The Ultimate 7 to 10 Days in Switzerland Itinerary

With so much to see and experience, planning a comprehensive 7 to 10 days in Switzerland itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay. A landlocked country in the heart of Western Europe, nestled between France, Italy, Germany and Liechtenstein, Switzerland may be small, but this magnificent country has a lot to offer.

From charming Swiss towns to glacial lakes framed by towering snow-capped mountains. Pristine ski slopes, mountain bike trails, and hikes that weave through the most dramatic scenery the Alps has to offer.

Planning a trip to Switzerland will allow you to discover the vibrant city hubs and explore the breathtaking scenery this country is famous for. 

How Many Days in Switzerland?

Whilst it is possible to visit some of Switzerland’s cities, such as Zurich or Bern, in 2 to 3 days, the best way to immerse yourself in this charming country and discover the incredible scenery, activities and hidden gems is by spending 7 to 10 days or even more. 

With 7 days in Switzerland, you can summit several mountains, wander through colourful Swiss towns and relax beside the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the glacial lakes. 

If you have time, spending 10 days is the best way to experience the highlights of this beautiful country without feeling rushed. You will have more time to take boat trips, sightseeing train journeys through the mountains and will be able to visit other towns and cities that you may not have time for in just one week. 

There are several options to extend your trip if you have time, so keep reading to plan your ideal Switzerland itinerary.

Getting To & Around Switzerland

Switzerland is incredibly well connected to the rest of Europe, making it easy to reach by air, rail or road. 

The country has several major international airports, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, offering flights all over the world. Our itinerary starts in Zurich, where you will find the largest international airport in Switzerland.

If you are travelling from a nearby country, it may be more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly to make use of the excellent train service available throughout Europe. High-speed trains connect Switzerland to neighbouring countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. You can view train schedules here.

Switzerland also offers a travel pass (Swiss Travel Pass) specifically designed for tourists. Purchasing a pass for the duration of your stay will afford you free rail travel, boat trips, entry to several attractions and half-price travel on selected mountain railways.

It may seem expensive, but if you consider the savings on a 10-day itinerary, the savings will quickly add up. 

You can also drive to Switzerland and having a car for the duration of your stay would allow you to road trip through the valleys at your own pace, rather than depending on public transport timetables. If you are bringing your vehicle, make sure to pick up a Swiss vignette from a fuel station before driving on any of the toll roads. Alternatively, you can browse car hire options here.

Hire cars come with vignette stickers already installed on the windshield (if you’ve hired them in Switzerland). Fuel tends to be slightly pricer in Switzerland compared to surrounding countries, so if you are driving in, make sure to fill up before you cross over the border.

Many of the roads in Switzerland include high mountain passes with tight switchback turns and steep dropoffs. Whilst these roads are incredibly scenic, it may be best to stick to public transport if you are not a confident driver. 

Bringing your own vehicle or hiring a car is convenient for getting around, but it is not essential to this itinerary. There are trains connecting the towns and cities and mountain railways and boats that whisk you away into the heart of the Alps.  

7 to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Switzerland to wander through the colourful towns and cities, learn about the country’s rich history and culture or experience some of Europe’s best natural beauty, this Switzerland trip itinerary has something for everyone. 

This guide starts in Zurich, winds through several Swiss towns and mountain villages on a journey from north to south and comes to an end in Geneva. Depending on your travel plans, this guide can just as easily be followed from south to north.

Switzerland is a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to see and do during your stay.

If you want to participate in winter sports, the season runs from late December to April, depending on snowfall. This is a beautiful time of year to visit, but if you are not planning on whizzing down the mountain on skis or a snowboard, you may find many of the mountain passes, and hiking trails are closed. 

The summer is when Switzerland really comes alive, with seemingly unlimited hiking and mountain biking tracks open to all. The sun beats down on the alpine meadows, bringing the blankets of wildflowers into full bloom. 

The autumn is particularly special, with golden leaves hanging onto the branches, fewer people around and colder evenings, perfectly suited to cosying up with a bubbling cheese fondue beside a roaring fire.  

Finally, before leaving for your trip, consider buying a travel insurance policy through a provider such as Heymondo.

Day 1 – Zurich

Zurich is the perfect place to start our journey through this incredible country. Zurich Airport is the largest in the country and benefits from a wide range of international flights. You can reach the city centre in just 15 minutes from the airport by train. 

The largest city in Switzerland (although not the capital – that title is saved for Bern), Zurich is a popular destination, packed full of things to see and do.

With a picturesque old town, countless museums and beautiful natural surroundings, it’s best to dedicate an entire day to exploring this lakeside city. You can take a walking tour if you want to explore with a guide.

Wander through the city streets on foot to soak in the atmosphere, discovering artisan producers, galleries and cafes along the way. Don’t miss Bahnhofstrasse, home to the world’s finest luxury boutiques. This is perhaps one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe.

Whether you are splashing the cash or window shopping, this street has a lively atmosphere and connects to the charming old town (Altstadt).

Here you will find cobbled streets, quaint squares and charming medieval buildings. In the heart of the old town, there are four notable churches to discover. Grossmuster, Fraumunster, Predigerkirche and St Peterskirche.

There are several world-class museums in Zurich, including the Museum of Art, the Swiss National Museum and the World Football Museum. 

After a busy morning exploring the city centre on foot, spend your afternoon relaxing on the water. Departing from the Swiss National Museum, the Limmet River cruise takes an hour in total. The boat transports you down the river, through the old town and out onto Lake Zurich. 

Zurich is the perfect base for the first two nights of our itinerary, with accommodation options to suit all types of travellers. From luxury spa hotels to hostels, B&Bs to cosy cabins.

Where to Stay in Zurich

Motel One Zürich – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Zurich is perfect for mid-range visitors. They have a number of cool rooms to choose from, are pet-friendly, have an on-site lounge bar along with a great location for exploring the city.

Sorell Hotel St. Peter – Luxury visitors to Zurich will love this sophisticated hotel. Offering a myriad of luxe rooms to choose from, they have several great amenities and a great location close to all of the top attractions in the city.

HITrental Stauffacher Apartments – This aparthotel is a great choice for those who are after a self-catering option in Zurich. They have a range of variously-sized flats to choose from, all fully equipped with everything, along with a great location.

Zurich Youth Hostel – This hostel is a great choice for those travelling solo or on a tight budget. They have both private rooms and traditional dorm beds available along with good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Zurich hotels!

Day 2 – Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls

Day two, and it’s time to take a day trip out of the city to the largest waterfall in Europe, Rhine Falls. 

Departing from Zurich by train, you will arrive in Schaffhausen in just 40 minutes – it’s a scenic train ride though it’s quick. It is also possible to take a half-day tour.

Located on the border of Germany, between the Black Forest and Lake Constance, Schaffhausen is considered to be one of Switzerland’s prettiest old towns and it’s not hard to see why. Stroll through the streets in the morning, discovering painted facades and sculptures dating back to the Renaissance era. 

To reach the waterfalls, you can walk (around 5km) or take a 5-minute train journey from Schaffhausen.

It’s difficult to describe the wonder as you first lay your eyes on these spectacular falls. The thundering force of the water can be felt from afar as 600 cubic metres flow over the rocks per second. The best way to see the falls is by boat.

Tours depart from Wörth Castle and provide you with an unforgettable, up-close experience of nature’s sheer power and beauty. 

Visit in the summer to experience the waterfall at full force. During the winter months, the flow is more than halved. 

Whilst you could opt to stay in Schaffhausen for the night, we suggest returning back to Zurich for the benefit of this itinerary and to allow you to explore Switzerland further.

Day 3 – Lucerne & Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi

It’s time to wave goodbye to Zurich and head south to the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne. The train from Zurich to Lucerne takes just over 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore this beautiful Swiss city before heading into the mountains that rise above it.

Take the morning to wander through the city’s old town, across the world-famous chapel bridge and up to the iconic Lion Monument. Lucerne is a relatively small city so you will be able to see these highlights and sit down for a coffee and a bite to eat in just a few hours. You can take a city walking tour if you want to see the highlights with a guide.

Depending on how much time you have left in the day, you can choose to spend the afternoon taking the journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. 

Mount Pilatus is a mountain massif rising up behind Lucerne. The journey to the summit is an unforgettable experience in itself, with a boat trip across the lake, a cog railway and a cable car. Once you have reached the summit, there are plenty of activities on offer from paragliding to tobogganing. You can take a half-day tour here if you prefer to visit with an organised group.

You can follow one of the several hiking trails for incredible views down to Lake Lucerne then visit the panoramic restaurant for a dining experience you will always remember. 

Mount Rigi is a slightly shorter journey from Lucerne, but the views are no less breathtaking. Rigi is known as the Queen of the Mountains, and with over 100km of hiking trails (and 20km of ski slopes in the winter), it’s easy to see why this is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

You can either opt to stay in Lucerne or return to Zurich for the night but seeing as we are moving to a more southern part of Switzerland on day 4, it’s best to find accommodation in Lucerne. 

Where to Stay in Lucerne

Hotel Central Luzern – Located in the centre of Lucerne, this 3-star hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors. There are plenty of great, modern rooms available along with breakfast and on-site parking for guests.

Cascada Boutique Hotel – If you’re looking for luxury in Lucerne, then this boutique hotel is a great option. Offering plenty of plush rooms, they have a great location to see the sites of the city and a range of great amenities available to guests.

KoBi Apartments Hirschenplatz – Travellers who’d like their own flat while in Lucerne will love these apartments. They have a number of fully-furnished flats on offer along with an excellent location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Backpacker’s Lucerne – If you’re looking for a hostel option, then this is a great choice. Centrally located, they have both dorms and private rooms to choose from along with self-catering facilities and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lucerne hotels!

Day 4 – Interlaken, Lake Thun & St Beatus Caves

Just under 2 hours by train from Lucerne, Interlaken is the next destination on our Switzerland itinerary. This town set between two emerald lakes is the perfect base for exploring the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, so we plan to stay here for the next 3 nights. 

Interlaken is a small town, but it has gained a reputation as the adventure capital of Switzerland. Home to a myriad of outdoor activities, from skiing to paragliding, hiking to mountain biking, this charming lakeside town is a popular destination all year round. 

After a short walk around the town centre, head along Lake Thun to explore the St. Beatus caves. You can walk from Interlaken along the lake (90 minutes) or hop on a boat tour. 

St. Beatus caves are a must-visit. Delve down 1000 metres to discover spectacular stalactite stalagmite formations and subterranean waterfalls. Legend has it that a terrifying dragon once lived within this cave system, which was slayed by an Irish Monk, Beatus (hence the name). 

Take the rest of the afternoon to cruise along Lake Thun, hopping on and off the ferry at various villages along the lake as you please before returning to Interlaken for the evening. 

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Swiss Inn & Apartments – Situated in a quiet area outside the centre of Interlaken, this is a great 3-star hotel option. Offering several comfortable rooms, it’s perfect for those looking for a tranquil escape in this alpine city.

Hotel Interlaken – If you’re after a luxury option in Interlaken, then this hotel is a great choice. Offering a range of opulent rooms to choose from, they also have plenty of amenities and a fabulous location in the centre of this charming Swiss city.

Interlaken City Apartments – These apartments are a good option if you’d like to have your own self-catering space while in Interlaken. There are countless different flats to choose from and all are fully furnished and equipped with everything you may need.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – Located in the centre of the city, this hostel is great for budget visitors to Interlaken. They have both dorms and private rooms along with breakfast included each morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Interlaken hotels!

Day 5 – Jungfrau / Grindlewald

The next stop on our itinerary for Switzerland is the Jungfrau region. One of the top places to visit in the whole country and one of the best things to do in Switzerland, Jungfrau is a region of the Bernese Oberland at the foot of the Bernese Alps. Two valleys and three mountain ranges await, with endless exploration options. 

Drive up through the valley or take the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald, a journey that will take around 35 minutes. Grindelwald is a quaint little Swiss village with wooden chalet-style buildings, souvenir shops and cafes lining the main street. 

From Grindelwald, take the Eiger Express tricable car to Eigergletscher and from there, journey up above the clouds on the Jungfrau railway to reach ‘The Top of Europe’. You can also book a full-day tour from Interlaken.

You can visit the Ice Palace from the summit and enjoy far-reaching views across the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. No doubt that this is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.

During the ski season, this region is one of the most popular places to visit, with 220km of pistes, snowparks and racing tracks. Covered in snow and ice 365 days a year, no matter when you visit, don’t forget to pack warm clothing and appropriate footwear.  

Grindelwald offers plenty of options for dinner with traditional Swiss restaurants serving fondue, raclette and schnitzel. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains from a restaurant terrace before returning to Interlaken for the night. 

Day 6 – Lauterbrunnen

One valley over from Grindelwald is Lauterbrunnen. The most quintessentially Swiss village you will likely find and an unmissable place to see if you’re spending one week in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen, is exactly as you would imagine it to be. Cowbells echo along the valley floor, rolling alpine meadows, wooden chalets and high mountain peaks towering above the village church. 

Lauterbrunnen is famous for its waterfalls, often referred to as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls. One of these cascades of glacial water stands out as you arrive at the village, Staubbach Falls.

Gushing 297m down the steep cliff face behind the village, this waterfall is recognisable worldwide. You can hike up behind the waterfall, along a path carved out of the cliff face, to experience the spray up close and personally. 

Hidden inside the mountain’s caverns, you will find another iconic series of waterfalls, Trummelbach Falls. Less known than the Staubbach waterfall, these falls are equally impressive and worth the additional 30-minute hike. Accessible via tunnel lift, walkways and galleries, the hike alone is incredible, weaving through a series of gigantic glacial rock formations. 

If you have time, take a stroll up and out of the village along the valley floor before heading back to Interlaken. The views are incredible, and 500m or so along the road, you will find a little produce honesty box at the end of a farm driveway. The cheeses found in this box are some of the best in Switzerland, so don’t forget to take some cash with you. 

Return to Interlaken to spend the night before heading into the hustle and bustle of Bern on Day 7.

Day 7 – Bern

After spending several days amongst the snow-capped mountains, it’s time to head to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. A city with a rich history, Bern is a UNESCO world heritage site and has plenty to explore. If you are visiting Switzerland in 7 days, this is the final stop on your itinerary. 

Wander through the Old Town to get a feel for Bern. You can opt to take a walking tour to learn more about the gothic cathedral Munster, the Zytglogge clock tower dating back to the 13th century and the Parliamentary building. 

You will find symbols of bears everywhere in Bern, from the coat of arms to building facades. In the heart of the old town, you will even find a family of real bears.

Bears have lived in Bern since 1513 but The Bear Pit or ‘Barengraben’ was opened in 1857, undergoing an overhaul in 2009 following years of controversy. The updated area is much larger and is full of vegetation covering 6000m2 and houses a small family of brown bears.

Located above the Bear Pit is Bern’s beautiful Rose Garden Park. Offering exceptional views across the Old Town and out towards the Alps. Home to over 200 different types of roses, this is the perfect fragrant spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a picnic.

Bern is often associated with Albert Einstein. He lived in the city for 7 years, lecturing at the University. This city is where he developed his Theory of Relativity. You can discover many of his published papers and details of his life and works at the Einstein Museum, part of the Bern Historical Museum. 

After seeing the best of Switzerland in 7 days, you may be looking for somewhere to lay back and relax in the Hammam & Spa Oktogon. Situated in a beautiful building, this spa offers a fixed bathing course involving cleansing, exfoliation, a bath and a steam room — the perfect way to soothe the body after a busy week of adventure. 

Bern is the perfect endpoint if you only have 7 days for your itinerary. From here, you can easily reach all the major airports, including Zurich, for onward travel. If you’ve got 10 days, stay the night in Bern before we continue south on day 8 for the rest of your time in Switzerland. 

Where to Stay in Bern

Hotel Landhaus – Perfect for mid-range visitors to Bern this cosy hotel is an excellent choice. They have a range of lovely rooms to choose from along with being pet-friendly and having a great location for exploring the Swiss capital.

The Bristol – If you’re after a luxury option while in Bern, then this plush hotel is an excellent choice. Offering a number of chic rooms to choose from, there is also a cool lounge bar and a fantastic location for seeing the city’s sites.

da Maurizio Suites – These suites are a great option if you’re after your own space while staying in Bern. Well-located for seeing all Bern has to offer, they have a range of different flats to choose from that are equipped with all you may need.

Bern Backpackers – Those looking for a budget option in Bern will love this hostel. They have a range of dorms and private rooms along with good common areas making it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bern hotels!

Day 8 – Gruyeres and Montreux

Moving on from Bern, we head further south towards the eastern shores of Lake Geneva. 

Gruyeres and Montreux are two picturesque towns in the French-speaking area of Switzerland. If you have use of a car, it’s worth visiting both but transport between the two can be tricky so if you are relying on public transport alone, it’s best to pick one. 

To reach Gruyeres by train you must first travel to the town of Bulle, then change onto another train to reach Gruyeres itself. The station is a short walk away from the medieval hilltop town. If you are a food enthusiast, specifically cheese, then this small town needs no introduction.

Known for the production of the cheese of the same name, Gruyeres is home to a 13th-century castle, the Tibetan Museum, Cailler Chocolate Factory and of course, La Maison du Gruyere – the local cheese factory. If you haven’t tried a traditional Swiss fondue during this trip yet, this is the place to do it. 

Montreux is a larger town further south than Gruyeres, perched on the eastern edge of Lake Geneva. To reach Montreux from Bern by train, you must travel to Lausanne and then take another train to Montreux. 

There is plenty to do in this lakeside town all year round, from hiking the Gorges du Chauderon to sailing on Lake Geneva. The annual Jazz Festival is a must if you are visiting in July. Stroll through the old town onto the boulevard that hugs the shore of the lake, along to the Chateau de Chillon.

This 13th-century castle is one of the most visited historical buildings in the country, and it is worth touring the interior to soak in the atmosphere of this medieval castle.

Watch the sunset over Lake Geneva before spending the night in Montreux itself or continuing onto the city of Geneva for the remainder of your trip.

Where to Stay in Geneva

Hotel Astoria – Located within easy reach of Geneva’s train station this mid-range hotel is an excellent option for travellers. There are several lovely rooms on offer and a great location for exploring all that the city has to offer.

Hotel D Geneva – Those looking for luxury in this Swiss city will love this upmarket hotel. Offering a number of modern rooms, they have an excellent location along with breakfast available in the morning.

City Hostel Geneva – This hostel is perfect for those travelling solo or on a tight budget in Geneva. They offer a range of dorms and private rooms, good common areas and self-catering facilities and a great location within walking distance of the top attractions.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other Geneva hotels!

Day 9 – Zermatt & Matterhorn

The train journey from Geneva or Montreux to Zermatt is a sightseeing spectacle in itself. This trip travels along Lake Geneva, through the vineyards of Aigle and along the River Rhone before reaching Visp.

Here, you must change onto another train to Zermatt that leaves the banks of the Rhone behind, climbing up through the Matter Valley and into Zermatt. It’s best to pre-book this journey, especially during the summer months and if you can, bag yourself a window seat for the best views. 

Zermatt is a charming, car-free town best known as the home of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. Start your day on the steepest open-air cog railway in the world, the Gornergrat Railway. This scenic train journey takes you to an altitude of 3,089 meters in 33 minutes.

With breathtaking views all around, this is no ordinary train ride. If you want the best views of the Matterhorn, try to get a seat on the right-hand side on the ascent.

Before heading up to Gornergrat itself, hop off at Rotenboden for a short hike up to Riffelsee, a tiny alpine lake surrounded by stunning scenery. If you are lucky enough to visit when the water is calm, you will see a perfect mirror image of the Matterhorn reflected in the lake – this makes it a very popular destination for photographers. 

Walk back to the train station and take the next train to Gornergrat. Trains run every 24 minutes so you will never have to wait too long. Once you reach Gornergrat itself, hike the short 30-minute hike that loops around the viewing platforms for the best views. Visit the Zooom Matterhorn Experience, and don’t forget to pick up snacks and souvenirs before taking the train back down to Zermatt. 

If you have time, another mountain experience is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. To reach this peak, you take the gondola from Zermatt town. Although both mountains offer incredible views across the snow-covered Alps, here you will also find the Glacier Palace, home to man-made tunnels, sculptures and an ice slide.

You can easily visit both mountains within one day, but you may decide to spend more time up Gornergrat rather than rushing to see both. 

Spend the late afternoon wandering through Zermatt itself. The main street (Bahnhofstrasse) is packed full of shops, restaurants and hotels.

You will find everything along this street, from Swiss knives to chocolate, luxury watches and postcards. If you want to learn more about this mountain town and famous mountaineers, head to the Matterhorn Museum in the main square. 

Day 10 – Geneva 

We have come to our last day in this magnificent country.

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, Geneva is a picture-perfect city home to several international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross. The city is also renowned for its watchmaking industry, luxury shopping, stunning landscapes and rich heritage.

Wander through the old town’s cobbled streets to get a feel for this charming city, with shops, cafes and beautiful architecture to discover along the way. Don’t miss the Treille Promenade, said to be the World’s longest bench at 125m stretching along the entire promenade.

Head over to the eastern side of the city to visit the famous Jet d’Eau, a jet of water spurting out of Lake Geneva that is so tall it can be seen from the planes flying into the local airport. This single jet has become an iconic symbol of the city.

Geneva has a rich cultural heritage, and several museums showcase the city’s history, art, and science. Including the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Patek Philippe Museum, Maison Tavel and whilst not strictly a museum, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, located just outside of Geneva, offers guided tours of its facilities, which include the Large Hadron Collider.

Geneva is home to a large international airport for onward travel, but you can head back to our starting point in Zurich on a direct train taking just under 3 hours.

Have More Time?

If you have more time, there are a few additional destinations you may want to add to your itinerary.

Down towards the Italian border, you will find the picturesque town of Lugano. This city is situated on the shores of Lake Lugano, surrounded by the mountains of the Swiss Alps.

Lugano boasts several cultural hotspots, including the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, the Museum of Art and History, and the Hermann Hesse Museum. The city is also famous for its gastronomy, featuring a blend of Swiss, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Just outside of Lugano, there is a small village called Lavertezzo, hidden in the high-sided Verzasca valley. This is an off-the-beaten-path spot locals tend to keep to themselves. Home to stunning natural beauty, including the clear turquoise waters of the Verzasca River, the Roman bridge, and charming stone houses.

If you are visiting during the winter months and want to make the most out of the beautiful Swiss mountain views whilst sliding down the mountainside, there are several resorts you can add to your itinerary. 

St. Moritz is a luxurious alpine resort town in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning scenery, glamorous lifestyle, and winter sports. St. Moritz is home to some of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world, so if you are on a budget, this may not be your first choice. 

Verbier is another world-class ski resort located in the canton of Valais. It’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with over 400 km of ski slopes and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

Portes du Soleil is a vast ski resort located in the Alps, on the border between France and Switzerland. It offers over 600 km of ski slopes and 12 connected resorts, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. You can access this resort from either side of the border. 

Appenzell is a perfect day trip from Zurich. Although this small town may seem unassuming at first, take a trip on the gondola to rise up into the mountains to visit Ebenalp mountain and the incredible Aescher Guesthouse, cut into the side of the cliff.

Unlike the other mountains on this itinerary, Ebenalp is much more modest but offers amazing hikes with stunning views nonetheless and it is worth making the trip just to marvel at the building in the rock.

If you want to experience some of the best mountain passes in the country, head south to take on the Susten Pass and the Gothard Pass.

Two incredible mountain roads, with tight switchbacks, icicles along the edge of the tunnels, alpine lakes and heart-stopping viewpoints. Don’t attempt these roads during the winter months and do make sure you are feeling brave before setting off.

If you want to experience a trail ride unlike any other, stay an extra day in Zermatt and take the Glacier Express. Perhaps the slowest ‘express’ train ever made, you will travel at 24mph from Zermatt to St Moritz, passing through some of the country’s finest alpine scenery, through tunnels and over bridges.

The only other way to experience the mountains like this is by hiking. You are fully immersed in nature’s pure magnificence. The journey takes 8 hours in total, so it is considered a full-day trip but is worth doing if you have the extra time. 

Alpine meadows, cow bells echoing through glacial valleys, melted cheese and charming medieval lakeside towns. Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and dare we say it, the World.

Whether you only have 7 days or can see Switzerland in 10 days, this country is sure to fill your camera roll and will leave you planning your next visit on the plane home. 

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!