Woman standing in front of The Matterhorn and other mountains in Switzerland

Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary | 14-Day Guide from a Travel Expert

This Switzerland itinerary is here to guide your 14-day trip, or to provide examples of places to stay and things to do in certain regions.

Choosing the Best Switzerland Itinerary FOR YOU

The dilemma I have when I visit Switzerland is that I never want to leave!

It is a picturesque country anywhere you look. This makes it a difficult destination to create an itinerary when you want to see, eat, and experience it all.

5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt

Join the Club

Subscribe to get our latest blog posts, gear & hotel recommendations, & more… before everybody else. 😎

    We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    14-Day Switzerland Itinerary

    Embarking on a 14-day journey through Switzerland is like stepping into a dreamland where every corner reveals a stunning panorama, charming villages, and historic cities.

    Day 1: Zurich

    No need to hit the ground running the moment you land in Zurich (I know it is hard not to). Zurich is a wonderful city to walk around, eat good food, and drink wine after a long travel day.

    Note: If budget is something to be mindful of on your trip, Zurich is known to be an expensive city so take a look at the prices of items before you purchase*

    Zurich is known for a lot of the architecture that has been dated back to the 16th century. It is a fascinating city if you like to know a little more about a country’s history.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ Walk to the Grossmunster and walk around the area
    ✅ Swiss National Museum
    ✅ Lake Zurich
    eTukTuk Fondue and Wine Tour in Zurich

    Favorite Restaurants:


    🫕 Wine Lovers: Zweifel
    🫕 Coffee: MAME and Boreal Coffee Shop Talacker

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Motel One Zurich: Eclectic Vibes in Zurich Old Town

    Birds eye view of Zurich

    Day 2: Merlischachen

    Merlischachen is a small village located on the shores of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

    While it may not be as well-known as some larger cities or tourist destinations, this was one of the most serene stops on my trip.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ Walking around the village
    ✅ Reading a book by the lake
    ✅ Embracing the tranquility of all Merlischachen has to offer

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 I ended up eating breakfast at the yurt and hotels I stayed in and grocery store food

    Favorite Accommodations:

    🏠 Yurt in Merlischachen: This Airbnb is located on a farm with cute cows and breakfast at the main house. Open the door for a stunning view of views of Lake Lucerne.

    Inside a yurt by a lake in Switzerland

    Day 3: Lucerne

    Lucerne is a destination that combines the natural beauty of the Alps and lakes, a charming historical old town, and diverse cuisine.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ Chapel Bridge
    ✅ Swimming in Lake Lucerne
    Mt.Pilatus by Cable Car, Train, & Boat Cruise

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Coffee: Cafe Lacuba Neustadt
    🫕 Fondue: Fondue House Du Pont
    🫕 Lake Views: Scala Restaurant

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Hiking Biking Ski Recreational Paradise – This stay comes with a fitness room, pool, outdoor grill, and sauna, and is located near a ski lift.

    Birds eye view of Switzerland overlooking the city

    Day 4: Interlaken

    One of my absolute favorite cities on this planet. Known as the adventure capital of Switzerland.

    If you are an outdoorsy individual, I would HIGHLY recommend spending quality time in the mountains and at the lake.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Skydive Switzerland – Tandem Skydiving or Licensed Skydivers
    ✅ Swimming & Picnic at Lake Brienz
    Harder Kulm

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Burgers: Husi Bierhaus
    🫕 Cocktails: Barracuda Cafe & Bar

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken McGallery: This hotel will give you views of the city and includes wifi, a restaurant, and a wellness area with 2 saunas.

    Skydiving in Interlaken for a activity idea on a Switzerland itinerary

    Day 5: Interlaken

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Canyoning & Rappelling
    Free festivals and events
    Hiking

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Coffee & Vegan: Velo Cafe & Bar
    🫕 Gluten-Free: Pizzeria Horn
    🫕 Bar: Jamming Corner

    Favorite Accommodations:

    🏠 Balmer’s Hostel: Interlaken is known to be the adventure city of Switzerland. Balmer’s Hostel is a lively stay with a bar and jacuzzie. A playful stay that has unique vibes. I will stay here every time I visit Interlaken.

    🏠 River Front Studio Apartment: Private balcony with fantastic views of Interlaken. This apartment is a great stay for 2 travelers.

    Balmer's Hostel in Interlaken

    Day 6: Grindelwald

    Grindelwald is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls, Grindelwald offers an immersive experience of nature.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Mount First Gondola Ride from Grindelwald
    First Cliff Walk by Tissot
    Glacier Canyon – Gletscherschlucht

    Favorite Restaurants:


    🫕 Café & Bar: C und M Café Bar Restaurant
    🫕 Pub: Avocado Bar

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Apartment Chalet Smaragd: Walking distance to the Grindelwald Station, restaurants, cable cars, and ski areas.
    🏠 Hotel Spinne Grindelwald: Stunning views of Mt.Eiger and the Grindelwald Valley from the pool and sauna are included with this stay.

    Birds eye shot of Grindelwald and lake on switzerland itinerary

    Looking for more activities in Grindelwald?
    Check out my friends at ZutellTravels for the 11 best things to do in Grindelwald!

    Day 7: Lauterbrunnen

    You have probably seen or heard of Lauterbrunnen for its 75 stunning waterfalls. Lauterbrunnen is encircled by massive peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Waterfalls E-Bike Tour & Picnic
    ✅ Explore Lauterbrunnen’s village and surrounding areas
    ✅ Take one of the local cable cars up to Murren for a couple of hours

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Fine Dining: Restaurant 1903
    🫕 Swiss: Restaurant Baren

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Hotel Stabbach: A family-run hotel that has simple rooms and more of a homey atmosphere.

    Chalets and restaurants in Lauterbrunnen

    Day 8: Zermatt

    Zermatt is a rad place for those who are adventure lovers, adrenaline seekers, and nature enthusiasts. The village does not allow cars which was nice and refreshing so you aren’t stuck in traffic or at stop lights.

    Note: If mobility is a little difficult, electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages are modes of transportation within the village.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    FlyZermatt – Tandem Paragliding
    ✅ Hornli Hut (also has a restaurant)
    ✅ Tours at The Matterhorn

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Swiss: saycheese!
    🫕 French: L’Atelier Grandsire

    Favorite Accommodations:

    🏠 Hotel Zermama Zermatt: This is a more luxurious stay with a lot of amenities. If you are looking to pamper yourself or another traveler, stay here for a night. You won’t regret it. 😊
    🏠 Wellness Hotel Alpenhof: This hotel is what we would call a “treat yoself” stay. A complete spa with massages is located at this hotel. You will also get an on-site restaurant that has vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

    Hiking in Zermatt with The Matterhorn in the background

    Day 9: Zermatt

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Hiking (5 lakes was my favorite!)
    Gorner Gorge – Waterfalls & formations
    ✅ Walk around the village

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Bakery: Fuchs Bistro and Bakery
    🫕 Healthy: Zermana Bistro

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Hotel Derby
    : If you want to stay here, book it early due to availability being a bit tough during some parts of the year. If you enjoy a round or 2 of golf, there is a course within 2 miles.

    Paragliding with Matterhorn in background

    Day 10: Zermatt

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Private Ski & Snowboard Lessons – 3 hours
    ✅ Matterhorn Museum – Zermantlantis
    Gornergrat

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Cafe: Petit Royal Cafe
    🫕 European: Findlerhof

    Favorite Accommodations:

    🏠 Check out previous days’ recommendations.

    Hiking in Zermatt with the Matterhorn in background

    Day 11: Geneva

    The United Nations’ headquarters is here and Geneva is also the home of the Lindt Chocolate Factory.

    Geneva hosts many special events and festivals, check out their schedule before or during your trip.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ Rent a boat at Les Corsaires
    ✅ Visit the famous Jet d’Eau water fountain
    International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Coffee: Birdie Food & Coffee
    🫕 Fondue: Cafe du Soleil (offers gluten-free bread, you can see my happiness in the photo below that I get to eat bread with cheese finally haha)

    Favorite Accommodations:

    🏠 citizenM Geneva: Upscale lakefront hotel within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
    🏠 Furnished Room near Cornavin: Traveling solo and traveling on a budget? This is a great stay, with a great host, and a great location.

    Eating cheese fondue in Geneva

    Day 12: Geneva

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ Swimming in Lake Geneva
    ✅ Shopping in rue du Marche, rue du Rive, and/or rue du Rhone.
    ✅ Botanical Gardens

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 French: Woods (the macarons… YUM)
    🫕 Italian: Pizzeria Ristorante Molino, Molard Geneve
    🫕 Cocktails: Little Barrel

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 Hotel Rotary Geneva – MGallery: Right in the center of Geneva you will get a hotel with city views, free wifi, a fitness center, a sauna, and a free city ticket for public transport.

    Rented a boat in Geneva and picture on the lake

    Day 13: Bern

    The capital of Switzerland is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s medieval architecture.

    Fun fact: Bern’s quality of life is ranked highly due to its well-maintained infrastructure, healthcare, education, and overall livability.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    ✅ International Jazz Festival and other festivals throughout the year
    ✅ Eat Swiss chocolate (a little…or a lot)
    ✅ Walk around Old Town

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Historical Cafe: Kornhauskeller Restaraunt & Bar
    🫕 Chocolate: Sprungli

    Favorite Accommodations:


    🏠 NH Bern The Bristol: If you like the Old Town area more, this is located in the heart of Bern. The NH Bern The Bristol allows guests to hire bicycles free of charge to explore Bern’s World Heritage-listed Old Town.
    🏠 Capsule Hotel: (If you need to go back to Zurich for an earlier flight.) This hotel is located in Zurich if you want to be back in the city and maybe shop a little before your flight.

    Clock tower in Bern and Old Town

    Day 14: Zurich

    Your last day of the trip…well…maybe, it is so tempting to stay in Switzerland longer.

    Favorite Activities/Attractions:

    Rheinfall (largest waterfall in Europe)
    ✅ Tour the home of Lindt Chocolate
    ✅ Walk around and get those legs stretched out before traveling

    Favorite Restaurants:

    🫕 Coffee: Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse
    🫕 Vegan: roots

    Favorite Accommodations:

    Safe travels home or on your next adventure! 😊

    Photo from a bridge in Zurich looking out at the town and river

    Is Switzerland Worth Visting?

    From the moment I landed in Switzerland, I already wanted to visit again. So in short, yes.

    Switzerland has so much to offer travelers. The natural beauty, cultural richness, delectable fondue and wine, adrenaline sports, and the friendly Swiss locals.

    Check out my post below about 21 reasons to visit Switzerland and why it’s worth visiting.

    Is Switzerland Worth Visiting? 21 Reasons to Visit

    The Matterhorn  in the background and cottages across the fields

    How to Travel Within Switzerland

    There are multiple different ways to travel within Switzerland. I primarily used the train for the majority of my travels.

    Note: The trains also have wifi which helps look at the itinerary and do any research or get some work done.

    Swiss Travel Pass:

    Consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats. It also provides free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions.

    Car:

    Renting a car is a good choice if you want the flexibility to explore remote areas or if you prefer a self-paced journey.

    Train:

    Switzerland is famous for its extensive and punctual train network. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) connects major cities and towns, offering scenic routes through the Swiss Alps.

    Bus:

    Buses complement the train network and provide access to areas not covered by trains. Regional and local bus services connect smaller towns and rural areas. Traveling by bus is a convenient option for exploring specific regions.

    Traveling by train throughout switzerland

    Where to Fly In and Out of Switzerland

    Switzerland has several international airports that you can consider flying into, depending on your travel itinerary and preferences. The main international airports in Switzerland are:

    1. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
    2. Geneva Airport (GVA)
    3. Bern Airport (BRN)

    Zurich and Geneva airports are the most commonly used for international travel to and from Switzerland due to their extensive flight networks.


    What Language Do They Speak in Switzerland

    Switzerland has four official languages which vary by region. German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the official languages.

    English is a widely understood language and I never had any issues or barriers with speaking English while traveling throughout the country.

    Do They Speak English in Switzerland?

    German: Mainly in Zurich, Bern, and Basel

    French: Mainly in Geneva and Lausanne

    Italian: Mainly in Ticino and Graubünden

    Romansh: Mainly in Graubünden


    What to Pack for Switzerland

    Take a moment to think about what you are planning on doing during your trip and assess if you need 3 purses, 5 pairs of shoes, or whatever else your weakness is. If you stay at a hotel, most accommodations also have laundry services.

    Packing List:
    1. Comfortable shoes
    2. Swimsuit
    3. Packing cubes
    4. Reusable water bottle (saves you $$$ and is environmentally friendly)
    5. Portable charger
    6. Camera + charger
    7. Tops, Bottoms, Under Garments, Socks
    8. Outerwear
    9. Switzerland Travel Adapter
    10. Toiletries
    11. Kindle

    Airport photo of what I packed

    5 Switzerland Fun Facts

    1. Tap water is drinkable (and tasty).
    2. Switzerland has 7000 lakes.
    3. The Alps make up almost 60% of the country.
    4. Switzerland has the world’s longest tunnel.
    5. Switzerland recycles about 53% of its municipal waste, compared to the OECD average of about 35%. 

    The 14 Day Switzerland Itinerary Wrapped Up

    A 14-day journey through Switzerland promises an unforgettable experience.

    Whether exploring the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps, savoring delectable Swiss chocolates in Lucerne, or cruising the pristine waters of Lake Lucerne, this itinerary allows for a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

    Toblerone chocolate with the Matterhorn in the background

    Happy Trails,
    Mindful PNW Travels