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.