Arzo Travels

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE – BEST HOTELS FOR ALL BUDGETS

Are you planning your Lucerne trip and are wondering about the best places to stay in Lucerne?

Finding the best hotels in Lucerne can be a bit tricky – though it is s small city, there are many options. Today I am sharing my tips on the best areas and hotels for all accommodations for all budgets. I have visited Lucerne several times and stayed in all kinds of accommodation – from luxury hotels to budget-friendly places.

Lucerne is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland – and that is for a reason. The city itself is beautiful, and the scenery is some of the most stunning in the entire country, so it should be on any Switzerland itinerary.

TIPS FOR PICKING THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN LUCERNE

• This area is extremely popular among tourists, so do not be surprised if you see visitors in large numbers, regardless of the year. It often feels like Lucerne only has tourists from around the world, which probably makes accommodations even more expensive.
• Since accommodations in Switzerland, especially in Lucerne, are costly, you cannot expect super bargains. The budget-friendly places in Lucerne are only “quite” budget-friendly.
• The wooden bridge (Chapel Bridge) is probably one of the most popular and famous tourist spots in Lucerne, but it also has a lovely old town, and the stunning Lake Lucerne. Accommodation near these places is much more expensive.
• In the summer months and in December, accommodation prices go up. If you can travel in the shoulder-season, you can save a lot of money.
• If you book your stay, you should know about the beautiful mountains, Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, which are also fantastic areas to stay in Lucerne.
• If you book a night in one of the official accommodations, you will get a Lucerne Visitor Card. This Visitor Card allows you to use buses and trains within zone 10 of the city network for free. Plus, there is a range of discounts for cableways, mountain railways, museums, and excursions in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. 
• A Swiss Travel Pass is a pass that is expensive but you can use public transportation for free. In Lucerne, you can also use the Mount Rigi cable car for free with a Swiss Travel Pass. Also, you can use most boats for free to cruise Lake Lucerne.

So, whether you road trip Switzerland or stay in Lucerne only – I hope you will find the best places to stay in Luzern with the tips.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.

BEST HOTELS IN LUCERNE FOR ALL BUDGETS

From luxury hotels to hostels – here are some great places to stay in Lucerne.

Luxury Hotels in Lucerne

Let´s start with the best luxury hotels in Lucerne.

Schweizerhof Lucerne

This interesting, 5-star hotel is the perfect choice for all who enjoy a luxury hotel that is centrally located. While Schweizerhof Lucerne is one of the classiest hotels in Lucerne, the atmosphere is not stiff.

This is probably because it is also a festival hotel and they host smaller concerts and events.

You´ll notice many small artistic details – from a music quote on the wall to little music notes on the doors to the fact that every room has hosted one famous musician or another. More little details, like their own newspaper, make this place even more unique.

There is also a lovely restaurant that comes with a view (though directly located on the main street).

Within minutes you are at the Chapel Bridge, the train station in the old town, and the boat station, which are some of the most popular places in Lucerne.

Whether you book a double room or a suite, you cannot go wrong with booking a room at Schweizerhof Lucerne. 

The first time I stayed in Lucerne overnight was at Schweizerhof Luzern. I am not sure, but maybe that is why I have so many fond memories of the city.

• If you have the chance to book a room with a lake view, pay the extra CHF and enjoy excellent views of this stunning lake. Click here to find the best rates for your stay.

Parkhotel Vitznau

Vitznau, located on the eastern shores of Lake Lucerne, is home to a luxury hotel par excellence: Parkhotel Vitznau. You can get to Vitznau easily by boat or by car. It takes about 35 minutes, and the drive is fun, and getting there via boat is scenic. By public transportation, it takes about 1 hour.

The region of Vitznau is well-known for being all about relaxing – and this hotel is probably the most expensive one in the area.

The hotel looks quite impressive when approaching via boat. When you are standing in front of it, it seems a bit sterile at the entrance, but this place knows how to impress.

It does not matter which of the 47 suites you book – you can expect pure luxury. All are designed uniquely. You always have non-alcoholic drinks available at the pool, unlimited spa access, daily newspapers, and more services offered.

• Unfortunately, no pets are allowed – not even in the outdoor cafe. However, it is a top hotel to stay near Lucerne and perfect if you like exclusivity and seclusion. Click here to find the best rates for Park Hotel Vitznau.

Mid-Range Hotels in Lucerne

Here are the best mid-range hotels in Lucerne. Prices might be a bit shocking if you have never been to Switzerland before, but the hotel prices are actually reasonable for Lucerne.

Chateau Gütsch

You can spot this beautiful hotel from Lucerne´s most famous tourist attraction. Standing on the Chapel Bridge, the hotel, Chateau Gütsch, is visible and can be seen standing proudly on the mountains. It has become an iconic place to stay in Lucerne.

This 4-star hotel offers one of the best views of Lake Lucerne. Whether you enjoy the views from one of the rooms or from the terrace, where you can also dine and drink; on a clear day, these views are priceless.

Each room has a unique design (hurry up with booking, this boutique hotel only has 27 rooms) and most come with a lake view. All suites come with a luxurious marble bathroom.

• You´ll have a wonderful, relaxing time with views and services like this. Find out about the best rate at Chateau Gütsch here.

Ameron Hotel Flora

Another 4-star hotel with a great location is this property: Ameron Hotel Flora. It is centrally located, just a stone’s throw from the main train station and Chapel Bridge. Its wonderful location makes it easy to get around and discover a lot of Lucerne on foot.

The hotel also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability. So if you want to stay in a central location in Lucerne and help support different causes – like the Swiss Red Cross or by using light bulbs that help save energy – this hotel is the perfect green hotel.

The hotel does not have its own fitness facility but offers a discount for the wellness and fitness facilities close by.

• You have the option to choose from five different room types – all rooms have been newly refurbished. Click here to find the best rates for your stay in Lucerne.

Hotel des Alps

If you are looking for a hotel directly in the city center of Lucerne, this hotel might be a great choice. In January 2019, I stayed at the Hotel des Alpes – just next to the Chapel Bridge.

The location is perfect, and if you choose a view of the river, you have a beautiful view of the Reuss River, stunning Mount Pilatus, and the Alps. The city views offer views of the old town.

However, it is not only about the views.

The hotel is a good 3-star hotel: modern, clean, and with a decent breakfast. The restaurant downstairs offers breakfast (with a view), and from there, you are ready to explore the city within minutes.

• So, personally, I think there is no better 3-star hotel with a better location in Lucerne than this hotel. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Hotel des Alpes.

Have not found the perfect hotel in Lucerne for your stay yet? Okay, here are some more tips for the best Lucerne accommodations.

Best Budget Hotels in Lucerne

Here are some budget hotels in Lucerne. I know budget hotels in Lucerne are not exactly budget-friendly compared to the rest of the world. But they are considered budget-friendly for Lucerne, and they offer the best value for the money.

The Bed + Breakfast -Neustadt

This bed-and-breakfast offers single and double rooms (with an occupancy of 4 people maximum). Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one.

The rooms at The Bed + Breakfast, are very basic, but the pricier ones actually have their own balcony and TV, and some have their own kitchen.

• It is also located in central Lucerne, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transportation. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at B&B.

Bellpark Hostel

This hostel, Bellpark Hostel, is located close to Kriens, not too far from Lucerne’s old town, and perfect if you plan a trip to the fabulous Mount Pilatus cable car station. You´ll find some restaurants and cafes nearby, and you can catch a bus directly to the train station.

Though the prices are much lower than those in hotel rooms, you still get the ticket to use public transportation for free. As mentioned, rates are comparably low.

You have to pay around 30€ for a bed in a mixed 6-bed dormitory. Slightly more expensive is a bed in a 4-bed dormitory (females or males) or a 3-person dormitory/family room.

If you prefer an ensuite bathroom, you can book a 2-person double room, too.

• Some perks: You can use the kitchen, and there is free coffee and tea, an Asian-style breakfast, free parking, personal lockers in each shared room, and all linens are included. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Bellpark.

Finding the best places to stay in Lucerne might not always be easy, but I hope this post has helped you find the perfect accommodation for you.

Have fun and stay safe!

READ MORE:

• BEST CITIES TO VISIT IN EUROPE IN DECEMBER (DO YOU THINK LUCERNE HAS MADE IT ONTO THE LIST?)
• CHECK OUT THE BEST ITINERARY FOR SWITZERLAND IN 7 DAYS
• CHECK OUT THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND

6 AMAZING SAMPLES OF 3 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

3 days in Switzerland is surely not enough time to see all of the beautiful places in this gorgeous country. Actually, you can only see a small fraction of Switzerland in 3 days.

Before starting a long introduction praising the country, I‘ll keep it short: Switzerland is amazing, and it takes my breath away every time I visit. This is why I created the very best Switzerland itinerary for 3 days.

With a well-planned 3-day Switzerland itinerary, you will get a good glimpse of the country, and you will be infected with the Switzerland fever.

As I regularly visit Switzerland, I have many favorite places in Switzerland. This post has several 3-day Switzerland itineraries for you. I created a couple of itineraries and you can just see which one is the most appealing to you – or you create your own 3-day itinerary based on my tips. My itineraries are created to reduce the amount of traveling to a minimum. With 3 days in Switzerland, you will not have time to spend a lot of it in a car/train. Even though window views are amazing in Switzerland (in a car or train) let´s focus on how to discover the country efficiently.

You can stay for 2 or 3 nights in one place and do a few day trips this way without spending too much time on the train/car.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.

Travel Tips for your 3-Day Switzerland Itinerary

In this post, you will find out:

• Best time to visit Switzerland
• How to get around in 3 days in Switzerland
• Where to stay for 3 Days
• How to get around Switzerland in 3 Days
• More tips for 3 days in Switzerland
• Places to visit & things to do in Switzerland in 3 days –> I have 6 different itineraries for you!

Best Time to Visit Switzerland For 3 Days

I have been lucky enough to visit Switzerland many times – at any time of the year. And I love summer as much as winter (and fall and spring are also amazing). There is no bad time to visit Switzerland. Okay, actually, I’m not fond of Switzerland much in the rain, but other than that, there is no bad time to visit.

You have a serious winter wonderland in the cold months and in the warm months, you will see 50 shades of green. 

My personal opinion after all:

• Late spring (from May), summer, and early fall (until mid-October) are the best months to visit if you aren’t a big snow fan and if you want to hike and spend a lot of time outdoors. There might be rainy days – but there are also rainy days in summer and winter.
• If you enjoy Christmas markets and some winter sports, then visit between December and February.

It is up to you and your taste which is the best itinerary for which season. In general, each 3-day itinerary works all year round.

Where to Stay in Switzerland Fo 3 Days

If you are staying in Switzerland for 3 days, I recommend having one base and do just a day trip or two for each of the different itineraries outlined in this post.

Tips for hotel recommendations are listed for each place, but I also have a full accommodation guide for Switzerland.

How to Get Around for 3 Days in Switzerland

Whatever means of transport you pick – you can’t go wrong.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 

• For this Switzerland itinerary, I strongly recommend using the Swiss Travel Pass and getting around via public transportation.
• There are different Swiss Travel Passes available, including a three-day or four-day pass.
• You do not have to worry about finding parking spaces and instead you use buses and trains. You can enjoy beautiful window views.
• You will benefit from many perks of having a 3-day pass (as it not only includes public transportation use but also use boats/cable cars without any extra costs or get a discount on many activities).

CAR

• Yes, getting around by car is another great way. The window views are scenic, and driving in Switzerland is quite easy (if you are okay with driving in the mountains).
• Also, road-tripping in Switzerland gives you more flexibility.
• I also have a detailed post about road tripping in Switzerland – which you can check out here.
• However, you might end up paying more if you road trip- especially if you do mountain trips and boat tours, as they are included mostly in the Swiss Travel Pass.

UBER / TAXCS

• Even though I have visited Switzerland so often, I cannot recall having ever used a taxi. First of all, it is costly, and second, punic transportation is pretty great and there is no real need to use a taxi. Since Switzerland is also pretty safe, I never minded walking – not even at nights if my hotels were not directly at the bus station.
• Uber is only available in very few places.

GUIDED TOURS

• You can also do some guided tours, e.g., a tour from Zurich to Mount Pilatus or Jungfraujoch. It is a great way to – easily – connect with other travelers and get more background information via your guide. Transportation is sometimes included. 

More Tips for 3 Days in Switzerland

• The currency is Swiss Francs (CHF).
• Most Swiss shops accept payment in euros and some also dollars. I would still change money and have some Swiss Francs with me as it gets more expensive if you pay in euros. 
• Also, you can often pay with your credit card, at least in bigger stores.
• Switzerland is expensive – so here are a few tips on how to save money during your trip.
• The best tip to save money is to bring a water bottle. You can refill it from fountains that you find everywhere in Switzerland or drink tap water. It is more than fine to do so.
• Switzerland is – overall – a very safe country. There are no extra precautions I take. I exercise common sense, but in general, I feel pretty safe.
• Switzerland is not part of the European Union. People from the European Union do not need a visa because Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. If you are coming from elsewhere, please do check visa regulations.
• For more general Switzerland travel tips, please read my post and find out what to know before visiting Switzerland.

3-DAY ITINERARY SWITZERLAND: DIFFERENT SAMPLE FOR FUN 3 DAYS

Okay, let’s start with the first 3 days in Switzerland itinerary.

3 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND – ZURICH & SURROUNDINGS

Okay, this first Switzerland 3-day itinerary is great if you want to stay in and near Zurich.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful city, especially in the summer months or in December during the festive season. If you are in Switzerland for 3 days, you can spend one day in Zurich before exploring nearby areas. 

THINGS TO DO IN ZURICH

• Take a stroll from the train station and walk the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most expensive shopping streets globally. It does not really look spectacular, but it will lead you to one of the best places in the city.
• Explore the old town with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and many shops and restaurants.
• Enjoy the views from Lindenhof Hill which is also located in the old town of Zurich.  
• Then, head to Lake Zurich, which is close by, and spend a day in, on, or around the lake.
• Check out my detailed Zurich itinerary for more information about your day in Zurich.

Stein am Rhein (or Schaffhausen) and Rhine Falls

You can take the train and visit the Rhine Falls from Zurich and get to either Stein am Rhein or Schaffhausen. The Rhine Falls is the biggest – in terms of power – waterfall in Europe. Yes, that is right.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE RHINE FALLS

• You can visit the Rhine Falls from two sides – one is free to visit (but you would have to pay for parking).
• You can also do a boat cruise and get very close to the waterfalls from that side.
• The other side, where you go to the platform, has an entrance fee of about 5€ (but offers free parking).
• My tip is to visit both sides to have a great view of the waterfall from both angles.
• Check out my Rhine Falls travel guide.

Afterward, you can either head to Schaffhausen, or Stein am Rhein. Both are very cute and charming towns near the Rhine Falls. 

STEIN AM RHEIN

Stein am Rhine is probably one of my favorite towns in Switzerland. It has some of the most unique architecture. It is small. It is charming. It is perfect in combination with a trip to the Rhine Falls.

THINGS TO DO IN STEIN AM RHEIN

• Focus on the town center and admire the stunning buildings (maybe have lunch in one of the restaurants here).
• Visit the Rathausplatz – town hall square.
• See the mediaval castle “Burg Hohenklingen”.
• Stroll the lovely river outside the town center.
• Find out more about Stein am Rhein here.

SCHAFFHAUSEN

Alternatively, you can visit Schaffhausen. Stein am Thein and Schaffhausen are very close to the Rhine Falls but I doubt, you could visit both plus the Rhine Falls, so you have to pick one. 

Schaffhausen is a colorful and charming town and a bit bigger than Stein am Rhein and there are surely more things to do here.

THINGS TO DO IN SCHAFFHAUSEN

• Explore the beautiful old town of Schaffhausen with its many interesting and colorful buildings.
• Head to Munot Fortress and enjoy the view over Schaffhausen.
• Visit Münster Allerheiligen – an interesting cathedral with a herb garden and more.
• Check out my detailed post on Schaffhausen and its attractions.

So, regardless of which town you opt for – Schaffhausen or Stein am Rhein – each town makes a beautiful day trip in combination with visiting the Rhine Falls.

Flims or Appenzellerland/Aescher

For your last day in Switzerland, I have two ideas for you. I love both places and could not name which one I liked more, so I leave the decision to you. Whether you road trip or trail travel – you can visit them both quite easily. However, it takes about 1-2 hours to get there. So, if you are leaving home early this day, I suggest, visiting Flims or Appenzell on day 2 and explore Zurich on day 3 instead.

FLIMS

Flims is located in the Graubünden canton and can be easily reached from Zurich by train or car. 

Flims is perfect if you enjoy easy hikes while seeing some of the most beautiful places in Switzerland – 3 attractions at once with little physical exercise. Lake Cresta, Lake Cauma, and the Rhine Gorge are the three main sights. 

TIPS FOR VISITING FLIMS

• My tip is to start from the mountain top with Lake Cauma (where you can get to by car or bus) and then hike down. 
• It is a very easy hike with incredible scenery.
• You will also see the beautiful Rhine Gorge from above along the hike
• Once you reach Lake Cresta, you can then hike up again or take a bus to get back to your car. 
• This is perfect if you are looking for something more off-the-beaten-path in Switzerland.
• In the warm months, there is normally an entrance fee for both lakes.
• Check out my travel guide for this area.

APPENZELLERLAND

Instead of Flims, you can also visit Appenzell/Aescher in the canton of Appenzellerland. This is probably way more popular because of the famous Aescher Mountain Guesthouse. You can combine a trip to the Aescher with visiting the small yet charming and colorful village of Appenzell.

TIPS FOR VISITING APPENZELLERLAND

• The good thing about a trip to the Aescher mountain restaurant is that you can either hike up and down (or hike one way) or take the cable car and then do some minor hiking. So, it is perfect for the active as well as the less-active people. 
• Have a drink/lunch at the mountain guest house and then hike down to see a pretty lake.
• Lake Seealpsee is a beautiful lake located in the area – make sure to also visit Seealpsee.
• You can head to the small village of Appenzell afterward, with some of the most unique buildings in Switzerland.
• Check out my detailed Appenzeller travel guide

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

I suggest staying in Zurich for 3 days and explore do the 2 day trips from Zurich. 

• Luxury Hotels in Zurich: Zurich has some great luxury hotels – Baur au Lac is one of the best-rated luxury hotels close to the city center.
• Budget Hotels in Zurich This one is a good-rated hostel in Zurich that I tried out during my last trip to Zurich. It is a decent hostel with a perfect location right in the center of Zurich.
• Check out my full accommodation guide for Zurich.

I also have written a comprehensive post about amazing day trips from Zurich, which you can read here.

Idea 2: How to Spend 3 Days in Switzerland

The second Switzerland 3-day itinerary I have for you focuses on Lucerne and its surroundings. 

LUCERNE & SURROUNDINGS – SWITZERLAND IN 3 DAYS

Lucerne is about an hour’s drive from Zurich, and you can easily get there by train or car. If you take the train, make sure to take the “express train” – that doesn’t mean they are fast. Actually,  they often take longer but are the most scenic rides.

Lucerne

Lucerne is often called the prettiest city in Switzerland – I am unsure whether I agree. I know for sure that the area is one of the most beautiful places in the country. If you have three days in Switzerland, you could spend all 3 days here. Assuming that you arrive from Zurich airport, you probably don’t have a full day on the first day, so we don’t cram it with too many activities.

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

• Visit the old town, it is home to some very stunning old buildings.
• Head to the Lion´s Monument – which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.
• Stroll Lake Lucerne – it is a beautiful lake and one of the biggest in Switzerland
• Walk the famous Chapel Bridge – this wooden bridge is the most famous bridge in Switzerland. It also contains several paintings on the roof that dates back to the 17th century.
• End your day at Lake Lucerne – or one of the restaurants with a view of Lake Lucerne.

Mount Rigi & Lake Lucerne Boat Ride

Day 2 of your 3-day Switzerland itinerary is for a trip to Mount Rigi including doing a Lake Lucerne boat tour.

TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT RIGI AND A LKAE LUCERNE BOAT CRUISE

• If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t have to spend any money on these activities, because they are included. 
• Take one of the Lake Lucerne boats and get to Vitznau. The lake is huge, so getting to Vitznau takes a bit, but the views are great, so all you need to do is sit back relax. Alternatively, can get there by bus or car.
• Mount Rigi is the perfect place to spend a few hours.
• To get up Mount Rigi get the funicular or hike up from Vitznau. 
• Getting up takes about 30 minutes, and the ride there is already scenic. Up there, you can do (further) hiking or just enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps.
• In winter, it is also a perfect place for winter sports. 

It is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset on a clear day. Getting on top of Mount Rigi takes less time and is perfect if you do not want to spend too many hours on a mountain peak.  

Mount Pilatus or Mount Titlis

For the third day, you can decide whether you want to enjoy a fun day at Mount Pilatus or Engelsberg (Mount Titlis). 

Both mountain excursions are perfect for hikers but also for those who like to do full-day mountain trips without too much physical exercise, as you can also get up via funicular and cable car.

MOUNT PILATUS

Mount Pilatus is one of the most stunning mountain peaks and offers incredible views. 

TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT PILATUS

• My tip for getting up Mount Pilatus is to do the Golden Round Trip. Start in Lucerne and hop on a boat and get to Alpnachstad. From there, take the steepest cogwheel railway to get to 2,132 meters above sea level. On your way back you use the cable car to get down to the bus stop which brings you back to Lucerne. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the boat ride is included and you have to pay for the cogwheel/cable car ride (50% discount with a Swiss Travel Pass).
• You can also hike up and down.
• Up there, you can eat your weight in Swiss food (not my favorite thing, though)
• Soak in the views and of the Alps and stunning Lake Lucerne.
• Book activities like hiking or paragliding – sports like these are really popular here.
• For visiting Mount Rigi, you should plan in at least 6-8 hours.
• My Lucerne guide has some more information on getting up Mount Pilatus

TITLIS MOUNTAIN

Titlis is in Engelberg, a bit further but also very easy to visit from Lucerne. 

Mount Titlis is a very popular destination. It is one of the highest mountain peaks that you can easily visit (3,000+ meters). This is in particular interesting as there is always winter up there – even in the summer. This makes it more unique – especially if you like snow and visit in the summer months. There is no snow on the other two mountain peaks, Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, in summer.

TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT PILATUS

• The train ride to Engelsberg is without extra costs if you own a Swiss Travel Pass.
• The mountain excursion is not included in your Swiss Travel Pass but you will get a 50% discount.
• Like on Mount Pilatus, the activities on top are numerous, so it takes at least 6-8 hours.

Where to Stay in Lucerne

For this 3-day Switzerland itinerary, I suggest booking accommodation in/near Lucerne and do day trips.

• Luxury Hotels in Lucerne: Schweizerhof Luzern is a beautiful and fun 5* hotel located at Lake Lucerne’s shores and a few hundred meters from the old town and main tourist attractions (if you can, book a room with a lake view).
• Mid-Range Hotels in Lucerne: If you are on a budget, you can check out prices close to Lucerne, but on my last trip, I stayed at Hotel des Alps which came with amazing room views. It is located close to the Chapel Bridge. Check out prices here.
• Budget Hotels in Lucerne: This bed-and-breakfast offers single and double rooms (with an occupancy of 4 people maximum). Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at B&B.
• If you are still unsure where to stay in Lucerne, you can check out my full accommodation guide on the best places to stay in Lucerne here.

HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND – INTERLAKEN REGION

Here we come to another option to spend 3 days in Switzerland (probably one of my favorite itineraries for 3 days).

The region of Interlaken (or Bernese Overland, to be more precise) is one of the best places to visit in the WORLD. Interlaken is a small town. However, the name also encompasses the whole region of Interlaken and Jungfrau.

Getting there by train from Zurich takes about two hours (take the scenic Luzern – Interlaken Express train). You can find out what the fuss is about in three days, though you can easily spend weeks and weeks in the country.

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting two major 4000ers of the Bernese Alps: the Jungfrau and the Mönch. It lies at an elevation of 3,463 meters above sea level and is home to the highest train station in Europe. It is also one of the most popular day trips in Switzerland.

TIPS FOR VISITING JUNGFRAUJOCH 

• From Interlaken, the whole trip will take at least eight or nine hours, so plan enough time for a trip to Jungfraujoch.
• Getting to the “Top of Europe” is quite touristy, and it is not cheap. 
• There is a 25% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass. Click here to get the price if you have a Swiss Travel Pass – check out prices and tours here (without a Swiss Travel Pass).
• There is a lot to do and see at the top – it is not only about the amazing views.
• Altitude Sickness can be a problem, so drink enough water.
• Personal Opinion: I enjoyed my trip up to Jungfraujoch HOWEVER, with only 3 days in Switzerland, I do not think it is a must-see place. There are other places equally beautiful and less expensive. Since it is so extremely popular I still added it on this 3-day Switzerland itinerary.

Brienzer Rothorn + Giessbach Waterfalls + Lake Brienz + Interlaken

Though the Jungfraujoch is the most popular mountain excursion, I have to say my favorite mountain trip was another: Brienzer Rothorn has been a highlight for me. The views on Lake Brienz are the best you can have, and getting up in a steam loc is one of the most unique means of transport. 

Combine this mountain excursion with a Lake Brienz boat cruise and a short stop at Giessbach Waterfalls.

TIPS FOR BRIENZER ROTHORN + LAKE BRIENZ + GIESSBACH WATERFALLS

• Start your Lake Brienz boat in Interlaken Ost and relax until you get to the Giessbach Waterfalls.
• Get off the boat at Giessbach Waterfalls, and take a short, ten-minute hike to see the waterfalls up close. There is also a funicular that gets you up for a few CHF. Then another ten-minute hike will take you to the top. There is also the beautiful Grandhotel Giessbach with its terrace and incredible views. Unfortunately, it‘s closed in the winter months.
• After this short stop, take the next boat (they run normally every 1 to 2 hours) and continue your journey to Brienz station.
• There you either hike up or take the steam-loc to Brienzer Rothorn.
• The boat cruise is free with the Swiss Travel Pass. You can also buy tickets for Lake Brienz boat cruises.
• You can a 50% discount with a Swiss Travel Pass on the ride up Brienzer Rothorn.
• Check out my one-day Interlaken itinerary to find out more about this amazing trip (which also includes visiting the Giessbach Waterfalls and more).
• You can take a train back to Interlaken (which is much faster) or catch the boat back.
• Interlaken is a great place to dine – end the day with a stroll around Höhenmatte in Interlaken. Check out my Interlaken guide for more tips.

Lake Thun & St. Beatus Caves & Thun

If mountain peaks don’t tickle your fancy, here is an alternative day.

Getting up early and taking a boat tour on Lake Thun is a great start to a day full of sightseeing. You will have three main stops/attractions on this day. This includes the lake cruise, St. Beatus Caves, and the town of Thun. Lake Thun is a stunner – its watercolor might not be as impressive as Lake Brienz´s color but the scenery is probably more impressive. 

TIPS FOR LAKE THUN BOAT CRUISE & ST. BEATUS & THUN

• Start your boat cruise at boat station Interlaken West and get out at St. Beatus Caves.
• Spend some time in and around the caves. The St. Beatus Caves are quite impressive and are an especially cool place for the hot summer days as it cools you down and refreshes you. But to be honest, the most impressive view can be found just standing in front and looking at Lake Thun. If you find you can’t tear yourself away, you have the option to dine there as well.
• Continue to Thun. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland with stunning architecture, several castles, and plenty of options to dine. I definitely like Thun better than the town of Interlaken.
• Check out my travel guide for Thun.

Lauterbrunnen

For the third day – and this is especially great if you don’t have a full day – head to Lauterbrunnen.

Known best among adrenaline junkies, it is also one of the best places to visit for any nature lover – especially if you love chasing waterfalls or prefer some easier hikes that offer fantastic views.

TIPS FOR VISITING LAUTERBRUNNEN

• Visit the Staubbach Falls – it is a lot about waterfalls here in Interlaken. 
• Get a ticket and visit Trümmelbach Waterfalls. You will not regret it. TIP: If you visit after a rainy day, bring your rain jacket as the waterfalls tend to be even heavier, and you will get wet.
• Hike to Müren (or take the cable car) and then to you could get to Schilthorn (the famous James Bond mountain filming location)
• Do some more hikes around Lauterbrunnen.
• Enjoy the views of the Swiss Skyline. Looking – on a clear day – at the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau is mind-blowing.

OESCHINENSEE AND BLAUSEE

These two lakes are not situated in the region of Interlaken (or Jungfrau) but Kandersteg. However, they are close by and absolutely amazing! I personally would skip Jungrfaujoch (I know, it is so popular) and rather visit the lakes, especially Lake Oeschinen.

BLAUSEE

Blausee National Park is small but lovely. It has mostly become famous for its unique watercolor but honestly, there is not much more to do and see around the lake. If you have time – visit Lake Blausee. If you are short on time, skip it.

TIPS FOR VISITING BLAUSEE

• There is an entrance fee for the park – it depends on the season and arrival time.
• You will not need a lot of time here – plan in between 30 – 60 minutes to walk around the lake and do a quick boat tour.
• Check out my more detailed guide on visiting Lake Blausee.

OESCHINENSEE

Oeschinensee is a great place to add to your Switzerland 3-day itinerary. The weather tends to be bad in this area, but that should not stop you.

TIPS FOR VISITING OESCHINENSEE

• If you aren’t much into hiking, take a cable car up. From there, walk for 20 minutes or so, and you are at the lake (if even that sounds too tiring for you, you could take a shuttle bus for a couple of CHF to get dropped off at the foot of the lake).
• The best, most amazing view over Lake Oeschinen requires some hiking, though. This hike takes about 3-6 hours, and the views are BREATHTAKING. Take the cable car and then start the hike around the lake. If you skip the cable car and also hike the lake, it will probably take around 6-10 hours.
• Check out my full Lake Oeschinensee guide with all the info you will need for a trip to Lake Oeschinen.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE REGION OF INTERLAKEN

I suggest staying in Interlaken. From there, you can reach many places in the area quite easily as it is well connected with its 2 train stations and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz boat stations. 

• Luxury: The most luxurious hotel in Interlaken is Victoria Jungfrau, and since I have not started there myself, I can repeat what I heard: This hotel is supposed to be amazing, so if you are looking for a fancy place this is probably the best pick.
• Mid-Range: I recently stayed at Hotel du Nord and I actually was very positively surprised (the reviews were not great, but since all rooms were renovated lately, it is a great place to stay). Click here to get the best deals.
• Budget: If you are on a budget, I recommend staying outside of Interlaken, some cute towns close by that offer good value for money, or you book a bed in one of the numerous hostels in Interlaken like Balmers Backpackers Hostel.
• Here is my full accommodation guide for Interlaken.

Tip: Check out my post with more day trip ideas from Interlaken.

PERSONAL OPINION: If I had to name my favorite 3-day Switzerland itinerary, this Interlaken itinerary would probably bring the cake home.

Switzerland in 3 Days – Lake Geneva

This is another itinerary for 3 days in Switzerland – if you want to visit some of the country’s French-speaking parts, visit Montreux, Geneva, and Lake Geneva.

Getting to the region from Zurich is time-consuming (but amazing if you choose the scenic train rides), and the area is charming and well worth spending 3 days. My tip is to make Montreux your base and then do trips from there.

Geneva

I suggest spending the first day in Geneva to get a first impression of Lake Geneva.

Switzerland is full of beautiful lakes, but Lake Geneva still holds a special place in my heart and might also win you over in a short time (it is one of the biggest lakes in Europe, and yet the color is pretty amazing).

THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA

• Spend time at Lake Geneva and see the JET D’EAU
• Explore the old town of Geneva
• Visit the United Nations Headquarters
• Check out my Geneva itinerary for a day

Montreux

On the second day, explore the beautiful village of Montreux and spend a full day there. Although Montreux itself is quite small, it has the most beautiful promenade in all of Switzerland and is perfect for visiting at any time of the year.

THINGS TO DO IN MONTREUX

• Walk along this promenade (the prettiest in all of Switzerland).
• Visit Château de Chillon (free entry with the Swiss Travel Pass).
• See the Freddie Mercury Statue and learn about his life in Montreux.
• If you visit in the summer months, visit the vineyards in the Chexbres region afterward and go wine tasting.
• If you love to be in the water, you can also take the time to swim in Montreux.
• Check out my Montreux guide for more tips.

Lake Geneva Boat Cruise + Yvoire

For the third day, you can do a day trip to Yvoire (which is actually in France, on the other side of Lake Geneva, and can be reached via boat) or Vevey.

TIPS FOR A LAKE GENEVA BOAT CRUISE + YVOIRE

• Lake Geneva is enormous, so plan in enough time for the boat trips as it is quite time-consuming.
• You can cruise Lake Geneva without any extra costs if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
• Get out in Yvoire and explore the cute little village on the shores of Lake Geneva

3 Days Zermatt & Glacier Express

Another perfect way to spend 3 days in Switzerland could be by heading to Zermatt and spending a full day on a train (yes, voluntarily and yes, you will enjoy it).

Zermatt

This 3-day itinerary will take you to one of the most popular towns in the country: Zermatt. 

Zermatt is located in the canton of Valais and has become popular as a winter sports destination for the rich and “beautiful.” Still, it is also a perfect place to visit at any time of the year. Even if you are not rich or beautiful :).

TIPS VOR VISITING ZERMATT

• Getting to Zermatt from any other main city in Switzerland (Zurich or Geneva, e.g.) is time-consuming but worth it. It is a car-free village, so you have to leave your car in Taesch and then take a train to Zermatt.
• If you have a Swiss Travel Pass you can get to Zermatt without any extra cost
• On the way to Zermatt, you will already see the almighty Matterhorn mountain.
• Zermatt itself is quite small, so for the town center itself, you will not need much time to explore.
• But there are fantastic hiking trails (and in the winter, it offers amazing winter sports possibilities).
• Klein Matterhorn is a popular mountan excursion.
• Check out my Zermatt guide for more info on what to do and see.
• If you visit in the winter months, check out my Zermatt winter post.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is actually not an express train. It is indeed very slow. But why is it then one of the most famous (and best) train rides in the world?

The Glacier Express connects the two highly popular mountain destinations of St.Moritz and Zermatt. While I am not a fan of St. Moritz itself, the scenery in the area is just breathtaking. And getting there from Zermatt is an experience by itself (or the other way around).

TIPS FOR USING THE GLACIER EXPRESS

• You can use the Glacier Express with your Swiss Travel Pass – you have to pay for the seat reservation only.
• Tip: If you do not want to make a reservation (or travel with a dog as I did), you can use the Rhaetische Bahn, which is actually the same route. They do not require any reservation (but do not have panorama windows), and you can open most windows for great pictures.
• The train takes you across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, three cantons, and two language regions, so you can imagine what the window views will be like.
• The whole journey will take more than 8 hours (one way), so I do not necessarily recommend getting all the way to St. Moritz but do just a part of the trip. 

WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT

• Luxury hotels in Zermatt: Here are the best-rated luxury hotels in Zermatt: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof & Hotel Mont Cervin Palace
• Mid-range hotels in Zermatt: Here are some ideas for mid-range hotels that were well-rated in Zermatt: Hotel Testa Grigia & Sunstar Style Hotel.

3 Days in Switzerland – Ticino

Switzerland´s Italian-speaking part should not be forgotten here. Ticino is stunning!  Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland and quite remote – so I would not try to squeeze it in with a 3-day trip with Zurich or Geneva. Dedicate at least 3 days for Ticino.

Locarno and Ascona

Beautiful Locarno and Ascona are located at the shores of Lago Maggiore. This is where you get some Italian feeling in Switzerland.

TIPS FOR VISITING LOCARNO AND ASCONA

Both towns are loacted close to each other and you can explore them both in 2 days.

• Explore the colorful old towns and beautiful promenades.
• Do a Lago Maggiore boat cruise.
• Get a cable car or hike up Cardada Mountain.
• Check out my Locarno travel guide for more tips.

Valle Verzasca

Discover the beautiful valley of Valle Verzasca. It s located close to Locarno and so different to the rest of the country.

TIPS FOR VISITING VALLE VERZASCA

• Visit the “Ponte dei salti” in Lavertezzo.
• Take a dip (if you are brave enough, the water is supposed to be very cold).
• Go on some hikes in the area.
• Looking for something more adventurous? In Vogorno you will find the setting of the James Bond movie GoldenEye – you can do a bungee jump here if you are brave enough.

WHERE TO STAY IN LOCARNO

For this itinerary, I suggest staying in Locarno.

• Luxury Hotels in Locarno – I have stayed in a couple of very luxurious hotels, but this is probably my favorite – ever. Villa Orselina is a top luxurious small boutique hotel in Orselina, just a few minutes from Locarno – check out prices here)
• Mid-Range in Locarno – Hotel Garni Muralto (I did not stay here, but it is one of the best-rated hotels in that price range) – check out prices here.
• In case your budget is tighter, I recommend checking out Airbnb apartments (first-time users save money with my link).

For general money-saving tips for Switzerland, check out my post with the best tips.

CONCLUSION: A PERFECT 3 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

As you can see, you could spend weeks in the country, and it still would not be enough, but given that many of us only have a few days or 3 days in Switzerland in this case, these are some of the best itineraries that allows you to see some of the quite a lot in a short time.

Just choose any of the 3-day Switzerland itineraries and enjoy!

CREATE A PERFECT ONE WEEK IN SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Are you planning your 7 days in Switzerland and wondering how to spend an amazing one week in Switzerland? Then read on because you will find out where to go and see many travel tips for Switzerland for 7 days in Switzerland.

As a regular Switzerland visitor who often stays in the country for weeks and even months at a time, I have a million favorite places. There are so many cute little villages and towns, breathtaking sceneries (including the most beautiful lakes and mountains), and fun cities that I could easily stay there for years without getting bored.

This Switzerland itinerary will help you to discover the most beautiful places in 7 days. This itinerary is busy, but I want you to see as much as possible of this gorgeous place. 

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 7 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND

I have to say that creating this 7-day Switzerland itinerary was tough, but I am pretty sure that it turned out great (if I may say so myself). By using this carefully created 7-day itinerary, you can enjoy the best of Switzerland in one week. It contains a wonderful mix of mountains, waterfalls, lakes, cities, towns and more! 

If you stay less than seven days, you can read my 5-day itinerary (which, btw, is also super awesome).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it here.

In this 7-day Switzerland itinerary post, you will find out:

• How to get around Switzerland in 7 days
• Money tips for 7 days in Switzerland
• Best time to visit
• Where to stay in Switzerland for a week
• More travel tips for a week in Switzerland
• Places to visit and things to do in 7 days

How to Get to Switzerland

• BY PLANE: For this 7 days in Switzerland itinerary, I suggest starting and ending your trip in Zurich, Switzerland´s biggest city (though it isn’t the capital). Many people pick a different airport – which could be Geneva – but I do not really think Geneva is a must-see place if you have 7 days in Switzerland. So, you can do a loop (whether you drive or travel by train) and start and end in Zurich. From the international airport in Zurich, you can easily get to the city center in Zurich (there are direct train connections and it takes only about 15 minutes) or get a rental car at the airport.
• BY TRAIN: If you get to Switzerland, I suggest starting in Zurich. It has a good train station – and is quite well connected to other countries in Central Europe. From the train station, it is easy to get to the city center and many attractions mentioned here.

How to Get Around Switzerland in 7 days

Switzerland can be discovered by car or train – both options are fantastic choices. 

BY CAR: For the last six years, I have been road-tripping Switzerland and loving it. I came in my car and bought a toll sticker (around $45) to use all of the streets.

I usually stay for several weeks, and I think it is worth it. You could use only side streets to avoid buying such a sticker, but sometimes it will make distances even longer. So, if you bring your car, invest in a sticker and save time by using motorways. You can purchase toll stickers wherever you enter the country.

If you rent a car, a toll sticker is usually included in the rental price.

Driving in Switzerland is fun and safe. The streets are well paved, and usually, the traffic isn’t too bad – whether you use highways or country roads, they are not extremely busy. Of course, this doesn’t pertain to main city centers, which may be busier.

There are many gas stations along the way. Like everything else in Switzerland, gas is not a bargain, but Switzerland isn’t known for being a budget destination. Check out my Switzerland road trip post for more tips.

Parking in cities can be tricky and expensive, which brings me to another terrific means of transportation. Click here to get the best rates for renting a car.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: I love public transportation in Switzerland. It is super convenient, reliable, on time, clean, and safe… but expensive. I recommend this 8-day Swiss Travel Pass (only available to non-Swiss). It is perfect for getting around. You can use it for buses, trains, visiting certain museums, getting discounts on cable cars, etc.

And train travel in Switzerland is just fun – like really, really fun. Here, the journey is the reward. While train riding sounds like a punishment in Germany to me (at least sometimes), it is a treat for the eye in Switzerland.

Money / Currency in Switzerland

• Switzerland is not part of the European Union and does not have the euro (€). They use Swiss Francs.
• While euros are widely accepted, the exchange rate is terrible, so I recommend exchanging money at home or withdrawing cash from an ATM (if you don’t have to pay fees or withdraw money just once to avoid paying fees several times).
• Credit cards are widely accepted (especially Visa and Mastercard). Still, I recommend always having cash on you for the smaller things you need to pay for (especially in smaller towns and shops).
• As mentioned, the country is not known as a backpacker’s paradise, mainly because accommodations are costly. Also, food is not cheap (though the quality is often better than in other European countries). Ideally, you can save money by reducing your meat, alcohol, and cigarette consumption for those seven days – and find out more budget tips here.

Best Time to Visit Switzerland For 7 Days

Switzerland is great to visit at any time of the year. But here are my two cents on what time might be the best time to visit Switzerland for 7 days for you.

• For winter sports lovers, the best time is obviously in winter. Any time from December to early March is probably a good time to visit if you want to hit the slopes. If you are not into winter sports but love Christmas Markets, visit in the first three weeks of December. The Christmas Markets in Switzerland are top-notch. From December to February, the range is -2 to 7 °C (28° – 45° F).
• Summer in Switzerland can be amazing. I experienced some very rainy days (and weeks) in summer, but often, the weather tends to be nice. Days are long, and you can squeeze more activities into your activity. From July to August, the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° – 82° F) 
• If you want to avoid the tourist crowds and save some money on hotels, then from late April to June and from September to early October would be the best time to visit Switzerland. In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° – 59° F). 
• However, there can always be certain events and activities – also outside of the busy season – which makes a place more crowded, and hotel prices can thus increase.
• MY OPINION: I loved Switzerland in winter, but if I had only one more chance to re-visit Switzerland, I would choose late spring, summer, or early fall.

However, there is never a guarantee on the weather in Central Europe.

Pin Me For Later – Switzerland in 7 Days

If you liked this itinerary, pin this for later.

THINGS TO DO IN ONE WEEK IN SWITZERLAND

Hopefully, the above-mentioned travel tips will help you plan your itinerary. Now it is time to talk about the best places to visit in 7 days in Switzerland.

DAY 1 OF 7 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND

The first day of your 7-day trip could start in a not very well-known but charming little town in the northern part of Switzerland.

• Stein am Rhein + Rhine Falls

Stein am Rhein

So, here is probably the most beautiful town in Switzerland: Stein am Rhine. The picture doesn’t do any justice, but I felt it was the place with the most distinctive architecture after visiting many places.

This little town in the northern part of Switzerland is like a fairy tale come true. 

THINGS TO DO IN STEIN AM RHEIN

• Focus on the town center and admire the stunning buildings (maybe have lunch in one of the restaurants here)
• Visit the Rathausplatz – town hall square
• See the mediaval castle “Burg Hohenklingen”
• Stroll the lovely river outside the town center
• Find out more about Stein am Rhein here

After some time in the town, it is time for nature. So head to the impressive waterfalls.

Rhine Falls

The biggest waterfalls in Europe aren’t in Iceland. They are actually in Switzerland. Right next to the German border, to be precise. The astonishing waterfalls near the town of Schaffhausen know how to impress.  

THINGS TO DO AT RHINE FALLS

• Get to the platform and watch the falls from every close
• Take a boat ride
• Check out my guide on the Rhine Falls for more info
• Click here to find the best accommodation near the waterfalls
• The Rhine Falls are an especially great place to start if you come from Zurich (by train) or come by car from countries like Germany, France, or even Austria.

DAY 2 OF ONE WEEK IN SWITZERLAND

Time to talk about the second day in Switzerland!

•  Zurich

Zurich

Zurich is my favorite city in Switzerland. It just has more to see than other Swiss cities, and it is laid back (by Swiss standards) and easy-going. THINGS TO DO IN ZURICH 

• I recommend strolling the old town and Bahnhofstrasse (which is the most expensive street in the world). Though it does not look spectacular, this street beats New York’s 5th Avenue when renting prices (have I mentioned that Switzerland is expensive?). 
• Explore the beautiful old town with its many beautiful buildings (here are also great restaurants).
• Do a boat cruise on Lake Zurich.
•  I think that there is no better way to end a day in Zurich than at Lake Zurich. This is especially true on summer days when street musicians play music and people gather around the lake.
• If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can use public transportation in Zurich without any extra charge. You can also use boats (you might have to pay a surcharge of CHF 5 for Lake Zurich, though).

WHERE TO STAY IN ZURICH

• Baur au Lac is one of the best-rated luxury hotels close to the city center.
• Arlette am Hauptbahnhof is one of the best-rated mid-range hotels close to the city center.
• Warning, there are not many budget hotels in Zurich. This hostel in Zurich is located in the old town and offers good value for money. Here are my tips for the best places to stay in Zurich (for all budgets) and the best places to see in Zurich.

DAY 3 OF YOUR 7-DAY ITINERArY

Another day in Switzerland and several more gorgeous places to visit.

• Lucerne & Surroundings

Arrive early in the morning in Lucerne and store your luggage at the hotel before exploring this lovely city – and its astonishing scenery.

I recommend heading to one of the mountains first. Lucerne has two impressive mountains, which are easily accessible via cable cars/cogwheel trains.

Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi

Both of the mountains are amazing places to visit.

MOUNT PILATUS

Mount Pilatus takes about a full day to get up, explore, and discover. You could do it in 5-6 hours, but it would be a waste of money (getting up there is not cheap)  as there is a lot to do. The views from there are astonishing, so if you are willing to limit your time in Lucerne’s city center to 2 or 3 hours, it is the best day trip option.

Tip: With a Swiss Travel Pass, you have a 50% discount on the ride up (and can do a Lake Lucerne boat cruise for free).

MOUNT RIGI

Mount Rigi is a beautiful mountain that offers astonishing views over Lake Lucerne. Getting up Mount Rigi takes less time compared to Mount Pilatus and there is less to do. However, the views are one of a kind, and the views alone are absolutely worth the trip. 

TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT RIGI

• With the Swiss Travel Pass, the Mount Rigi excursion is included in 2021, so there are no extra cost for you.
• If you enjoy hiking (or want to save money because you do not have a Swiss Travel Pass), you can also hike one way. You could also just hike just some parts and take the funicular for the rest.
• There is a restaurant at the top of the mountain.

PERSONAL OPINION: I loved both mountain excursions and have done each twice actually (in winter and summer). Both are amazing. But with only 7 days in Switzerland, I actually suggest visiting Mount Rigi because it takes less time. Also, Mount Rigi is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and it will save you money.

Lucerne

The city center of Lucerne is cute, but I highly suggest spending some time in nature (Mount Rigi, e.g.).

So, a few hours (or half a day) in the city is a good amount of time if you have a week in Switzerland.  

THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE

• Visit Chapel Bridge
• Explore the Old Town
• See the Lion Monument
• Stroll Lake Lucerne Promenade
• Do a Lake Lucerne boat cruise (only if you don’t do one mountain excursion)
• Check out my Lucerne travel guide for more info 

WHERE TO STAY IN LUCERNE

• If you want to book a luxury hotel in Lucerne, I recommend this beautiful 5* hotel.
• I also stayed at Hotel des Alpes once. The room view was amazing (and included views of the Chapel Bridge and Mount Pilatus). Check out prices here.
• If you want to stay in a hotel, check out the bed-and-breakfast. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, and some have a private one. Click here to find the best rates for your stay at B&B.
• Here are more tips on the best places to stay in Lucerne.

DAY 4 AND 5 IN A WEEK IN SWITZERLAND

Now, it is time for 2 days in the stunning region of Bernese Oberland. Bad news: Even if you stay 2 days in the region, it is impossible to do all suggestions I have for you. As everyone’s taste is different, pick the ones that are the most appealing to you.

• Region of Interlaken

When I talk about Interlaken, I actually mean the Interlaken and Jungfrau region and not just the town of Interlaken. Either way, if you have ever read my Switzerland posts (and I have many posts on Switzerland), you know that this is probably my favorite area in Switzerland… or maybe even in the world! The scenery is beyond beautiful, and it takes my breath away every single time I visit. 

Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is probably the most popular day trip activity in Switzerland. The highest train station in Europe attracts tons of visitors each day. Jungfraujoch is great to visit at any time of the year. You will always find snow! The views are amazing (with an altitude of more than 3000 meters, this is no surprise).

THINGS TO DO AT JUNGFRAUJOCH

• Enjoy the views 
• Do winter sports like snow tubing, skiing, or play in the snow throughout the year.
• Prices for this exceptional day trip are admittedly high, but with your Swiss Travel Pass, you get a 25% discount. Find out more about a Jungfraujoch day trip with a Swiss Travel Pass.
• But of course, you can get up the Jungfraujoch even without a Swiss Travel Pass – more info here.
• Here is my more detailed post on the Jungfraujoch

If you start your journey early (around 8 am), you could do something in the evening, like explore the gorgeous town of Thun, for example.

PERSONAL OPINION: A trip to Jungfraujoch is a unique experience BUT, given its price and the duration, I would not say it is a must-see place in 7 days. There are many other options as good as Jungfraujoch (check out my post on great mountain views).

Thun

Surprisingly, I often overlooked this town or just passed it whenever I was in the region, but when I finally visited, I totally loved it. Thun is such a beautiful town (as a town prettier than Interlaken) with the lovely Aare River flowing through, it has a special charm.  It is also bigger than Interlaken with many beautiful cafes and restaurants.

THINGS TO DO IN THUN

• Spend time at Lake Thun
• Check out the cute streets of the old town
• Exploring the castles – Thun Castle, Schloss Schadau, and more
• With your Swiss Travel Pass, you get free access to all the castles. If you stay at an official accommodation in the region, you get a little discount.
• Check out my Thun travel guide for more information

PERSONAL OPINION: If you want to take it more slowly, you could enjoy a full day here. There is enough to do in and around Thun. If you would like to explore more of the Interlaken region, I guess half a day is enough.

St. Beatus Caves, Sigriswill Suspension Bridge, and Grabenmühle

Here are three of my favorite places in the region. You can do the next three/four activities in one day.

ST. BEATUS CAVES

First, head to gorgeous St. Beatus Caves. Even if you don’t buy a ticket to enter the caves, the trip will be worth it. You can get there easily from Interlaken/Thun by car or public transportation, and after a few minutes’ hike, you will have one of the best views – ever, ever, ever.

Though the restaurant’s view is not the highest vantage point, it is one of a kind.

TIPS FOR VISITING ST. BEATUS CAVES

• For this amazing view, a 10-minute uphill hike is required
• Depending on if you do a guided tour inside the caves or not – plan between 1.5 and 4 hours for this activity.
• Check out my detailed post for St. Beatus Caves.

SIGRISWIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE

From St. Beatus Caves, you can enjoy a lovely drive up (by bus or car) to Sigrswil Suspension Bridge and the hidden gem of Grabenmühle in Sigriswil. Sigriswil is something more unique for your 7-day Switzerland itinerary and a hidden gem. These places are still not as well known, and so I love the serenity and tranquility there. Sigriswil suspension bridge offers great views of Lake Thun and the Alps. I cannot even classify what Grabenmühle is. It somehow is a little garden with a cafe and animals. And great views. Whatever it is, it is so worth the visit.

TIPS FOR VISITING SIGRISWIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND GRABENMÜHLE

• For about 7€, you can pass the suspension bridge and enjoy this perfect view of Lake Thun.
• Afterward, the ticket from the bridge is your entry ticket for Grabenmühle. 
• Check out my guide on Grabenmühle and Sigriswil.
• As always, it depends on how long you will spend at each place, but considering driving time, I estimate that all activities (including St. Beatus Caves) will take about 5-9 hours.
• So, for the evening, you could head to one of the cute towns, Thun or Interlaken, to end your day.
• If I had to pick one of my favorite places to stay – it would be around Lake Thun. It is not very budget-friendly. But worth the money. Especially the sunset around Lake Thun is spectacular. Click here to find the best accommodation around Lake Thun.
• Here are more tips on things to do around Lake Thun.

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is located in the Alps and is one of the most popular places for extreme outdoor sports lovers – extreme sports like base jumping, etc., are extremely popular here. Though I do not want to promote these kinds of sports (deaths reported regularly in Lauterbrunnen), Lauterbrunnen is a drop-dead gorgeous place you can add to your 7-day itinerary for Switzerland. Even if you are not into crazy outdoor sports.

Lauterbrunnen is also known for being surrounded by thundering waterfalls – 72, to be precise.

THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

• Visit the Staubbach Falls 
• Get a ticket and visit Trümmelbach Waterfalls. You will not regret it. TIP: If you visit after a rainy day, bring your rain jacket as the waterfalls tend to be even heavier, and you will get wet.
• Hike to Müren (or take the cable car) and then to you could get to Schilthorn (the famous James Bond mountain)
• Do some more hikes around Lauterbrunnen

Brienzer Rothorn

One of my travel highlights was my ride up Brienzer Rothorn. I will never forget the day that I took the one-hour ride up in an old stream loc. The ride was the most impressive I have ever had – the scenery was the most diverse and impressive. 

TIPS FOR GETTING UP BRIENZER ROTHORN

• The best way to arrive at Brienzer Rothorn station is via boat (which means you will take a cruise on Lake Brienz, my favorite lake in the world).
• Check out my Interlaken one-day itinerary for more on Brienzer Rothorn.
• Boat tours on Lake Brienz are included in the Swiss Travel Pass, and there is a discount for the ride to Brienzer Rothorn with a Swiss Travel Pass.

Oeschinensee and Blausee

These two lakes are not situated in the region of Interlaken (or Jungfrau) but Kandersteg. However, they are close by and absolutely amazing! You could visit both in one day, either by car or public transportation.

BLAUSEE

Blausee National Park is small but lovely. It has mostly become famous for its unique watercolor.

TIPS FOR VISITING BLAUSEE

• There is an entrance fee for the park – it depends on the season and arrival time.
• You will not need a lot of time here – plan in between 30 – 60 minutes to walk around the lake and do a quick boat tour.
• Check out my more detailed guide on visiting Lake Blausee.

PERSONAL OPINION: Blausee is hyped – it is lovely, but I do not consider it a must-see on a 1-week Switzerland itinerary. Also, it bothers me to pay an entrance fee – in a country with so many stunning lakes, you can see many lakes for free.

OESCHINENSEE

Oeschinensee is a great place to add to your Switzerland 7-day itinerary. The weather tends to be bad in this area, but that should not stop you.

There are different ways to see the Oeschinensee. 

TIPS FOR VISITING OESCHINENSEE

• If you aren’t much into hiking, take a cable car up. From there, walk for 20 minutes or so, and you are at the lake (if even that sounds too tiring for you, you could take a shuttle bus for a couple of CHF to get dropped off at the foot of the lake).
• The best, most amazing view over Lake Oeschinen requires some hiking, though. It takes about 3-5 hours, and the views are BREATHTAKING.
• This trip takes something around 3-8 hours.
• Check out my full Lake Oeschinensee guide with all the info you will need for a trip to Lake Oeschinen.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE REGION OF INTERLAKEN

I suggest staying in Interlaken. From there, you can reach many places in the area quite easily as it is well connected with its 2 train stations and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz boat station. Also, you can spend an evening in Interlaken without making it an extra point on your 7-day itinerary.

• For your stay in Interlaken, I recommend this hotel which is centrally located and is quite nice. Check out rates for Hotel du Nord here.
• The most luxurious hotel in Interlaken is Victoria Jungfrau. Since I have not started there myself, I can repeat what I heard: This hotel is supposed to be amazing, so if you are looking for a fancy place, this is probably the best pick.
• 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. Check out prices here.

DAY 6 AND 7 – LAST DAYS OF YOUR 7-DAY TRIP

Here is an idea on how to spend the last two days in the country.

• Zermatt

Zermatt

Zermatt is a very well-known winter destination and popular for winter sports lovers, but it is actually lovely to visit year-round, and so you have to add it to your 7 days on Switzerland trip. While the town is small and the fast travelers could probably explore it in one day (without doing any winter sports activities), it is a bit trickier to get there and time-consuming, so you should plan in about 1,5 or two days.

Most of the time, you will have views of the stunning Matterhorn. This mountain, with its unique shape, is probably one of the most iconic mountains in the world. I

THINGS TO DO IN ZERMATT

• Explore the small old town of Zermatt
• Stroll along the Vispa River
• Go luxury watch shopping (Zermatt is known as a paradise for luxury watches)
•  Visit Klein Matterhorn and enjoy the best views from there. But be aware that going up almost 4000 meters above sea level can cause headaches for those who aren’t used to the altitude.
• Here is my Zermatt guide for the winter. 
• You’ll find more information on my Zermatt guide.

WHERE TO STAY IN ZERMATT

• Luxury hotels in Zermatt: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof & Hotel Mont Cervin Palace – these places define luxury. If you are looking for 5-star hotels, these might be perfect for you.
• Mid-range hotels in Zermatt : Hotel Testa Grigia & Sunstar Style Hotel. I stayed at the latter one – Sunstar Style Hotel. The prices were very reasonable (summer prices are normally better than the prices in winter), and the location was great. I even had a great room view of Matterhorn – if you get the chance, I definitely recommend booking a hotel room with a view of Matterhorn as it is with some extra $.
• Click here to find my accommodation guide for Zermatt.

DEPARTURE

From Zermatt, it is time to head to the airport of your departure.

Switzerland has an amazing public transportation system, and I have never had any issues with trains running late. HOWEVER, I highly suggest leaving early. You never know. There might be a day where trains run late – even in Switzerland. 

CONCLUSION: HOW TO CREATE AN EPIC 7-DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

Looking at this 7-day Switzerland itinerary, all stops are in the German-speaking areas of Switzerland. There are numerous gorgeous places in the French- and Italian-speaking parts (like Montreux and Valle Verzasca). It might get hectic trying to visit all of the areas in Switzerland in a week.

Though the country is geographically small, there are so many places worth visiting that it is hard to see everything. However, 7 days in Switzerland should be a minimum, and it will allow you to see quite some places – ideally, you will have 10 days in Switzerland.

Stay safe!