The perfect 5-day Switzerland itinerary

Planning on spending five days in Switzerland on an upcoming Europe trip? This 5-day Switzerland itinerary will show you where to go, how to get around, where to stay, what to do and even how much you should budget for your Switzerland adventure.

I often get asked what my all-time favourite country is, and while I can never give a definitive answer (it totally depends on my mood!), Switzerland is always in the top five. Along with Vietnam, Italy, Türkiye and New Zealand, if you were wondering.

This captivating country ranks highly on my list for a number of reasons. Low crime rates make it one of the best European destinations for solo female travellers, the scenery is divine and diverse, it’s logistically easy to get around thanks to a fantastic rail network, and there is so much to see, do and eat, no matter your travel preferences. Also, fondue. Need I say more?

It’s no secret that Switzerland can be pricey, but luckily the compact country is easy to explore even on a short trip. This 5-day Switzerland itinerary takes you around a bunch of the highlights, from vibrant lakes in Interlaken to charming mountain villages in Lauterbrunnen to the luxury resort towns of Zermatt and St Moritz.

I’ve also shared some tips and tricks to help you prepare for your five days in Switzerland, including info on the weather, when to visit Switzerland, what languages people speak, how to get around, and how much to budget for this Switzerland itinerary.

So put on your travel planning hat and let’s dive into the ultimate Switzerland 5 day itinerary.

P.S. Right now I have a 10% off promocode for all Switzerland tours and attractions on Klook, including the Swiss Travel Pass! It can only be used on your first booking though so make sure to put all your activities in your cart and book them at once, the promocode is FINDINGALEXXKLOOK

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5-day Switzerland itinerary summary

Day 1: Zurich to Interlaken, explore Interlaken

Day 2: Lauterbrunnen day trip from Interlaken

Day 3: Jungfrau day trip from Interlaken

Day 4: Interlaken to Zermatt, explore Zermatt

Day 5: Zermatt to St Moritz on the Glacier Express

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What to know before your 5 days in Switzerland

Weather in Switzerland

Switzerland is totally dependent on the season, and can be quite changeable thanks to its alpine landscapes. Overall the country’s climate is moderate, usually not too hot or extremely cold.

In the summer months (June-August) it’s typically warm and sunny, though short, sharp thunderstorms can hit without much warning. Always be prepared with a warm jumper and raincoat, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.

In autumn (September-November) the weather is unpredictable, sometimes mild and pleasant, sometimes super chilly and dreary, but the changing colours of the leaves make any autumn trip worth it.

Winter (December-February) brings snow and tourism to the country’s many ski resorts, which tend to stay open until March, April or early May depending on the altitude. Winter days are short in Switzerland, with the sun rising after 8am and setting before 5pm in some places, so keep this in mind when planning out your day’s adventures.

If you’re visiting in Spring (March to May) then you can enjoy the days getting longer, the sun melting the snow at lower altitudes, and processions of cows heading back to their mountain pastures.

Busy seasons in Swizterland

The busiest months in Switzerland in terms of summer tourism are July and August, when neighbouring countries are enjoying summer holidays and want to escape their hot, humid cities for some time in the mountains. If you’re able to avoid these months then you’ll be able to take advantage of cheaper prices and less crowds, but if you don’t have that option, then ensure you book your accommodation early so you aren’t left with only crazy expensive options last minute.

The best time to visit Switzerland is in the shoulder seasons, from May to mid-June, September, and October. These months will bring mild temperatures, fantastic hiking conditions, cheaper accommodation and fewer people around.

For winter adventures, January to March would be best. Many ski resorts open in December however recent years have had a really delayed start to the ski season, and the snowfall sometimes isn’t great until mid-January.

Languages in Switzerland

If you’re only monolingual (or as I like to call it, single-lingual, which is a much more fun word) like me, the Swiss are going to blow your mind. The country has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansch.

More than 60% of the population speak Swiss German, which is a term that refers to various regional dialects of the German language. The next most commonly spoken language is French with 23%, then Italian with 8%, and Romansch (a Romance language native to the canton of Graubünden) at less than 1%. More than two-thirds of Swiss adults use more than one language at least once a week.

English is regularly spoken by 45% of the population, especially in the tourist cities, so if you’re following this five day Switzerland itinerary, chances are you’ll be able to communicate in English.

But as always with visiting any country, it doesn’t hurt to learn some basics of the local language! When you check into your hotel in each place you should ask them how to say ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at a minimum, this way you’ll be able to learn it in the local accent (Swiss German can be different to German-German) and gives you a chance to practice and have them correct you if necessary.

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How to get to Switzerland

By plane

Switzerland is well-connected to European hubs and other continents by plane, Zurich’s the main airport but Geneva is another popular arrival airport.

SWISS (the national airline) often offers good value long-haul flights to Europe from places like the USA, Australia and New Zealand, sometimes using codeshare partners in the Star Alliance network.

Some low cost carriers also service Switzerland’s airports, like easyJet, Vueling, Eurowings and Pegasus.

By train

You can get direct trains to Switzerland from all over France, Germany, Italy and Austria, as well as Amsterdam, Budapest and Prague, to name a few. If you don’t mind changing trains once or twice you can reach Switzerland from basically anywhere else in Europe.

If you’re combining Switzerland with other countries, check out my Northern Italy & Switzerland itinerary as well as my 2 month Europe itinerary or very comprehensive 3 month Europe itinerary for some easy train trip suggestions.

By car

If you’re road tripping around Europe (lucky you!) Switzerland is a simple next step after France, Germany, Austria or Italy.

Paris to Zurich is a 6h 30m drive, Munich to Zurich is 3h 25m, Innsbruck to St Moritz is 2h 45m and Milan to St Moritz is only 2h 25m.

You can drive in Switzerland on your normal driver’s license from home as long as the license is in English. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll need to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before you arrive in Switzerland. If you plan on driving in Italy before or after your five days in Switzerland you’ll need an IDP anyway, as Italy doesn’t accept foreign licenses as valid permits on their roads.

Keep in mind that many mountain villages in Switzerland are car-free, including Zermatt on this itinerary, so if you’re travelling by car you’ll need to park it outside of the village and then catch the train or an electric cab to your accommodation.

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How to get around Switzerland

The best way to get around Switzerland is without a doubt to use the brilliant rail network. Switzerland’s main cities and tourist locations are well connected by regional trains, panorama trains (fancy tourist trains) and mountain railways.

If you’re worried about the cost of trains adding up, don’t stress, because you can get a money-saving travel pass to help you get the best bang for your buck when planning how to get from A to B. The two main national travel passes are the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Half Fare Card

For this exact itinerary, the Swiss Half Fare Card ends up being the travel pass that offers the best value for money (potentially in conjunction with the Jungfrau Travel Pass but more on that one soon). The Swiss Half Fare Card gives you half price across all trains, buses, boats and public transport, as well as most mountain excursions like the Eiger Express to Schiltorn and Jungfrau Railway in this itinerary.

P.S. I have a promocode for Klook which gives you 10% off your Swiss Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass, making them even better value for money! Visit klook.com or download their app, find your chosen travel pass and activities, and use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to snap up your discount.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass (get 10% off with promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK) is a pass which gives you unlimited access on the Swiss Travel System network, including most trains, buses, boats and public transport between around cities/towns/villages, as well as discounted rates (usually 50% off) for mountain transport like cogwheel trains and cable cars, and free entry to more than 500 museums.

Most transport is totally free once you’ve got your pass, but the premium panorama trains (like the Glacier Express in this Switzerland itinerary and the Bernina Express from St Moritz into Italy) require a seat reservation on top of the pass.

You can choose the number of days you want on your Swiss Travel Pass and it can either be consecutive days (good for a fast-paced trip where you’ll be using inter-city trains most days) or a flex pass where you choose your travel days (better for longer trips where you’ll only be moving every 2/3/4 days).

Which is better: The Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass?

I know this is an annoying answer but it really does depend on your exact itinerary.

If you’re combining city breaks, mountain excursions and one or two panoramic train trips then the Half Fare Card often ends up being the best deal, but if you’re doing more panoramic train trips, less mountain excursions or the epic Grand Train Tour then the Swiss Travel Pass can come out on top.

One thing is for sure though, either pass is almost guaranteed to save you money vs. paying to point-to-point tickets if you’re exploring Switzerland for more than three or four days.

I’ve got some super detailed travel pass guides to help you figure out which pass is best for your trip, these all include example itineraries with actual cost breakdowns:

• The ultimate Swiss Travel Pass guide
• The ultimate Swiss Half Fare Card guide
• Swiss Half Fare Card vs. Swiss Travel Pass comparison

Other travel passes

There are a few other travel passes available to help save $$$ on your transport costs, with some covering travel across loads of countries in Europe, or more specific regional passes that cover certain cantons or areas in Switzerland.

If your Switzerland trip is part of a bigger Europe rail adventure, a Eurail Pass or an Interrail Pass might be worth looking into. These will cover most inter-city trains (including the expensive panorama trains) but they don’t cover buses, boats or mountain railways, though they do sometimes give a 15-30% discount.

If you are mainly planning on doing long trips in Switzerland with one or two panoramic trains then a Eurail Pass might work out as a good deal, but it might be even better to just buy a shorter Eurail Pass (or use your travel days elsewhere) and get a Swiss Half Hare Card for your time in Switzerland instead, that way you’ll get mountain excursions for a cheaper price.

And in terms of the regional travel passes, there are passes like the Tell Pass in the Lake Lucerne region and the Jungfrau Travel Pass that have brilliant coverage right across the transportation network for those regions.

Again, the savings depend on your plans but as a rough guide:

✅ The Jungfrau Travel Pass is worth it if you want to go up Jungfraujoch as well as one or two other mountains
✅ The Tell Pass is worth it if you’re doing two or more mountain excursions

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What to budget for five days in Switzerland

While visiting Switzerland certainly isn’t easy on the wallet, spending five days in Switzerland doesn’t have to totally break the bank.

If you’re expecting to live the high life, with beautiful hotel rooms, fancy dinners out and visiting every mountain viewpoint then sure, you’re going to spend a lottttt, but if you’re happy to stay in hostels or budget hotels, don’t mind self-catering a couple of meals a day and are keen to make the most of free hiking opportunities and the rail pass discounts, you might be surprised that you can keep it relatively affordable.

Please note: These prices are totally subject to change depending on the time of year you visit, how far in advance you book and what city you’re in. Always check current accommodation pricing for your travel dates before confirming flights because you don’t want to buy flights and then realise your hotel will cost you three times as much as you expected!

Also please note that 1CHF usually hovers around 1EUR (+/- 5%) to give you an idea of the exchange rate.

Accommodation

Expect to spend:

💰 35-35CHF for a bed in a shared dorm room at a hostel, maybe higher for touristy destinations and high season
💰 75-110CHF for a private room at a hotel or guesthouse
💰 140-300CHF per night for a simple but comfortable 3-4* hotel with top ratings but nothing particularly special. Add on 50-100CHF per night for somewhere that has a pool or hot tub.
💰 300+ for boutique hotels or luxury resorts, right up to the four figures!

I always search for accommodation using Booking.com and cross-check with the direct website to see if booking direct is any cheaper (it’s usually not) or offers any extra benefits like free breakfast and late checkout. Booking.com offers free cancellation on loads of their options though and I like to travel (or live) with minimal commitment so I book free cancellation and then can cancel if my plans change. Too easy!

Transport

A quick note before these numbers scare you: This particular Switzerland itinerary includes a few expensive journeys, including visiting the Schiltorn summit, heading up to Jungfrau and taking the Glacier Express. If you’re visiting Switzerland on a budget you could absolutely do this itinerary for cheaper and spend your days enjoying free hiking trails rather than going up the mountains, and the Glacier Express route can be done on cheaper regional trains if you don’t mind switching trains, find out more in my Glacier Express guide.

Your transport costs will depend on your exact route, how far in advance you book your tickets, if you need flexible tickets or can commit to an exact time, and if you use a travel pass.

Let’s assume we’re sticking with this exact Switzerland 5 day itinerary, here are some calculations based on different situations (split into two tables to make it easier to understand).

We’ll look at:

• Booking full fare tickets at the last minute (if you book 2-3 months in advance you can save 30-50% sometimes but it really depends on demand!)
• Using a Half Fare Card
• Using a Jungfrau Trave Pass
• Using a Swiss Travel Pass
• Combining the Jungfrau Travel Pass for the good mountain inclusions and the Half Fare Card for the longer trips outside of Jungfrau

	Full fare	Half Fare Card	Jungfrau Travel Pass	Swiss Travel Pass	JTP + HFC combo
Zurich to Interlaken	36.80	18.60	36.80	0	18.60
Grindelwald day trip	91.60	45.80	0	34	0
Jungfraujoch day trip	223.80	111.90	63	147.80	63
Interlaken to Zermatt	83	41.50	83	0	41.50
Glacier Express	208	128.50	208	49	128.50
Pass cost		120	210	379	165 + 120
TOTAL	643.20	466.30	600.80	609.80	536.60

And a quick summary for those of you who aren’t spreadsheet people:

• The Half Fare Card comes out on top, saving 27.50% vs. full fare tickets, 22% vs. the Jungfrau Travel Pass, 23.5% vs. the Swiss Travel Pass and 13% vs. the Jungfrau Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare combo
• If you want to do more excursions in the Interlaken area, like lake cruises, Harder Kulm funicular or heading up to Murren, the Jungfrau Travel Pass + Half Fare Card combo might end up working out best
• If you were staying in Switzerland for more than five days but still had three or more days in Jungfrau, the JTP + HFC combo would also probably end up working out better as your Half Fare Card will cover you for discounts right across the country
• The Swiss Travel Pass does provide much more flexibility though, so if you prefer to go with the flow and not have to book any tickets for trains (apart from the Glacier Express which has mandatory seat reservations), this one might be your best options

Read more: Is a Eurail Pass worth it?

Food

If you’re on a really tight budget and you have a kitchen at your accommodation to cook things like pasta, rice or noodles, or you’re happy to live off supermarket foods like fruit, crackers, bread rolls, pastries and juice, you could keep your food costs to less than 100-120CHF for five days if you shopped at big supermarkets. This budget wouldn’t include more expensive snacks like muesli bars, ready-made sandwiches or salads, any alcohol, or any meals out.

A meal out at a decent but not fancy restaurant will set you back about 25-35CHF for a main, for somewhere more upmarket you might spend 50CHF or more on a main.

A local beer or wine typically starts from 6/7CHF, more expensive in fancy bars and restaurants.

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The ultimate 5-day Switzerland itinerary

Who is this Switzerland 5 day itinerary for?

This Switzerland itinerary is best suited to fast-paced travellers who want to make the most of each day, don’t mind moving around a bit, and who are more interested in the landscapes and nature than city breaks and museums.

Day one: Zurich to Interlaken

At the risk of sounding harsh, if you only have five days in Switzerland, I don’t think Zurich should be a priority. It’s a beautiful city with some cute, colourful buildings in the Old Town and there’s an impressive selection of museums, but it’s pretty expensive, very commercialised and certainly isn’t as stunning as other parts of the country.

I’d recommend arriving into Zurich and heading straight to Interlaken to begin your Switzerland adventure.

If you do have time to stay in Zurich, here’s a quick rundown of what to do and where to stay.

• Wander around the Aldstadt (Old Town)
• Head up to Lindenhof Square for an incredible view over the river
• Taste test Swiss chocolate at the famous chocolatiers in the city
• Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate (get 10% off with the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK)
• See the incredible stained glass windows of Grossmünster 
• Visit a museum, there are lots!
• Stay at the B2 Hotel and experience their magnificent library, a bucket list place for book lovers

How to get from Zurich to Interlaken

Direct trains run every two hours, or trains with one train change in Bern run more often, both trains take just less than two hours.

How to get from Geneva to Interlaken

If you’re arriving into Geneva instead, you can make a two-train journey from Geneva to Interlaken with a short stop in Bern, it’ll take between 2h 45m and three hours.

About Interlaken

Interlaken is commonly referred to as the Adventure Capital of Europe, and I think the vibe is super similar to Queenstown in New Zealand!

There are lakes to kayak, walking trails to hike, slopes to paraglide off and peaks to summit. Anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures while travelling is going to absolutely love it here, but even if you prefer to sightsee rather than get too sweaty, it’s equally as impressive from a bus, a boat or an easy-to-reach viewpoint.

Things to do in Interlaken

• My absolute top recommendation for Interlaken is to go paragliding (I did this one, save 10% with promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK), one of the most breathtaking places in the world to see from the sky. And if you’re terrified by the idea of falling, let me reassure you as someone with the same fear that paragliding feels very secure, you’ve got a proper seat to sit in rather than feeling like you’re completely dangling with a chute attached to your back. Immediately after landing I wanted to book another one, and I’ve since paraglided two more times in New Zealand!
• Catch the funicular up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint at 1322m above sea level, there’s a pointed viewing deck perched somewhat precariously over the steep slope of the mountain. Hold onto your sunglasses as you look down or you may never see them again, speaking from experience after witnessing someone lose their Raybans while leaning over the railing.
• Get an adrenaline rush with a bungee jump, a canyon swing or a skydive
• Experience Interlaken’s canyons and rivers with a jetboating tour, white water rafting trip or a canyoning adventure (save 10% off that one with promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK)
• Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
• Or get some exercise with a kayak tour on Lake Brienz
• See the thundering Giessbach Falls
• Explore the St Beatus cave system on the shores of Lake Thun
• Ski, snowboard, go sledding or snowshoeing in winter

Bonus tip of what not to do in Interlaken: Lose your wallet! I lost my wallet during a day of hiking, and didn’t realise until I went to pay for my dinner (fondue, of course) and realised it wasn’t in my bag and I hadn’t seen it since 9am that morning. Yikes. I was able to pay with Apple Pay before my bank cancelled my card completely (which obviously cancelled my Apple Pay too) leaving me with literally no way of paying for anything as a solo traveller in one of the most expensive countries in the world. It was a weekend too so even the Western Union shops were closed. Cue a VERY stressful 12 hours with no sleep, many tears on the phone to the bank and to my parents, and a bit of a breakdown to the Balmers Hostel staff who gave me a hug and a free cider (legends). The next morning I got up early to retrace my steps, as I was walking past reception the staff let me know that a bus driver had found my wallet with my hostel key in it and had detoured her bus that morning to drop it off! Switzerland is THE BEST! I bought some chocolate for the driver and asked the bus station staff to give it to her when she finished her work day so I hope she got it.

Lesson to learn from this: DO NOT PUT ALL YOUR MONEY IN ONE PLACE for the love of all travel gods, this is an absolute rookie mistake and I’m embarrassed that I did something so silly. Always have a back up card and some easy-to-exchange cash like Euros, Pounds or USD in a safe place like a zipped pocket of your suitcase. These days I also travel with AirTags in my bags, including one in my wallet, which would have saved a lot of stress as it would have alerted me that I’d left it behind as soon as I got off the bus.

Where to stay in Interlaken

Budget | Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is perfect for budget travellers in Interlaken, ideally located right near the main park with simple but comfy dorms and private rooms, a huge guest kitchen, hang out areas and a dedicated co-working space. This is where I’ve stayed recently and I’d go back for sure! If Backpackers Villa isn’t available then some other top-rated budget options are Interlaken Youth Hostel and Adventure Hostel.

Mid-range | For something comfortable but not too pricey you could consider Hotel Bernerhof, the Hey Hotel, Boutique Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Interlaken

Luxury | The best-rated five star hotel is Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, or for a luxurious apartment stay there’s the Swiss Hotel Apartments

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Day two: Lauterbrunnen day trip

Day two of this five day Switzerland itinerary takes you to Lauterbrunnen, a picture-perfect village that looks like it’s straight off a postcard, and then to

How to get from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen

It’s only a short 20 minute train from Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen.

About Lauterbrunnen

As far as photogenic destinations go, I can guarantee that the valley village of Lauterbrunnen is one of most picturesque places you’ll ever see.

Quaint alpine chalets are tucked into the hilly terrain, a sky-high waterfall tumbles over the jagged cliffs behind the town (and 71 other waterfalls can be seen flowing into the valley too), and the height of the mountains means you’ll get dramatic lighting conditions around two hours after sunrise and before sunset.

Things to do in and around Lauterbrunnen

• Take a relaxing walk around town and enjoy the superb scenery
• See the iconic Staubbach Falls, just a short 1km walk from town
• Lauterbrunnen is known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”, how many of those can you count?
• Spot Lauterbrunnen’s famous church
• Visit the incredible Trümmelbach Falls, Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls
• Catch the cogwheel train up to Wengen (only 15 minutes) for incredible views over Lauterbrunnen, it’s a good spot to grab some lunch
• Take a 4 minute cable car to Grütschalp and then a 14 minute train to Mürren, another charming mountain village
• Visit a famous James Bond filming location, the Piz Gloria from the 1969 “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” film, which sits atop the Schilthorn alpine peak. At 2970m above sea level it offers expansive, panoramic views over more than 200 mountain peaks, including Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau. You could grab a meal at the Piz Gloria rotating restaurant, watch some scenes from the movie in the Bond Cinema, or get your heart racing with a stop at the Birg Thrill Walk, a 200m cliffside walk with glass floors, wire tunnels and more. Book tickets in advance as they can sell out at busy times.
• Enjoy one of the many hikes on offer in the area if you have time, there are easy flat walks past the waterfalls, or you can hike to or from some of the mountain villages

Should you stay in Lauterbrunnen?

There are some nice places to stay in Lauterbrunnen (as well as in Mürren, Grindelwald or Wengen nearby), so you could either choose to move your luggage here for two nights (day two and day three), or just stay in Interlaken for the first three nights and use that as a base for day trips if you’d prefer to sleep in one place for longer.

If you do choose to stay in or near Lauterbrunnen, here are some top-rated options.

Budget | Valley Hostel, Alpine Base Hostel and Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen, or Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald or Eiger Guesthouse in Mürren

Mid-range | Hotel Silberhorn, Hotel Staubbach, Hotel Oberland (all in Lauterbrunnen) and Berghaus Männlichen (Grindelwald) are all great value options for a mid-range budget

Luxury | Bergwelt Design Hotel (Grindelwald) is my absolute favourite luxury hotel in the area, with a wellness centre and stunning mountain views, otherwise Hotel Regina, Alpine Hotel Wengen and Beausite Park Hotel are all beautiful 4* options in Wengen

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Day three: Jungfraujoch day trip

Day three of your five days in Switzerland gives you the chance to experience “the Top of Europe” on a day trip from Interlaken or from Lauterbrunnen.

About Jungfraujoch

One of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps, Jungfrau towers above the valleys at more than 4100m tall. But despite this area being known as “the Top of Europe”, the mountain isn’t actually the tallest in Europe, in Switzerland, or even in the Bernese Alps!

PS: Mount Elbrus is the highest in Europe at 5642m, Monte Rosa is Switzerland’s highest at 4634m, and Finsteraarhorn is the tallest in the Bernese Alps at 4274m.

What the “Top of Europe” actually refers to is that the Jungfraujoch train station is the highest railway station in Europe, sitting at an unbelievable 3454m above sea level. What’s even more impressive is that the station was opened way back in 1912!

These days it’s a very touristy attraction, but one that should be on your Europe bucket list nonetheless.

How to get to Jungfraujoch

You could either go to Jungfraujoch with a group tour, or choose to go independently with a combination of trains and gondolas.

There’s a new way to reach Jungfraujoch from Interlaken, which is also the fastest way at about 1h 30m. Start by taking the train to Grindelwald, then switch to the fancy new Eiger Express gondola for a 15 minute journey to the Eiger Glacier Station. From here you’ll change to the Jungfrau Railway which takes you through mountain tunnels to reach the Top of Europe train station. You can book tickets online here if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass, or book them online here if you’re buying tickets without a rail pass.

For the old, traditional experience of reaching Jungfraujoch, you can take the Wengenalp Railway from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg Station, then change to the Jungfrau Railway from there. This takes about 90 minutes from Lauterbrunnen, plus another 20 minutes to get there from Interlaken, so 1h 50m total.

TRAVEL TIP: Sit on the right side of the Jungfrau train for the best views!

While the journey to Jungfrau might sound a bit confusing, there’s very clear signage and staff who can help you get to where you need to be, as well as plenty of other tourists who will be going to the same place as you. But if you’d prefer to relax during the journey and have all the logistics sorted by someone else, there is a top-rated day tour you can take.

Visiting Jungfrau on a tour

This guided day trip to Jungfrau from Interlaken (save 10% with promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK) gives you the best of both worlds, with your journey there using the Eiger Express gondola and your journey back using the Wengenalp Railway to Lauterbrunnen and then back to Interlaken, without any stress on your side.

With this day tour you can’t get any discounts for travel pass though, so if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass you’ll need to just book the tickets yourself to make use of the discount.

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Day four: Interlaken to Zermatt

How to get from Interlaken to Zermatt

An easy train journey with two changes, taking around 2h 15m. The first train is a short 22m train from Interlaken to Spiez, then change to get on the Spiez-Visp train (26m), then a final change to catch the Visp-Zermatt train (1h 6m).

Switzerland train stations are very easy to change at, lots of staff to help, lots of tourists doing the exact same change, and these particular trains run constantly throughout the day so in the unlikely chance that you miss your connection, there will be another train coming in half an hour or less.

About Zermatt

Best known as one of Switzerland’s most iconic winter resorts, Zermatt is actually worth a visit at any time of the year, with incredible hiking opportunities through summer, vibrant colours in autumn and wildflowers blooming on the alpine meadows throughout spring.

Things to do in Zermatt

• Ski or snowboard in winter
• Get amongst the pumping apres-ski scene at the end of your day on the slopes
• Explore the charming car-free village on foot
• Enjoy a fondue dinner, the hotel I stayed at (Hotel ZERMAMA) had in-room fondue seats for you to DIY a cheesy dinner from the comfort of their room!
• Take the Gornergratbahn mountain train (promocode findingalexxklook gets you 10% off) to the top of Gornergrat for an incredible view of the Matterhorn. Sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views.
• Walk from the top of Gornergrat to Riffelsee Lake to see the reflection of the Matterhorn in the water
• Eat a Toblerone in front of the Matterhorn, which you’ll see on the Toblerone packet
• See the peaks and valleys from a unique viewpoint with a paragliding flight
• Take a scenic cable car ride across a glacier with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it’s Europe’s highest cable car station at 3883m above sea level

Where to stay in Zermatt

Budget | Zermatt Youth Hostel is the top-rated budget option, or ALPINA Budget Rooms, Hotel Alphubel and Le Petit Charme-Inn are also rated over 8/10 on booking.com

Mid-range | Chesa Valese, SchlossHotel Zermatt, Unique Hotel Post and Schallers Tannenhof are all well-rated with rooms for an average budget

Luxury | Where I stayed, Hotel ZERMAMA, actually offered incredible value for money and would probably fit nicely in the mid-range budget, but it was SO dreamy and luxurious that I’m putting it under luxury instead because that’s what you can expect here. The rooms are divine, with options ranging from cosy single rooms (yay for solo travellers!) through to spacious suites with bathtubs and balconies. There are lots of amazing little details, like in-room yoga mats and resistance bands with workouts on the TV, faux fur coats for chilly evenings and the aforementioned fondue set, and the staff, food options, location are all brilliant. I adore this place, I can’t wait to return!

Self-contained | Studio MIA, Alpenblick Superior and Piccolo Fiamma all have options with a kitchen/kitchenette

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Day five: Zermatt to St Moritz

How to get from Zermatt to St Moritz

For your final day of this 5-day Switzerland itinerary, the actual journey is the experience. You’ll catch the renowned Glacier Express panorama train from Zermatt to St Moritz, one of Switzerland’s famous tourist trains and hands down one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

About the Glacier Express

This eight-hour train slowly meanders through valleys, around mountains and over alpine passes, offering its passengers some of the most stunning scenery ever witnessed through a train window. And the windows are BIG too, curving at the top to give you uninterrupted views of Switzerland’s magical landscapes.

The Glacier Express is a popular route, for obvious reasons, and you will need to reserve seats in advance. Tickets are pricey but you can save A LOT by using a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass, that way you’ll only need to pay the seat reservation.

For more details on this incredible train journey, read my detailed Glacier Express travel guide.

About St Moritz

The birthplace of alpine tourism since the mid-1800s, St Moritz boasts 5* hotels, fancy ski resorts and gourmet restaurants, and it’s the ideal place to enjoy a bit of luxury at the end of your five days in Switzerland. And if you’re travelling on a budget then don’t stress, spend your night at a cheap and cheerful chalet, grab a sandwich from the supermarket and enjoy it lakeside with incredible views that won’t cost you a cent.

Things to do in St Moritz

• Do the loop walk around the lake, it’s 4.4km in total with breathtaking views throughout
• Head up to Corviglia (2486m) via funicular where you can hike in summer or ski in winter, or go even further to Piz Nair via cable car (3057m)
• Get an adrenaline rush with a bobsled run down the oldest bob sled run in the world
• Treat yourself to a spa treatment at one of the luxury wellness resorts, like Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the Kulm Hotel or the Kempinski Grand Hotel

Where to stay in St Moritz

Unique | I spent two nights at one of the most unique accommodation spots in the world, a historic observatory with mountain views, a turning mechanism and a cog-wheel window for stargazing. The observatory is located at Randolin’s Berghotel and also gives you access to the hotel’s beautiful spa and wellness area. One for the bucket list for sure, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Budget | St Moritz Youth Hostel or Hostel by Randolin’s are the top-rated budget options for dorm rooms or cheap private rooms

Mid-range | Randolin’s Berghotel also has mid-budget hotel rooms that offer a comfortable stay, great facilities and incredible views for an affordable price, or you could also look at Hotel Piz, Chesa Languard or Boutique Hotel Cervus

Luxury | Suvretta House is an iconic St Moritz luxury hotel, Kulm Hotel has incredible reviews, and Carlton Hotel is one of the Leading Hotels of the World

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After St Moritz

At the end of your Switzerland 5 day itinerary, you could either catch the train back to Zurich to fly out (3h 10m-3h 40m, one change in Chur or Landquart) or if you’re continuing your Europe trip, I’d recommend catching another panoramic train, the Bernina Express, through to Tirano in Italy.

From Tirano you can either stay a while to enjoy the sleepy Italian mountain village or take a same-day train onto Milan, where you can then fly or train to any number of cities.

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5 day Switzerland itinerary FAQS

Is 5 days enough for Switzerland?

Switzerland’s small size and super efficient public transport network means you can get around easily and quickly, so with just five days to explore you can still pack a lot in!

Like any country you’ll see and do more if you have more time, but you’ll be able to enjoy a few different cities and some epic mountain adventures with even a short trip.

What about Lucerne?

Lucerne is absolutely beautiful and offers great access to a bunch of mountains, but I *personally* preferr what the Jungfrau region has to offer (that includes Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen).

If you are really into the traditional Swiss old town vibes then Lucerne might be more your jam, or if the mountains of Stanserhorn, Rigi, Pilatus or Titlis are on your bucket list then you could swap day two to be in Lucerne instead and just do one night in Interlaken (or none!).

What about Basel?

Basel is often left off Switzerland itineraries because it’s a little out of the way of the main tourist routes, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a trip.

If you’re coming to Switzerland from France (or vice versa) then it’s a really easy stopover for a day trip or overnight stay, and it’s less than an hour from Zurich by train, 1.5h-ish from Lucerne and 2h from Interlaken.

Basel travel tip: Fellow digital nomads should check out Silo Hostel, my go-to accommodation in Basel. It’s located in Erlenmatt, a sustainable neighbourhood that’s recognised as a ‘2000 Watt Society’, which means that within the neighbourhood, the average energy consumption per person per year is less than 2000 watts (vs. 4700 watts for the average Swiss citizen). How cool is that! The hostel has been set up in an 1912 warehouse, and it’s got stylish pod dorm rooms or spacious private rooms, as well as a living room with coffee and snacks, meeting areas and an outdoor space too.

Which travel pass should I get for Switzerland?

If you followed this exact itinerary then the Swiss Half Fare Card comes out as the cheapest option, but if you’re staying in Switzerland for longer then it would really depend on the exact routes you’re taking.

Lucky for you, I have detailed guides for various travel passes to help you figure out the best pass for your trip, and each guide includes 3/4 example itineraries with full pricing breakdown. Yup, I’m a travel nerd.

• Swiss Travel Pass breakdown
• Swiss Half Fare Card breakdown
• Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card comparison
• Jungfrau Travel Pass breakdown
• Tell Pass breakdown

If you have less than five days in Switzerland…

If you’ve only got 3-4 days in Switzerland, I’d recommend sticking to one region to reduce your travel time, and the regional travel passes can often be really good value for those shorter, condensed trips focused on one area.

You could spend 3-4 days in Lucerne:

• Get the Tell Pass to cover your transport (it only takes two mountain excursions and a lake cruise for it to be worth it)
• Explore Lucerne Old Town, visit the Swiss Transport Museum and indulge in local cuisine
• Go for a lake cruise
• Visit a couple of the epic mountains nearby, there’s Rigi, Pilatus, Titlis or Stanserhorn

Or you could head to the Jungfrau region instead:

• Stay in Interlaken, Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen depending on the vibe you’re looking for
• Get the Jungfrau Travel Pass to cover your transport (probably worth it if you’re doing Jungfraujoch and one other mountain trip like Harder Kulm)
• Get out active with a paraglide, caving trip, kayaking session or canyoning
• Cruise on Lake Thun or Brienz
• Visit the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch
• Head to Grindelwald-First for adventures like ziplining, mountain carting and a Cliff Walk
• Explore Lauterbrunnen, see the sunset from Harder Kulm or explore charming alpine villages like Mürren 

If you have more than five days in Switzerland…

You’re in luck, I have a detailed ten day Switzerland itinerary for you to plan a longer trip.

Some easy add ons to this 5 day itinerary would be:

• Add in a couple of days in Lucerne for mountain adventures
• From St Moritz catch the Bernina Express to Tirano, the connecting bus to Lugano, then the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano to Lucerne and back to Zurich
• Stop off in Montreux for a lakeside resort kinda vibe
• Add the magnificent library of St Gallen as a day trip from Zurich

And there you have it, a detailed itinerary for 5 days in Switzerland! I hope this itinerary has helped you plan your five day Switzerland trip, and I hope you have the most incredible time.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

MORE SWITZERLAND TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• How to spend 10 days in Switzerland
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• Rigi vs Pilatus vs Titlis vs Stanserhorn: Which one to visit?
• The cheapest place to ski in Switzerland: Liddes Ski Hostel
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MORE SWITZERLAND TRAIN GUIDES:

• Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which one is best?
• The ultimate Swiss Travel Pass guide
• The ultimate Swiss Half Fare Card guide
• Is the Glacier Express worth it?
• Is the Bernina Express worth it?
• Bernina Express vs Glacier Express: Which one should you choose?
• Is the Jungfrau Travel Pass worth it?
• Is the Tell Pass worth it?

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• The perfect two month Europe itinerary
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• How to use a Eurail Pass
• Is a Eurail Pass worth it?
• The ultimate Italy bucket list