Switzerland

West & South Regions

Discover the Elegance of Geneva

  • Visit the Jet d'Eau: Witness Geneva's iconic water fountain.
  • Explore the Historic Old Town (Vieille Ville): Wander through its cobblestone streets, discover hidden squares, and visit St. Pierre Cathedral.
  • Cruise on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman): Enjoy scenic boat tours offering views of the city skyline, surrounding vineyards, and the Alps.
  • Visit the United Nations (Palais des Nations): Take a guided tour of the European headquarters.
  • Visit the Art and History Museum (Musée d'Art et d'Histoire) with its extensive collections.
  • Visit the Patek Philippe Museum dedicated to the art of Swiss watchmaking.
  • Enjoy the Promenade des Bastions park.

Explore the Lake Geneva Region (Lausanne, Montreux & More)

  • Visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
  • Explore the elegant town of Montreux, known for its jazz festival.
  • Visit the stunning Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva.
  • Take a scenic cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye for panoramic views.
  • Hike or bike along the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva.

Explore the Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO)

  • Walk the Scenic Trails: Discover marked routes through the vineyards with stunning lake and Alps views (e.g., Lausanne to Chillon path).
  • Taste Local Wines: Visit wineries ("caves") in villages like St-Saphorin, Dézaley, and Epesses. Look for "caves ouvertes" or book tours.
  • Ride the "Train des Vignes": A scenic train from Vevey to Puidoux-Chexbres, perfect for vineyard hopping.
  • Discover Charming Villages: Explore picturesque winegrowers' villages like Cully and Rivaz, and enjoy local "pintes" (restaurants).

Discover the Majestic Peaks of Valais

  • Witness the iconic Matterhorn in Zermatt (car-free village).
  • Explore the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest glacier in the Alps.
  • Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in numerous resorts.
  • Hike along scenic trails with breathtaking mountain views.
  • Saillon Thermal Baths: Relax in panoramic pools with vineyard views, a thermal river, and various spa options.
  • Leukerbad: Numerous thermal baths, including Leukerbad Therme and Walliser Alpentherme & Spa.
  • Sample the local Valais wines.

Experience the Alpine Scenery around Saas-Fee (Valais)

  • Visit the car-free village of Saas-Fee, surrounded by thirteen four-thousand-meter peaks.
  • Ride the Metro Alpin, the world's highest funicular.
  • Hike to stunning viewpoints and glaciers.
  • Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding slopes.

Experience the Italian Flair of Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

  • Explore the charming lakeside towns of Lugano and Locarno.
  • Visit the castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage site (detailed in its own section).
  • Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Lugano or Lake Maggiore.
  • Hike in the beautiful valleys of Ticino (e.g., Verzasca, Maggia).
  • Enjoy the Mediterranean climate and cuisine.

Explore the History of Bellinzona's Castles (UNESCO)

  • Visit the three well-preserved medieval castles: Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro.
  • Learn about their strategic importance throughout history.
  • Enjoy the views from the castle rampart and explore the museums within.

Experience the Beauty of Lake Neuchâtel & Its Surroundings

  • Explore the charming city of Neuchâtel with its castle and panoramic views.
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake entirely in Switzerland.
  • Visit the unique geological formation of Creux du Van.
  • Discover the wine region along the shores of the lake.
  • Consider a visit to the thermal baths in Yverdon-les-Bains.

Discover the Natural Wonders of Creux du Van

  • Witness the impressive natural rock amphitheater in the Jura mountains.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Hike along the rim of the Creux du Van.
  • Look for local wildlife like ibex.

Discover the Jura Region (Nature & Watchmaking)

  • Explore the scenic Jura mountains with their hiking and biking trails.
  • Visit the watchmaking towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle (UNESCO World Heritage).
  • Discover underground caves and gorges.
  • Enjoy the peaceful landscapes and forests.

Explore the Vibrant City of Lausanne & Olympic Spirit

  • Visit the Olympic Museum.
  • Wander through Lausanne's charming old town and cathedral.
  • Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Geneva from Ouchy.
  • Explore the Plateforme 10 art district.
  • Take a stroll through the Sauvabelin Tower and its surrounding nature.

Discover the Medieval Charm of Fribourg

  • Explore the well-preserved medieval Old Town with its unique Zähringen architecture.
  • Visit the impressive St. Nicholas Cathedral with its famous stained glass windows.
  • Wander through the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and its bridges over the Sarine River.
  • Learn about the city's bilingual (French/German) culture.
  • Sample local specialties like Fondue moitié-moitié.

East & North

Explore the Vibrant City of Zurich & Surroundings

  • Stroll Bahnhofstrasse, a famous shopping street.
  • Wander through the charming Old Town (Niederdorf).
  • Visit the Grossmünster and climb its towers for views.
  • See the Chagall windows in the Fraumünster.
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich.
  • Relax at Lindenhof with views of the Old Town and river.

Explore the Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein (Near Zurich)

  • Explore the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall (near Schaffhausen).
  • Discover the medieval charm of Stein am Rhein.

Discover the Traditions of Eastern Switzerland (Appenzell & St. Gallen)

  • Explore the charming canton of Appenzell with its traditional painted houses.
  • Hike the panoramic trails of the Alpstein massif, including the Ebenalp and Säntis.
  • Visit the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning library.
  • Experience local customs and festivals.
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Constance (Bodensee).

Discover the Lakes and Cities of Central Switzerland (Lucerne & Surroundings)

  • Explore the picturesque city of Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge and Water Tower.
  • Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
  • Ascend Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway or aerial cableways.
  • Visit Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains," for panoramic views.
  • Discover the charming town of Weggis on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
  • Explore the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne.

Experience the Majesty of the Swiss Alps (Jungfrau Region)

  • Ascend to the "Top of Europe" at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.
  • Explore the charming villages of Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen.
  • Hike amidst stunning alpine scenery and waterfalls.
  • Take scenic cable car and cogwheel train rides.
  • Experience thrilling activities like paragliding and canyoning.
  • Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, ten glacial waterfalls inside a mountain.

Explore the Bernese Oberland's Highlights (Interlaken Region)

  • Enjoy the adventure activities in Interlaken (paragliding, skydiving, canyoning).
  • Visit the charming town of Thun and its castle on Lake Thun.
  • Explore the St. Beatus Caves with their underground waterfalls.
  • Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.
  • Ride the Harder Kulm funicular for panoramic views of Interlaken.

Explore the Serene Beauty of the Lake District (Around Lake Brienz & Lake Thun)

  • Take a scenic boat trip on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
  • Visit the Giessbach Falls, cascading down to Lake Brienz.
  • Explore the charming village of Brienz, known for its wood carvings.
  • Discover Thun with its medieval castle and vibrant old town.

Explore the Aare Gorge (near Meiringen)

  • Walk through the impressive Aare Gorge, carved by glacial waters.
  • Combine a visit with the Reichenbach Falls (famous from Sherlock Holmes).

Experience the Glamour of St. Moritz & the Engadine Valley

  • Visit the upscale resort town of St. Moritz, known for its skiing and lifestyle.
  • Explore the stunning Engadine Valley with its lakes and charming villages.
  • Hike or bike in the summer amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.
  • Enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
  • Take the scenic Bernina Express train journey.

Discover the Scenic Beauty of Lake Walen (Walensee)

  • Enjoy boat trips on the lake with views of dramatic cliffs and charming villages.
  • Explore the lakeside villages of Weesen and Quinten.
  • Hike along the scenic trails surrounding the lake.

Explore the Geological Wonders of the Tectonic Arena Sardona (UNESCO)

  • Witness the dramatic mountain landscapes showcasing continental collision.
  • Hike through the area on designated trails to observe the geological features.

Discover the Pristine Landscapes of the Swiss National Park (Graubünden)

  • Explore Switzerland's only national park with its untouched alpine nature.
  • Look for diverse wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and marmots.
  • Hike on the extensive network of marked trails.
  • Visit the National Park Centre in Zernez for information.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Switzerland - 7 Weeks

Days 1-5: Geneva & Lake Geneva Region

  • Arrive in Geneva. Explore the Jet d'Eau, Old Town (Vieille Ville), Lake Geneva (boat cruise), United Nations.
  • Day trip to Lausanne: Visit the Olympic Museum, explore the old town and Ouchy.
  • Explore Montreux: Visit Château de Chillon, enjoy the lakeside promenade. Consider a trip up to Rochers-de-Naye.
  • Discover the Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO): Walk scenic trails, taste local wines in charming villages.

Days 6-8: Lake Neuchâtel & Jura Region

  • Travel to Neuchâtel: Explore the city, its castle, and enjoy views over the lake. Consider a boat trip.
  • Visit Creux du Van: Hike around the natural rock amphitheater for panoramic views.
  • Explore the Jura region: Consider a visit to a watchmaking town like La Chaux-de-Fonds or Le Locle (UNESCO). Enjoy the natural landscapes.

Days 9-11: Fribourg & Gateway Region

  • Explore the medieval charm of Fribourg: Wander through the Old Town, visit the cathedral.
  • Explore the St. Beatus Caves near Interlaken.

Days 12-18: Bernese Oberland

  • Explore Interlaken: Enjoy adventure activities, ride the Harder Kulm funicular.
  • Experience the Jungfrau Region: Ascend to Jungfraujoch, explore Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen. Consider hikes and cable car rides.
  • Discover the Lake District (Brienz & Thun): Take a boat trip on Lake Brienz, visit Giessbach Falls, explore Brienz (wood carvings). Visit Thun Castle and explore its old town.
  • Visit the Aare Gorge (near Meiringen). Consider a visit to Reichenbach Falls.
  • Explore smaller villages like Murren or go paragliding.

Days 19-22: Central Switzerland (Lucerne & Surroundings)

  • Explore Lucerne: Visit Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument, Old Town.
  • Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
  • Ascend Mount Pilatus (cogwheel railway or cableways) or Mount Rigi ("Queen of the Mountains").
  • Visit the Glacier Garden and consider a trip on the Stanserhorn Cabrio.

Days 23-24: Zürich

  • Explore Zürich: Visit the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, stroll along the Limmat River, explore the Niederdorf (Old Town), and enjoy the views from Lindenhof hill.
  • Discover more of Zürich: Visit the Bahnhofstrasse (shopping street), explore the Lake Zürich promenade, consider a boat trip on the lake, and visit one of the city's museums (e.g., Kunsthaus Zürich or the Swiss National Museum).

Days 25-27: Eastern Switzerland (Lake Walen & Appenzell)

  • Discover the scenic beauty of Lake Walen (Walensee): Enjoy boat trips, explore Weesen and Quinten.
  • Explore the charming canton of Appenzell: See traditional painted houses, consider a hike in the Alpstein (Ebenalp, Säntis - via cable car).

Days 28-30: St. Gallen & Tectonic Arena Sardona

  • Visit St. Gallen: Explore the Abbey of St. Gall (UNESCO), its library, and the old town.
  • Explore the geological wonders of the Tectonic Arena Sardona (UNESCO): Hike trails to observe the formations.

Days 31-34: Graubünden (St. Moritz & Engadine Valley)

  • Travel to St. Moritz: Explore the town, enjoy the alpine scenery.
  • Explore the Engadine Valley: Visit charming villages, enjoy the alpine scenery. Consider scenic hikes or bike rides.
  • Take the Bernina Express for a scenic train journey.

Days 35-37: Swiss National Park

  • Explore the Swiss National Park: Hike trails, look for wildlife, visit the Zernez center.

Days 38-41: Ticino (Southern Switzerland)

  • Explore Lugano: Enjoy the lakeside promenade, consider a boat trip on Lake Lugano, visit Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè for views.
  • Visit the castles of Bellinzona (UNESCO): Explore Castel Grande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro.
  • Explore Locarno or the valleys of Ticino (Verzasca, Maggia).

Days 42-46: Valais (Zermatt & Surroundings)

  • Travel to Zermatt: Witness the Matterhorn, enjoy hiking or cable car rides.
  • Explore the Aletsch Glacier region (UNESCO): Consider hikes and viewpoints in the area.
  • Visit the village of Saas-Fee, surrounded by thirteen four-thousand-meter peaks.
  • Ride the Metro Alpin, the world's highest funicular.