Seven days, three regions, the great classics without rushing: a proven itinerary from Zurich Airport via Lucerne, Interlaken and Grindelwald to Zermatt – with daily programmes, variations for winter and families, tips on train and transfer, and the question of whether to fly home via Zurich or Geneva.
A week is enough to fall in love with Switzerland – as long as you do not try to see everything. This itinerary focuses on three regions that together shape the image of Switzerland: Lucerne with its lake and mountains, the Jungfrau region with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn.
Each day has a main programme and enough breathing space. The trip works in summer and winter, with adjustments described at the end.
The plan at a glance
This is how the seven days break down:
| Day | Place | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich → Lucerne | Arrival, transfer to Lucerne, old town and lakeside promenade |
| 2 | Lucerne | Pilatus or Rigi, boat trip on Lake Lucerne |
| 3 | Lucerne → Grindelwald | Drive over the Brünig, afternoon in Grindelwald or Interlaken |
| 4 | Jungfrau region | Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe |
| 5 | Jungfrau region | Lauterbrunnen valley, Mürren or Schilthorn, alternatively a quiet day |
| 6 | Grindelwald → Zermatt | Drive to Valais, arrival in Zermatt |
| 7 | Zermatt → departure | Gornergrat in the morning, return to Zurich or Geneva |
Day 1: arrival and Lucerne
After landing in Zurich, the driver waits in the arrivals hall, and around an hour later you are on Lake Lucerne. Instead of dragging suitcases through two stations, the trip begins in a relaxed way. Spend the afternoon strolling across the Chapel Bridge, through the old town and along the lakeside promenade.
Everything about the drive is in Zurich Airport to Lucerne.
Day 2: Pilatus or Rigi
The second day belongs to one of Lucerne's local mountains. Pilatus can be reached by gondola from Kriens and in summer also by the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad – combined with a boat trip this makes the classic "Golden Round Trip". The Rigi is gentler and especially beautiful at sunset.
Which mountain suits you is compared in Jungfraujoch, Titlis or Pilatus?. If you would like a free day, Lucerne day trip has more ideas.
Day 3: over the Brünig to the Bernese Oberland
The drive from Lucerne to Grindelwald passes Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern, crosses the Brünig Pass and descends to Brienz and Interlaken. By transfer it takes around an hour and a half, by panoramic train a little longer. In the afternoon a ride up the Harder Kulm in Interlaken or a first stroll in Grindelwald is worthwhile.
Grindelwald is a good place to stay because from there you reach the Jungfraujoch quickly the next morning. Which village suits whom is explained in Jungfrau region for beginners.
Day 4: Jungfraujoch
The highlight of the trip: take the Eiger Express from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier and continue on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station. At the top you can enjoy the view of the Aletsch Glacier, the Ice Palace and the Sphinx terrace.
Plan a whole day, check the weather in the morning and reserve seats in advance in high season. If visibility is poor, it is worth moving the excursion to day 5 – that day is intended as a reserve.
Calculate the fixed price for your ride
Per vehicle, incl. VAT- Business ClassMercedes-Benz E-Class · up to 2 paxCHF 197.24
- Business & Family ClassMercedes-Benz V-Class · up to 7 paxCHF 235.22
- Premium ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class · up to 3 paxCHF 368.15
Fixed-price route ZRH → Lucerne (63.3 km). Luggage, arrival waiting time and child seats included.
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen, Mürren or a rest day
The Lauterbrunnen valley with its waterfalls is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. From there the train takes you to car-free Mürren and on to the Schilthorn with its revolving restaurant. If you prefer something quieter, take a boat trip on Lake Brienz or a hike above Grindelwald.
Day 6: to Valais and Zermatt
From Grindelwald the transfer travels via Spiez and Kandersteg, where the car boards the Lötschberg car train, into Valais and on to Täsch. Zermatt is car-free; the shuttle train takes you into the village in a few minutes. If you arrive in the afternoon, there is time for a first look at the Matterhorn.
Details on the last leg are in Zermatt transfer via Täsch.
Day 7: Gornergrat and the journey home
In the morning take the Gornergrat railway to over 3,000 metres, with views of the Matterhorn and the glaciers. Then the journey home begins. For the drive from Täsch to Zurich Airport we plan just under five hours; that works well for an evening flight but is too tight for a midday flight.
The more elegant solution is an open-jaw ticket flying home from Geneva, which is about the same distance from Zermatt. When that pays off is explained in Geneva or Zurich.
Transfer, train or both?
The plan works by train, by transfer or combined. For families and travellers with a lot of luggage we recommend transfers on travel days 1, 3, 6 and 7 and the train for excursions. That way you never carry suitcases through stations, and a Flex Pass often pays off for the excursion days.
How to combine pass and transfer is explained in Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?. You can set up all routes in the booking calculator individually or as stops.
Variations for winter and families
In winter swap the hikes for ski days: Grindelwald and Zermatt are excellent ski areas, and the Jungfraujoch is open all year. The Brünig Pass is passable in winter too; in heavy snowfall the driver takes the route via Bern.
With small children it is worth dropping one change of location and staying longer in one place instead, for example four nights in the Jungfrau region. Child seats are free with us.
Frequently asked questions about the 7-day itinerary
Is a week enough for Switzerland?
For three regions yes, if you do not try to do too much at once. For Ticino or Lake Geneva you need extra days.
Can I do the plan in reverse?
Yes. Arriving in Geneva, you start in Zermatt and fly home from Zurich.
Do I need a car?
No. Trains and transfers cover everything; Zermatt, Wengen and Mürren are car-free anyway.
When is the best time for this plan?
Mid-June to September for mountains and hiking, January to March for winter. More in Best time to visit Switzerland.
Can I book all transfers at once?
Yes. Book the rides one after the other with the respective hotels as pickup and destination addresses.
Book your first transfer now – fixed price per vehicle, luggage included.
Ready for your transfer?
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