
10-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Alpine Peaks to Lakeside Charm
This 10-day train journey takes you through Switzerland's stunning landscapes, from the majestic Bernese Oberland to the serene shores of Lake Geneva, with bases in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Zermatt, and Montreux.
- 1Interlaken
- 2Lauterbrunnen
- 3Zermatt
- 4Montreux
Day 1: Arrive in Interlaken
Arrive in Interlaken via Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Interlaken Ost railway station. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Höhematte, taking in the first views of the Jungfrau region.
Highlights
- Arrive at Interlaken Ost railway station from Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Settle into your Interlaken accommodation
- Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along Höhematte with Jungfrau views
Day 2: Panoramic Views and Historic Charm in Interlaken
Ascend Harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views of Interlaken and its surrounding lakes, then explore the charming and historic Unterseen Old Town.
Highlights
- Take the funicular up Harder Kulm for unforgettable lake and peak views
- Wander through the historic streets of Unterseen Old Town
- Discover the area's local character with arcades and painted facades
Day 3: Journey to Lauterbrunnen and Waterfall Wonders
Travel by train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, then spend the day discovering the valley's famous waterfalls, Staubbachfall and Trümmelbach Falls. Train tickets start from €9.
Highlights
- Experience the short train journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen
- Marvel at the iconic Staubbachfall, one of Switzerland's highest free-falling waterfalls
- Explore the unique Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier waterfalls inside the mountain
Day 4: Alpine Village Exploration in Lauterbrunnen Valley
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley by visiting the car-free alpine villages of Wengen or Mürren, offering breathtaking mountain views and traditional Swiss charm.
Highlights
- Take a scenic journey to the car-free village of Wengen for grand Jungfrau views
- Alternatively, visit Mürren, a cliffside village famed for dramatic scenery and hiking access
- Enjoy the traditional alpine atmosphere and chalet-lined streets
Day 5: Scenic Train to Zermatt and Historic Discoveries
Relocate by train to Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Upon arrival, explore the historic Hinterdorf district and pay a poignant visit to the Mountaineers' Cemetery. Train tickets start from €60.
Highlights
- Enjoy the scenic train journey to Zermatt
- Wander through Hinterdorf, Zermatt's historic district with preserved wooden buildings
- Visit the Mountaineers' Cemetery, honoring climbers lost on the Matterhorn
Day 6: Matterhorn Panoramas and Alpine Lake Views
Take the legendary Gornergrat railway for unparalleled Matterhorn views and enjoy a scenic hike to Stellisee for iconic reflections of the peak on calm days.
Highlights
- Ride the Gornergrat cog railway for sweeping views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks
- Hike to Stellisee, a picturesque alpine lake known for its Matterhorn reflections
- Capture iconic photographs of the Matterhorn from various viewpoints
Day 7: Lakeside Journey to Montreux and Promenade Stroll
Travel by train to Montreux, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Montreux Lakeside Promenade and visit the iconic Freddie Mercury Statue. Train tickets start from €26.
Highlights
- Take a scenic train journey to Montreux on Lake Geneva
- Stroll along the flower-lined Montreux Lakeside Promenade
- Visit the beloved Freddie Mercury Statue, a tribute to the Queen singer
Day 8: Chillon Castle and Lavaux Vineyards
Explore the historic Chillon Castle, an iconic medieval fortress on Lake Geneva, then take in the scenic beauty of the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces.
Highlights
- Discover the dungeons and ramparts of the iconic Chillon Castle
- Wander through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
- Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding vineyards
Day 9: Day Trip to Bern's UNESCO Old City
Embark on a day trip by train to Bern, Switzerland's capital. Explore its UNESCO-listed Old City, including the historic Zytglogge clock tower and the impressive Berner Münster. The earliest train departs Montreux at 00:05, with the latest return from Bern at 23:40. Train tickets start from €27.
Highlights
- Wander through Bern's UNESCO-listed Altstadt with its arcades and fountains
- Admire the medieval Zytglogge clock tower with its moving figures
- Visit the grand Berner Münster cathedral and consider climbing its tower for city views
Day 10: Depart from Montreux
Enjoy a final morning in Montreux before your departure. Consider a visit to Rochers-de-Naye or Queen: The Studio Experience. Your journey concludes from Montreux railway station, with Geneva Airport (GVA) as the recommended international departure point.
Highlights
- Ascend Rochers-de-Naye by cog railway for stunning panoramic views (optional)
- Immerse yourself in music history at Queen: The Studio Experience (optional)
- Depart from Montreux railway station for Geneva Airport (GVA)







