How to spend 7 days in Switzerland — 5 unique itineraries

You probably already know about Switzerland’s stunning scenery, but are you aware of the country’s rich cultural heritage and wealth of historical sites? If you're prepared to make the most of your trip to this fascinating country, our team of Switzerland travel experts has put together five 7-day itineraries that will guarantee you see everything this nation has to offer.

Itinerary #1: Zurich and Lucerne Delight

This journey blends the breathtaking natural beauty of Lucerne with the lively urban appeal of Zurich over 7 days. Sample the local cuisine, get to grips with the country’s history, and take in beautiful lakeside views. You'll enjoy the ideal balance between exploring the city and the great outdoors, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Switzerland's diverse landscape and rich cultural legacy.

Itinerary overview

The 7-day itinerary for this trip combines Zurich’s vibrant energy and Lucerne’s serene beauty. Start in Zurich with an exploration of the Old Town. Then on to Lake Zurich, all the while savoring Swiss cuisine. Day two takes in a visit to the Swiss National Museum, Zurich Zoo, and a boat trip on Lake Zurich.

Day three focuses on art and culture with visits to Kunsthaus Zurich and Fraumünster Church, rounded off with dinner in Niederdorf. Drive to Lucerne on day four, seeing the Chapel Bridge and the Old Town.

Experience Lucerne’s natural beauty on day five with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and an excursion to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. Day six includes the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Lion Monument, and the Glacier Garden.

Conclude with a leisurely morning in Lucerne on day seven, some last-minute shopping, and a relaxed departure. This itinerary offers a mix of cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and local experiences.

Day 1: Welcome to Zurich

• Visit the Old Town (Altstadt)
• Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse
• Enjoy Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant

Day 2: Explore Zurich

• Visit the Swiss National Museum
• Explore Zurich Zoo
• Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich

Day 3: Zurich’s Art and Culture

• Visit Kunsthaus Zurich
• Explore Fraumünster Church
• Dinner in the Niederdorf district

Day 4: Discover Lucerne

• Drive to Lucerne
• Visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
• Explore the Old Town

Day 5: Lucerne’s Natural Beauty

• Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne
• Visit Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi
• Evening stroll along the lakeside promenade

Day 6: More of Lucerne

• Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport
• Explore the Lion Monument
• Relax in the Glacier Garden

Day 7: Departure

• Morning at leisure in Lucerne
• Souvenir shopping
• Head to the airport

Itinerary #2: Geneva and Montreux

Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with a trip to Geneva and Montreux. Begin with Geneva’s international flair, explore charming Montreux, and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Lake Geneva. This itinerary offers a harmonious mix of cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and delightful local experiences.

Itinerary overview

Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with a 7-day trip to Geneva and Montreux. Start in Geneva, exploring its international flair with visits to the United Nations Office, Lake Geneva, and the Old Town. On day two, see the Jet d'Eau, the International Red Cross Museum, and relax in Jardin Anglais.

Day three focuses on Geneva’s museums, including the Art and History Museum and the Patek Philippe Museum, with dinner in the Carouge district. On day four, drive to Montreux to visit Chillon Castle and enjoy the lakeside promenade.

Take a day trip to Rochers-de-Naye on day five for stunning Alpine views, then return to Montreux for dinner. On day six, explore Lausanne with a visit to the Olympic Museum and a walk through the old town.

Conclude with a relaxing morning in Montreux on day seven, some souvenir shopping, and then head to the airport. This itinerary offers a seamless blend of cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and local experiences.

Discover more of Switzerland with:

• 10-day itineraries
• 14-day itineraries

Day 1: Welcome to Geneva

• Visit the United Nations Office
• Stroll around Lake Geneva
• Enjoy dinner in the Old Town

Day 2: Explore Geneva

• Visit the Jet d'Eau
• Tour the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
• Relax in the Jardin Anglais

Day 3: Geneva’s Museums

• Visit the Art and History Museum
• Explore the Patek Philippe Museum
• Dinner in Carouge

Day 4: Discover Montreux

• Drive to Montreux
• Visit Chillon Castle
• Walk along the Montreux lakeside promenade

Day 5: Montreux Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Rochers-de-Naye
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps
• Return to Montreux for dinner

Day 6: Explore Lausanne

• Day trip to Lausanne
• Visit the Olympic Museum
• Stroll through the old town

Day 7: Departure

• Morning at leisure in Montreux
• Souvenir shopping
• Head to the airport

Itinerary #3: Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region

Embark on a captivating journey through Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region, starting in the charming town of Interlaken. Dive into local history, enjoy the excitement of outdoor activities, and explore stunning mountain landscapes. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the picturesque villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, ensuring an unforgettable Swiss experience.

Itinerary overview

Discover the charm and adventure of Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region with this 7-day itinerary. Begin in vibrant Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. On the first day, explore Höhematte Park, visit the historic Interlaken Monastery, and enjoy a mountain-view dinner. 

Day two features a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, followed by an exhilarating paragliding experience and an evening stroll along the scenic Aare River. On day three, take the train to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," to explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory, then return to Interlaken for dinner.

Day four takes you to the picturesque village of Grindelwald to visit the Grindelwald First walkway, hike, or take a cable car ride amidst stunning alpine scenery. Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley on day five, visiting its renowned waterfalls, including Trümmelbach Falls.

On day six, enjoy a scenic train ride to Schynige Platte to explore botanical gardens and hiking trails before returning to Interlaken for dinner. Conclude your adventure on day seven with a relaxing morning in Interlaken, some souvenir shopping, and then head to the airport. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and thrilling activities for a memorable Swiss vacation.

Day 1: Welcome to Interlaken

• Explore Höhematte Park
• Visit the Interlaken Monastery
• Dinner with a view of the mountains

Day 2: Interlaken Adventure

• Take a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
• Enjoy a paragliding experience
• Evening stroll along the Aare River

Day 3: Jungfrau Excursion

• Take the train to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
• Explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory
• Return to Interlaken for dinner

Day 4: Discover Grindelwald

• Visit Grindelwald First
• Enjoy hiking or a cable car ride
• Relax in the alpine scenery

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Valley

• Explore Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls
• Visit Trümmelbach Falls
• Walk through the picturesque valley

Day 6: More of Interlaken

• Take a scenic train ride to Schynige Platte
• Enjoy botanical gardens and hiking trails
• Return to Interlaken for dinner

Day 7: Departure

• Morning at leisure in Interlaken
• Souvenir shopping
• Head to the airport

Itinerary #4: Bern and the Emmental Region

Set off on a captivating journey through Bern and the Emmental Region, blending vibrant city life with picturesque landscapes. Begin in Bern, exploring its historic old town and museums. Discover the scenic beauty of the Emmental Region and enjoy local culinary delights. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Thun and its stunning lake, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Itinerary overview

Experience the charm of Bern and the Emmental Region with this 7-day itinerary, offering a blend of city life and serene landscapes. 

Begin in Bern, exploring the Zytglogge clock tower, strolling through the Old Town, and dining at a traditional Swiss restaurant on day one. Day two focuses on Bern’s history with visits to the Historical Museum, the Federal Palace, and the Rose Garden.

Day three delves into Bern’s art scene at the Paul Klee Center and the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by dinner in the city center. On day four, head to the Emmental region to visit a local cheese dairy and hike through rolling hills.

Explore more of Emmental on day five, visiting picturesque villages and Trachselwald Castle before returning to Bern. Day six features a day trip to Thun, including Thun Castle and a boat trip on Lake Thun.

Conclude on day seven with a leisurely morning in Bern for souvenir shopping before heading to the airport. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of urban exploration and countryside relaxation.

Day 1: Welcome to Bern

• Visit the Zytglogge clock tower
• Stroll through the old town
• Enjoy dinner in a traditional Swiss restaurant

Day 2: Explore Bern

• Visit the Bern Historical Museum
• Tour the Federal Palace of Switzerland
• Relax in the Rose Garden

Day 3: Bern’s Art and Culture

• Visit the Paul Klee Center
• Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
• Dinner in the city center

Day 4: Discover Emmental

• Drive to Emmental
• Visit a local cheese dairy
• Enjoy hiking in the rolling hills

Day 5: Emmental’s Beauty

• Explore Emmental’s picturesque villages
• Visit Trachselwald Castle
• Return to Bern

Day 6: Day Trip to Thun

• Drive to Thun
• Visit Thun Castle
• Take a boat trip on Lake Thun

Day 7: Departure

• Morning at leisure in Bern
• Souvenir shopping
• Head to the airport

Itinerary #5: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Begin an enchanting journey through Zermatt and the Matterhorn region, starting in the picturesque town of Zermatt. Visit the Matterhorn Museum, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and explore the surrounding alpine scenery. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Gornergrat Railway and a relaxing day in the thermal baths of Leukerbad, experiencing the best of Swiss alpine beauty.

Itinerary overview

Explore the beauty of Zermatt and the Matterhorn with this 7-day itinerary, blending cultural landmarks, stunning alpine scenery, and unique experiences.

Start in Zermatt with a visit to the Matterhorn Museum, a stroll through the old town, and dinner with a Matterhorn view. On day two, take the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the Matterhorn, followed by a scenic hike.

Day three is dedicated to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, exploring the Ice Palace, and enjoying dinner back in Zermatt. On day four, visit the alpine villages of Täsch and Randa, including a walk across the Randa suspension bridge.

Relax on day five with a drive to Leukerbad to enjoy its thermal baths and serene scenery. Day six features a scenic helicopter tour of Zermatt, a visit to the Zermatt Folklore Museum, and an evening village stroll.

Conclude on day seven with a leisurely morning in Zermatt, some souvenir shopping, and then head to the airport. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation in the stunning Matterhorn region.

Day 1: Welcome to Zermatt

• Visit the Matterhorn Museum
• Stroll through the old town
• Dinner with a view of the Matterhorn

Day 2: Zermatt’s Adventure

• Take the Gornergrat Railway
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Matterhorn
• Hike in the surrounding area

Day 3: Discover the Matterhorn

• Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
• Explore the Ice Palace
• Return to Zermatt for dinner

Day 4: Alpine Villages

• Visit the village of Täsch
• Explore the scenic Randa suspension bridge
• Return to Zermatt

Day 5: Relax in Leukerbad

• Drive to Leukerbad
• Enjoy the thermal baths
• Relax in the alpine scenery

Day 6: More of Zermatt

• Take a scenic helicopter tour
• Visit the Zermatt Folklore Museum
• Evening stroll through the village

Day 7: Departure

• Morning at leisure in Zermatt
• Souvenir shopping
• Head to the airport

Allow our team of local Switzerland travel experts to curate your dream Swiss trip. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us, and we'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you.