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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
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.

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.

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.

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!

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 1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Switzerland - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Switzerland - 5 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 1 hour 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 Amandine Dumas
active 1 min ago

Amandine Dumas

Bonjour! I am Amandine and I am 35 years old. I am the mum of two little boys. I used to travel by myself and with my husband, but now we are traveling with family. For me, travel is the...

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Travel specialist Mathilde Dubuisson
active 1 min 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 20 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...

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Trip Reviews for Switzerland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Zurich-Lucerne-Lugano - Switzerland
Switzerland | Aug 15 - Aug 23, 2025

P
Paul C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025
We spent 8 amazing nights in Switzerland - 4 in Lucerne, 3 in Lugano and 1 in Zurich (flew in and out here). Our KimKim guide was very helpful and patient and designed a great trip for us. If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day)...and we wish we (our... Read more

We spent 8 amazing nights in Switzerland - 4 in Lucerne, 3 in Lugano and 1 in Zurich (flew in and out here). Our KimKim guide was very helpful and patient and designed a great trip for us. If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day)...and we wish we (our fault) had opted for more free/downtime as our days were crammed with activities, leaving little time to just explore on our own.

KimKim put us at the Seehotel Hermitage in Lucerne right on the lake/10 minutes from town - location and rooms were great/beautiful, great breakfast, beach club is a bit overpriced - we'd stay there again though. We got tickets to Lucerne Transportation Museum, but ran out of time to enjoy it - only spending an hour at the Swiss chocolate 'ride' which was ok. Our first tour day was to Mount Rigi - it was a good day overall, spent getting up the mountain, having a lovely but long lunch at the Michelin-starred Edelweiss restaurant on the mountain, and then heading to the spa and enjoying an impromptu stop at a small church with two Swiss women playing the accordion...the area of opportunity here was that our guide wasn't the most professional, organized or seemingly knowledgeable. She lost her phone on the bus (can happen to anyone) that set in motion us missing our train and being off schedule most of the day - it happens. Day two was better - a different and more professional guide/tour to Engelberg/cheese and Mt. Titlis (incredible natural beauty) although the guide was on his phone a lot. We expected more of a behind the scenes cheese experience but in KimKim's defense, it says 'cheese tasting' and that's what it was - we went to a shop in Engelberg that may belong to the monastery and we ate some delicious cheese there. Boat ride from Lucerne to Fluelen and Gotthard train to Lugano are must do's - magical - loved the attendant on Gotthard train - beautiful views and very friendly.

In Lugano we stayed a Luganodante - centrally located and decent hotel- rooms just smelled a bit of smoke which hotel ascribed to us leaving window open. Our first tour day in Lugano was lovely with a local guide Romina who was very professional and knowledgeable. Day two was even better with a local guide Patricia (aka Patti) who took us to Bellinzona which was an amazing day - she was the best guide we had all week.

We stayed at the Marriott on the river in Zurich - it was fine.

Best meal by far during the week was Galleria Arte - Michelin-starred - in Lugano right by the lake. Simply incredible - only 10 tables.

All in all, this was the first time we ever used a travel agent to plan a trip and it was a pretty great experience overall - Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen and visiting in August was wonderful.

Hotel Reviews
LUGANODANTE - We like you
Lugano
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Seehotel Hermitage
Lucerne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bellinzona Private Tour: culture, art & traditions
Bellinzona Private Tour: culture, art & traditions
Lugano

If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day). Day two was even better with a local guide Patricia (aka Patti) who took us to Bellinzona which was an amazing day - she was the best guide we had all week. Recommend the risotto cooking class and lunch - lot of fun. She was very patient, incredibly warm and kind and gave us a lot of her time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lugano private food & wine tour
Lugano private food & wine tour
Lugano

If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day). Our first tour day in Lugano was lovely with a local guide Romina who was very professional and knowledgeable and friendly. She spent a lot of time with us. Definitely recommend her.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Engelberg, Cheese, Trübsee, and Mt. Titlis Discovery
Engelberg, Cheese, Trübsee, and Mt. Titlis Discovery
Switzerland

If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day). Day two was better - a different and more professional guide/tour to Engelberg/cheese and Mt. Titlis (incredible natural beauty) although the guide was on his phone a lot. We expected more of a behind the scenes cheese experience but in KimKim's defense, it says 'cheese tasting' and that's what it was - we went to a shop in Engelberg that may belong to the monastery and we ate some delicious cheese there. Boat ride from Lucerne to Fluelen and Gotthard train to Lugano are must do's - magical - loved the attendant on Gotthard train - beautiful views and very friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Rigi Hike & Thermal Bath Experience
Private Rigi Hike & Thermal Bath Experience
Lucerne

If we had any constructive feedback, it would be that we didn't feel like we received enough detail regarding our excursions (what to wear, how are we traveling and exactly what are we doing) and they weren't always what we expected (depended on the local guide we got that day). Our first tour day was to Mount Rigi - it was a good day overall, spent getting up the mountain, having a lovely but long lunch at the Michelin-starred Edelweiss restaurant on the mountain, and then heading to the spa and enjoying an impromptu stop at a small church with two Swiss women playing the accordion...the area of opportunity here was that our guide wasn't the most professional, organized or seemingly knowledgeable. She lost her phone on the bus (can happen to anyone) that set in motion us missing our train and being off schedule most of the day - it happens.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mélanie Frank

Highly recommend
Switzerland | Aug 5 - Aug 11, 2025

K
Kaitlyn O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Amandine did an amazing job planning the honeymoon of our dreams. Plus the platform is so simple, easy to use and manage, and I have used KimKim for multiple trips. I definitely plan to continue using for any travel needs!

Local specialist: Amandine Dumas
Amandine
Amandine Dumas
Local specialist in Villefranche sur Saône | Replied on Aug 24, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad we created the honeymoon of your dreams :)
We're also glad the platform made planning easy and enjoyable, and we look forward to helping you plan many more adventures in the future!

Swiss in the Summer - Fantastic!
Switzerland | Jul 4 - Jul 9, 2025

N
Nancy H.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025
Melanie did a fantastic job crafting an itinerary that was tailored for what we wanted - Her recommendations for. tours and the scheduling obtaining of tickets made the trip so enjoyable as all we had to do was sit back and enjoy - all the paperwork was done. We wanted to experience many of the outdoor sites and thoroughly enjoyed bike with Flying Wheels. We also enjoy the train up to the Jungfraujoch: - Top of Europe - it was such an amazing adventure ! Melanie clearly knows the... Read more

Melanie did a fantastic job crafting an itinerary that was tailored for what we wanted - Her recommendations for. tours and the scheduling obtaining of tickets made the trip so enjoyable as all we had to do was sit back and enjoy - all the paperwork was done. We wanted to experience many of the outdoor sites and thoroughly enjoyed bike with Flying Wheels. We also enjoy the train up to the Jungfraujoch: - Top of Europe - it was such an amazing adventure ! Melanie clearly knows the secret gems of Switzerland and listened to what we were looking for - The hotel choices were perfect - especially the one in Grindelwald - where we had a balcony and woke up each morning to the Swiss Alps, Glacier and a village that looked like something out of Heidi! They Swiss Caves were incredible - and so interesting to learn about - All the transportation was flawless -

Melanie did an absolute outstanding job - listening and working with us to ensure we had the best vacation ever -which we did! If we needed /wanted to change something due to weather - she was right on it re working so we didnt miss a thing!

Hotel Review
Hotel Kirchbühl Superior
Grindelwald

This hotel is the perfect location - situation in the village - easily walkable to town - the balcony and view cannot be beat

Authenticity & Character
the staff all is dressed is authentic attire -
Location
ability to walk to town
Staff
very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Kayak tour on Lake Brienz
Kayak tour on Lake Brienz
Interlaken

It was so easy to get to and such a fun way to view the Lake and town

Local specialist: Mélanie Frank

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