Switzerland in 14 Days: A Scenic Alpine Journey from Zurich to Zermatt
Embark on a two-week adventure through Switzerland, starting in the vibrant city of Zurich and journeying through picturesque landscapes to the iconic Matterhorn in Zermatt. This itinerary combines cultural exploration with breathtaking mountain vistas, utilizing efficient train travel and local transport.
- 1Zurich
- 2Lucerne
- 3Interlaken
- 4Montreux
- 5Zermatt
Day 1: Arrive Zurich
Begin your Swiss adventure in Zurich, settling in and exploring the charming historic Altstadt and the serene lakeside promenade.
Highlights
- Arrive at Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland's largest international airport.
- Take a train from the airport's underground station to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zürich HB), a quick 10-15 minute journey.
- Stroll through the historic Altstadt, admiring its lanes and guild houses, then enjoy a walk along the beautiful Lake Zurich Promenade.
Day 2: Explore Zurich
Immerse yourself in Zurich's rich culture today, visiting prominent museums and experiencing the city's renowned shopping street.
Highlights
- Discover masterpieces at Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland's leading art museum.
- Gain insight into Swiss cultural history at the Swiss National Museum, housed in a castle-like building.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk and some retail therapy on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's famous shopping street.
Day 3: Zurich -> Lucerne
Enjoy a scenic train journey to Lucerne, then spend the afternoon discovering its iconic landmarks, the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Zürich HB to Luzern Bhf, a journey taking around 41 minutes, with tickets starting from €19.
- Walk across the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge, adorned with interior paintings.
- Admire the historic octagonal Water Tower, a defining medieval landmark beside the Chapel Bridge.
Day 4: Explore Lucerne
Delve deeper into Lucerne's attractions with a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport and a relaxing walk along the elegant Nationalquai.
Highlights
- Spend time at the Swiss Museum of Transport, featuring trains, planes, cars, and interactive exhibits.
- Take a peaceful stroll along the Nationalquai, enjoying elegant lakefront views and access to boat piers.
- Explore the preserved old town square of Weinmarkt, lined with frescoed historic buildings.
Day 5: Lucerne -> Interlaken
Embark on a panoramic train journey to Interlaken, arriving to enjoy the scenic open meadow of Höhematte.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Luzern Bhf to Interlaken Ost, a journey of approximately 1 hour 55 minutes, with tickets starting from €20.
- Relax in Höhematte, a large open meadow in central Interlaken offering classic Jungfrau views.
- Observe paragliders landing in Höhematte, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of Interlaken.
Day 6: Explore Interlaken
Ascend to Harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views, then explore Interlaken's lively adventure sports scene.
Highlights
- Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm, a popular panoramic lookout offering unforgettable views over both lakes and peaks.
- Discover the charming Unterseen Old Town, with its arcades and painted facades.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Interlaken, known as a hub for adventure sports.
Day 7: Bookable day trip from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen
Take a day trip to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, discovering the majestic Staubbach Falls and the unique Trümmelbach Falls.
Highlights
- Depart Interlaken Ost by train for Lauterbrunnen, with the earliest departure at 00:28 and tickets starting from €9.
- Witness the iconic Staubbachfall, a 297-meter waterfall celebrated in art and literature.
- Explore Trümmelbach Falls, a glacier waterfall viewed through mountain tunnels and galleries, before returning to Interlaken by 23:57.
Day 8: Interlaken -> Montreux
Enjoy a picturesque GoldenPass Express journey to Montreux, followed by a relaxing stroll along its beautiful lakeside promenade.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Interlaken West to Montreux, a journey taking around 3 hours 3 minutes, with tickets starting from €38.
- Walk along the flower-lined Montreux Lakeside Promenade, enjoying public art and mountain views.
- Discover the Freddie Mercury Statue, a beloved lakeside monument honoring the Queen singer.
Day 9: Explore Montreux
Dive into Montreux's history and music legacy today, visiting the iconic Chillon Castle and the unique Queen: The Studio Experience.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Chillon Castle, an iconic lakeside medieval fortress with dungeons and ramparts.
- Visit the Queen: The Studio Experience, preserving Queen’s original Mountain Studios and memorabilia.
- Consider a visit to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces for stunning scenery and walking routes.
Day 10: Bookable day trip from Montreux to Gruyeres
Embark on a day trip to Gruyères, exploring its medieval castle and learning about the famous cheese at La Maison du Gruyère.
Highlights
- Depart Montreux by train for Gruyères, with the earliest departure at 03:11 and tickets starting from €21.
- Wander through the medieval Château de Gruyères, with its historic rooms and Alpine views.
- Visit La Maison du Gruyère for an interactive experience on the making of Gruyère AOP cheese, before returning to Montreux by 23:58.
Day 11: Montreux -> Zermatt
Take a scenic train journey to the car-free village of Zermatt, enjoying your first glimpses of the magnificent Matterhorn.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Montreux to Zermatt, Bahnhof, a journey taking around 2 hours 22 minutes, with tickets starting from €43.
- Experience the unique charm of Zermatt, a car-free village nestled in the Alps.
- Catch your first views of the iconic Matterhorn, an Alpine summit famed worldwide for its pyramidal shape.
Day 12: Explore Zermatt
Ascend via the Gornergrat railway for unparalleled panoramic Matterhorn views and high-alpine exploration.
Highlights
- Ride the legendary Gornergrat cog railway for sweeping views of the Matterhorn and many 4,000-meter peaks.
- Visit the Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis to learn about village life and mountaineering history.
- Explore the Hinterdorf, a historic district with preserved wooden barns, offering a glimpse into old Zermatt life.
Day 13: Explore Zermatt
Discover Sunnegga for iconic Matterhorn reflections at Stellisee and enjoy gentle alpine hiking trails.
Highlights
- Take the funicular to Sunnegga, a famous ridge viewpoint with classic Matterhorn panoramas.
- Hike to Stellisee, a picturesque alpine lake known for reflecting the Matterhorn on calm days.
- Visit the Mountaineers' Cemetery, a poignant site honoring climbers lost on the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Day 14: Depart Zermatt
Enjoy a final morning in Zermatt before departing from this stunning alpine destination.
Highlights
- Spend your morning enjoying the car-free village of Zermatt, with most attractions within walking distance.
- Depart from Zermatt, Bahnhof, the main train station in the village.
- For international travel, Zurich Airport (ZRH) offers convenient train connections, typically taking 3.5 to 4 hours with one change in Visp. Alternatively, Geneva Airport (GVA) is about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 25 m
