Trains climb glaciers, and every view looks staged.
Switzerland's train network makes it one of the easiest countries in the world to see by public transport, linking glacier peaks, lakeside cities, and mountain villages without ever needing a car.
Fondue
Melted cheese shared from a communal pot, eaten by dipping bread on long forks.
Raclette
Cheese melted tableside and scraped over potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.
Rösti
A crisp, pan-fried grated potato cake, often served as a hearty side dish.
Swiss chocolate
Some of the world's most renowned chocolate, from mass brands to small artisan makers.
Matterhorn & Zermatt
One of the most recognizable mountains in the world, its near-perfect pyramid shape rising above the car-free village of Zermatt. Cable cars and cogwheel trains climb to viewpoints like Gornergrat for close-up views without technical climbing. In winter it anchors one of the Alps' best-known ski areas.
Jungfraujoch
Known as the 'Top of Europe', this is the highest railway station on the continent, reached by a scenic train that tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. An observation deck and ice palace sit at over 3,400 meters, with views over the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. The journey up is as much the attraction as the summit itself.
Lake Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
A lake ringed by mountains and old towns, with Lucerne's wooden Chapel Bridge as its best-known landmark. A steep cogwheel railway climbs nearby Mount Pilatus, the world's steepest, to a summit with panoramic Alpine views. Boat cruises across the lake connect several charming villages along its shores.
Rhine Falls
The largest waterfall in Europe by volume, formed where the Rhine drops over a wide limestone ledge near the town of Schaffhausen. Boat trips can take visitors right up to the rock in the middle of the falls, or even to a viewing platform on top of it. It's an easy day trip from Zurich.
Lavaux vineyard terraces
UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards climbing steeply above Lake Geneva, cultivated since medieval times and still producing wine today. Walking trails wind between the stone-walled terraces, with views across the lake to the French Alps beyond. Small villages along the route offer wine tastings directly from the producers.
Bern's Old Town
Switzerland's capital preserves one of Europe's best-kept medieval town centers, its arcaded sandstone streets earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. A famous astronomical clock tower and a bear park along the river add character beyond the architecture. It's compact enough to explore fully in a day.
9 days covers Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, and Lake Geneva at a relaxed pace by train. 6 works if you drop one region; 12+ lets you add Interlaken or the Bernese Oberland properly.
1. Days 1–2
Zurich & Rhine Falls
Settle in the largest city, with a day trip to Europe's biggest waterfall.
2. Days 3–4
Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
Lake cruises and the world's steepest cogwheel railway to a mountain summit.
~1h by train from Zurich
3. Days 5–7
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Cable car viewpoints of the iconic peak and a scenic train to Jungfraujoch.
~2.5h by train from LucerneBook ahead
4. Days 8–9
Lake Geneva & Lavaux
Terraced vineyards above the lake and a stop in Bern's medieval old town on the way.
~2h by train from Zermatt
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Switzerland without a visa?
90 days within any 180-day period for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — Switzerland follows the Schengen rule despite not being an EU member. EES biometric registration is now active at the border.
Which airport should I fly into?
Zurich (ZRH) for this itinerary; Geneva (GVA) if you'd rather start at the Lake Geneva end instead.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
Usually yes for this route, since it covers most trains, buses, and boats plus free museum entry. Add up your specific train legs first if you're only making 2–3 journeys.
Is Switzerland really as expensive as people say?
Yes — consistently one of the most expensive countries in the world. Groceries and self-catering meals help manage the cost.