The best 5 days in Switzerland: 5-day itinerary!

Itinerary guides, Switzerland24 comments

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and no amount of time would be enough to fully explore it! I’ve lived here for a couple of years now and yet it feels I’ve barely scratched the surface. However, for a short visit, 5 days in Switzerland is just enough time to see the highlights of Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland region. This 5 day Switzerland itinerary will ensure you get to see the best of it!

Continue reading for a detailed itinerary, and an alternate option if you plan to visit during the winter. Also included below are all the details you need to plan your trip and the estimated budget for the same.

The itinerary recommended in this post is based on my experience of taking my friends and family around the country – across multiple trips. I’ve tried to include a mix of experiences across the 5 days – lakes, mountains & glaciers and cities. I’ve also included places that have wowed us and our visitors the most! 

Beautiful lakes and mountains are the highlight of Switzerland! (5 day Swizerland itinerary)
Beautiful lakes and mountains are the highlight of Switzerland!

For this itinerary, quality trumps quantity so I have not included places such as Zermatt or Lugano since it would be too much to fit into 5 days. As it is, the 5-day itinerary I’ve recommended below is not a cakewalk – it is a bit hectic but I want you to be able to see as much as you can!

Here are more ideas for your trip to Switzerland: 25 best places to visit in Switzerland!

Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through these, I may earn a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

5 day Switzerland itinerary – Overview

Day 1: Lucerne + Mount Rigi

Day 2: Mount Titlis

Day 3: Grindelwald First Cliff Walk + Hike to Bachalpsee

Day 4: Golden pass train to Montreux + Brienz cruise

Day 5: Oeschinensee + Blausee

This map was created with Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

Overnight stays:

Lucerne – 2 nights

Interlaken – 2 nights

5 day Switzerland itinerary – Details

Day 1 – Switzerland itinerary – Lucerne & Mount Rigi

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Lucerne town and Mount Rigi

OVERNIGHT STAY: Lucerne

Click here to find places to stay in Lucerne

You will be arriving in Switzerland most likely through Zurich airport which is the largest international airport in the country.

Zurich is a beautiful city, one that I’ve lived in for a couple of years and absolutely loved. However, with just 5 days in Switzerland, there isn’t enough time to explore the city as well. 

If you can spare a few hours when you land (or before your return flight), spend it in the old town of Zurich. 

Zurich (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Zurich

Click here for the best things to do in Zurich.

Lucerne

Make your way to Lucerne by hopping onto one of the many train connections to the city from Zurich airport. There are trains nearly every 30 minutes starting at 5 am, till 11:45 pm,  and take about 1 hr 15 min to reach Lucerne.

Tickets for the train can be bought on the SBB app (install it when you visit, it is super useful!) or at the several kiosks or from the ticket counter if you’d like to speak with someone and get any other information.

Lucerne - Switzerland 5 day itinerary
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Lucerne

At Lucerne, once you’ve freshened up a bit, take a stroll around the old town of Lucerne.

Start with the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), the covered wooden bridge across the River Reuss. This iconic bridge and the water tower next to it are one of Switzerland’s biggest landmarks and one you can see on all postcards & souvenirs!

Walk along the river Reuss and into the old town of Lucerne. Cobbled streets lined with beautiful buildings and colourful shops invite you to spend time exploring the area!

Make your way next to the Lion Monument built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution. It’s a beautiful structure and one worth visiting.

Lion Monument, Lucerne (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Lion Monument, Lucerne

Walk down to the lake and take a stroll along the spectacular lake promenade. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is pretty as a picture!

Head down to the Ferry dock for the next part of your day – a visit to the Queen of mountains, Mt. Rigi!

Mount Rigi

Mt. Rigi is our go-to day trip for family and friends visiting us. It offers an all-encompassing experience of all that’s wonderful about Switzerland. 

Views from Mount Rigi, Switzerland (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Views from Mount Rigi

A trip to Mount Rigi from Lucerne includes a cruise on the delightful Lake Lucerne, a ride on a steep funicular, spectacular views from the Rigi cogwheel train, a beautiful mountain top and stunning views across Central Switzerland – and surprisingly few tourists.

There are 13 lakes that you can see from the top! On a clear day, even the sharp peaks of several Jungfrau giants are visible. 

Ease your planning with this complete guide to visiting Mount Rigi.

At the summit of Mount Rigi
At the summit of Mount Rigi

For Mount Rigi, tickets can be bought from the ferry dock opposite the Lucerne train station. To get to the mountain, you first need to take a ferry from Lucerne to Vitznau and a cogwheel train from there to Rigi Kulm.

 

Day 2 – Switzerland itinerary – Mount Titlis

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Mount Titlis

OVERNIGHT STAY: Lucerne

Click here to find places to stay in Lucerne

The second day is dedicated to a day trip to Mount Titlis and the beautiful lake Trubsee.

Mount Titlis

One of the biggest highlights of Central Switzerland, Mount Titlis is an easily accessible glacier with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful Alpine landscapes. 

Mount Titlis - Switzerland in 5 days
Mount Titlis

A worthy alternative to the pricey (and super crowded!) Jungfraujoch, Mt. Titlis is always our recommendation to visitors asking for a snow-capped mountain to discover in Switzerland.

At ~3200 m, Titlis is one of the highest mountains in Switzerland and is perpetually covered in snow. The landscapes from the top are absolutely breathtaking – spending a day at Mt. Titlis is a must when in Switzerland!

Make your travel planning easy with this complete guide to visiting Mount Titlis.

Trübsee visible in the distance (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Trübsee visible in the distance

To get to Mount Titlis take the train from Lucerne to Engelberg. Once at Engelberg, walk the 5-10 min or take the bus B10 to the Mt. Titlis cable car station (Titlis Talstation).

Once at the cable car station, head to the ticket counter. If you purchased your tickets online, show those at the counter to get the physical tickets which will be required to cross all the turnstiles. 

TIP: You’ll need to wear warm clothes, in layers to visit Mount Titlis. Carry a warm cap and gloves since it can get really cold and windy at the summit, even during the summer. You also need closed, sturdy shoes since you will be walking on snow and ice. 

Mt. Titlis Switzerland
A chilly day at Mount Titlis in September

Spend the evening of day 2 strolling through the charming streets of Lucerne.

Day 3 – Switzerland itinerary – First Cliff Walk & Bachalpsee

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Hike to Bachalpsee

OVERNIGHT STAY: Interlaken

Click here to find places to stay in Interlaken.

You will need to shift bases today and move from Central Switzerland to the Bernese Oberland region, unarguably the prettiest part of Switzerland!

Interlaken is quite centrally located, has extensive train connections and offers a large variety of places to stay at. It is a very touristy town and there isn’t much to do in the town itself, yet it makes for an excellent base to explore the Bernese Oberland region.

You could also base yourself at some of the other towns such as Lauterbrunnen which is insanely pretty, however, has fewer train connections and fewer options to stay at.

Frequent trains run from Lucerne to Interlaken and it is a short 1hr 50min train ride. This journey is part of the Golden Pass Train Line, one of the most famous and the most spectacular train rides in Switzerland.

Views on the train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken
Views on the train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken

The entire Golden Pass Train Line is the route from Lucerne in central Switzerland to Montreux in west Switzerland. You will cover the first leg from Lucerne to Interlaken on this day and the remaining leg on Day 4 of this itinerary.

Once at Interlaken, walk or take a bus to your hotel to drop your stuff. The town is very beautiful with traditional Swiss chalets lining the main street, the turquoise river Aare running through it and tall snow-covered peaks surrounding it. Enjoy a bit of it now as you head back to the train station to board the train to Grindelwald.

Interlaken - the perfect base for this 5 day Switzerland itinerary
Interlaken

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk

The Grindelwald First Cliff Walk is a narrow metal walkway clinging to the edge of a steep cliff at a dizzying height of 2000+ meters leading to a sky bridge which rises 45 metres out into the void. Oh, and the sky bridge has a glass floor so you look down into that void (and the metal walkway has a mesh see-through floor)! I’ve made it sound scary, haven’t I?!

First Cliff Walk (5 day switzerland itinerary)
First Cliff Walk

But in truth, the First Cliff Walk is anything but scary (except if you have a phobia of heights) – it’s a super fun & thrilling place to visit. On the walk, you get sweeping views of the Alpine valley below and the tall, snow-capped mountains above – a cool breeze and the tinkling of cowbells make for wonderful accompaniments to the whole experience.

Make your travel planning a breeze with this detailed travel guide on the First Cliff Walk.

The Grindelwald First Cliff Walk is located at the summit of First, a mountain in the Jungfrau region. It is accessible through a gondola from the village of Grindelwald (a ~45min train from Interlaken).

Hike to Bachalpsee

There are several hikes you can do from Grindelwald First and one of the best of them is the hike to Bachalpsee.

Bachalpsee (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Bachalpsee

This hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland – stunning snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows & valleys, crystal clear lakes, and wildflowers, all to the soundtrack of ringing cowbells! It is one of the best places to visit in the Jungfrau region and my favourite place in Switzerland. 

Hiking to Bachalpsee
Hiking to Bachalpsee
Hiking to Bachalpsee
Hiking to Bachalpsee

I would prioritise the Bachalpsee hike over visiting Jungfraujoch because it offers a more varied experience and is much cheaper.

The hike to Bachalpsee is an easy extension to your visit to the First Cliff Walk. It’s a ~3 km walk to the lake and takes about an hour.

Here’s all you need to know about hiking to Bachalpsee.

Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee

Spend the evening of day 3 strolling through the charming streets of Interlaken.

Day 4 – Switzerland itinerary – Golden Pass Train & Brienz

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Golden pass trail line to Montreux + A cruise on Lake Brienz

OVERNIGHT STAY: Interlaken

Click here to find places to stay in Interlaken.

An easy itinerary for the day today after 3 days of whirlwind activity! Today’s the day you can sit back and let nature come to you – on the train first and then on the ferry ride!

Golden Pass Train Line

Switzerland is known for its stunningly scenic train rides – the perfect combination of superbly efficient & clean trains and incredible natural beauty! The Golden Pass train line is one of the best of these routes – covering 3 mountain passes, 8 lakes, 6 cantons and 2 language regions!

Views from the Golden Pass Train
Views from the Golden Pass Train

The line from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken and Zweisimmen is known as the Golden Pass route. It winds its way through several lakes, the stunning Swiss Alps and the beautiful Swiss countryside.

You would already have done the first section of the train ride when you travelled from Lucerne to Interlaken on day 3. Today you can head all the way into Montreux on the most beautiful section of the Golden Pass Line.

Views from the Golden Pass Train as you head towards Montreux
Views from the Golden Pass Train as you head towards Montreux

Sit back and enjoy the natural beauty through the gigantic panoramic windows of the train. 

Here all the details to travel on the Golden Pass Train Line.

Once in Montreux, head down to the lake promenade (5 min walk down from the train station) and take a stroll. Lined with flowers, beautiful (and sometimes odd!) sculptures, restaurant and cafes, the promenade is a great place to spend an hour or so.

Montreux (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Montreux
Montreux
Montreux

Lake Brienz

Once back in Interlaken from Montreux, take the time to explore one of the lakes bordering the town – Lake Brienz.

Lake Brienz is one of the prettiest, yet one of the most underrated lakes in Switzerland! The uniquely turquoise blue colours of the lake, the charming Swiss villages around it and the beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Alps make Lake Brienz one of the best places to visit in Switzerland and one of my absolute favourite Swiss Lakes!

Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz boat tour is one of the best ways to take in this awe-inspiring lake up close. Ferries operate between Interlaken & Brienz, with stopovers at Bonigen, Iseltwald, and Giessbach with multiple connections between April & October so you can take your time exploring each place. 

Village of Brienz
Village of Brienz

Bonigen & Iseltwald are small traditionally Swiss villages, beautiful for a stroll through. Giessbach is famous for its waterfall which you can reach by taking a funicular (or hiking up) from the ferry station.

Read my guide to Lake Brienz here.

Day 5 – Switzerland itinerary – Oeschinensee & Blausee

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY: Oeschinensee & Blausee

For your last day in Switzerland, I have a couple more of my favourite lakes to offer, with the option for long hikes on one of them.

Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee is a bright blue Swiss mountain lake in the Bernese Oberland region. Whether you are looking to relax amidst the tranquil surroundings of the beautiful Oeschinen lake or indulge in a bit more adventure hiking or riding the ‘Mountain Coaster’ (the Oeschinen lake toboggan run), Oeschinensee is the place to be!

If you feel more adventurous, there are multiple hiking trails available in the region.

The lake is accessible from Kandersteg through an aerial cable car followed by a short hike (~30 min) or an electric bus. 

Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee

From Interlaken, it would take 1 – 1.5 hr to reach Kandersteg. From Kandersteg train station, the cable car station is a 15-minute walk away.

Here’s my guide on visiting Oeschinensee.

Blausee

Blausee is the bluest lake you’ll ever see – its name literally means Blue Lake!

Blausee
Blausee

This small lake with crystal clear waters is located in a beautiful nature park. There is a trail that goes around the lake taking you through pine trees and moss-covered boulders. You are guaranteed to feel transported to an enchanted forest here!

Blausee
Blausee

Since it’s a very small lake/ nature park you do not need a lot of time to visit the place. Due to its close proximity to Oeschinensee, it makes for the perfect place for a short visit together with Oeschinensee.

To visit Blausee, take the bus from Kandersteg to the Blausee Nature Park.

Alternative 5-day Switzerland itinerary – Winter

If you’re visiting in the winter, the hiking options would not be possible. Instead, you could ski! If you’re keen on skiing, you could set up base at one of the several amazing ski resorts – Zermatt, Grindelwald, St. Moritz offer fantastic skiing/ snowboarding and other winter sports.

For the non-skiers, there is plenty to do in Switzerland during the winter! The panoramic views are just as beautiful covered in snow during the winter as they are during the summer. 

Winter at Gornergrat
Zermatt is beautiful in the winter. Do visit if you have more time in Switzerland!

Here’s what a slightly modified itinerary in the winter would look like,

Day 1: Zurich + Rhine Falls

Spend your first day taking in the spectacular Rhine Falls and the beautiful city of Zurich

Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the Rhine Falls are our go-to day trip for any visitors. We’ve already been there about 5 times already and every outing continues to amaze us! These falls are super easy to reach and are among the cheapest attractions in Switzerland.

Here’s all you need to know to visit Rhine Falls.

Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls

Zurich is a vibrant cosmopolitan city steeped in culture and history dating back 5000 years. Winter, around Christmas, is one of the best times to visit Zurich – it transforms the already beautiful city into nothing short of spectacular! Twinkling lights, huge Christmas trees (including a live singing one!), bustling markets, and scores of events, all add to the magic of Zurich.

Find the best things to do in Zurich here.

Zurich
Zurich

Day 2: Lucerne + Mount Rigi

Day 2 of the Switzerland Winter itinerary will be the same as Day 1 of the Switzerland Summer itinerary detailed above. 

Mount Rigi is open for visits all year round and the views from the summit are stunning during the winter.

Mount Rigi during winter
Mount Rigi during winter

Day 3: Mount Titlis

Day 3 of the Switzerland Winter itinerary will also be the same as Day 2 of the Switzerland Summer itinerary detailed above. 

Mount Titlis is open for visits all year round – make sure to bundle up since it will be very cold at the summit!

Day 4: Golden Pass Train + Brienz

Part of Day 4 of the Switzerland Winter itinerary will be the same as Day 4  of the Switzerland Summer itinerary detailed above. However, a cruise on Lake Brienz would not be possible during winter.

Instead, you can take the time to explore the village of Brienz – its beautiful lake promenade and fascinating wood carvings make it a fantastic place to visit.

See more on Brienz here.

The village of Brienz is famous for wood carvings (5 day switzerland itinerary)
The village of Brienz is famous for wood carvings

Day 5: Schilthorn

Another change from the Summer itinerary for your last day in Switzerland. Oeschinensee freezes over in the winter so unless you are into snow hiking or skiing, you can skip this lake and instead head to the mountain of Schilthorn. Visiting at least one mountain in the Bernese Oberland region is an absolute must when in Switzerland!

Schilthorn
Schilthorn – this picture is from a summer visit

Schilthorn offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Swiss skyline including the giants of the Bernese Oberland region – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

At a height of 2970 m, Schilthorn is one of the highest peaks in the region located across the Lauterbrunnen valley from the famous Jungfraujoch. From the multiple viewing platforms, you get spectacular views of 200+ mountain peaks!

Schilthorn
Schilthorn

To get to Schilthorn, head to Stechelberg, near Lauterbrunnen and take the cable cars up to Schilthorn.

Information for planning your 5-day Switzerland itinerary

When to visit Switzerland

Spring and Summer are the best times to visit to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking or just basking in the sunshine! If skiing is what you are looking for, winter is the time for you, with the added bonus of beautiful Christmas markets and festivities.

Avoid the peak tourist months of July & August – crowds are at the highest, as are the costs for hotels & mountain transportation. The shoulder months of May/ June or September/ October are better to enjoy most summer activities.

Visit during early summer for lush green fields and flowers
Visit during early summer for lush green fields and flowers

How to get to Switzerland

Zurich and Geneva are the major international airports in Switzerland. Flying in and out of Zurich would be more convenient since it is located close to most places you’d visit. 

If you’re already in Europe, you can take a train to Switzerland as well. Zurich is only 4-5 hours from Paris/ Lyon, 3-4 hours from Milan, 7 hours from Munich.

How to get around Switzerland

Travelling around Switzerland by train

Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system – from trains and buses to mountain railways and cable cars. Everything is amazingly well maintained, super clean and extremely efficient. 

I would recommend making use of the public transportation system using the Swiss Travel Pass instead of renting a car 

Picture perfect views from the train windows!
Picture perfect views from the train windows!

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats, free entry to numerous museums and free or discounted mountain excursions. 

For your 5 day visit to Switzerland, buy the 4-day Swiss Travel Pass – there’s no option for a 5 day pass, unfortunately. You can pay for point to point tickets on the first/ last day of your trip.

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass online. Just book and print. Or you can head to the ticket counters on the train station to buy them once you get here too.

TIP: Install the SBB app when you visit – it will help you will all train/ bus/ ferry connections.

Travelling around Switzerland by car

If there is a group of you it might turn out to be more economical to rent a car if you are going to be driving long distances. If you are making more mountain trips (as suggested in the itinerary above), public transportation might be a better idea.

Several of your days in Switzerland would involve heading up to the mountains – to hike or just to take in the views. For these excursions, you will need to take a cable car of a funicular. With the Swiss Travel Pass, several of these are free while there are discounts on the others.

Where to stay in Switzerland

Switzerland is very expensive – so everything from accommodation to meals are going to cost a lot.

So apartment stays might prove to be more cost-effective than hotels, especially if you are travelling in a group. These would also often have a kitchen so you can prepare meals to cut down on expenses too.

Overlook Lodge by CERVO
Finding great accommodation in Switzerland requires a little effort, but a good place will be worth it!

Since you will be travelling by train, it would be better to look for hotels close to train stations.

Click here to find places to stay in Lucerne.

Click here to find places to stay in Interlaken.

Managing luggage in Switzerland

As with any place else, it’s best to travel light in Switzerland. However, if you do have luggage, it’s quite easy to manage it.

Most trains in Switzerland have an overhead rack (meant for small bags), a luggage area at the end of the coach or spaces between rows of seats to slide your bags into.

Some trains will not have overhead rack, however there will be space between the seats and at the ends of the coach to stow your bags
Some trains will not have overhead rack, however there will be space between the seats and at the ends of the coach to stow your bags

Train stations would have an elevator, escalator or at the very least a ramp to easily roll your luggage in and out of the platforms.

Most train stations (except really small ones) also have luggage storage lockers where you can stow your bags for a few hours. We’ve used these in several cities and found them to be very convenient. You can choose the size of the locker based on the size of your luggage and pay accordingly.

Essentials for your trip to Switzerland

Visa for Switzerland

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area and a Schengen visa (short-stay tourist visa) is required for a visit. EU citizens and citizens from several countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand are exempt from requiring a visa. Check your country’s visa requirements here.

If you are travelling to multiple European destinations within the Schengen area, you can apply to the first country of travel for your Schengen visa. This visa will be valid in Switzerland too.

Currency in Switzerland

Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency used in Switzerland. While the Euro is widely accepted, you may not get the best exchange rate. A better idea may be to withdraw some CHF from an ATM or get some exchanged at the airport or the train station.

You can pay using your card at nearly every location in Switzerland, but keep some cash handy for odd purchases (or for using the restrooms at some public locations!).

Language(s) in Switzerland

German (a dialect called Swiss German is in practice in Switzerland), French, Italian and Romansh are the languages of Switzerland. The most common of these is Swiss German.

You can manage with English at most large locations. Keep the Google Translate app handy 🙂

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Switzerland

Some of the best things to buy when in Switzerland are: Swiss knives, Swiss watches (can be super expensive!), Swiss chocolates (Läderach, Sprüngli make some of the best chocolates!) and trinkets such as cowbells

Matterhorn Toblerone (5 day switzerland itinerary)
Did you know, the mountain pictured on a Toblerone pack is the famous Swiss mountain Matterhorn?

5 day Switzerland itinerary – Estimated budget

Ah, the big question! How much will this dream trip cost? Short answer: It’ll be expensive. Switzerland is an expensive place, but so worth it!

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost,

Flight tickets

~600 CHF per person depending on the city of travel from Asia/ North America. Of course, from within Europe, you may be able to find some bargain flights. Or if you have airline/ credit card points, you may be able to bring this cost down too.

Visa expense

~100 CHF per person depending on the country of residence

Travel insurance

30 – 60 CHF per person

Accomodation

A typical hotel will cost ~150 CHF per day per couple. You may be able to find cheaper options a little further away from the city. If you are travelling in a group, an apartment may also turn out to be cheaper than hotel rooms.

For a 5 day, 4-night stay, the accommodation expense would typically be ~600 CHF for a couple.

Transportation

If you buy the 4 day Swiss Travel Pass, it will cost CHF 281 per person. See the latest prices here

In addition, for 1 day, you will need to buy point to point tickets. A day pass costs ~150 CHF, so for this budget estimation, we’ll consider this.

For a 5-day trip, the total transportation expense per person would be ~430 CHF.

Food

Food will cost ~60 CHF per person (staying on a budget!) per day

  • Budget meals (salads, pasta, sandwiches and even hot meals during lunch/ dinner hours) are available at supermarkets such as Migros or Coop
  • A meal in a good restaurant would cost ~50 CHF per person while a quick pizza would cost on an average 18-20 CHF

For a 5 day stay, the food expense per person would typically be ~300 CHF.

So, for a couple travelling to Switzerland, the expense per person for this 5-day trip would typically be: 

600 (Flight) + 100 (Visa) + 50 (Travel insurance) + 300 (Accomodation) + 430 (Transportation) + 300 (Food) = 1780 CHF

Without considering flights, the estimated cost per person for 5 days in Switzerland would be ~1180 CHF.

So that’s your itinerary for a trip to Switzerland! If you have any questions let me know in the comments below. Did I miss any amazing place? Let me know!

If you found this useful, please share and spread the love!

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TRAVEL RESOURCES

Planning a trip? Here are some of my go-to travel resources to make it more efficient for you, while staying within budget!

ACCOMMODATIONBooking.com is my favourite platform for hotel or apartment bookings. I love their map interface (I prefer to stay within walking distance of major attractions!) and they have an excellent customer service

FLIGHTS – I prefer to use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights. I often use their monthly view of prices to decide my travel dates!

TOURS & ACTIVITIESGet Your Guide is my go-to choice for fun tours and activities. They have a wide range of options and a great interface.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – Travel insurance is absolutely essential for all your international travels. I’ve been saved by it a few times when I fell sick while travelling and I swear by it since then! World Nomads is an excellent choice for travel insurance.

24 Comments

  1. Hi there! I just would like to extend my sincerest thanks for sharing this! I have followed your suggested itinerary and really had a great time in Switzerland!

    Reply
  2. There is so much blue and green in Switzerland. I’m in LOVE. Mt. Titlis sounds like such a great option for those of us that want to see snow-capped mountains minus the crowds. You mentioned that it was cold at the summit and I see in the photo that you are wearing a blazer. Does this mean only a light coat is sufficient enough in the summer on the summit?

    Reply
  3. Absolutely stunning views! Isn’t Mt Titlis the one on packing of Toblerone chocolate? I have heard the train ride form Interlaken to Lucerne has some amazing views and I can see that in your post. The first cliff walk does look scary but I’m sure it offers some great views. Bachalpsee looks stunning!

    Reply
  4. From the lakes to the mountain views to the beautiful villages, it is easy to see how spending at least 5 days in Switzerland needs to be on everyone’s bucket list! I went to Lucerne back in 1999 and sadly dont remember much except the Lion Monument. So I would definitely need a return trip there. But your views from Mount Tiltis are definitely making my wanderlust go out of control and I know my wife would love riding the entire country by train too!

    Reply
  5. Woooah what an epic itinerary! Your family and mates are sooooo lucky to have you to guide them to the most amazing Swiss places – now we are all super privileged to share your knowledge too!

    Although, I have to admit, I think I would want to add an extra night in each of these places to have enough time to hike a little in that stunning scenery. Seeing just this much would only make me need to come back to explore more! Switzerland looks addictive.

    Reply
  6. The colors in Switzerland look incredible and your pictures are amazing. I would love to go but may need a few months. I love hiking! Is it crowded?

    Reply
  7. You’ve really made me want to visit Swiss now! I have a friend who lives there and I am excited to share this itinerary with him for what we’ll do there, haha.

    Reply
  8. Switzerland is a beautiful country. Although it’s so close to home for us, we haven’t visited Switzerland quite often, mainly because they don’t use Euro, so we can’t really plan last-minute weekend getaways there. We usually end up staying on the other side of the Mont Blanc, which means in France. Or stay in Austria or Italy. But your post has convinced us that we should spend more time in Switzerland in the future! Montreux and Oeschinesee will our first destinations! Thank you for your inspiring post, and for including so much useful information.

    Reply
  9. I’ve always wondered if it is possible to see all the beauty that Switzerland has to offer in a single visit. You’ve answered my question! I’m simply amazed by the natural beauty of Switzerland. You are so lucky to live there and be able to share that beauty with all of your readers! I learn something new every time I visit in terms of how to be prepared for visits, the cost, and how to travel to each area.

    Reply
  10. This is an extremely useful guide and a great itinerary for anyone visiting Switzerland. A few years ago, I ‘played tourist’ in my own country and visited Lucerne. I loved it, it’s such a scenic town, but was surprised by how many tourists there were.

    Reply
  11. Looks like a fairytale! I visited Switzerland for 3 days a while back (I’m in Germany so hopped over the border), missed Mount Rigi as the weather was a disaster and we only had a day left. Those views make we want to go back asap!

    Reply
  12. This is a very interesting itinerary. My parents visited Switzerland and went up to the Titlis about 40 years ago, and as a kid, they always told me this story. So I know that one day I want to go there too.

    Reply
  13. I barely see any other people in your photos. Does that mean that there are very few people on the hikes and the scary looking Grindelwald First Cliff Walk?

    Reply
  14. Your photos are stunning and the guide is exhaustive. Great content!

    Reply
  15. Ugh Switzerland is soooo dreamy!!! Oeschinensee and Blausee look like they are straight out of a fairy tale and your photos are incredible. Wishing to do a longer form itinerary one day as I have only visited for a weekend at a time.

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  16. Oh I wish I had 5 days in Switzerland now. I do love a country and I am yet to explore all the cantons (I made it through only two o them so far, a canton per trip)

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  17. This looks like an amazing itinerary, particularly the blue lake and Grindelwald First Cliff Walk, I would love to experience this!

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  18. Switzerland is so scenic, no wonder it’s so popular with international travellers! I would love to discover Lucerne more thoroughly, I think I only went through very quickly!

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  19. As an avid outdoor traveller, camping and hiking my way around the world, Switzerland has always been on my bucket list. After all, who wouldn’t want to experience their beautiful trails and stunning views first hand? Your pictures definitely didn’t disappoint – they showcased the beauty that I have always associated with the area!

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  20. Great photos! I really love how beautiful everything looks. Looks like a you had a great trip, and such a fun adventure!

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  21. Wow, Switzerland is such a beautiful country. Your photos are gorgeous. I’ve only been there briefly but I’d love to go back. You can certainly squeeze a lot into five days.

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    • That cliff walk looks awesome! I also love to mesmerising lakes so it seems that I’ll need to get myself to Switzerland!

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  22. How lucky you are to live in such a beautiful country like Switzerland. Usually, when I read travel blogs I think that the pictures can’t possibly do justice for the real beauty of the country but I stand corrected with yours. OESCHINENSEE & BLAUSEE are breathtaking! Such differences with snow on the ground vs. the greenery. I would love to visit Switzerland one day.

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  23. These photos are absolutely stunning, especially the Bachalpsee! You are so lucky to live there!

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About me

Gruezi, Hi! My name is Smita, a part-time traveller and a travel writer. So far I’ve been what you might call a serendipitous traveller! I got a chance to visit several amazing places more by chance than by design. I would love to put all my extensive travel planning to good use by sharing it with you and hope that these inspire you to visit all those famous, and not-so-famous locations! Read More

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