Switzerland by Train - 7 Days

Highlights

• Go kayaking on Lake Brienz and ascend the iconic Mount Pilatus
• Ride a bicycle through waterfall valleys and enjoy a Swiss picnic
• Take a gondola up to the highest mountain observation point in Europe
• Enjoy a wine tour in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux region

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Train to Lucerne & Ascend Mount Pilatus

Welcome to Switzerland! Despite this European nation's mountainous terrain, it's remarkably easy to get around, with railway journeys being one of the most efficient (and scenic) modes of transport. See for yourself, beginning with your arrival in Zürich. From the airport, transfer to the station for a train trip south to Lucerne. Sitting on the shores of the eponymous lake and backed by snowcapped alpine peaks, this city (known locally as Luzern) is the perfect hub for nature excursions. After checking into your hotel, you'll head out to discover the best views in the region with a trip up Mount Pilatus.

The journey to get there is a highlight unto itself, as it begins with a tranquil boat ride across the lake. From the village of Alpnachstad, board the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel train in the world. The 30-minute ascent has great views of Alpine meadows and craggy rock formations. Once at the 6,982-foot (2,128 m) summit, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, and the surrounding landscapes. Capping the experience is a jaw-dropping cable car ride down to the suburb of Kriens in Lucerne. From there, you'll transfer back to your hotel. 

When the sun goes down, it's time to discover the ample charm of Lucerne. It boasts a rich medieval history, and you'll see the highlights on a fun guided experience that's not your typical city tour. Meet a local "night watchman" who will take you back in time on a stroll down cobbled streets and across stone bridges. During this 1.5-hour group tour, your guide will point out historic architectural landmarks dating back hundreds of years. 

Day 2: Train to Grindelwald, Kayaking Lake Brienz & Nature Hike

Get ready for another scenic railway journey! This time, you'll travel by train three hours from Lucerne to Grindelwald. This village in the Bernese Oberland region of southern Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery. It's surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps—including the Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau—and is a popular base for outdoor activities like hiking.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet up with a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Then, transfer about 30 minutes north of town to Lake Brienz. Here, you'll hop in a kayak and spend a couple of hours paddling across glassy turquoise waters backed by soaring Alpine peaks.

For the last adventure of the day, leave the kayak and hop in a gondola for the 19-minute ride up Mount Männlichen (7,293 ft/ 2,223 m). At the top, you'll embark on an easy two-hour hike across mountain ridge trails to Kleine Scheidegg (6,762 ft/ 2,061 m). Throughout the trek, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, including the jagged north face of Mount Eiger. At the end of the hike, enjoy a cold drink at a mountain restaurant before taking the train back down to Grindelwald.

Day 3: E-Bike Ride Through Lauterbrunnen Valley & Waterfalls

The adventure continues this morning with a bike ride along scenic forest paths to the storybook village of Lauterbrunnen. This entire region is part of a UNESCO-listed scenic area known as the "Valley of the 72 Waterfalls." It's filled with natural wonders, many of which you'll see on this full-day excursion. Highlights include riding through lush coniferous forests and along the Lütschine glacial river.

Also, you can bet there will be stops to marvel at the region's famous cascades. One break includes a short hike to the awe-inspiring Staubbach Falls, which plunge 974 feet (297 m) over a cliff face near a village. You'll also visit the otherworldly Trümmelbach Falls—a network of glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. Lunch will be a Swiss picnic comprised of a selection of sausages and cheeses from the region. At the end of the day, you'll cycle back to Grindelwald.

Day 4: Train to Zermatt, Gondola to the Matterhorn

This morning, board a train for the three-hour ride farther south to Zermatt. Located in Switzerland's Pennine Alps, this is yet another idyllic Alpine town. Mostly, Zermatt is famous for its views of the nearby Matterhorn peak—an iconic mountain you'll see up close and personal a little while later. For now, check into your hotel and drop off your bags.

A short while later, you'll embark on perhaps the most famous gondola ride in all of Europe: the 40-minute journey up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. At 12,740 feet (3,883 m), this is the highest mountain station on the continent. At the summit, there's a viewing platform where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding alpine peaks that are unrivaled anywhere else in the world. After some time at the summit, you'll transfer back down to Zermatt.

Day 5: Train to Montreux, Explore the Montreux Riviera

Enjoy a respite from the high-altitude adventures today with a trip to Montreux. This resort town sits on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural events, and pleasant climate. All around Montreux are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles. The area here is so charming that it's known as the Montreux Riviera. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the hotel, where you'll spend the next couple of nights.

Then, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. Take a stroll on the waterfront promenade, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and/or visit the medieval Chillon Castle. Definitely don't miss the flamboyant statue of Freddie Mercury. Located on the lakeshore, the statue pays homage to the lead singer of Queen, who for many years made Montreux his home.

Day 6: Lavaux Vineyards Wine Tour

Hope you're thirsty because today, you'll embark on a wine tour. Your destination is the nearby Lavaux wine region, which consists of terraced vineyards on hillside slopes running down to the lakeshore. The history of these vines can be traced back to the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area—and there's some evidence grapes were planted here in Roman times. Because of this rich history, the region was bestowed UNESCO World Heritage status.

During a half-day tour accompanied by local experts, you'll travel to different vineyards as well as a family-run winery. Here, you'll dive deep into the terroir, sampling the region's high-quality chasselas and pinot noirs. The former is the most common grape variety cultivated here, producing crisp and refreshing white wines. Of course, today's trip includes plenty of sommelier-led tastings.

Day 7: Train to Geneva, Depart

Alas, it's time to say goodbye to Switzerland. In the morning, board a train for the one-hour trip around the lake to Geneva, where you'll catch your flight home or on to the next adventure. Adieu!

More Great Switzerland Itineraries 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other Switzerland itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Switzerland, or discover the best time to visit Switzerland.