places to visit in switzerland by train

The Ultimate Train Itinerary for Switzerland

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Are you planning a trip to Switzerland? Then check out my amazing Switzerland train itinerary packed full of advice & the best routes to take!

It’s very easy to wax lyrical about a place, but I really do think Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

It just ticks all the boxes for me. The mountains are grand, majestic and powerful; there are emerald and sapphire lakes dotted all around the country; and the little towns and villages with cobblestone streets and ancient cathedrals are as picturesque as they come. It’s one of those rare countries where just being there is an activity in itself. And when the seasons change it becomes a winter wonderland with some of the world’s best skiing.

I’ve recently spent 5 days in Switzerland travelling around the country by train, bus and boat, and I now love the place that little bit more. I even said the classic line: “I could easily up sticks and move here…”

In this blog post I’m going to share my ultimate train itinerary for Switzerland. This is for all you guys who are planning a trip here and want to see the very best of the country.

From starting off in the stunning city of Zurich to seeing the beautiful mountain town of Zermatt, this itinerary is perfect for those of you who like to take things slow and enjoy your surroundings.

I’ll also give you lots of practical tips like how to use your Swiss Travel Pass , what the trains are like, and some of the tops things to do in each place you visit.

I really hope you guys find this Switzerland train itinerary useful for planning your trip here. And as ever, if you have any questions at all you can ask me in the comments below!

Why visit Switzerland by train, but and boat?

Beauty – You know the cliché “it’s the journey, not the destination…” Well, this rings true for most of the trains in Switzerland. You don’t need to travel far out of the main transport hubs before the views zooming past your window start to get spectacular.

Convenience – When it comes to infrastructure, Switzerland is a leading light in Europe. Everything works meticulously. If a train is one minute late, it is very late. There are rail connections between all major cities and towns. Also, everything is set up so connections between trains, buses and boats are organised so that you don’t lose any time between transfers. Basically, the Swiss Travel System makes it simple and easy travelling throughout the country.

Comfort – Swiss trains are renowned for being super comfortable and clean. Some carriages even have round tables and sofa-like seating making journeys with friends and family very sociable. They also have big panoramic windows, food buffet cars, seat service, and charging points too.

Budget – There’s no getting around the fact that Switzerland is an expensive country. However, the Swiss Travel Pass is an amazing way of travelling around and keeping costs down. It’s actually remarkable value for money.

Sustainability – One of the buzz words in Switzerland at the moment is Swisstainability . They are very proud of being one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and their rail network is a big part of that. Obviously travelling by train in Switzerland is a lot more environmentally friendly compared to other forms of transport.

Scenic travel trains – So there are normal trains that take you from A to B, and then there are scenic travel trains that take you from A to B but via the most beautiful route. These are the trains where you just kick back and watch the world go by.

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is your all-in-one ticket for travelling Switzerland. It’s a bit like your old fashioned InterRail/Eurail ticket. This is where you buy a multi-day ticket, and then you can travel as much as you want within that timeframe. And it really is unlimited travel.

The best thing about the Swiss Travel Pass is it’s not just trains, but also for boats, busses and metros. You even get discounted prices off other modes of transport like mountain gondolas too, so it covers pretty much all transportation in Switzerland.

To highlight that, one day I caught the metro down to the port in Lausanne, then jumped on a boat to Montreux, then caught the train to Zermatt – all on the same ticket. Simples.

Another benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass is you get free entry into over 500 museums and attractions in the country saving you even more money on your holiday.

One of the things I really liked about the Swiss Travel Pass is it was just one ticket I had on my phone. I didn’t need to queue up multiple times to buy tickets, I could just jump on the train I needed without any trouble. It made things that little bit easier when travelling around the country and save A LOT of time.

How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost?

For the Swiss Travel Pass, you can buy a 3,4,6,8 or 15-day ticket. This can either be consecutive or non-consecutive days depending on which pass you buy.

For my Switzerland by train itinerary, I had a 4-day non-consecutive ticket. You could probably do it in 4 consecutive days, but I think it’s well worth spending the day in somewhere like Zermatt (one of my favourite places in Switzerland). I explain all about this below.

With the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, young people up to their 25th birthday travelling through Switzerland benefit from a 30% discount off the regular Swiss Travel Pass ticket fare.

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railway with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

I’ve actually written a huge guide on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass . In this guide I go through the different ticket options, what additional perks of buying a Swiss Travel Pass are, and I go through loads of common questions too. So, if you have anything that’s confusing you about the Swiss Travel Pass, make sure you read my guide

Train itinerary for Switzerland

For this itinerary, I’ve highlighted some of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.

Some of these trains, like the Lausanne to Zermatt leg, then the scenic train from Zermatt to Chur, are absolutely stunning. As I said, travelling here is an activity in itself, so this itinerary really emphasises that.

I mention it later on in this post, but you could do this itinerary in 4 days and skip the day in Zermatt, but I think it’s well worth spending the day there. It all depends on how much time you have though!

Day 1 – Zurich to Mount Rigi to Lucerne

Welcome to Zurich ! This place is so much more than just the financial capital of Switzerland. It is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Firstly, the city is stunningly beautiful. The picturesque Old Town (Altstadt) with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming squares is like stepping back in time. You can wander through narrow alleys, explore historic churches, and discover hidden gems at every turn.

Now, add a touch of modernity. Zurich is a global financial hub and a city of innovation. The contrast between the medieval and contemporary is fascinating. The sleek and shiny financial district stands in juxtaposition to the historic landmarks.

As you guys will know, I am a sucker for a viewpoint. Well, one of the best viewpoints in the city can be found on the university terrace.

Getting here is easy – all you need to do is hop on the UBS Polybahn funicular (which is free with your Swiss Travel Pass) and it’s a short 5-minute ride to the top.

From here, you can see a number of church spires with the mountains in the background. It really is such a stunning view and very close to the Old Town.

Also, if you love your architecture, it’s worth popping into the main university building itself and seeing the atrium. There are so many clean lines here.

If you’re looking for a good museum to explore then I’d recommend Kunsthaus . The museum has an extensive and impressive collection of artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.

You can find masterpieces by renowned artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and many more. If you’re an art lover then this place really is a must.

How long you spend in Zurich is completely up to you. You could easily spend the whole day here and head straight to Lucerne (skipping Mount Rigi along the way), or you could explore some of what the city has to offer in a couple of hours.

For me, I spent the morning in Zurich and then hopped on the train to Mount Rigi. You’ll see why below!

Getting to Mount Rigi

It might seem a bit out the way adding in a stop to Mount Rigi, but I promise you it’s well worth it. Just wait until you see the views at the top of the mountain!

Mount Rigi is known as “Queen of the Mountains”, and even among the Swiss it is considered beautiful.  

Getting here is very easy. From Zurich, you need to catch the EC/IC2 train to Arth-Goldau . The train is only 45 minutes but it quickly gives you a taste of what it’s like travelling around Switzerland.

Once you get to Arth-Goldau, you can walk over to the Rigi Bahnen – this is the oldest mountain railway in the world.

Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. The journey is super scenic, and as you ascend, you’ll be treated to increasingly spectacular views.

The summit of Mount Rigi offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. It’s a picture-perfect spot that captures the essence of Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.

The journey to the top takes around 40 minutes , but I’d recommend getting off the cogwheel train at Rigi Staffel . This is the stop below the final stop (Rigi Kulm).

From here, you can take a leisurely 30-minute hike to the viewpoint itself. It’s quite a steep hike, but it makes the views at the top all the more worthwhile.

Mount Rigi really is one of the top things to do in Switzerland, so I think it’s well worth adding it to your Switzerland train itinerary.

Getting to Lucerne

Once you’ve finished at the top of Mount Rigi, you can catch the train down the other side of the mountain down to Vitznau . This train takes 40 minutes .

Once you hop off the train, just walk 50 metres in front of the station and you’ll find a boat waiting for you. This is the boat to Lucerne which takes 1 hour .

It’s journeys like this which highlight how good the Swiss Travel System is. All the boats leave 10 minutes after the trains down from Rigi arrive, so you’re never rushing to transfer from one to the other.

The boat ride itself is soooooo relaxing. I’d recommend grabbing glass of wine and just watching the world go by. This is what travelling in Switzerland is all about after all!

Day 2 – Lucerne to Fribourg to Lausanne

The journey from Lucerne to Lausanne takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes , so it’s not a long journey.

Obviously you can head straight to Lausanne, but I’d recommend breaking up the journey and having lunch in the old medieval town of Fribourg along the way. This is a lovely little place to visit and it’s the birthplace of the cheese fondue. It really is the perfect reason to visit!

Lucerne is the type of place I could easily imagine myself living. It has such a good vibe when walking around. 

To make the most of your time here, I’d recommend getting up early and going for a stroll around Lake Lucerne . From here, you’ll get the best views of “Dragon of the Mountains” (the giant mountain overlooking the city). There is a really nice path that takes you around the lake and only takes about 20 minutes walking towards the train station.

Another site well worth seeing along the way is Chapel Bridge . This is an ornate wooden bridge that dates back to 1365 (it has been subsequentially rebuilt since then!) It is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world though, and it is one of the top things to do in Lucerne.

Getting to Fribourg

The IR15 train from Lucerne to Fribourg takes 1 hour and 25 minutes .

Fribourg is a very small city, so you can easily walk around here. A lot of people would skip places like Fribourg for their train itinerary for Switzerland, but they are so Swiss I think it’s important to add them in.

A couple of places I’d recommend visiting are Chapelle de Lorette – from here you’ll get the best view of the city. Another place that is a must is Middle Bridge – this is right over the River Sarine and again, the views are stunning.

Another place I’d recommend is St Nicolas Cathedral . This cathedral dates back to 1490 and it looms over the close packed buildings in the city. You can actually climb the 365 steps (one for every day of the year) to the top of the tower for another viewpoint.

As I’ve already mentioned, Fribourg is the official home of the cheese fondue. I LOVE cheese (I have a proper addiction), so I was very excited to visit Fribourg just for this reason alone.

The local fondue is made from Gruyere and Vacherin giving it a slightly tangier taste. The two places to go for your fondue at Café du Midi (which is where I went), and Café du Gothard .

Don’t you dare worry about the calories – just enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Getting to Lausanne

From Fribourg, the IR15/IC1 train takes 50 minutes , so this is a very quick and easy train. This whole train journey is gorgeous, but it goes up another level once you get views of Lake Geneva.

Day 3 – Lausanne to Zermatt

The journey from Lausanne to Zermatt takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes going direct. This journey involves catching the train to Visp, then catching another train to Tasch, before catching a final mountain train to Zermatt.

However, I am going to take you a very different route which involves a boat from Lausanne. Personally, this was one of my favourite activities I did in Switzerland, so I can’t recommend it enough.

No matter which route you take, you have to change at Visp and Tasch anyway, but it’s literally just getting off one train and getting on another.

Lausanne is a wonderful place to spend a few hours wandering around the cobblestone streets. Almost on every other corner is an independent chocolatier or a fromagerie selling Swiss cheese.

One of the top things to do in Lausanne is visit Lausanne Cathedral . This is a beautiful church at the top of a hill overlooking the city. The main hall has these ornate high-vaulted ceilings – it actually reminded me a lot of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Montreal .

If you want some of the best views of Lausanne then head to the top of the cathedral. Here you get 360-degree views of the city with Lake Geneva and the mountains in the background.

Another place that’s well worth visiting is the Olympic Museum . Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Olympic Games, brought the International Olympic Committee to Lausanne in 1915, and it’s still here today.

This is a very interactive museum which highlights the triumphs of the Olympic Games and its storied history. The café-restaurant also offers fantastic views of the lake.

Getting to Montreux

Okay, so now I’m going to take you on a different part of the Swiss Travel System.

Opposite the metro stop Lausanne-Ouchy you’ll find the boat terminal for Lausanne. From here you can catch a boat from Lausanne to Montreux which takes 1 hour and 20 mins .

This boat leaves at 11:00 in the morning during summer, and then there is a later boat too. Make sure you check the timings on the SBB website though to be sure.

The best thing about this boat trip is it’s included in your Swiss Travel Pass so you can just stroll onto the boat. And what a boat it is!

It’s an old-fashioned steam paddleboat like harks back to the days of the Titanic. You can even see the open engine and waterwheels chugging along.

Honestly, I can’t tell you how beautiful this journey is along Lake Geneva. Just seeing tiny towns and the mountains roll by is something else. Also, there are a number of deck chairs on the boat – just perfect for watching the world go by!

Getting to Zermatt

From Montreux, you can catch the IR90 to Visp which takes 1 hour and 10 mins . From here, you need to change trains to Zermatt which takes another hour .

I know I keep banging on about all these gorgeous views, but the train from Visp to Zermatt is another stunning journey. This train trip takes you past mountain villages, and as you get closer and closer to the Alps the landscapes become more and more dramatic. Eventually you’re treated to a view of the Matterhorn itself. Wow.

Day 4 – Zermatt

If you wanted a shorter train itinerary for Switzerland, you could skip this day and catch the Glacier Express directly to Chur. This would mean you’d only need a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass and you can shorten the itinerary by a day. However, I really think it’s worth spending the whole day in Zermatt.

To get around the fact that you’d be wasting a day of your Swiss Travel Pass not travelling, you can actually buy a flexible ticket where you can travel for 4 nominated days as opposed to consecutive days. This way it means you can spend a day in Zermatt without losing a day on your ticket. It’s a little confusing but I explain it all in my guide on how to use the Swiss Travel Pass .

The reason why I think you should spend the whole day in Zermatt is because I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland. Walking around here feels like you’re on a film set or in a fairy-tale; it’s just so magical.

It also means you get to go on the Gornergrat railway too, something that shouldn’t be missed.

Even though this train isn’t included in your Swiss Travel Pass, you do get 50% off. And once again, I promise you it’s well worth it!

I would say the Gornergrat is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world with these spectacular views of the Matterhorn as you go up.

The Gornergrat train leaves Zermatt at 1,600m and takes you all the way up to the Gornergrat peak at 3,100m. The journey takes around 33 minutes so the best thing to do is bag yourself a window seat and enjoy the views.

At the top you have some amazing panoramas of the mountains including the Matterhorn. There’s also a hotel which you can stay in (which is Europe’s highest hotel) and a restaurant up here too.

My top tip is if you want to beat the crowds then head up on one of the first trains around 8am. Then you’ll have the top of the mountain pretty much to yourself. There’s a reason why this is one of the best things to do in Zermatt!

You can book your tickets for the Gornergrat train here .

If you’re travelling in winter, then here is my guide all about learning to ski in Zermatt . Still one of the best places I’ve ever been skiing!

Day 5 – Zermatt to Chur on the Glacier Express

I don’t want to say I’ve left the best till last, but if you love train journeys then the Glacier Express has to be on your bucket list.

This is one of the panoramic scenic trains where you just kick back and enjoy the ride. The whole point of this train trip is to look out the window and enjoy the views – nothing more.

The train leaves at 07:52 during summer and 08:52 during winter, and takes around 7 hours 30 minutes . It’s often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world”. It only travels 290 kilometres in that time but the views gradually get better and better with each passing hour.

No train trip like this would be complete without a good meal. Well, the Glacier Express provides a culinary experience like no other. Tables are elegantly set, and the panoramic windows provide stunning views while you eat.

The menu often includes a selection of Swiss dishes local to the region. For our lunch we had beef stroganoff and it was absolutely delicious. You can also pair this with a Swiss wine or a little digestif while you’re rolling along too.

One thing not everyone knows about the Glacier Express is you can freely move through the carriages. Why would you want to? Well, in the food coach where you can grab a coffee, they have panoramic windows which you can open.

I can’t tell you how amazing this is for photography. No glares from the lights, no weird colours – just uninterrupted views. I love taking photos so it really made a difference to my journey having this.

This train gets into Chur at around 13:52 in summer or 14:52 in winter. From here, you can either stay in Chur and carry on your Swiss adventure, or head back to Zurich.

Unfortunately this was the final stop on our rail itinerary for Switzerland, but 5 days was the perfect amount of time for travelling around the country.

I really hope you found my Swiss train itinerary useful for planning a trip here. As you can tell from my photos, this is such a stunning country to travel around. And doing it by train, bus and boat is just the perfect way of seeing the country.

If you have any questions about my itinerary, just let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, happy travelling!

This post was in association with My Switzerland and the Swiss Travel System showcasing some of the best things to do in Switzerland. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

If you’d prefer to drive, then check out my post on the perfect road trip in Switzerland . This was such an amazing road trip!

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Train Itinerary for Switzerland”

Hi. First I would like to thank you for writing this blog. My family and I are planning to go to Switzerland this year. We are planning to visit as much places as we can on our 8-days trip. I am planning to get the Swiss travel pass, but I am confused with the family pass. There will be four of us (me, my husband, my 18 year-old son and my 12-year-old daughter). Does that mean I have to buy a family pass for just the three of us and a separate one for my son? And also with the consecutive days on the travel pass, does that mean have travel consecutive straight days? I have already booked 1 day tour to Top of Europe which will be around the 3rd day of our stay in Switzerland. Does that mean that the travel pass will become invalid since we wont be using it for 1 day? I really would love to hear from you and your feedback on my questions below.

Thank you and all the best on your next travel blog.

Regards, Verna Barcena

Thanks for commenting Verna. Firstly, have you read this blog post – https://www.anadventurousworld.com/how-to-use-the-swiss-travel-pass/ . That should cover a lot of questions you have. In it, I state that you can buy a flexible travel pass – this is where you can have a non-travel day in the middle of your Swiss Travel Pass which is exactly what you want to do. And yes, I think you’ll have to buy a separate pass for your son. Let me know if that helps or if you have any other questions at all!

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Switzerland Train Itinerary for Rail Lovers (2024)

Is Switzerland by train worthwhile?

Yes, Switzerland is the ideal country to visit by train. And thanks to our Switzerland train itinerary and the Swiss Travel Pass, your travels will be budget-friendly and convenient. The travel pass covers most trains, buses, mountain railways, and boats in Switzerland.

With so many destinations, developing the perfect Switzerland train itinerary is no easy feat. Nevertheless, we tried our best.

We are taking you from the airport in Geneva or Zurich to Lausanne, a charming town with many French influences. From there, you can visit Chillon Castle and take a boat ride on Lake Geneva.

The next stop is Zermatt, a picturesque mountain village at the base of the Matterhorn. Here, you will be chasing the most Instagram-worthy photo spots of the Toblerone mountain. Our train itinerary continues to St. Moritz, a posh resort town known for its luxury shopping and world-class restaurants.

And finally, we have included some other popular destinations, such as Zurich, Lucerne, and the Rhine Falls, giving you a comprehensive experience of Switzerland. With this Switzerland train itinerary, you'll experience the best of what the country offers in just one week while enjoying the comfort and convenience of traveling by train.

Why visit Switzerland by train?

There are many reasons why Switzerland is best visited by train. Here are a few of them:

Switzerland has a sophisticated and highly efficient train network connecting most major cities and towns. Connections between trains, buses, and boats are orchestrated so that transfers are a breeze and no time is lost waiting. The Swiss Travel System makes it simple to travel throughout the country without needing a car.

By choosing trains as your main mode of transport, you can easily change your plans and adapt to the weather (or your mood.) This allows you to be spontaneous and make the most of your trip without the stress of sticking to a strict schedule.

Switzerland is a safe country to travel to, and trains are considered one of the safest means of transport.

Traveling by train is a more environmentally friendly option than other transportation forms. We are dedicating a separate blog post to this important aspect.

Switzerland can be an expensive country to visit, but traveling by train can help keep costs down. With a Swiss Travel Pas s , you can travel on most trains, buses, and boats throughout the country for a fixed (and fair) price.

Many of the train routes in Switzerland offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, rivers, lakes, and cutesy towns. In short, trains are more than a means of transport in Switzerland - they are an experience in and of itself.

Switzerland offers several notable world records for its unique and exciting rail systems. The Stoosbahn is the steepest funicular railway in the world, with a gradient of 110%. The Jungfraujoch, at an altitude of 3454 meters above the sea, is the highest railway station in Europe. And finally, the Bernina Express between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy holds the record for the highest railway crossing the Alps. On top of the Bernina Pass, the iconic red train passes a staggering altitude of 2253 meters above sea level!

One-Week Switzerland Train Itinerary

If you want to make the most of your time, simply copy/paste this!

From the Geneva or Zurich airport to Lausanne

Upon arrival at the Geneva or Zurich airport, take an intercity train to Lausanne. These trains are operated by Swiss Federal Railways and depart straight from the airport train terminal.

Lausanne is a charming city on Lake Geneva's shores, and it's the perfect place to start your Swiss adventure. Once you've checked into your hotel, stroll around the city center to explore the local sights and sounds.

One of the most striking features of Lausanne is its stunning architecture. The city is home to many beautiful buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, including the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame, which offers striking views of the city and the lake. Make sure to admire the ornate facades of the many medieval buildings that line the streets of the "Ouchy" area.

Beyond its architectural heritage, Lausanne is also known for its rich cultural scene. The city has numerous museums and art galleries, including the Olympic Museum and the Collection de l'Art Brut. You might get lucky to stumble upon one of the many festivals and events that occur there throughout the year, including the Lausanne Underground Film and Music Festival, the Fêtes de Genève, and the Festival de la Cité.

What to eat in Lausanne

We recommend giving in to the French vibes of Lausanne by trying the "Filet de perche." As the name states, this traditional dish is made with perch, a freshwater fish from Lake Geneva. It is usually served with a butter or white wine sauce and accompanied by potatoes or rice.

Where to stay in Lausanne

For the first night in Lausanne, we recommend Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne . This five-star hotel is in the heart of Lausanne and offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. It features an indoor pool and a lovely spa, among other amenities.

Hotel Alpha Palmiers by Fassbind is a solid four-star alternative in Lausanne's city center. It offers easy access to local attractions and the train station. The hotel features a garden terrace, a bar, and a continental breakfast.

So we’ve explored the quirks and history of Lausanne

Our guide to must-see museums in Lausanne

Chillon Castle and Lake Geneva

Take a train ride to Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland's most famous castles from the 13th century. The castle is situated on an island on Lake Geneva and has been beautifully preserved. 

Chillon Castle has a rich Medieval history and has been home to many famous people. For one, the castle inspired Lord Byron and his poem The Prisoner of Chillon .

Pick up an audio guide in English to learn more about this interesting backstory and get the most out of your visit. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of the region. And if you allocate about two hours for the entire visit, you will have seen it all.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass gain free admission to Switzerland's most frequently visited historical building. Or you could save time by buying the ticket ahead of time.

What to eat at Chillon Castle

By now, you must be starving. Stumble outside the castle gates and into Cafe Byron for a light lunch or snack. This is a great option for those looking to try traditional Swiss dishes, including quiches or soups, while enjoying the stunning views of the castle and Lake Geneva.

You are just steps to the castle’s boat docks, where Lake Geneva cruises depart back to Lausanne. Since only a few boats depart from here, you could also take a bus to the Montreux train station and depart to Lausanne.

Another food option is the boat restaurant. In a boat restaurant on Lake Geneva, you can enjoy the beautiful views passing by while savoring traditional Swiss and French dishes with a focus on seafood and fish.

Soupe de poissons is a hearty fish soup made with various types of fish and shellfish, vegetables, and rouille sauce. Feuilleté de saumon is a puff pastry filled with smoked salmon and a creamy sauce.

Wines from the region are a great complement to these dishes, especially the local white wine Chasselas . This grape variety is grown on the sun-drenched banks of Lake Geneva. It is known for its light and floral notes and pairs well with fish dishes.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Today, you are taking a train ride from Lausanne to Zermatt, the charming mountain village at the Matterhorn base. Once you've checked into your hotel, it’s time to decide where you will want to see the Matterhorn.

The first option is to ride a gondola up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Another option is to take a train from Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3089 meters above the sea. Since the train ride is slow-paced, it is the perfect way to soak in the stunning views of the Matterhorn from a distance. In our humble opinion, this is one of Switzerland's most beautiful train rides. It takes around 30 minutes and is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

There are several things to do and see once you reach the top. If the weather is fair, climb to the Gornergrat viewpoint for views of the Gorner glacier and the Matterhorn. But during inclement weather, step inside the Zooom the Matterhorn exhibit.

Different interactive stations allow you to experience the Matterhorn up close and personal. This museum is included in the train ticket or Swiss Travel Pass.

The search for the black-nosed sheep is another popular activity on Gornergrat. These sheep are a unique breed found only in the Valais region. They are cuddly, fuzzy, and undeniably cute with their distinctive black noses. Since their alpine grazing meadows are quite vast, it helps that each sheep wears a GPS tracker. This live map lets you easily locate the black-nosed sheep to meet them up close.

What to eat in Zermatt

Zermatt and the Valais are best known for “raclette," a traditional Swiss cheese dish. Giant wheels of cheese are heated, and the melting cheese is scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions.

Where to stay in Zermatt

In Zermatt, we can wholeheartedly recommend The Omnia. This 5-star hotel is in the heart of Zermatt and offers easy access to hiking paths and cable cars. It features a spa, an indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub with Matterhorn views, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Hotel Carina is a design and lifestyle boutique hotel within easy walking distance from the train station. The location is ideal for those wanting to access Sunnegga by funicular. From this side of Zermatt, you will gain a new perspective of the Matterhorn.

Buy a Swiss Travel Pass at GetYourGuide

Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass online at the most reputable vendor starting at CHF 244. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with a PDF ticket.

Transfer from Zermatt to St. Moritz

It is time to say goodbye to the Matterhorn on your fourth day in Switzerland. Today, you will be boarding the Glacier Express headed for St. Moritz.

The Glacier Express is a bucket list train line for several reasons. For one, the train line showcases the most beautiful sides of Switzerland. As it travels across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and passes the Oberalp Pass, the Glacier Express offers panoramic views through its large windows. This is the longest train trip in Switzerland at 8 hours and 20 minutes!

The Glacier Express has operated since 1930 and is considered a piece of Swiss rail history. It's a living reminder of the country's railway heritage and the engineering feat of building a train line through the mountains.

The Glacier Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to travel from one resort town to another. Since it is a very popular train line, reservations are mandatory and come at an extra charge.

Welcome to St. Moritz, a ritzy resort town in the Upper Engadin Valley. Popular for its high-end shopping, world-class dining, and winter sports, St. Moritz is regarded as one of the world's most exclusive and upscale winter resorts.

St. Moritz became a popular destination for the rich and famous in the late 19th century when European royalty, celebrities, and business tycoons would flock there. This reputation has persisted to the present day, with St. Moritz known as a playground for the wealthy and elite.

St. Moritz's opulent atmosphere and high-end shops and restaurants can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the surrounding mountains.

After checking into your hotel, take some time to stroll around and visit a local museum or art gallery. If you are lucky, you will see the sunset reflected onto a snow-capped peak. In fact, the view of the surrounding mountains is one of St. Moritz's most notable features.

You might see the 3000-meter-high Piz Corvatsch, Piz Nair, and Piz Surlej from the town. At 4049 meters, the Piz Bernina is the highest peak in the area, but it can only be seen from some sections of St. Moritz.

What to eat in St. Moritz

When in St. Moritz, you must try Capuns . This traditional dish from the region consists of a mixture of chard, spinach, and a variety of other greens wrapped in a dough made from flour and eggs, and then cooked in a meat or vegetable broth.

Where to stay in St. Moritz

St. Moritz is world-renowned for its luxury hotels. For the full experience and if your budget allows, stay at Badrutt's Palace Hotel. This five-star hotel is among the most prestigious in St. Moritz, offering stunning views of the mountainscape. The Badrutt’s Palace features a spa, an indoor pool, and a restaurant that serves traditional Swiss cuisine.

As a budget alternative, try Hotel Nira Alpina in Silvaplana. This four-star superior design hotel is located outside St. Moritz beside the Corvatsch cable car station. It features a top-floor restaurant and a spa - everything you could ask for after a day on the rails.

St. Moritz and the Engadin valley

Start your day in the Engadin by trying a typical Swiss breakfast dish. Your hotel or a local café will surely serve Bircher muesli , a healthy oats porridge.

Since you will be spending the entire day in St. Moritz, you have ample time to go on a day hike. The Engadine Valley is known for its picturesque landscapes and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. 

Alternatively, you could simply take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. While marveling at the majestic peaks, try to imagine that every winter, the lake is frozen over. This is when the famous White Turf horse races take place on the frozen lake.

St. Moritz is home to several museums and art galleries that showcase the history and culture of the region. One must-visit option is the Segantini Museum, a great destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

The art museum showcases the work of one of the most important painters of the late 19th and early 20th century, Giovanni Segantini. The Italian painter had claimed the Engadine as his home, and this museum offers a perfect stage to learn about Segantini's life and work and the significance of his art. Although the museum admission is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass, it's worth considering as an add-on to any visit to St. Moritz.

Spend the day in Zurich

Later on today, you will switch from mountain gear to city looks. But first, you must hop on a train from St. Moritz to Chur and Zurich.

Insider tip: find a seat on the upper deck right-hand side of the intercity train to Zurich. That way, you will see Lake Walen and Lake Zurich from an elevated perspective.

Once in Zurich, drop your bags at the hotel and hit the streets of the largest city in Switzerland. Take some time to explore the lake promenade and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping mile. Then, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the historical buildings that line the streets. And surely, you will notice the city's most important landmarks and historical sites, such as the Grossmünster, Fraumünster, and St. Peter's Church.

During rainy days, retreat into one of the numerous museums - many of which are included in the Swiss Travel Pass. We have dedicated an entire post to free things to do in Zurich , and there’s a nod to botanical gardens with free admission.

Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich is a must-see for chocolate enthusiasts. The museum provides an interactive experience that highlights the history and production of Lindt chocolate. Visitors can also watch chocolate being made and sample some for free. It's a delicious and enjoyable way to learn about the art of chocolate making.

What to eat in Zurich

Confiserie Sprüngli, located conveniently at Paradeplatz and other locations throughout Zurich, is a fantastic patisserie from 1836. One of their specialties is Luxemburgerli, a type of luscious macron. It’s best to ask for a sample and buy a sampler box with different flavors in the shop. And while you’re at it, sit down in the café and order the best hot chocolate in Zurich!

Another bucket list-worthy chocolate shop is Confiserie Teuscher. The shape and size of their Champagne truffles resemble a real-life truffle. And the center is filled with Dom Pérignon Champagne…

For dinner, look for a Swiss restaurant in the old town. One of the most traditional Zurich dishes you should try is "Zürcher Geschnetzeltes." It is made from thinly sliced veal or pork sautéed with mushrooms and onions and served in a creamy sauce.

Zurich is also home to the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. There are no compromises at Hiltl, as the restaurant serves both eye candy and delicious dishes.

Where to stay in Zurich

For your last two nights in Zurich, we recommend Hotel Widder. This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Zurich and offers easy access to the city's many shops and restaurants.

We recommend Boutique Hotel Seidenhof just down the street as a budget-friendly option. We like their timeless design and the thoughtful extras in the rooms, including rental umbrellas.

Lucerne or the Rhine Falls

On your second to last day, it’s up to you whether you take a train to Lucerne or to the Rhine Falls near the German border. Both are legitimate ways to round up your Switzerland itinerary.

Lucerne is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is known for its beautiful Old Town and Chapel Bridge. If you decide on Lucerne, this could be your chance to eat one more typical Swiss dish for lunch or dinner: Rösti is traditionally made from grated potatoes that are fried until crispy and golden brown, and it is usually served with bacon, cheese, or eggs.

The Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe and is sort of a must-see destination. Visit a local winery or brewery for a tour and tasting. Since you will be at the water, try a popular (and delicious) Swiss dish featuring local white fish. Fischknusperli literally means “crunchy fish” and is made from small, breaded, and deep-fried fish. The fish is often served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Return to Zurich for your last overnight stay.

Departure from Zurich

Spend the day in Zurich before departing from Zurich Airport. Be sure to visit the Bahnhofstrasse, the city's main shopping street, to feel the hustle and bustle. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a farmers market at Bürkliplatz by the lake.

This is also your chance to indulge in some last-minute shopping. For bulk chocolate souvenirs, we recommend hitting a Swiss grocery store for the best deals: Coop or Migros. Of course, find a boutique chocolatier instead for high-end or artisanal chocolate souvenirs.

Additional Switzerland train itinerary resources

How to travel switzerland by train in 5 days, jaw-dropping swiss train journeys (2024).

Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass in 2024

Swiss Travel Pass Overview and Insights for 2024

Switzerland Train Map: Master the Swiss Train System!

Memorable Train Lines in Switzerland in 2024

Dimitri Burkhard

As the founder, editor, and community manager of Newly Swissed, Dimitri owns the strategic vision. He is passionate about storytelling and is a member of Swiss Travel Communicators. Dimitri loves discovering new trends and covers architecture, design, start-ups and tourism.

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13 Magical Trains in Switzerland You Need to Ride ASAP

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

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Having just returned from a whirlwind binge of Switzerland’s most scenic trains, I can say without an ounce of exaggeration that the Swiss train system is a true marvel of magic.

And beyond their surplus of scenic routes, razor-sharp punctuality and Care Bear-friendly service, the crowning jewel of the Swiss rail system is, in my opinion, its glittering roster of scenic, panoramic Swiss trains – a holy grail of sorts for those traversing Europe by rail.

As I’m sure you know, train travel in Europe is an oft glamourized mode of transport, a classy and elegant contrast to the stuffy conditions of air and bus travel.

Well, I’m happy to report that in Switzerland, all your swankiest train dreams do indeed come true.

As a Canadian who grew up far removed from train travel, I admit the concept always delighted me (thanks, Hogwarts Express!!), and now even after so many years of frequent rides, I’m still like a giddy sugar-high child on her own moving candy shop.

Take it from this fangirl then, European train travel doesn’t really get better than Switzerland.

So, are you keen to try some scenic Swiss train rides for yourself? Here are some of my top picks for train rides in Switzerland you simply cannot miss.

Save this List of Amazing Swiss Train Rides for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

The Most Magical Swiss Train Rides You Need to Try

The following are all stunning Swiss train rides that I have personally done and consider extremely bucket list worthy, whether for the landscapes, the trains themselves or just the overall experience. So, without further ado, here are some trains in Switzerland that you definitely cannot miss!

Money saving tip: If you plan on doing many of these train rides in one trip, look into huge money savers like the Swiss Travel Pass , the Half Fare Travel Card or a Eurail Pass to potentially save hundreds of dollars. More on this below!

1. The Golden Pass (Classic)

This Switzerland scenic train is, without a doubt, my favourite.

While not as famous as big Swiss names like the Glacier or Bernina Express , if it’s a touch of old world glamour and Belle Époque elegance you’re looking for, then please, book yourself on the  Golden Pass Classic  as soon as humanly possible.

The entire GoldenPass line is a tremendously scenic line running between Lucerne and Montreux in three separate segments, offering sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks and eight glimmering lakes along the way.

While the entire route is well worth drooling over, the segment from Montreux to Zweisimmen in particular is one I’d highly recommend because a few times a day, you can do the route in the “MOB Belle Époque” which is modelled after a 1930s Orient Express style luxury train.

If you’re feeling especially swanky, splurge for 1st class, where you get to sit in plush green armchairs while taking in all the stunning scenery. I have to admit, this felt even swankier than that $7000 train ride I did in India!

NOTE: The Golden Pass from Montreux to Zweisimmen ALSO has trains called the “MOB Panoramique” that do the same route, but with modern cars and not the classic ones. If you really want the experience I described above, make sure you are booking on the “MOB Belle Époque”.

BONUS TIP: I did this scenic ride in November, and I got to witness golden autumn colours mixed in with all the snowy mountains, while enjoying the benefit of fewer crowds. I’d highly recommend this time of year for it! You can also stop off at some of the most magical Christmas markets in Switzerland along the way, including the beautiful lakeside Christmas Market in Montreux.

2. The Glacier Express

This famous Swiss Alps train ride is known as one of the most luxurious and best train rides in Europe, so it’s no wonder it’s made my list (read my honest review of the Glacier Express in 1st class! ).

End to end, it brings you between the swishy ski resorts of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, stopping in a variety of stops like Andermatt and Chur along the way.

From start to finish, you’re looking at a tortoise-like slow ride of about 8 hours, ensuring that it does indeed earn its title of “the slowest express train in the world”.

And while the Glacier Express is certainly not everybody’s cup of tea (again, it’s very very slow and takes up an entire day), I loved it for the experience.  

There’s nothing quite like a long scenic train ride to give you an ample dose of dreamy “I love the world” moments.

Imagine giant panoramic glass windows, plush, comfy chairs, and my personal favourite: table service with hot three course meals served straight to your seat.

After all, if you’re taking a train through Switzerland, why shouldn’t you be inhaling a giant chocolate pudding at the same time?

It’s not just about the food of course. This wonderful train ride through the Swiss Alps will take you from snow-dusted mountains and terraced vineyards to rocky gorges and turquoise rivers.

This is definitely a bucket list trip that comes with a hefty price tag, but if you want to treat yourself to one of the best train trips in Switzerland, this is it. Just don’t expect to get anywhere in a hurry 😉

Read my full guide to the Glacier Express for more info.

3. The Bernina Express

Bar none, the Bernina Express is one of the most famous train trips in Switzerland, and I’m happy to report that it does indeed live up to all the hype and buzz!

This four hour ride between Chur and Tirano is one that brings you from the snowy mountaintops of Switzerland down to the warm, balmy Mediterranean views of Italy , passing by a constant barrage of unique landscapes along the way.

No doubt, if it’s excellent value you’re looking for, this is the train I’d recommend. read my full guide to the Bernina Express for more info.

Compared to other journeys (side-eying you, Glacier Express ), the Bernina Express is quite a short ride, but the diversity of landscapes you get to take in is breathtaking.

From ruined castles and fortresses to quaint alpine villages and famous viaducts, the Bernina Express is like a “best of” tour of Switzerland, all in a compact, time-friendly package.

Just to warn you though, your memory cards will all run out of space, and your phone will 1000% die from the sheer beauty of it all.

NOTE: If you are a keen photographer, or prefer to avoid touristy crowds, I would actually recommend doing this ride using regional trains instead. More on this below!

This Switzerland train ride has amazing views in winter too:

4. The Transalpin (from Austria to Switzerland)

It’s definitely not the most well known of all Swiss train rides, but I recently rode the Transalpin from Innsbruck to Zurich, and was blown away.

This EuroCity Express ride is one that isn’t marketed as being a scenic sightseeing experience, but is nonetheless one that brings you across some awe-inspiring landscapes in Austria, Switzerland and even the wonderful micro-nation of Liechtenstein .

The scenery you pass is gorgeous, but the starring feature for me is the panoramic 1st class car that they add to one journey a day, which allows you to soak in the views with giant windows  just like on the sightseeing trains mentioned above.

Seriously: it’s the glamour of the aforementioned express trains, but without the crowds!

The best part is, taking this panoramic train at 3:48pm from Innsbruck in March meant I was able to watch sunset from the train, and let me tell you: watching the sky turn fiery pink over Walensee as we weaved through the impossibly green rolling hills of Austria, then Liechtenstein, then Switzerland was pure magic.

This is a lesser known Swiss panoramic train, and definitely a hidden gem that you should consider adding to your Switzerland train tour.

5. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Alright, listing the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is kinda cheating because the following route is technically a segment of the Glacier Express.

But since the Glacier Express is a million years long and not everyone has the luxury of spending a full 8 hours on a scenic train, I would recommend the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Visp to Zermatt as an excellent taste of the Glacier Express experience.

Not only do they have panorama cars just like on the Glacier Express, the rugged scenery here (I would argue) is one of the best parts of the entire GE journey.

Leaving from Visp, you pass by rocky mountains, terraced vineyards, turquoise rivers, and of course, as you approach Zermatt, snowy Alpine towns and even the famous Matterhorn if you pay attention! I didn’t, and managed to miss it, although thankfully I got some great views of it in town!

If you want to experience a panoramic train in Switzerland without paying a reservation fee (and without the accompanying crowds of the more popular scenic trains), then this is a great option.

Other (Non-Tourist) Swiss Train Rides and Routes I Recommend

Train travel in Switzerland is next level, so naturally, the country has far more to offer than just the panoramic tourist trains mentioned above.

In fact, pick any random route in Switzerland and it’s bound to bring you somewhere pretty scenic.

That said, here are some of my top picks for train rides I’ve done that weren’t part of the panoramic express rides mentioned above, but are still pretty incredible (with the added bonus that they don’t feel at all touristy).

6. The Express routes above but on regional trains

So here’s a secret I’ll let you in on: all the “Express” trains mentioned above are so-named because they are built for sightseeing, and take you end to end with no stops… BUT regional trains travelling between those areas go past the exact same landscapes, often with fewer crowds, and the ability to open windows on certain trains.

So, while most Swiss train tours will bring you along one of the ‘Express’ trains, if you are an avid photographer, want to save money on the reservation fee, or would like to stop at different towns along the way, then I would recommend doing the Bernina Express and Glacier Express on regional trains instead.

I did this on my return leg from Tirano to Chur (AKA the Bernina Express route) and I loved the experience. I had a carriage all to myself, I could open the windows and overall, I was like a happy puppy sticking her head out a car window the entire time ! 10/10 would recommend.

NOTE: Download the SBB app to look up regional routes with ease. It’s one of the handiest Europe travel apps out there if you’re headed to Switzerland!

7. From Interlaken to Thun

The clarity and colours of Lake Thun are seriously next-level, so if you can, enjoy the views from a train going from Interlaken to Thun.

I recently got to enjoy the view below while going from Interlaken to Spiez, and I really couldn’t believe my eyes.

Is water even legally allowed to be that blue? Was I trapped in an over-saturated anime?

These are the kinds of existential questions that you’ll find yourself asking on board this ride 😉

8. From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen

One of the biggest treats of doing Switzerland by train is being able to slowly enjoy the fairytale-esque landscapes, and as far as colourful postcards go, it’s tough to beat the short ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen .

Rolling green hills, towering mountains and an endless parade of lush green trees await. The best part? The view riding into Lauterbrunnen, as the iconic Staubbach waterfall comes into view.

9. From Buchs to Zurich

I love that this Switzerland train ride takes you past two stunning Swiss lakes: my personal favourite, the impossibly turquoise Walensee, and of course the beautiful Lake Zurich.

This is a ride I’ve gotten to enjoy a few times, and it’s certainly one of my favourites.

10. From Lausanne to Montreux

Alright, so this is another short ride, but it’s an unbelievably beautiful one that glides along the clear blue waters of Lake Geneva the entire time, with a foreground of lush green vineyards to boot.

If your goal is to experience one of the nicest and shortest train routes in Switzerland, I’d highly recommend this ride, especially when it starts to tilt and swerve into Lausanne (a city with an awesome Christmas marke t). Total bliss!

Amazing Swiss Train Rides Still on My Bucket List

Last but not least, there are a handful of Switzerland scenic train rides that I still haven’t had a chance to do, but it feels weird to exclude them in a roundup of Switzerland’s best train rides, so here they are below:

11. Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht

Imagine riding along the Rhine Gorge in an OPEN TRAIN, with all the fresh smells and sounds of nature hitting your senses directly.

I caught a glimpse of this yellow beauty while on the Glacier Express and I just about lost my mind and demanded that they stop the train immediately so I could transfer.

Unfortunately, the Erlebniszug Rheinschlucht is only available in the summer (which I guess makes sense) but it’s nonetheless something I would love to try someday. Click here for more details (and photos!)

Of all the scenic train rides in Switzerland, there are very few that allow you to experience it all completely open-air, so definitely put this one on your list!

12. The Cogwheel Train up Mount Pilatus

With a title like “the steepest cogwheel train in the world” you can expect the ride up to Mount Pilatus to be pretty special.

Mount Pilatus is one of my favourite mountains in Europe, and because my visit a few years back was veeery poorly timed (snow delayed the opening of the cogwheel train by a week!), I missed the opportunity to ride this steep monster up to the top.

Nonetheless, my consolation prize was sweet enough: a scenic ride up by cable car, with access to incredible views the entire way up.

The next time I’m in the area, I’ll be sure to catch the Cogwheel train to the top instead, experiencing a nerve-rackingly steep ascent that I’m sure will make me cry a little….. but in a good way!

13. Jungfraujoch

Last but not least, we have the legendary Jungfraujoch.

The train ride up to Jungfraujoch brings you to the highest train station in Europe, passing by endless snowy peaks along the way (if your views aren’t obscured by poor weather that is!).

Truthfully, I’ve resisted doing the Jungfraujoch thus far for two simple reasons: cost and uncertainty!

At an eyewatering 200CHF for a regular roundtrip ticket, this is one trip that does NOT come cheap, certainly when bad weather might mean you don’t see anything at all once you reach the top.

Nonetheless, it’s a bucket list item for sure, and one that I’d be keen to test out sometime in the future, as I have heard great things about it. I did part of this journey (which for most, starts in Interlaken) from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen which was short and slow, but very nice.

BONUS: The Gelmerbahn

No roundup of amazing Switzerland train journeys would be complete without this one, even though it’s brief and not quite a conventional train ride.

Nonetheless, the Gelmerbahn (AKA the Gelmer Funicular) is a truly epic ride that deserves a mention on this list.

This surprisingly thrilling ride is an open air funicular that whisks you up a steep mountain to a crystal clear turquoise lake.

The incline is so steep, it was once the steepest of its kind in Europe, and moves 2m per second, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but definitely feels like it when you’re racing up a mountain.

You can take the Gelmerbahn up (which is what we did), down (which I hear is much scarier) or roundtrip. Either way, the unique experience, views, and lake up top all combine to make this one of the coolest Swiss “train” rides you can do!

Read my full Gelmerbahn guide for more tips.

How to Buy Cheap Train Tickets in Switzerland?

Last but not least, I know what you’re all thinking after reading this post… how can you possibly afford all these Swiss scenic trains?

The tough truth is: enjoying Switzerland train travel is an expensive endeavour indeed, but I’ve been able to discover a variety of cost-saving hacks over the years that might be able to help you out!

TIP #1: Use a rail pass

One of the ways I’ve been able to explore Switzerland by rail SO cheaply is thanks to rail passes!

This is how I managed to scheme my way into only paying 30 euros for my 1st class tickets on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express!

Long story short, Eurail/Interrail passes allow you to waive the base ticket fee which means you only need to pay for a reservation. As such, I paid 306 euros for a Eurail global 10 day pass, (I got a free 1st class upgrade thanks to a sale they were running).

I then used 1 travel day on the Glacier Express, which evens out to only about 30 euros spent for this gorgeous ride (plus the 23 CHF reservation fee).

Still an incredible deal, and by far the cheapest way to do it. This is actually how I did all my recent train rides for a rock bottom price.

So, if you are travelling around Europe, getting a Eurail pass might be a good idea, because Switzerland is certainly where you get the best bang for your buck!

Need more info? Read my detailed Eurail pass review to see if it’s a good fit!

TIP #2: Consider a Swiss Travel Pass

A Swiss Travel Pass is similar to the Eurail / Interrail passes except it gives you unlimited transportation on trains, buses, boats and free public transport + museums).

If you are travelling only around Switzerland, this might be a good option.

It is expensive though, so make sure to do the math and see if getting one would really be worth it.

If you only plan to do one Switzerland train journey, buying a point to point ticket will most likely be cheaper.  Click here for more info on the Swiss Travel Pass.

TIP #3: Consider getting a discount card

The Half Fare Travelcard is a very popular card that you can buy which (true to its name) gets you half price tickets across Switzerland.

In 2020, this card is 120 CHF for one month.

This sounds like a lot, but it could be worth it if you are spending an extended amount of time in the country and plan to take multiple Switzerland train trips throughout your stay.

For what it’s worth, if you were to use this card for the Glacier Express alone, you’d already be breaking even so if you take more trains on top of that, then you’d definitely save a good amount of money.

I still think buying a rail pass would work out to be cheaper though in most cases. Click here to browse prices/options for the Half Fare Travelcard.

TIP #4: Travel in the off-season

This tip is mostly just for the Glacier Express , but I’ll include it anyway.

While base ticket prices do not change, reservation fees for panoramic trains can change depending on whether you travel in the off, mid or peak season.

If you want to get the cheapest ride, go in the off-season which A) means guaranteed snow!! and B) half the price on a reservation.

Any more recommendations for scenic train rides in Switzerland?

I hope you enjoyed this post all about Switzerland train travel and the best Swiss railway journeys the country has to offer, assembled meticulously after many Swiss train trips of my own!

All that said, I’m always looking to add more Swiss trains to my list – especially hidden gems 😉

Let me know in the comments!

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11 thoughts on “13 Magical Trains in Switzerland You Need to Ride ASAP”

Wowww the Golden Pass train is SO BEAUTIFUL

Oh my goodness! I am dying to go to Switzerland and your post confirms why. How stunning!

I’ve always dreamed of riding an old-fashioned train through Switzerland, so I think the Glacier Express is for me! The photos you captured through the train windows were breathtaking.

Wow, these look amazing. Would love to do one of those one day. Nothing quite beats the snowy Swiss scenery.

First of all, I didn’t realize that Switzerland had so many trains, but this proves me wrong! Now I need to go try them all!!!

Other scenic lines: Brig – Kandersteg – Spiez (this line climbs high from Brig along a track right next to the side of the mountains before going through and around the mountains. Beautiful views. A second great ride is (Luzern)- Arth/Goldau – Erstfeld – Göschenen – Bellinzona on the old line via the spiral tunnels. At the town of Wassen, the line circles around the little village and you get to see the quaint church three times from different heights and angles. On the other side of the Gotthard tunnel, in the Italian speaking Swiss canton of Ticino, there are more of these spiral tunnels and great views as the train circles slowly down to the valley floor.

https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/voralpen-express.html This is a stunning train ride on a sunny day, definitely one for the list.

What a great article really well researched. I particularly agree with your tip about travelling on the local trains over the titled ones. I would add three trips to do should you return. The Brunig railway, Interlaken to Luzern, Martigny to Chamonix, the Mnt Blanc Express. The three mountain railway lines out of Aigle, I guess that makes it five then!

Great write up! This should help a ton in the coming weeks when we visit Switzerland. Thanks for putting this together!

You’re very welcome. Enjoy Switzerland! 🙂

Thank you for the great write up! Makes it easier for me to decide which rail ride to take. My trip is a year away and I am looking forward to it

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Switzerland is high on the wish list of many Eurail travelers. You can explore Switzerland by rail with a Eurail Pass and travel through the snow-capped Alps, alongside beautiful mountain lakes and across rolling green hills. Switzerland's stunning nature and charming cities make this a country you don't want to miss!

Train types in Switzerland

You can enjoy a large choice of Swiss trains, each type ready to transport you across the country as well as to and from other European countries. Switzerland's national railway company is the  SBB  (Schweizerische BundesBahn). Use the  Interrail train timetable  or  SBB timetable  to check times for trains in Switzerland.

Click here to download a more detailed map of the Swiss train network with all trains included (2 MB).

• Domestic trains
• High-speed trains
• Night trains
• Scenic trains
• Private trains

There are a number of train types in Switzerland ready to transport you across the country, and to and from other European countries by day and night. Switzerland's national railway company is the  SBB  (Schweizerische BundesBahn). Use the  Eurail train timetable  or  SBB timetable  to check times for trains in Switzerland.

Regional trains in Switzerland

The main rail network in Switzerland is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

RegioExpress  trains link regional destinations with larger Swiss cities.

Regio  trains connect local towns. 

InterCity  trains link major Swiss cities like Basel and Geneva.

InterRegio  trains connect Zurich and Geneva with cities across the whole of Switzerland. These trains make more stops than InterCity trains.

• Zurich:  Your Interrail Pass is valid for the S-bahn of Zurich  except lines S4, S10 and S18 .
• See our  Timetable  for more details about availability.

Click here  to download a more detailed map of the Swiss train network (2 MB)

Travel tip:

There's an international regional train connection between Chiasso and Milan (Italy). This connection is a great option if you want to avoid  reservation fees .

On the  Eurail timetable  RegioExpress trains are listed as "RE", and Regio trains as "R". InterCity trains are listed as "IC", and InterRegio trains as "IR". Regional and Intercity trains do not require seat reservations. Reservations are however recommended for Intercity trains during high season (May-September) and public holidays.

High-speed trains in Switzerland

International high-speed trains in switzerland .

These high-speed trains operate to and from Switzerland:

• Basel – Frankfurt – Cologne – Hamburg
• Basel – Stuttgart – Munich
• Reservations are compulsory during summer season (June 1st until September 1st)
• Interlaken - Basel – Frankfurt – Berlin
• Zürich - Basel – Frankfurt – Hannover – Hamburg - Kiel
• Zürich – Salzburg – Vienna – Bratislava/Budapest
• Zürich – Innsbruck – Graz 
• Interlaken/Zürich – Basel – Cologne – Hamburg 
• Zürich – Milan – Genova/Bologna/Verona/Venezia 
• Geneva – Lausanne – Milan 
• Basel – Bern/Luzern – Milan 
• Zürich – Frankfurt – Dresden – Prague (Overnight)
• Zürich – Stuttgart 
• Zürich – Frankfurt – Hamburg (overnight) 
• Zürich – Frankfurt – Amsterdam (overnight) 
• Zürich – Frankfurt – Berlin (overnight)
• Frankfurt – Basel – Milan 
• Zürich – Munich (Reservations are compulsory from June 1st until September 1st)
• Zürich – Basel – Paris 
• Lausanne – Geneva – Paris 
• Lausanne – Dijon – Paris 
• Geneva – Lyon – Marseille (Only 01 July till 27 August)

Domestic high-speed trains in Switzerland

Domestic high-speed Swiss trains are called  InterCity Neigezug (ICN) . ICN trains transport passengers quickly and in comfort from one side of the country to the other.

Night trains in and between Switzerland

International night trains.

The following night trains connect Switzerland with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, and the Netherlands:

ÖBB Nightjet : Zurich – Basel – Hamburg

Zurich – Basel – Düsseldorf – Amsterdam

Zurich – Basel – Berlin

Zurich – Linz – Vienna

EuroNight: Zurich – Graz

Zurich – Vienna – Budapest

Zurich – Innsbruck – Prague

Zurich – Basel – Dresden – Prague

Zurich – Villach – Ljubljana – Zagreb

Scenic train routes in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its beautiful scenic landscapes. The following scenic train routes offer special conditions for Eurail pass holders:

Bernina Express : Chur – Lugano via Tirano (Italy)

Chocolate train : Montreux – Broc-Chocolat

Centovalli Railway : Locarno (Switzerland) – Domodossola (Italy) 

Golden Pass : Luzern – Interlaken – Montreux

• Glacier Express : Davos/St. Moritz – Zermatt
• Jungfrau Railways : Interlaken – Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen – Jungfraujoch

Click here  to download a more detailed map of the Swiss train network with all trains included (2 MB)

Private railway companies in Switzerland 

The Swiss railway network is operated not only by the SBB, there are a lot of private railway companies as well. Some of these companies are included in your Eurail Pass while other companies offer discounted travel.

Click here  to download a more detailed map of the Swiss train network with all trains included (2 MB). 

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

Reservations

How to make reservations for swiss trains.

Eurail reservation self-service system

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• SBB Ticket Shop : Domestic trains
• DB (German railways) : International trains to Germany
• ÖBB (Austrian railways) : Domestic and international trains 
• SNCB (b-europe) : Only Eurocity trains to Italy and TGV Lyria to France 
• ÖBB Nightjet : Only Nightjet and Euro Night
• ČD (Czech railways) : Domestic and international trains
• Bernina Express (Rhatische Bahn) : Only Bernina express scenic trains 
• Glacier express : Only Glacier Express scenic trains

Other platforms

• Rail Europe : TGV (Lyria), Eurocity to Italy, Bernina Express

By calling the SBB (Swiss railways) booking center

• +41 0848 44 66 88 (open 24/7). 
• You will get a direct connection when calling this booking center. The Swiss SBB booking center can deliver your reservations to all  European  countries. Delivery costs are CHF8 (approx. €6.50). This call center may charge a booking fee. You can also pick up your reservations at main Swiss train stations. Just go to the ticket office with your order number. This call center can make reservations for the majority of European high-speed and night trains.

Locally at the train station in Switzerland

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:  How do I book my reservations

Get your Pass for Switzerland

Global pass.

Be free to visit Switzerland along with the other 32 Eurail countries.

Standard prices from $ 233

Tips and tricks

Quick facts.

Capital: Bern

Population: 8 million

Language: German, French, Italian

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Dialing code:+41

Swiss hub stations

Switzerland's main hub stations are  Basel SBB ,  Bern ,  Geneva ,  Lausanne ,  Luzern  and  Zürich HB . From these train stations it's possible to connect to trains to most of Switzerland's main cities.

Station facilities

Stations in Switzerland usually have excellent facilities, often including:

Luggage lockers

Foreign exchange desks

Restaurants and cafés

Tourist information offices

ATM cash machines

Elevators and escalators

Access for disabled passengers

Spelling of city names

On Swiss train timetables and at train stations in Switzerland, you'll usually find the local spelling of Swiss cities and stations.

Here is the local spelling of some popular Swiss cities:

Geneva = Genève

Lucerne = Luzern

Get inspired

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

2 weeks Switzerland Train Itinerary: all the places you must visit by train!

While starting to type this blog post I’m enjoying the views of the Swiss Alps from the Glacier Express, one of Switzerland’s most famous panoramic trains. Picture the glowing mountain hills in a late summer sun, with in the backdrop a view of one of the country’s most famous glaciers, where ice is eternal and skiing can be done in summer. On the journey from Zermatt to Chur, I’m halfway through my 2-week trip through Switzerland, with nothing but highlights!

Traveling for 2 weeks through Switzerland by public transport? It’s possible! In fact, the Swiss public transport is one of the best and most punctual I’ve experienced so far. None of my trains has even had 1 minute of delay. And with the Swiss Travel Pass you can easily hop on any train or bus in the country. This allowed me to accurately plan this trip past some of Switzerland’s most amazing destinations. Curious? Read on to find out my entire itinerary!

Note: public transport and some activities mentioned in this article were sponsored by the Tourism Board of Switzerland. However, what you read here is my authentic experience and honest opinions of the country.

Please also note that all prices in this blog post are based on my experience in September 2023. Keep in mind that prices might have changed now.

2-week Switzerland train itinerary

Day 1: arriving in basel.

The first day of my train road trip in Switzerland I departed by train from Belgium. From Brussels, it’s only a 6-hour journey to Basel, either through Germany (Cologne) or France (Paris or Strasbourg). I easily booked my ticket online via NMBS International and paid around €150 for a one-way ticket to Basel. If you’re flying in from another destination, I recommend flying to Zurich and spending the first night there or flying to Frankfurt and taking the train to Basel.

Hint: if you’re traveling by train, make sure to book your ticket early in advance and avoid weekends. This way you can halve the price of your ticket!

I arrived pretty late in Basel so I wasn’t able to discover the city by daylight. Luckily, there were a lot of things to do by night as well! Accidentally, the Jugendkulturfestival was taking place. This festival with a lot of music performances all over Basel is being organised at the beginning of September.

Restaurant tip : if you’re arriving hungry, the perfect place to grab some dinner is the Markthalle . Here you’ll find different international food stands that offer you (affordable) food options! This might be a good way to save you a heart attack when first seeing the prices of a steak in Switzerland… Alternatively, you can visit the riverside where you’ll encounter quite a few nice restaurants.

For my quick stop in Basel, I booked a room through Airbnb with a local Swiss lady who gave me a lot of tips about the city. It’s a perfect affordable place to stay for 1 person at walking distance from all sightseeing locations.

Day 2: Basel – Interlaken – Grindelwald

Exploring basel.

As I hadn’t been able to see a lot of Basel in daylight, I decided to explore the city the next morning! Although there is much more to see in Basel than what you can visit on a single day, let alone a single morning, it’s sufficient for a quick visit of its highlights. Here are some places you absolutely cannot miss in Basel:

• Visit Basler Münster . This church is one of the highlights of Basel! Go explore its underground crypts and also pay a visit to the Bischofshof, impressive hallways around the church. It’s all free to visit, but you cannot enter during a mass. Then the church will be closed but the halls can still be visited!
• Make your way to Basler Pfalz , the most photographed viewpoint of Basel. Enjoy the view of the river and take a selfie!
• Walk through the Rheinsprung street to the Mittlere Brücke. In the street, there’s a hidden pathway down to the Garten der Alten Universität. Most tourists don’t come here so you can have this view of the river all for yourself!
• Walk over the Mittlere Brücke . This bridge is constructed on the oldest existing bridge site across the Rhine!
• Enjoy the view from the Oberer Rheinweg along the water. This is the perfect place to take a picture but also to cross the river by boat. Cute boats hanging on cords will take passengers back and forth to the Basler Pfalz. For a small price, you can go to the other side as well.

The highlight of Interlaken

After my short visit to Basel, I immediately hopped on a train to Interlaken Ost. With the Swiss Travel Pass, I could just take any train. Yes, also the international ICE trains! How convenient is that? Enjoy the train ride because you’ll pass by the magnificent Thuner Lake. You’ll want to make sure to stop in Interlaken Ost and not Interlaken West as the former train station is much better suited for the next activity.

Once arrived in Interlaken, leave your luggage in one of the lockers at the train station. A large locker for one day cost me 12 Swiss Francs. Here I could store both my large suitcase and backpack. Super convenient!

From the train station, make your way on foot to the Harder Kulm cable car (only a 5-10 minute walk). In the distance, you can already see the snow-covered peaks of the Jungfrau region, which got me super excited! To go up and down Harder Kulm you’ll pay 34 Swiss Francs, but the Swiss Travel Pass gives you a 50% discount, so I only paid 17 Swiss Francs for the roundtrip. 🙂 Make sure to book your ticket in advance so you can skip the queue at the cable car and go up immediately. When sitting in front of the cable car you’ll have the best view of Interlaken when going up.

Once on the top at 1.322 meters, enjoy the magnificent view of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks. Walk your way to the famous skywalk for an undisturbed view of Interlaken, the Thuner- and Brienzersee, and the mountain range in front of you. This is also the perfect place to enjoy the Swiss cuisine with a view, but be aware that prices up here are quite elevated.

Another great activity on the top is the roundtour hiking trail which takes you for a 1 hour tour (first up then down) on the Harder Kulm. Perfect, if you’re looking for something more active! If you are really sporty, you might also consider walking up the Harder Kulm instead of going by cable car. This takes about 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down.

Be aware that to go down by cable car there might be quite a queue since the cable car only runs every 20 minutes. So it’s not a bad idea to take the cable car up and walk down if you’re up for it!

Settling at Grindelwald

After coming down from Harder Klum I took another train to Grindelwald. From Interlaken Ost, this only takes about 30 minutes. Grindelwald itself is very walkable so you can do everything on foot, but with luggage taking the bus might be a little bit more convenient. Luckily, that’s also included in the Swiss Travel Pass!

Hotel Tip : in Grindelwald, I stayed in Hotel Restaurant Alte Post . This cute 3-star hotel has traditional wooden rooms with a balcony and a view of the mountains. Although the rooms are not necessarily the most modern, they are affordably priced. Moreover, their breakfast exceeded all my expectations as it was loaded with local products!

After settling into my room, I went for dinner at the hotel of the restaurant, which serves traditional Swiss dishes (that are not cheese!). Definitely try their Kalbsgeschnetzeltes with rösti! And for dessert, have a meringue, I was told that this is a local specialty.

Day 3: Grindelwald

Up to grindelwald first.

There are 2 major things you should absolutely do when visiting Grindelwald, one is the Jungfraujoch (see day 4) and the other is Grindelwald First . The First cable car takes you all the way up to 2.166 meters. And if you’re staying in Hotel Restaurant Alte Post, you have an extra advantage, because this hotel is located right next to the lift! So that means that you can be the first in the morning to go up that mountain. And believe me, you’ll want to!

You can easily spend an entire day up the mountain if you’re up for a bit of adventure. Here are the highlights you should have done:

• Walk over the First Cliff Walk by Tissot . This metal bridge hanging on the side of a cliff gives you the most stunning views! Although it’s a short walk (only a few hundred meters), you’ll end up at the most picture-perfect viewpoint. If you’re early enough (by that I mean the first few lifts) you’ll have this place all to yourself. Half an hour later you’ll need to start lining up for a picture here.
• After the Cliff Walk make your way up to “First View” vantage platform , from where you’ll have an equally amazing view of the surrounding mountains and valley.
• Hike to Bachalpsee . This lake with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is more than picture-perfect. In 50 minutes you’ll reach the lake from the cable car and it will take you 50 minutes to walk back the same way. The hike itself is not particularly difficult and the road is very well maintained. Nevertheless, I recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes.

Tip : most tourists stop walking the moment they see Bachalpsee, but the most beautiful bit only comes when you’re hiking a bit further upward. Then you’ll have a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. 90% of the tourists don’t come here so you might have this view almost exclusively to you. The catch? It’s a very steep trail uphill, which can only be hiked with the right equipment.

• If you’re a hiking addict, plan to hike further to the Faulhorn hut . Here you can spend the night but also stop for a good lunch before you make your way down again. Be aware that you should count a few more hours to go back and forth to the mountain hut. From Bachalpsee it takes approximately 1h20 to reach the hut. I regretted not having the time to do this!

Tip : bring your own lunch to eat at Bachalpsee or hike to the Faulhorn hut. I personally found the food options at Berggasthaus First to be commercial and not authentic.

• Another option is to visit the second (lesser known) lake up here: Hagelsee . Just before you reach Bachalpsee you’ll see a sign pointing in the direction of this lake. From there it’s another 40 minutes walking to Hagelsee.
• Go paragliding . All the paragliders gather on the top of Grindelwald First to take you down the mountain while gliding through the air. If you’re not scared of heights, I really recommend it! I paid 210 CHF for a tandem flight of 20 minutes with Paragliding Jungfrau and found it totally worth it. During the flight, your instructor will take pictures and videos with a GoPro which you can purchase afterwards for an extra 40 CHF. Not cheap for a souvenir, but for me it was worth the price. Make sure to reserve a timeslot for your flight well in advance!
• Other adrenaline activities. On top of Grindelwald First, many other adventurous activities can be planned. There is the First Flyer, a zipline, the First Glider, which lets you glide down a zipline from an eagle’s perspective, and can you rent mountain carts or Trottibikes to ride down the mountain.

Restaurant tip: a friendly Swiss man who has been coming on holidays to Grindelwald for over 50 years, invited me to go for dinner at the restaurant of the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort . They have a lovely terrace with a view and serve traditional Swiss dishes like fondue. I loved the fondue and would highly recommend it!

Day 4: Grindelwald

The second must-visit in the Grindelwald region is the Jungfraujoch , also called the Top of Europe. A train will take you up to the highest train station in the Alps to see the largest Glacier in the Swiss Alps: the Aleitsch Glacier. From here, you’ll have the most stunning view of the Glacier and the eternal ice up the tops. Without a doubt worth a visit, so let me show you how!

How to get to Jungfraujoch?

If you stay in Grindelwald like I did, then you want to depart from Grindelwald Terminal. Here, the Eiger Express is the fastest way to get you up quickly. In 15 minutes you’ll be up at the Eiger Glacier Station. From here, you take the train all the way up to Jungfraujoch. This will take another 30 minutes. Count approximately 1 hour for the total journey.

Tip : book a seat reservation on the Eiger Express and the Jungfrau Railway. This is an extra reservation on top of the ticket you’re already buying. The benefit of a seat reservation is that you’ll have a guaranteed seat on the lift & train of your timeslot. If you don’t have such a reservation and it’s very busy then people with a reservation will have priority, which means that everyone without a seat reservation will have to wait for the next train. And this one might also be full.

When I visited in early September, a seat reservation was not necessary, but I do recommend it in peak season. Of course, the disadvantage of such a seat reservation is that you’re bound to a specific time and don’t have a lot of flexibility. That’s why I didn’t buy a seat reservation.

An alternative to the Eiger Express is taking the train to Kleine Scheidegg and changing to the Jungfrau Railway there. The train is a little bit slower but offers you a beautiful view! I personally went up with the Eiger Express and down with the train, a perfect combo!

Tip : make sure to sit on the right side going up by train and the left side going down.

What to see at Jungfraujoch?

The entire Jungfraujoch is basically a round tour you do with lots of experiences along the way. Even before arriving at the Jungfraujoch, you have your first experience, because the Jungfrau Railway will stop for 5 minutes at Eismeer Station , an underground viewpoint where you can get a first glimpse of the glacier.

When arriving at the Jungfraujoch itself you’ll be guided through a 360° multimedia experience with wonderful images of the glacier and Jungfrau up close. Then you’ll proceed to the lift that takes you to the Sphinx Platform, the highest viewpoint on the mountain from where you’ll have a stunning view of the Aletsch Glacier, definitely a highlight!

The tour continues back down with an Alpine Sensation, where you’ll learn more about the history of the peak and the first people exploring this place. Afterward, you’ll pass through the Ice Palace, a cave made entirely of ice where you can admire some beautiful ice sculptures.

Continuing there’s another viewpoint called the Glacier Plateau where you’ll stand next to the Jungfrau top. Last but not least you’ll be guided to the restaurants and shops, where you can buy some chocolate in the highest Lindt shop in the world or spend your money on some luxury Swiss items.

For me, 3 activities were worth it:

View of the Aletsch Glacier

The view of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Platform was definitely a highlight for me. It’s just so impressive to see the glacier laid out in front of you! The most stunning pictures are also taken here, although the light can be very sharp during the day.

The Ice Palace

I’ve never been in a cave entirely made of ice so this was super cool to see! It takes only 5 minutes to go through but it’s definitely fun.

Hiking to the Mönchsjochhütte

The activity I loved the most. In 50 minutes you can hike from Jungfraujoch to the Mönchsjochhütte over the glacier. Don’t underestimate this hike because walking over snow and ice is harder than you can imagine! Also, make sure to wear proper clothes and shoes, the wind can be vicious and the road slippery.

At the hut, you’ll be asked to take off your shoes and change into (absolutely not) fashionable slippers. On the terrace, you can again enjoy the view and inside you can enjoy a delicious hot meal for a reasonable price (I was surprised, the wine was more expensive than the food…). I took a portion of raclette and homemade soup, it was delicious! If I didn’t need to go back I could have sat there for hours with a hot cup of chocolate looking at the glacier.

Fun fact : you can actually stay the night at the hut! If you’re in for some adventure, go ahead and book the night here. I can imagine that sunrise and sunset at 3500 meters altitude must be magical!

Disclaimer : Jungfraujoch is quite a touristy activity and it can get very busy. Try to visit early in the day. If you do so you might benefit from the Good Morning Ticket , where you enjoy a discount for visiting early!

Restaurant tip: I went eating again at Hotel Restaurant Alte Post, because a lot of restaurants were closed on Tuesdays. If not, I would have tried Restaurant Pinte on the recommendation of my new Swiss friend. Another place I didn’t get to try is (what seems to be) the only bar in town, Avocado Bar . It looked like a great place to have a drink so I’m sad I didn’t get to try it.

Day 5: Grindelwald – Lauterbrunnen – Kandersteg

On my fifth day in Switzerland, it was time to say goodbye to Grindelwald because I wanted to check what the hype of Lauterbrunnen was all about. I’m sure you must have seen that one perfect image of the town with the waterfall falling down and the picturesque little church. But is it as beautiful as the picture?

It took me about 40 minutes to get from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald (changing trains in Zweilütschinen). Here I left my luggage at the train station again. But this time the lockers were too small for my suitcase. Luckily I could leave it in a separate room at the info desk of the station for only 5 CHF.

From there I walked through the town, stopping at the tourist info point to get a brochure, and continued exploring the town on foot. What I immediately noticed is that Lauterbrunnen is very touristic, even worse than Grindelwald. Although the town itself is very cute, the many tourists, shops, and cheap food stands take away a lot of the charm of the village. So you might notice that I was a bit disappointed by my visit.

Of course, I had to visit the famous photo spot here, you know, the one you see floating all over the internet. However, I left after 1 minute because I didn’t feel like standing in line for a picture. To be honest, the lighting wasn’t good as well. If you want a perfect picture, you should go early in the morning!

So I went to visit Lauterbrunnen’s famous waterfall, you can go up a staircase to come close to the water, and then quickly escaped the town. Every half hour you have buses taking you deeper into the valley, and that’s a must! Here are some other things you should have seen around Lauterbrunnen:

• Trümmelbach Falls : the only underground glacier waterfalls in Europe that you can also visit! For 14 CHF you can go underground to see how the water has paved its way.
• Schilthorn : this peek is mainly known as the filming location of the James Bond film ‘In Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ that was recorded here in 1969. On top, you’ll find a rotating restaurant and several James Bond attractions such as the ‘Bond World’ or the ‘007 Walk of Fame’. From Lauterbrunnen, you’ll need to take the bus to Schilthorn and then take a cable car up.
• Hiking in Mürren or Männlichen: many impressive hiking trails are available in the region. The most popular hiking spots are Mürren and Männlichen where you’ll find various hikes with stunning views.

Tip : you can download the L auterbrunnen photo hotspot trail from the tourism office that takes you past 8 stunning photo spots in the village of Lauterbrunnen.

After my visit to Lauterbrunnen, I picked up my luggage at the train station and hopped on a train to Kandersteg. The connection to Kandersteg isn’t the best from here. I had to take 3 trains (Lauterbrunnen – Interlaken Ost – Spiez – Kandersteg) to eventually arrive in the village. But what a relief compared to Lauterbrunnen! Although many tourists come hiking here at Oeschinensee, it is not nearly as touristic and the village still feels authentic.

Hotel & restaurant tip : I checked into Chalet Hotel Adler , a beautiful 3-star hotel that has rooms with balconies facing the mountains. Moreover, they have a spa available and their breakfast is delicious! Also, their restaurant serves delicious Italian food, which is of course what I tried that night.

Day 6: Kandersteg – Zermatt

My day in Kandersteg was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my 2-week Switzerland trip. Why? Because here you can go hiking around the stunning Oeschinen lake! You cannot see the lake from the village below as it’s conveniently hidden in between the mountains. These days, people come from far away by train to go hiking here.

How to get to Oeschinensee

Pass by the tourism office to get a map of the hiking trails in the region and make your way to the Oeschinensee cable car. This cable car will take you up to the start of all the hiking trails around Oeschinensee. And even if you don’t feel like a challenge you can just go up for the views and take an easy walk to the lake to go swimming or chilling.

You can easily buy your ticket at one of the ticket boots there but if you want to save time you can also buy it online beforehand . A retour ticket costs 30 CHF which is super affordable compared to other popular cable cars. And if you have the Swiss Travel Pass like me it just costs you half the price.

What to do at Oeschinensee

Once you got up by cable car you can start onto one of the trails around the lake. If you’re not up for a challenge you can just take route 5 or 4 in the direction of the lake, but if you do like a challenge then you can go for a 4-hour roundtrip with stunning views of the lake.

For this roundtrip, start taking trail 5 and then 8. It will be a lot of climbing in the beginning, but once you’ve gained that altitude you’ll be treated to amazing views of the lake and the hike will become much easier. Once you’ve reached the Oberbärgli, a mountain hut where you can stop for a drink and snack (cash only!), you’ll start to descend until you walk alongside the water. The descent is a slippery road with lots of stones so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring hiking poles if possible. You should also not be afraid of cows because these just roam freely on the way down!

Make sure to start the hike by going up so that you can do the most difficult part first. The other way around (trail 5 – 6 – 8) would definitely be more exhausting. Plus, if you start left, you can relax with your feet in the water at the end. A welcome ending to an exhausting hike!

Here are some other things to do while you’re here:

• Go all the way up to the Blüemlisalphütte . This takes you about 6h30 starting at Oeschinensee. It’s only for experienced hikers and if you wish you can also stay the night here.
• Bring your swimsuit and go swimming ! But be aware that the water is ice cold so don’t just jump in.
• Rent a rowing boat and explore the lake. I’ve seen them row from above and it looked so romantic!
• Bring your own picnic and go barbecuing alongside the lake. No better spot to spend a nice afternoon with friends!

Heading to Zermatt

I started hiking Oeschinensee at 10:00 in the morning and was finished (including the necessary photo and toe dipping stops) near 15:00. After that I went to pick up my luggage at the hotel and took the train to Zermatt. This was another 2-hour train ride with a change of trains in Brig (or Visp).

Hotel tip : once in Zermatt I checked into Hotel Chesa Valese and god, it was the best hotel stay of my entire trip in Switzerland! This 4-star hotel doesn’t only look cute, the staff is beyond helpful and their service is excellent, especially for the price you’re paying! For example, upon leaving the lady at the front desk offered to call me a taxi to the station (free of charge) and gave me a goodbye bag with some delicious Swiss chocolate. There’s a pillow menu you can choose from, their breakfast buffet is extensive and healthy, and the wellness after a long day of hiking is wonderful. If there’s one hotel you need to spend your money on, it’s this one. 😉

Things to know about Zermatt before you visit

First of all, Zermatt is not a small cute mountain village where only locals live (yes, I met an Australian hiker who was very confused about this, quite funny to see). So if you’re not from Europe let’s set the expectations right. Zermatt is a luxury ski resort where (generally speaking) the wealthier people go skiing in winter. Hence don’t be surprised to see that prices are a little bit more elevated here (especially at restaurants).

Second, Zermatt is car-free, which means all visitors need to leave their cars in Täsch and take a train to Zermatt. Traveling here by public transport is thus really the most convenient option! However, you will see a lot of small electric cars driving around. These are either taxis or hotel shuttles so you should still watch out when crossing the street!

Day 7: Zermatt

Just like in Grindelwald, there are 2 non-negotiable activities in Zermatt. The first one is visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The second one is going up Gornergrat. If you only have time for one, please choose the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise! That’s also the activity I started with.

How to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest mountain station in Europe at 3.883 meters above sea level. From the peak, you have a stunning 360° view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As it’s eternally covered in ice and snow, people are skiing here year-round, and national ski teams from all over Europe practice here daily.

It took me a while to figure out which cable car to take where in Zermatt to get up the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. But in fact, it’s not difficult as there are only 2 cable cars in town. First of all, make sure to get yourself a map of the region with all the hiking trails and cable cars. Usually, your hotel will have these maps at the reception.

You can go up by taking the cable car at the Zermatt cable car station on the outskirts of the town. From the town center, it’s a 10-15 minute walk. Take this cable car all the way up. Remain seated at the stops of Furi and Schwarzee, and get out at Trockener Stegg. Here you can take the Matterhorn Glacier Ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Tip : quickly get out at Schwarzee to take a picture of the lake, in the morning you have the best light and reflections from the Matterhorn!

The Matterhorn Glacier Ride is one of the most impressive cable cars in Europe with a stunning view of the glacier you’ll hang over on your way to the top. If you really want a cool experience, go buy an upgrade for the Crystal ride . In these special gondolas, part of the floor is made of Swarovski crystals which will become opaque after a few minutes into the ride so you can watch the glacier through the floor. This was beyond impressive to see!

Once you’ve arrived at the top, there are a few things you should do:

• Watch the 360° view from the observatory platform . The view of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks and glaciers is stunning!
• Visit the Glacier Palace. Just like at the Jungfraujoch, there’s an ice palace here. However, I found the one in Zermatt much more impressive! Here you literally enter a glacier where you can see a real crevasse, beautiful ice sculptures and you can even slide down an ice toboggan. (Yes, I tried that, it was fun. ;))
• Visit the Cinema Lounge to watch wonderful images of the glaciers and Matterhorn up close.
• Go skiing! Rent your skis in the village of Zermatt, buy a ski pass, and enjoy the slopes, even in summer!
• Visit Italy . From the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can take a cable car to the side of Italy, which is just across the mountain.
• Have lunch with a view at the self-service restaurant. I wasn’t blown away by the food, but they have some local specialties like rösti, käseschnitten, and käse-spätzli.

Warning : the elevation of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is so high that you might experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to move slowly and take it easy up there. I personnally experienced some dizziness and an uncomfortable feeling. This uncomfortable feeling went away when taking the cable car back down to Trockener Stegg.

Matterhorn Glacier Trail

At Trockener Stegg you can start one of the most impressive hikes around the Matterhorn, called the Matterhorn Glacier Trial. This 2-hour hike (6.6 km) takes you literally around the peak in a moonlike landscape where several glaciers used to run. Right now a lot of glaciers have retreated and a rocky landscape with rivers of glacier water remains.

The hike starts at Trockener Stegg and goes down to Schwarzee where you can take the cable car down. Of course, you can also do it the other way around, start at Schwarzee and hike up but this will take you longer than 2 hours. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the rocks can be a bit tricky. During the hike, you’ll be able to take the most stunning pictures of the Matterhorn!

Tip : take a good look at the opening hours of the cable car because you don’t want to arrive from an exhausting hike and see that the cable car closed already! Usually, they close around 16:00-16:30.

Back to Zermatt

If you arrived back in Zermatt and still have energy you might want to take a look at Zermatlantis, the Matterhorn Museum . It tells you everything about the history of Zermatt and the first successful ascent to the Matterhorn (which also had a tragic ending).

I personally was very tired when coming down so I went straight to my hotel Chesa Valese and checked out their wellness area with sauna and steam bath, highly recommended!

Restaurant tip: that evening, I ate some very delicious (and affordable!) pizza at the North Wall Bar & Restaurant. You can make your own pizza from scratch with all the ingredients you want. It’s a fun place to have a drink as well!

Day 8: Zermatt: Gornergrat

The 2nd must-do activity in Zermatt is going up Gornergrat with the Gornergrat Railway. This iconic red train takes you all the way to 3.089 meters from where you have a stunning view of the Matterhorn and Gornergrat Glacier. The train runs every half an hour and starts on the opposite side of the road at the Zermatt train station.

Tip : go sit on the right side of the train in a seat with a window that can be opened. From this side, you’ll have the most beautiful views and through the open window, you can easily take some pictures! I was able to make the most beautiful pictures between Riffelberg and Gornergrat with the Matterhorn in the background.

What to do at Gornergrat

Once you’ve arrived at Gornergrat, there are several things you can do. First of all, walk all the way up to the viewpoint. From here you have a magnificent view, super close to the Gorngergrat Glacier, which is the 3rd largest glacier in the Alps, and with the Matterhorn in the background. After the viewpoint, here are the other things you should have seen:

• Walk the 500-meter-long roundtour with panoramic views. It’s an easy walk on the Gornergrat that only takes you 20 minutes.
• Go have a look inside the chapel.
• Visit ZOOOM, a unique experience with a 3D cinema of the Matterhorn up close, a virtual paraglide experience, and more information about the history of the Matterhorn.
• Go shopping. Yes, there are a few souvenir shops located here!
• Have a drink on the terrace with a stunning view.

After you’ve explored the Gornergrat top, it’s time to slowly go down. But not before visiting another highlight on this mountain: Riffelsee. It is one of the most famous lakes in Zermatt so many people will stop here for a picture. For a good reason! The reflection of the Matterhorn is just stunning. You can either take the train down from Gornergrat to Riffelsee or hike it. From Gornergrat to Rotenboden it’s a 40-minute hike. At this stop, you’ll find Riffelsee.

If you feel like doing a longer hike, go all the way down to Riffelberg, which is 1h50 instead of 40 minutes. Of course, you can also just hike all the way down to Furi (another 1h50) and Zermatt. Make sure to get a hiking map at the tourist office to see all the options.

Hiking the 5-Seenweg or 5 Lakes Walk

After seeing Riffelsee I went back down to Zermatt to take 2 other cable cars up to Blauherd. Here you can start the 5-Seenweg , an 11 km/3h15 hike that passes by 5 different mountain lakes. The most famous ones are Stellisee, with a stunning reflection of the Matterhorn, and Grünsee & Leisee where you can swim.

Although officially it says 3h15, it took me almost 4 hours to complete the hike with minimal photo and snack stops along the way. Make sure to calculate this in your timing, because cable cars have strict opening hours and you should be able to go back down as well. (Unless you booked a night in one of the mountain huts like Mountain Hut Fluhalp or Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu .)

As the hike took me longer than expected (the map I used told me it would be 2h30!), I felt a bit rushed and couldn’t really enjoy the views of the lakes. So make sure to calculate enough time and take a towel & swimsuit so you can take your time to enjoy the views!

The most beautiful part for me was without a doubt the part between Fluhalp and Grindjisee, where you walk over a ridge. A bit dangerous though!

Tip : if you want a really unique experience, book the Breakfast & Sunrise experience . It takes you to Lake Stellisee at sunrise from where you have a magical view of the Matterhorn. You’ll hike for 45 minutes at sunrise before reaching Fluhalp Mountain Restaurant where you have breakfast. I was too late to book the experience, but I heard from people I met in Switzerland that it’s absolutely worth it! Afterward, you can complete the rest of the 5-Seenweg.

If you want to take it easy, I recommend splitting Gornergrat and the 5-Seenweg into 2 separate days because doing all of this in 1 day really wrecked me. There are also plenty of other things to do in Zermatt to extend your stay!

Day 9: Zermatt – Chur – Flims

I personally think that spending 2 days in Zermatt is way too short. I could have stayed at least 2 days longer to explore more! But what do you do when you’ve booked the renowned Glacier Express? You hop on that train of course!

Riding the Glacier Express

That’s right, on day 9 I booked a seat in the famous Glacier Express , a luxury panoramic train that takes its passengers from Zermatt to Chur or St. Moritz and the other way around. It’s nicknamed the slowest high-speed train in the world, because the journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes no less than 8 hours!

With its huge windows, comfortable seats, and onboard catering, it’s definitely a luxury experience that attracts a lot of visitors. Hence, seats can be sold out weeks in advance. So if you fancy a ride on this spectacular train, you better reserve your seat early!

I traveled First Class on the Glacier Express with a 2-course meal, mostly thanks to the Swiss Travel Pass . To travel on the Glacier Express you need 2 things: (1) a valid train ticket and (2) a seat reservation . The train ticket is included in the Swiss Travel Pass, just like many other panoramic trains. As these tickets are usually quite expensive, buying the Swiss Travel Pass can save you quite some money if you’re planning to take a few panoramic trains.

The seat reservation should be purchased separately on their website and costs 49 CHF (but can also be less depending on the period of the year and route). Be careful, you can only board the Glacier Express when you have both a ticket and a seat reservation!

Meals can be bought either à la carte on board of the train, or you can pay for a 2 or 3-course meal upfront when you make your ticket reservation. I opted for a 2-course meal, which costs 42 CHF (still a decent price). The meal was served around 12 o’clock as we would arrive in Chur after lunch.

Is the Glacier Express worth it? I found it a really pleasant experience and it’s definitely an amazing train with great service and a nice panorama, but the views I saw did not necessarily impress me more than the views I had already seen. You don’t need to book a special panoramic train to have great views in Switzerland, but of course it’s a fun experience. 🙂

Tip : go sit on the right side of the train as this has the most beautiful views! The most stunning part of the route was the Oberalppas before reaching Disentis.

Exploring Chur

The train I took had its terminal station in Chur. Upon arriving, I again dropped my luggage in one of the lockers at the train station and debarked on my exploration of the city. Chur is a real hub in the region as you can reach many ski resorts from here and it’s also the departure point of the Bernina Express , another well-known panoramic train

To be honest, Chur is not the most interesting place to visit in the region (unless you love mountain biking!). But it was nice to stroll around in Chur for some hours. I had the bad luck of visiting on a Sunday when most of the attractions were closed. Nevertheless, I saw some interesting places. Here’s what you should visit in Chur:

• Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption – this is a beautiful cathedral with interesting catacombs you can enter.
• Have an ice cream at Evviva, the best gelato in town!
• Spot all the mural artworks located in Chur.
• Walk through the ancient Gate Tower.
• Enjoy the view at Haldenhüttli.
• Visit the Shelter for Roman Ruins (not open on Sundays…).
• Drink water from one of the unique fountains.
• Take the cable car up to Brambrüesch and go hiking or mountain biking. You can get a map at the cable car station.
• Visit one of the museums like the Bündner Kunstmuseum (art) or the Rätisches Museum (history).

I didn’t stay in Chur for the night but took a bus to Flims instead. Never heard of Flims before? I hadn’t either, but I wanted to be out of the city and in the mountains. The place is mainly known for Caumasee, a beautiful lake, and the Trutg dil Flem, a stunning but challenging hike. Belgians might know it from the Intersoc hotel located in Flims!

During my time in Flims, I stayed at The Hide , a modern but stylish hotel conveniently located at the cable car. It also has a great restaurant, a delicious breakfast buffet, and its rooms have balconies with a stunning view!

Restaurant tip : Pizzeria Veneziana is a delicious Italian restaurant that serves freshly made pizza and pasta. Their tiramisu is also a true delicacy!

Day 10: Flims

For the one full day that I planned in Flims, it was difficult to choose between Caumasee and Trutg dil Flem . Because the latter option required a bit more preparation and an early morning I decided to hike to Caumasee and see the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

Hiking to Caumasee and the Grand Canyon of Switzerland

Yes! Switzerland has its own Grand Canyon! The Ruinaulta , a canyon-like gorge in the Anterior Rhine Valley, was formed 10.000 years ago when rocks collapsed after the retreat of an ancient glacier. Right now the Rhine is running through it, creating a fairytale-like landscape. It is THE place to go hiking, rafting, and canyoning.

Starting in Flims, you can go for an easy walk past Caumasee to the viewpoint Il Spir, where you have a stunning view of the canyon. Get yourself a hiking map at the tourist office and start exploring!

Depending on the time you have, there are several options. All of these start at the parking of Caumasee. You can opt for an easy circular hike (number 3) of just over an hour, around the lake. Or you can opt for a longer hike of 3h30 (number 14) taking you past Caumasee, viewpoint Il Spir, Crestasee, and back to Flims. Or you go for a challenging 6h50 hike (number 12) taking you all the way down in the gorge so you can walk alongside the river. The latter option starts at the Sportzentrum.

Whatever hike you choose, make sure to pack your swimsuit to take a dip in Caumasee and have your camera ready for the stunning views you’ll encounter! I hiked around Caumasee to viewpoint Il Spir and back, which was fairly easy and short. My personal favorite viewpoint was not Il Spir itself, but the view I encountered in front of Restaurant Conn. It just felt more authentic.

Restaurant tip : after my own swimming session in Caumasee, I stopped at Restaurant Cappuccino on my way back to Flims. The Italian owner is very charming and serves delicious international food. A welcome change after the many Swiss & Italian dishes I had up until then!

Day 11: Vaduz

One of the reasons why I decided to stay a few days in Flims, near Chur is because it’s not too far from the border of Liechtenstein. And since I had never visited Liechtenstein and I didn’t know anything about the country, this was the perfect occasion for a day trip. So instead of staying in Switzerland, I crossed the border for one day to the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz!

From Flims, it took me a bus (nr. 81, Flims – Chur), a train (Chur – Sargans), and another bus (nr. 12E, Sargans – Vaduz Post) before arriving in Vaduz. The entire trip was approximately 1h30. I again used the Swiss Travel Pass to cross the border as I read on the website that the pass is also valid for cross-border itineraries. However, I’m still not sure because no one checked my ticket in Liechtenstein. 😉

Get off the bus at Vaduz Post and you’re in the heart of the city center. Although the capital of Liechtenstein looks more like a small town. Until 1930, Liechtenstein had only 10.000 inhabitants. Since then the population has increased 3x as much as 50 years ago. What once used to be a small capital town is now transformed into a bustling city with lots of construction as a consequence. The country went from a rural area to a place of economic innovation.

If you – like me – don’t know anything about Liechtenstein, then there’s only 1 place to start your visit: the Liechtensteinisches LandesMuseum . This is the National Museum of Liechtenstein and explains everything about its history, culture, and habits. It’s honestly the perfect place to start to get a sense of the country. After your visit, you’ll understand so much more about what you see around you. It also features an interesting exhibition about the wildlife in Liechtenstein (and the Alps in general).

Now that you know more about the country, it’s time to visit all there is to see! Here’s what you should do:

• Go winetasting at the Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Yes! Liechtenstein has a vineyard and wine production. A royal one, because the princess herself is a sommelière and concerned with wine production. Groups can book a guided tour, but individuals can also just hop in, stroll through the vineyards, and taste a glass of wine in the tavern!
• Admire the Red House . This is one of the oldest traditional houses in Vaduz. You cannot visit the inside, but it’s worthwhile to take a look at the outside!
• Climb to the vi ewing platform . If you go up the hill in Vaduz, you’ll encounter a viewing platform amidst the trees. From here you have a phenomenal view of the city!
• Walk over the Alte Reinbrücke . This wooden bridge is the oldest bridge still standing over the Rhine between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It was built in 1871 as the 3rd bridge crossing the river. Before that, people could only use ferries to go to the other side.
• Visit the St. Florin Cathedral. Because it’s so small you wouldn’t think this is the cathedral of the capital of Liechtenstein. But guess what, it is!
• Visit Kunstmuseum Liecht enstein. This museum of contemporary art is one of the highlights of Vaduz. You can visit the exhibitions and eat some artsy sushi on their terrace afterward.
• Take the bus to Château Gutenb erg . Although I didn’t go up close to this castle, I’m convinced you should because it looked stunning when I saw it on the bus. You’ll encounter this on your way to Vaduz when you get out at stop Balzers, Roxy. The castle is open for individual visitors from May 1st till October 31st.
• Go hiking in Malbur . This is Liechtenstein’s only ski resort and THE place to go hiking in summer. Start your hikes at Bergrestaurant Sareis or just enjoy the view with a drink.

Things to know before traveling to Liechtenstein

Because Liechtenstein is a separate country, there are some things to take into account when visiting from Switzerland (or any other country for that matter).

• Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc as a currency . So if you’re traveling from Switzerland you can just use the Swiss Francs you already have.
• Liechtenstein is not a part of the EU but is a part of the European Economic Area, contrary to Switzerland. This means that your EU data roaming plan can be used in Liechtenstein like you would normally do. So you don’t need to be afraid of huge penalty fees like in Switzerland.
• The Swiss Travel Pass is NOT valid in Liechtenstein . Because obviously it’s only valid in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is a separate country. It is valid however on cross-border public transport.

To get back to Flims, just take bus 12E back to Sargans, the train to Chur, and bus 81 to Flims!

Restaurant tip: on my last night in Flims, I decided to try the restaurant of my hotel The Hide , called The Deli. And I can say it was a very good choice! They have a nice menu, a lovely terrace, and delicious food.

Day 12: Flims – Weggis

Day 12 was a true travel day because the connection between Flims and Weggis was not the easiest. Why Weggis? Because someone tipped me this place as being one of the most lovely villages at Lake Lucern, and he was right! Weggis is a small town at Lake Lucerne, just below Mount Rigi, a great place to go hiking. At the time of my visit, there were barely any tourists, a big contrast with the bustling touristy Lucerne.

This is what my itinerary looked like:

• bus 81 from Flims to Chur
• train from Chur to Pfäffikon
• train from Pfäffikon to Küssnacht am Rigi
• bus 502 from Küssnacht am Rigi to Weggis

In total, this journey took me almost 4 hours.

Once arrived in Weggis, I checked into Hotel Alpenblick Weggis . Although the hotel is not located in the most charming building, it definitely has the best view! Their rooms with a balcony have an amazing view of Lake Lucerne! Plus, the breakfast and restaurant are of excellent quality. Also the location is just as excellent, in 5 minutes you’re at the waterside!

As the train trip got me quite tired, I decided to take it slow and explore Weggis on foot. Of course, a stroll along the waterside couldn’t be missing! At Aussichtspunkt Weggis am See you have an excellent view of the lake but also the tiny harbour of Weggis. Its small sailboats gently bobbing against the backdrop of the impressive Mount Rigi, make it a truly picture-perfect spot.

A bit further you’ll encounter the tourist office, where you can grab a hiking map for Mount Rigi, but also hop on a boat to one of the other towns at Lake Lucerne, including Lucerne itself.

After my stroll, I went for a cake and hot chocolate or “Heisse Schoggi” in German (which is either Ovomaltine or Caotina in Switzerland) at Café Dahinden. This café was filled with locals enjoying their afternoon coffee, and located next to Lake Lucerne it was the perfect place to enjoy the view while I had the impression, for the first time in Switzerland, to be landed in a local community and not a place focused on tourism.

Restaurant tip : Hotel Alpenblick Weggis also has its own restaurant which I definitely recommend. Especially the chocolate mousse made from Toblerone is beyond delicious!

Day 13: Weggis

What else would I be doing in Weggis other than hiking? With 120km of hiking trails , Mount Rigi offers the perfect location to do so. From Weggis, you can easily take a cable car up to Rigi Kaltbad. Here you change to the train that goes up to Rigi Kulm. Tickets up Mount Rigi are included in the Swiss Travel Pass. If you don’t have this pass, a return ticket costs you 78 CHF.

At this 1.797-meter-high top, you should have a stunning view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding region. I say “should have” because all I saw was fog and clouds. As always in Switzerland you should be lucky with the weather!

From the top, you can walk down one of the many hiking routes, including walking all the way back to Weggis. I decided to just follow the signs to wherever looked nice and non-touristy. Yes, at the top you’ll encounter many tourists, but once you start hiking you’ll leave most of the tourists behind you.

I hiked from the top all the way to Kräbel, pretty much by accident, but it was an incredibly beautiful route! This took me around 2-3 hours. 95% of the trail, I didn’t cross anyone else. However, I did pass by a cheese farm where you could stop for a drink and taste some delicious locally-made cheese, called the Chäserenholzhütte. Not to mention the numerous cows with jingling bells I crossed on the way down!

The second part of my hike just went through random fields. The trail was marked by a yellow pole once in a while but I basically walked from one pasture full of grazing cows to another. Quite an adventure because the trail was not always that easy to find. But do I recommend it? Yes! (You should not be afraid of cows though.)

Once arrived at Kräbel I took the train back to Rigi Staffel. I was lucky to only have to wait 5 minutes for the train because it only runs once an hour. Hence, make sure to check the timing! At Rigi Staffel, I changed trains to go to Rigi Kaltbad and then took the cable car back to Weggis. The ending of a wonderful day!

Restaurant tip : that evening I went dining again at Hotel Alpenblick Weggis because I absolutely did not feel like searching for another spot, although I was tempted to try Restaurant Seerose because they have the best view of the lake while dining. If you would try it, let me know your thoughts!

Day 14: Weggis – Luzern

My absolute favorite activity at Lake Lucerne was taking the boat from Weggis to Lucerne. And that’s exactly what I did on my last full day in Switzerland!

In the center of Weggis, next to the tourism office, you’ll find the dock where you can board the ship to Lucerne (but also to the other towns at Lake Lucerne of course). Every hour (or 2 hours outside the peak season) you can board a ship in the direction of Lucerne. This ship is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. If you don’t have the pass you pay 22 CHF for a single ride.

On the ship, there is a first and a second class. The first class has access to the upper deck from where you’ll have a better view during the boat ride. So if you feel like it, definitely go for an upgrade. It will be less busy as well and thus more enjoyable. The Lake Lucerne Navigation company even organizes theme cruises with burgers or Mexican nights.

Once arrived in Lucerne, I locked my luggage in the train station and immediately went exploring the city. Lucerne is a buzzing city with a lot of tourists, especially compared to the rather unknown Weggis. Here’s what you should definitely see on a day trip in Lucerne:

• Chapel Bridge – this is probably the most photographed spot of Lucerne. This covered bridge with painted panels is one of the highlights of the city and is so romantic!
• Spreuerbrücke – not many people know that Lucerne actually has 2 of these covered bridges, this is the second one and just as beautiful!
• Jesuit Church – this magnificently decorated church is definitely worth a 5-minute stop.
• Museggmauer – a part of the ancient city wall is still standing, including some of its towers. Nowadays you can walk over the walls and enter some of the towers such as the clock tower and Männliturm. From here you have stunning views of the city!
• Glacier Garden – this park/museum gives you an interesting insight into the history of the earth, more specifically the Alpine environment. Plus, it’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
• Lucerne Promenade – at Lucerne’s waterside you’ll find a nice promenade where you can go for a refreshing stroll with a nice view.
• Church of St. Leodegar – another beautiful church in Lucerne with an interesting graveyard.

Restaurant tip: I had lunch in Café Bar Lokal where they serve delicious salads, kinds of pasta, and smaller snacks. Recommended!

Hotel tip : I stayed in Hotel Anker Luzern , a cute small hotel in the old city center.

Day 15: returning to Belgium

After 2 full weeks of solo traveling in Switzerland and countless unforgettable experiences, it was time to head home. With a heavy heart, I took the train from Lucerne to Basel (which is around an hour). In Basel, I boarded an ICE train to Köln where I changed to a train to Brussels. Actually, I should have, but because of problems the ICE did not leave in Basel, and I had to take 2 extra trains to finally end up on the ICE. Quite a hassle!

I booked all my international train tickets through NMBS International as it’s super convenient, but I would advise you to travel via France and not Germany as I always have trouble when traveling over Cologne by train.

If you feel like planning your own train trip to Switzerland, definitely go check out the website of the Swiss Tourism Board. They have a lot of information about the most beautiful train routes, which they call the Grand Train Tour . And also don’t forget to look into the Swiss Travel Pass for a stress-free journey!

Some additional tips

• Buy a Swiss Travel Pass , with this pass you can use any public transport (trains & busses) in Switzerland, and it also gives free access to a lot of museums. It’s definitely worth it if you’re taking one of the more expensive panoramic trains.
• Download the SBB Mobile app . This is the application of the Swiss railways where you can look up all the train connections.
• You don’t really need Swiss Francs. Most places either accept cards (credit cards, Apple Pay…) or euros so you don’t really need to have Swiss Francs except for some coins to use at the lockers of the smaller train stations.
• Plan certain activities beforehand, such as the Jungfraujoch and the Glacier Express. You’ll need seat reservations for these which are booked out quite early!

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is a pass for all public transport in Switzerland. You can buy one for 1 day or up to 2 weeks. With the pass, you can use all trains, buses, and some cable cars without limit. Even the famous panoramic trains such as the Glacier and Bernina Express are included! Plus, it gives you free access to over 500 museums.

How much does a 2-week train trip in Switzerland cost?

THE question I get asked all the time: ‘how much did your 2-week trip in Switzerland cost?’ The truthful answer is that I don’t know and don’t want to know ;). Joking, but also not joking. I never tracked all my expenses to the exact euro cent, but I estimate it to be between 3.000 – 4.000 euros. Take into account that I always stayed in hotels and ate out every evening. So you can definitely save a lot of money by sleeping in hostels and cooking your own meals.

What about data roaming in Switzerland?

This is important! You cannot use your regular data plan like in other European countries because it will cost you a ton of money. Instead, you should either buy a separate plan with your current provider, buy a local SIM card, or get an eSIM. The latter option is definitely the most convenient! I bought an eSIM with 10 GB of data through Nomad . You can find more info about the eSIM I bought in this blog post .

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The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass (by Train )

July 8, 2023

The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass. 

As the train weaves its way into the Swiss Alps, the view from the window pretty much changes from rolling hills carpeted with forests and vineyards to snow-capped peaks peeping out in the distance, chocolate box houses laden with flowers to glistening lakes and glacier-fed streams. Every nook and corner of this country makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a pretty postcard.

There is so much to take in – be it the nature trails, hiking trails, or breathtaking panoramic views as the train maneuvers from one idyllic Swiss village to another.

While planning our trip to Switzerland we were overwhelmed with so many options; we had a tough time finalizing our itinerary as there were too many places we wanted to add to our list.

To help you get started, we’ve listed our itinerary recommendations,  when and where to go in Switzerland. You can spend months exploring pretty little Swiss villages, taking detours, crossing cute bridges, chasing waterfalls, or just stumbling upon Swiss villages that are only accessible by cable cars.

Since we were in Switzerland for 11 days, we opted for the Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days for unlimited travel in Switzerland.

Swiss Travel Pass is one of the most convenient ways to travel the length and breadth of the country. You don’t have to worry about renting a car, car parking fees, insurance, and fuel charges.

BENEFITS OF A SWISS TRAVEL PASS

The entire country is well-connected by public transportation.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains, buses, and boat transfers in Switzerland.

You can also  request a free Family Card  for children up to the age of 16. They can travel for free if accompanied by at least one parent

It covers mountain excursions like Rigi Kulm, Schilthorn, and Stanserhorn. You get a 50 % discount for  all other Mountain Excursions and a 25% discount for Top of Europe – Jungfrau. 

It also covers public transportation, museum visits, and trains to/from Liechtenstein ( neighboring country.

You can just hop in and out of any regional train, you don’t need to book anything in advance. But make sure, you see the availability and timings of trains before being adventurous 😉

For the timing of the trains, you can download the SBB app and Swiss Travel Guide app. 

Other Attractions entirely covered by the Swiss Travel Pass –

The train route to Wengen and Grindelwald are entirely covered. Post that you get 25% discount on the ticket to the Top of Europe – Jungfrau.

  Golden Pass line ( Lucerne <-> Interlaken <-> Montreux ) is entirely covered by Swiss Travel Pass. It is advisable to reserve seats if you want to experience the best view of the Alps. The train journey can be broken into three legs –

• Montreux to Zweisimmen
• Zweisimmen to Interlaken 
• Interlaken to Lucerne

You can visit car-free villages like Zermatt, Murren, and Wengen.

Uetliberg and Rhine Falls from Zurich.

Chillon Castle in Montreux

Free access to over 500 museums

Mount Stanserhorn from Lucerne ( 15 minutes train ride). It has the first open-air cableway in Switzerland.

Cruises on the Vierwaldstättersee  (Lake Lucerne), Lake Brienz

You only have to pay reservation charges for panoramic trains like Glacier Express & Bernina Express .

Note: If you are under the age of 26 the prices are less, find the list and exact fares at the Swiss Travel Pass official website. You can also opt for half price card where everything is half-priced or Super Saver Card depending on your itinerary.

Swiss Pass ( Consecutive Days )

You can also avail Flexi card if you are not planning to travel every other day.

Switzerland is utterly expensive if you factor in the cost of transportation, accommodation, mountain excursion tickets, food expenses as well as the exchange rates. If you are planning to visit on a shoestring budget, you might definitely struggle. Just to give you a rough idea.

Coffee – 3-5 CHF

Burger King Veg Meal – 8-9 CHF

Decent meal at a fancy restaurant for two – 25-50 CHF

Bottle of water – 2-4 CHF

The best thing you can do is to visit supermarkets like COOP, MIGROS , and LIDL and stock up on food, snacks, and water for your journey.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Switzerland is a year-round destination but the landscape varies drastically with every season. So, pick and plan based on the season else you will be disappointed. 

Best Time to Visit – May End to October

Busiest Months – July & August ( Long days with sunsets around 21:00, rolling meadows, snow-free trails )

Ski Season – Dec-March ( Ski towns like Zermatt, Davos, Gstaad, Murren, Wengen, and St. Moritz are super expensive and crowded)

Note – From early April to mid-May you might find some ski towns completely dead and shops/hotels closed for the spring break. During this time the prices of hotels drop too and the weather is also unpredictable.

CURRENCY – Swiss Franc but Euro is also accepted in almost all places.

TOURIST VISA – You need a valid Schengen Visa.

Few things to consider before planning your Swiss Itinerary

• Length of Stay
• Important:  Season / Month you are traveling
• Places you want to see and taking their geographic proximity from each other into account.
• Itinerary ( Things to do & Places To Visit )
• Public Transportation vs Renting a Car
• Accommodation Option – ( Hotels vs Airbnb vs Chalets )

Our Switzerland Itinerary with Swiss Travel Pass

Here we share our 11 days Switzerland itinerary with a Swiss Travel Pass for 8 days. We used our pass from Day 4 to Day 11. 

Day  1 – Fly into Zurich

Day 2 – Boarded the train to St. Moritz via Chur from Zurich.

Day 3 – Explored the beautiful town of St. Moritz and visit the famous Engadin mountains.

Day 4 – Boarded the famous Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt ( You can board the glacier express from other towns as well as like Chur, Brig, Andermatt, Visp, and Zermatt )

Day 5 – Explore the beautiful town of Zermatt . ( Since the weather was not favorable and it was raining we headed to Brig and visited the Spa town – of Leukerbad . )

Day 6 – Boarded the train to Interlaken, explored Interlaken, and visited the nearby beautiful town – Iseltwald

Day 7 – Explored the Jungfrau Region – Murren, Gimmelwald and Schiltorn Summit.

Day 8 – Explored Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. You can also visit Top of Europe- Jungfrau and return via Grindelwald to Interlaken.

Day 9 – Boarded the famous Golden Pass line that connects Lucern via Interlaken to Montreux. (We boarded the train from Interlaken to Lucerne. ( Lucern to Interlaken and Montreux to Zweisimmen is touted as one of the most scenic train rides ). We highly recommend stopping at the beautiful Swiss town of Brienz and doing a boat tour and also visiting Giessbach falls . If you have time also do visit the beautiful village of Lungern . The glistening lake of Lungernersee is worth the stop.

Day 10 – Explore Lucerne in the first half and take a train to Mt. Titlis/ Rigi /Pilatus . ( The mountain excursion to Rigi is completely covered by a Swiss Travel pass, so we opted to go to Rigi but it entirely depends on you.) For the other two mountain excursions, you get a 25% discount if you have the Swiss Travel Pass.

Day 11 – Back to Zurich/ fly back home. Do visit Rhine Falls if you have more time at hand, make the best use of the Swiss travel pass, and tick off the neighboring country — Liechtenstein from your list.

( PS: If you are not interested in visiting Ski towns, you can skip and instead include Montreux, Gstaad, Geneva, Bern, and Basel to your itinerary . )

Day 1-  Fly into ZURICH

Zurich was our jumping-off point to the pretty Ski town of St. Moritz. We visited the old town of Zurich on our very first day. Unfortunately, the moment we arrived, it started pouring and we could not explore much.

After arriving in Zurich, if you have time on hand, we recommend that you take a day or two to explore the beautiful town of Zurich and discover all that awaits you before embarking on your Swiss sojourn.

Things To Do in Zurich

• Explore the old town ( Fraumünster, Swiss National Museum, Grossmünster )
• Art lovers can visit Zurich’s  Kunsthaus
• Eat at Hiltl which is the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant or drink Beer at  El Lokal or Zueghauskeller
• Take a  cheese fondue cruise  along the lake
• Pamper yourself at Thermalbad & Spa Zurich
• Admire The View From Lindenhof Hill
• Take a leisurely boat ride along the River Limmat
• Explore Zurich west
• Shop at Bahnhofstrasse ( Prime shopping street )
• Hop on a train to Uetliberg or Adlisberg for the amazing views.
• Visit the Glass Biodomes at the Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Rhine Falls
• Head to Felsenegg for a spectacular view of Zurich.
• Day Trips option – Lucerne, Jungfrau Region, Interlaken, Engelberg, Bern, Black Forest in Germany, Liechtenstein ( Neighbouring country )

Where to stay: We stayed at Hotel Welcome Inn, Kloten which was quite close to the airport.

Options:  Hotels in Zurich | We would recommend you stay close to the city center if you are planning to explore the city.   

Day 2-3:  St. Moritz

Nestled within a picturesque setting in the Swiss Alps. The famous ski town is home to some of the best luxury resorts in Europe and is quite popular among skiers.

We boarded the train from Zurich Central Station to St. Moritz. We had to change our train in Chur. The train ride from Chur to St. Moritz was one of the most scenic routes as it passes over viaducts and through helical tunnels. We highly recommend doing this train journey during winter. The train line from Thusis to St. Moritz has a UNESCO world heritage status.

We arrived in St. Moritz around noon and had the entire day to ourselves. We walked around the village, went to a spa, and pretty much did nothing on our first day. You can head to the Engadin mountains and take in the 360 degrees panoramic views while sipping some beer.

Things To Do in St. Moritz

• Take In The View: Head to Muottas Muragl, Corviglia, Corvatsch . If you don’t ski, there are restaurants to sit and eat at while enjoying the mountainous backdrop. There are also hiking trails.
• Activities like Hiking, Skiing, Toboggan, Paragliding, Snowboarding, Cresta run, Ice Hockey
• Pamper yourselves at  Ovaverva Spa
• Visit Segantini Museum
• Board the famous panoramic trains like  Bernina Express and The Glacier Express .

  Do read our post on St. Moritz – Places to see in St. Moritz  

Where to Stay: We stayed at a beautiful property – Hotel Reine Victoria in St. Moritz. The hotel is at a stone’s throw distance from the Ovaverva spa and the location was perfect for a leisurely walk to the city center and back.

Options:  Hotels in St. Moritz  

Board the famous Glacier Express – St. Moritz to Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the countless charming villages in the Swiss Alps and is famous for the one and only the famous Matterhorn mountain. This car-free village is quite popular during the winter months, skiers from all around the world flock to Zermatt for their ski vacation. It might get a bit crowded over long weekends though.

Things To Do in Zermatt

• Take In The View:  Hop on the train to Breithorn (4,000 m) or Gornergrat (2883 meters), Klein Matterhorn, Hörnli Hut ( Basecamp for Matterhorn ), Sunnegga
• Explore the Zermatt village
• Matterhorn Museum
• Walk the  Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge or Europe Bridge
• Catch the cable car up to Schwarzee (2583 m), Trockner Steg (2939 m), and then the Glacier Paradise , at an altitude of 3883 meters.
• Gorner Gorge
• Hiking Trails are quite popular during the summer months.
• Helicopter Tours and Paragliding

Where to Stay – We stayed at the hotel Hotel Couronne Superior which is quite close to the museum and railway station. It also has rooms with impressive views of the Matterhorn.

Other options –   Hotels in Zermatt  

 Explore Interlaken & Jungfrau Region

Interlaken is a perfect base to explore the Jungfrau region and the Geneva area. The river snaking its way throughout the city, snow-capped mountains peaking from one side, the glistening lake, and the rustic Swiss charm make it an ideal base to explore the stunning Jungfrau region and many other pretty Swiss villages. We stayed at Wilderswil in Interlaken.

You can also stay at Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen and explore the region.

We’ve listed down everything you can do or visit in and around Interlaken below.

Things to See   & Do in and Around Interlaken

• Explore the town in Interlaken
• Visit St. Beatus Caves : Legend has it that St. Beatus chose this cave for his hermitage after driving a fire-breathing dragon to Lake Thun. The limestone caves offer a stunning view of the stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a cave museum and guided tours are available every 30 mins. ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• The Oberhofen Castle : Situated on the shores of Lake Thun, this 13th-century castle boasts some amazing architecture. A great place to explore the lifestyle of the bygone era. A short boat ride on Lake Thun lands you in this beautiful castle.
• Visit Iseltwald — a beautiful town near Interlaken.
• Funicular ride to the top of Harder Kulm
• The Sigriswill Suspension bridge
• Visit the Weissenau Nature Reserve
• Visit Thun Castle and cross the impressive Panoramabrucke Sigriswil near Lake Thun
• Visit Giessbach Falls  situated on the southern shore of Lake Brienz. You can also stay at the Grand Hotel Giessbach which is right next to the fall.
• Adventure activities like skydiving, paragliding, etc.
• Top Of Europe   Jungfrau – One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Jungfrau region. The train journey to Wengen or Grindelwald is covered by Swiss Pass and then you need to pay to visit the Top of Europe (you get a 25% discount on the remainder of the journey). You can book the tickets online or on the spot.

Explore the Jungfrau Region

Jungfrau region is a place where you want to slow down, pause, or linger at points of interest. If you want to cover more grounds, we would suggest starting early as there is much to see and chances of getting distracted and spending way too much time in one place are guaranteed.

Lauterbrunnen ( 15 minutes train ride from Interlaken )

Nestled within a valley in the Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen gave J.R.R. Tolkien the inspiration for his Elven City of Rivendell in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy.   It is one of the prettiest villages in the Jungfrau region and is known as the Valley of Waterfalls.

• Visit  Trummelbach Falls ( Price – 11 CHF per person ), Staubbach Falls, Mürrenbach Falls, and Talmuseum  (To learn about the local life and history of the valley ).
• Murren ( 20 minutes cable car + train ride from Lauterbrunnen) – This pretty car-free village is another favorite and is a perfect place to spend 1-2 nights admiring the stunning mountains.   
• Gimmelwald ( 5-7 minute cable car ride from Murren ) 
• Visit Schiltorn ( Piz Gloria ) ( 10 min cable car ride from Murren ) – Home to the first revolving restaurant at the height of 2970 meters and the James Bond Museum. The view from the top is breathtaking.

Note: To Visit Piz Gloria you have the option to take a cable car  from Stechelberg which is just 10 minutes away from the Trummelbach waterfall. You can do the entire circle in a day – Once you get out of the station, board the bus for Trummelbach waterfall, visit Trummelbach waterfall, board the bus to Stechelberg, buy a ticket for Piz Gloria, you can stop at Gimmelwald , Birg, and on your way back, get down at Murren and walk to the train station. It will hardly take 10 minutes to cross the village and reach the train station. Take a train & cable car from Grütschalp back to Lauterbrunnen.

Option 2: From Lauterbrunnen, you can take the cableway to Grütschalp. Then change to the narrow gauge train to Mürren the train station in the north of the village.

• Wengen (15-minute train ride from Lauterbrunnen) – At the foot of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains. Wengen is another pretty car-free resort town. You can view the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley from the top.
• More adventurous travelers also have the opportunity to go on skydiving and paragliding tours for some of the most awe-inspiring views of the mountainside.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 16, 2018 at 8:42am PST

  Grindelwald 

Another popular town you can stay in and explore is the Jungfrau region.

• First Cliff Walk for amazing views
• Ziplining with The First Flyer in First Grindelwald – ( Price – 29 CHF )
• Eiger Trail
• Hike to the stunning Bachalpasee Lake. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to reach the lake.
• Visit Sphinx Observatory
• Reichenbach Falls
• Visit Schynige Platte

Other nearby places you might consider visiting

• Visit a Spa Town ( Leukerbad ) – Truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The village is peppered with thermal pools/spas all around. Where to Stay – Hotel Le Bristol
• Lake Blausee   ( 29 minutes from Spiez ) and  Oeschinensee in Kandersteg
• Aare Gorge ( 1,400m-long limestone alpine river gorge  )
• Oberstockensee and Hinterstockensee in Erlenbach ( Two beautiful lakes which are quite easy to reach )
• Engstligenalps falls in Adelboden and t he suspension Hostalde bridge Frutigen
• The suspension Trift bridge in Gadmen ( 43 Km from Interlaken )
• Goms Bridge , Bellwald ( Entrance fee – FREE )
• Gstaad – A beautiful Alpine village that is quite popular for winter activities
• Nearby Cities – Brig, Visp, Spiez, Isletwald, Bern

Where to Stay: We stayed at Alpine-Inn by Jungfrau Hotel at Wilderswil. There are beautiful hotels and chalets in and around Interlaken.

Options:  Hotels in Wilderswil | Hotels in Interlaken | Hotel in Murren

Train from Interlaken to Lucerne

From Interlaken, the scenery gets even better as you inch toward Lucerne. Lucerne is a charming town and can be easily covered in a day.  The main attraction that Lucerne has on offer is the Chapel Bridge. It is the oldest covered bridge in Europe. The interiors are adorned with paintings that date from the 17th century.

We explored the old town on our first day and Mt. Rigi on the second day.

Things To Do In and Around Lucerne

• Stroll around the historic Town: Buildings are adorned with beautiful facades so keep an eye on the walls as you explore the old town.
• Boat ride in Lake Lucerne ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Church of St. Leodegar which is quite close to Lake Lucerne
• Lucerne Townhall ( Lucerne Rathaus ) is also a beautiful piece of architecture.
• Swiss Museum of Transport ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Tour a nuclear bunker –  Sonnenberg Bunker
• Another covered bridge – Spreuerbrücke
• Mountain Excursion to Mt. Rigi ( Entirely covered by Swiss Travel Pass) / Mt. Pilatus ( board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway)  / Mt. Titlis ( You get a 25% percent discount on the other two. The tickets can be booked online or on the spot.
• Visit Stans ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Visit Museum Bellpark ( Covered by Swiss Travel Pass )
• Visit Lungern – The charming town which is just an hour away
• Take in the amazing view of Lake Lucerne from Morshach

Where To Stay: We stayed at Ibis Styles, Lucerne . There are other lovely properties in and around Lucerne as well.

Options:  Hotels in Lucern  

Day 11 – Fly out from Zurich / Bern

You can also do a quick stop at the capital city of Switzerland and fly out from Bern depending on your flight timings. We had a flight from Zurich so we boarded the morning train from Lucerne and headed straight to Zurich airport.

This concludes our 11-day tour around Switzerland! There is so much beauty and charm that we can’t wait to revisit and explore more.

You can also club other countries – Lake Como or Milan in Italy from Zermatt/ St. Moritz, visit the Bavarian region and Austrian Tirol region from Appenzell, Visit Liechtenstein from Zurich, visit Colmar in France from Bern, the Black Forest in Germany from Zurich.

If you have any other queries, feel free to comment below.

If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us ( Email:  [email protected]) for our Testimonial section.

Related Posts

Things to Do in St. Moritz

Things To Do In Leukerbad

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May 13, 2018 at 2:28 pm

I would love to visit Switzerland, such beautiful views from the train journey. Love your pics!

May 16, 2018 at 12:25 pm

beautiful pics

May 16, 2018 at 2:56 pm

truly awesome post sharing

May 18, 2018 at 1:59 am

Your photography is absolutely stunning. I love the clarity and colors of that you shoot. Fantastic. Traveling Switzerland by train seems like an amazing option. The views (and captures) you had from the track on the high passes were beautiful.

May 18, 2018 at 7:19 am

Switzerland 🇨🇭 you can’t beat the beauty of this country. The details you have provided will help any traveller plan their visit. The visuals compliment the blog as well. Thanks for sharing such details The travel pass is a great tip for Switzerland travellers

May 18, 2018 at 1:23 pm

I am always happy to read a good guide to Switzerland because I can’t recommend it enough to everyone…although it is insanely expensive! The Golden pass and using the public transportation is an excellent way to travel in Switzerland! But I personally got very bored on the Glacier express 😜 but I know that many would love it!

May 18, 2018 at 5:12 pm

Done bookmarking this post! It is a dream to visit Switzerland and reading a good guide just makes me more excited. We will definitely make sure to try traveling by train.

May 19, 2018 at 1:15 pm

Your post made me nostalgic and reminded me of our stay in Swiss for 8 years. Swiss is surely a paradise on earth and you guys have clicked stunningly beautiful pictures. Zermatt, Muerren, and Wengen – all these car-free zones are some of my favorite places. We lived in Zurich and each and every inch of that place has been filled with good and sweet memories. Interlaken trips were like a day picnic for us. I agree with you that the most scenic train route is from Chur to St. Moritz, that we did in the initial year during winter. But nothing can beat Swiss by roads. We have driven on all the scenic routes, countryside, and small and beautiful towns and villages. Adored seeing this beautiful place through your lens. You both complement each other so beautifully. Thanks a lot for sharing this post with us.

May 19, 2018 at 2:52 pm

What a great idea to travel by train and see all those different locations! I have not even heard about the Swiss Travel Pass before, but it seems like the best thing to use in order to get around. We were thinking about going to Switzerland next year but were unsure yet about how to manage logistics, so this blogpost has helped a big deal! Spending time in Interlaken makes sense since there seem to be lots of great places around. Thanks for sharing this!

May 20, 2018 at 11:28 pm

Awesome awesome trip it is! I’m yet to head the real Swiz (coz it was so sunny in Basel that I wouldn’t consider it Swiz!). Thanks for the tip about the fantastic trains of Swiz. Good to know that not only it covers travel but also gives discounts on various sites.

May 21, 2018 at 7:08 am

Those Views are just breathtaking and I have to say your pictures are just mind blowing loved them! I have to be honest I am not a fan of Winter we don’t get snow where I come from but If I ever get the chance to experience a real Winter I would love to go to Switzerland!

May 23, 2018 at 2:24 pm

Amazing photos! I always wanted to go by train in Switzerland. I’ll bookmark your post for later.

May 23, 2018 at 6:23 pm

Yaaass!! I love purchasing passes like the Swiss Travel Pass! The cost differential makes all the difference, and it gets you out and doing things that you normally won’t consider or didn’t know about. I’ve been dreaming of Switzerland lately, so I might just need to start saving up for the big 15 day pass. Grindelwald has been on my bucket list for ages!

May 24, 2018 at 5:00 am

Oh wow your photos are beautiful and you really managed to make the most of your 11 days! I’m British so don’t need a visa for Switzerland, and it’s pretty close and accessible to me but somehow I still haven’t visited. This post has certainly given me the push I need to finally get to looking for flights (except not for ski season, I hate snow haha)

May 25, 2018 at 8:11 pm

Switzerland is bestowed with such a hypnotic beauty. The panoramic views are to die for! Thanks for the detailed information about the country as well as the Swiss pass guide. I’m saving this post for future reference. Switzerland has been on my bucket list for so long. Your pictures are awesome and perfectly justify the beauty of the place. I simply can’t take my eyes off them.

May 26, 2018 at 1:51 am

Those views are amazing and what a very informative post, I am planning a trip to Switzerland this year and I have noted your tips and saved your page. The great thing about this is I don’t need a visa as I am from the UK.

May 26, 2018 at 11:43 pm

This sounds amazing! I’ve only been to Switzerland once and didn’t take advantage of the Swiss pass, but I really want to go back and use the pass to see some mew places! Interlaken in particular has been on my list for a long time. I might be going back to Switzerland in September, so I’ll definitely be looking into this!

May 28, 2018 at 3:15 pm

Very nice blog and loved your pics. Wanted your advice to plan a trip for 3 days. We are planning to go to Lucern from Milan and send the next 3 days there. since we don’t have much time in hand, what are things we should include in our itiniery and could be easily doable. We are travelling in September.

June 4, 2018 at 5:57 am

What a great blog sir 😊 शुभकामनाएं

June 4, 2018 at 9:11 pm

Great tips for planning a trip to Switzerland. One of the things I really want to do in Switzerland is some hiking and see all those mountain villages. However, using the travel pass does sound like a very convenient and relatively economical way of getting around. St Moritz looks like a stunning place to visit.

June 4, 2018 at 11:39 pm

I love train travel! It’s so civilized and relaxed and a great way to enjoy the scenery. And where could there be better scenery than Switzerland? Beautiful!

June 4, 2018 at 11:42 pm

What a great pass to have and I can’t believe that kids under 16 travel for free everywhere in Switzerland on that pass? That is such good value. Your itinerary looks amazing and so do the photos. Switzerland is so picturesque and definitely on my bucket list for the future. Bookmarked for the itinerary!

June 5, 2018 at 3:50 am

I love how beautifully colour coordinated the two of you are! Really sweet, my husband would’ve never agreed to do that LOL. Your pictures are amazing, and I realise that although renting a car in Switzerland was a fantastic idea, it meant that we missed out on some beautiful train journeys! Also, we did not make it to St Moritz and Matterhorn and those were my two big misses, we went the other way (Lucern, Geneva, Chamonix) but I always regretted missing these two places. I guess it means I need to go back 😉

June 5, 2018 at 5:43 am

Your post revived my Swiss trip and I loved Switzerland through rail trip. Glacier Express goes through scenic route and as this train has long and wide windows, the views from train are amazing. Zermatt also looks very beautiful and worth visiting.

June 5, 2018 at 1:28 pm

This is an excellent guide to train travel in Switzerland. The Glacier Express is just incredible, and it’s great to know how many car-free towns I can visit using this pass. Switzerland is very expensive, so I would really invest in this to save for my dinner!

June 5, 2018 at 6:31 pm

Oh wow. The photos are amazing and the price isn’t as bad as I imagined. That said, I think I would be bankrupt if I spent 15 days in Switzerland so I might have to opt for one of the shorter options and visit Zermatt and other cute towns.

June 6, 2018 at 9:08 am

I have visited Switzerland during summer and it was utterly gorgeous. You post makes me want to plan a trip during winters, it looks completely different and gorgeous. Yet to explore Zermatt and St. Moritz, would love to visit when these places are completely covered in snow.

June 12, 2018 at 12:35 pm

This is awesome.You captured the beauty of swiss during winters and Loved it its helpful post for planning travel to switzerland.

June 20, 2018 at 4:11 pm

I stayed in a beautiful village called Engelberg when i visited Switzerland. It’s just an hour drive from Lucerne and the quaint little village was everything a person dreams about Switzerland.

A great and detailed itinerary indeed… Cheers

June 22, 2018 at 7:25 pm

This was fantastic! I love that you included a budget to help determine whether the Swiss Travel Pass was worth it financially as well. I’m a budget traveler so that’s really important to me. Your photos are also spectacular so I’m dying to head to the Alps ASAP! And the train ride would be the best way to explore the Alps. Great post!

July 26, 2018 at 5:44 am

very lovely place…. i am loving this place….

July 31, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Well written, extremely helpful and awesome pictures. Only question is how did you covered the itinerary with a 8 day pass, i.e Day 2 to Day 9 or ??. It appears that you have used your pass even on Day 10 to visit Mount Rigi!!

July 31, 2018 at 1:01 pm

We used the Swiss Travel pass from Day 3 to Day 10 🙂

November 12, 2018 at 12:09 pm

February 8, 2019 at 7:08 am

Lovely Blog Beautiful Pictures The information shared by you will be helpful to me for my trip planned for July 2019 Thanks a Lot

July 25, 2019 at 1:14 pm

how beautifully you have written this article,,,its mesmerizing us …thank you so much for your amazing article which has given me so much to know.

September 6, 2019 at 11:26 pm

The travel blog Ive been looking into. Thank you.

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5 Amazing Places to Visit in Switzerland by Train

Switzerland has earned widespread fame and repute as being one of the best travel destinations in the world, which routinely attracts millions of tourists to the country especially those who want to experience the beautiful mountains and diverse cultures. If you have been browsing Switzerland holiday packages on websites online, you must be aware that the country is served by a widespread rail network, which includes the highest railway in Europe against the backdrop of snowcapped peaks! Naturally, a vast majority of Switzerland tour packages online, include travel within the country using the railway network which is efficient and cheap as compared to taking flights. If you are packing your bags for a Swiss holiday this season, then it is essential that you read our guide that lists out 5 amazing places in the country to go by train (You can get a Switzerland train pass for tourists which also includes free access to hundreds of Museums around the country!)

If you have been browsing Switzerland holiday packages on websites online, you must be aware that the country is served by a widespread rail network, which includes the highest railway in Europe against the backdrop of snowcapped peaks!

Naturally, a vast majority of Switzerland tour packages online, include travel within the country using the railway network which is efficient and cheap as compared to taking flights. If you are packing your bags for a Swiss holiday this season, then it is essential that you read our guide that lists out 5 amazing places in the country to go by train (You can get a Switzerland train pass for tourists which also includes free access to hundreds of museums around the country!)

Interlaken is one of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland, which itself is a statement due to the stiff competition.

The resort town has an easygoing vibe and is accessible by rail from anywhere in the country. The town lies between two beautiful lakes and lies in the Canton of Bern. Interlaken is one city that you should not miss at any cost on your Switzerland tour .

Lucerne is another major city in the country, located in central Switzerland. With numerous mountain peaks, lakes and rivers nearby, Lucerne is also a top tourist destination, which can easily be accessed by rail (don't forget to capitalize on your benefits of Swiss Travel Pass to make the most on Swiss Rail Network).

The city also hosts the ‘Fasnacht' festival in December, which involves days of decadent celebration by locals in colorful attire and is a wonderful opportunity for food lovers to get their hands on some authentic Swiss delicacies.

Zermatt is famous for its ski resorts and lies close to the Swiss-Italian border.

Cable cars, ski sloped, the quaint little town has it all. The majority of the local population speaks German, being one of the three official languages of Switzerland. The city is accessible by rail and is one of the stops of the famous Glacier Express panoramic train.

Basel being the 3rd most populous city of Switzerland is also a major railway hub, from where you can even take international trains to Paris and other destinations. Basel has a lot to offer for tourists with its multicultural makeup of the city.

Lugano is situated close to the Italian border and the majority of the population speaks Italian. The Lugano railway station is situated centrally in the city and can be easily accessed by tourist rail passes. The Swiss city is unique for its pervading Italian influence on its food, music and wine!

We have told you briefly about the top 5 Swiss destinations to go for by train.

We hope this article has been informative for you. Don't hesitate to contact us at SWISStours for information and for some terrific discounts on bookings! Bon Voyage!

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• 7 Best Switzerland Train Journeys That’ll Let You Witness The Heart And Soul Of The Country

23 Mar 2023

Basically, a journey is not all about the destination to be reached. It is about the traveling experience and the comfort and joy you have while traveling. The destination is the last point of the journey that is ever discussed and the journey is all that needs to be comfortable and full of moments that can be relished. Train journeys are one of the best modes of transportation to reach your destination. Train passing by different cities, small towns, and crowded villages will take you to your final destination. Followed by dense clouds and green and wild forests makes your Switzerland train journeys more interesting and leave you undoubtful about your decision of going through the train.

Traveling to Switzerland means many Switzerland train journeys passing throughout the magnificent high mountains covered with snow that will make your jaw drop, scenic lakes whose beauty will leave you awestruck.

7 Best Switzerland Train Journeys

Clean and comfortable Switzerland train journeys will make your trip more happening and successful. So here are some details about your train journeys for the next trip.

1. The Glacier Express

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Talking about the scenic Switzerland train journeys, the first name that comes out of the mouth is the glacier express. This scenic train takes about 8 hours to cover the distance of 2000 meters. All you have to do is just book your tickets and sit comfortably and enjoy the beautiful sceneries passing by the train. Have a look around and do not miss the Matterhorn in Zermatt. It passes by the snow-capped mountains, dense forests, glowing glaciers and many of streams and valleys all over. This overwhelming scenery will make you feel like heaven. Having your previously booked lunch on this scenic train will make your trip most pleasurable. But if you want a pocket-friendly trip then pack your food along and enjoy it on the train route passing by the beautiful sceneries.

Train route: St. Moritz – Chur – Brig – Zermatt Price: 1st class costs around 112 euro 2nd class costs around 62 euro You can have full journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt or a small journey from Chur or Brig.

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2. The Gotthard Panorama Express

What is better to enjoy the Switzerland train journeys that pass by the bridge over the ms diamante lake? This train starts from the station of Lucerne passing by Fluelen and Bellinzona and reaches the final station of Lugano. This train will give you the pleasure of cruise. You just have to sit comfortably and enjoy your traveling by this scenic train. You can enjoy the beauty of historic landmarks like Rutli, banging bays and beautiful villages just by sitting on the couch of this train.

Train route: Lucerne – fluelen – bellinzona – lugano Price: 1st class costs 65 euro from Lucerne.

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3. The Bernina Express

This magnificent train departs daily and covers the distance of 2223 meters. It starts from its station chur crossing st. Moritz and Tirano and reaching to final destination point Lugano. It will take around 4 hours and 13 minutes from Chur to Tirano. You can enjoy the beauty of high mountains covered with snow passing by the dense and evergreen forests and the glittery glaciers. It provides the best services through comfortable seatings and large glass windows from where you can look out the panoramic views of Switzerland. You don’t have to pay extra reservation charges. Announcements are made that will make you aware about the upcoming stations. You are served the eatables on your seat by the trolley service.

Train route: chur – st. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano Price: it costs around 91 euro for the 1st class booking from Chur to Tirano and 52 euro for second class booking from Chur to Tirano.

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4. The Jungfrau Railways

This is one of the best trains to explore the beauty of Jungfrau. It came into existence in 1912. It takes you to the Jungfraujoch that is at an altitude of 1400 meters. It starts from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch that is the highest altitude railway station. You will love t watch the high old mountains from windows covered by white snow all over. The train passes by Wengen, Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidagg. Try not to miss the towns you pass by. Have a stop in Wengen and Grindelwald as they are pretty more interesting and beautiful destinations. It ensures you the best comfort while traveling that will make your trip memorable.

Train route: lauterbrunnen – wengen – kleine scheidegg – Jungfrau – zweilutschein – grindelwald – kleine scheidegg – Jungfrau.

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5. Golden Pass Line and Luzern Interlaken Express

The route of this train is divided into three sections followed up by starting from Lucerne, Switzerland. It reaches its final destination of Montreux by passing from Interlaken. You can enjoy the marvelous beauty of nature by passing through these three different stations. It takes around two hours to reach Interlaken from Lucerne and further two hours to reach the final destination Montreux. Its estimated duration from Lucerne to Montreux is around 5 hours and eight minutes. It covers a long distance of 191 km. passing through the marvelous Simmen valley and alpine resorts and mountains covered with snow will make your Switzerland train journey the best.

Train route: Lucerne – Interlaken – Montreux Price: it takes around 62 euro per person for the 1st class booking and 37 euro for second class booking from Lucerne to Monteux.

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6. Voralpen Express

This train connects cities of central and eastern Switzerland. Started its journey in 1992, it runs every hour between the stations of st. Gallen and Lucerne. Its average journey time is 2 hours and 15 minutes. It provides you the catering on your seats. It starts from Luzern and its endpoint is to St. Gallen. You can enjoy the panoramic views of sceneries from your first class booking seats. At lower prices, second class booking option is also available. Comfortable seats and cleanliness all around make your traveling experience more exciting and joyful.

7. The Pre-alpine express

This scenic rail passes between the stations of eastern and central Switzerland. It travels from Lucerne to Lugano passing by Interlaken, Montreux, and Locarno. You will love to travel by this train away from the traffic of the city and towns. Enjoy the beautiful and panoramic sceneries all-around of the snow-capped mountains high glittery glaciers and long bridges. Seat reservations are not needed. You need not to hurry for that.

Route: st. gallen – Interlaken – montreux – Locarno – lugano. Price: 1st class tickets cost around 36 euro from Gallen to Lucerne. 2nd class tickets cost around 21 euro per person.

Further Read: Behold These 10 Magnificent Switzerland Waterfalls That Will Blow Your Mind For Sure!

While traveling through these scenic railways of Switzerland, you can fully enjoy your trip with your loved ones. The comfort of traveling on these trains will make you experience the best to Switzerland train journey. Always have a timetable but even if you don’t have, worry not as trains keep passing by the same station frequently in small intervals of time. So, plan your trip to Switzerland for a soothing journey on these train routes and soak in the calming vibes with your friends and family!

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Best places to visit in switzerland.

Switzerland is known around the world for its chocolate, cheese, charming towns and scenic landscapes . Everywhere you turn, you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouthwatering cuisine in between. U.S. News considered factors like sights, culture, accessibility and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert input, to calculate the best places to visit in Switzerland. Peruse the list below, and vote for your favorite spots.

Appenzell District

Jungfrau region.

Interlaken's unique location between two lakes – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun – makes it a breathtaking spot for a vacation. Here, you can spend hours hiking various trails, taking in the castle-studded shores of Lake Thun on a boat cruise or gazing at the surrounding mountains from the Harder Kulm observation deck (accessible via a funicular). To see more of the region's stunning scenery, go for a ride on the Schynige Platte Railway or sign up for a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

Travelers looking to ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps should head to Zermatt. This small, car-free town in the middle of the Alps is famous for housing one of the world's most famous attractions — the Matterhorn (a peak so popular that it inspired a Disneyland ride) — and Switzerland's highest ski resort. Novice and expert skiers and snowboarders can spend the bulk of their vacation hitting the slopes, which showcase incredible mountain views. After shredding powder, visitors can ride the Gornergrat train, pick up a slab of homemade chocolate from a local shop or savor cheese fondue at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings. This beautiful city's old town is home to historic attractions, lively town squares, boutique shops and old churches. Top attractions include the Musegg Wall and its towers (the preserved fortifications date back to the 13th century) and Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, the must-see Chapel Bridge, which was originally built in the 1330s. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can also ride a cable car to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of Lake Lucerne and plenty of activities at the top.

This lakefront city on the Swiss-Italian border offers visitors a unique travel experience. Because Lugano shares waters with neighboring Italy, the city features a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Plus, Lugano boasts unforgettable panoramas. Visit Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, both of which you can reach by funicular, for bird's-eye views of Lake Lugano and the city. Or, spend a few hours hiking the Olive Grove Trail or strolling the gardens of Ciani Park. If you'd rather lounge on a beach, head to Lido di Lugano.

Zurich is a cosmopolitan financial center, a foodie haven and a romantic European city that appeals to all types of travelers. A vacation here should include spending time admiring Lake Zurich, exploring the trendy bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, meandering through Lindenhof park and exploring the city's distinct neighborhoods. Join well-heeled shoppers (or just admire the window displays) on Bahnhofstrasse, a world-famous exclusive retail boulevard. While here, be sure to sample the famous dark chocolate Champagne truffles from specialty chocolatier Teuscher.

Visit the medieval town of Gruyères if you want to feel as if you've stepped back in time during your next trip. Its good looks (think: car-free cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares and a 13th-century castle) create an old-world ambiance you're bound to love. Plus, the town is world-renowned for its Gruyère cheese, which you can sample and learn more about at a local cheese dairy or cellar. Sampling chocolate is also a must-do here, so be sure to check out a chocolate factory or attend a chocolate workshop while in town.

Like its neighbor Lugano, Locarno is located in the Ticino region near the Italian border. This quiet, small town is surrounded by stunning scenery (it sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps), and since it's the warmest destination in Switzerland, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Be sure to stroll through the picture-perfect main square, Piazza Grande, where the city hosts several summer festivals, and trek to Madonna del Sasso, considered sacred among Roman Catholics. Then, head to the Verzasca river valley to swim or bungee jump.

Appenzell captures the essence of Switzerland with rolling hills, a car-free village and well-preserved customs. Visitors can take in the scenic landscape of the Appenzell District (located in the northeastern part of the country) by taking a cable car to the oft-photographed Aescher guest house, picturesquely built into the rock face, or hiking the region's "experience trails" like the Gonten Barefoot Trail and Appenzeller Kapellenweg, which weaves past 11 chapels. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Appenzell boasts quaint, frescoed shops and Museum Appenzell, which highlights the region's traditional crafts, folk music and art.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a small town that boasts more charm and incredible scenery than Brienz. Located in the stunning Bernese Oberland region, Brienz sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Brienz, which features gorgeous turquoise water and is flanked by towering evergreen mountains. Some of the best ways to soak up the awe-inspiring setting include strolling picture-perfect Brunngasse (often proclaimed the most beautiful street in Europe), riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (which traverses a steam rack railway) and taking a boat tour to lake attractions like Giessbach Falls.

Set along the banks of crystal-clear Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, this city is known for its incredible views and as the headquarters of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Geneva is also home to some iconic sights, including the Jet d'Eau (one of the world's tallest water fountains) and an old town with cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. While exploring the latter, be sure to check out the Saint Pierre Cathedral, which features Roman, Gothic and neoclassical details.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern sometimes gets overlooked for flashier Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. But Bern holds many charms, including an old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) featuring the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, Renaissance-style fountains and a Gothic cathedral with the highest spire in Switzerland. The city also boasts many museums – several dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when developing his theory of relativity. Head to Gurten mountain – which you can reach by funicular, by bike or on foot – for sweeping views of the city below.

As the largest ski area in central Switzerland, Engelberg is a winter playground, with a long, snowy season for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. But don't sleep on a summertime visit here; warmer months allow for a bevy of fun family activities like a toboggan run, 300-plus miles of hiking trails and water activities on Trübsee lake. Regardless of when you visit, you won't want to miss the TITLIS Rotair, a revolving cable car that takes riders up Mount Titlis, and the other cable lifts that stop at a glacier cave, a panoramic restaurant, and the TITLIS Cliff Walk.

Considered "the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism," St. Moritz welcomes travelers with world-class skiing, swanky hotels, renowned après-ski offerings and top-notch restaurants. In addition to offering downhill skiing trails so highly regarded that the town has hosted the Olympics twice, St. Moritz features excellent spots for cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hikes. Come summertime, the area invites outdoor lovers to golf, bike, hike or enjoy water sports and swimming in the surrounding lakes.

The Jungfrau Region is the perfect place for first-timers wanting to experience the otherworldly splendor that is the Swiss Alps. But be forewarned: The destination is sky high. Popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch (which features Europe's highest train station), the Grindelwald-First cable car and the First Cliff Walk Presented by Tissot sit at the top of towering peaks. The innovative Eiger Express gondola offers even faster transport to the top (just 15 minutes from Grindelwald). For those who'd rather stick closer to Earth's surface, prioritize a hike on a lower-level valley path and a visit to the Pfingstegg toboggan.

Tourists may not be as familiar with Montreux as they are with its Lake Geneva neighbors, which makes this Swiss town such an undiscovered gem. Quaint Montreux features a waterfront promenade dotted with flowers and trees, a medieval castle and a charming old town, not to mention a statue commemorating Freddie Mercury (Queen recorded multiple albums here from 1978 to 1995). Montreux is also surrounded by vineyards and hosts a popular open-air jazz festival every summer, while the holiday season brings the festive Montreux Noël market.

Located less than 5 miles from Montreux, Vevey is another Lake Geneva gem. This town's picturesque promenade along the lake is filled with flowers and features a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey. The Alimentarium, a nutrition-focused museum, also adorns the shoreline with its beautiful sandstone building, which once served as the headquarters to Nestlé (the company is still based in Vevey). After admiring the town, visitors can take a cog railway to the scenic Les Pléiades vantage point for its stunning views and the astronomy-centric Astropléiades trail.   

The second-largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is characterized by its renowned Gothic cathedral and surrounding hilly terrain. The stunning lake views and colorful city center don't hurt, either. Travelers can take in Lausanne's lively atmosphere by checking out the city's cafes, admiring the old town's beautiful architecture and perusing the exhibits at the Olympic Museum. No visit would be complete without venturing outside the city to nearby Lavaux, where you can enjoy wine from vineyards that are so scenic and well-preserved (some date back to the 11th century), the area was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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• Switzerland

Most beautiful train rides in Switzerland — 9 best train trips & most scenic train routes in Switzerland

Since the country is so famous for its majestic views of the Alps, traveling by train in Switzerland is the pinnacle of your trip. Imagine you are sitting on a beautiful train full of modern amenities, overlooking the mountain landscape through large glass panes designed specifically for scenic trains. We’re going to compile a list of the trains that pass through the most beautiful places in Switzerland. So, let’s check out our suggested 9 most scenic train routes in Switzerland (most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland, most scenic train ride in Switzerland), best train trips in Switzerland including the 5 best scenic train rides in Switzerland as follows to help you make the most of your trip to the one of the most beautiful country across Europe!

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Most scenic train routes in Switzerland: The Glacier Express

Traveling between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this train takes up to 7.5 hours to complete the distance of 290 kilometers (180 miles), which is why people jokingly call it the slowest express train in the world. The scenery along the railway is stunning with flowing rivers, ancient towns, mountain passes and lakes, even the impressive gorges and of course glaciers.

Glacier Express is known for its comfortable railcars with panoramic views. You should book a second class ticket instead of first class as there is little difference between these two classes, except for the slightly wider seat area. However, the Excellence Class lounge is a completely different experience, with luxuriously decorated seats, multi-course dining and unlimited complimentary wines including champagne. You can purchase one-way or return tickets along with packages for overnight stays at hotels along the route.

Most beautiful train rides in Switzerland: The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express, totally recognizable with its distinctive magenta color, is one of the most famous trains in Switzerland and around the world. This approximately four-hour express train connects the border town of Tirano, Italy, and the town of Chur in the state of Graubunden, Switzerland, superimposed on a change of scenery between two stunning regions. The palm trees and lakes near Tirano quickly gave way to high mountain forests, glittering glaciers in winter and the peaks of the Bernina Alps. Not only can you admire the viaducts and tunnels, Bernina’s route is also a technical marvel of the 20th century.

The Bernina Express operates all year round. Many visitors make trips to Tirano from the St. Moritz ski resort on the same day. Together with the Glacier Express, the Bernina is part of the historic Rhaetian Railway. When booking your tickets, you should be aware that the regular trains between Tirano and St. Moritz which follow the same route as the Bernina Express would cost less or not, so you can consider your options.

The 5 best scenic train rides in Switzerland: Train to the Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch at 3,454m is well known to many as the roof of Europe, and Jungfraujoch Station is also the highest altitude train station in Europe. The passage from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfrau is a masterpiece of nature. Outside the window, the green valleys around the beautiful village of Wengen and the village of Grindelwald are totally amazing.

At the top of the glacier at Jungfraujoch Station is a complex of five Alpine amusement parks, observatories and an ice palace carved into the glacier. Here, you can try multiple snow sports, enjoy dining at restaurants and experience services at hotels and shopping areas. The price here is quite high so you should definitely consider your budget. Pay attention to the weather to be able to see the panorama of Jungfrau Peak under the blue sky.

The GoldenPass Line from Montreux to Zweisimmen

The GoldenPass Line is a 210km (130 miles) train route between Montreux and Lucerne. Connecting Montreux and Zweisimmen, the GoldenPass Classic is the most popular option of this stunning route. The GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque runs on the Montreux and Zweisimmen route, offering a journey with a romantic atmosphere and nostalgic style. These railcars were inspired by the Golden Mountain Pullman Express from the 1930s, a luxurious Orient Express-style train loaded with royalty features.

To minimize the expense, you may also book the lower service of GoldenPass Classic and still admire the beautiful view. When arriving in Zweisimmen, you can choose to spend the night, or go back to Montreux, or transfer to Interlaken and Lucerne. The GoldenPass runs all year round.

As the train moves from Lake Geneva, the terrain quickly changes from the Mediterranean to the Alpine mountains, with sunny lakesides and vast vineyards giving way to ancient mountain villages and cascading streams. It’s a real paradise!

Most scenic train routes in Switzerland: The Wilderswil – Schynige Platte-Bahn Railway

As part of the Jungfrau mountain railways, the classic Schynige Platte railway was completed in 1893. Once on board, you’ll quickly take in the views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, then they give way to the panoramic view of the peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. The train is mainly active in the summer from May to October, and the travel time is only about an hour.

Once at the historic Schynige Platte-Bahn Station, you can hike through hills and pastures, dine in the station’s restaurant or enjoy the magnificent scenery from the Schynige Platte hotel. If you want to go anywhere else, you can drive from Interlaken, or take the Bernese Oberland train from Interlaken to Wilderswil.

Most scenic train ride in Switzerland: The Chocolate Train

Cheese and chocolate are two of Switzerland’s culinary specialties, and a train ride from Montreux will take you to both of these national treasures. The Chocolate Train (or Train du Chocolat) takes passengers to the House of Gruyere where the famous cheese is made before moving on to the chocolate factory called Maison Cailler Nestle in Broc, which of course includes direct enjoyment of the two foods. The train is provided by Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway Company (MOB) and is part of the GoldenPass network, which runs from May to November.

Best train trips in Switzerland: The Gotthard Panorama Express from Lucerne to Lugano

A 5.5-hour journey by train and boat, Gotthard Panorama Express is renowned for its diverse landscapes, climates and cultures. The journey starts from Lucerne where you sail from Lake Lucerne to Fluelen. From here, you catch the train that climbs up to Goschenen, and then switch to another train that goes to Lugano.

At the end of this journey, you’ll travel through different areas of language and culture, from France to Germany to Italy, and end up near Lake Lugano in the southern state of Ticino. Gotthard Panorama Express runs from May to October. You can choose a number of separate routes during your journey and note that the train only serves first-class cabins.

Most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland: Brienz Rothorn Railway

A famous Bernese Oberland train, Brienz Rothorn Railway takes passengers on a 7.6km journey to Brienz Rothorn. This mode of transport is unique with exposed railcars propelled to the mountains by ancient steam locomotives. At the top of the mountain – 2,266 meters above sea level – there is a restaurant, a hotel along with hiking trails and panoramic views of Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps. The steam train operates from June to October.

Most scenic train routes in Switzerland: Cogwheel railway from Alpnach to Mount Pilatus

Maybe, you’ve seen little mountain carriages with serrated wheels, surrounded by magnificent mountain views. The same goes for the Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus route, which might be considered the steepest cogwheel train in the world with a gradient of up to 48%.

The majestic little red train takes 30 minutes to climb 4,816 meters from Alpnachstad on the shores of Lake Lucerne to Pilatus Kulm, a recreation area on top of the Pilatus Mountain. The original cogwheel system was built in 1889 and has not changed much since then. Crossing the meadows and cutting through large rocks, this is one of Switzerland’s most memorable short train journeys. At the summit there are hotels, restaurants, winter snow parks as well as recreation activities such as mountain climbing and summer games.

You can choose packages including round-trip river cruises from Lucerne, overnight stays and meals. The train runs from May to November, and if you travel at other times of the year, you can get to the top by cable car.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Switzerland you can refer to

• 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Europe
• 4G Portable WiFi for Europe from Uroaming
• 3G/4G SIM Card for Multiple European Countries (HK Airport Pick Up)
• Half Day Trip to Mount Titlis with Cable Car from Lucerne
• Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Lucerne
• Day Trip to Mount Titlis with Cable Car (Zurich Departure)
• Swiss Travel Pass

Are you looking for more Switzerland travel guide and top things to do in Switzerland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Switzerland itinerary 8 days — What to do &amp; How to spend 8 days in Switzerland by train perfectly? And here .

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The 11 most incredible places to visit in Switzerland: be inspired

Nov 24, 2023 • 8 min read

Switzerland, it really is this stunningly beautiful © scaliger / Getty Images

Nowhere is perfect, but let’s face it,  Switzerland gets pretty darned close. 

The Alps ripple across 60% of the country, and the landscapes and towns look like they have been dreamed up by a particularly imaginative child. We’re talking glacier-capped peaks, crash-bang waterfalls, turreted castles of the fairy-tale kind and lakes in the most surreal shade of turquoise blue. Red trains curl up mountains to improbable heights and clanging cowbells ring out across hilly meadows that you can skip down with Heidi-like glee.

Even the culture-filled cities have magnificent backdrops of vineyards, lakes or rivers, and the mountains are never more than a whisper away. As natural beauty goes, Switzerland is off the charts. That makes it a joy to travel around , whether by train, bus or car. Here are the 11 best places to visit in Switzerland.

1. Jungfrau

Best for outdoor activities

The idyllic Jungfrau region is the icing on the Alpine cake of Switzerland’s  Bernese Oberland . Sky-high peaks, glaciers and thundering falls elicit gasps of wonder wherever you go. Grazing the 4,000m (13,123ft) mark are Switzerland’s "big three:" Eiger (Ogre), Mönch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Virgin), enshrined in mountaineering legend.

Take a once-in-a-lifetime ride up to the everlasting snow at Europe’s highest train station, 3,454m (11,332ft)  Jungfraujoch . Hike, ski, sled and zip-line among mountains of myth in  Grindelwald , enjoy waterfalls galore in  Lauterbrunnen  and tackle every kind of extreme sport imaginable in  Interlaken (skydiving, ice climbing, glacial bungee jumping – you name it). The Jungfrau region is the great outdoors on a blockbuster scale.

Planning tip:  Rush this region and you’ll regret it. Allow a week or more to dive in deep if you have the time. It's worth it. 

Best for stepping back in time

Bern often pops up in those I-can’t-believe-it’s-the-capital trivia questions, but frankly, Switzerland’s first city deserves more love. The cobbled, flag-bedecked medieval  Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage treat, with 6km (3.7 miles) of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars, fantastical folk figures topping 16th-century fountains and the eye-grabbing  Zytglogge . Framed by wooded hills and split in two by the turquoise Aare River, this red-roofed city looks good from pretty much every angle. It’s pure storybook stuff for kids, too, with its giant who snacks on children (the  Kindlifresserbrunnen ) and  resident bears .

Sights-wise, you’ll be drawn to big-hitters like the  Einstein-Haus  (where the genius and Nobel laureate developed his theory of relativity), the  Kunsthaus  (with its outstanding fine arts collection) and Renzo Piano’s wavy Zentrum Paul Klee (Bern’s answer to the Guggenheim).

In summer, the action’s on the water with swimming, tubing, rafting and paddleboarding along the Aare River.

3. Geneva and Lake Geneva

Best for a cosmopolitan city experience

In Switzerland’s western crook, crescent-shaped Lake Geneva  (Lac Léman to Francophones) is a joy to behold with its mountain backdrop, spirit-lifting views, vineyards and shoreline necklaced with handsome cities and castle-crowned towns.

Marked by its rainbow-kissed  Jet d’Eau fountain and Mont Blanc peeping up on the horizon, Geneva wraps around the lake’s southern shore. The worldly city makes an excellent launchpad for exploring with big-hitting museums and galleries to absorb, botanical gardens to stroll, lidos to swim at, Old Town cafes to hang out in and bright-yellow mouettes  ferrying locals across the water – surely one of the world’s most scenic commutes.

Planning tip: It’s a quick boat or train hop to  Lausanne , which can culturally give Geneva a run for its money, especially with its  Plateforme 10 arts district , the lovely terraced vineyards of the  Lavaux  wine region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and flower-draped  Montreux , host to one of the world’s most famous jazz festivals, with the picture-perfect  Château de Chillon right on its doorstep.

Best for hiking, skiing and rock-climbing

No peak has more pulling power than the 4,478m (14,692ft) Matterhorn, a terrific, gnarled fang of rock that flings up above the seductive, timber chalet-filled Alpine resort of Zermatt . It's Switzerland’s mountain icon, so beloved by the nation that it inspired the pyramid shape of Toblerone chocolate.

Zermatt is more than a one-mountain wonder. Climbers have been rocking up here since the mid-19th-century, and it’s still a magnet for challenging summit ascents today. Otherwise, come to hike, ski and gaze over a sea of glaciers and 4,000m (13,123ft) peaks at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise . 

5. Swiss National Park 

Best for wildlife (and wildflowers) spotting

Switzerland has just one national park? Yes, we know it’s a shock, but trust us it’s a good one. Snuggled away in a remote corner of the country’s southeast on the border with Italy, the 172-sq-km (66-sq-mile)  Swiss National Park is the Alps in overdrive: a nature-gone-wild spectacle of high moors, forests, wildflower-freckled pastures, waterfalls, jewel-colored lakes and mountains as high as the sky, where ibex, chamois, marmots, deer and golden eagles roam and fly free.

Planning tip: Start off on the right foot with the inside scoop on walking trails and ranger-led guided hikes at the visitor center in Zernez.

6. Bellinzona

Best for piazza dining

With medieval castles rising high and the Alps rearing beyond, good-looking Bellinzona in Ticino is a taste of the best of Italy's best food and culture in Switzerland. You’ll find a generous splash of Italian flair in its historic center, woven with flower-draped alleys, Renaissance churches and cafe-rimmed piazzas that brim with life, laughter, clinking glasses and the out-of-tune toll of countless campaniles. 

Planning tip:  Top of any wish list is seeing the castles, among them hilltop Castelgrande , which can be drawn out into a full day’s activity (bring water and comfortable shoes). 

7. Jura Mountains and Lac de Neuchâtel 

Best for road tripping

In the dark forested hills along the French-Swiss border, the Jura Mountains are a natural wonder. This peaceful region has a beauty all its own: meadows of green, ancient forests, rocky outcrops overlooking a trio of lakes against an Alpine backdrop and slow-paced villages and valleys little changed in centuries. 

Begin with a road trip . Kick off at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park for hikes with dress-circle views of Lake Geneva and Gruyère cheese tastings at rustic Alpine huts. Swing north to Lac de Joux, the watchmaking village of Le Sentier, and Vallorbe, honeycombed with Switzerland’s biggest (and most impressive) limestone caves.

Tag on a trip to Lac de Neuchâtel and you can bathe in the thermal waters of Yverdon-les-Bains, tiptoe off the map in the lushly rolling Val-de-Travers (birthplace of absinthe) and the crescent-moon canyon of Creux du Van . Cultured Neuchâtel is a fitting climax with its fantasy of a lavishly turreted château.

8. Lake Lucerne

Best for sunset promenades

Reclining on the shores of its glittering namesake  lake ,  Lucerne  is a walkable, medieval dream of a city that has a magic you can’t quite put your finger on. It will grab you when you are strolling along the promenade as the sun sets in a blaze of gold and pinks or as you cruise across its waters to mountains of myth: 2,132m (6,995ft) Mt Pilatus, where Wagner raved about the Alpine panorama and Queen Victoria trotted on horseback, and 1,797m (5,896ft) Rigi, with a light so sublime Turner painted it in three different moods.

The little city punches far above its weight culturally with its iconic medieval Kapellbrücke  bridge leaping across the Reuss River and the Jean Nouvel–designed  KKL arts center and  Sammlung Rosengart  harboring a prized private collection of Picassos. Ambling past the belle époque hotels lining its shores, the same views that captivated Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner in the 19th century will hold you in their thrall.

Planning tip: With more time on your hands, you can really get out on the lake. Cruise across fjord-like, mountain-rimmed Lake Uri for a taste of Switzerland’s geographical and spiritual heartland. Boats ply the glassy turquoise waters to  Rütli , birthplace of the Swiss nation.

9. Appenzell and northeastern Switzerland

Best for a bucolic Swiss experience

Northeastern Switzerland might not have the in-your-face drama of higher realms of the Alps, but it nevertheless delights in its own serene, deeply rural way with dairy country unraveling to meet the mountains and half-timbered, gaily muralled towns all fit for a postcard. This pocket-sized region is perfect for a family vacation with a hit of culture and gentle adventure.

Begin in St Gallen, with a spin round its World Heritage  Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), a literary marvel and a feast of rococo art and architecture. Move on to folksy, ridiculously pretty Appenzell, popping into the  Schaukäserei to sample regional cheeses.

Muscling further south into the Alps, head on up to Säntis at 2,501m (8,205ft) for views embracing six countries and then go to  Werdenberg , a tiny speck of a medieval hamlet home to Switzerland’s oldest timber chalets.

Planning Tip: Close by is  Vaduz ,  Liechtenstein ’s princely, castle-topped capital on the banks of the Rhine.

Best under-the-radar city experience

Popularity-wise, poor old  Basel barely gets a look. But that’s a mistake. Straddling the Rhine, this city has everything going for it: world-class art in some of the country’s best galleries, a hot food scene, avant-garde buildings bearing the hallmark of Pritzker Prize–winning architects and an upbeat cafe culture.

Allow several days for a satisfying romp of the center, where must-sees include the  Kunstmuseum and its fine arts collection, the Renzo Piano-designed  Fondation Beyeler and the Frank Gehry-designed  Vitra Design Museum .

Planning tip: Basel endears itself most to those who look beyond the trophy sights, with sundown drinks by the river or a wild swim in the Rhine. Rent a Wickelfisch (a fish-shaped waterproof bag) at the tourist office, strip to your swimming suit and go with the flow, floating downstream past the city’s landmarks.

Best place to live

Regularly landing at the top in quality-of-living surveys, urban dynamo Zürich never seems to miss a beat: from cool waterside bars on the banks of the Limmat River to its alley-woven Old Town, where the twin-spired Romanesque Grossmünster shines with Augusto Giacometti’s rainbow of stained glass. Le Corbusier’s boldly colored architectural creations and the edgily post-industrial Züri-West neighborhood notch Zürich's culture cred up even further.

Planning tip: In mid-August, Zürich throws one of Switzerland’s wildest parties: the techno-pumping Street Parade. 

This article was first published Sep 20, 2021 and updated Nov 24, 2023.

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Top Things to Do in Switzerland

Top Things to Do in Geneva

One Week Itinerary

Most Scenic Train Routes

Switzerland's Nature Parks

How to Go Skiing

The Top Hikes

Matterhorn Complete Guide

The Most Beautiful Lakes

Foods to Try

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Switzerland Airports

Getting Around

Places to Visit in Switzerland

The Best 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland

It's no secret that Switzerland has scenery in spades. The small European country is big on towering, snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes, storybook villages, and vibrant cities. For active vacationers, Switzerland offers virtually every winter sport, including, of course, some of the world's best skiing, plus hiking, biking, climbing, hang-gliding, and other temptations for adrenaline junkies. There's also plenty to fill a more leisurely vacation, with hearty cuisine, including what some say is the world's finest chocolate, high-end shopping, first-rate museums, and, at every turn, another gobsmacking panorama.

Switzerland is a year-round destination, and it would take many, many trips to see all that it has to offer. But assuming you don't have a lifetime to explore the country, here's our list of the top 17 places to see in Switzerland.

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Switzerland's largest city is a stunner—at once historic and modern, cosmopolitan and bohemian. Divided by the Limmat River and wrapping around Lake Zurich's shores, Zurich offers some of Switzerland's best museums, Swiss and international dining , and Bahnhofstrasse—rightfully called the world's most expensive shopping street. Plan to spend much of your time in the Altstadt, or Old Town, and enjoy at least one traditional meal in a restaurant housed in a former medieval guildhall. Many a tour of Switzerland begins or ends here, as the city is seamlessly connected to the rest of the country and Europe, thanks to the ultra-efficient Swiss Rail System .

©GenèveTourisme; ©www.geneve.com 

Switzerland's second-largest city, French-speaking Geneva sits at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva and has a long lakefront promenade on two shores offering views of the famous Jet d'Eau fountain. Geneva is one of Europe's most expensive cities in which to live; that prosperity is felt in its elegant streets and parks, high-end shopping avenues, and five-star hotels with luxury sedans parked out front. But the city is also rich in history, as the center of the Swiss Reformation and, today, the home of the International Red Cross and the United Nations.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Swiss capital of Bern sits on a sharp bend in the River Aare in the western part of the country. Its Altstadt, or Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to so many well-preserved medieval buildings. But the undisputed star of the show is the Zytglogge, the fascinating astronomical clock that Einstein is said to have studied when developing his Theory of Relativity. Bern Minster has the tallest church spire in Switzerland and a stunning main portal. Those with more modern tastes can head to Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to the country's most famous artist.

Like so many Swiss cities, pretty, walkable Lucerne occupies a magnificent setting—this time on Lake Lucerne with the Alps as a backdrop. The 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) is one of the most photographed sights in Switzerland, and Lucern's medieval Altstadt (Old Town) looks much the same as it did hundreds of years ago. The innovative Swiss Museum of Transport  is the most visited museum in Switzerland.

Lake Geneva

 MontreuxRiviera.com

With one shore in Switzerland and one shore in France, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is a sparkling, half-moon shaped international playground. On the Swiss side, it offers the elegant city of Geneva; relaxed Montreux , famous for its jazz festival; and Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee. The terraced vineyards of the Lavaux wine region are a UNESCO World Heritage Site—some date back to the 11th-century. Last but definitely not least, 12th-century Chillon Castle is everything a castle should be—complete with a (partial) moat, dungeons, and a keep.

David Hanson/GettyImages 

The smallest Swiss canton, Appenzell Innerrhoden is set in the rolling hills south of Lake Constance. This is storybook Switzerland, complete with villages of brightly painted houses, folk traditions, and residents in traditional costume. In the fall, the cows literally come home, as herdsmen bring their cattle—decked out in bells and flower garlands—down from the mountains for the winter. Appenzell's car-free village is a center for folk-art, traditional festivals, baked goods, and yes—yodeling.

St. Moritz & the Engadine

Francesco Meroni / GettyImages

St. Moritz ranks as one of the world's top winter playgrounds for the jet set, and its palatial hotels, luxury shopping, and tony apres-ski scene are fun to dip into. Non-one-percenters might prefer some of the smaller, more down-to-earth towns and villages of the sunny Engadine Valley, known for its glaciers, snowy peaks, glacial lakes, forest, and folk culture. Listen closely, and you may hear Romansch being spoken—the ancient Latin-based language is still taught in the Engadine schools. The area is also a summer paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and windsurfers.

Interlaken & Jungfrau

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Set between lakes Thun and Brienz, the pleasant town of Interlaken is the most convenient base for exploring the towering peaks of the Bernese Oberland—the region of glaciers, craggy mountains, and pristine lakes that offer postcard views at every turn. From Interlaken, a system of trains, cable cars, and cogwheel rails connect to the region's major ski areas and the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. For more than a century, it’s been the highest railway station in Europe. There, a high altitude playground awaits, with observatory platforms offering multi-peak views, the Eispalast (Ice Palace) walk inside a glacier, plus restaurants, and, of course, more skiing.

Lugano and Ticino

You'd be excused for thinking you've crossed over into Italy once you reach Ticino, the region wedged between the Alps and the Italian border. There's a distinctly Mediterranean vibe here, and Italian, not Swiss, is the first language. Lakes Lugano and Maggiore shares shores with Italy and offers a summertime playground for hiking, sailing, and swimming, with a touch of la dolce vita thrown in. Lugano's lakefront city is the bustling regional hub, but climb—or take a cable car—up any mountain to discover sleepy, rustic villages, clean air, and traditional country inns and restaurants.

raymondchan photo / GettyImages 

Something looms large over the car-free, stylish-yet-traditional mountain town of Zermatt—the Matterhorn. Europe's most famous mountain peak draws hordes of visitors to this otherwise sleepy town in the valley for skiing, ice-climbing, and arduous summer hikes and mountain biking. There's plenty of passive sightseeing to do here as well, and the views never disappoint. A mountaineering museum, traditional restaurants, luxe spas, and cozy—if not cheap—hotels can keep you pleasantly occupied here for a few days.

Stuart Dee/GettyImages

Near Lake Constance and the border with Liechtenstein, historic St. Gallen has a car-free center, a UNESCO-listed abbey and cathedral, and a textile-making tradition more than a thousand years old. The Rococo-style abbey library, stocked with 170,000 priceless volumes and documents, is a must-see here. There's a full cultural program in this important university town, as well as easy access to biking, hiking, boat rides on Lake Constance, and jaunts into Germany, Liechtenstein, and Austria.

Andrew Bain / GettyImages 

Pass the cheese, please. Though there's more to this charming medieval town than its namesake cheese, it would be a shame to leave Gruyères without sampling traditional raclette or fondue and visiting the Maison du Gruyère, where they make—you guessed it. In-between bites of cheese, visit the imposing 13th-century Gruyères Castle and take in the pastoral countryside. Oh, and did we mention there's a chocolate factory here, too?

Great St. Bernard Pass

irisphoto2 / GettyImages

Connecting Italy to Switzerland, the Great St. Bernard Pass has been a strategic gateway for the continent—long before the Romans first laid claim to it. The St. Bernard Hospice is still here, as are the iconic St. Bernard dogs—though they perform fewer mountain rescues than they once did. You can drive over the scenic pass or spend the day crossing it on foot, stopping at cozy village inns for hearty sustenance along the way.

Rhaetian Railway

 Dirk von Mallinckrodt / GettyImages

It's all about the journey rather than the destination when you climb aboard one of the Rhaetian Railway trains, the network of scenic Alpine train rides that includes the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express . Panoramic train cars allow for sweeping views of passing glaciers, glacial lakes, mountain passes, and dense forests. The astonishing engineering feats of these high-altitude train tracks are reason enough to make the trip on at least one leg.

Trümmelbach Falls

Catalin Daniel Ciolca / GettyImages 

If you're visiting the Jungfrau, be sure to stop and see where all that spring snowmelt goes. Trümmelbach Falls are a series of falls that crash through a scenic gorge, carrying waters of the Jungfrau as they roar through underground caverns and pools. A series of elevators, bridges, and pathways puts visitors right in the spray of the mighty falls, which are closed in the wintertime.

Ayhan Altun / GettyImages

Palm and lemon trees give Locarno a nearly tropical feel. Switzerland's warmest city sits on Lake Maggiore and is the relaxed alternative to busy Lugano. Wandering the narrow streets of the town, strolling along the lake, and having a coffee or aperitivo on Piazza Grande—these are the simple pleasures of Locarno. A hike or funicular ride up to the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church rewards with breathtaking views of the lake, the town, and the surrounding mountains. From there, explore the villages and streams and waterfalls of the surrounding Valle Verzasca.

 Alexander Spatari / GettyImages

Literary Lausanne has inspired writers and artists through the ages, no doubt inspired by Lake Geneva's views, the city's pedestrian-only medieval center, and, perhaps, its mighty Gothic cathedral. Divided between upper and lower towns connected by a subway, Lausanne the smallest city in Europe with a metro system. It's the International Olympic Committee's home and a sporty vibe pervades—as evidenced by all the bikers, walkers, swimmers, and sailors.

Switzerland Travel Guide

The Top 9 Scenic and Novelty Train Rides in Switzerland

The Top 20 Things to Do in Switzerland

One Week in Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in Switzerland

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Switzerland

The Best Time to Visit Switzerland

Getting Around Switzerland: Guide to Public Transportation

The 5 Best Day Hikes in the Swiss Alps

11 Great Day Trips From Zurich

Best Lakes to Visit in Europe

The 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland

Your Trip to Zurich: The Complete Guide

The Complete Guide to Switzerland's Nature Parks

The Top 15 Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland

5 Countries Near Switzerland to Visit (By Train or Car)

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Home » 5 Countries Near Switzerland to Visit (By Train or Car)

Wondering which countries are near Switzerland by train or car? I’ve got you covered!

Switzerland is renowned for its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, but there are also many other countries nearby that make amazing destinations.

With easy access by train or car, you can explore a variety of cultures and experiences without having to fly to each destination. Our family had the privilege of visiting Switzerland, Italy, France, and Austria on a road trip with our kids.

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We found that each country offered something unique and we highly recommend some stops at the neighboring countries whilst visiting Switzerland. The 5 countries near Switzerland to visit are France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Lichtenstein – there’s never a dull moment when exploring nearby countries by train or car from Switzerland!

5 Countries Near Switzerland to Visit By Train or Car

Our curated list presents 5 countries near Switzerland by train or car.

Plus, we provide clear instructions on which town or city in Switzerland to leave from.

Before we jump into them, it might be helpful to outline some countries you can visit easily from various cities in Switzerland.

• Countries near Geneva Switzerland: France
• Countries near Zurich Switzerland: Lichtenstein, France, Germany
• Countries near Basel Switzerland: France, Germany
• Countries near Lugano Switzerland: Italy
• Countries near St. Gallen Switzerland: Austria

So let’s jump in and look more specifically at which cities or towns in each of these countries are closest to Switzerland – and how to reach them.

1. France (Closest from Geneva, Basel and Zurich)

France is a country near Switzerland that is easy to visit from either Geneva or Basel by either car or train.

Here are some of our favorite destinations in France that you can easily visit from Switzerland.

• From Geneva: Yvoire, Annecy, Chamonix, Chambery, Lyon, Paris
• From Basel: Colmar

a)  Geneva to Yvoire

It is easy to reach Yvoire via car, ferry, or train.

How to Reach Yvoire From Geneva

• By Car: The drive from Geneva is quick and easy. It only takes around 45 min. Rent a car in Geneva through DiscoverCars .
• By Ferry: Alternatively, you also have the option of catching a ferry from Geneva to Yvoire. It takes around 1h 20m.
• By Train: There are no direct trains from Geneva to Yvoire. You will have to change trains in Nyon. The journey takes around 55 minutes. Grab your tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Yvoire

Yvoire, France is a stunning historical town nestled between the mountains of the French Alps and the beautiful Lake Geneva, just a stone’s throw away from Switzerland.

Whether you’re taking a day trip from Switzerland or planning a longer stay, Yvoire is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience France in all its glory.

Take a step back in time and explore the medieval streets and towers of this beautiful village.

For an unforgettable experience, take a leisurely boat ride along the lake, admiring the views from the boat deck as you relax in style. If you’re looking for a more active outing, Yvoire offers many hiking trails that are ideal for getting out into nature. Yvoire is all about slowing down, about strolling through streets or along the lake and just taking in the beauty of it all. It’s a great place to visit for the day.

I recommend you visit Yvoire on a day trip, rather than staying there for a few nights.

b) Geneva to Annecy

It is easy to reach Annecy via car or train, or to make it really easy you can also book a tour.

How to Reach Annecy From Geneva

• Via a Tour: For the easiest option, book this half-day (4.5-hour) trip to Annecy from Geneva . It also includes a walking tour of Annecy.
• By Car: Personally, I prefer driving to Annecy rather than taking the bus, as the drive only takes 30-45+ minutes. You can rent a car in Geneva through Discover Cars .
• By Train: Every day, commuters can choose from 13 direct train rides between Geneva and Annecy, with each journey taking only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Grab a ticket here .

Why You Should Visit Annecy

If you’re looking to escape Geneva for a weekend and explore some of France’s beauty, Annecy is the perfect destination.

Just 45+ minutes away by car or 1 hour 30 minutes by train (or book this half-day tour to Annecy ), this quaint town is full of picturesque canals and colorful buildings that make it feel like a fairytale.

We took our one-year-old there for 3 days and had an absolute blast!

The old-town area was particularly special; as we strolled through the winding streets, we were surrounded by flowers and cobblestones.

From the lake to the bridges to the chalets, every corner held something new to explore.

There are also some amazing day trips to include from Annecy as well. We especially love the Gorge du Fier one. Read more about what you can do in Annecy here.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to experience charming French villages, Annecy is an unforgettable place to visit.

How Long to Go For and Where to Stay

If you wish to only visit the town itself, you could easily do this on a day trip or spend a night so you can enjoy the morning vibe.

However, I recommend you stay for at least 2-3 nights so that you can include some of the day trips.

For the best hotel close to the Old Town, we suggest you stay at Le Splendid Hotel Lac D’Annecy – Handwritten Collection .

Hotel Le Splendid is an ideal destination for couples looking to explore the beauty of Annecy, France.

With stunning lake views, delicious cuisine nearby, and cozy rooms to relax in after a day of exploring, your stay will be unforgettable!

c) Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc

Chamonix can be easily reached by taking a tour, driving, hopping on a bus, or catching a train.

How to Reach Chamonix From Geneva

• Via a Tour: Take a scenic day tour from Geneva to the charming Chamonix resort, at the foot of majestic Mont Blanc. Marvel at the view atop Aiguille du Midi’s cable car ride! Book this tour from Geneva .
• By Car: We chose to drive to Chamonix from Geneva. The drive took around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Bus: You can book a direct bus transfer to Chamonix. It only takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Book your bus tickets here.
• By Train: No direct trains from Chamonix Mont Blanc to Geneva. A minimum of 2 changes is required, taking about 2 hours 40 mins by train. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Chamonix and Mont Blanc

Chamonix and Mont Blanc are situated in the breathtakingly beautiful French Alps, making them a must-visit destination for travelers.

Hiking and climbing promise stunning vistas of the snow-capped peaks, while winter sports offer a thrilling time on the slopes!

Even if you don’t want to ski there are so many unique and incredible things to do such as taking the Mont Blanc Tramway to see stunning Alpine scenery.

Or perhaps hop on the Montenvers railway to see the Mer de Glace glacier   at Montenvers, or ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views.

Exploring the town of Chamonix was a treat for the senses. The cobbled streets were alive with activity, full of bustling bars and cafes, and it was easy to get lost in all the winding alleyways.

We had some delicious food while we were there; local favorites like fondue, tartiflette, and raclette all made for a truly memorable meal. The backdrop of the dramatic mountains created a stunning view wherever you looked.

To truly appreciate all that Chamonix has to offer, we highly recommend spending a week in this enchanting place.

However, if you’re pressed for time, a minimum of three nights is recommended.

For a special treat, we recommend you stay at the luxurious Heliopic Hotel & Spa .

From the cozy spa and ice cave to the indoor swimming pool and Two Hammams and sauna, you can find solace and relaxation at Helipic Hotel & Spa .

In addition to its amenities, Helipic Hotel & Spa also offers direct access to the L’Aiguille du Midi Cable Car and an on-site shop where guests can buy ski passes and rent ski equipment.

Helipic Hotel & Spa has every traveler covered; whether you seek relaxation or adventure, find your perfect stay here.

d) Geneva to Chambery

Chambery is conveniently accessible by both car and train, providing visitors with multiple options for transportation.

How to Reach Chambery From Geneva

By Car: The drive from Geneva to Chambery will take roughly an hour and ten minutes. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .

By Train: A direct train will get you there in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Chambery

Chambery offers a unique experience for travelers wanting to explore another country while vacationing in Switzerland.

Situated in the Savoie region of France, Chambery is an easy day trip from Geneva and offers both historical sites as well as stunning vistas of the surrounding alpine landscape.

For starters, the city center is home to numerous monuments and museums filled with art and artifacts that evoke its long-storied past, including the iconic Dukes’ Castle.

With its cobblestone streets and rows of centuries-old buildings, Chambery also offers travelers the perfect base to explore other destinations in the French Alps such as Chamonix or Annecy.

The drive from Geneva to Chambery is just as rewarding! Just outside of town lies breathtaking natural sights like Lac du Bourget and Le Grand Arc.

Personally, I prefer Annecy over Chambery, however, if you have been to Annecy before and would like to go somewhere different, Chambery is a great option.

Chambery is a great base for day trips to nearby gems like Annecy, Chamonix, and even Lyon. With so much to see, it’s worth staying 2-4 nights.

I recommend you base yourself at the luxurious 4-star Château de Candie .

Château de Candie has all the elements that make for a perfect getaway. Nestled in the foothills of Chambery, this historic 14th-century château is an idyllic escape.

Spend your days lazing outdoors at the swimming pool with its shaded terrace, and enjoy a delicious generous breakfast every morning.

Choose from beautiful rooms for couples or families of up to 6, where everyone can relax in privacy after exploring the area.

With its history and charms, Château de Candie offers an unforgettable escape for every traveler!

e) Geneva to Lyon

Lyon is conveniently accessible by both car and train.

How to Reach Lyon From Geneva

By Car: The drive from Geneva to Lyon will take around 2 hours. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .

By Train: A direct train will get you there in around 2 hours from Geneva. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful city full of unique experiences that will take you to the heart of French culture and history.

From touring the Vieux Lyon district, which is renowned for its ancient architecture, to wandering the Parc de la Tête d’Or and visiting the Fourvière Basilica, there’s plenty for travelers wanting to visit another country as part of their vacation to Switzerland.

And don’t forget about the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière and Lyon Cathedral, both stunning examples of classic architecture!

If you’re looking for a more modern way to experience this amazing city, buy a ticket for the 1-hour guided sightseeing cruise or buy a seat on the hop-on hop-off bus tour .

And as a last tip, make sure you purchase the Lyon city pass that gives:

• Unlimited Lyon public transport
• Free entrance to 25 museums and temporary exhibitions
• Free entrance to guided tours, river cruises, puppet shows and more!

Lyon is a city that begs you to linger and explore. Its meandering cobblestoned streets, lush parks, and inviting quayside restaurants beckon you to stay for a while.

A minimum of three days in the city is recommended to get the most out of your visit.

I recommend you base yourself at the beautiful 5-star Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa .

The Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa offers a delightful and luxurious stay in the heart of the old part of Lyon.

Surrounded by sights and attractions, this hotel has rooms that offer stunning views that overlook the river. The hotel also features an on-site spa and fitness center as well as an in-house restaurant for guests.

Couples will love the combination of luxury and convenience available at the Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa .

f) Geneva to Paris

The best way to get to Paris is on a train ride.

How to Reach Paris From Geneva

By Train: There are 7 direct trains from Geneva to Paris each day – 3 hours 13 minutes. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Paris

Paris is a destination like no other, and travelers looking to have a truly unique experience should add it to their itinerary.

There are endless cultural experiences available for visitors including The Louvre ( purchase skip-the-line tickets here ), the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

We highly recommend you book a seat on this 1-hour Seine River tour . If you are trying to see Paris in one day, we recommend purchasing a ticket for the Tootbus Hop-on Hop-off Discovery Bus .

With its stunning architecture, vibrant art scene, and delectable gastronomy, Paris should be at the top of your list if you wish to include a visit to a city in another country located close to Switzerland.

Paris is a city with so much to offer, it’s hard to know how long would be best to stay. However, in my opinion, 4-5 days are plenty of time to see most of the major attractions and experience French culture.

I recommend you base yourself in the 14th arrondissement, a hotel that is gorgeous to stay in there is the Voco Paris Montparnasse .

The 4-star Voco Paris Montparnasse is the perfect place to stay during your exploration of the romantic capital city.

From its contemporary rooms and onsite restaurant and bar, you can easily access some of the most iconic sights in the city.

Take a stroll down Avenue Champs Élysées, or take a short walk to Trocadero for one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower!

Voco Paris Montparnasse is ideally located to make sure you get the most out of your stay.

g) Basel (or Zurich) to Colmar

Colmar in France can be easily reached by driving or catching a train.

How to Reach Colmar From Basel or Zurich

• By Car: It is only a 50-minute drive to Colmar from Basel or a 1-hour-45-minute drive from Zurich. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Train: The direct train from Basel to Colmar takes only around 45 minutes, or the train from Zurich will take around 2 hours and 5 minutes – depending on the train you take. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Colmar

Colmar, located in the picturesque and historic region of Alsace in France, makes for the perfect addition to any Switzerland vacation.

It’s easy to get from Switzerland to Colmar, but once you make it there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale with its brightly-colored houses, cobblestone streets, quaint canals, and old-world charm.

There are plenty of things to do in Colmar – from shopping in traditional markets or exploring the many museums dotted throughout the city, to leisurely wandering down narrow streets and admiring the beautiful architecture.

With its stunning views and fascinating culture, any traveler looking for an extra bit of magic on their Swiss holiday should add Colmar to their itinerary!

Whilst you could do Colmar for a day trip, we recommend 3 – 5 days , so that you can explore the other Alsace towns in the region as well.

If you don’t have a car, we highly recommend you book this 4 Wonders of Alsace Day Tour from Colmar .

For a hotel in the best location, we recommend you stay at the 4-star Hotel Le Colombier .

Hotel Le Colombier is located in the Little Venice district of Colmar, France, and is a wonderful boutique hotel.

Their rooms are cozy and so are the beds! In addition to being incredibly comfortable, one of the highlights is having a yummy breakfast in the inner courtyard.

It is a charming hotel for your stay in Colmar.

2. Italy (Closest from Lugano and Locarno)

Italy is another country that is easy to visit from Switzerland. If you are spending time in either Lugano or Locarno, why not pick a destination or two to include in your itinerary?

Here are some of our favorite destinations in Italy that you can easily visit from either Lugano or Locarno in Switzerland.

• From Lugano: Lake Como, Varese and Milan
• From Locarno: Domodossola and Lake Garda

a) Lugano to Lake Como

Lake Colmar in Italy can be easily reached by driving or catching a train.

How to Reach Lake Colmar From Lugano

• By Car: It is only a 45-minute drive to Lake Como from Lugano. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Train: You can also catch the direct trains from Lugano to the city of Como. They take around 33+ minutes. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Lake Como

Lake Como is a stunningly beautiful destination in Italy, located just a short drive away from Switzerland. It’s the perfect spot for travelers wanting to add another country to their vacation in Switzerland. The Lake Como towns of Bellagio , Varenna, and Menaggio are all must-see destinations in Lake Como with plenty of unique culture and interesting landmarks to explore.

The stunning villas of Lake Como are also well worth visiting, with lush gardens and breathtaking views across the lake. For those who want to experience life on the lake itself, boat tours are a great way to gain an even better appreciation of Lake Como’s beauty, or take part in some of the summertime activities – sailing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing – for a fun-filled adventure!

And lastly, if you are basing yourself at Lake Como for multiple days there are also plenty of day trips from Lake Como to enjoy as well!

Lake Como is gorgeous and should not be explored in a rush. We recommend you spend around 4 – 5 days in Lake Como.

Many people head to Lake Como for a luxury holiday, if that is you, you can find a list of our favorite 5-star Lake Como hotels here, otherwise find a more affordable option listed below.

Our favorite town to base ourselves in is Bellagio. For a popular but affordable stay, look no further than Hotel Fioroni .

Hotel Fioroni is a 3-star hotel in the beautiful town of Bellagio, located right on the banks of Lake Como.

This family-run hotel offers affordable prices and stunning panoramic views of the lake.

Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast every morning to start their day off right.

With its convenient location and delightful amenities, Hotel Fioroni is an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.

b) Lugano to Varese

You can reach Varese from Lugano via either a rental car or a train.

How to Reach Varese From Lugano:

• By Car: It takes under an hour to get from Lugano to Varese by car. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Train: Whilst there are no direct trains from Lugano to Varese, the journey itself will only take you around 40 minutes. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Varese

Varese has breathtaking churches and villas, stunning gardens, and old town streets, it is one of Italy’s most underrated yet extraordinary cities. Sacro Monte di Varese is a well-known Christian sanctuary that has been around since the 16th century. The site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Estense Gardens are also worth visiting during your stay. This Italian-style garden was once the summer palace of Francesco III d’Este and provides visitors with spectacular views over the city below. Villa Panza is a beautiful villa where you can browse art from renowned artists such as Della Robbia, Pollaiuolo, and Crivelli among others! No visit to Varese would be complete without exploring its charming old town area too.

In my opinion, Varese is the perfect day trip destination , if you do wish to stay for longer a night should be enough to allow you time to explore at a more leisurely pace!

c) Lugano to Milan

Milan is pretty easy to reach from Switzerland, you can do so either by driving or taking a train.

How to Reach Milan From Lugano

• By Car: If you choose to drive, the drive will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Train: The direct train from Lugano to Milan takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Milan

Milan is the perfect destination for travelers looking to add some more culture and history to their Swiss getaway.

From the Duomo di Milano ( grab your cathedral and rooftop ticket here ), a magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline, to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic ‘The Last Supper’ ( book this popular Last Supper tour ) – displayed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie – Milan has sights enough to fill any traveler’s days.

And don’t forget about shopping. Milan may be known as a fashion capital, but it’s also home to plenty of other great stores and markets, including local food specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham.

If you have time, we recommend you book a food tour in Milan .

Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or just want to try some tasty Italian food, come visit sunny Milan!

Whilst you could see the highlights of Milan in one day, I recommend you spend 2 – 3 days in Milan .

For a hotel in the best location, we recommend you stay at the 4-star The Corner Duomo Hotel .

The Corner Duomo Hotel in Milan is a stunning hotel that offers guests an unforgettable experience.

Just a 3-minute walk from the iconic Duomo di Milano, this modern hotel provides its visitors with comfort and style.

Enjoy some pampering in the private spa with its jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, emotional shower, and fitness room. Then take it all in from the rooftop bar while admiring the breathtaking views of the city below.

Not to mention the interior design of each room is truly amazing!

So if you’re looking for a luxurious stay with all the bells and whistles in one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities, The Corner Duomo Hotel is your perfect stop.

3. Locarno to Domodossola

Domodossola in Italy can be easily reached from Locarno by driving or catching a train.

How to Reach Domodossola From Locarno

• By Car: I don’t recommend driving as the road is a bit of a nightmare to drive, but if you do want to drive, the drive should take you around 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .
• By Train: There are no direct trains from Locarno to Domodossola. The whole train journey will take around 2 hours. Grab tickets here .

Why You Should Visit Domodossola

Domodossola, in Italy, is an amazing place to visit for travelers looking to explore another country during their vacation in Switzerland.

Stroll through the quaint village and take in the spectacular views, or make your way to the historic central piazza.

The Teatro Galletti, a beautiful theatre from 1787, provides yet another reminder of Domodossola’s long history. Make sure you also check out the 14th-century Briona Tower and Palazzo Silvia while you’re here.

On Saturdays, you can explore the bustling markets. And don’t forget to get lost in the streets of the old town where vendors sell everything from bread and produce to clothing and kitchen items.

I recommend a day trip to Domodossola instead of staying overnight. With so much to see and do in this small town, Domodossola is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of culture and adventure to their Swiss holiday.

4. Locarno to Lake Maggiore

There are no trains from Locarno to Lake Maggiore, so you only have the option of renting a car or catching a bus.

How to Reach Lake Maggiore From Locarno

• By Car: It only takes around 55 minutes to get to Verbania which is situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, however during summer months expect the drive to take much longer. You can rent a car for an affordable price from DiscoverCars .

Why You Should Visit Lake Maggiore

Located on the Swiss-Italian border, Lake Maggiore offers a unique juxtaposition between European cultures and a chance to experience two countries in one trip. One of the most popular attractions is Isola Bella, an island located in the middle of Lake Maggiore which hosts both gorgeous gardens and a glorious palace overlooking the lake.

Visitors can also explore Villa Taranto, which features multiple botanical gardens full of colorful flowers and plants from around the world.

There’s also Isola Madre where you can find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views for miles.

Wander around Isola dei Pescator or take a boat trip on Lake Maggiore to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the beauty that this place has to offer!

There’s even a popular tour to book: The Three Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour – perfect for travelers who want to make sure they’re seeing it all!

You could visit Lake Maggiore for a day trip, however, I suggest that you try to set aside 1-3 days to really enjoy the lake, islands, villas, and towns.

For a hotel in the best location, we recommend you stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Bristol .

Grand Hotel Bristol in Stresa is a luxury hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.

Rooms are decorated in classic style, yet have an elegant feel, allowing guests to be enveloped in luxury. Enjoy the unobstructed views of either the mountains or lake with many rooms boasting private balconies.

Relax with a panoramic swimming pool and luxuriate in the lush garden. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool and fitness corner for those who prefer to stay active.

Drinks and cocktails can be enjoyed at the bars while taking in all that Grand Hotel Bristol has to offer!

3. Lichtenstein (Closest from Zurich)

Lichtenstein, a small country next to Switzerland, is the perfect place for a day trip out of your Swiss stay.

With stunning scenery, historic sites, and picturesque villages to explore, there’s something for every traveler visiting Lichtenstein.

1. Zurich to Vaduz

It is easy to reach Vaduz via car or train. You can even get to explore this beautiful destination via a tour too.

How to Reach Vaduz from Zurich

• By Tour: If you wish to explore Vaduz via a tour, you have two options. Both of which are really popular. The first tour includes Vaduz and Heidiland. Book this tour here . The second tour is a private tour (so much more pricey) but includes a visit to 4 countries in one day! Book this tour here .
• By Car: The drive from Zurich to Vaduz takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can rent a car in Zurich through Discover Cars.
• By Train: Similar in time, the train option will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Vaduz. Unfortunately, there are no direct trains. Grab a ticket here .

Why You Should Visit Vaduz

Vaduz in Liechtenstein, a tiny principality tucked away between Switzerland and Austria, is an enchanting destination to explore.

Start at Vaduz Castle perched high above the city offering stunning views over the valley below.

Walk down into town and enjoy The Cathedral of St. Florin with its intricate wood carvings and ornate stained-glass windows.

Then take a stroll across Old Rhine Bridge, one of Europe’s oldest bridges still in use today – it’s an iconic structure that speaks volumes about Liechtenstein’s past. Venture up to Gutenberg Castle, located just outside of town where you can soak in breathtaking views over Liechtenstein before heading back down towards The Red House – Mitteldorf in the heart of Vaduz city center.

For travelers wanting to experience authentic culture on a day trip from Zurich, Vaduz is the perfect place to visit!

4. Germany (Closest from Basel and Zurich)

Organizing a day trip from Basel to Freiburg can be a great way to experience two different countries in one go!

With the Swiss-German border just an hour away, Freiburg is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an exciting departure from Switzerland.

1. Basel to Freiburg

It is easy to reach Freiburg via car or train.

How to Reach Freiburg from Basel

• By Car: The drive from Basel to Freiburg takes around 1 hour. You can rent a car in Basel through Discover Cars.
• By Train: The faster option is to catch the direct train from Basel, which will only take around 40 minutes. Grab a ticket here .

Why You Should Visit Freiburg

Freiburg is a beautiful and diverse city that is so easy to reach if you are visiting Basel in Switzerland!

The city has plenty of interesting attractions to offer day-trippers, including Freiburg Minster, the iconic Münsterplatz square, the charming Bächle water canals running through the old town, and the impressive Schwabentor gate.

On a sunny day, the view from Schlossberg Hill is absolutely breathtaking.

Other interesting sights in Freiburg are Rathausplatz and Martinstor.

To really get an in-depth look at all of these attractions and more in Freiburg Old Town, make sure to book this popular group walking tour to get to know all of the top sights!

I recommend you visit Freiburg on a day trip, rather than staying there for a few nights.

5. Austria (Closest to St Gallen)

Austria is an alpine country in the heart of Europe, bordered by Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Switzerland.

It has stunning mountain vistas and picturesque lakes in its many regions. And with Switzerland right next door, visiting both countries can be accomplished with ease!

1. St Gallen to Bregenz

It is easy to reach Bregenz via car or train.

How to Reach Bregenz from St Gallen

• By Car: The drive from St Gallen in Switzerland to Bregenz only takes around 40 minutes. You can rent a car in St Gallen through Discover Cars.
• By Train: The easier and faster option is to catch the direct train from St Gallen. It only takes around 28 minutes. Grab a ticket here .

Why You Should Visit Bregenz

Visiting Bregenz from St Gallen in Switzerland is a great way to explore the beauty of both countries. It takes less than an hour to get there and it’s well worth the trip!

While in Bregenz, you should make sure to visit the Upper Town which boasts stunning Austrian architecture.

Also, be sure to take some time to explore Lake Constance and walk along the Bregenz Lake Promenade. Or get another perspective by taking a boat tour of Lake Constance.

I also recommend you head up to Pfänder Mountain on the Pfänderbahn cable car for a panoramic view of Lake Constance and the surrounding area. If you’re curious about Bregenz’s rich cultural history, be sure to visit Vorarlberg Museum where you can learn all about it.

I recommend you visit Bregenz on a day trip, rather than staying there for a few nights.

FAQs: Countries to Visit Near Switzerland

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Switzerland’s neighboring countries.

Yes, there are trains from Switzerland to Italy! Many of the high-speed trains, Trenitalia’s Frecciargento AV trains, make the daily journey between Milano and Zurich in just 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Annemasse, a French town, is the closest city to Geneva and is situated just 4 kilometers to the east. Its proximity to Geneva is so pronounced that it is practically united with the city.

There are 7 direct high-speed trains from Geneva to Paris each day that take around 3 hours and 13 minutes.

The Italian city closest to Switzerland is Como, which can be reached by taking a direct train from Lugano in about 33 minutes.

The city in Switzerland that is closest to Paris is Geneva. With the help of a high-speed train, it takes only 3 hours and 13 minutes from Paris to Geneva.

Final Thoughts on Countries Next to Switzerland to Visit

In conclusion, the 5 countries near Switzerland that are worth visiting for an experience full of culture and joy are Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and France.

Seeing each of these unique countries is a must-have experience for any traveler.

For those who don’t have enough time to visit all 5 countries separately, you can book a tour and see 4 of them in one day from Switzerland !

This is the perfect way to see the best of all these amazing cultures without having to sacrifice too much time in your schedule.

Don’t wait any longer— book your tour now and get ready to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful countries!

• To help you plan – Find the best month to visit Switzerland in our post here.
• Not sure where to go? Find some beautiful places to visit in Switzerland here.
• Did you forget to get travel insurance for your trip? Find the best Switzerland travel insurance companies in our post here.
• Not sure if you should rent a car in Switzerland? Find everything you should know about car rentals in Switzerland here.

Jolene Ejmont

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How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

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9 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires May 2024

9 best things to do in cartagena may 2024, 9 best things to do in playa del carmen may 2024.

10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in May 2024

Switzerland is a dream destination for travelers worldwide, renowned for its breathtaking Alpine scenery, charming cities, and rich cultural heritage. A visit to Switzerland in May offers the perfect opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty at its peak and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Here’s a guide to the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland in May 2024:

From the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting country. May is an ideal time to visit as the weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration and cultural discovery.

Before embarking on your Swiss adventure, remember to obtain the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport or national identity card. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement within its borders. The country is also easily accessible by air, rail, or road, making it convenient to reach from neighboring countries and beyond.

As you plan your itinerary, consider exploring the local culinary scene. Swiss cuisine is a delightful blend of regional specialties, influenced by neighboring countries. Don’t miss the chance to savor traditional dishes like fondue, raclette, and rösti. When selecting accommodation, Switzerland offers a wide range of options, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences.

1. Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” Nestled amidst the majestic Swiss Alps, this mountain pass offers breathtaking panoramic views from an altitude of 3,454 meters. Take the scenic cogwheel train ride to the summit and marvel at the stunning glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the iconic Sphinx Observatory. Don’t forget to step onto the viewing platform for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

2. Interlaken – Adventure Capital of Switzerland

Nestled between two pristine lakes, Interlaken is the undisputed adventure capital of Switzerland. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush valleys, this charming town offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Go paragliding or skydiving for an adrenaline rush, or embark on a scenic hike or bike ride amidst breathtaking landscapes. Interlaken is also an excellent base for exploring the Jungfrau region, with easy access to nearby mountain peaks and quaint villages.

3. Lucerne – Historic City on Lake Lucerne

Discover the enchanting city of Lucerne, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. Wander through the charming Old Town, lined with colorful buildings and adorned with historic landmarks. Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge spanning the Reuss River, and explore the impressive Lucerne Castle. Take a leisurely boat trip on the lake, soak in the panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.

4. Zurich – Vibrant City and Cultural Hub

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modern architecture with historic charm. Explore the bustling Bahnhofstrasse, renowned for its upscale shopping, or delve into the city’s rich artistic heritage at the Kunsthaus Zürich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. Take a leisurely stroll along the Limmat River, admiring the picturesque bridges and waterfront promenades, or escape to the serene Botanical Garden for a tranquil retreat.

5. Geneva – International City on Lake Geneva

Geneva, located on the shores of the magnificent Lake Geneva, is an international city renowned for its diplomacy and culture. Visit the United Nations Office at Geneva, the headquarters of many international organizations, and explore the historic Old Town, steeped in Reformation history. Admire the iconic Jet d’Eau, a majestic water fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air, and take a scenic boat trip on the lake to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

6. Bern – Picturesque Capital City

Discover the charm of Bern, Switzerland’s picturesque capital city. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the well-preserved medieval architecture. Visit the Zytglogge, a 13th-century clock tower adorned with intricate astronomical details, and explore the Bundeshaus, the Swiss Parliament building. Take a stroll along the Aare River, lined with lush parks and terraces, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

7. Lugano – Mediterranean Gem on Lake Lugano

Nestled in the southern Swiss Alps, Lugano is a Mediterranean gem on the shores of Lake Lugano. This picturesque city boasts a mild climate and stunning scenery, offering a unique blend of Swiss and Italian culture. Explore the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, and visit the Villa Favorita, a magnificent 19th-century palace now housing an art museum. Take a relaxing boat trip on the lake, soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and indulge in the region’s delectable cuisine.

8. St. Moritz – Luxurious Alpine Resort

Escape to the luxurious Alpine resort of St. Moritz, renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and world-class amenities. Nestled in the Engadin Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine lakes, this glamorous destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding in winter or enjoy hiking and biking trails during the summer months. Indulge in the exquisite dining scene and pamper yourself at the renowned spa facilities, making St. Moritz an unforgettable getaway.

9. Zermatt – Picturesque Village at the Foot of the Matterhorn

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a picturesque village that exudes Swiss charm and Alpine beauty. Explore the car-free streets lined with traditional wooden chalets and indulge in the village’s cozy ambiance. Take a scenic ride on the Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel train that offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding glaciers. Hike or bike through the enchanting trails, soak in the stunning Alpine scenery, and experience the tranquility of this enchanting village.

10. Montreux – Lakeside Charm and Cultural Delights

Discover the lakeside charm and cultural delights of Montreux, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva. Explore the vibrant Old Town, lined with charming boutiques and art galleries, and visit the iconic Château de Chillon, a 13th-century castle located on a small island in the lake. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront promenade, soak in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage, including the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.

Switzerland is a haven for culture enthusiasts, offering a multitude of museums, art galleries, and historical sites. From the Kunsthaus Zürich to the Geneva Museum of Art and History, there are countless opportunities to explore the country’s artistic heritage. Music lovers will delight in attending the Montreux Jazz Festival, a prestigious event that attracts renowned musicians from around the globe.

The best months to visit Switzerland are May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are at their peak. However, each season offers unique experiences. Winter is ideal for skiing and other snow sports, while spring and autumn showcase the country’s vibrant landscapes in full bloom. Traveling around Switzerland is convenient, with an efficient rail network connecting major cities and towns. Rental cars are also available, providing flexibility for exploring the country’s scenic routes.

Local Swiss cuisine is a culinary delight, featuring traditional dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti. Indulge in the rich flavors of Swiss cheese and chocolate, and sample the local wines from the country’s renowned vineyards. Switzerland offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels, catering to various budgets and preferences. The Swiss hospitality is renowned for its warmth and efficiency, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

In conclusion, Switzerland is a captivating destination that offers an unforgettable travel experience. From breathtaking Alpine scenery to charming cities and rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting country. Plan your visit in May 2024 to witness Switzerland’s natural beauty at its peak and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. The “10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in May 2024” will leave you with lasting memories of this extraordinary destination.

Justin Alexander is a seasoned globetrotter with an unyielding passion for travel and a fervent dedication to sharing his wealth of knowledge about destinations worldwide. An intrepid explorer at heart, Justin has traversed the far reaches of the globe, seeking out unique experiences and hidden treasures in every corner of the earth.

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How to Observe the Northern Lights This Weekend

The Space Weather Prediction Center said solar activity would be high again on Saturday.

Northern Lights Glow in the Sky Amid Solar Storm

Powerful solar flare activity made the aurora borealis visible unusually far south..

[Laughing] Holy moly. I know. This — I thought it would just be over on the horizon a little — Behind us, too. Yeah. A little green on the horizon. Nothing like this. This is — This is like, ‘Oh, my god.’ Everywhere.

By Claire Moses

Keep an eye on the skies on Saturday night for what could be another dazzling display of nature — or not, depending on your location and weather conditions.

An unusual amount of solar flare activity means that the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, could continue to appear over the weekend.

The solar storm was a level 5 on Friday, which gave some star gazers a clear view of streaks of green, purple and red that arced across the skies. Those conditions are expected to continue, Mike Bettwy, the operations chief of the Space Weather Prediction Center, said on Saturday.

“It should be fairly similar to what we saw last night, maybe not as widespread but fairly close,” Mr. Bettwy said.

“Depending on how everything evolves,” he added, “tomorrow night might actually be better than tonight” for views of the aurora.

In areas with clear skies, the display on Sunday could be similar to what people witnessed on Friday.

If you’re in a place with a lot of bright lights — like a city — it’s going to be hard to see anything. And then there are other complications, like the weather.

Two weather systems on Saturday night could impair viewing of the solar display, said Bryan Jackson, a forecaster at the Weather Prediction Center.

The Northeast is likely to be overcast because of a cloud system that could stretch from the Midwest and center over Pennsylvania. Cloud coverage might also extend as far as Maine, with the potential to clear around New Hampshire.

“This event is strong enough that the Northeast United States pretty much universally has a good shot at seeing it,” Mr. Bettwy said. “It’s just a matter of making sure that the cloud cover is absent.”

A second storm system, which was predicted to produce a fair amount of rain and cloud coverage, is possible over the Southwest.

Mr. Jackson said Michigan was likely to have clear skies between waves of rain. Other regions of the country could have clear views, too.

“In Seattle, it was pretty clear last night and it looks to be pretty clear again,” Mr. Jackson said on Saturday. “Portions of the southern Rockies, portions of the southern Plains are not overcast, but not completely clear either.”

The lights were particularly brilliant over England on Friday, and images of the solar show awed onlookers in parts of Maine and Massachusetts.

A tip: If you are in a clear area, even south of where the aurora is forecast, snap a picture or record a video with your cellphone.

The sensor on the camera is more sensitive to the wavelengths produced by the aurora and may produce an image you can’t see with the naked eye.

Why is this happening?

A severe solar storm is brewing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center on Friday issued a rare warning after a solar outburst reached Earth.

As nuclear reactions occur on the sun, it routinely expels material from its surface.

Officials said that the solar activity could potentially cause electrical outages or interfere with navigation and communication systems.

When is this happening?

The expelled material from the sun could reach Earth’s atmosphere by Friday afternoon or evening, officials said.

“What we’re expecting over the next couple of days should be more significant than what we’ve seen, certainly so far,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said at a news conference on Friday.

What’s flaring up?

The Space Weather Prediction Center said on Friday night that we were experiencing an extreme solar storm, a level 5 , up from a level 4 earlier in the day .

The last extreme event happened in October 2003 and resulted in power failures in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, the center said.

The current storm is caused by a cluster of sunspots — dark, cool regions on the solar surface. The cluster is flaring and ejecting material every six to 12 hours.

“We anticipate that we’re going to get one shock after another through the weekend,” said Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Katrina Miller , Emmett Lindner and Judson Jones contributed reporting.

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields  in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .