10 Days In Switzerland By Train: Your Epic Swiss Itinerary (2025)

Switzerland is a land of ridiculous beauty, and the fantastic network of alarmingly on-time trains helps you zip around gorgeous landscapes without losing any time. Honestly, as a former New Yorker, I envy how an entire country’s train system runs so much better than a single city’s… but I digress.

This Switzerland itinerary by train has you sweeping across the country quickly but not at too breakneck of a pace. It has you visiting several of its most important cities, but more importantly, the more quintessentially Swiss sights: cute mountain villages, valleys with two many waterfalls to count, and towns sitting right on the edge of crystal-blue lakes.

Since my post on the best places to visit in Switzerland went viral, a lot of people have been asking me to help them plan an itinerary for Switzerland that includes as many of these places as possible.

As always for my readers: you ask and I deliver! I’ve given out so many tips in comments and emails, and I’ve gathered all that advice into one post. This is my best attempt at laying out an easily replicable 10-day Switzerland itinerary with all the best highlights the country can offer — without leaving you completely exhausted and depleted at the end of your trip!

Quick Tips for Planning Your Switzerland Itinerary

This Swiss itinerary has you arriving in Geneva; you can depart from either Geneva or Zurich (or even Milan) and all ways should take about the same amount of time.

Depending on the region of Switzerland you’re in, either French, (Swiss-)German, or Italian will dominate linguistically. This 10 days in Switzerland itinerary is focused on French and German Switzerland, just for simplicity’s sake.

But let me give you a suggested swap if you feel the need to also visit Italian Switzerland. If that’s the case, I would recommend skipping Zurich at the end — instead, continue onward from Zermatt to either Locarno or Lugano (my personal favorite). From there, it’s easier to fly out of lovely Milan or Venice after spending a day there, rather than backtracking to Geneva.

This Swiss itinerary takes a slightly leisurely place, giving you two nights in each destination and suggesting day trips instead, which are easy to do with a travel pass.

I think it’s far more enjoyable this way. Instead of moving every night, I suggest taking day trips instead, which are easy to do with Switzerland’s excellent train system. It’ll make your 10 days in Switzerland more enjoyable and less chaotic.

I strongly recommend traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers not only travel between cities but also has several free scenic trains and steam boats and cable cars.

Using my Swiss Travel Pass, I was able to take the Schynige Platte Belle Époque railway, the steamboat across Lake Lucerne, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world up to Mt. Pilatus, and handfuls of scenic cable cars. All of that included for free in the price of my rail pass!

Plus, I received a discount on the Gornergrat in Zermatt to see the gorgeous Matterhorn up close, as well as free public transit any time I was in one of the cities. I thought it was a fantastic deal!

For this 10-day Switzerland itinerary, I recommend an 8-day continuous or flexi pass and only activating it when you’re ready to maximize the best perks (i.e., upon leaving Geneva). As of April 2025, here is a table of the prices for different kinds of Swiss Travel Passes:

Check out details for the Swiss travel pass here!

If you only have 7 days in Switzerland, I recommend omitting a day in Geneva and the 2 days in Lauterbrunnen.

While it’s a beautiful town, it’s a bit out of the way and time is of the essence with only one week in Switzerland. If you simply can’t skip it, you could always visit Lauterbrunnen as a day trip from Interlaken.

Switzerland Itinerary: 10 Days of Chocolate, Cheese, & Trains!

Day 1: Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is one of the most common arrival airports in Switzerland, so you’ll likely find some good fares flying into Geneva.

Despite its large size and airport, Geneva has a calm and beautiful feel – likely because it’s right on Lac Léman, one of the most pristine lakes in Switzerland (a high honor for a country so full of great choices!).

Geneva is best known for its gorgeous lake setting, its fancy watches that cost more than a year of my salary (which, granted, as a ‘professional’ travel blogger is admittedly not that high), and its fantastic chocolatiers.

Geneva is also the heart of French Switzerland and therefore you’ll hear French spoken here, making it different than many other places on this itinerary (except Montreux, which is also in the French-speaking part the country).

Geneva Tip: If you plan to visit a lot of museums, I recommend getting a Geneva Pass. To be honest, I normally don’t recommend city passes as they’re usually overpriced, but this one is quite inexpensive compared to visiting museums individually, and includes public transit in case you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass!

The Musée Ariana is great for art lovers, whereas history geeks will love the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. 

But where to start in a city so full of good options? I love starting my trips with a walking tour to get my bearings and have some historical and cultural context for the sights I’m seeing. In Geneva, I would recommend starting your Switzerland itinerary with a steamboat and walking tour.

This particular tour includes many of Geneva’s most famous attractions – the Jet d’Eau (one of the tallest fountains in the world), the Flower Clock, St. Pierre’s Cathedral – and takes up just two hours on foot, followed by a one-hour cruise of Lake Geneva.

Note that if you have a Swiss Travel Pass already activated, taking a cruise on Lake Geneva should be free, so you may just want the walking tour alone without the boat cruise to save some money.

The steamboat ride on Lac Leman is one of the highlights of a trip to Switzerland so really, you shouldn’t miss it!

Other things to do in Geneva include sampling some of the chocolate the city is known for (too spoiled for choice? Here are 5 of the best chocolate shops in the city), window-shopping along the ultra-fancy Rue du Rhône, and strolling along the Jonction, where the Rhône and Arve Rivers collide beautifully.

Where to Stay in Geneva

Throughout this Switzerland itinerary, I’ve included hotel recommendations for each of the cities in this post, one for each budget category when possible.

However, keep in mind that visiting Switzerland on a budget is essentially a contradiction in terms. Therefore, I’ve tried to find the cheapest option in each Swiss city, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything under $100 per night (and when you do… book it ASAP).

Budget: The best-reviewed hostel that several of my friends have stayed in is Geneva Hostel, which is no frills but quite affordable for Switzerland. It has spacious lockers, friendly staff, breakfast included, and best of all, it comes with a free travel card which is really useful if you’re not using a Travel Pass in Geneva. Check hostel availability and prices here.

Mid-range: I’m a big fan of ibis hotels and stay at them as much as I can: they’re always clean, reliable, private, and inexpensive for the region. They don’t have the most personality, sure, but sometimes you just want a clean, private room to rest your head in. There are several branches of ibis in Geneva, but ibis budget Petit-Lancy is the most affordable. Check lowest prices and availability here.

Luxury: The Mövenpick is one of my most trusted luxury hotel brands, and the one in Geneva is well-reviewed and not absurdly expensive (for a luxury option in Switzerland, that is) Check best prices and availability here.

Additionally, Hotel de la Cigogne is an excellent 5* option, but it’s priced to match. Still, it may be worth it for the central location, luxury amenities, and artist-inspired décor. Check availability and prices online.

Day 2: Geneva, Switzerland

Use your second day in Geneva as a base for one of the awesome day trips from Geneva in the west of the country (or even dip into France for a day!)

If you want the whole Swiss bucket list in one go — trains,  mountains, chocolate, and cheese — you can’t miss a full-day tour to Gruyères – yes, cheese lovers, that Gruyères!

You’ll learn about chocolate making, meet Swiss cows, see how cheese is made in Switzerland, indulge in fondue, and get to ride the Golden Express, one of Switzerland’s most famous trains. 

This tour is popular so book in advance here. For a cheaper option that doesn’t include the train, you can book just a tour of the chocolate and cheese factories here.

If you’re interested in visiting France on a day trip, there are several exciting day trip options. The most picturesque is Annecy, the so-called “Venice of the Alps,” a gorgeous pastel-colored old town set right where the turquoise Thiou River meets Lake Annecy.

It’s famous for its Old Town (Vieille Ville in French – try saying that 5 times fast!), gorgeous canals, and just general Instagram-dreaminess. But besides all its beauty, it’s just a super-easy day trip from Geneva, despite technically being in another country… it actually is just a half-day trip, that’s how close it is!

Book a day trip online here!

If you’re more interested in mountains than cute old towns, be sure to check out the French side of the Alps! Chamonix is a gorgeous ski town (perfect both in winter and summer) with charming architecture and insanely beautiful views.

You can view the tallest mountain in the EU, Mont Blanc, easily on a day trip here from Geneva – which is truly a must for any mountain lover.

Check out a Chamonix & Mont Blanc day trip here!

Day 3: Montreux, Switzerland

While you may be done with Geneva, you’re not done with its lake just yet! Head about 1 hour away by train to the beautiful lakeside town of Montreux.

This small lakeside town is best known for being the host of the yearly two-week-long Jazz Festival and for being the muse of many famous artists. And when your train arrives in Montreux, trust me – you’ll understand why.

This city has one of the most incredible settings you can imagine, set along the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the towering Alps behind the lake. And despite only being one hour away from Geneva, the vibe in Montreux is decidedly different – calmer and more pristine. I really enjoyed sitting in town and enjoying a cappuccino, watching the slower pace of the city.

The main sightseeing draw for Montreux is the stunning island castle, Chateau de Chillon. This gorgeous building dates back to the 11th century in some form or another and has been built upon and kept up well over the centuries.

It’s one of the most lovely places in Switzerland, thanks to its stunning lake and mountain views framing the castle. Entrance is 15 CHF (about $16 USD). However, if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, entrance is included with your train pass.

The opening hours are 9 AM to 7 PM from April to September (with the last entry at 6 PM), 9:30 AM to 6 PM in March and October (last entry at 5 PM), and 10 AM to 5 PM from November to February (closed on December 25 and January 1, with the last entry at 4 PM).

After visiting Chateau de Chillon, take some time to walk the lakeside promenade for a while to enjoy some more scenic views along the water.

Next, fans of classic films won’t want to miss Chaplin’s World, a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, as he spent many years of his life here (alongside other celebrities like Freddie Mercury).

Also, if time and weather permits, you can also take the scenic train up to Rochers de Naye for an aerial lake view. When I visited, this wasn’t included with the Swiss Travel Pass, but I was eligible for a discounted ticket.

If neither of those options appeal to you, there’s still plenty more to see in the city itself — you can just enjoy this lakeside town and have a peaceful night in Montreux. Plus, if it’s winter, you can enjoy the Christmas markets of Montreux and all the lovely winter things to do!

Where to Stay in Montreux

Budget: For a budget option, Montreux Youth Hostel is a good option to take a look at. Yes, it’s not properly cheap, but it’s still the best option in a pricy area. Check lowest rates and availability here.

Mid-Range: If you’re watching your budget but prefer to stay somewhere that is a proper hotel, Le Coucou Hotel has excellent prices, a breathtaking view, and a well-reviewed restaurant. Note that it is a bit far away from Montreux town center, near a different train station (Haut-de-Caux). Check lowest rates and availability here.

Luxury: A favorite of celebrities like the late Freddie Mercury, it’s not surprising that Montreux offers no shortage of luxury options. The best balance of luxury to price ration is Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. I mean, just look at that building façade — it’s basically the architectural equivalent of the heart-eyes emoji. Check lowest rates and availability here.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

If I had to pick a favorite place on this Switzerland itinerary, it would have to be Lauterbrunnen! This town is quintessentially Swiss, with beautiful wooden buildings with traditional flower boxes and Swiss flags fluttering in the cool mountain breeze.

It’s also one of the cheaper places to visit in Switzerland, with plentiful budget accommodation, making it a favorite for those daring to backpack through Switzerland.

While the journey from Montreux to Lauterbrunnen takes about 3 hours and involves 3 connections, I promise you: it is entirely worth it!

Plus, the train ride is incredibly beautiful and the connections are well-timed so you’re never actually waiting long. Still, get an early start to your day so you can make the most of your time in Lauterbrunnen.

Let me gush about Swiss efficiency for just a second: The train lines all sync up so that you never wait more than 10 minutes or so for a train. And if the trains run late for whatever reason, the trains are so well-run that they stagger all the connections just so, so that no one runs too late!

Once you’ve arrived in Lauterbrunnen and dropped off your bags at your accommodations, you’ll want to spend the day enjoying the village and its two waterfalls in the heart of town.

Lauterbrunnen Valley itself is famous for being home to 72 waterfalls and you’ll be able to see a number of them from Lauterbrunnen itself.

The most impressive are at Trummelbach Falls, which this Switzerland itinerary has you visiting tomorrow.

Today, I recommend dropping your luggage off at your hotel, checking into your hotel and then going on one of my favorite included excursions on the Swiss Travel Pass – the route to Schynige Platte overlooking Interlaken’s two lakes, all via a historic scenic cogwheel railway. Alternately, you could take the train to the car-free village of Wengen.

Despite being completely free if you have a travel pass, I’d be willing to bet that it offers one of the most beautiful views in Switzerland — I mean, just look at that picture I snapped. I think it’s my favorite photo from my entire first trip to Switzerland!

There are some short hikes you can do that offer maximum reward for a minimum of effort. All the hikes in Switzerland are incredibly well-marked, so don’t be afraid to just explore.

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen

Budget: I wasn’t pleased with where I stayed in my first trip to Lauterbrunnen (Schutzenbach — they made you pay for the hot water in your shower with Swiss franc coins, which was absurdly annoying) so I wouldn’t suggest that. Instead, I’d suggest Valley Hostel, which has excellent reviews and looks to be a great budget choice. Check rates and availability here.

Mid-range: If you have a medium budget, Hotel Staubbach is your best bet. It has great waterfall views and a super convenient location. It’s cozy, but not ultra-luxurious. You could also stay in Mürren, Gimmelwald, or one of the other cute mountain towns in the area! Check lowest prices and availability here.

Luxury: For those with money to spare, Hotel Silberhorn is one of the nicest hotels in town. They have a beautiful sun terrace with an amazing panoramic view of the Jungfrau mountains and an Alpine-style restaurant. Check prices, reviews, and availability here!

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Start the day with an early morning cable car and train combination up to the car-free village of Mürren via Winteregg. (Note: this whole route is free with a Swiss Travel Pass; I’m not sure how much it would cost if you bought all your tickets individually).

Along the cable car and train route, you’ll have gorgeous views overlooking Lauterbrunnen Valley – made all the sweeter by the Swiss cows you’ll share the panoramic views with. You’ll also find the lovely Hotel Alpina here, which looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.

Afterward, you can hike down to Gimmelwald, enjoying beautiful views along the way. When you’re there, be sure to check out the Honesty Shop — Europe’s first village store based entirely on trust.

It’s completely unstaffed and unwatched, relying on the kindness and honesty of its patrons to pay for the goods they take.

I was tired of walking at this point, so I took the cable car to the bottom and then hopped on a bus. From there, it wasn’t a long ride to the insanely powerful Trümmelbach Falls on the outskirts of Lauterbrunnen.

As of this 2025 update, admission is 15 CHF (6 CHF for kids) which is about $16 USD. But I promise you, it’s entirely worth it — there’s no other place like it on this planet. You’ll get to go up inside the mountain via elevator (the Swiss are amazing with engineering!).

From there, high up inside the moutain, you can then check out all the powerful glacial waterfalls which churn their way through this mountain with such insane force that it creates literal natural tunnels!

There is a series of ten or so waterfalls you can see: allocate about one or two hours to explore them all.

From there, you can easily walk back into town, which takes about 30 minutes or so. Have a tasty fondue for dinner – you will have earned it! I personally favor Weidstübli for delicious Swiss food.

Day 6: Lucerne, Switzerland

The train from Lauterbrunnen to Lucerne is another long one (3 hours and 3 connections), but well worth it. To be honest, I never get too fussed about taking long train rides in Switzerland; they’re so beautiful that it’s basically seated sightseeing, in and of itself!

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly find that Lucerne is a lovely, walkable town with plenty to see. That said, its most famous landmark, the Lion Statue of Lucerne, is a letdown (feel free to skip it, unless you’re a proper completionist).

Kapellbrücke, however, is definitely worth the hype. This covered bridge dates back to the 14th century and it is absolutely gorgeous.

Once you’ve got your luggage at your next hotel, take a half-day trip to one of the nearby mountains. Both Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus are extremely closeby and offer excellent views over Lake Lucerne as well as some light hiking opportunities. I chose Mount Pilatus, but I wish I had time for Rigi, too!

These are both included if you have a Swiss Travel Pass; if you’re not using a pass and are buying tickets point-to-point, you can grab tickets to Mt. Rigi or the Mt. Pilatus combo tour a la carte. To be honest though, these are far pricier than having access to your train pass.

I ended up choosing to go to the top of Mount Pilatus because you can experience the awesome efficiency of Swiss transportation in four different forms on this tour: steamboat, railway, cable car, and bus, which is pretty cool if you’re a public transit geek like I am!

There are gorgeous views on almost all of them (OK, admittedly the suburban bus is less exciting).

This tour takes you gliding across peaceful Lake Lucerne on a steamboat and then goes up the mountain via the world’s steepest cogwheel railroad. It’s truly impressive to see the incline for yourself — you’ll be shocked you’re actually going up a track so steep!

At the top, you’ll enjoy some spectacular views over the lake you just crossed by boat. You can also stop for lunch here or go for some short hikes.

Afterward, you can descend using a cable car (and finish your trip back to Lucerne with a brief bus ride).

In the evening, spend your day walking the main pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Lucerne, Kornmarkt, or walking alongside the lake promenade – a fantastic place to walk as the city lights up after dark.

Where to Stay in Lucerne

Budget: I stayed at Lion Lodge but I didn’t like it at all. Instead, I’d opt for the cool and sleek capsule hotel lucerne for something vaguely futuristic yet surprisingly budget-friendly. Check it out here.

Mid-range: Had I not been traveling on such a strict budget the first time I went to Switzerland, I likely would have opted for the ibis Lucerne. Ibis hotels are clean, affordable, and pretty inoffensive — but they’re not exactly luxurious. Still, if you want privacy and cleanliness, ibis is reliable. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: If you want the best of the best, Hotel Schweizerhof can’t be beat. It’s the #1 hotel in Lucerne: beautiful with an amazing lake view, a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna (whatever that is, I’m sadly not fluent in luxury just yet), and a spa. Check the prices and availability here, keeping in mind you need to book in advance in the busy months.

Day 7: Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne also makes a great day trip base. Here are a few of the best day trips from Lucerne for you to choose from.

Mount Titlis is the highlight of Central Switzerland and it’s a must-visit for snow lovers…. yes, don’t worry, you can have a snowy visit even in the peak of Swiss summer!

At over 3,000 meters tall, it’s capped with snow every day of the year, and it’s the only easily accessible glacier in this part of Switzerland. Hence it’s nickname, “Eternal Snow and Glacier”

You get to ride up in a scenic revolving cable car, and from the top, you can visit a glacier cave and cross a scenic suspension bridge.

Check out more details about the day trip here!

Jungfraujoch is also accessible as a day trip from Lucerne. It’s a little further afield, and a little pricier, but it’s a bucket list must for many travelers to Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch marks the “top of Europe” with the continent’s highest train station here, as well as several other interesting sights, like the Aletsch Glacier, which you can see from the gorgeous Sphinx Observation Terrace.

You’ll also get to see the Eiger Glacier and take a cogwheel train up to the top of Jungfraujoch, where you can take an Alpine Sensation adventure tour which celebrates the hundred-year anniversary of the railway’s existence. You can even explore an Ice Palace, complete with ice tunnels!

Book your trip from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch here!

Finally, a few Swiss cities you can easily access are included on your Swiss Travel Pass or by train if you are looking to save money. My top three picks would be either Bern, Basel, or Zug.

If you prefer the context that comes with a tour, guided day trips are also available to Bern. But frankly, it’s easy enough to do these city day trips on your own with a train pass, which is what I would recommend.

Day 8: Zermatt, Switzerland

By now, long yet efficient train rides should be the norm. On day 8 of this Switzerland itinerary, we’re heading to Zermatt, a car-free village in the Alps famous for its picture-perfect view of the Matterhorn from the heart of town.

On a clear day, the peak is clearly visible from any unobstructed view! On other days, the Matterhorn is surrounded by clouds, which makes sighting it even more majestic when it finally appears!

Depending on what you feel like, you could wander around the heart of Zermatt village. That means exploring the traditional Walser architecture or the excellent Matterhorn Museum, which details the harrowing stories of mountaineers who attempted (and occasionally succeeded) in ascending the Matterhorn.

For a sad reminder of the fate many of them met, check out the sobering Mountaineers’ Cemetery, where many daring alpinists have been laid to rest with an eternal view of the mountain that felled them.

Other things include visiting Gorner Gorge, about 15 minutes walk away from the center of Zermatt, as well as the hike from Blauhard to Sunnegga. This is part of the famed Five Lakes Hike, which is 9 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 hours to complete, using gondolas to get you up into the mountains efficiently.

Alternately, you could just have a spa day at one of the luxurious mountain hotels in the village and give yourself some R&R!

Where to Stay in Zermatt

Budget: As one of the more popular touristic places to visit in Switzerland, Zermatt has a wide range of options, but they go quickly. I enjoyed my stay at Zermatt Youth Hostel and thought the price was really good for Switzerland. Book in advance here as the hostels in Switzerland book up quickly!

Mid-range: A surprisingly good value is ARCA Aparthotel & Spa. It’s right by the center train station and, as the name suggests, is home to an excellent spa! It also has a salted heated swimming pool, steam bath, and sauna. Check prices and availability here!

Luxury: One of the most romantic and beautiful hotels in all of Zermatt is Tradition Julen Hotel. The outside of the building couldn’t be any more adorably Swiss, with wood design and flower boxes everywhere. Plus, the location can’t be beat — Matterhorn views are never far away. Check prices, ratings, and availability here.

Day 9: Zermatt, Switzerland

On your final day in Zermatt, head up the Gornergrat for some of the most impressive views possible – the perfect way to end your 10 day Switzerland itinerary! If you have a good weather day, it’s definitely worth it to go up to the Gornergrat cogwheel train via the scenic railway.

I took three scenic mountain railways while in Switzerland and the Gornergrat was definitely the most awe-inspiring in my opinion. As in, I almost wanted to weep when I saw the Matterhorn finally peeking from behind the clouds on my last day in Zermatt.

Note that the Gornergrat is not fully included if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, but you can use it for a 50% discount. That means the normal 96 CHF ($100 USD) price goes down to about 48 CHF ($50 USD)… which is chump change in the alternate universe of Switzerland travel costs!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your (admittedly pricy) trip up the Gornergrat. Be sure to stop at Rotenboden for stunning views of one of the many alpine lakes dotting the region. With luck, you may get a glimpse of the Matterhorn reflected in the Riffelsee.

It was rather cloudy when I went up to Gornergrat, so my views weren’t quite as good as they could be. Check the forecast (or do it the old-fashioned way, just look at the Matterhorn to see if you can see it!) before purchasing your Gornergrat tickets if you are going to be disappointed if you have bad weather.

While looking at the Matterhorn from afar is great, hiking it is reserved only for serious alpinists. There are plenty of hikes in the Gornergrat area for casual hikers.

Day 10: Depart via Zurich or Geneva

Whatever your departure airport is, now’s the time to start making your way there. After all… all goods things must come to an end!

If possible, I recommend entering via Geneva and departing via Zurich you can see a little of both major cities in Switzerland, but either way will take about 3 or so hours from Zermatt. I have an itinerary for Zurich you can use if you have some extra time in Zurich, since we didn’t cover it on this itinerary due to time limits.

You could also depart via Milan as well, which will also take about 3 hours, but note that international trains are not included in your travel pass.

And that’s it – your Switzerland itinerary in a nutshell! Do you have any questions or suggestions? Drop a comment here, and it can help out fellow travelers

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.