WHAT TO DO IN SWITZERLAND IN 10 DAYS
Are you looking for an exciting 10-day Switzerland itinerary? Then read on because you will find many travel tips on how to spend 10 days in Switzerland.
From towering snow-capped mountains to tranquil Swiss lakes and charming small towns – this tiny landlocked country in Central Europe is simply bursting with incredible sights! And after I have spent countless times in this gorgeous country, I have created a 10-day itinerary for Switzerland that helps you plan you plan a trip you will not forget!
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ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND
So, this is an amazing itinerary. Further below you will find all the details for it.
- 1 DAY – Zurich
- 1,5 DAYS – Lucerne & Mount Rigi
- 1 DAY – Jungfraujoch & Kleine Scheidegg
- 1 DAY – Lake Brienz + Brienzer Rothorn + Giessbach Waterfalls
- 1 DAY – Lauterbrunnen & Mürren & Schilthorn
- 1 DAY – St. Beatus Caves & Lake Thun & Thun
- 1 DAY – Lake Oeschinen and Lake Blausee
- 1 DAY – Montreux
- 1,5 DAYS – Zermatt
SWITZERLAND IN 10 DAYS
Let´s start with the 10-day Switzerland itinerary.
Zurich – 1 Day
On the first day, explore Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque landscapes.
Nestled by the Limmat River, with the Alps in the background, the city is a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture + Lake Zurich and its surrounding greenery.
THINGS TO DO IN ZURICH
Explore the Bahnhofstrasse (the most expensive street in the world). Though it does not look spectacular, this street beats 5th Avenue when it comes to rental prices.
Stroll the old town with the narrow streets and old and colorful buildings.
Visit the Uetliberg Mountain and enjoy some more nice views from there. In Switzerland, most towns/cities have their own house mountain and this one is Zurich´s house mountain.
If you want to be more active, rent a bike for free and explore Zurich by bike.
Relax at Lake Zurich and take it easy for the last few hours. There are many fine-dining restaurants around the lake and supermarkets if you prefer getting food/snacks for a picnic at the lake.
As a boat tour lover, I, of course, recommend a boat tour on Lake Zurich.
Personally, I think that there is no better way to end a day in Zurich than at Lake Zurich. Especially on a summer day, when the street musicians are playing lovely music, and people just gather around the lake – Zurich gives you the best summer feeling!
The atmosphere is way more relaxed than in other parts of Switzerland, it feels like people are open-minded here, and you´ll see locals and tourists alike.
I could name many more things to do in Zurich (click here for more top things to do in Zurich), but I will leave it here.
With 10 days in Switzerland, you can spend 1 full day in Zurich before continuing your trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH
LUXURY: Baur au Lac – Zurich has some great luxury hotels that are amazing for getting spoiled and enjoying life. Baur au Lac is one of the best-rated luxury hotels close to the city center. ➡️ Book your stay at Baur au Lac here.
MID-RANGEe: The Glärnischhof by TRINITY – This 4-star hotel is one of the best-rated mid-range hotels close to the city center, right next to the famous Bahnhofstrasse. ➡️ Book your stay at The Glärnischhof by TRINITY here.
BUDGET: Oldtown Hostel Otter – Oldtown Hostel Otter in Zurich’s Old Town offers a stylish atmosphere for the young and young at heart. Located just 300 meters from both the Zurich-Stadelhofen train station and the lake, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the city’s vibrant energy. ➡️ Book your stay at Oldtown Hostel Otter here.
Ebenalp Mountain and Appenzell – 1 Day
FROM ZURICH TO EBENALP – I suggest doing a day trip from Zurich
BY CAR: About 1,5 hours
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 2 hours
If you are interested in seeing the world-famous cliff mountain guest house, “The Ascher,” plan a trip to Appenzellerland.
Ebenalp Mountain is a popular destination located in the Appenzell region (northeast) of Switzerland. It stands 912 meters (2,992 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
You can also enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or paragliding. The most famous attraction is the stunning, the impressive, the gorgeous, the one and only mountain house The Asecher.
THINGS TO DO IN EBENALP MOUNTAIN
Hike up to the Aescher (or take the cable car) and have a drink or lunch at the mountain guesthouse.
See the Wildkirchli Caves and learn about its history.
Hike down to the pretty Lake Seealpsee.
ℹ️ It is quite easily reachable by car or train from Zurich (about 1,5/2 hours by car or train). Head to the “Wasserauen” Station and from there either hike up or take a cable car.
ℹ️ Depending on whether you hike or take the cable car, it takes something like 2-6 hours.
➡️ Check out my detailed guide on how to see the Aescher with more tips for Appenzellerland.
Once back in the valley, you can head back to the hotel or explore the cute and colorful town of Appenzell, which is just a few minute’s drive away.
Appenzell is a small town in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. It has a population of just over 5,000 people and lies at an elevation of 797 meters (2,619 feet) above sea level. I tend to call it, Little Tuscany as it pretty much reminds me of its rolling green hill of…Tuscany!
You can end your day in this colorful village and stay in one of the town center hotels before continuing your journey.
WHERE TO STAY IN APPENZELL
I recommend doing a day trip from Zurich to Appenzell.
Lucerne & Mount Rigi & Mount Pilatus – 1,5 Days
FROM ZURICH TO LUCERNE
BY CAR: About 1 hour
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 1 hour
Lucerne is one the most beautiful cities in Switzerland and I still think you should spend 1,5-2 days in Lucerne, and this is for several reasons.
The city – located on the banks of Lake Lucerne – is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and offers stunning views of the Alps and surrounding countryside. The city center has many attractions including the Chapel Bridge, which is an iconic covered wooden bridge built in 1333 featuring 17th-century paintings.
Lucerne has some breathtaking places close by that you should check out! Also, Lucerne itself is, above all, wonderful. You have a stunning old town with beautiful historic attractions, like the Lion Monument, and one of the biggest lakes in the country.
If you are short on time, a few hours in Lucerne town is enough to discover the historic landmarks on a walking tour!
Sitting in one of the cafes outside will be a fantastic way to top off your day.
On a sunny day, make sure to head to Weggis, which is located on Lake Lucerne’s shores and is the perfect place to rest after all the busy sightseeing in Switzerland.
THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE
Visit Chapel Bridge –Europe’s oldest covered bridge, constructed in the 14th century as part of the city’s fortifications. In the 17th century, pictorial panels were added, depicting scenes from both Swiss and Lucerne’s history.
Explore the old town and admire the beautiful old buildings.
Take a Lake Lucerne boat cruise – it will not only bring you from A) to B) but you can also enjoy the panorama while relaxing.
Rest at Weggis – a “hidden place” to swim. There is also a lido (a beach area watched by staff), but this hidden gem is even better. Bring your blanket, some snacks and drinks – and your bathing suit.
➡️ Check out my travel guide for Lucerne
WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE
LUXURY: Schweizerhof Lucerne – If you want to book a luxury hotel in Lucerne, I recommend this beautiful 5* hotel. ➡️ Book your stay at Schweizerhof Lucerne here.
MID-RANGE: Hotel des Alpes – On my last Lucerne trip, I stayed at Hotel des Alpes. The room view was amazing (and included views of the Chapel Bridge and Mount Pilatus). ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel des Alpes here.
BUDGET: The Bed + Breakfast – If you want to stay in a budget hotel, have a look at this B&B. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one. ➡️ Check out prices for The Bed + Breakfast here.
Click here to read my full post on the best hotels in Lucerne.
Mount Rigi
If you cannot get enough of gorgeous mountain views, head to Mount Rigi for the sunset.
Mount Rigi – also known as the Queen of the Mountains – with its mountain peak Rigi Kulm at 1.779 meters (5836 feet) – is quite easily accessible from Lucerne. From there, you have stunning views of the Alps and the three lakes: Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz.
Mount Rigi is not very far from Weggis, so you can easily combine the trip. Riding up the mountain (funicular) is a feast for the eyes. Getting up while looking at the Alps, Lake Lucerne, and many lush meadows is a fantastic way to end your day.
On sunny days, the sunset from Mount Rigi is often amazing. Of course, you can also hike up or do a combination of the funicular ride and hiking. Here is some more info on the Mount Rigi excursion.
It takes about one hour from Lucerne by boar or public transportation (less if you get there from Weggis) and the funicular ride takes about 50 minutes one-way. So you should plan at least about 4-5 hours for this excursion (better would be 6-7 hours).
ℹ️ This trip is also covered with your Swiss Travel Pass – whether you get here by boat or train/bus and use the funicular, you do not have to pay any extra fees.
TIP: Two funiculars get you up – via Vitznau and Goldau. The way via Vitznau is 1000% more scenic than via Goldau, so opt for that route.
Mount Pilatus
Alternatively, you can visit Mount Pilatus. This mountain stands at 2,128 meters above sea level (6.981 feet) and offers some of the best panoramas in Central Switzerland. Whether you get (or better arrive at) to Mount Pilatus by boat, car, or public transportation, the next few hours will be wonderful once you are there.
Since there are many possible activities that you can do up there (including paragliding, hiking, and more), it would be easy to spend a full day on Mount Pilatus.
So, thus I recommend this excursion only if you have the time to do it – otherwise, a trip to Mount Rigi is a great alternative. You get a 50% discount on the funicular/cable car ride with your Swiss Travel Pass.
📍 INTERLAKEN AND JUNGFRAU REGION – 5 DAYS
FROM LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN
BY CAR: About 2 hour
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 2 hour
If you take the train, make sure to take the Luzern-Interlaken Express which is one of the best train rides in Switzerland with stunning window views. Base yourself in Interlaken and explore the regions of Jungfrau and Interlaken for the next few days.
This area is like heaven on Earth. There is so much to do, so make sure to book at least three nights in this region if you stay 10 days in Switzerland.
Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO JUNGFRAUJOCH – I suggest doing a day trip from Zurich
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 2 hours (including all the scenic rides)
A trip to Jungfraujoch is probably the most famous day trip. The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting the two 4000ers of the Alps: the Jungfrau and the Mönch. It lies at an elevation of 3,463 meters (about 11,000 feet) above sea level and has the highest train station in Europe.
Getting to the “Top of Europe” feels unreal. It is a little village by itself with quite a lot of attractions to visit.
Explore the Ice Palace or Alpine Sensation. And you will get to see snow and can do some winter sports, too – regardless of when you visit! There is snow every day of the year.
Of course, in the winter months, there is more snow and it is probably more fun, but if you want to do winter sports in the summer, you know where to go!
Except for the winter sports in the summer, the main activities are included in your regular train ticket to Jungfraujoch.
On your way to Jungfraujoch, you might want to stay longer at the Kleine Scheidegg. It is a mountain pass at an elevation of 2,061 m, situated below and between the Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks, and a popular stop for a break. Actually, you could hike up to Kleine Scheidegg and then take the train up to Jungfraujoch.
Is Jungfraujoch a must-visit in 10 days in Switzerland? Well, I enjoyed my trips (3 so far) but…This trip is not cheap. If you are on a budget, there are also many other mountain excursions in the region.
ℹ️ If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you get a discount on this quite expensive day trip.
You might have some time after your trip to Jungfraujoch. If so, I suggest spending the rest of the time in the very charming town of Grindelwald and having dinner there.
Lake Brienz + Brienzer Rothorn + Giessbach Waterfalls – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO BRIENZ VILLAGE – I suggest doing a day trip from Interlaken
BY CAR: About 2o minutes
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 20 minutes (+ 60 minute ride up Brienzer Rothorn)
Now, it is time to visit more great places in the region. If you want to start the day in a relaxed frame of mind, go to Lake Brienz and start with a boat tour.
Lake Brienz is actually my favorite lake, as the water has the most beautiful color and shimmers a lovely turquoise.
The Brienzer Rothorn is a mountain with an elevation of 2,350 meters above sea level and the train ride itself is impressive but so is the panorama. One of my all-time favorite mountain excursions was my trip to Brienzer Rothorn! Thus I have been there twice. And was in awe both times.
Arrive at Brienz station by boat (and have the first glimpses of beautiful Lake Brienz) or by train.
Then take the old steam locomotive to get up the Brienzer Rothorn and hike back down.
Afterward, take the boat again (check the timetable to make sure you do not miss the last boat) to Giessbach Waterfalls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Switzerland.
UPDATE: Due to heavy storms, parts of Brienz were destroyed and the Brienzer Rothorn railway will not run in 2025!
ℹ️ There is a boat stop named the same. Get out there and take a short hike up (or take the hotel funicular) to the Grandhotel Giessbach. You have some amazing views from there of Lake Brienz and the waterfall.
ℹ️ In winter, Grandhotel Giessbach is closed. This hotel has also become one of my favorite hotels in the world, with amazing views and interesting decor. The prices are quite high to stay overnight at Grand Giessbach Hotel, so if you are on a budget, make sure to enjoy at least a drink (or a fantastic dinner) at the hotel. This could also be your dinner spot.
ℹ️ This trip will probably take a full day.
Another tip: If you skip any of these activities for any reason, I have other top tips for the region.
Lauterbrunnen & Mürren & Schilthorn – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO LAUTERBRUNNEN – I suggest doing a day trip from Lauterbrunnen
BY CAR: About 2o minutes
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 20 minutes
If you want to visit one of the most popular places in the region, head to beautiful Lauterbrunnen. It is notorious for adrenaline rushes and adventurous activities – skydiving, bungee jumping, base jumpers, etc. BUT there are also some hiking trails – after all, it is Switzerland, and it is a lot about hiking.
Lauterbrunnen is also known for the 72 waterfalls (the most famous of which are the Staubbach Waterfalls and Trümmelfach Falls). It is also known for being home to the Schilthorn mountain where portions of the James Bond movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” were filmed.
ℹ️ The trip to Lauterbrunnen, including a hike and some other activities, will take up to a day, so you will probably not have much time to do anything else.
ℹ️ However, on your way up to Schilthorn, you will see the beautiful mountain village of Murren at the foot of Schilthorn Peak. It is accessible by cable car and train and I would make sure to see it as well.
ℹ️ Consider having your dinner in the heart of Lauterbrunnen village before going back to your hotel.
St. Beatus Caves & Lake Thun & Thun – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO ST. BEATUS CAVES – I suggest doing a day trip from Interlaken
BY CAR: About 15 minutes
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 15 minutes
Another very dreamy place to visit in 10 days is the St. Beatus Caves. It is located between Interlaken and Thun on the shores of Lake Thun.
After visiting the caves, hike down the other side for another beautiful view. It is just a few minutes walk and you will find out why road tripping is such an amazing way to discover the country. These roads are just made for exploring!
Check out my more detailed guide on the St. Beatus Caves.
ℹ️ This trip will probably not last one full day, so you can then head to Sigriswil to cross the Panorama bridge in Sigriswil or have coffee in a wonderfully weird place called “Grabenmühle.”
ℹ️ You can get there either by car or bus.
If you want to experience some “city life,” head to the beautiful town of Thun, which is quite close to the St. Beatus Caves.
You can visit castles there, spend time at the park, and end your day at one of the numerous cafes in town. Here is my more detailed Thun city guide.
Blausee & Oeschinensee – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO KANDERSTEG – I suggest doing a day trip from Lauterbrunnen
BY CAR: About 4o minutes
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 1 hour
My tip is to explore a few (more) of the amazing lakes that are located in the Bernese Oberland. In Kandersteg, you´ll find two of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Blausee, a tiny lake of astonishing color, is located in a nature park where you can stroll along the lake (but not swim in it) and take it easy. If you want to get active, you can do a short boat cruise- or just dine in the restaurant that comes with a lake view. Find out more about Blausee. It is not a must-see (in my honest opinion) but a great place if you are totally into lakes.
Make sure to add Lake Oeschinen to your Switzerland itinerary. Oeschinensee is another gorgeous mind-blowing lake located in the Bernese Oberland. It sits at an elevation of 1,578 meters (5,177 ft) and is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
Enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, or kayaking around the lake’s circumference and taking in the majestic views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also a popular destination for ice skating and skiing in the winter season. Oeschinensee is an ideal destination to re-energize in nature.
At the lake, you can swim or have a picnic (or have lunch in the restaurant next to the lake). Check out my Lake Oeschinen guide.
To end your day, you can head to the towns of Thun or Interlaken.
READ MORE: 50 THINGS TO DO IN INTERLAKEN
WHERE TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN
If you explore the above-mentioned places in the regions of Interlaken and Jungfrau, I recommend staying in/near the town of Interlaken and then doing day tours, instead of changing hotels several times.
LUXURY: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – The most luxurious hotel in Interlaken is the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. I have not stayed there myself, so I can only repeat what I heard: This hotel is amazing. If you are looking for a fancy place in Interlaken, this is probably the best pick. ➡️ Book your stay at Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa here.
MID-RANGE: Hotel du Nord – For your stay in Interlaken, I recommend this hotel – Hotel du Nord – which is centrally located and is quite nice. It is one of my favorite accommodations for your 5-day Swiss itinerary. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel du Nord here.
BUDGET: Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – If you are on a budget, I recommend staying in Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof next to the Höhenmatte. It is not the cheapest hostel but definitely worth the money and one of my all-time favorite hostels. ➡️ Book your stay at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof here.
Montreux – 1 Day
FROM INTERLAKEN TO ZERMATT
INTERLAKEN OST – MONTREUX
Take the train from Interlaken to Montreux. Take the Golden Line Express which is one of the most scenic Swiss train rides.
In case, you want to discover a different region for a day and leave the Interlaken/Jungfrau region, you can do a day trip to the south of Switzerland.
Morning: Journey to Montreux
A day trip from the region of Interlaken that combines stunning scenery, history, and culture – this is Montreux.
Montreux is a charming town on the shores of Lake Geneva that is famous for its beautiful promenade (the most beautiful in all of Switzerland in my humble opinion), historic architecture, and world-renowned jazz festival in the summer.
During the Day: Montreux Promenade
Once you arrive in Montreux, take a stroll along the picturesque promenade, which is lined with flowers and offers stunning views of the lake and the Alps.
Stop by the Freddie Mercury statue at the promenade, which pays tribute to the legendary Queen frontman, who lived in Montreux for many years. And if you’re a music fan, visit the Queen Studio Experience, which offers a look into the band’s recording sessions at the nearby Mountain Studios.
Visit the iconic Château de Chillon, a medieval fortress that sits on a rocky island just off the shore. This castle, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks and is said to have inspired Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”.
Zermatt – 1,5 Days
FROM INTERLAKEN TO ZERMATT
BY CAR: About 2,5 hours
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: About 2,5 hours
Then it is time to travel from Interlaken to Zermatt. While the distance is not that far, driving in this area is tricky (with loads of mountain tunnels and traffic).
If you drive, keep in mind that Zermatt is car-free so you need to leave your car at one of the small villages close to Zermatt and then take a train to Zermatt. If you take the train, you will have some nice window views along the way.
Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful towns. With its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains, it is one of Switzerland’s most visited tourist destinations.
It offers many activities such as skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking, and hiking trails throughout the year.
Though Zermatt is car-free, you´ll find some electric cars (as well as taxis and buses), but the village is so tiny that you can easily make your way around on foot.
THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT
Make sure to get on Matterhorn Glacier (also known as Klein Matterhorn) for the amazing views. Just be aware that you might suffer from altitude sickness, as getting up to more than 3,000 meters can be a shock to the system.
Another great mountain excursion is getting up Gornergrat summit and then hiking down and seeing some of the pretty lakes – with a reflection of the Matterhorn – getting back to Zermatt.
End your day with a stroll along the beautiful Vista River and a stop in one of the numerous cafes or restaurants.
➡️ Here is my post on more fun things to do in Zermatt.
The only downside to Zermatt is that it is quite remote. Getting there is time-consuming (though the train ride is an experience in itself), which makes me hesitant to recommend it with 10 days in Switzerland if you want to visit as many places as possible. However, this also does not stop the many visitors either – Zermatt is jam-packed in summer and winter!
WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT
For Zermatt, I also have a couple of hotel suggestions for you.
LUXURY: Hotel Mont Cervin Palace – Hotel Mont Cervin Palace defines luxury. If you are looking for a 5-star hotel in Zermatt, this might be perfect for you because it has everything you could be asking for in luxury accommodation. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Mont Cervin Palace
MID-RANGE: Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments – Hotel Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments, which opened in December 2012, is located in the heart of Zermatt’s historic center. Decorated in a classic Alpine style, it boasts a wellness area with three different saunas. The hotel is conveniently situated just a two-minute walk from a ski bus stop. ➡️ Book your stay at Matterhorn Lodge Hotel & Appartments her
Click here to find my accommodation guide for Zermatt.
CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY PLANNING
If you need more help and are looking for customized itinerary planning, please check the services I offer:
Get your customized itinerary for Switzerland here
FINAL THOUGHTS ON 10-DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY
This 10-day Switzerland itinerary included many of my favorite places in the country – and it is a wonderful mix of breathtaking Alpine scenery and rich cultural heritage.
10 days in Switzerland is not a lot. I wish we could squeeze in many more destinations. Though the country is small there are many best places to visit – so, we have to make compromises.
Also, I did not add the impressive St.Moritz and the Engadine Valley – but it is a top destination where you can do some of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland. Bern, the beautiful Swiss capital city is not on the list and neither is the stunning Flims Area with the Cauma Lake and more.
So, here is another post, with several 3-day itineraries for Switzerland, in case you want to add these different places to your itinerary.