Switzerland Itinerary: 8 Days of Scenic Trains, Lakes, and Alpine Adventures
When I first started planning my Switzerland trip, I felt a little overwhelmed with so many mountains, lakes, and charming towns to choose from! With only 8 days, I wanted to balance cities, nature, and adventure without feeling rushed. This itinerary took me through Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt, Bern, and Zurich, and it honestly felt like living inside a postcard.
If you’re planning your own trip, this guide gives you a clear route, train connections, and must-see highlights. Along the way, I’ve linked to my detailed destination guides with photos, food tips, and time-specific itineraries.
Day 1-2 – Lucerne
Day 3 – Lauterbrunnen
Day 4-5 – Interlaken
Day 6 – Zermatt
Day 8 – Bern
Day 9 – Lake Como
How to Spend 2 Days in Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Lake Cruise, and Swiss Alps Scenery
👉 Read more: 2 Days in Lucerne: Medieval Bridges, Lake Cruises, and Mountain Views
Lucerne makes the perfect first stop, it’s compact, easy to explore on foot, and blends lake views with historic charm. On your first afternoon, stroll across Chapel Bridge, peek into the Jesuit Church, and wander through Old Town squares decorated with painted façades. The lake promenade at sunset is unforgettable.
On day two, you can mix culture and scenery: spend the morning at the Swiss Museum of Transport, then visit the Lion Monument and walk along the Musegg Wall for medieval towers and city views. Cap it off with a Lake Lucerne boat cruise, the water framed by snowy peaks sets the tone for the trip ahead.
Day 3 – Exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley: Waterfalls, Villages, and Alpine Charm
👉 Full article: Exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley: Waterfalls, Villages, and Alpine Charm
The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s most scenic, from lakes, mountains, and forests unfolding outside your window. By afternoon, you’ll find yourself in Lauterbrunnen Valley, often described as Tolkien’s inspiration for Rivendell.
This narrow valley is famous for its 72 waterfalls, with Staubbach Falls tumbling right into the village and Trümmelbach Falls roaring inside the mountain itself. A cable car or train ride up to Mürren or Wengen gives you sweeping views and a slower alpine village pace. Dinner here feels like dining inside a postcard.
Overnight in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen.
Day 4-6: Interlaken Adventures – Top of Europe
👉 See more: Adventure in Interlaken: Paragliding, Lakeside Walks, and Jungfraujoch
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, making it the adventure hub of Switzerland. I spent one morning paragliding over the turquoise lakes with snowy peaks in the distance, one of the most exhilarating experiences of my trip. In the afternoon, ride the Harder Kulm funicular for sunset views or stroll by the lakeside with ice cream in hand.
Day 5: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
The next day is reserved for a bucket-list trip: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. The cogwheel train takes you through Grindelwald and up into the high Alps, ending at 3,454 meters. At the top, you’ll find the Sphinx Observatory, the surreal Ice Palace, and the chance to walk on snow even in summer. Go early to beat the crowds, and don’t forget to book tickets ahead.
Day 7: Zermatt & the Matterhorn – An Alpine Escape
👉 Read more: Zermatt and the Matterhorn: The Perfect 2-Day Alpine Getaway
From Interlaken, it’s about 3 hours by train to Zermatt, a car-free alpine village sitting in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Spend your first afternoon wandering the Hinterdorf quarter with its old wooden chalets, browsing mountain shops, and sipping coffee with Matterhorn views.
The highlight comes the next morning: the Gornergrat Railway, a rack railway that climbs to panoramic viewpoints where the Matterhorn dominates the skyline. Unlike other alpine towns, Zermatt feels intimate, cozy restaurants, firelit bars, and a slower rhythm perfect after the action in Interlaken.
(With a short stay, I skipped longer hikes and Glacier Paradise, but those are options if you have more time.)
Day 8: Bern – Medieval Charm and River Views
👉 (Read more: One Day in Bern: Clock Towers, Cathedrals, and River Views)
On day eight, I swapped mountain trails for Switzerland’s capital, Bern. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lined with arcades, sandstone buildings, and lively fountains.
Key highlights include the Zytglogge Clock Tower, where centuries-old mechanics still chime on the hour, the Münster Cathedral with its sweeping city views, and the Federal Palace where Swiss politics happens. For a lighter moment, stroll by the Bear Park or walk along the turquoise River Aare. Bern combines history with a relaxed, lived-in feel, a perfect transition before Zurich.
Day 9: Zurich (Half-Day) → Lake Como
👉 Read more: Half a Day in Zurich: Old Town Walks, Lakefront Views, and Swiss Eats
On the final morning, take the quick train from Bern to Zurich. With just a half-day, focus on the essentials: walking down Bahnhofstrasse, exploring Old Town (Niederdorf and Lindenhof), and soaking in the views along Lake Zurich’s promenade.
Zurich also makes a great stop for a cultural fix, the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum or the Swiss National Museum are both close to the station.
After lunch in Old Town, hop on the afternoon train to Lake Como, Italy (about 3.5 hours), the perfect add-on to your Swiss journey.
Switzerland Travel Tips
Traveling through Switzerland is smooth, scenic, and unforgettable but it helps to know a few insider tips before you go. To keep things practical, I’ve broken down my advice into separate guides:
- 👉 Swiss Travel Pass vs. Point-to-Point Tickets: Which Should You Choose?
- 👉 Packing for 8 Days in Switzerland: Essentials for Lakes, Mountains, and Cities
- 👉 Where to Eat in Switzerland: Lakeside Cafés, Alpine Chalets, and Old Town Dining
- 👉 Budgeting Switzerland: How Much Does 8 Days Really Cost?
Final Thoughts: My 8 Days in Switzerland
This 8-day itinerary gave me the best of Switzerland in one trip: historic lakeside towns, alpine adventures, and a taste of Swiss city life. My personal highlights were paragliding in Interlaken, riding the Gornergrat Railway, and wandering Bern’s Old Town.
Switzerland may be expensive, but every moment felt worth it. If you’re planning your first visit, this route strikes the perfect balance between adventure, culture, and relaxation and leaves just enough reason to come back for more.
