Switzerland is one of the easiest countries to get around thanks to a precise rail network linking cities, mountains and lakes. This 8-day itinerary starts in Zurich, continues to Lucerne and Interlaken, and ends in Geneva with a trip to Montreux, with a version ready for your Schengen visa file.
Best time to visit Switzerland
June to September is the season for lakes and green mountain trails, and the most popular time for families. December to March is ski and snow season. High peaks such as Jungfraujoch are cold even in summer, so pack warm clothes for that day.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich | Arrival, Bahnhofstrasse and the lake | Flight to Zurich (ZRH), then train | Hotel, Zurich |
| 2 | Zurich → Lucerne | Transfer, Chapel Bridge | Train (about 1 hour) | Hotel, Lucerne |
| 3 | Mt Titlis or Pilatus | Mountain excursion | Train and cable car | Hotel, Lucerne |
| 4 | Lucerne → Interlaken | Transfer, the two lakes | Panoramic train (about 2 hours) | Hotel, Interlaken |
| 5 | Jungfraujoch | Mountain summit trip | Mountain railway | Hotel, Interlaken |
| 6 | Interlaken → Geneva | Transfer, Jet d’Eau | Train (about 3 hours) | Hotel, Geneva |
| 7 | Montreux | Chillon Castle and the lake | Train | Hotel, Geneva |
| 8 | Geneva | Departure | Flight from Geneva (GVA) | — |
Getting around and rail passes
The train is the backbone of travel in Switzerland, and it runs on time. For a trip like this, compare buying individual tickets with the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers trains and public transport and gives a discount on some mountain railways. The Jungfraujoch railway is expensive, so book ahead and check the weather before going up, as visibility drops with cloud.
Visa and trip documents
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area even though it is outside the EU, and all nights here are in Switzerland, so you apply to the Swiss embassy. The general documents are in our guide to Schengen visa requirements. You stay in four cities, so make sure your hotel bookings connect without gaps, and that your flight reservation is multi-city: arriving in Zurich and departing from Geneva.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, with hotel bookings in all four cities and a multi-city flight reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in one city and travel daily?
Yes. Lucerne or Interlaken make a good base for day trips, and this simplifies the hotel bookings in your file.
Can I add Zermatt and the Matterhorn?
Yes, with two extra days between Interlaken and Geneva.
Is Switzerland expensive compared to other countries?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, which is why the visa officer checks that your bank statement really covers the trip.
