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It may only cover 41,000 square-kilometers with a population of just nine million, but what Switzerland lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Bordered by Austria, France, Germany and Italy, this curious country has four official languages, employs conscription to an army who don’t fight and prints the world’s most valuable banknote.
Consistently ranked in the top 10 happiest countries, Switzerland has the highest nominal wealth per capita in the world. A renowned financial hub, famous for cheese, chocolate and watches, there’s every reason Switzerland should be on your Europe bucket list.
All that aside, there is one other reason to visit. Switzerland might just be Europe’s most beautiful country. With over 50% of its land taken over by the Alps, this stunning nation is a snow sports paradise, a nature lover’s dream and the all round perfect place to escape from reality. Our 1 week Switzerland itinerary balances mesmerizing scenery and enchanting cities coupled with sublime food, great shopping and fascinating history.
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Switzerland practicalities: FAQ Before you go
The Best Time for a 1 Week Switzerland Itinerary
If hitting the ski slopes is what’s drawing you to this Alpine paradise, winter will be the best time to visit. Ski resorts tend to open in December, although a handful kick off in October or November. The best months for skiing are, usually, January and February.
Travel tip: Swiss ski resorts are very popular destinations for school and university trips. Avoiding travelling in European school holidays will save you money and give you a quieter, more relaxed experience.
If sightseeing and admiring the scenery is drawing you to Switzerland, summer will be the best time to visit. June to August offer the best weather, with temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F).
Getting to Switzerland
Located in the center of Europe, Switzerland is extremely easy to reach. Our 1 week Switzerland itinerary is based upon starting and finishing in Zurich. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the country’s busiest, with flights to every corner of Europe as well as North America, Asia and the Middle East.
Alternatively, you can fly into Geneva (GVA) or Basel (BSL) and start your 1 week Switzerland itinerary from there. If arriving in Basel, it’s a short one hour drive, bus or train journey to Zurich where you can join our itinerary.
Travel tip: Whilst Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the Schengen Area. This means you can travel between Switzerland and other Schengen countries without any passport checks. Entry requirements for Switzerland are the same as all EU and Schengen countries, so there’s no need to apply for multiple visas.
Another great idea is to combine this 1 week Switzerland itinerary with a visit to some other European countries, especially if you’re coming from further afield. Switzerland has excellent rail links with Austria, France, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and The Netherlands.
Getting Around Switzerland
To get the most from your 1 week Switzerland itinerary, we recommend bringing or renting a car. With winding mountain passes, stunning lakeside roads and impressive tunnels, Switzerland feels as if it was designed with road trips in mind.
If you don’t fancy driving, the good news is that Swiss public transport is exceptionally good. Some may even say the best in Europe. Everywhere on our 1 week Switzerland itinerary is reachable by bus or train and, whilst the journey may take a little longer than driving, you won’t miss out on great views. When staying in cities, most hotels provide a free travel pass for the duration of your stay. If you do opt to travel by public transport, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass to save on costs.
Is Switzerland Really That Expensive?
In short, yes. Switzerland has one of the highest costs of living in the world. So high, in fact, that it has topped the Big Mac Index for several years. But don’t let that put you off. Whilst this is certainly not a cheap destination, as with anywhere, you can spend as little or as much as you want.
Travel tip: The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Whilst credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, it’s worth exchanging a small amount of your currency to Francs. Bureau de changes are widely available at Swiss airports and in city centers.
Some useful ways to cut down on costs in Switzerland are to avoid school holidays and book accommodation as far in advance as possible. Sampling Swiss street food will help keep meal expenses down and taking advantage of free travel passes will reduce your accommodation costs.
Ultimate 1 Week Switzerland Itinerary
Day One: Zurich to Lucerne
If you can, arrive in Zurich the day before setting out on this 1 week Switzerland itinerary. Switzerland’s largest city and financial hub, Zurich exudes big city energy with small town vibes. Spend the day ambling through Altstadt (the historic old town), cruising Lake Zurich and indulging in chocolate heaven at the Lindt factory. To help plan your day in Zurich, we’ve prepared the ultimate 1-day guide to Zurich.
The first day of our 1 week Switzerland itinerary is a relaxing one, covering just 52 kilometers. Setting off to the south, make the charming lakeside town of Zug your first stop. On the shores of Zugersee, Zug was first settled in 14000 BC by nomadic hunter gatherers.
Take a walking tour of the characterful old town before grabbing a lakefront seat at Zur Table for lunch. With the best view in town, their menu adds a Swiss touch to Mediterranean favorites. Their lunch set menus offer excellent value.
This afternoon, take a short detour to Hollengrotten Baar. One of the most impressive cave systems in the country, Hollengrotten Baar is a real life fairy tale. Formed at ground level over a period of 3,000 years, the caves are unlike any other dripstone caves in the world.
Undoubtedly awe-struck, retrace your steps to Zug to round the top of Zugersee to reach Lucerne, the final stop on Day One of this 1 week Switzerland itinerary. Sitting astride Lake Lucerne, Central Switzerland’s most populous city was founded by Benedictine monks in 750 CE. A firm favorite with travelers for centuries, a night in Lucerne will leave you begging for more.
Where to Stay in Lucerne
If your budget can stretch to it, a night at Hotel Schweizerhof is one you won’t forget in a hurry. Right on the lake shore, this stunning luxurious property has been managed by one family for the last 150 years. The rooms are lavish, the restaurant outstanding and the views otherworldly. For a slightly lighter on the wallet option, Altstadt Hotel Magic combines great value with a great location.
For dinner, modern vegetarian restaurant Tibits is an excellent choice. If you’d rather a more typical Swiss dinner, atmospheric and historic Rathaus Brauerei ticks all the boxes. Their Swiss specialties include divine veal cordon bleu, Chez Nous sirloin and marinated long rib of pork.
Day Two: Lucerne to Interlaken
The second day of this 1 week Switzerland itinerary takes us further south through stunning alpine scenery. Before you bid farewell to Lucerne, join a two-hour walking tour to uncover the city’s history. Next, indulge your sweet tooth with a Swiss chocolate adventure.
If you get caught up admiring Lucerne’s beauty, and believe me, it’s easily done, you can make the drive to Interlaken in around an hour. That said, it pays to set off early and make a late-lunch stop in Sachseln. Badi-Beizli serve up simple, yet delicious comfort food with unparalleled views across Samersee.
Where to Stay in Interlaken
The gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a popular stopping off point for travelers and a great base for skiers. Hotels are plentiful, but they rarely come cheap. One spot which does offer excellent value is Hotel Lotschberg. If you’re craving views over River Aare, Aparthotel Krone is a great choice, but for the quintessentially luxurious Interlaken experience, book a room at Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa.
Our top recommendation for dinner on the second evening of your 1 week Switzerland itinerary is Trattoria Da Rafmi. Sure, it’s not Swiss, but there’s never a bad time for Italian home cooking. Their homemade pasta is perfection personified, but the seafood selection is in another league entirely.
Day Three: Interlaken to Lugano
Spend this morning strolling aimlessly through Interlaken. If you want to pick up some Swiss souvenirs, cheese and chocolates, this is the ideal opportunity. If cheese is your thing, you won’t want to miss this half day alpine cheese tour to Unterseen. During the visit to a traditional cheese farm, you’ll get to try your hand at cheesemaking and, more importantly, taste to your heart’s content.
Make an early afternoon exit from Interlaken for the journey to Lugano. The longest stretch so far on our 1 week Switzerland itinerary, driving non-stop will take around three hours. You’ll want to stop though; with these views, it’s impossible not to. If you’re driving yourselves, avoid the faster road back to Lucerne and take the more direct, but slower mountainous route via Gletsch.
The Tibetan Bridge is suspended 426 meters above the valley (Source: Ticino)
If you only make one stop, make it the Tibetan Bridge (Ponte Tibetano Carasc). Poised over 400 meters above the dramatic valley floor, the walk across isn’t for the faint hearted, but the views are easily worth the trembles.
Arriving at the southernmost stop on our 1 week Switzerland itinerary, if time allows, rent a boat for an evening cruise on Lake Lugano. Set against the backdrop of Monte San Salvatore, Lugano is always beautiful, but even more so at sunset.
Where to Stay in Lugano
Walter au Lac is, unequivocally, our number one choice of Lugano hotels. Right on the lakeshore, the rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine. For a great value stay, look no further than Hotel Pestalozzi in the old town.
When it comes to dinner, Jo Fishbar is our top pick. One of Lugano’s newest venues, they serve seven varieties of oyster. Their fish is as fresh as it comes and always line caught from the source, never from fish farms.
Day Four: Lugano to Zermatt
Day Four of our 1 week Switzerland itinerary takes us deeper in to the Alps. Leaving behind the clear waters of Lake Lugano, this evening, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the Matterhorn. But before any of that, don’t leave Lugano without taking a trip up Monte San Salvador. For the best experience, join a guided tour with funicular tickets included.
Lugano also makes an easy day-trip from Milan. If you are starting your Switzerland itinerary from Italy, this makes for an easy entry into Switzerland.
Leaving Lugano behind, the quickest and most scenic way to reach Zermatt is through Italy. Cross the Italian border at Camedo (no passport check required) and skirt Val Grande National Park. Of course, it would be wrong to pass through without stopping for some delicious Italian cuisine.
Ristorante Le Collone in Santa Maria Maggiore is the place to do just that. Go for their one of their set lunch menus to savor some of the finest flavors of Northern Italy. Whilst you’re in Santa Maria, it would seem a shame to miss the quirky, if a little niche, Museum of Chimney Sweeps.
Having re-entered Switzerland through the Simplon Tunnel, follow the winding mountain road to reach Zermatt by early evening. Once you arrive, the views will speak for themselves.
Where to Stay in Zermatt
Zermatt is the smallest overnight stop on our 1 week Switzerland itinerary, so wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the center. Prices do tend to be on the higher side, although Alpenblick is the exception. Built in true Alpine ski lodge style, the rooms are cozy and the welcome is warm. For something a little more luxurious, Matterhorn Lodge Boutique never disappoints.
When you’re this deep in the mountains, only Swiss comfort food will do. Head to the Cheese Factory for your first taste of authentic fondue.
Day Five: Zermatt to Geneva
After the tranquillity of the Alps, today’s destination might be a bit of a shock to the system. But in the usual Swiss style, whilst Geneva may be one of the most financially important cities in Europe, it’s so laid back, you’d be forgiven for not noticing.
Spend your morning in Zermatt hiking mountain trails, or take a ride on the Gornergrat Bahn. A historic cogwheel railway, the Gornergrat Bahn is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys and takes you within touching distance of the Matterhorn.
Once you’ve left the mountains behind, the final leg of today’s journey takes you along the shores of Lake Geneva. The quickest route follows the northern shore, but if you take the southerly option, you’ll cross the French Border before reaching Geneva. Once again, no passport formalities exist.
Where to Stay in Geneva
As Switzerland’s second most-populous city, Geneva has no shortage of fantastic hotels. With just one night here on this 1 week Switzerland itinerary, we suggest choosing a hotel in the old town, close to the lake. Rhodania Boutique Hotel is the ideal budget-friendly option, whilst opulent lakeside Hotel d’Angleterre is perfect if you want all the home comforts.
You’ve probably already guessed it, but Geneva’s eclectic restaurant scene caters to every taste. If you’re ready to take a break from Swiss food, head to Little Ethiopia. Doro Wot (spiced chicken) is the highlight. If you still craving a taste of the mountains, Au Petit Chalet has all the charm of an alpine lodge.
Day Six: Geneva to Bern
Kick off the penultimate day of your 1 week Switzerland itinerary with a cruise on Lake Geneva. Plenty of cities look better from the water; Geneva is one of them. That said, there are few angles from which Geneva looks anything short of amazing.
The drive to Bern takes around two hours, so there’s no need to make an early exit. Instead, spend the day exploring. Don’t miss the Patek Philippe Museum, dedicated to the man behind the most famous Swiss watches. The History & Art Museum and Museum of Far Eastern Art are well worth a visit, too.
Did you really visit Switzerland if you haven’t dived into the world of Swiss chocolate? I always recommend finishing off your time in Geneva with this chocolate-centric walking tour.
Where to Stay in Bern
Switzerland’s oft overlooked capital flies under the radar of most visitors. This is great news when it comes to finding a hotel. Unlike everywhere else we’ve been on this 1 week Switzerland itinerary, Bern has some real bargains (by Swiss standards, at least).
Hotel La Pergola is the best bargain of all. Outside the financial district, but within walking distance of all the top sights and restaurants, La Pergola offers the peace and serenity hard to find in most capitals. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, quirky Stay Kooook is our top pick.
Of course, your final dinner in Switzerland has to be traditional. Head to Tavola Difabio for the classic fondue experience, or feast on schnitzels and cordon bleu in Kloetzlikeller’s cellar.
Day Seven: Bern to Zurich
Spend the final day of this 1 week Switzerland itinerary exploring under-explored Bern. The UNSECO-listed old town could easily occupy your entire day.
So as not to miss the best sights, join this walking tour with a Bern local. This afternoon, head inside Zytglogge, the clocktower atop the original city gates, constructed in 1218. Don’t miss grabbing a photo of the house Albert Einstein lived in between 1903 and 1905 and the stunning Mosesbrunnen fountain. Round off your day in Bern at the Botanical Garden.
As the day draws to a close, the time has come to hit the road for one final journey through stunning Switzerland. The drive back to Zurich takes around 90 minutes. If you can, leave early enough to enjoy a night of comedy in Zurich’s old town.
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