Switzerland Itinerary 5 Days: How to Spend 5 Days in Switzerland

Switzerland is a fantastic travel destination in Western Europe that eventually makes it onto almost every traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. Although it’s a relatively small country, it’s packed with stunning sights tourists love: mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, charming towns, waterfalls, and breathtaking peaks.

Imagine a 5-day trip through Switzerland: a journey filled with dramatic landscapes, beautiful lakes, charming cities, and exciting alpine adventures.

We’ve been lucky enough to experience this amazing country multiple times, and based on our years of travel, I’ve put together this itinerary to help you see the very best of Switzerland in a short amount of time.

My 5-day Swiss itinerary includes tips and practical info about the country’s top sights, plus ideas for scenic detours and nearby destinations worth exploring. With a few extra days, you could even discover Switzerland’s hidden gems or venture into neighboring countries.

From early planning to real-life travel experiences, I’ll guide you through everything you need: sharing travel tips, hotel recommendations, activity suggestions, and insights based on our personal journeys across Switzerland.

First, let’s take a quick look at what you can see in Switzerland in just 5 days.

Then we’ll dive into a detailed day-by-day itinerary, followed by answers to some of the most common questions travelers have when planning a visit to Switzerland.

Map for the 5-day Swiss itinerary

Detailed 5-day Switzerland itinerary: How to make the most of your trip

Now let’s get into the detailed 5-day Switzerland itinerary, broken down day by day.

In this itinerary, I’ll share how I personally recommend spending 5 days in Switzerland. You’ll find the best places to visit, useful tips, and ideas to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Day 1: Zurich

Start your first day in Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a great place to begin your 5-day itinerary. Thanks to its international airport, Zurich is easy to reach and well-connected, making it a convenient starting point for any Swiss adventure.

Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, the city combines modern life with a rich cultural background.

Spend your day exploring the charming old town, walking along the lake, and discovering some of Zurich’s main sights.

If you enjoy shopping, take the chance to browse one of the city’s shopping centers—these are much harder to find in the smaller towns you’ll visit later in your trip.

Morning: Old Town Zurich

Start exploring the city in the morning in Zurich’s old town, where you can wander through cobblestone streets and take in the historical charm of the area. This part of the city is full of character, with beautiful old buildings, hidden courtyards, and local cafés.

Take a relaxed stroll along the Limmat River, crossing some of Zurich’s most iconic bridges like Rathausbrücke, Münsterbrücke, and Quaibrücke. Don’t miss a visit to the Grossmünster, a striking medieval church that’s one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks.

From there, walk along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, perfect for some window shopping or even a special treat.

To finish your walk, head up to Lindenhof Hill for a peaceful moment and one of the best panoramic views over the river and the rooftops of Zurich.

Afternoon: Lake Zurich

In the afternoon, head down to Lake Zurich for some peaceful downtime. The lake offers a scenic setting for a walk, a picnic, or even a boat ride. Along the lakeshore, you’ll find lovely parks like Arboretum Zurich and Chinagarten Zurich, both perfect spots to relax and enjoy the view.

Feeling a bit more active? You can rent a rowboat or pedal boat, or hop on a boat tour to see Zurich from the water. It’s a great way to experience the city from a different angle.

If you’re interested in culture and history, Zurich has plenty to offer. Choose from some of the city’s top museums, like the Kunsthaus Zurich (art), the Swiss National Museum (history), or the Museum Rietberg (non-European art). And if you’re a football fan, don’t miss the FIFA Museum, which covers the global history of the sport.

For one of the best panoramic views of Zurich, take a short trip up to Uetliberg Lookout Tower. This hilltop viewpoint can be reached by train or car and gives you a breathtaking perspective over the city, lake, and even the Alps on a clear day.

Evening: Enjoy Zurich your way

Your evening is free to explore the city at your own pace.

Zurich has no shortage of great places to eat and drink, whether you’re into traditional Swiss cuisine, or just a casual drink in a cozy bar.

Take the time to unwind, you’ve seen a lot already, and this is just the beginning of your 5 days in Switzerland.

Day 2: Oeschinensee, Lauterbrunnen Valley

On your second day in Switzerland, it’s time to leave the city behind and head into the heart of the Swiss countryside.

Start your morning early, as this day covers two of the most stunning places in the country: the breathtaking Oeschinensee near Kandersteg, and the world-famous Lauterbrunnen Valley.

The drive from Zurich to Kandersteg is about 185 km (115 miles) and takes around 2.5 hours by car. The journey itself is incredibly scenic and gives you a taste of the breathtaking landscapes Switzerland is known for.

Pro tip: If you have some extra time in Zurich on Day 1, consider traveling to the countryside that evening instead of staying overnight in Zurich. This way, you’ll wake up closer to your Day 2 destinations and have more time to enjoy nature without feeling rushed.

Prepare for a day full of hiking, fresh mountain air, and postcard-perfect view. This is the Switzerland many people dream of.

Morning, early afternoon: Oeschinensee

Start the daily program with Oeschinensee. There’s a simple reason for this: the mountain cable car leading to the lake operates only until the afternoon, so it’s advisable to schedule your visit earlier in the day.

Oeschinensee is located near the village of Kandersteg, and I consider it one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. With its stunning, vibrant blue color and surrounded by magnificent rocky peaks (which remain snow-capped throughout the year), the lake offers breathtaking panoramas that are sure to captivate you.

To reach Oeschinensee from Kandersteg, take the mountain cable car, which is the fastest way. The cable car doesn’t take you directly to the lake, so a bit of hiking is necessary.

Along the lake, you’ll find some restaurants, perfect for enjoying a delicious Swiss lunch.

For the best view of the lake, head to the spot marked “Aussichtspunkt Heuberg” on Google Maps. This requires a moderately challenging mountain hike along the hillside, so bring basic hiking gear with you.

If you’re looking for additional activities, you can hike around the lake, rent a boat on the lake shore, and find a toboggan run at the mountain cable car’s upper station.

Oeschinensee is an ideal morning and early afternoon program to discover one of the most beautiful spots in the Swiss Alps and enjoy active recreation in nature.

Pro tip: If you still have time on the way back from Kandersteg, make a short stop at Blausee, a small, picturesque lake not far from the road.

Late afternoon, evening: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Use the late afternoon and evening to explore Lauterbrunnen.

The drive from Kandersteg to Lauterbrunnen is about 55 km (34 miles) and takes around 1 hour by car.

I’ve allocated relatively little time for Lauterbrunnen on this day because how deeply you explore depends on your personal preferences and how much time you want to spend in this famous Swiss village.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is well known for its waterfalls. There are 72 waterfalls in the valley where the village lies. The most famous is the Staubbachfall, a nearly 300-meter high waterfall that plunges dramatically from a steep cliff right within the village.

If you just want to take some great photos, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the village’s charming streets, or have a meal in a local restaurant, the late afternoon and evening are perfect for this.

However, if you want to experience more activities, consider spending a full day here on Day 3 or even extending your trip by an extra day to explore Lauterbrunnen in depth.

Day 3: Lake Geneva

Day 3 of the 5-day Switzerland itinerary focuses on another gem of the country: the beautiful Lake Geneva.

You can choose between two great cities on the lake’s shores: Geneva and Lausanne. If you have enough time, I recommend visiting both. Since neither city is too large and their main attractions are close together, it’s possible to explore the highlights of both in a single day, mostly on foot.

That said, if you only have the time or energy for one of the two cities, the choice is yours: Geneva is more famous, while Lausanne, in my opinion, is more visually striking.

Geneva

Lauterbrunnen – Geneva: 225 km (140 mi), approx. 2.5 hours

Located on the western edge of Switzerland, Geneva is the country’s third-largest city and home to the European headquarters of the United Nations. The city sits beautifully on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering both international flair and lakeside charm.

Most of Geneva’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially around the lake.

Some highlights include:

• Jardin Anglais (English Garden): A peaceful lakeside park featuring the famous Flower Clock, a working clock made of flowers.
• Jet d’Eau (Geneva Water Fountain): One of Geneva’s most iconic sights, shooting water 140 meters into the air from the lake.
• St. Peter’s Cathedral: A landmark of the Protestant Reformation. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and lake.

While strolling through Geneva, especially along the lakefront, you’ll find statues, public art, peaceful green spaces, and excellent photo spots.

Lausanne

Geneva – Lausanne: 65 km (40 mi), approx. 50 minutes

Smaller than Geneva but just as charming, Lausanne quickly became one of my favorite Swiss cities. Its old town is compact, colorful, and easy to explore on foot.

Start your visit by parking near Place de la Riponne, where you can walk past the Palais de Rumine, then follow the steps uphill toward the Lausanne Cathedral. This Gothic landmark offers stunning views over the city, don’t miss the lookout point marked as “Vue des toits de Lausanne” on Google Maps.

Take a short walk to see:

• Pont Bessières: A bridge with beautiful views over the city
• Place de la Palud: A lively square with cafés and a historic fountain

If you have more time, head to the Sauvabelin Tower, an observation tower surrounded by forest that offers sweeping views over the lake and city.

Evening: Travel toward Zermatt

After a full day exploring Lake Geneva’s highlights, I suggest heading back toward the Swiss Alps for the next part of your journey.

My Day 4 destination is one of the most iconic spots in all of Switzerland: the Matterhorn, near the town of Zermatt.

Lausanne – Zermatt (Täsch): 165 km (103 mi), approx. 2 hours

Don’t forget: Zermatt itself is car-free, so you’ll need to park in the nearby village of Täsch and continue by shuttle train.

Day 4: Zermatt

The day four focuses on one of the most famous places in Switzerland, the Matterhorn and its surroundings, Zermatt.

How to reach Zermatt?

If you are arriving by car, as mentioned earlier, you cannot drive into Zermatt.

You need to leave your car in the nearby village of Täsch in one of the parking garages next to the train station. From the Täsch train station, you can then take a train (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) to get to Zermatt.

If you prefer an alternative to the train, you can also find taxi services, since taxis are allowed to enter Zermatt.

Keep in mind that the Täsch–Zermatt train and the parking garage are both quite expensive, especially during peak seasons, so be sure to include these costs in your budget.

Morning: Hiking in Zermatt

Since only one day fits into my itinerary in this area, a shorter hike is suitable for this day.

There are numerous hiking opportunities around Zermatt, with many cable cars, trains, and other access options to the surrounding mountains.

If one has to be chosen, I would recommend the 5 Lakes Walk as a hiking destination.

The 5 lakes around the famous hiking trail are: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. The hike begins with a funicular and cable car ride, followed by an approximately 10 km trek around the five lakes. Finally, you can descend back to the town using a funicular.

To reach the starting point of the hike, take the Sunnegga funicular from the valley station at Vispastrasse 32, then continue by gondola to Blauherd. The trail starts there and gradually leads back down toward Sunnegga.

Each lake offers a different and unique scenery, collectively making this hike around Zermatt unforgettable.

Stellisee is especially popular for photographers due to its classic reflection of the Matterhorn in calm weather. If you’re short on time, you can consider visiting just Stellisee and Leisee, which are both near lift stations.

During this hike, you can see the Matterhorn from various locations, and you’ll find breathtaking photo spots, especially along the shores of the lakes.

There are also several mountain restaurants along the trail where you can stop for a break or try traditional Swiss food. Some good options are Blue Lounge near Blauherd, Ze Seewjinu near Grünsee, and Bergrestaurant @Paradise near Leisee.

Afternoon: Visit the Gornergrat

If you prefer a more comfortable exploration of the surroundings, get a ticket for the Gornergrat Railway, which takes you through several stops around the surrounding mountains all the way to the Gornergrat Observation Platform. Along the way, you will enjoy fantastic views.

The train ride takes about 35–40 minutes each way. From the summit, you can admire a wide panorama of over 20 peaks above 4,000 meters, as well as glaciers and the iconic Matterhorn from a different angle. On the way, consider getting off at Rotenboden to visit Riffelsee (lake).

While on the way, don’t forget to stop by a mountain hut or restaurant to try local dishes.

Evening: Explore Zermatt

Also, take a stroll in the town of Zermatt if you still have energy. The city itself offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Perhaps the best photo spots are from the Kirchbrücke (bridge) and the “Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint” in the northeast part of the town.

In the evening, treat yourself to a nice dinner at a local restaurant. One place I can recommend is Old Zermatt Restaurant near the Kirchbrücke, known for traditional dishes like fondue and its scenic views of the Matterhorn.

Spend the night near Zermatt, in one of the places recommended previously.

Day 5: Lucerne and back to Zurich

On the fifth and final day of my 5-day Swiss itinerary, head back to Zurich.

On the way, there is another important stop: the city of Lucerne.

Täsch – Lucerne: 225 km (140 mi), approx. 4 hours (variable)

Lucerne

Lucerne is an 80,000-population city located on the shores of Lake Lucerne (also known as Vierwaldstättersee), and it conveniently falls on your route back to Zurich or can be reached with a short detour.

The city itself offers relatively few but beautiful attractions that can be explored in just a few hours.

Noteworthy sites in Lucerne include the city’s famous bridges:

• the Kapellbrücke
• and the Spreuerbrücke

Both span the Reuss River and date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, featuring interesting stone towers. They are close to each other, allowing you to easily visit both on foot. Along the way, you can also see the Jesuit Church, built in the 17th century.

Optional places if you have more time:

• Museggmauer: A well-preserved medieval city wall with nine towers, some of which are open to visitors and offer panoramic views of Lucerne.
• Lion Monument: A famous sculpture carved into a cliff face that commemorates the Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution.

Additionally, for mountain enthusiasts visiting Lake Lucerne, I recommend either visiting Mount Pilatus or heading to the Fronalpstock–Klingenstock ridge above Lake Lucerne.

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is closer and more accessible from Lucerne. It offers beautiful views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains from a well-developed observation platform. You can reach the summit with the Pilatus Bahn, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, in about 30 minutes one way. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic scenery and various short walking trails. If you plan to visit both Pilatus and Lucerne, I recommend prioritizing the mountain trip as the first activity and exploring the city in the afternoon or evening.

Stoos ridge hike

If you have more time or want a more remote, dramatic mountain experience, consider visiting the Fronalpstock and Klingenstock peaks, which lie above the village of Stoos. These peaks are connected by the Klingenstock–Fronalpstock (or Stoos) ridge hike, one of the most scenic trails in central Switzerland. The hike offers panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps, especially on clear days. Access involves taking a funicular from Schwyz to Stoos, then chairlifts to either Klingenstock or Fronalpstock.

While this excursion is more time-consuming and may not fit into the same day as Lucerne city sightseeing, it is absolutely worth considering if you can extend your trip by half a day or more.

On the evening of day five, my itinerary comes to an end, and it returns to the starting point in Zurich.

Lucerne – Zurich: 50 km (31 mi), 40 min

So, this was the 5-day Switzerland itinerary, broken down day by day. I hope I gave you enough information and inspiration to make you want to plan a trip like this.

If you have any other questions, I’ll answer more of them below.

Now, here are some extra place recommendations if you want to extend your trip:

Extra destinations to consider for an extended trip

If you’re planning to spend more days in Switzerland or want to explore different kinds of places, I can recommend a few more great spots that might be worth adding to your itinerary:

Appenzell Alps

If you want more scenic landscapes, consider exploring the Appenzell Alps. Highlights include Seealpsee, a beautiful mountain lake, Saxer Lücke, one of Switzerland’s most photogenic rock formations, and Äscher, a famous guesthouse built into the side of a cliff. These spots offer stunning views, great hiking trails, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Bern

For additional cultural landmarks in Switzerland, consider visiting Bern, the capital city. Its charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of medieval buildings and lively streets. Be sure to see the famous Zytglogge clock tower and the Cathedral of Bern. With its rich history and relaxed atmosphere, Bern is a great choice for a half-day or full-day trip.

Annecy

For a relaxing getaway, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy in France. It is one of my personal favorites. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is known for its pretty canals, old town charm, and the beautiful Lake Annecy. You can walk along the narrow streets, visit the historic Palais de l’Isle, and enjoy views from the lakeside promenade. With its mix of French style and Alpine scenery, Annecy is a wonderful destination for a day trip.

Ticino

Explore the Italian charm of Switzerland’s Ticino region, known for its beautiful old alpine villages. Villages like Sonogno and Foroglio are great for a day trip if you want to discover some of Switzerland’s best hidden gems. Walk among alpine stone houses, see the nearby waterfalls, and enjoy delicious Italian food. Ticino mixes Swiss and Italian cultures in a special way, giving you a memorable and culturally rich experience on a longer trip.

Common questions about a trip to Switzerland

Finally, let’s look at some common questions you might have about traveling in Switzerland:

How to get to Switzerland

Switzerland, being quite centrally located in Europe, offers various ways to reach it:

• By car: Whether with your own car or a rented one
• By plane: Especially if you travel from a greater distance
• By bus: Group guided bus tours are particularly popular
• By train: From some cities in the area, the train may also be an option

By car

The most flexible way to travel to Switzerland is by car. This can be with your own car or a rented one.

Keep in mind that even though Switzerland is in the Schengen Zone, recent checks are often conducted at most land borders. Have all your documents, including car-related ones, ready and be prepared for customs questions.

If you travel to Switzerland by car, whether with your own vehicle or a rental car, you will need a Swiss highway vignette. You can purchase this primarily at petrol stations or online. There is only an annual vignette available, but it is not as expensive as the annual vignettes in some other countries.

By plane

Most international flights land at Zurich Airport, which is why this trip starts in Zurich.

By bus

Organized bus trips to Switzerland from nearby European countries are common. In this regard, it is worth checking the offers of travel agencies in your own country. The downside is that it is inflexible, as it is not tailored to your specific preferences.

By train

You can reach Switzerland by train mainly from Austria (Graz or Salzburg), Germany (Munich), or France. In other cases, taking the bus might be easier.

How to get around Switzerland

By car

My itinerary is primarily designed for car travel, so I strongly recommend using a car in Switzerland. This is the fastest and most flexible way to explore the planned places, especially if there is only a relatively short amount of time available.

If you want to rent a car, compare prices on Rentalcars.com.

In Switzerland, the road quality is excellent, although in the mountains, you can expect winding roads that may not always be easy to drive on. Despite the good road quality, the pace is relatively slow compared to neighboring countries, and speed cameras are common. It’s advisable to pay attention to speed limit signs.

By public transport

As we mentioned, my itinerary is tailored for a road trip, although many destinations can be reached by public transportation. Within the country, trains are a very popular mode of transportation, offering access to numerous locations.

If you choose public transport, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass. It’s an all-in-one ticket for unlimited travel in Switzerland, and it includes free or discounted entry to other places like museums or mountain trips.

Additionally, you can find bus day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator, which can take you to various attractions.

Best time to visit Switzerland

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you like.

• Summer (June to September) has nice weather and is great for outdoor activities like hiking.
• Winter (December to March) brings beautiful snowy landscapes and excellent ski resorts.
• Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) have cooler weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices, but many places might be closed.

We have visited Switzerland many times, mostly in June, July, August, and September.

If I had to choose, I would pick summer because most things like cable cars, viewpoints, and restaurants are open, so you can enjoy the most of Switzerland then.

Is 5 days enough in Switzerland?

5 days in Switzerland is enough to see some of the most important places. In 5 days, you get an exciting glimpse of the country’s best spots, experience real Swiss landscapes and food, and enjoy what the country offers.

However, I wouldn’t say this time is enough if you want to really get to know the country deeply.

5 days is good for a first introduction or for a return visit when you don’t want to see everything.

How much time do you need to cover Switzerland’s main attractions?

To see most of Switzerland’s best places, have time to visit cultural sites in cities, shop, relax, explore the countryside and hidden gems, and also go hiking, you need about 10 to 14 days. Based on my personal trips, this is the amount of time I recommend to get a good experience of the country and visit many of the top places.

Is Switzerland expensive?

Yes, Switzerland is a very expensive country. Based on my experiences, it’s actually one of the most expensive places in Europe.

Hotels are pricey, transportation and entrance to major attractions can cost a lot, and food isn’t cheap either.

So if you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, be prepared for high costs.

Costs of a 5-day Switzerland trip

As I mentioned earlier, Switzerland is generally an expensive travel destination, and this can be felt in almost every aspect of a trip. As a tourist, you’ll notice that hotels, restaurants, fuel, public transport, and especially mountain activities (like cable cars and mountain trains) are quite costly. Renting a car, parking, and shopping are also a bit more expensive than in most other Western European countries.

During peak season, it’s hard to find accommodation for two people under 150 CHF per night. On average, I recommend planning for around 200 to 400 CHF per night for a double room in a standard 3- or 4-star hotel. This does not include luxury hotels.

Meals and activities also add to the cost. Based on my own experience, the average daily travel cost for two people in Switzerland can be between 300 and 700 CHF, depending on your travel style.

So, for a five-day trip in Switzerland (not counting the cost of getting there), you can expect to spend somewhere between 1500 and 4000 CHF, based on what I’ve seen over the past few years.

How to prepare for your trip to Switzerland

Here is some additional useful information to help you get ready for your trip to Switzerland:

• Although you can usually pay by credit card, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash. Euros are accepted in many places, but it’s best to have Swiss francs with you.
• The weather in Switzerland can be very changeable and often rainy. Always pack for wet weather, even in summer.
• If you plan to go hiking, don’t forget your gear. At the very least, bring a pair of hiking shoes, but trekking poles can also be helpful on steeper or longer trails.
• If you want to save money, consider bringing some food with you from home (especially if you’re traveling by car), as food and groceries in Switzerland are quite expensive.
• For those arriving by car, check current fuel prices before your trip. Fuel in Switzerland is usually more expensive than in neighboring countries.

So, this was the 5-day Switzerland itinerary with all the details: daily plans, sights, and the best places in Switzerland that you shouldn’t miss. I tried to fit the top spots and most important sights into 5 days, so even in a short time, you can really enjoy and get a great overview of the country.

You also got answers to many important questions that might come up when planning a trip like this.

I hope all of this helped you with planning your next trip to Switzerland. If it did, don’t wait – book your flight, hotel, and tickets for the activities as soon as possible, and get ready for Switzerland!