Make the Most of Your Time in Switzerland

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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 or two key regions. A five to seven-day trip will let you see a broader mix of city and countryside attractions. And with 10 or 14 days, you will be able to get properly off the beaten track if you choose. Read on for itinerary options that will show you the very best of this small country.

Admire views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley on an easy hike along Höhenweg in Switzerland
Map of 5 Days in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Switzerland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thanks to Switzerland's trains and well-maintained roads, you can visit 2-4 regions in five days. Active travelers can immerse in the country's natural beauty by kayaking Lake Brienz and cycling around Lugano. Those keen on Swiss cuisine can take a tasting tour of the Maggia Delta and sample wine and cheeses in Morcote. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy snowshoeing in Grindelwald and sledding on Mount Gornegrat, and those eager to experience Christmas festivities can market-hop from Zürich to Geneva.

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.

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 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.