Planning your 7 days in Switzerland can feel overwhelming—there are so many lakes, mountains, and scenic train rides. This one-week Switzerland itinerary is designed for first-time visitors in 2025, covering the country’s most famous highlights step by step.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich + Rhine Falls

• Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest international hub.
• Take a short train ride (1 hour) to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.
• Return to Zurich and explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.

👉 Book hotels in Zurich click here

👉 Join a half-day tour to Rhine Falls see tours here

Day 2: Zurich → Lucerne

• Travel by train to Lucerne (1 hour).
• Walk across the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and visit the Lion Monument.
• Afternoon cruise on Lake Lucerne.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the medieval Old Town.

👉 Find hotels in Lucerne with lake views check here

🗓 Day 3: Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi (Day Trip)

• Take the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus: boat → cogwheel train → cable car → bus.
• Or choose Mount Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains,” with panoramic views of lakes.
• Return to Lucerne for the night.

👉 Reserve your Mount Pilatus ticket click here

Day 4: Lucerne → Interlaken (Gateway to Jungfrau Region)

• Morning train from Lucerne to Interlaken (2 hours).
• Check in and explore Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
• Optional activity: Harder Kulm viewpoint for sunset.

👉 See best hotels in Interlaken click here

Day 5: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

• Full-day trip from Interlaken or Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch (3,454 m).
• Experience the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, and views of the Aletsch Glacier.
• Return to Interlaken in the evening.

👉 Book Jungfraujoch tickets with priority access click here

Day 6: Interlaken → Zermatt & The Matterhorn

• Train to Zermatt (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon walk through the car-free village.
• Evening: Enjoy the Matterhorn view at sunset from the church bridge.

👉 Check Zermatt hotels click here

🗓 Day 7: Gornergrat Railway + Departure

• Morning: Ride the Gornergrat Railway for the most iconic view of the Matterhorn.
• Optional: Hike to Riffelsee Lake for reflection photography.
• Afternoon: Return to Zurich/Geneva for your flight.

👉 Reserve Gornergrat tickets check here

Switzerland Travel Tips for a 7-Day Trip

• Swiss Travel Pass: Highly recommended for unlimited train, bus, and boat rides. Perfect for this itinerary.
• Best time to visit:
  • Summer (May–September): Hiking, lakes, and long daylight hours.
  • Winter (December–March): Skiing, snowboarding, winter magic.
• Budget Tip: Book hotels and train tickets early—Switzerland is popular and prices rise quickly.

👉 Get your Swiss Travel Pass now click here

=> Suggested Blog: Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations in Switzerland for 2025