’t miss a walk along the Höheweg, Interlaken’s main promenade, where you can enjoy views of the Jungfrau mountain and visit local shops selling Swiss chocolates, watches, and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, take a short train ride to Lauterbrunnen, a village that feels like stepping into a postcard. Lauterbrunnen is famous for its dramatic valley surrounded by towering cliffs and over 70 waterfalls. The Staubbach Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, is a must-see. For a closer look at the region’s waterfalls, visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of impressive glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain.
Lauterbrunnen also serves as a gateway to other alpine villages, such as Wengen or Mürren, both accessible by mountain railway and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
In the evening, consider returning to Interlaken for your overnight stay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor Swiss cuisine while reflecting on the day’s experiences in one of the world’s most beautiful regions.
For maximum comfort and convenience, you can take our Swiss Alps Private Tour of Lucerne, Interlaken, and Lauterbrunnen.
Day 4: Jungfraujoch – The Roof of Europe
On your fourth day, embark on a journey to Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe. Start your day with a scenic train ride from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg, where you’ll transfer to the Jungfrau Railway. This cogwheel train ascends through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Upon arrival at Jungfraujoch, you’ll find yourself at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) above sea level, at the highest railway station in Europe. The experience here is truly one-of-a-kind. Explore the Ice Palace, where intricate ice sculptures are carved into the glacier. Visit the Sphinx Observatory, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.
Don’t miss the Alpine Sensation, an exhibition that gives insight into the history of the Jungfrau Railway and the surrounding region. In the afternoon, begin your descent back to Interlaken, taking in the stunning mountain scenery one last time. Spend your evening relaxing or enjoying a quiet dinner in Interlaken.
Our Swiss Alps Day Trip to Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch, and Lauterbrunnen is ideal for visitors based in Lucerne.
Day 5: Visit Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Your final day in Switzerland takes you to Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world. Start your day with a scenic train ride to Zermatt, a car-free village known for its charming alpine atmosphere and breathtaking views.
Upon arriving in Zermatt, take the Gornergrat Railway, Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, up to the Gornergrat summit. From here, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Matterhorn, along with other towering peaks and glaciers. It’s the perfect spot for photography, and several short hiking trails allow you to immerse yourself in the alpine environment.
If you’re up for more adventure, you can take a cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. Here, you can explore the Glacier Palace, an impressive ice cave beneath the glacier, or simply enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck.
In the afternoon, return to Zermatt for a leisurely stroll through the village. Explore its quaint streets lined with shops, cafes, and traditional wooden chalets. While we don’t offer day tours to the Matterhorn, we can organize a Custom Tour in Switzerland for you and your group.
We hope this example itinerary has given you plenty of inspiration for your adventures in Switzerland! If you have any questions at all, get in touch.
