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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!

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.

Ski, snowshoe, and sled your way through the beauty of the Swiss Alps in winter
Map of Winter Adventure in the Swiss Alps - 7 Days
Winter Adventure in the Swiss Alps - 7 Days

Travel to the heart of Switzerland during the winter months when its lakes, Alps, valleys, and historic cities are blanketed in snow. On this weeklong adventure, you'll keep warm with an invigorating itinerary of winter sports, starting with sledding and snowshoeing in the idyllic lake city of Interlaken. Take a thrilling gondola ride up the iconic Matterhorn, give your muscles a break at the Leukerbad Hot Springs, and end the adventure just over the French border with world-class skiing at Chamonix.

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. 

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 11 hours 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 Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
active 12 hours ago

Clothilde DIEMUNSCH

I grew up next to Lyon, renowned for its gastronomy, historical thus cultural heritage. I never get tired of travelling to discover new places, abroad as well as in my own country. You can count...

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Travel specialist Aline Durant
active 52 mins ago

Aline Durant

My name is Aline, I’m 55 years old and I have 2 children. 🧒 👧 I have experience in luxury hotels industry, particularly Hilton International Chain where I worked for 10 years abroad. My wearer...

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Travel specialist Thomas Bringuy
active 2 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...

Related Destinations

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Trip Reviews for Switzerland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

October in Switzerland!
Switzerland | Oct 5 - Oct 12, 2024

Holly
Holly H.
Wake Forest, NC | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024
We loved our specialist, Clothilde. She was extremely responsive before and during our trip. The excursions she arranged through Best of Switzerland Tours were excellent. Knowing all the logistics are handled makes traveling more enjoyable. Highly recommend! Read more

We loved our specialist, Clothilde. She was extremely responsive before and during our trip. The excursions she arranged through Best of Switzerland Tours were excellent. Knowing all the logistics are handled makes traveling more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Monopol Lucerne
Luzern
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Krebs Interlaken
Interlaken
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were told the air conditioning in our room wasn't operable because it was October. We kept the windows open to help lower the temperature, but since the hotel is located in the heart of the city, at times it was noisy.
Central Plaza Hotel
Zürich
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Zurich sunset tour and Cheese Fondue
Zurich sunset tour and Cheese Fondue
Zürich

Highly recommend. Monika with Best of Switzerland Tours was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Clothilde
Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Local specialist in lacenas, France | Replied on Oct 22, 2024
Dear Holly and Mackenzie, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your trip and found the excursions to be excellent. It was a pleasure to assist you, and I’m glad I could help make your travel experience more enjoyable. This is why I do this job: it allows me to turn people’s travel dreams into reality :) I get to help travelers explore new destinations, create unforgettable memories, and experience the world in ways they never imagined.
I truly...
Read more

Dear Holly and Mackenzie,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your trip and found the excursions to be excellent. It was a pleasure to assist you, and I’m glad I could help make your travel experience more enjoyable. This is why I do this job: it allows me to turn people’s travel dreams into reality :) I get to help travelers explore new destinations, create unforgettable memories, and experience the world in ways they never imagined.
I truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to work with you again in the future!
Warm regards and take care,
Clothilde

This is our second trip booked through KimKim...
Switzerland | Oct 7 - Oct 12, 2024

Martha
Martha F.
Norfolk, VA | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024
This is our second trip booked through KimKim and it was almost as outstanding as our first. What was lacking this time was the attentiveness and detailed help we got from our first trip specialist. There were significant time gaps in communication and responses from our specialist, Clothilde. There was no suggestions or recommendations, for example, sites, activities or restaurants following our scheduled tours/activities.
Our transfers/drivers were all excellent and we really enjoyed...
Read more

This is our second trip booked through KimKim and it was almost as outstanding as our first. What was lacking this time was the attentiveness and detailed help we got from our first trip specialist. There were significant time gaps in communication and responses from our specialist, Clothilde. There was no suggestions or recommendations, for example, sites, activities or restaurants following our scheduled tours/activities.
Our transfers/drivers were all excellent and we really enjoyed our hiking guide, Marta
Our accommodations in Interlaken was very nice.
I will likely return to KimKim for our next trip as our first trip (Italy) with you was perfect and Irene , our specialist truly spoiled us and set the bar!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Du Nord
Interlaken

Very nice staff. Very clean. Great Location and excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views, relatively quiet and close to train station as well as shops
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Glockenhof
Zürich
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Time at leisure in Interlaken!
Time at leisure in Interlaken!
Switzerland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Beatus Caves, Panoramic Bridge, Nature Park Blue Lake and Lake Thun Cruise!
Beatus Caves, Panoramic Bridge, Nature Park Blue Lake and Lake Thun Cruise!
Switzerland

This was cancelled the day before our arrival by tour company. We would have had to pay double to proceed with similar tour

Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Clothilde
Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Local specialist in lacenas, France | Replied on Oct 22, 2024
Dear Marta and Rusty,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. It’s fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your hiking adventure with Marta and that your accommodation in Interlaken was lovely.
I’m truly sorry to learn that my communication and support didn’t meet the high standards set by your previous trip. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m committed to using it to enhance my service moving forward.
I’m thrilled to...
Read more

Dear Marta and Rusty,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. It’s fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your hiking adventure with Marta and that your accommodation in Interlaken was lovely.
I’m truly sorry to learn that my communication and support didn’t meet the high standards set by your previous trip. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m committed to using it to enhance my service moving forward.
I’m thrilled to know that you’re considering KimKim for your next trip!
Thank you once again for your understanding and support. I look forward to the possibility of planning your next journey!
Warm regards,
Clothilde

Summer in Switzerland
Switzerland | Aug 21 - Aug 29, 2024

S
Sukanya I.
Maple Grove, MN | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024
We had a very memorable trip to Switzerland this past summer as a family with two young children (5 and 8). Clothilde was excellent to work with and was able to curate a great itinerary for us based on our interests, abilities (2 little kids) and our budget. We spent 8 days traveling from Zurich to Geneva with Lucerne/Interlaken/Montreux as the towns we stayed at. Our itinerary was a great mix of activities that were very family friendly and options to modify if needed. The highlights of the... Read more

We had a very memorable trip to Switzerland this past summer as a family with two young children (5 and 8). Clothilde was excellent to work with and was able to curate a great itinerary for us based on our interests, abilities (2 little kids) and our budget. We spent 8 days traveling from Zurich to Geneva with Lucerne/Interlaken/Montreux as the towns we stayed at. Our itinerary was a great mix of activities that were very family friendly and options to modify if needed. The highlights of the trip were going up to Mt. Pilatus and hiking around, walking around the old town of Lucerne, just about everything we did in Interlaken but our favorites were the chocolate workshop and the e-bike tour around the villages. We had a car so we could explore a lot of the little nearby villages, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald were absolutely dreamy! Montreux was beautiful except for the hotel we stayed at that was a little old and smelly. Overall working with KimKim specifically Clothilde eliminated a lot of stress for us from a planning standpoint and we just had to show up to have a good time. Highly recommend using KimKim and choosing Switzerland as a family friendly destination!

Activity Reviews
Chocolate workshop in Interlaken!
Chocolate workshop in Interlaken!
Switzerland

Absolutely recommend this for families with little children! It was educational, interactive and they walk away from the workshop with bars of chocolate they created. Our entire family loved this and our kids wouldn't stop talking about it for days after. Don't forget to grab some chocolate covered strawberries and a cup of hot chocolate from the cafe on your way out.

Quality of Experience
 Guided  E-bike tour around Interlaken ! - Family friendly
Guided E-bike tour around Interlaken ! - Family friendly
Switzerland

Another must-do activity when visiting Interlaken! Our guide was super knowledgeable, took us through the picturesque villages in and around Interlaken and the alpine lakes. This is definitely the best way of exploring the town and experiencing the local culture than driving through. We had two little kids who could sit in the cargo attached to one of our bikes so we could all experience this as a family.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Clothilde
Clothilde DIEMUNSCH
Local specialist in lacenas, France | Replied on Oct 22, 2024
Dear Sukanya,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message! I’m thrilled to hear that your family had such a memorable trip to Switzerland and that the itinerary I created worked well for you. It was a joy to help you explore beautiful destinations like Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux.
I'm especially glad to hear that the activities were family-friendly and that you enjoyed the highlights, from Mt. Pilatus to the chocolate workshop and e-bike tour. Your recommendation means a lot to me, and...
Read more

Dear Sukanya,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message! I’m thrilled to hear that your family had such a memorable trip to Switzerland and that the itinerary I created worked well for you. It was a joy to help you explore beautiful destinations like Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux.
I'm especially glad to hear that the activities were family-friendly and that you enjoyed the highlights, from Mt. Pilatus to the chocolate workshop and e-bike tour. Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
If you ever plan another adventure, I’d love to assist you again!
Warm regards to you and your beloved ones,
Clothilde