The route at a glance
How long to stay in each city and how to get between them. Fares are typical one-way prices per person.
- 1ZurichDays 1–3Train · 41m · from €18Train times and fares
- 2LucerneDays 4–5Bus · 30m · from €19Bus times and fares
- 3InterlakenDays 6–7
Days 1–3
Zurich
Zurich is a sophisticated lakeside city where Swiss precision meets cosmopolitan culture. This financial hub surprises with a vibrant arts scene, excellent dining, beautiful old town, and easy access to the Swiss Alps.
- Old Town (Altstadt)
- Lake Zurich
- Grossmünster Church
- Bahnhofstrasse
- Kunsthaus Zurich
- Swiss National Museum
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €909 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€303 a day).
Days 4–5
Lucerne
Lucerne is a picture-perfect Swiss city where medieval architecture meets stunning Alpine scenery. Set on the shores of Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus as a backdrop, this charming town offers covered bridges, cobblestone squares, and easy mountain excursions.
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
- Lion Monument
- Lake Lucerne Cruises
- Mount Pilatus
- Old Town
- Mount Rigi
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €530 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€265 a day).
Days 6–7
Interlaken
Interlaken is Switzerland's adventure capital, dramatically set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz beneath the Jungfrau peaks. This adrenaline hub offers paragliding, skydiving, canyoning, and access to the famous Jungfraujoch—the "Top of Europe."
- Jungfraujoch Railway
- Paragliding
- Harder Kulm Viewpoint
- Lake Thun & Brienz
- Schilthorn (James Bond)
- Adventure Sports
Mid-range
UpscaleAbout €530 mid-range for hotel, food and sightseeing (€265 a day).
Travel times and fares come from Omio and hotel prices from Traveloka; both change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
More Switzerland itineraries
Switzerland itinerary: FAQ
How many days do you need in Switzerland?+
7 days is enough for Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken: 3 days in Zurich, 2 days in Lucerne, 2 days in Interlaken. With 10 and 14 days you can follow our 10-day and 14-day route instead.
What is the best way to travel around Switzerland?+
On this route every leg works by train and bus. Zurich to Lucerne takes about 0h 41m from €18; Lucerne to Interlaken takes about 0h 30m from €19. Total time on the move is about 1h 11m.
How much does a 7-day trip to Switzerland cost?+
Plan on about €888 per person on a budget or €1,969 mid-range for accommodation, food and sightseeing, plus around €37 for the transport between cities. Flights to Switzerland are not included.