1 week in Switzerland: the perfect itinerary for first-timers
Looking for the perfect 1-week itinerary in Switzerland? Here find out how to spend 7 amazing days in this beautiful country !
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As a local, I want to share with you how to spend an incredible week in my country, Switzerland. Between the beautiful alpine scenery and the magnificent cities, Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world in my opinion.
In this post, you will find one of the ways to spend 1 week in Switzerland. I will share with you the best destinations my country has to offer and the most amazing activities to do there! Get ready to have the trip of a lifetime!
How to spend 1 amazing week in Switzerland
1 Day in Zurich
Zurich will be the first stop in Switzerland for most travelers, as it is home to the country’s largest airport, Zurich Kloten. From the airport, the train ride to the city center takes about 10-15 minutes. Trains run several times an hour, are fairly clean and are mostly on time.
Zurich is the economic capital of Switzerland and one of the most expensive cities in the world. The city is known for its architecture, the lakefront and its famous Bahnhofstrasse.
During this 1 week-long itinerary in Switzerland, I suggest you spend only one night in the city before moving on to the next destination, Lucerne.
What to do in Zurich
Walk by Lake Zurich
This is one of my go-to activities in Zurich. The lakefront offers a beautiful path along the lake. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic and enjoy the view on the Alps in the background.
Explore Zurich Old Town
The old town of Zurich is amazing. There are many small streets and places to visit. Here is a small list of the best places.
- Opernhaus
- Kirche St. Peter
- Frauenmunster
- Augustinergasse
- Grossmünster
- Lindenhof Park
Don’t miss the Lindenhof Park. The view of the city is magnificent!
Lindt Chocolate Factory
If you are a chocolate lover. A visit to the Lindt chocolate factory is a must! Located just outside of Zurich, the museum is easily accessible by train from Zurich’s main station.
The best part about this visit is that you can taste as much chocolate as you like!
Shopping at the Bahnhofstrasse
The Bahnhofstrasse is the most expensive street in Switzerland. Here you will find all the major jewelry brands, but also affordable stores. Even if you don’t intend to go shopping, this street is worth a visit.
Fifa Museum
Zurich is not only the ideal place for chocolate lovers, it is also the home of the Fifa museum. This museum offers the possibility to dive into the history of the Football. It has an impressive collection of trophies, jerseys and many other surprises!
Where to stay in Zurich
MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity ($)
Hotel Felix ($$)
Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich ($$$)
Where to eat and drink in Zurich
- Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
- Altes Klösterli
- Café Elena
2 Days in Lucerne
After a quick 45 minute train ride, we arrived at the second point of this 1 week itinerary in Switzerland. Lucerne is one of my favorite cities in Switzerland. This city is very close to the mountains and also offers a nice urban vibe.
Lucerne is known for its beautiful historical buildings and its wooden bridge. But Lucerne also has many other activities to offer in its surroundings. It is a great starting point for exploring the region !
What to do in/around Lucerne
Visiting the Old Town of Lucerne
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland in my opinion. I especially love the old town and the wooden bridge. I advise you to let yourself be guided by the flow of the atmosphere of Lucerne. Here are some places not to be missed during your visit.
- Kapellbrücke
- Jesuit Church
- Hofkirche
- Löwendenkmal
- Musegg Wall
Take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne
A boat trip on Lake Lucerne is a must and will show you the mountainous region surrounding the lake. There are several tours of different lengths from Lucerne Harbour. This is an incredible experience to do in Lucerne, especially in good weather.
Visit the Pilatus
Located only a few minutes away by public transportation, the Pilatus is one of the most beautiful places in the region. From the top, you will discover a 360° view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There are some hikes you can do at the summit. I recommend you to do the path of the dragons to discover the myths of Pilatus.
Explore the Titlis
To reach the summit of the Titlis, you must first go to Engelberg. Engelberg is less than an hour from Lucerne.
Once at the top, you will discover the eternal snows and an incredible panorama. Don’t miss the Gletchergrotte and the Cliff Walk which is the highest footbridge in Europe
Where to stay in Lucerne
Hotel Restaurant Stern Luzern ($$)
Radisson Blu Hotel ($$$)
Where to eat and drink in Lucerne
- Old Swiss House
- Zunfhausrestaurant Pfistern
- Wirtshaus Taube
3 Days in Interlaken
Interlaken is the perfect place to discover the Bernese Oberland region. The city offers very good public transport connections to the various places of interest in the region.
Interlaken is located in a beautiful setting with a typical Swiss atmosphere. Between the mountains and the lakes, Interlaken is the perfect place for a 1 week stay in Switzerland.
What to do in/around Interlaken
Discover Interlaken
Interlaken is more a starting point to visit the region than a place where you will spend several days. Nevertheless, there are some nice places to discover in Interlaken.
- Höhematte Park
- Höheweg
- Unterseen
- Funky Chocolate Club
Enjoy the view from the Harder Klum
A short funicular ride and you’re on top of the Harder Klum. From the observation platform, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Alps and Lakes Thun and Brienz.
From the top, you can take the Harder Grad trail which is one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland in my opinion. Discover my article including all the necessary information for this hike.
Take a day trip to Grindelwald
Grindelwald is the village to discover in the region. Between its magnificent mountain views and the many activities available, Grindelwald is the place to be.
One of my favorite activities is to go to Grindelwald First and then walk to the Bachalp lake. The view is great and the hike is very easy. You will also find a Cliff Walk with a transparent part at the top. It’s very impressive but it’s awesome !
Take a deep breath on The Schilthorn
This is the visit not to be missed if you are a James Bond fan. It is at the Schilthorn that “Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed.
At the top, you will discover a 360° view on the Alps. On the way back down, make a stop in Mürren, a beautiful village nestled in the heart of the Alps.
Visit Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is known as the valley of a thousand waterfalls. It is one of my favorite places to bring my friends. I recommend you to walk to Stechelberg. This short walk will take you to the most beautiful views of the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Explore the highest train for Europe, Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is one of the most beautiful experiences to do during a 1 week stay in Switzerland. The Jungfraujoch is the highest train station in Europe. From the top, you can admire a magnificent panorama of the Rhone glacier and the Alps.
In the station, there are many activities including the ice tunnel which is a must. And don’t forget to go out to the intermediary station to admire the view from the Eiger wall.
Where to stay in Interlaken
Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage ($$$)
Where to eat and drink in Interlaken
- La Terrasse
- Belvédère Brasserie
- Restaurant The Verandah
Last day Back to Zurich
After having spent a dream week in Switzerland, it is now time to leave in direction of Zurich and its airport to finish this stay in beauty !
Want to learn more about Switzerland
Want to support me while preparing your trip
Planning your next trip? Here are the sites I use to book my flights, hotels and tours! These affiliate links make it easy for you to make your reservations while supporting my work. And the best part is that it won’t cost you anything extra 🙂 Thank you
Booking – allows me to find great deals on accommodations
Skyscanner – The one that allows me to find the best deals for my air tickets
Get your guide – If I need a tour to book online, this site is a nugget
Rentalcar – the platform I use for all my car rentals abroad
