Switzerland packs an incredible travel experience into a compact country. If you’re arriving in Europe from a large country like the USA, Canada, or Australia, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of culture and nature you can see with a few short hours of train travel in Europe! And Switzerland is one of the European countries that best captures this. With world-class mountains, efficient transportation, and to-die-for landscapes, Switzerland truly offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you like shopping in high-end urban centers or hiking up hills, Switzerland is sure to impress.
The following blog will look at possible things to do and see during a 10-day visit to Switzerland. We hope it provides you with plenty of inspiration for your own future adventures! While you are with us, please check out our own Day Tours in Switzerland and Multi-Day Tours from Lucerne.
Days 1-2: Zurich and Rhine Falls
Zurich is Switzerland’s financial hub and largest city. It is a bustling city that combines medieval charm with modern innovation. Start your exploration in the historic Old Town (Altstadt), where narrow cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings. The Grossmünster church, with its distinctive twin towers, provides super views over the city.
For a taste of culture, visit the Swiss National Museum to learn about Swiss history or explore world-class art at the Kunsthaus. Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s premier shopping avenue, is perfect for luxury shopping and people-watching. Be sure to try local cuisine, such as rösti (potato pancakes), at a traditional restaurant.
A half-day trip to Rhine Falls – Europe’s most powerful waterfall – is also a must. Located near Schaffhausen, the falls cascade 23 meters wide and reach a height of 10.5 meters. If traveling in the summer months, be sure to enjoy a boat tour!
Days 3-4: Lucerne and Its Mountain Surrounds
Lucerne showcases all the scenic beauty one associates with Switzerland; the city itself sits on a wonderful lake, while the magnificent Swiss mountains are nearby. The city’s iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a 14th-century wooden structure adorned with historic paintings, serves as a striking photographic highlight.
Consider taking a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, where you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains like Rigi and Pilatus. For those who love the mountains, a cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus offers breathtaking alpine views. The “Golden Round Trip” experience combines a boat ride, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway, and panoramic gondolas, making it a quintessential Swiss adventure. (Our own Rigi and Mount Pilatus Day Tour is a fantastic introduction to the wonders of the region.)
Additionally, visit the Lion Monument, an emotional sculpture carved into rock that commemorates the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. Nearby, you can explore the medieval city walls and indulge in Swiss chocolate at local confectioneries.
Riccardi Travel is based out of Lucerne, and we have a wide selection of tour options in the area. If you will be visiting Lucerne during your sojourn in Switzerland, be sure to browse our Lucerne Day Tours.
Days 5-6: Bernese Oberland
Interlaken is your gateway to the Bernese Oberland, a region famed for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. This adventure town is situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and boasts a wonderful backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
One must experience the Jungfraujoch railway, an engineering marvel that climbs to 3,454 meters, often referred to as the “Top of Europe.” This journey takes you through tunnels carved into Alpine rock, providing incredible views of the surrounding mountains. At the summit, you can explore the Ice Palace, walk on permanent glaciers, and enjoy panoramic observation decks.
In Lauterbrunnen Valley, you’ll find 72 waterfalls cascading down vertical rock walls, creating a stunning landscape that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Among these, Trümmelbach Falls is particularly spectacular, featuring a series of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain. These falls can be accessed via a tunnel lift and drain glacial waters from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
For hikers, there are numerous trails that cater to all levels, from gentle walks to challenging Alpine routes. One popular option is the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail, which offers unparalleled mountain panoramas.
We visit many of these locations on our Day Tours from Lucerne.
Days 7-8: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Zermatt is the epitome of alpine beauty – a car-free village located beneath the world’s most photographed mountain, the iconic Matterhorn. With its distinctive pyramid shape, the Matterhorn dominates the skyline, providing a backdrop that seems almost too perfect to be real.
Experience the Gornergrat Railway, which ascends to an impressive height of 3,089 meters and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. This cogwheel train provides unparalleled perspectives of the Matterhorn and 29 other peaks that rise over 4,000 meters. At the summit, a panoramic platform is available for stunning photography and observation of the majestic landscape.
Wander through the village’s car-free streets, where you will find charming wooden chalets alongside modern luxury hotels. Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the mountain’s climbing history and the local culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Zermatt offers hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging Alpine routes.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy mountain biking and hiking, while winter brings world-class skiing across 360 kilometers of pristine slopes. Be sure to try local specialties such as raclette and Valaisanne wine in cozy mountain restaurants.
Days 9-10: Geneva and Departure
Geneva serves as a perfect conclusion to your Swiss adventure. This international city combines French-Swiss culture with global sophistication. Be sure to visit the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, which shoots water 140 meters into the air, and take in the breathtaking views along the stunning waterfront of Lake Geneva.
Consider stopping by the United Nations headquarters for a brief tour that highlights Switzerland’s role in global diplomacy. Additionally, the Old Town (Vieux-Ville) invites you to explore its charming medieval streets, complete with historic buildings and quaint cafés perfect for leisurely wandering.
This brings a close to our suggested itinerary. Of course, we have had to leave a great deal out. Other Swiss cities like Bern – the nation’s capital – and Basel also come highly recommended. And as for Switzerland’s natural landscapes, we regularly meet returning visitors who have been hiking and skiing in Switzerland for years or even decades! In short, you’re not going to run out of things to do when in Switzerland. However, we hope we’ve provided you with some options to consider.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
