Switzerland 7-Day Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit in a Week or Less

Taking a trip to Switzerland is a fun and exhilarating endeavor, and you want to be absolutely sure you can make the most of it as much as possible.

The best way of doing this is to make sure you plan this out in advance so that you can get the maximum out of your Swiss adventure.

There are a lot of things you can do to make the most of this journey, and planning the ultimate Swiss itinerary is so important.

There are a lot of things you can do that is going to allow you to have the best possible journey through Switzerland.

You can see the map of your 7-day itinerary around the best places in Switzerland below. Here is the link to the map, so you can edit it.

It is important to get the perfect balance between the brilliance of the big cities, and the mesmerizing beauty of the Swiss Alps in all their glory.

There are a lot of things that you are going to need to make sure you get right here, and this is our seven-day Switzerland itinerary to help you have the ultimate travel experience. 

If you’re traveling around Switzerland by motorcycle, check this packing list not to forget anything.

Day 1 – Head to the Geneva

Geneva is one of the most fascinating cities in Switzerland, and that’s no lie. The first thing to note is that it is very easy to navigate the city on foot, and this is certainly something you should consider if you are looking to get a feel for the place in the best possible way.

The Old Town is an absolute delight, and dates back to the times of the Roman Empire; well worth a visit. The World Health Organization and the United Nations are based here.

Check out the Flower Clock, the Reformation Wall, and head for Pont du Mont Bridge for scenic strolls and sightseeing opportunities. 

Day 2 – Explore Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and easily the most underrated capital city in Europe. Day 2 can be spent taking in the sights and sounds of this elegant and wonderful city. Its ancient wonder is charming and alluring, and much of the city remains largely unchanged since it was founded in 1191.

This part of the country is German-speaking, in contrast to other parts, where the language is predominantly French.

The Old Town is a must-visit for its amazing architecture. It rightly earns its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Day 3 – Lose Yourself in Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city might be known by most people as a haven for banking and wealth, but there is so much more to Zurich than meets the eye, and this makes it the ideal choice for exploring on the third day of your Swiss itinerary.

If you want a great list of awesome things to do in Zurich you’ve come to the right place. Check out the enormous cathedral, attend the world-famous Züri Fäscht festival, if it’s on, and socialize at a badi bar.

Zurich has so much to offer both the cultured traveler, and the novice, and this makes it the perfect city to visit.  

Learn more about visiting Zurich on a budget

Day 4 – Discover Lucerne

After your day in Zurich, you should head to the station and grab a ticket for the 45-minute train ride to Lucerne, a picture-perfect Swiss town in the center of the country.

This is the Switzerland you’ve pictured – winding rivers snaking away in the horizon, shimmering buildings, waterfront cafés, and a stunning bridge.

Strolling the banks of the Reuss River, and enjoying the charming and tranquil calm of the place is exactly what you need as a stop-gap in the middle of your trip. 

Day 5 – Have an Adventure in Lauterbrunnen

Carrying on your journey through Switzerland, it’s time to take the hour trip from Lucerne to visit the stunning village of Lauterbrunnen.

You could spend longer than a day here (trust us), but for Day 5 we would suggest exploration on foot, which will allow you to enjoy the gorgeous mountains and waterfalls that can be found here.

In particular, the cable car ride of Jungfrau is a highlight, and you should try to do this where possible (but avoid if it’s not a clear day).

You can have an active day here, and this could involve renting a bicycle and exploring on two wheels, or you might like to try your hand at something like paragliding.

This is a picturesque Swiss village like something out of a storybook, and you need to make the most of it right now. 

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Day 6 – Enjoy Grindelwald

You might be more familiar with the Grindelwald name from the Harry Potter-verse, but we bet you didn’t know it is the name of a town in Switzerland.

And not just any town. This is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring towns in the whole country, nestled in the heart of the stunning Swiss Alps.

Grindelwald has plenty of mountain peaks and incredible lakes for you to experience. Whether it be wandering through this amazing scenery, or photographing some of the breathtaking views, there is a lot to consider here.

The great thing about Grindelwald is that it is a small enough village that you can comfortably explore it easily in less than a day, before heading back to Lauterbrunnen.

Day 7 – Marvel at Zermatt

On the last day of your travel adventure, you should depart Lauterbrunnen and head for the skiing town of Zermatt. This is the home of the Matterhorn Mountain, the one you find on the packaging of Toblerone chocolate bars.

And one of the best things about this is the fact that Zermatt is a car-free town. Wander around, soak it all in, and sample some of the delightful cheese fondues that is a big favorite here!

This is the ultimate 7-day itinerary that you can use to help you enjoy Switzerland a little more and make the best of your journey.

These are definitely some of the most amazing destinations the country has to offer, and we feel like they give you plenty of diversity when it comes to exploring the different sides of Switzerland.

You need to make sure you get this right moving forward, and that you think about the different places you should visit on your travels right now. 

Check my trip planning page to find more useful resources to plan your trip!