🇨🇭Switzerland

Trains climb glaciers, and every view looks staged.

Capital

Bern

Best time

June–September, December–March for skiing

Language

German, French, Italian, Romansh

Currency

Swiss franc

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.

···

🚞 Scenic trains

···

🏔️ Alpine peaks

···

🍫 Chocolate & cheese

···

🏞️ Turquoise lakes

Trip essentials

Budget: Budget: €70–100/day · Mid-range: €150–250/day · Luxury: €350+/day (one of Europe's most expensive countries)

Visa: Not required for EU, UK, US, and Canadian citizens for stays up to 90 days — always confirm current rules before booking.

Suggested days: 9 — 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.

Getting there: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main gateway for this route; Geneva Airport (GVA) works well if you'd rather start at the Lake Geneva end instead

Getting around: The train network is exceptional and arguably the best way to see the country

Safety: Extremely safe; petty crime is rare even in cities

Tipping: Not obligatory; service is included by law, though rounding up is common

Power plug: Type C/J, 230V

Tastes of Switzerland

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.

Top attractions

···

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.

Suggested itinerary

Days 1–2

Zurich & Rhine Falls

Settle in the largest city, with a day trip to Europe's biggest waterfall.

Days 3–4

Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

Lake cruises and the world's steepest cogwheel railway to a mountain summit.

🚗 ~1h by train from Zurich

Days 5–7

Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Cable car viewpoints of the iconic peak and a scenic train to Jungfraujoch.

🚗 ~2.5h by train from Lucerne

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

FAQ

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.

Pairs well with

🇦🇹Austria