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