How Many Days in Switzerland? The Perfect Switzerland Itineraries for 3 to 14 Days

Switzerland is one of the most famous countries in Europe. Many of its places are world-famous, and it’s no surprise that Swiss locations are becoming more and more popular on social media. Every year, more tourists are choosing to visit Switzerland.

A common question travelers ask is: What are the best places to visit in Switzerland, and how much time do you need to see them? How many days are enough for a trip to Switzerland?

This article helps you answer that. You’ll find 5 different Switzerland itineraries below, for 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days. They show how to make the most of your time and which must-see places to include in your trip.

I’ll also give you tips on how much time to spend in Switzerland, depending on your travel style and the destinations you want to visit. At the end of the post, I’ll answer some common questions about traveling in Switzerland.

So first, let’s look at how to decide how many days to stay in Switzerland. Then I’ll show you the 5 sample itineraries. Finally, I’ll answer general travel questions to help you plan your perfect Swiss trip.

How much time do you need in Switzerland?

In the following, you can read about how to decide how many days to spend in Switzerland. These are the things you should consider before planning your trip:

What are the factors to decide how long to stay in Switzerland?

How many days you should spend in Switzerland as a tourist depends on many factors. The points listed below will hopefully help you get a clearer idea of how much time to plan for your trip to Switzerland.

• Budget

The first and one of the most important things to consider when planning your trip is your budget. Switzerland is quite an expensive place, so it’s important to know how much money you can spend on your trip. This can also affect how many days you stay in the country.

• Which season you visit

Another important factor is when you visit Switzerland. In summer, the weather is better and there are more things to do. In winter, many people come to ski, which might only require a shorter stay. During the shoulder seasons, many attractions may be closed, which can also affect your travel plans.

• Which destinations you’re interested in

It’s also important to think about what kind of places and activities interest you. Would you rather explore cities or spend more time in the mountains? Are you only interested in the most popular places, or do you want to see some hidden gems too?

• What activities you enjoy

Think about what activities you’re planning to do during your trip to Switzerland. Do you want to go hiking in the mountains? Or maybe skiing? Just relax somewhere? Or are you looking for cultural programs? Do you want to explore cities? And while you’re there, do some shopping, visit museums, or maybe go on a photo or food tour? There are so many options to choose from in Switzerland, and this will also affect how many days you should spend there.

• Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with family

Another thing to consider is who you’re traveling with. Are you going alone, with a partner, or maybe with family? Are there small children coming along? Whichever group you belong to, you’ll probably end up choosing completely different types of activities.

• Travel time between destinations

It’s also important to think about the distances you plan to travel between destinations. Even though the country isn’t big, transportation is relatively slow, so you’ll need to plan for longer travel times. That’s why it’s always a good idea to allow a bit more time in Switzerland than you might in other European countries (especially because of the weather, too).

• First-timer or returning

How much time you spend in Switzerland can also depend on whether it’s your first time or if you’re returning. If it’s your first visit, you may need more days to discover the places, get familiar with everything, and of course, there are more new places to see. If you’re returning, it’s easier to pick what interests you most and skip the rest.

So these are the main things to think about when deciding how long to spend in Switzerland.

How much time to spend at each destination

Let’s take a look at how many days I think you should spend in each destination, if you’re planning to visit the following places:

• Zurich: 1-2 days
• Appenzell Alps: 1-2 days (depends on hiking plans)
• Lucerne: city only 1 day, with Mount Pilatus or Fronalpstock: 2-3 days
• Bern: 1 day
• Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz: 1-2 days
• Oeschinensee, Kandersteg: 1 day
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: 1 day, with hiking: 2 days
• Grindelwald: 1-2 days
• Aare Gorge + Rosenlaui Valley: 1 day
• Zermatt: 1-3 days
• Lake Geneva: 1-2 days (Geneva and Lausanne)
• Other destinations (e.g. Basel, small lakes and waterfalls): 1 day per destination

The ideal amount of time in Switzerland – My opinion

This is just my personal opinion, that you need about 7 to 14 days if you want to see the best places in Switzerland.

The distances aren’t very big, but getting around can be slow. Mountain hikes depend on the cable cars, which don’t always run, and the weather can also be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to keep your plans flexible (expect a few rainy days too).

But no matter how much time you have, choosing from the itineraries below will help you have a memorable trip in Switzerland.

Switzerland itineraries for 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, I’ve put together 5 quick itinerary overviews for 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14-day trips to help you plan your journey.

3-day Switzerland itinerary

If you’re only planning a short 3-day trip to Switzerland, like a long weekend, here’s how I think you can make the most of your time:

Day 1: Zurich

Start your trip in Zurich by exploring the charming Old Town and walking along the Limmat River. Visit landmarks like Grossmünster and Bahnhofstrasse, then relax by Lake Zurich or take a boat ride. End your day with dinner and city views from Lindenhof or Uetliberg.

Day 2: Lake Lucerne

Spend the day in Lucerne, a charming lakeside city known for its historic wooden bridges: Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke. Walk along the Reuss River, visit the Jesuit Church, and if time allows, check out the Lion Monument or climb the Musegg Wall. For epic mountain views, start your day with a trip to Mount Pilatus or Fronalpstock.

Day 3: Lauterbrunnen

Explore the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbachfall. Visit the hidden Trümmelbach Falls or take the scenic train to Jungfraujoch. Visit charming mountain villages like Wengen and Grindelwald. On your way back, consider visiting Lake Brienz for stunning views or walking through the dramatic Aare Gorge, both perfect stops if you have extra time.

5-day Switzerland itinerary

If you have 5 days, I actually have a more detailed post just for that, but here’s a quick overview of how I think you can spend 5 days in Switzerland while making the most of your time:

Day 1: Zurich

Arrive in Zurich and wander through its charming old town. See iconic sights like the Grossmünster and stroll along Bahnhofstrasse. In the afternoon, relax by Lake Zurich—go for a boat ride or visit a museum. End your evening with dinner and city views from Lindenhof or Uetliberg.

Day 2: Oeschinensee, Lauterbrunnen

Drive to Oeschinensee near Kandersteg. Ride the cable car, hike to the best viewpoints, and enjoy time at the stunning alpine lake. In the late afternoon, continue to Lauterbrunnen Valley. See the impressive Staubbachfall and stroll through the village of Lauterbrunnen.

Day 3: Lake Geneva

Explore more of Lauterbrunnen: visit Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain, take the train up to Jungfraujoch: the “Top of Europe,” or walk around the villages of Wengen and Grindelwald. On your way back, stop at Lake Brienz or the dramatic Aare Gorge if time permits.

Day 4: Zermatt

Leave your car in Täsch and take the train to Zermatt. Hike the scenic 5‑Lakes trail to see the Matterhorn reflected in mountain lakes, or ride the Gornergrat rack railway for epic peak views. Explore Zermatt village and enjoy Swiss fondue with a Matterhorn backdrop.

Day 5: Lucerne

Drive toward Zurich, stopping in Lucerne. Explore the famous wooden bridges, Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke, stroll through old town, and visit the Jesuit Church. If you have time, ride the Pilatus Bahn for panoramic alpine views, then return to Zurich for the evening.

7-day Switzerland itinerary

With 7 days, you can already see quite a lot, but it’s still not enough to cover everything in the country.

Here’s how I recommend spending a week in Switzerland to visit some of the best spots:

Day 1: Zurich

Arrive in Zurich and explore the old town. Walk along Bahnhofstrasse and visit the Grossmünster church. Relax by Lake Zurich, take a boat ride, or visit a museum. End the day with dinner and views from Lindenhof or Uetliberg.

Day 2: Lake Lucerne

Travel to Lucerne and visit either Mount Pilatus or Fronalpstock. Take a cogwheel train up Pilatus for great views, or go to Schwyz and ride the funicular and the lifts to Fronalpstock for a stunning panorama. Later, explore Lucerne’s old town, see the Kapellbrücke, the Spreuerbrücke, and the Jesuit Church.

Day 3: Aare Gorge, Rosenlaui Valley

Visit the Aare Gorge near Meiringen. Walk through the narrow canyon on wooden paths beside the river. Then drive to the peaceful Rosenlaui Valley. Enjoy mountain views, waterfalls, and a scenic drive with great photo spots.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Spend the day in Lauterbrunnen, a valley full of waterfalls. Visit Staubbachfall and Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain. Take a cable car to Wengen or Mürren for amazing views, or go up to Jungfraujoch (the “Top of Europe”).

Day 5: Oeschinensee

Go to Kandersteg and take the cable car to Oeschinensee. Hike or rent a boat on the bright blue lake. For the best views, hike the panorama trail above the lake. It’s long and steep but offers amazing scenery. On your way back, visit Blausee, a small clear lake surrounded by forest, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Day 6: Zermatt

Drive to Täsch and take the train to Zermatt. Hike the 5-Lakes Trail or ride the Gornergrat railway for views of the Matterhorn and glaciers. In the evening, enjoy Zermatt’s cozy village and try Swiss fondue with a Matterhorn view.

Day 7: Zermatt, Back to Zurich

Use the morning to see anything you missed in Zermatt. In the afternoon, start your trip back to Zurich. If you go the Furka Pass way, stop at Belvedere Rhonegletscher. There, you can take pictures of a famous old hotel. You can also visit the Rhone Glacier and an ice cave. In the evening, return to Zurich.

10-day Switzerland itinerary

In 10 days, you can see a lot of the country, you’ll have time to hike, relax, unwind, and explore almost all of Switzerland.

Here’s how I think you should spend 10 days there:

Day 1: Zurich

Arrive in Zurich. Walk in the old town and see the Grossmünster church. Visit shops on Bahnhofstrasse. Spend time by Lake Zurich—take a boat ride or visit a museum. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a nice view from Lindenhof or Uetliberg hill.

Day 2: Lake Lucerne

Travel to Lucerne. Take a train or cable car up Mount Pilatus or Fronalpstock for amazing mountain views. After that, walk in Lucerne’s old town. See the famous wooden bridges: Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke. Visit the Jesuit Church before heading back.

Day 3: Aare Gorge, Rosenlaui Valley, Lake Brienz

Visit Aare Gorge near Meiringen and walk on wooden paths through the narrow canyon. Then go to Rosenlaui Valley, a quiet place with waterfalls and beautiful mountains. On the way back, stop at Lake Brienz. Walk by the lake and enjoy the blue water and mountain views.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for many waterfalls. Visit the tall Staubbachfall and the inside mountain waterfalls called Trümmelbach Falls. Take a cable car up to the villages Wengen or Mürren for good views. If you want, go to Jungfraujoch, called the “Top of Europe,” by train.

Day 5: Oeschinensee

Go to Kandersteg and take the cable car to Oeschinensee lake. Hike the panorama trail above the lake for great views. You can also rent a boat to row on the clear blue water. On the way back, visit Blausee, a small, quiet lake surrounded by forest—perfect for a calm walk.

Day 6: Zermatt

Drive to Täsch and take the train to Zermatt. Hike the 5-Lakes Trail to see mountain lakes with Matterhorn reflections. Or ride the Gornergrat railway for amazing views of the Matterhorn and glaciers. Explore Zermatt village and try Swiss fondue for dinner.

Day 7: Zermatt

Use the day to visit anything you missed in Zermatt.

Day 8: Lake Geneva

Visit the Lake Geneva area. Explore towns like Montreux or Lausanne. Walk along the lake shore, enjoy the views, and maybe visit a castle or museum.

Day 9: Bern

Spend the day in Bern, the Swiss capital. Walk in the old town with its historic buildings, fountains, and clock tower. Visit the Bear Park and see the beautiful river views. You can also visit museums or markets.

Day 10: Appenzell Alps

On the last day, take a day trip to the Appenzell Alps region. Enjoy an easy hike to the Seealpsee, to the Aescher guesthouse, or walks in the mountains. Visit traditional Swiss villages and see green hills and farms. In the evening, return to Zurich.

14-day Switzerland itinerary

With 14 days, you can enjoy a full and unforgettable trip through Switzerland, packed with the country’s top places, stunning sights, exciting experiences, and endless opportunities.

If you have two weeks in Switzerland, here’s the itinerary I recommend most:

Day 1: Zurich

Start your trip in Zurich. Walk through the old town, see the Grossmünster church, shop along Bahnhofstrasse, and relax by Lake Zurich. In the evening, enjoy views from Lindenhof or ride the train up to Uetliberg hill.

Day 2: Appenzell Alps

Travel to the Appenzell region. Go for an easy hike to Seealpsee lake or visit the famous Aescher cliffside guesthouse. Enjoy the peaceful green hills, wooden houses, and traditional villages. Appenzell is a great place to experience Swiss countryside life.

Day 3: Lucerne

Head to Lucerne. Explore the old town, see the Kapellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke wooden bridges, and visit the Jesuit Church and Lion Monument. Enjoy the lake views or visit a museum if the weather isn’t great.

Day 4: Lake Lucerne area

Take a day trip to Mount Pilatus or Fronalpstock for some of the best panoramic views in the region. You can go up by cable car or cogwheel train. In the afternoon, relax with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne or walk along the waterfront.

Day 5: Aare Gorge, Rosenlaui Valley

Drive to the Aare Gorge near Meiringen. Walk on wooden paths through the narrow canyon. Then continue to the quiet Rosenlaui Valley with its waterfalls and stunning mountain views. A great day for photography and nature walks.

Day 6: Lake Brienz, Lake Thun

Spend the day exploring the lakes near Interlaken. Walk along the blue waters of Lake Brienz and visit Giessbach Falls. Then drive or take the boat to Lake Thun. Visit a lakeside castle or just enjoy the relaxing scenery.

Day 7: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys, with 72 waterfalls. Visit Staubbachfall and Trümmelbach Falls, then take a cable car to the mountain villages of Mürren or Wengen. Optional: visit Jungfraujoch for epic glacier views.

Day 8: Oeschinensee, Blausee

Drive to Kandersteg and ride the cable car to Oeschinensee. Hike the panorama trail or rent a boat to enjoy the clear alpine lake. On the way back, stop at Blausee, a small, peaceful lake in the forest.

Day 9: Zermatt

Travel to Täsch, then take the train to car-free Zermatt. Spend the day hiking the 5-Lakes Trail or exploring the village. For amazing Matterhorn views, ride the Gornergrat train.

Day 10: Zermatt

Stay another day in Zermatt. Take the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Visit the ice palace and enjoy high-altitude views of the Alps. Spend your evening relaxing at a cozy mountain restaurant.

Day 11: Geneva

Head to the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Explore Geneva: visit the Jet d’Eau, walk around the old town, and relax by Lake Geneva. You can also visit the United Nations building or museums.

Day 12: Lausanne

Take a short trip to Lausanne. Walk through the old city center, visit the Olympic Museum, and enjoy wine and food along the lakefront. Optional: take a detour to the Lavaux vineyards for stunning lake views.

Day 13: Bern

Visit Switzerland’s capital. Explore the medieval Old Town, the famous clock tower (Zytglogge), and the Bear Park. Walk by the Aare River or visit a museum. Bern has a relaxed and beautiful atmosphere.

Day 14: Back to Zurich

Return to Zurich for your last day. If you have extra time, take a day trip to see the famous Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. In Zurich, do some final shopping or take a relaxing walk by the lake before traveling home.

So, these were the five different Switzerland itineraries. I showed how you can explore the most interesting Swiss cities and see the best of the amazing Swiss Alps in 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days. I also shared ideas for things to do in each area. Because the article is long, I only gave a quick overview of the routes. But if you want to read more about these places, you can find lots of information and travel tips in my other Switzerland articles.

Finally, let’s look at some more useful things to know for your trip to Switzerland:

General questions about a trip to Switzerland

After the five different Switzerland itineraries, let’s take a look at some common questions that come up when planning a trip to Switzerland.

Is it worth visiting Switzerland?

Yes, it’s definitely worth traveling to Switzerland! Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, full of amazing sights.

It’s one of my personal favorite destinations — it’s definitely in my top 3. I try to visit almost every year, and I’m always finding new, breathtaking places.

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.

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

How to get around in 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, our 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.

How to make the most of your time in Switzerland

Here are some practical travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Switzerland:

• Travel by car

Even though many people might not think so, traveling by car is often faster than public transport in Switzerland, especially in rural areas. Parking is also well organized almost everywhere. And even though Switzerland has excellent public transport, in many cases you’ll save a lot of time by driving.

• Book accommodation close to your destinations

As I often recommend in other itineraries too: book your accommodation as close as possible to your daily or next-day destination. This means that on a 14-day trip, you might end up staying in 5–7 different hotels. But once you’re in Switzerland, you’ll be glad you don’t have to spend hours every day just getting from one place to another.

• Wake up as early as you can

Here’s a simple tip, though maybe not great news for fellow night owls like me: wake up as early as you can to make the most of your day. Most mountain cable cars, trains, and activities start early in the morning, but many things close quite early in the afternoon or evening. In some mountain areas, by 5 or 6 PM, there’s not much to do except enjoy free time, as most places will already be closed. Plus, the sun tends to set earlier in the mountains.

Costs of a trip to Switzerland

As I’ve already mentioned, Switzerland is generally an expensive travel destination, and you’ll feel that in nearly every part of your trip. As a visitor, you’ll notice that hotels, restaurants, fuel, public transport, and especially mountain activities like cable cars and scenic trains can be quite pricey. Car rental, parking, and even shopping also tend to cost more 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, excursions, and activities will also increase your daily costs. Based on my own experience, a realistic daily travel budget for two people in Switzerland ranges between 300 and 700 CHF, depending on your travel style and preferences.

So for any trip length, count on this daily range, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of getting to and from Switzerland.

Conclusion: How many days in Switzerland?

In my personal opinion, it’s best to spend at least one week in Switzerland to really experience the country’s top places. But if you can, a 10 to 14-day trip is an even better choice. With more time, you’ll be able to enjoy not just the highlights, but also the hidden gems and a wide range of activities during a more complete journey.

That said, no matter how many days you plan to spend in Switzerland, you’re in for an exciting and refreshing trip. Every part of the country offers something special and unforgettable.

Whether you travel for 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 days (or even something in between), I hope this article gave you helpful information and some inspiration.

If it did, don’t wait too long, start planning your Swiss adventure! Book your flight, car, and hotel, and get ready to explore the beauty of Switzerland!