Majestic mountains, deep forests, and azure blue skies. Switzerland truly lived up to our expectations.
Its beauty aside, it’s no secret that it can be an expensive destination. Even a standard meal at McDonald’s can set you back around S$15. But this itinerary will prove that you don’t have to be crazy rich (or Asian, for that matter) to experience the best of Switzerland under a S$2.3k budget.
In this extensive 10-day Switzerland itinerary, we explore six captivating Swiss cities under a budget of S$2.3k, all made possible with the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass.
From wandering through valleys that inspired scenes in The Lord of The Rings movie, to witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at the iconic Matterhorn mountain, and even indulging in exhilarating adventures like sliding down the Fräkigaudi Sommer with the majestic Swiss Alps as our backdrop — this Switzerland itinerary has it all.
Budget Breakdown for 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary Across 6 Cities
This Switzerland itinerary starts off in Zürich. Flight prices aren’t included in the budget since they fluctuate all year round.
Travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass
Unless you’re renting a car to drive (petrol is crazy expensive btw!), the Swiss Travel Pass is an absolute essential for getting around Switzerland without busting your budget.
Apart from train rides, the Swiss Travel Pass also covers an extensive network of buses, boats and 500 museums across the country. For more details on what’s covered and what’s not, check out our guide to maximising the Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 days. For our Switzerland itinerary, the 8-day pass works best! We flew into Zürich, rented a car to cover our first day of transport to Lucerne and surrounds, before activating the pass for days two to nine.
Once back in Zürich, you can get around the city either by walking or with the ZVV day-pass — valid for 24 hours. Using the pass only within Zürich meant we covered two zones, which set us back at CHF17.60/pax for the day.
An hour away from Zürich Airport, we spent two days in the historic city of Lucerne. Highlights include its charismatic old town, getting to the top of Mt Pilatus via the famous Golden Round Trip, and its panoramic view of the Swiss Alps from Mount Rigi.
Transport: Commute via public trains with the 24-hour ZVV day-pass or rent a car from Zürich Airport and drop off in Lucerne (~CHF100/day) Accommodation: Airbnb — private room in a shared apartment for three pax at ~S$178/night, 15mins from Lucerne main station
Admire Lucerne’s medieval architecture including Europe’s oldest wood-covered bridge of Kapellbrücke, and the nine fortified towers of Musegg Wall. You could spend the afternoon enjoying coffee by the Reus riverside at Mill’feuille, or get a drink with a bird’s eye view of Lucerne at the elaborately-decorated Hotel Château Gütsch bar at night.
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How to get there: Walk across the Bahnhof Luzern (main train station) to the old town area. The old town is situated along the Reus river.
Make Your Own Swiss Army Knife: Victorinox Brand Store (Brunnen)
While there are Victorinox stores all around Switzerland, this particular Victorinox Outlet in Brunnen is a store, museum and visitor centre all in one. But the highlight for us was getting hands-on and making our own Swiss Army Knife from scratch — the process only takes 15 minutes, and you can even get your name engraved at the end. Advanced bookings via e-mail for this experience is required.
Besides wandering around the museum, there’s also a 1.5-hour tour to learn all about the family business and its products, including a visit to the chocolate factory and winery! Go big or go home — spice up your tour experience by adding on fringe activities to the agenda.
Think: A round trip on the Urnersee cruise to see Lake Lucerne, a half-day hike in historic Switzerland, or drinking brandy at the Arnold Dettling AG Kirsch Distillery tour, just to name a few.
Cost: CHF35/customised knife (~S$48) — Entrance to the museum is free Opening hours (Visitor Center):Varies Address: Bahnhofstrasse 3, 6440 Brunnen Switzerland (There are a few Victorinox outlets in the area so be sure to key in the exact address!)
Visit the Highest Outdoor Lift in Europe: Hammetschwand Lift
Located at the top of Bürgenstock mountain, the Hammetschwand lift is the highest outdoor lift in Europe and offers a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne. Unfortunately, this one’s only accessible by car but is a much cheaper option to go to Pilatus or Titlis (especially without the Swiss Travel Pass).
Cost: CHF13 (two-way on the lift), CHF10 (one-way) Opening hours: 9:30AM – 6PM How to get there: Park your car at Hotel Villa Honegg and hike one hour along the Felsenweg (Rock Trail) Address: Bürgenstock Resort, Felsenweg, 6363 Bürgenstock
Ascend to Mount Pilatus via the “Golden Round Trip”
The famous Golden Round Trip takes you to various points of Mount Pilatus through five different modes of transport — by boat, cogwheel train, aerial cable way and cable car up, followed by a bus back to Lucerne Station. Check out the Golden Round Trip interactive map to understand how the route works (more details in our Swiss Travel Pass guide)!
At the peak, there are many hiking trails available but our favourite is the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike. A ‘low effort, high returns’ hike, this trail is an easy one with endless photogenic views that get better as you walk on. To get to the starting point, walk past the restaurant area, and you’ll see the signage to the start of the hike.
On the descend, take the aerial cable way and get off at Fräkmüntegg station for the Fräkigaudi Toboggan (CHF8/ride) — Switzerland’s longest Summer Toboggan Run at 1,350m long. Adjust the handle to suit your need for speed as you zoom down the curves of the slide. Once at the bottom, don’t worry about lugging your Toboggan back up because you’ll get pulled back up to the top.
If you intend to take photos or videos, strap your GoPro to your body because both hands are needed to manoeuvre the Toboggan.
The total travelling time up and down Mount Pilatus takes ~2.5 hours. Factor in one hour to ride the Fräkigaudi Toboggan and extra time to explore Mount Pilatus itself, so set aside about 4-6 hours for the whole experience.
Cost: CHF108 or CHF36 with Swiss Travel Pass. Transport hours: First cogwheel ride up from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus at 8:30AM. Last connection down to Kriens on the cableway leaves Pilatus Kulm at 5:30PM. Starting point: Luzern (main station) for the train or boat ride to Alpnachstad OR Kriens (take bus no.1 from Luzern main station)
Picnic With A View at Mt Rigi
The train ride up to Mount Rigi is entirely free for Swiss Travel Pass holders. So when planning your Switzerland itinerary, you’ll want to visit this on the day your pass is activated. There are two routes up and down Rigi Kulm — either take the cogwheel train from Arth-Goldau (37mins) or Vitznau station (32mins).
From there, it’s a 15-minute hike to the top where you can view over 13 lakes and the whole of the Swiss Alps in a full 360-degree panoramic view. The clear skies, vast grass plains, and fresh Swiss air make for a perfect picnic!
Cost: CHF72 (Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm), CHF45 (Rigi Kulm to Vitznau). Free for Swiss Travel Pass holders Opening hours: Varies Starting point: Arth-Goldau OR Vitznau station
Day 3 – 5: Interlaken
Interlaken is a must-add to your Switzerland itinerary if you’re a backpacker, and serves as the perfect base for day trips to surrounding adventures.
What to expect:Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen — between valleys that inspired the LOTR movies, riding the Gelmerbahn — Switzerland’s steepest open-air Funicular, challenging your vertigo on the Thrill Walk — 200m-long walkway made of glass and metal wires, and last but not least, making it to Jungfraujoch — the highest train station in Europe.
From Lucerne – Interlaken: Ride the Luzern-Interlaken Express (~120mins). It departs every hour from 7:05AM to 3:05PM except 8:05AM Accommodation:Backpacker’s Villa Interlaken (Hostel) — ~S$75/bed per night in a 7-bed mixed dorm, 10mins walk from Interlaken OST Station, or 5mins ride on Bus 102 (towards Interlaken West) alighting at Sonnenhof Station
A cargo-railway historically built to transport heavy materials for the construction of the Gelmer Dam, the Gelmer Funicular is now a cable railway attraction, the steepest of its kind with an inclination of over 106°. Open air and securing its passengers with only one bar across, this funicular ride is for the acrophiles out there.
Queue early to get seats in the first two rows for unobstructed views as you ascend!
At the top, take a short 5-minute hike to see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise waters. It’s possible to hike around the whole lake (~2hrs 50mins) but the best views are probably from the right side, towards the dam and only a 5-minute hike.
Once back down, continue your adventure by hiking to the Handeck Suspension Bridge. It hangs 70m above the Handeck gorge, with a view of the beautiful waterfalls.
Cost: CHF32 CHF (two-way), CHF16 (single trip) Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM (Jun, Sep – Oct), 9AM – 5PM (Jul – Aug) How to get there: Take the Line 470 Train from Interlaken OST, followed by Bus 171 (2hrs 17mins). Alight at the Handegg, Gelmerbahn bus stop
*Pro-tip:Book two-way tickets 3 days in advance as tickets sell out quickly! If you only have a one-way ticket to the top, the only way down is a 2-hour hike.
Explore Iseltwald and Lake Brienz
Looking for a hidden gem to add to your Switzerland itinerary? The small fishing village of Iseltwald is a lesser-known destination with cosy holiday chalets and leisure activities like kayaking.
Walk down the quaint streets and see the Iseltwald Castle across the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. While most people go to the Lake Brienz Station to take in the view, we feel that it’s more magical to eye it from Iseltwald. Have a picnic here, and watch the sun set across the horizon!
How to get there: From Interlaken Ost station, take bus 103 to the last stop of Iseltwald Dorfplatz (15mins)
Paraglide over Lauterbrunnen
There are a few paragliding spots from Interlaken but nothing beats the experience of flying between the valleys of Lauterbrunnen. Running off from Mürren, we flew really close to rock faces, waterfalls, and over the scenic village huts of Lauterbrunnen, all while enjoying the Swiss Alps in the distance. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world with an experience like this.
If you’re confident, you might even get a chance to take over the flight for bit! For the daredevils, you’ll even get to enjoy their signature “roller coaster” as they spend the last minute or two making sharp drops and swerves before landing safely on the ground. Your heart is sure to get a good healthy dose of adrenaline for the day.
We signed up with Airtime Paragliding, which entitles you to a free drink (a coffee, hot chocolate or even a beer!) at the Airtime Cafe in Lauterbrunnen town.
Cost: CHF170 (~S$232) (additional CHF40 for GoPro rental) Bookings:E-mail, or call +41 (0)79 247 84 63 Meeting point: Airtime Cafe — 10-minute walk from Lauterbrunnen station
The James Bond Experience: Schilthorn
Right next to the landing spot for paragliding is the cable car station that brings you up to Schilthorn. Swiss Travel Pass holders get to ride this cable car for free! Just show your tickets at the counter to collect your ticket.
Make a pit stop at Birg Station for the Thrill Walk — a 200m walkway of clear glass panels and grills overlooking plunging depths of over 2,670m. If you’re feeling lion-hearted, lie flat on the clear glass panels for the full vertigo effect!
Cost: CHF82.60 (roundtrip), free with Swiss Travel Pass. Opening hours: 7:25AM – 4:25PM How to get there: From Lauterbrunnen, take bus No. 141 to the Stechelberg Schilthornbahn. The cable car to Mürren departs every 30mins. Alternatively, take a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then a train to Mürren
Get 3,454m above sea level at Jungfraujoch for icy air and views of Switzerland’s 4,000m peaks. While there’s a high chance that the view above will be foggy, the ride on the Jungfrau railway is arguably one of the most scenic in our Switzerland itinerary!
Before leaving, send a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox. Stamps can be purchased for CHF2 and postcards for CHF3, but you can bring your own postcard.
Cost: CHF197.20 or CHF137.40 with Swiss Travel Pass Opening hours: First train leaves Interlaken OST at 6:35AM (arrives every 30mins). Click here for detailed timings. How to get there: From Interlaken OST Station, take the Bernese Oberland Railway to either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald (20/35mins). At either station, take the Wengernalp WAB cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg Station (30–45mins). Finally, transfer to the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch (50mins with two sightseeing stops)
Hike Grindelwald First for stunning lake views
Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald First is a place adventurous people would love to place in their Switzerland itinerary. Be it on the way up to Grindelwald’s peak, or on the way down, — there are hiking trails and thrill-activities populating the whole area, promising non-stop alpine excitement.
Ride the gondola up to the Mount First Top Station, and start your Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee. This is an easy hike that crosses alpine meadows to the Bernese Alps. The reward: the crystal-blue, (literally) glistening Bachalpsee Lake, with the peaks of Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn in the distance!
Wanna try everything? Go for the cheaper 4-in-1 package (Grindelwald First Top Adventure), which sets off from Zürich and gives you a full day of thrill activities and sightseeing at the same time.
Grindelwald Firstbahn Gondola Cost: CHF30 (50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass) Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM. Check website for updates How to get there: SBB Train from Interlaken OST to Grindewald (~33mins)
Day 6: Montreux
Crossing into Montreux, you’ll first realise the stark difference between the German-speaking cities of Lucerne and Interlaken and French-speaking Montreux. Other than its French-influenced architecture, it has the Swiss Alps as a backdrop and Lake Geneva at its doorstep.
It’s a place to unwind due to its serene atmosphere and slower pace of life. Even getting to Montreux via the Golden Pass Line is an experience in itself. See Switzerland’s grandest castle Château de Chillon, stroll along the romantic streets of Vevey, and take a detour to the Leukerbad Thermal Baths before hitting the next city (Zermatt).
Accommodation: Airbnb — private room in a rental unit fit for 1 pax — ~S$85/night, 10mins walk from Montreux main station
A famous route between Interlaken to Montreux is the Golden Pass Line which brings you along the dreamiest sights across Switzerland, complete with panoramic ceilings on the two-hour ride. The service runs once every two hours.
If you miss this train, there are various local trains that go from Interlaken to Montreux but via Bern instead of Zweisimmen.
Château de Chillon is known as Switzerland’s grandest castle for good reason. Rich in history, the castle has been inhabited by three royal families. Take a guided castle tour or explore the highlights for yourself — be sure to check out the courtyard, great halls and chapel.
Outside, take an idyllic stroll along the riverside. There’s a small beach to the left of the castle for photo opportunities, or a quick dip in the summer.
Entrance fee: CHF12.50, free with Swiss Travel Pass. Opening hours:Varies How to get there: Take Bus 201 from Montreux station (9mins). Drop off at Chillon Station and you’ll be able to see the castle.
Day Trip to Vevey
A charming small town right next to Montreux, Vevey is known as one of the ‘Pearls of the Swiss Rivera’ with vineyards, holiday accommodations and alfresco restaurants all over.
Spot the Charlie Chaplin statue at the promenade as the iconic actor spent his last years there. The Nestlé Headquarters and the Alimentarium (CHF13, free on Swiss Travel Pass) — the world’s first food-themed museum — are also found here.
Look out for the “symbol” of Vevey at the promenade — the world’s tallest fork standing at 8m high!
How to get there: From Montruex, take Bus 201 to Vevey (30mins), or a train from Montreux Station to Vevey Station (10mins) and walk to the main promenade area (9mins)
Soak in the Leukerbad Thermal Baths
After exploring Montreux and Vevey, we stopped by the Leukerbad Thermal Baths en-route to Zermatt. It’s the largest thermal spa resort in the Swiss Alps with natural thermal waters rich in minerals — just what you need after days of hiking and adventuring. Plus point: the bus ride there is free on the Swiss Travel Pass!
Indulge in 10 thermal baths (28 – 44°) at the Leukerbad-Therme while being surrounded with mountainous views — especially fairytale-like in the winter. Not many tourists know of this gem, so enjoy the bubbling jets, cold tubs and saunas undisturbed!
Entrance fee: CHF25 for 3 hours Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM How to get there: Train from Montreux to Leuk. Change to the LLB bus (30mins ride) to Leukerbad. The bus has sufficient luggage storage at the bottom and there will be luggage storage rooms at the spa
*Pro-tip: Bring your own towel or you will have to rent towels at CHF5/towel.
Day 7: Zermatt
Home to the Matterhorn, a.k.a. the “Toblerone Chocolate Mountain”, Zermatt is a car-free town that has ski slopes open all 365 days of the year. And if you’re thinking of adding a hike to your Switzerland itinerary, know that Zermatt is the gateway to some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Plot your route around the vast Matterhorn landscape with this full map of the Matterhorn Paradise.
Highlights here obviously include seeing the Matterhorn up close, but it’s also a great place to enjoy affordable cheese fondue (Cafe Du Pont)!
Transport: Take a train from Montreux to Leuk (1hr 20mins) and stop at the Leukerbad Thermal Bath. Thereafter, take the train to Visp (~30mins). The final leg is Visp to Zermatt (~1hr) Accommodation: Zermatt Youth Hostel — 8-bed dorm room at ~S$81/bed per night, 15mins walk from Zermatt Station (incl. a long flight of stairs just before the hostel)
Of all the beautiful views in our Switzerland itinerary, the Matterhorn sunrise outshone them all (pun intended). You’ll see the clearest reflection of the Matterhorn in the still water of the Riffelsee.
For this view, we took the first train at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Riffelsee is only a 5-minute hike from the station.
After sunrise, take the train to Gornergrat Peak, where Switzerland’s highest hotel, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat stands. At the top, admire the whole range of 29 4,000m-tall peaks!
Cost: CHF49 (one-way) (50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass) Operation hours: First train up at 7AM (full schedule) How to get there: Take the Gornergratbahn from the Bahnhofplatz Base Station (~15mins to Riffleboden, 33mins to the Gornergrat peak). The station’s located near the Zermatt train station and is easy to spot
Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike
An alternative hike is the 5-Lakes Walk, where you’ll see the Matterhorn in its full glory at every turn. The five alpine lakes are Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee, and Stellisee (tongue twister much?), with Stellisee offering the clearest view of the Matterhorn.
The whole hike is ~9.3km long, and takes about four hours to complete. It’s not difficult either, manageable even for families with children!
Zermatt Bergbahnen Cost: CHF40 (50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass) Operating hours: (Full schedule) How to get there: Take a funicular from Zermatt Station to Sunnegga (2,288m). Transit to the gondola up to Blauherd (2,571m). Start the hike from Blauherd downwards towards Sunnegga, then take the funicular back to Zermatt
Day 8: Glacier Express to St Moritz
The Glacier Express is the queen of Swiss railways and the 8-hour picturesque ride is so popular that you’re advised to make reservations at least one month in advance to secure seats!
*Note: Bookings open three months ahead.
On the trip, plug into the train commentary for information about various stops along the route.
Beginning from Zermatt and ending in St Moritz, highlights of the route include passing through the Oberalppass at 2,033m above sea level, the Rhine Gorge (a.k.a the Grand Canyon of Switzerland), and the famous Landwasser Viaduct.
*Pro-tip: Sit on the right side for the best views!
Cost: From CHF185 (second class). Pay a top up of only CHF33 (for the reservation) if you have the Swiss Travel Pass. Timetable: Check schedule for specific timings
Day 9: St Moritz
The final stop of the Glacier Express is St Moritz, a popular town with luxurious alpine resorts. From here, you can take a day trip to the town of Filisur where you can hike to the famous view point of the Landwasser Viaduct.
Transport:Glacier Express (8hrs) Accommodation:Youth Hostel — single bed in quadruple room for ~S$92/night, ~15mins bus ride from St Moritz station
With 65m-high pillars towering over Graubünden, the Landwasser Viaduct is one of the most photographed railways in the world. You may have glimpsed it while on the Glacier Express, but seeing it from above is a different experience.
From St. Moritz, alight at Filisur Village on the Rhätische Bahn. The first viewpoint just 15 minutes from the station is a frontal view of the viaduct. But our personal favourite is the the Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt, which is a 40-minute hike to see the train from above.
Cost: CHF21.80 (free with Swiss Travel Pass) Timetable: Check schedule for specific timings Coordinates (Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt): 46.680606, 9.67496387237543 How to get there: Board the Rhätische Bahn between St Mortiz and Chur (arrives every hour). Choose the last cabin, specifically designed with windows you can roll down for photos. Alight at Filisur Village, and walk to the viewpoint.
*Pro-tip: Use the SBB app to check train timings, so you know when to catch the train as it passes the viaduct!
Day 10: Zürich
The last day in our Switzerland itinerary is none other than Zürich, a bustling city with historical charm that offers a change of pace after days spent amidst nature. We arrived in Zürich from St Moritz at night, and started the next (and last) day exploring the city. Besides taking a day trip out to see the Rhine Falls, we explored Zürich Old Town and caught the sunset at Lindenhof.
At this point, our Swiss Travel Pass had expired, so we got around either by public buses or by foot.
Transport: Local SBS train from St Moritz to Zürich (3hrs 6mins) Accommodation: Hotel Bristol Zürich — Various room configurations are available at ~S$95/pax. 5mins walk from Zürich station.
One of the best day trips out from Zürich is to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall at 23m! We signed up for a half-day tour beginning with a pick up near Zürich main station.
The drive is about 40 minutes before arriving at the entrance of Rhine Falls. Ride the panoramic elevator at the top of the Laufen Castle, down to the viewing platforms. For a more intimate experience, take a boat ride to the Rhine Falls Basin to feel the full force of the falls at close proximity. Note that you’ll have to pay an extra fee for the boat ride (CHF10).
If you’d like to top your visit to the Rhine Falls with exploring Zürich City as well within the day, you can opt for an all-in, full-day tour which includes a cogwheel train ride.
Cost:~S$83 (for the half-day tour) Meeting point: Zürich Central Station, Sihlquai Car Park at 8 1, 8005 Freienbach. Airport pick-ups available
Explore Zürich Old Town
Zürich Old Town offers a wide range of cultural, historical, and retail experiences. Look out for the twin towers of the Grossmünster (entrance fee of CHF5), one of Zürich’s most prominent historical landmarks, which you can climb up for a panoramic view of the city. Sightsee at St Peter’s Church, which houses Europe’s largest clock-face.
Stroll along Lake Zürich and enjoy views over ice-cream from Niederdorfstrasse, a shopping street filled with lively cafes. If you’re feeling fancy, head to the high street of Zürich — the Bahnhofstrasse, just to switch it up from the old town vibes.
If you’d like to experience Zürich City while learning more about its history with a guide, go for this Zürich Day Tour.
Shop the Latest Trends at ‘IM VIADUKT’
Featuring a 500m stretch of stores sitting underneath a viaduct, IM VIADUKT is a shopping concept that’ll impress the trendiest of people.
The shops here are carefully curated, gathering ‘hipster’ vendors from all over the world to create a refreshing retail experience selling everything from clothes, bags, and sneaker-fashion to household/decorative ornaments.
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM, 10AM – 6PM (Sat), closed on Sun How to get there: First head to the main railway station (Zürich Quartierweg). Then, take the Sihlquai exit and walk in the direction of Zollstrasse. Cross Hafnerstrasse to Josefstrasse, and you’ll arrive (~20mins walk)
Visit the FREITAG Flagship Store
FREITAG is famous for fashionable bags made from recycled truck tarps. The flagship store in Zürich is iconic for its storefront design as the tallest shipping container structure in the world! The 26m structure is made by reclaiming shipping containers, and you can climb all the way up for a bird’s eye view of the city.
For dinner, you can head next door to the Frau Gerolds Garten, a beer garden where you can dine alfresco while exploring artsy installations.
Walk up to Lindenhof Hill to see the cityscape of Zürich, particularly of the Limmat River and Niederdorf (medieval quarter). It’s a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike — sit on the ledge and catch the sun setting over Zürich city.
How to get there: Take a short uphill hike from the riverfront. The lookout point is quite easy to spot from the bottom
Budget Considerations for 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary
1) Food
Eating out anywhere in Switzerland sets you back at least S$20 per meal. For perspective, a simple main at an inexpensive restaurant costs at least S$22, water at restaurants cost S$5 a glass, and a McDonald’s meal goes for S$19. Our wallets would have experienced a money crisis scarier than ‘The Nun’ (more like ‘The None’).
The solution: Good ol’ supermarkets of Coop and Migros, which are found all over Switzerland. There are so many picnic-worthy spots in Switzerland anyway — great excuse to enjoy supermarket food outdoors! Think CHF4 salad pastas and CHF3 tuna sandwiches. Croissants, ham, and spreads in Switzerland are fresh and delicious for breakfast and lunch.
Opt to cook dinner instead of eating out too. We were kids in a candy store (kitchen, rather) trying out different recipes!
To our surprise, we actually managed to keep to a budget of ~CHF20/day. This was spent on groceries with a few restaurant meals of Cheese Fondue in Zermatt, a traditional Swiss restaurant in Lucerne and a comforting meal of McDonald’s. To be honest, food isn’t a highlight in Switzerland so we didn’t feel like we were missing out on much!
2) Accommodation
The cheapest accommodation options for any Switzerland itinerary are hostels and Airbnbs. Renting a whole Airbnb apartment can be pretty costly, but a room is usually good enough, even for the three of us!
Hostels are great because they’re not only affordable, but also often conveniently close to train station and offers access to travellers’ necessities — kitchen, laundry, and free breakfast.
Plus point: You also get to mingle with other like-minded travellers! Hostels in general cost about S$50–70/pax per night in a shared dorm, which is considered reasonable by Swiss standards.
3) Transport in Switzerland
Travelling within or between cities inevitably incurs heavy expenses — one ride from Lucerne to Interlaken could easily cost S$41. We overcame this by planning our route around maximising the Swiss Travel Pass.
For a flat price, we got all unlimited rides on buses, trains and even discounted entries (many up to 50%) to some attractions! After doing the math, we realised we saved a whopping total of ~S$971 with the pass. Seriously!
The cheapest and most fuss-free option is to get the E-ticket Swiss Travel Pass via Klook. Confirmation is almost immediate and you have the convenience of accessing the ticket on your phone. Not to mention, they’re also 5% cheaper than getting physical tickets!
*Pro-tip: If you’re staying with an Airbnb host or hostel, ask for a Visitor Card. This gives you free transport within the city for the whole duration of your stay.
Planning your Switzerland Itinerary
Every city and town in Switzerland was so unique from each other — and every day was a surprise. Also, travelling across the country via rail, and waking up to a new destination each time felt magical. We hope this Switzerland itinerary inspires you to try out this Swiss adventure — an experience filled with unfiltered natural beauty, amazing outdoor adventures, and rich cultural offerings!
Hi Nikita, we didn’t include flights this round because flight prices tend to vary a lot and there wasn’t a flight promo we could share this round 🙁 hope it’s still helpful!
Hi Tabitha, we were there around the 1st week of October so the weather was comfortably cool. & yes we flew in and out from Zürich but I’ve seen itineraries that recommend an open jaw between Zürich and Geneva.
HI, THANK YOU for the details in your itinerary. You mentioned that for Days 1-3, we could use ZVV 24-hour day pass or drive . Which did you use? If it was the day pass, please advise the zones which you bought – as I am likely to follow your itinerary closely.
Much appreciated.
Jeannie
Hi Guys, just wanna let you know that this itinerary was really useful for our trip! We just came back from Switzerland and it was really helpful as we followed quite closely to your itinerary. Thank you so much for all the detailed info and tips! we had a great time in Switzerland!
Hi Luna, this itinerary was created just to share our own experience, we’re not selling any packages. However, in November, many of the mountain access will be closed due to heavy snow so do check them out beforehand!
You have mentioned that you went there by first week of October, and we’re also planning to go there at the same time. But I’m worried because I have read in another blog that some of the places were closed. Did you have problem with it? We’re planning to go to Zermatt and Grindelwald.
Can i check with you, that the reservation for Glacier Express, after i reserve the seat, and choose no meals, i click next and it just brought me back to the first page. Is it successfully reserved ? Or i am suppose to receive any confirmation email and itinerary? Thanks!
On the Glacier Express website to book, how do i ascertain that the booking of seat is on the ride side? , there is no indication on the website . Do we assume that class 1 is the front of the train
As I am planning to travel to Switzerland next year May with my teenage daughter after she finished her JC, can you advise me if it is safe to travel around Swiss just for two of us (ladies) ?
( we will also try to stay out late at night )
That is my main concern since there are only 2 of us and I heard pick-pocket and crime rate is increasing.
Hi Belinda! Switzerland is perhaps one of the safest places in Europe! — ok, don’t take my word for it since I haven’t been everywhere in Europe 😛
But generally the Swiss are super honest and very friendly so there wasn’t a time we felt unsafe or cheated. That said, I wouldn’t keep my luggage out of sight when taking the trains. Either stow it above if it’s not too big or under the chairs. Hope you both’ll enjoy Switzerland as much as we did! 🙂
Hi Talia, we got our Europe Sim Card off Qoo10! The exact link we used is no longer available, you can do a simple search and see what suits you! Just searched Europe Sim Card and there were quite a few options.
Is the glacier express one-way? Planning to travel from Zermatt back to Zurich but cant really find this train route. Also, can we hop on with heavy luggages? And do people usually take glacier express as a one-day itinerary?
Hey Jan, the Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz both ways but if you’re planning to head back to Zürich, there are no direct trains so you you need to switch at Visp. Check out this article for more tips on planning your route: https://thetravelintern.com/swiss-travel-pass-guide/
Hi Cherie,
I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following:
Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm.
Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi.
Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall)
I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this.
Day 6 Zermatt can i go directly from Interlaken? I am thinking of doing a hike there. (any suggestions?)
Day 7 Glacier express – should i book that now? Is it better to get window seat? i cant seem to find one.
Day 8 Zurich and my flight back during afternoon.
Do you think this is doable? Thank you so much Cherie!!
Hi Phil, will you be renting a car? The Hammetschwand Lift is a little inconvenient to get to without one. Other than that, this plan sounds alright. We didn’t go up to the waterfalls but we saw it up close during our paragliding ride (this was one of my favourite experiences)! Definitely try the gornegrat hike mentioned in the article (it closes in winter though so I hope you’re going early). From Zurich to Interlaken, there’s a change of trains. We used https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html to plan our routes.
Glacier Express MUST be reserved early. Locals usually book 2 months in advance but you’ll be able to enjoy the view all the same even if you don’t get a window seat.
Hi Cherie,
I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following:
Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm.
Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi.
Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall)
I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this.
Hi Cherie, so sorry for the late reply . Thank you for your info but im going in early September. I am wondering what the weather will be like. So its probably best not to go for Hammetschwand lift since i wont be renting a car. Hmm i m wondering if going to zermatt for one day is enough…….yes i got the glacier express reserved but it wont be a window seat unfortunately. However, i still havent purchased my swiss travel pass yet. Do i just show them the pass when i get there since i already paid for reservation fee? Thank you so much Cherie.
September is perfect because all the hikes will still be open and it’s starting to get cooler. If you’re planning to do the hikes in Zermatt, it’s worth spending at least a night so you can watch the sun rising over Matterhorn. The weather isn’t always great so buffer a day or two if you can.
For the Glacier Express, there will be someone walking around to check the passes so just show them your Swiss Travel Pass and a print out of your reservation slip.
I just realized from the weather forecast that it will be raining a lot the next two weeks. That is somewhat unfortunate. when i looked the weather forecast initially a month ago it was supposed to rain 1 day out of the time im coming but now that i look at it closer it is raining almost every single day. oy vey hah. I guess no sunrise moment over matterhorn then 🙁
oh man 🙁 We were there for 3 days, on the first day it was pouring so heavily we couldn’t get anywhere, the second day we caught the most magnificent sunrise and on the last day, it was so gloomy that Matterhorn was no where in sight! So don’t lose hope!! The good news is that Zermatt is still incredibly gorgeous even when the weather is terrible 😉
Hi
I am planning a 14 nights trip to Switzerland in Dec and will follow your route quite closely except we will stop over in Bern. Can I ask your 8 Day travel pass is flexi pass or consecutive ? What do you advise if for a 14nights in Switzerland, should we get a 15 days? In Zurich is it the pass is not really necessary as we will be in Zurich for 2-3 nights thereafter will fly back to Sin.
Hi Vanessa! Glad you found our itinerary useful 🙂
Our 8-day pass was consecutive since we were travelling between cities almost everyday. Will your 15-day itinerary be covering 12-13 different destinations? If not, the 8-day flexi will be more worth it since it’s cheaper and you’ll get to spend more time in each location.
We didn’t use the Swiss Travel Pass in Zurich so we saved that city for the last when our pass had expired.
I can’t remember exactly but I believe it was done on 2 separate days because of the weather. But if you’re taking the first slot for paragliding in the morning, there’s more than enough time to do another hike before the sun sets.
A lot of them close in October up till Feb/March so I think there’s a pretty high chance it’ll be closed. Which hikes are you planning for? There’s usually a section on the official website that has info on the opening periods.
Hey Faliq, the visitor card is useful if you’re on the flexi Swiss Travel Pass! So on day where you’re just staying in the city, you can use the visitor card to get around on public transport for free while saving the days on your Swiss Travel Pass.
Paragliding can be really popular especially during summer so best to book in advance! 🙂
Hi, not sure if you will be able to help. I’ve bought the Swiss Travel Pass and intend to pre-book my train tickets (Lucerne-Interlaken, Interlaken-Zermatt) via Trainline. Does not seem to have an option for that Discount Pass though. Did you guys pre-book those as well? Or you guys managed to get the tickets at the train station on the day of travel? Or are those train tickets via those cities free if we have the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yup those routes you mentioned are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Just have them on hand when the conductors do their routine checks. The only train we pre-booked was the Glacier Express between Zermatt to St Moritz. Hope that helps!
Thank you very much for the lovely and detailed post.
I am planning 10 days trip to Switzerland in Mid to Late June 2020. My itinerary looks like following:
Day 1-2: Lucerne (1 day for Lucerne City Tour + Mount Rigi and 1 day for Mount Pilatus)
Day 3-4-5-6: Interlaken (1 day each for Schilthorn and Jungfrau, 1 day for Lauterbrunnen + Paragliding and 1 day to visit other villages)
Day 7-8: Zermatt (1 day for Gronergrat ride and 1 day for 5-lake hike)
Day 9: Zurich (City tour with Rhine falls)
Since I will be traveling from India, 1.5 days will be taken by flight.
Do you think I need to add anything else? I am confused between spending 6th day in Interlaken and Montruex. What is your suggestion?
Also where should I stay for Day 3-6 (Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen or somewhere else?) I am thinking to book whole Airbnb apartment.
And finally if I book flights and Airbnb 3 months before, will there be any issue with price hike or should I book early? (I am not sure about the dates as of now)
Hi Jaymeen, this looks pretty similar to what we did! We managed to cover both Schilthorn and Jungfrau on the same day so perhaps you could just play by ear. If you manage to fit them on the same day, you could visit Montreux on day 6. Montreux feels quite different from the rest of Switzerland so it was quite a refreshing change in environment.
We stayed 2 nights in Interlaken because that’s where all the cheaper options are but if you have more to spend, a night in in the Jungfrau/Lauterbrunnen area would be great! That way, you can take the earlier train up to Jungfrau too.
I’m not too familiar with the Airbnb rates as they differ quite a bit but the prices at the Youth Hostels are quite consistent up till the day.
Wasn’t very clear on how many nights you stay on each city, would you mind sharing? For example you mentioned Day3-5 Interlaken, I was assuming 3 nights but you comment stated you stayed 2 nights only. I am planning the activities around these cities but not sure which city I should cater more nights so as not to be too rushed.
Hi Shann, we stayed 2 nights each in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt and single nights in the rest!
Day 3-5 = 3D2N, hope that clarifies! It’s a little packed but it’s because we wanted to maximise the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
Some attractions can be taken out to allow more time to soak in the charms of each city.
Hi, where do you purchase the tickets for the Golden Round Trip? Understand that we just need to top up CHF36 if we have the swiss travel pass. Do I purchase the tickets online or can I purchase the tickets a day before/actual day itself from Lucerne? Also, do I just show the swiss travel pass when I board the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad?
That’s right! It’s CHF36 for Swiss Travel Pass Holders. You can buy tickets at the entrance, no need to purchase in advance.
& yes for the boat rides, they will come around to check for tickets when the boat is moving off.
Hello! I was thinking of where to go for my honeymoon in June and was so happy to chanced upon this itinerary! Thank you so much for all the details but I’m still confused of where to start and all. Could you please help? Thank you 🙂
My friends and I are travelling to Switzerland in the late April. I would like to know if the plan is feasible and smooth for the 10 days trip in Swiss?
Also, is your 8-days Siwss Travel Pass activated on the Second day when at Lucerne?
Day 1 – Zurich To Lucerne
*Day 2 – Lucerne – Pilatus (Cogwheel Railway operation closed till early May) – is it worth the CHF 36? or Rigi ?
Day 3 – Lucerne to Interlaken
Day 4 – Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen (Paragliding) & Schilthorn Is it possible in 1 day?
Day 5 – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) & Hike Grindelwald First for stunning lake views?? Possible?? Smooth Day Trip?
Day 6 – Interlaken to Zermatt
Day 7 – Zermatt (Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise & Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike)
Day 8 – Glacier Express to St.Moritz
*Day 9 – St.Moritz (St.Moritz to Zurich by night) *according to your guide, is it still covered by Swiss Travel Pass when travelling to Zurich?
Day 10 – Zurich
*8-Days Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive Activated Start/End
Im looking using AirBnb for the entire Swiss Trip rather than mix w Hote/Hostel
Alright, here goes:
– Yes, we rented a car and drove from Zurich airport to Lucerne so we didn’t activate the pass on this day. After splitting up the cost of the car rental, this is much cheaper than using a day on the Swiss Travel Pass.
– Day 2: Pilatus is one of my favourites so personally, I do think it’s worth it. Rigi was so so for me but it’s free!
– Day 4: This is what we did! Book the first slot for paragliding (the weather in the morning is usually calmer too) and there should be enough time.
– Day 5: It’s a bit of a squeeze. I could spend an entire day at Grindelwald. We actually managed to squeeze in Jungfrau on the paragliding day although that was a squeeze too.
– Day 6: you might be able to squeeze in an early trip to Jungfrau before travelling to Zermatt (depending on train connections though, not sure if it’ll be different in other seasons. We went in Oct)
Day 9: Yes, from Day 2 – 9 is 8 days
Please do bear with me as I’m finishing up the itinerary for the last remaining days for swiss.
Just to check, on y’all trip to ‘Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise’.
How did y’all manage to make y’all way up to catch the sunrise? Not through tour right?
Kind of confuse when I read it.
“For this view, we took the first train at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from
Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Walk to Riffelsee (~5mins)
Also the Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike, y’all also did the hike?
If I were to plan, i will need to travel back down to Zermatt and Zermatt to Sunnegga and transit to Blauherd.
At Blauherd hike downwards towards Sunnegga and return to Zermatt.
This is very helpful ! Planning to have a vacation trip in Switzerland after pandemic ! This 7 day itinerary and your blogs is such a big help and great 🙂 Hoping pandemic ends as soon as possible ! Looking forward for your next blogs.
hmm, just looked through, the Swiss Travel Pass we got from Klook still seems to offer more savings! It costs S$382 for the same 4-day consecutive pass, whereas the Interail Global pass costs €246 (S$398). Also for the Swiss Travel Pass, you get a free ride up Schilthorn but only 25% off on this pass
Hi there, I appreciate the valuable information you have shared. Switzerland travel will be easier for a new traveler after studying the information uploaded here.
Hello there, firtsly thank you so much for the very helpful post. May i know on the first day you rent a car from zurich to lucerne what route did you take? Any tips for which stops that shoud visit? Thank you again
I am hoping to go to Switzerland in the middle of the year. So many years, I know someone who always wanted to go to there but because of the price, they did not even consider it. I studied your entire trip and came up with this below. Not sure whether is it correct but is possible to share your exact itinerary with me? The order of the places in which you all travel and do in each day. I was hoping to squeeze in as much good places as possible. Most prob, we will follow the exact itinerary that you all go but mainly change the lucerne, Zurich and the Interlaken part a bit to fit our physical limitations. And also some of the food places. Thank you very much
Day 1:
Fly to zurich airport
Rent a car to drive from airport to lucerne
-Visit workshop to make swiss army knife at brunnen
-Visit the Highest Outdoor Lift in Europe, Hammetschwand Lift
Drive back to Lucerne to explore the city area
Eat at Wirtshaus Taube Luzern for dinner
Check in to lucerne airbnb near main station for 2 nights – day 1 to 3
Day 2:
Activate the swiss travel pass on day 2
Mount pilatus (around 6+ hours whole trip)
-Travel to Alpnachstad from lucerne by boat
-Travel to pilatus kulm by railway at 8.30am from Alpnachstad
-Go hiking or the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike
-Take Panorama Gondola cable car to kriens from pilatus kulm, along the way stop at Fräkmüntegg to take the Fräkigaudi Toboggan Slide
-Travel back to lucerne from kriens kriens
Mount rigi
-Take train from lucerne to Arth-Goldau
-Take cogwheel railway from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
-15 minutes hike to the top to see the 13 lakes and the whole of the Swiss alps
-Take cogwheel railway from rigi kulm to Vitznau
-Take boat back to Lucerne from vitznau
Cook dinner at airbnb
Day 3:
Leave airbnb at Lucerne
Take train to interlaken
Put down luggage at hostel
Gelmerbahn
-Take train and bus from interlaken ost to Handegg, Gelmerbahn
-Ride Switzerland’s Steepest Open-air Funicular: Gelmberbahn
-At the top, go see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise water
-Then go Handeck Suspension Bridge
-Go back interlaken same way
Take train nearby from interlaken to Iseltwald along Lake Brienz
Go back to hostel
Day 4:
Stay at hostel from day 3 to day 5
Paragliding at murren
-Go Lauterbrunnen by train from interlaken
-From Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg by bus
-From Stechelberg to muren by cableway for paragliding
Schilthorn
-Afterwards, go Schilthorn famous james bond place by cableway from murren
-Go for the trail walk on the way up the cableway
-When at the Piz Gloria Schilthorn Summit, walk around the james bond museum
-Then go back down
Jungfrau
-Then go wengen
-Go Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg
-While at the Jungfraujoch top
-Walk through the Ice Palace and Alpine Sensation
-Watch the Jungfrau Panorama
-Send a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox
-Take train back to interlaken hostel from wengen
Day 5:
Airbnb stay on day 5 to day 6
Leave interlaken hostel
Grindelwald in interlaken
-Go Ride the gondola up to the Mount First Top Station
-Start the Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee
-Back to interlaken
Take golden line train to montreux from interlaken
Leave luggage at airbnb
Visit Château de Chillon
Travel vevey to see hq of nestle and the world tallest fork in the lake geneva
Go back to airbnb
Day 6:
Hostel from day 6 to day 8
Take train and bus to leuk and then leukerbad
Go Leukerbad Thermal Baths and soak
Then travel to zermatt
Settle down then explore zermatt city area
Go cafe du pont to eat cheese fondue
Day 7:
Go Gornergrat Peak from zermatt by railway at 7am to see matterhorn toblerone chocolate mountain sunrise
Go highest hotel in switzerland for the view
Then go 5-Seenweg Hike
Go back zermatt from Riffleberg
Day 8:
Take glacier express from zermatt 8am to st moritz 6pm
St moritz hostel from day 8 to 9
Day 9:
Hotel from day 9 to day 10 at zermatt
Explore st moritz a bit
Go filisur by train to see the Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint
Come back to st moritz and go to zurich
Last day of swiss travel pass
Day 10:
Go for half day tour to rhine falls
Go shop the Latest Trends at ‘IM VIADUKT’
Visit the FREITAG Flagship Store
Catch the sunset over Zürich by hiking up Lindenhof hill
Take train to zurich airport
Fly back to singapore
Hi, able to share the extact itenary as I watched the YouTube video you uploaded. It’s like a tour package with all the activities I want to do. I was thinking I just follow yours, stay the same hotel etc.. since u have researched and happy with it. 🙂 If hotel you dont recommend after staying there.. perhaps also can let me know. Are u able to see my email or I can also paste in the next comment if need. Thank you in advance!
Hi,
Wanted to know if you stayed a night at Montreux? I was trying to follow the itinerary, but it sounded like you just took the train to Montreux, visited the chateau and Veveyand continued onto Zermatt and stayed the night at Zermatt for Day 6?
Hi guys, thank you so much for this article, it’s a lifesaver! About the Swiss Travel Pass Promo of getting extra 2 days, If we are planning to book the 8 day pass now (to travel on 24 April 2023), do we get it automatically after we made the purchase? if you don’t mind explaining it to us, we would really appreciate that! Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers.
on trains, we generally could fit our luggages in the overhead compartment where we were seated and could wheel it around almost everywhere as there were lifts and escalators around.
Make a pit stop at Birg Station for the 
Does it includes 2 way plane ticket from Sg to Switzerland?
Hi Nikita, we didn’t include flights this round because flight prices tend to vary a lot and there wasn’t a flight promo we could share this round 🙁 hope it’s still helpful!
Hi Cherie, may i know which date/month for your trip at Switzerland ? also your return ticket is from the same airport?
Yup it is! They were in Switzerland the first 2 weeks of October.
Hi Tabitha, we were there around the 1st week of October so the weather was comfortably cool. & yes we flew in and out from Zürich but I’ve seen itineraries that recommend an open jaw between Zürich and Geneva.
Can you share itinerary with me? I’m going there with my children in March 2019.
Thanks
Jacely
Hi Jacelyn,
This is our itinerary! 🙂
HI, THANK YOU for the details in your itinerary. You mentioned that for Days 1-3, we could use ZVV 24-hour day pass or drive . Which did you use? If it was the day pass, please advise the zones which you bought – as I am likely to follow your itinerary closely.
Much appreciated.
Jeannie
Hey Jeannie, we rented a car from Zurich airport and dropped it off in Lucerne. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Cherie, can i go from Zurich airport directly to lucerne for free with the swiss pass?
Hi Tabita, may I know which agency you r attached with before?
Hi Guys, just wanna let you know that this itinerary was really useful for our trip! We just came back from Switzerland and it was really helpful as we followed quite closely to your itinerary. Thank you so much for all the detailed info and tips! we had a great time in Switzerland!
Awwwww. Glad it helped. 🙂
Hi Ellis,
When is you trip to Switzerland?
Heading Switzerland this July! And this posts really help. We have budget around 4k per pax.
Is the package apply for year end school holiday above 20th Nov?
Hi Luna, this itinerary was created just to share our own experience, we’re not selling any packages. However, in November, many of the mountain access will be closed due to heavy snow so do check them out beforehand!
Hi,
Can I check, do you still need to purchase the GEX pass even if you had purchased the Swiss Travel Pass?
Hope you can clarify on this.
thank you.
The Swiss Travel Pass includes your basic ticket on the GEX but you’ll need to top up CHF33 for a seat reservation!
Hello,
You have mentioned that you went there by first week of October, and we’re also planning to go there at the same time. But I’m worried because I have read in another blog that some of the places were closed. Did you have problem with it? We’re planning to go to Zermatt and Grindelwald.
I think we were there a week before everything was closed! We managed to take all the transport up Grindelwald First as well as the Gornegrat Bahn but to be sure, you might want to double check: https://www.gornergratbahn.ch/en/ and https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst/
Hi,
Can i check with you, that the reservation for Glacier Express, after i reserve the seat, and choose no meals, i click next and it just brought me back to the first page. Is it successfully reserved ? Or i am suppose to receive any confirmation email and itinerary? Thanks!
You should receive a confirmation email from Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
HI Cherie,
On the Glacier Express website to book, how do i ascertain that the booking of seat is on the ride side? , there is no indication on the website . Do we assume that class 1 is the front of the train
Oh man, that’s tricky. But if you’re heading towards St Moritz, the bottom of the train would be the right side — does this make sense?
Hi Cherie,
Thanks so much for your detailed post.
As I am planning to travel to Switzerland next year May with my teenage daughter after she finished her JC, can you advise me if it is safe to travel around Swiss just for two of us (ladies) ?
( we will also try to stay out late at night )
That is my main concern since there are only 2 of us and I heard pick-pocket and crime rate is increasing.
Appreciate your kind advice.
Best regards
Belinda
Hi Belinda! Switzerland is perhaps one of the safest places in Europe! — ok, don’t take my word for it since I haven’t been everywhere in Europe 😛
But generally the Swiss are super honest and very friendly so there wasn’t a time we felt unsafe or cheated. That said, I wouldn’t keep my luggage out of sight when taking the trains. Either stow it above if it’s not too big or under the chairs. Hope you both’ll enjoy Switzerland as much as we did! 🙂
Hi! Where did you buy your sim card from and what plan did you get?
Hi Talia, we got our Europe Sim Card off Qoo10! The exact link we used is no longer available, you can do a simple search and see what suits you! Just searched Europe Sim Card and there were quite a few options.
Do you mind to share your itinerary for Zürich? Or isit just a stopover for you to take flights?
Hi Phillip!
We covered a bit of Zürich on day 10! It’s not much but if you hit “read more” there’s a few interesting things we covered 🙂
Hello!
Is the glacier express one-way? Planning to travel from Zermatt back to Zurich but cant really find this train route. Also, can we hop on with heavy luggages? And do people usually take glacier express as a one-day itinerary?
Hey Jan, the Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz both ways but if you’re planning to head back to Zürich, there are no direct trains so you you need to switch at Visp. Check out this article for more tips on planning your route: https://thetravelintern.com/swiss-travel-pass-guide/
Hi Cherie,
I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following:
Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm.
Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi.
Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall)
I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this.
Day 6 Zermatt can i go directly from Interlaken? I am thinking of doing a hike there. (any suggestions?)
Day 7 Glacier express – should i book that now? Is it better to get window seat? i cant seem to find one.
Day 8 Zurich and my flight back during afternoon.
Do you think this is doable? Thank you so much Cherie!!
Hi Phil, will you be renting a car? The Hammetschwand Lift is a little inconvenient to get to without one. Other than that, this plan sounds alright. We didn’t go up to the waterfalls but we saw it up close during our paragliding ride (this was one of my favourite experiences)! Definitely try the gornegrat hike mentioned in the article (it closes in winter though so I hope you’re going early). From Zurich to Interlaken, there’s a change of trains. We used https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html to plan our routes.
Glacier Express MUST be reserved early. Locals usually book 2 months in advance but you’ll be able to enjoy the view all the same even if you don’t get a window seat.
Hi Cherie,
I am going for 8 days. Arriving at Zurich in the morning and going to Lucerne on the first day from the airport. I guess i can somewhat follow your itinerary. But i was thinking of going to the following:
Day 1 Lion Monument, Chapel bridge & old town as i wont have as much time on the first day since everything seems to close at 6pm.
Day 2 Hammetschwand Lift, Mount Pilas and golden round trip & mount rigi.
Day 3-5 I will probably follow yours for Interlaken . (I noticed that you didnt go to Trummmelbachfall & stubbachfall)
I am wondering if it is doable in 3 days for all of this.
Hi which website u use to check train price and weather it cover in the Swiss travel pass? Thank you!
We used https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
More info in this Swiss Travel Pass Guide! https://thetravelintern.com/swiss-travel-pass-guide/
Hi Cherie, so sorry for the late reply . Thank you for your info but im going in early September. I am wondering what the weather will be like. So its probably best not to go for Hammetschwand lift since i wont be renting a car. Hmm i m wondering if going to zermatt for one day is enough…….yes i got the glacier express reserved but it wont be a window seat unfortunately. However, i still havent purchased my swiss travel pass yet. Do i just show them the pass when i get there since i already paid for reservation fee? Thank you so much Cherie.
September is perfect because all the hikes will still be open and it’s starting to get cooler. If you’re planning to do the hikes in Zermatt, it’s worth spending at least a night so you can watch the sun rising over Matterhorn. The weather isn’t always great so buffer a day or two if you can.
For the Glacier Express, there will be someone walking around to check the passes so just show them your Swiss Travel Pass and a print out of your reservation slip.
I just realized from the weather forecast that it will be raining a lot the next two weeks. That is somewhat unfortunate. when i looked the weather forecast initially a month ago it was supposed to rain 1 day out of the time im coming but now that i look at it closer it is raining almost every single day. oy vey hah. I guess no sunrise moment over matterhorn then 🙁
oh man 🙁 We were there for 3 days, on the first day it was pouring so heavily we couldn’t get anywhere, the second day we caught the most magnificent sunrise and on the last day, it was so gloomy that Matterhorn was no where in sight! So don’t lose hope!! The good news is that Zermatt is still incredibly gorgeous even when the weather is terrible 😉
it is unfortunate and im sad that it will be raining almost all the days i am visiting according to the weather forecast. 🙁
Hi
I am planning a 14 nights trip to Switzerland in Dec and will follow your route quite closely except we will stop over in Bern. Can I ask your 8 Day travel pass is flexi pass or consecutive ? What do you advise if for a 14nights in Switzerland, should we get a 15 days? In Zurich is it the pass is not really necessary as we will be in Zurich for 2-3 nights thereafter will fly back to Sin.
Thank you.
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa! Glad you found our itinerary useful 🙂
Our 8-day pass was consecutive since we were travelling between cities almost everyday. Will your 15-day itinerary be covering 12-13 different destinations? If not, the 8-day flexi will be more worth it since it’s cheaper and you’ll get to spend more time in each location.
We didn’t use the Swiss Travel Pass in Zurich so we saved that city for the last when our pass had expired.
Hi,
Should I reach juangfrauch by helicopter?
Train ride prize is 190chf and helicopter is 250chf so which is more preferable?
Hi Alok, it’s really up to you! We wanted to save money so we went by train! 🙂
Hi Cherie
Thank you very much for your reply. I will look into my itinerary and take note of your advice in regards to the flexi pass.
Regards
Vanessa
Just curious, which was more enjoyable and enriching between Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi?? We may only have time to do one. Thanks!!
Hey Van! The team preferred Mt Pilatus and would recommend that if you only have time for one. 🙂
Hi, from your itinerary from paragliding to hiking Gliderwald. Did you do it on the same day?
I can’t remember exactly but I believe it was done on 2 separate days because of the weather. But if you’re taking the first slot for paragliding in the morning, there’s more than enough time to do another hike before the sun sets.
Thank you very much for your reply.
Hi Cherie may I have your itinerary pls. Thinking of going there in the beginning of May. Is it a good time to visit the places you covered?
Hi Cherie,
I am planning for a switzerland trip on December. May I know if the hikes and all will still be opened?
A lot of them close in October up till Feb/March so I think there’s a pretty high chance it’ll be closed. Which hikes are you planning for? There’s usually a section on the official website that has info on the opening periods.
Hello thank you fr your lovely post.
Can i just ask, is the visitor card necessary even when i have the Swiss pass?
And also, the activities like paragliding do i need to book in advance or can i book when im there?
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hey Faliq, the visitor card is useful if you’re on the flexi Swiss Travel Pass! So on day where you’re just staying in the city, you can use the visitor card to get around on public transport for free while saving the days on your Swiss Travel Pass.
Paragliding can be really popular especially during summer so best to book in advance! 🙂
hi, can we pay with credit card for the cable car or train to jungfraujoch or pilatus?
yup! credit cards are accepted almost everywhere
Hi, not sure if you will be able to help. I’ve bought the Swiss Travel Pass and intend to pre-book my train tickets (Lucerne-Interlaken, Interlaken-Zermatt) via Trainline. Does not seem to have an option for that Discount Pass though. Did you guys pre-book those as well? Or you guys managed to get the tickets at the train station on the day of travel? Or are those train tickets via those cities free if we have the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yup those routes you mentioned are free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Just have them on hand when the conductors do their routine checks. The only train we pre-booked was the Glacier Express between Zermatt to St Moritz. Hope that helps!
Hi Cherie,
Thank you very much for the lovely and detailed post.
I am planning 10 days trip to Switzerland in Mid to Late June 2020. My itinerary looks like following:
Day 1-2: Lucerne (1 day for Lucerne City Tour + Mount Rigi and 1 day for Mount Pilatus)
Day 3-4-5-6: Interlaken (1 day each for Schilthorn and Jungfrau, 1 day for Lauterbrunnen + Paragliding and 1 day to visit other villages)
Day 7-8: Zermatt (1 day for Gronergrat ride and 1 day for 5-lake hike)
Day 9: Zurich (City tour with Rhine falls)
Since I will be traveling from India, 1.5 days will be taken by flight.
Do you think I need to add anything else? I am confused between spending 6th day in Interlaken and Montruex. What is your suggestion?
Also where should I stay for Day 3-6 (Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen or somewhere else?) I am thinking to book whole Airbnb apartment.
And finally if I book flights and Airbnb 3 months before, will there be any issue with price hike or should I book early? (I am not sure about the dates as of now)
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jaymeen, this looks pretty similar to what we did! We managed to cover both Schilthorn and Jungfrau on the same day so perhaps you could just play by ear. If you manage to fit them on the same day, you could visit Montreux on day 6. Montreux feels quite different from the rest of Switzerland so it was quite a refreshing change in environment.
We stayed 2 nights in Interlaken because that’s where all the cheaper options are but if you have more to spend, a night in in the Jungfrau/Lauterbrunnen area would be great! That way, you can take the earlier train up to Jungfrau too.
I’m not too familiar with the Airbnb rates as they differ quite a bit but the prices at the Youth Hostels are quite consistent up till the day.
Hope this helped and have an amazing trip! 🙂
Hi Cherie,
Wasn’t very clear on how many nights you stay on each city, would you mind sharing? For example you mentioned Day3-5 Interlaken, I was assuming 3 nights but you comment stated you stayed 2 nights only. I am planning the activities around these cities but not sure which city I should cater more nights so as not to be too rushed.
Hi Shann, we stayed 2 nights each in Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt and single nights in the rest!
Day 3-5 = 3D2N, hope that clarifies! It’s a little packed but it’s because we wanted to maximise the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
Some attractions can be taken out to allow more time to soak in the charms of each city.
Hi, where do you purchase the tickets for the Golden Round Trip? Understand that we just need to top up CHF36 if we have the swiss travel pass. Do I purchase the tickets online or can I purchase the tickets a day before/actual day itself from Lucerne? Also, do I just show the swiss travel pass when I board the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad?
That’s right! It’s CHF36 for Swiss Travel Pass Holders. You can buy tickets at the entrance, no need to purchase in advance.
& yes for the boat rides, they will come around to check for tickets when the boat is moving off.
Hello! I was thinking of where to go for my honeymoon in June and was so happy to chanced upon this itinerary! Thank you so much for all the details but I’m still confused of where to start and all. Could you please help? Thank you 🙂
Hey Zu! Happy to help with queries 🙂
When I reach Zürich, I need to rent a car to get to Lucerne? Where do I rent the car at and which exact destination I need to head to?
Hi Cherie,
May I check with you if it’s possible to travel to Pilatus and Rigi within the same day? Many thanks for your advice in advance!
Yes it is! That’s what we did. Took the first train to Pilatus and visited Rigi before sunset
Hi Travel Intern,
My friends and I are travelling to Switzerland in the late April. I would like to know if the plan is feasible and smooth for the 10 days trip in Swiss?
Also, is your 8-days Siwss Travel Pass activated on the Second day when at Lucerne?
Day 1 – Zurich To Lucerne
*Day 2 – Lucerne – Pilatus (Cogwheel Railway operation closed till early May) – is it worth the CHF 36? or Rigi ?
Day 3 – Lucerne to Interlaken
Day 4 – Interlaken – Lauterbrunnen (Paragliding) & Schilthorn Is it possible in 1 day?
Day 5 – Interlaken – Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) & Hike Grindelwald First for stunning lake views?? Possible?? Smooth Day Trip?
Day 6 – Interlaken to Zermatt
Day 7 – Zermatt (Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise & Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike)
Day 8 – Glacier Express to St.Moritz
*Day 9 – St.Moritz (St.Moritz to Zurich by night) *according to your guide, is it still covered by Swiss Travel Pass when travelling to Zurich?
Day 10 – Zurich
*8-Days Swiss Travel Pass Consecutive Activated Start/End
Im looking using AirBnb for the entire Swiss Trip rather than mix w Hote/Hostel
Hi Fang,
Alright, here goes:
– Yes, we rented a car and drove from Zurich airport to Lucerne so we didn’t activate the pass on this day. After splitting up the cost of the car rental, this is much cheaper than using a day on the Swiss Travel Pass.
– Day 2: Pilatus is one of my favourites so personally, I do think it’s worth it. Rigi was so so for me but it’s free!
– Day 4: This is what we did! Book the first slot for paragliding (the weather in the morning is usually calmer too) and there should be enough time.
– Day 5: It’s a bit of a squeeze. I could spend an entire day at Grindelwald. We actually managed to squeeze in Jungfrau on the paragliding day although that was a squeeze too.
– Day 6: you might be able to squeeze in an early trip to Jungfrau before travelling to Zermatt (depending on train connections though, not sure if it’ll be different in other seasons. We went in Oct)
Day 9: Yes, from Day 2 – 9 is 8 days
Hi Cherie,
Thank you for the reply.
Ya, I also looking into gg to visit Pilates but not so sure if it fit into our budget due to various places to go.
Will look into it to find a way that is smooth and worth the pockets, as we are tagging along with luggage as well. 🙂
Hey Cherie,
Please do bear with me as I’m finishing up the itinerary for the last remaining days for swiss.
Just to check, on y’all trip to ‘Catch the Matterhorn’s beauty at sunrise’.
How did y’all manage to make y’all way up to catch the sunrise? Not through tour right?
Kind of confuse when I read it.
“For this view, we took the first train at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from
Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Walk to Riffelsee (~5mins)
Also the Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike, y’all also did the hike?
If I were to plan, i will need to travel back down to Zermatt and Zermatt to Sunnegga and transit to Blauherd.
At Blauherd hike downwards towards Sunnegga and return to Zermatt.
Rgs,
Fang
This is very helpful ! Planning to have a vacation trip in Switzerland after pandemic ! This 7 day itinerary and your blogs is such a big help and great 🙂 Hoping pandemic ends as soon as possible ! Looking forward for your next blogs.
Did you check how much one can save by using Interrail Global Pass instead of Swiss Travel Pass?
https://www.myswissalps.com/interrailglobalpass/validity
hmm, just looked through, the Swiss Travel Pass we got from Klook still seems to offer more savings! It costs S$382 for the same 4-day consecutive pass, whereas the Interail Global pass costs €246 (S$398). Also for the Swiss Travel Pass, you get a free ride up Schilthorn but only 25% off on this pass
Its really a great post. Thanks for sharing
Hi there, I appreciate the valuable information you have shared. Switzerland travel will be easier for a new traveler after studying the information uploaded here.
Hello there, firtsly thank you so much for the very helpful post. May i know on the first day you rent a car from zurich to lucerne what route did you take? Any tips for which stops that shoud visit? Thank you again
I am hoping to go to Switzerland in the middle of the year. So many years, I know someone who always wanted to go to there but because of the price, they did not even consider it. I studied your entire trip and came up with this below. Not sure whether is it correct but is possible to share your exact itinerary with me? The order of the places in which you all travel and do in each day. I was hoping to squeeze in as much good places as possible. Most prob, we will follow the exact itinerary that you all go but mainly change the lucerne, Zurich and the Interlaken part a bit to fit our physical limitations. And also some of the food places. Thank you very much
Day 1:
Fly to zurich airport
Rent a car to drive from airport to lucerne
-Visit workshop to make swiss army knife at brunnen
-Visit the Highest Outdoor Lift in Europe, Hammetschwand Lift
Drive back to Lucerne to explore the city area
Eat at Wirtshaus Taube Luzern for dinner
Check in to lucerne airbnb near main station for 2 nights – day 1 to 3
Day 2:
Activate the swiss travel pass on day 2
Mount pilatus (around 6+ hours whole trip)
-Travel to Alpnachstad from lucerne by boat
-Travel to pilatus kulm by railway at 8.30am from Alpnachstad
-Go hiking or the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike
-Take Panorama Gondola cable car to kriens from pilatus kulm, along the way stop at Fräkmüntegg to take the Fräkigaudi Toboggan Slide
-Travel back to lucerne from kriens kriens
Mount rigi
-Take train from lucerne to Arth-Goldau
-Take cogwheel railway from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
-15 minutes hike to the top to see the 13 lakes and the whole of the Swiss alps
-Take cogwheel railway from rigi kulm to Vitznau
-Take boat back to Lucerne from vitznau
Cook dinner at airbnb
Day 3:
Leave airbnb at Lucerne
Take train to interlaken
Put down luggage at hostel
Gelmerbahn
-Take train and bus from interlaken ost to Handegg, Gelmerbahn
-Ride Switzerland’s Steepest Open-air Funicular: Gelmberbahn
-At the top, go see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise water
-Then go Handeck Suspension Bridge
-Go back interlaken same way
Take train nearby from interlaken to Iseltwald along Lake Brienz
Go back to hostel
Day 4:
Stay at hostel from day 3 to day 5
Paragliding at murren
-Go Lauterbrunnen by train from interlaken
-From Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg by bus
-From Stechelberg to muren by cableway for paragliding
Schilthorn
-Afterwards, go Schilthorn famous james bond place by cableway from murren
-Go for the trail walk on the way up the cableway
-When at the Piz Gloria Schilthorn Summit, walk around the james bond museum
-Then go back down
Jungfrau
-Then go wengen
-Go Jungfraujoch via Kleine Scheidegg
-While at the Jungfraujoch top
-Walk through the Ice Palace and Alpine Sensation
-Watch the Jungfrau Panorama
-Send a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox
-Take train back to interlaken hostel from wengen
Day 5:
Airbnb stay on day 5 to day 6
Leave interlaken hostel
Grindelwald in interlaken
-Go Ride the gondola up to the Mount First Top Station
-Start the Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee
-Back to interlaken
Take golden line train to montreux from interlaken
Leave luggage at airbnb
Visit Château de Chillon
Travel vevey to see hq of nestle and the world tallest fork in the lake geneva
Go back to airbnb
Day 6:
Hostel from day 6 to day 8
Take train and bus to leuk and then leukerbad
Go Leukerbad Thermal Baths and soak
Then travel to zermatt
Settle down then explore zermatt city area
Go cafe du pont to eat cheese fondue
Day 7:
Go Gornergrat Peak from zermatt by railway at 7am to see matterhorn toblerone chocolate mountain sunrise
Go highest hotel in switzerland for the view
Then go 5-Seenweg Hike
Go back zermatt from Riffleberg
Day 8:
Take glacier express from zermatt 8am to st moritz 6pm
St moritz hostel from day 8 to 9
Day 9:
Hotel from day 9 to day 10 at zermatt
Explore st moritz a bit
Go filisur by train to see the Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint
Come back to st moritz and go to zurich
Last day of swiss travel pass
Day 10:
Go for half day tour to rhine falls
Go shop the Latest Trends at ‘IM VIADUKT’
Visit the FREITAG Flagship Store
Catch the sunset over Zürich by hiking up Lindenhof hill
Take train to zurich airport
Fly back to singapore
Cool read! How were you able to take that photo of Landwasser Viaduct Viewpoint with a train passing by? Any tip where I can take off my drone? 😀
Hi, able to share the extact itenary as I watched the YouTube video you uploaded. It’s like a tour package with all the activities I want to do. I was thinking I just follow yours, stay the same hotel etc.. since u have researched and happy with it. 🙂 If hotel you dont recommend after staying there.. perhaps also can let me know. Are u able to see my email or I can also paste in the next comment if need. Thank you in advance!
Hi Yap! You can check out the places we stayed with in the breakdown sheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15fLZ376uxru2khSOwuo9kFDPR1NVgjLPUqLss9WXbTg/edit
Hi,
Wanted to know if you stayed a night at Montreux? I was trying to follow the itinerary, but it sounded like you just took the train to Montreux, visited the chateau and Veveyand continued onto Zermatt and stayed the night at Zermatt for Day 6?
Hi Vanessa! We stayed a night in Montreux as we arrived pretty late from Interlaken the day before!
Hi guys, thank you so much for this article, it’s a lifesaver! About the Swiss Travel Pass Promo of getting extra 2 days, If we are planning to book the 8 day pass now (to travel on 24 April 2023), do we get it automatically after we made the purchase? if you don’t mind explaining it to us, we would really appreciate that! Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers.
Hi Cherie,
We will be carrying 25’inch with us.
How did you handle the luggage transport services ?
What is the best way to transport the luggage from one place to another place ?
on trains, we generally could fit our luggages in the overhead compartment where we were seated and could wheel it around almost everywhere as there were lifts and escalators around.
When thinking about travelling in Switzerland I can recommend to go to the Berner Oberland. The nature and the lakes like the lake thun are awesome.
Hi, may I know how did you guys travel from St Mortiz to Zurich?
Hi Han Ying, the team took the local SBS Train from St Mortiz to Zurich!