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Introducing Switzerland

Get to the heart of Switzerland.
Switzerland is all about quintessential Alpine scenery, perfectly preserved medieval towns, and international cities that run on a famously precise schedule. This central European nation is small but surprisingly diverse—shared borders with France, Italy, and Germany have produced distinct regional cultures. One unifying factor is the Alps: the mountain range takes up a whopping 65% of Switzerland’s total area, making this an ideal destination for active fun (and iconic views) all year. 

When is the best time to visit?
Snowy Switzerland is a skier's paradise, and it's no surprise that January and February are peak tourist months. This goes for the Alps of course, but applies to the cities too—Bern, for example, looks great under a layer of winter white, and its Christmas markets are a must-visit (for the delectable Swiss chocolates alone).

The country is also idyllic in summer, as travelers trade ski lifts for hiking boots and hit the Alpine trails. You can enjoy great outdoor excursions during the slower spring and fall seasons, too—September is a particularly great “off” month to visit, as the summer crowds are gone yet the weather is still pleasant, and the scenery ever-wonderful.

Where should you go?
Certainly, you’ll want to visit Switzerland’s picture-perfect capital of Bern, whose medieval Old Town is home to the towering Zytglogge clock tower. And of course, you’ll want to experience the Alps. There are many hiking trails in these world-famous mountains, all signposted and easy to follow. Head to St. Moritz and Zermatt for some of the best skiing in Europe.

Zurich is a beautifully kept city, and this is where serious shoppers will want to spend time. It's also a nice stop on your way to or from Germany by train. See much of the Swiss countryside in a short time on the GoldenPass railway line from Montreux to Lucerne and takes about 5.5 hours (switching trains at Interlaken). It runs through three mountain passes with spectacular views of lakes, waterfalls, and Swiss chalets. 

How many days do you need?
If you simply want to travel through the Swiss countryside and visit a few postcard-worthy cities and towns, you can do so in well under a week. To properly take advantage of Switzerland’s winter sports and excursions, two weeks is ideal. In this timeframe, you could embark on a number of great day-long or even multi-day hikes—or ski at multiple resorts—with time to relax at a few chalets along the way.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

Switzerland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lauterbrunnen valley
Map of Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days
Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days

Hike from hut to hut under the snowy facades of some of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps with this five-day itinerary. As you hike past the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you'll make your way through Alpine pastures, glacial lakes, and rushing waterfalls, with stops on mountaintop tramways and charming villages in between.

Lauterbrunnental
Map of Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days
Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days

Take a classic Swiss hut-to-hut hike through the Bernese Oberland mountains on this week-long trek. You'll go from scenic valley to scenic valley as you traverse past the bases of some of the best-known mountains in the Alps, such as Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, making your way through waterfalls, cliff faces, and dairy pastures.

Vineyards of the Lavaux region by Lake Geneva
Map of Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days
Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days

Sample some of the world's best wines as you circle around Mont Blanc from Switzerland to Italy to France. Visit vineyards nestled in the idyllic countryside in the foothills of the Alps, where ancient grape varieties still produce rare and high-quality wines. Taste local wines in the terraced hills of Lavaux, Switzerland, and toast to the breathtaking views from Pointe Helbronner in France with a glass of Cuvée des Guides — moments and wines to be remembered!

Lac de Moiry
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days

Visit traditional Swiss villages, explore high-elevation alpine lakes, and cross high rocky passes as you trek through the Alps on this 10-day itinerary from Chamonix to Zermatt. Head east across the mountain range as you traverse mountainsides, hike along glacier foothills and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots). Spend your nights in lakeside mountain huts and cozy towns, falling asleep to the sound of the wind and water. 

Ascend Mount Pilatus by cogwheel train, then catch a gondola to the peak
Map of Switzerland by Train - 10 Days
Switzerland by Train - 10 Days

In the Alpine wonderland that is Switzerland, public transport takes on a whole new meaning. Over 10 days, you'll travel between colorful towns, lakeside cities, and mountain peaks by train, cogwheel railway, and even cable cars. Other highlights include hiking across green meadows, kayaking on azure lakes, riding bikes past waterfalls, and ascending iconic peaks like the Matterhorn.

Lake Moiry as seen from Corne de Sorebois
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days

Hike through thick pine forests, visit traditional Swiss villages, and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots) on this 7-day trekking itinerary through the Swiss Alps. Cross the high-elevation Col de Riedmatten Pass, traverse mountainside, and hike along glacier foothills as you make your way east towards Zermatt, which sits at the base of the Matterhorn. At night, cozy up in huts and small villages that retain an authentic alpine feel.

Make the Most of Your Time in Switzerland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Oeschinen Lake in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland
How Many Days to Spend in Switzerland

Small enough to traverse end-to-end in a few hours and with excellent public transport, Switzerland can be explored in as little as three days, specifically if you stick to one...

Switzerland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Take to the Bernina Alps with the Bernina Express
Switzerland's Best Train Rides

Switzerland's rail network is one of the world's best, defying steep mountain gradients, threading through dramatic valleys and around beautiful lakes to showcase the country's...

Our Latest Switzerland Content

Discover the charming resort town of Zermatt (and the iconic Matterhorn) on a winter or hiking-focused itinerary
Map of 2 Weeks in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Switzerland, you can experience the country's charming towns and pristine landscapes on an ultimate scenic highlights tour. Or, if you're eager to see the country with its winter coat on, choose between a festive Christmas markets itinerary and a skiing, sledding, and sightseeing adventure. Other options include an activity-packed trip through the Lake District and a hiking-focused trip that features a four-night trek in the Bernese Oberland region.

Learn about Bern's history, Switzerland's capital, on a guided tour of the Altstadt
Map of 10 Days in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Whether traveling to Switzerland by train, car, or on foot, you can cover a lot of ground in 10 days. Avid hikers can tackle a multiday Bernese Oberland trek, while thrill seekers can pair Montreux rafting with paragliding in neighboring France. Those keen on culture and cuisine will appreciate a Zürich chocolate workshop, Lucerne's "night watchmen" tour, and cheese tasting in Gruyères. Interlaken ice skating, snowshoeing near Lugano, and Christmas market-hopping are ideal for winter enthusiasts.

Discover Lucerne and its famous Chapel Bridge on a highlights tour in the summer or on a Christmas-themed vacation
Map of 1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Switzerland, you have a variety of options, from summer and winter adventures to relaxed or activity-packed itineraries. For a summer trip, consider an Alpine excursion with mountain activities with wine-tasting tours, or embark on hikes in the Bernina Alps. Winter travelers will find Interlaken, Zermatt, and Chamonix to be ideal destinations for snowy escapades, while those traveling in December can enjoy the festive atmosphere that is perfect for a memorable Christmas getaway.

Switzerland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Switzerland
Travel specialist Tomaz Martinek
active 7 mins ago

Tomaz Martinek

I knew I want to work in travel industry since my high school years. I was born in Slovenia's capital and spend my youth dreaming about showing other people our lovely country and travelling the...

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Travel specialist Mathilde Dubuisson
active 21 mins ago

Mathilde Dubuisson

After having wonderful opportunities of trips in Europe, I really became passionate about traveling ✈️ My name is Mathilde, I am 25 years old and I grew up in Troyes, in the Champagne region 🍾...

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Travel specialist Valentine Julien
active 4 mins ago

Valentine Julien

Valentine is the girl from the French Alps! She worked as a tailor-made trip planner in Sri Lanka & Maldives, and was an event organizer for extreme sports competition in Switzerland. She...

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Travel specialist Thomas Bringuy
active 3 days ago

Thomas Bringuy

My passion for the Alps started very young when hiking with my grand-father in the German Alps. Since that time, I have never stopped going into the mountain, it is part of my way of life....

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Switzerland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Switzerland is Amazing!
Switzerland | Mar 26 - Apr 9, 2024

Glen
Glen P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024
My wife and I had round trip plane tickets to Geneva with no particular plans. KimKim put us in touch with Valentine who knows all about Switzerland first hand. She asked us a few questions about our budget and what we liked to do and see. Valentine put together an incredible itinerary covering Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lugano, Luzern, Bern, and Montreux. All hotels were within walking distance of train stations, and getting around with the handy Swiss Travel Pass was no... Read more

My wife and I had round trip plane tickets to Geneva with no particular plans. KimKim put us in touch with Valentine who knows all about Switzerland first hand. She asked us a few questions about our budget and what we liked to do and see. Valentine put together an incredible itinerary covering Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lugano, Luzern, Bern, and Montreux. All hotels were within walking distance of train stations, and getting around with the handy Swiss Travel Pass was no problem.

Switzerland is such a diverse and beautiful country. The Swiss Alps are breathtaking. Especially memorable was our view of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. Valentine set us up with a private guide, Patricia, in Lugano. Patricia put together a food tour highlighting the local Italian cuisine. The next day, she took us on a hike along the shore of Lake Lugano to Gandria, a charming little village, followed by lunch at one of the grottoes across the lake (Grotto Descanso) where we had an amazing meal with a stunning view.

All of these cities were wonderful in their own unique ways. This trip far exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Valentine!

Local specialist: Valentine Julien
Valentine
Valentine Julien
Local specialist in Villefranche sur Saône | Replied on Apr 23, 2024

Hello Glen,
Thank you very much for your kind review!
It was a real pleasure to organize your trip to Switzerland, we hope that you came back home with a lot of memories in mind.
See you soon in Europe,
Best,
Valentine

Switzerland was the most beautiful country we...
Switzerland | Mar 10 - Mar 17, 2024

Dawn
Dawn R.
Missouri City, TX | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024
Switzerland was the most beautiful country we’ve seen! It was simply breathtaking. Our local expert Clothilde worked with us to find the perfect hotel and excursions. She was always timely and courteous and we appreciated her knowledge.
The hotel was lovely and we liked the convenient location. We really enjoyed the complimentary breakfast each morning. It was always delicious and the staff were very nice and helpful. Only downsides were the street construction in front of the...
Read more

Switzerland was the most beautiful country we’ve seen! It was simply breathtaking. Our local expert Clothilde worked with us to find the perfect hotel and excursions. She was always timely and courteous and we appreciated her knowledge.
The hotel was lovely and we liked the convenient location. We really enjoyed the complimentary breakfast each morning. It was always delicious and the staff were very nice and helpful. Only downsides were the street construction in front of the hotel. At night it was quite loud when cars drove over the metal covers on the ground. They also seem to not have enough towels. Oddly we kept having to ask and they kept running out. Otherwise this hotel was perfect for us.
I cannot say enough about our guide Celio and his knowledge about all things Switzerland. He was funny, engaging and just a fantastic guide. We had no idea what we would be seeing and he showed us some little known spots that were just…. Awe inspiring. We could have sat there all day. We really enjoyed our time with him. The trips to Lucerne and the glacier are not to be missed!! I’m so glad we made the last minute change in plans. Big thanks to Clothilde and her local contacts for making it happen on such short notice! Also a shout out to our airport transportation. They were on time and courteous; the cars were spotless. Overall our vacation was just outstanding!

Hotel Review
Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
Zurich

We really enjoyed their location in the heart of things. It was an easy walk to everything. The room was big and lovely. We appreciated the hot showers. The complimentary breakfast was really good and the staff was so kind and helpful. The only downsides were the street construction in front of the hotel. Primarily the metal plates that cover the ground. It was really loud at night when cars drove over them. Also they seem to not have enough towels. We kept having to ask for them and they kept running out. The staff though was very courteous and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
I loved the history of this hotel
Location
Many good restaurants and shops within a 5 minute walk. Also close to the public transportation
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless- we enjoyed the convenience of the fridge and the hot showers
Activity Reviews
Lucerne Full-day trip
Lucerne Full-day trip
Zürich

We almost missed out on this beautiful city. We loved everything about our day. Celio recommended a restaurant and the food was outstanding. The transportation's museum was really fun and the lake cruise was not to be missed. It was probably our favorite part of the day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
THE HEART OF THE BERNESE ALPS ! (Interlaken)
THE HEART OF THE BERNESE ALPS ! (Interlaken)
Switzerland

I just can’t say enough about how beautiful the countryside is. The knowledge of our guide Celio was everything .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Titlis - Eternal Snow and Glacier!
Titlis - Eternal Snow and Glacier!
Switzerland

Although it was cloudy and we couldn’t see at the very top, The ice cave was very cool! We also loved the ride up and down the mountain. On the way down, it cleared up and made it all worth it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein
Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein
Switzerland

So beautiful and powerful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Celio is the best!
Transport
Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Clothilde
Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Local specialist in lacenas, France | Replied on Mar 29, 2024

Hello Dawn,
I hope this message finds you well! I'm really grateful for your thoughtful review of Kim Kim following your recent trip. Your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to uphold and enhance the quality of our services. Rest assured, I'll be sharing your feedback with my team and our partners, especially the guide Celio .
It brings me great joy to hear that you had a fantastic experience exploring Switzerland! It was a pleasure to be planning this trip with and for you!
Looking forward to maybe organizing your next trip,
Sincerely,
Clothilde

Memorable trip planned with ease.
Switzerland | Mar 12 - Mar 19, 2024

Lisa
Lisa H.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024
Overall, had a very memorable trip with my daughter to Switzerland and Milan. Clothilde was great to deal with, and very responsive to any hiccups along the way. There were a couple of issues that didn’t go as smoothly as planned, but she was responsive when that happened. Read more

Overall, had a very memorable trip with my daughter to Switzerland and Milan. Clothilde was great to deal with, and very responsive to any hiccups along the way. There were a couple of issues that didn’t go as smoothly as planned, but she was responsive when that happened.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Spadari Al Duomo
Milan

Overall, the location of this hotel was great. This was not my favorite hotel. The rooms were very very small. The beds were not as comfortable. The bathroom was small. This is considered a small boutique hotel. when I requested to upgrade to a larger room they said they were full. Breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel National Luzern
Luzern

The location of this hotel was ideal. It was beautiful and the rooms were amazing.. breakfast each morning was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were a little hard for my taste.
Activity Review
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Switzerland

Amazing sites. And the multiple trains that took to get there were executed effortlessly..

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Clothilde
Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Local specialist in lacenas, France | Replied on Apr 14, 2024
Hello Lisa,
I hope this message finds you well! I'm really grateful for your thoughtful review of Kim Kim following your recent trip. Your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to uphold and enhance the quality of our services. Rest assured, I'll be sharing your feedback with my team and our partners so we can improve ourselves.
It brings me great joy to hear that you had a great experience exploring Switzerland even though there were a few hiccups that can happen unfortunately beyond...
Read more

Hello Lisa,
I hope this message finds you well! I'm really grateful for your thoughtful review of Kim Kim following your recent trip. Your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to uphold and enhance the quality of our services. Rest assured, I'll be sharing your feedback with my team and our partners so we can improve ourselves.
It brings me great joy to hear that you had a great experience exploring Switzerland even though there were a few hiccups that can happen unfortunately beyond our control. We hope you enjoyed the meal in Milan we happily offered as compensation for the inconvenience.
Looking forward to maybe organizing your next trip,
Sincerely,
Clothilde