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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.

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. 

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 8 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Mathilde Dubuisson
active 6 hours ago

Mathilde Dubuisson

Bonjour! My name is Mathilde, I am 27 years old and I grew up in Troyes, in the Champagne region 🍾 It made me develop an interest for sharing my beautiful culture whenever I have the chance (but...

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Travel specialist Valentine Julien
active 6 hours ago

Valentine Julien

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

read more...
Travel specialist Thomas Bringuy
active 1 day 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

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Luzern, Swi...
Switzerland | Jul 9 - Jul 17, 2024

S
Scott B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Luzern, Switzerland and Paris France. The excursion to Lindt Chocolate factory, Mount Rigi, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and MountMare, was worth every minute and very enjoyable. Travel Directions and Places to Visit Instructions provided by KimKim while visiting these countries were clear, concise and worthwhile. Having a designated driver to the airport was a convenient and useful perk. The hotel in Switzerland did not have AC which was an inconvenience and the bathroom was small. The Paris hotel was very small and breakfast food was sub-par.

Local specialist: Mathilde Dubuisson
Mathilde
Mathilde Dubuisson
Local specialist in Villefranche-sur-Saône | Replied on Jul 22, 2024

Bonjour Scott,
Merci beaucoup, I'm glad to read you had such a great trip to Switzerland and Paris. We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a 5-star review and share your experience about Lindt Chocolate Factory, Montmartre and more!
We understand that the lack of AC in Switzerland may have caused some inconvenience. We're always looking for ways to improve the guest experience, and your feedback is valuable.
I wish you and your family all the best in your future travels!
Best,
Mathilde

Switzerland by train from North to South
Switzerland | Jul 8 - Jul 13, 2024

Hilary
Hilary A.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
My travel specialist, Margaux, put together a wonderful trip for me in Switzerland. I was amazed at how quickly she came up with a plan, after I filled out the questionnaire. I wanted to see more of the country after going to The Eras Tour in Zurich. I traveled, mainly by train, from Zurich to Montreux, Zermatt, and then on to Geneva, from where I flew home. Montreux is so beautiful! The Jazz Festival was happening while I was there, so I got to see some free live music and enjoy the general... Read more

My travel specialist, Margaux, put together a wonderful trip for me in Switzerland. I was amazed at how quickly she came up with a plan, after I filled out the questionnaire. I wanted to see more of the country after going to The Eras Tour in Zurich. I traveled, mainly by train, from Zurich to Montreux, Zermatt, and then on to Geneva, from where I flew home. Montreux is so beautiful! The Jazz Festival was happening while I was there, so I got to see some free live music and enjoy the general festivities. I really enjoyed visiting Chateau de Chillon. What an interesting place! Another highlight of my trip was taking the scenic train to see the Matterhorn. It was a cloudy day, so I was feeling less than hopeful about getting good views, but on the trip up, the clouds parted and we had amazing views of the mountains the entire day. It was breathtaking! The itinerary and vouchers that Margaux prepared for me made my solo trip much easier, because I had a plan for each day and the information I needed to make getting from place to place easier.

Local specialist: Margaux Alix
Margaux
Margaux Alix
Local specialist in Villefranche sur Saône | Replied on Jul 22, 2024

Bonjour Hilary,
Thank you very much for your detailed feedback. It was a pleasure organizing your trip. I'm happy you enjoyed the local culture and discovered our amazing Switzerland through scenic trains, castles, and even local events like the Montreux Jazz Festival!

Thanks again for your trust in Kimkim and our local team.
I wish you all the best,
Margaux

Amazing Switzerland Vacation!
Switzerland | Jun 18 - Jun 26, 2024

Stacy
Stacy S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024
Friends of ours recommended using KimKim for the trip we were planning to Switzerland. Not ever having been there, there was so much we wanted to see and not enough time to do it. With the help of Clothide, our travel agent assigned through KimKim, she was able to help us plan an amazing trip. It took quite a bit of back and forth for us to get everything just the way we wanted it, but she was very patient and professional through it all. When we found out on our way to Zermatt on the train... Read more

Friends of ours recommended using KimKim for the trip we were planning to Switzerland. Not ever having been there, there was so much we wanted to see and not enough time to do it. With the help of Clothide, our travel agent assigned through KimKim, she was able to help us plan an amazing trip. It took quite a bit of back and forth for us to get everything just the way we wanted it, but she was very patient and professional through it all. When we found out on our way to Zermatt on the train that we couldn't get there due to flooding, we reached out to Clothide who, with her colleagues, were able to get us checked into our next hotel in Montreux a day early, cancel our Zermatt hotel, and get us a partial refund on our excursion we were unable to use in Zermatt. Without their on-call support throughout our trip we would have been completely stressed and not sure what to do next. Thank you, KimKim (and Clothide!), we will most certainly be recommending you to friends!

Local specialist: Clothilde DIEMUNSCH