1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Swiss Alpine Adventure: Lausanne & Interlaken

Ideal for first-time visitors to Switzerland looking to delve into the mountains, this classic highlights tour spotlights the Alpine-encircled towns of Lucerne and Interlaken. Crafted for the warmer months, you'll explore your surroundings by kayak, e-bike, on foot, and with exhilarating cable car rides. Complement these activities with a wine tour in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, a leisurely afternoon in Zürich, and a picturesque cruise on Lake Geneva, and this journey is set to be a sensory delight.

Welcome to Switzerland! Your trip begins in Zürich, where you'll spend the afternoon meandering through Old Town and hitting the shops in Bahnhofstrasse before catching a train to Lucerne. After a restful evening, embark on a day filled with adventures, including a cogwheel mountain railway journey to the summit of Rigi-Kulm and a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne. The next morning, catch a train to the Swiss Alps-flanked town of Interlaken and check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Refreshed, you'll venture to Lake Brienz for a guided kayak excursion, exploring hidden beaches and historic castles.

The following day features another memorable excursion into the mountains, starting with a cable car to the Eiger Glacier Station for views of the expansive Aletsch Glacier, followed by lunch at a mountaintop restaurant and a cogwheel train to the resort town of Wengen. On Day 5, hop on two wheels for a fun e-bike tour through Interlaken and its surrounding countryside villages. Then, continue to Lausanne for a winery tour with tastings and a morning cruise on Lake Geneva. Afterward, your final train ride of the journey brings you back to Geneva, where your onward flight awaits. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Winter Adventure in the Swiss Alps

Immerse yourself in Switzerland's snow-blanketed mountains with this self-drive itinerary, specially crafted for winter enthusiasts. Throughout, you'll ice skate at Interlaken's Ice Magic, snowshoe in the hamlet of Sulwald, spend a day skiing at Les 3 Vallée, and embark on a thrilling all-terrain scooter ride in Chamonix. In between, warm up and relax during scenic gondola rides and a visit to the renowned hot springs complex of Leukerbad Therme.

Upon arriving in Zürich, you'll head to the station for a scenic train journey to Interlaken, a mountain town known as Switzerland's adventure capital. Once there, you'll immediately dive into the activities, beginning with an afternoon showcasing your ice-skating skills at Ice Magic. The next day, continue your trip with a snowshoe excursion through snow-covered forests and a fun sled ride. Then, after a relaxing evening, drive to Zermatt, where you'll ascend by gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest mountain station, to savor panoramic views and indulge in classic Swiss fondue inside a gondola.

A well-deserved spa day is next on your agenda, and the nearby village of Leukerbad is the ideal place for this. During a day trip here, you'll visit Leukerbad Therme to soak in its natural pools and unwind in relaxation areas. Rejuvenated and ready for more, you'll hit the road to Chamonix, and upon arrival, ride the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps. Of course, no winter excursion is complete without a ski day, so you'll head to Les 3 Vallée to conquer a few of its 373 miles (600 km) of tracks before returning your car in Geneva and catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Switzerland by Train

Get to know Switzerland's imposing peaks and lush countryside on this weeklong train adventure, perfect for travelers seeking an active vacation sprinkled with unique cultural experiences. Traveling primarily by train, you'll journey from Lucerne to the mountain towns of Grindelwald and Zermatt before rounding off your trip in the vineyard-surrounded Montreux. Along the way, kayak on Lake Brienz, ascend Mount Pilatus, bike through waterfall-filled valleys, and sip wine in the idyllic Lavaux region.

Your journey begins in Zürich, but as this trip is about exploring Switzerland's countryside, you'll head straight to the station and catch a train bound for Lucerne. Upon arrival, delve into your surroundings during an afternoon tour featuring a boat ride to the village of Alpnachstad and a cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Return to the station on the morning of Day 2 for a scenic ride to Grindelwald, your base for two nights. Here, you'll enjoy kayaking on Lake Brienz, hiking along the ridge trails of Mount Männlichen, and exploring the enchanting town of Lauterbrunnen on an e-bike.

Leaving Grindelwald on Day 4, your adventure continues by train to Zermatt, where you'll journey the 40 minutes up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in a gondola for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Next, trade in the high-altitude excitement for a leisurely two-day stay in Montreux, a resort town tucked on the shore of Lake Geneva. Begin your stay here with a morning stroll along the waterfront promenade or visit the medieval Chillon Castle. Then, head to the nearby Lavaux wine region for an enchanting afternoon of wine tasting before traveling by train to Geneva to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Lakes, Food & Wine Tour of Como & Lugano

If your ideal afternoon consists of sipping wine with castle views and popping between quaint chocolate shops in a postcard-perfect town, this multicountry tour in Italy and Switzerland is just for you. Starting in Italy's Lake Como, you'll spend an afternoon exploring Bellagio's cobbled streets and touring terraced vineyards. Then, settle in for four days in Lugano, Switzerland, where you'll visit a 15th-century castle, learn the secrets behind the Maggia Delta's famous merlots, and bike through the nearby Vall da Mücc. 

Your journey starts at the stunning Lake Como in Italy, where you'll enjoy a tranquil boat ride before strolling through the charming lakeside town of Bellagio, with its cobbled streets and quaint boutique shops. The relaxed pace continues the following day with a wine and countryside tour in the river valley of Valtellina. Then, after another evening in Como, it's time to bid farewell to Italy and settle in for a scenic train ride to Lugano, Switzerland, which will be your base for four nights. Upon arrival, spend your first evening diving into the city's gastronomic scene during a food, wine, and cultural tour.

Another afternoon among the vines awaits on Day 4, this time in the lakeside town of Morcote. Here, you'll learn about the winemaking process and admire the storied Old Town and the iconic Church of Saint Maria del Sasso on a self-guided tour. Next, set your sights on Lake Maggiore for a memorable day featuring a hike in the Maggia Delta, a drive among famous merlot vineyards, and an independent exploration of the medieval town of Locarno. Then, spend a day biking through Vall da Mücc, Switzerland's southernmost valley, before wrapping up your trip with a transfer to Milan. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Swiss Christmas Highlights: Zürich, Lucerne, Montreux & Geneva

Between snow-covered villages, cozy markets, and decadent seasonal cuisine, there's no doubt Switzerland knows how to celebrate Christmas. On this one-week tour, you'll delve into this merry spirit while sipping mulled wine in Zürich, sampling fondue in Lucerne, and witnessing Santa's sleigh flying over Montreux Market Square. You'll also learn the secrets of Gruyères' famous cheeses and explore Mount Titlis before rounding off the trip with a festive stay in Geneva. 

Kicking off your adventure in Zürich, you'll immediately be met by Switzerland's radiant Christmas spirit as you check out the shops at Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli, marvel at the train station's gigantic decorated tree, and delight in none other than a cheese fondue cruise on Lake Zürich. The next stop on your journey is Lucerne, where Rudolf's Christmas Extravaganza and a private cruise onboard a vintage motor yacht await. While based in Lucerne, you'll also take advantage of the town's proximity to Mount Titlis, the perfect destination to get your adrenaline pumping with snow tubing or braving the Cliff Walk.

There's plenty more Christmas spirit to soak up, so rise early on Day 4 to catch a train to Montreux, a colorful resort town on Lake Geneva. After a quick stop at your hotel, spend the rest of the day between Santa Claus' grotto atop Rochers-de-Naye mountain, the traditional Montreux Noël market, and the medieval Château de Chillon. You'll then delight in an indulgent day of sampling Gruyères' namesake cheese before continuing to Geneva. As your last destination, savor Geneva's Christmas spirit until it's time to depart, exploring vibrant markets and sampling seasonal treats. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Hiking Trip in Switzerland's Bernina Alps

Embrace the adventurous spirit of Switzerland on this hiking trip through the Bernina Alps. Ideal for avid hikers, this itinerary takes you from the charming streets of St. Moritz to Europe's only three-way water divide at Lunghin Pass, with stops at mountain refuges and a ride on the iconic Bernina Express. Throughout, you'll experience the rugged beauty of the Alps on half-day and full-day hikes, including the spectacular Saoseo Refuge loop and a memorable trek to the Bovalhütte Refuge.

Your hiking adventure begins in Zürich, but there's no time for an urban hike as you're heading straight to the mountain resort town of St. Moritz. Spend the evening here settling in over a leisurely walk; then, wake ready to lace up your hiking boots for your first big trek. Starting from Maloja, you'll conquer the trail to Lunghin Pass while soaking up views of Engadin Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. Next, your journey continues with a cable car ride up Mount Furtshcellas, leading to a five-hour hike from lush Val Roseg to the scenic Surlej Pass and ending in Roseg—your home for the night.

After a restful evening, you'll set off on a 5-6 hour trek through lush meadows and alongside a glacier to the welcoming Bovalhütte mountain refuge. Once here, rest up and prepare for the next day's hike, which includes a scenic train journey. This adventure starts with a descent to Morteratsch railway station, followed by a ride on the famous Bernina Express and another hike from Lagalb down to Saoseo Mountain Refuge. As your trip draws to a close, enjoy a gentler hike to Lake Saoseo and then trek down to the village of Poschiavo, where you'll transfer to St. Moritz for your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Switzerland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other one-week Switzerland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.