Switzerland Itinerary: 7 Days From a Local (Zurich, Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt)

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. More about this.

Switzerland is small, but it packs lakes, glaciers, medieval old towns and some of the most famous mountains in the world into a country you can cross by train in a few hours. I grew up in Solothurn and live in Switzerland, so this itinerary is the route I would recommend to friends visiting for the first time: seven days, mostly by train, with Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt.

Day 1: Zurich

Arrive at Zurich Airport; trains to Zurich main station take about 10 minutes. Walk the old town, cross the Limmat, climb up to the Lindenhof and stroll along Lake Zurich. In summer, do what locals do and swim in one of the lake or river baths, see my Zurich Badi guide. More ideas are on my Zurich page.

Days 2 to 3: Lucerne and Lake Lucerne

Lucerne is about 45 minutes from Zurich by train. Walk across the Chapel Bridge, see the Lion Monument and the old town, and visit the Bourbaki Panorama. On day 3, take a boat on Lake Lucerne and choose a mountain:

Mountain	Why go	With Swiss Travel Pass
Rigi	“Queen of the Mountains”, gentle views over lakes, Europe’s oldest cogwheel railway	free
Pilatus	Golden Round Trip by boat, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (summer) and cable car	about 50% off
Titlis	glacier and snow all year, rotating cable car	about 50% off

Days 4 to 5: Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

Take the scenic Luzern-Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass, about 1 hour 50 minutes. Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is the base for the Jungfrau region. Spend one day in the valleys: Lauterbrunnen with its waterfalls, the car-free villages of Wengen and Mürren, and Grindelwald below the Eiger. On the second day, go up to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”, or choose a cheaper mountain like Schynige Platte, First or the Schilthorn.

Jungfraujoch is spectacular but expensive: around CHF 260 return from Interlaken at full price in summer, less with a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass. From May to October a seat reservation is required. Book Jungfraujoch tickets early for good weather days.

Days 6 to 7: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

From Interlaken to Zermatt takes about 2 hours 10 minutes via Spiez and Visp. Zermatt is car-free; if you drive, you park in Täsch and take the shuttle train. Ride the Gornergrat railway for the classic Matterhorn view, or the cable cars to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which cost roughly CHF 100 to 120 return. In summer, walk the Five Lakes Trail for Matterhorn reflections. On day 7, take the train back to Zurich (about 3 hours 15 to 3 hours 30) or on to Geneva.

Find hotels in Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt:

Alternative Routes

• Glacier Express: replace the Interlaken to Zermatt train with the Glacier Express from St. Moritz or Chur to Zermatt (about 8 hours, reservation CHF 54).
• Bern and Solothurn: add a day in the capital Bern and my hometown Solothurn, the most beautiful baroque town in Switzerland. Try the restaurants in Solothurn.
• Lake Geneva: Lausanne, the vineyards of Lavaux and Montreux.
• Winter: ski in Zermatt or Grindelwald, and experience Christmas in Switzerland.

How Much Does This Itinerary Cost?

Item	Approximate cost per person
Swiss Travel Pass 6 days, 2nd class	CHF 399
Hotels (mid-range, per room per night)	CHF 180 to 300; Zermatt more
Jungfraujoch (with pass)	about CHF 180
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gornergrat (with pass)	about 50% off normal price
Meals	CHF 25 to 50 per meal in restaurants

Not sure about the pass? I compare all options in is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it? and you can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online. Find more about costs and culture in my Switzerland travel guide.

Tips From a Local

• Book hotels in Zermatt, Interlaken and Lucerne early for July and August.
• Check the webcams before going up a mountain; clouds can hide everything.
• Many cable cars close for maintenance in April, May and November.
• Tap water is excellent; carry a bottle and refill it at fountains.
• Trains are punctual; connections of a few minutes are normal and usually work.
• Sundays are quiet; most shops close, except at stations.

More details for each stop: my Interlaken guide, Switzerland trip cost and what to eat in my Swiss food guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Switzerland Itinerary

Is 7 days enough for Switzerland?

Yes, for a first trip covering Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt. You will not see everything, but you will experience cities, lakes and the high Alps.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

June to September is best for hiking and mountain views, with all lifts open. December to March is for skiing. April, May and November are quieter, but many cable cars close for maintenance.

Should I base myself in one place?

For a first trip, two or three bases work best: Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt. Moving every night costs time.

Is Jungfraujoch worth it?

On a clear day it is unforgettable, but it is expensive. Cheaper alternatives with great views include Schynige Platte, First, Männlichen and the Schilthorn.

Do I need a car in Switzerland?

No. Trains, buses and boats reach almost everywhere, and Zermatt and Wengen are car-free.

Is Switzerland expensive?

Yes, one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Save with supermarket meals, picnics, a rail pass or Half Fare Card and by booking hotels early.

Zermatt or Interlaken?

Do both if you can. Interlaken is the base for the Jungfrau region and many activities; Zermatt is the place to see the Matterhorn.

Final Thoughts

Seven days in Switzerland give you lakes, cities and the most iconic peaks of the Alps. Travel by train, start early on clear days and leave some room for the weather. And if you want to see a side of Switzerland most tourists miss, come to Solothurn. It is the town where I grew up, and I still think it is one of the most beautiful in the country.