The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary: How To Spend 7 Days In The Swiss Alps

Planning a trip to Switzerland? This ultimate 7-day Switzerland itinerary takes you through breathtaking landscapes, beautiful picturesque towns, and famous mountain tops.

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Switzerland is a landlocked country that is located in Europe between Italy and France. This beautiful country is home to stunning lakes, mesmerizing mountain peaks, medieval quarters, charming little villages and farms, and more.

In this post, you will learn about the ultimate Switzerland itinerary that takes you through the stunning Swiss Alpine landscapes, scenic train journeys, iconic cities, and fun adventure activities. Also, some hidden gems include Swiss watches, Swiss chocolates, and cheeses.

This 7-day Switzerland itinerary starts off in the old city of Zurich then takes you through the iconic Swiss city of Lucerne. Then to the charming streets of Interlaken to the Top of Europe in Jungfraujoch. From there to the city of Zermatt and Montreux. Finishing in the beautiful city of Geneva.

This post is all about the best Switzerland itinerary.

Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Day 1: Zurich – Explore The Old Town

The best place to start your 7-day Switzerland itinerary is in Zurich. Zurich is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland because it is the hub for financial institutions, business corporations, and the Swiss stock exchange. Spend the beginning of the day walking around the stunning old town of Altstadt which is filled with medieval architecture, beautiful charming cobblestone streets, and amazing churches. Next, head to the beautiful scenic Lake Zurich, you can walk around here or even take a boat ride to enjoy the one-of-a-kind scenery. There is also a huge cultural and art scene here in Zurich, and you can enjoy many museums there. While here make sure you try some delicious Swiss chocolate. Enjoy Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most luxurious shopping streets. There is also a huge nightlife scene here filled with restaurants, lounges, bars, clubs, and more.

Zurich is the gateway to the Swiss Alps and is also the best transportation hub. Here you can take a day trip to Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Mount Titlis, and more. This is also the best place to catch a scenic train ride. Taking a train through Switzerland and the Swiss Alps needs to be on your bucket list and something everyone should enjoy at some point. The views are truly breathtaking.

For more on Italy just south of Switzerland check out the blog posts “THE ULTIMATE 10-DAY NORTHERN ITALY TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR ADVENTURE” and “THE MOST FAMOUS THINGS IN ITALY YOU NEED TO SEE WHEN VISITING“.

Day 2: Day Trip To Lucerne – The Iconic Swiss City

For day 2 of this wonderful Switzerland itinerary take a day trip to Lucerne. Grab a train and enjoy the scenic ride. Lucerne is about 50 minutes away from Zurich. Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities with a stunning lake and breathtaking mountain scenery. Lake Lucerne is a great place to take a boat cruise to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also great for swimming and kayaking during the warmer months. You also have to check out the Iconic Chapel Bridge known as Kapellbrucke. This bridge is a famous landmark in Lucerne that is painted with medieval panels. Next, check out the Lion Monument also known as Lowendenkmal which is a sculpture of a dying lion that honors the Swiss Guards who fought and died in the French Revolution.

There are many mountain excursions you can do in Lucerne as well including Mount Pilatus, where you can take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or a cable car to enjoy the beautiful views. Mount Rigi is called the Queen of the Mountains which offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Lastly, the Stanserhorn is home to the world’s first open-air cable car. After your wonderful excursions in Lucerne head back to Zurich.

Day 3: Interlaken – The Adventure Captial of Switzelrand

Next, make your way to Interlaken which is also known as the adventure capital of Switzerland. Some world-famous adventure sports you can enjoy when you arrive are paragliding over the Swiss Alps, skydiving with beautiful views of the Jungfrau region, canyoning or white water rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. Great way to spend the morning and early afternoon. For the res of the afternoon check out Lake Brienz which is famous for its turquoise blue waters, and Lake Thun which is surrounded by charming villages, and castles. Head to the Harder Klum, known for the best viewpoint of Interlaken. Explore the charming villages of Uterseen and Grindelwald. To end the day take a cable car to the famous Schilthorn which was featured in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service“.

Day 4: Jungfraujoch – The Top Of Europe

For day 4 of this wonderful Switzerland itinerary head to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch. One of Switzerland’s most famous destinations as it is located over 11,000 feet above sea level and is home to Europe’s highest railway station which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. Check out the Sphinx Observatory which offers one-of-a-kind 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. On clear days you can even see the Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. Next, head to the Aletsch Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited up close via a guided glacier hike. Inside the Glacier, you will find the Ice Palace which has beautiful ice sculptures. There are some dining options at the Top of Europe including a Lindt Swiss Cholocate Heaven shop at one of the world’s highest altitudes. Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe is truly a unique experience that you will love.

To see more on France which borders Switzerland to the west check out the blog post “21 MOST POPULAR THINGS IN FRANCE“.

Day 5 : Zermatt And The Matterhorn

Next, make your way to one of Switzerland’s most famous alpine resort towns Zermatt. Zermatt is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, world-class skiing, and the iconic Matterhorn which is also one of the most famous mountains in the world. The Matterhorn is what inspired the Toblerone chocolate shape and is a must-see when visiting Switzerland. To see the best view from the Matterhorn you need to go to the Gornergrat viewpoint, a breathtaking experience. Matterhorn has world-class ski resorts and year-round activities to enjoy like skiing, snowboarding, and even tubing. If you are into these outdoor activities it is one of the best ways to explore the Alps and see all the stunning views. There are also hiking trails you can enjoy and stunning mountain huts and restaurants with spectacular views. This is a must-see little village when in Switzerland.

Day 6: Montreux And The Lavaux Vineyards

On day 6 head to the beautiful Montreaux which is located along the coast of Geneva. Montreaux is known for its mild climate and stunning lake views, also known as the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera. Start by walking along the promenade along Lake Geneva lined with beautiful palm trees and one-of-a-kind views of the mountains in the background. After walking the promenade visit the Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland’s most famous castle. This famous castle has beautiful medieval towers and dungeons to explore—A very cool and unique experience. Montreux is also where the world-class Montreux Jazz Festival is held, performers that they have had there over the years include Miles Davis, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Prince.

After exploring the Chateau de Chillon make your way to the Lavaux Vineyards which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lavaux Vineyards offer some of the most stunning vineyard landscapes in Europe. This is a great area to do some hiking along the scenic trails. There are also many wine tastings you can do in this region, the most popular wine-tasting villages include Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz, and Epesses. This is a great time to relax and take in the stunning views while enjoying some delicious wines.

Day 7: Geneva – A Cultural And Scenic End To You Switzerland Itinerary

On your last stop of this amazing Switzerland itinerary head to the beautiful city of Geneva. Geneva is known for many things including the United Nations, luxury watchmaking, Lake Geneva, stunning Alpine backdrop, and more. First explore Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest and most scenic lake. There is a high water fountain here that makes it a city landmark and people from all over come to see it. The best way to explore Lake Geneva is by taking a boat cruise. There is also an Old Town known as Vieille Ville that you can visit too. It has beautiful cobblestone streets, amazing courtyards, and stunning medieval buildings to explore. Another unique thing to do here in Geneva is a guided tour of the UN Assembly Hall and the conference rooms of the United Nations European Headquarters.

Geneva is full of history and there are amazing museums and cultural attractions to enjoy as well like the Patek Philippe Museum which gives you an introduction to Geneva’s rich watchmaking heritage. There is also lots of luxury shopping that you can do here in Geneva along the Rue du Rhone, the high-end shopping avenue. Switzerland is also known for its high-end watches including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega. If you are looking to purchase a luxury watch this is the place to do it! A great way to end your 7-day Switzerland itinerary is by indulging in some luxury Swiss chocolates!

For more on other places in Switzerland and solo female travel check out the blog post “THE BEST GUIDE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN EUROPE“.