4 days Switzerland - 3 itineraries from Geneva

Four days is a great amount of time to spend in Switzerland if you’ve never been here and want to get a taste of this beautiful country. It’ll just give you some time to see different places without having to rush too much. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following itineraries will help you with that process.

They are all doable within four days and have their starting point in Geneva. However, if you’d like to start in a different place, you can easily adapt your trip accordingly. Geneva is very well connected and can be reached from every other city in Switzerland. Especially those in western Switzerland like Lausanne, Fribourg, Montreux or even Bern.

You will notice that we only talk about travelling by public transport and not by car. Most itineraries are also possible by car, in case you decide to get a rental during your stay in Switzerland. But with our very dense network of trains and buses, there’s no real need to travel by car.

Of course, the choice is all yours.

Also, if you have more than four days available and see a Switzerland itinerary you like, you can easily stretch it out by spending an extra night at some of the places.

Happy planning!

• Public Transport in Switzerland
• The 10 most important railway passes for your trip in Switzerland
• Everything you need to know about train tickets in Switzerland

1. Itinerary with lots of mountains, lakes, cities, chocolate and cheese

Highlights on this itinerary

• Visit the wonderful Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
• Taste some delicious Swiss cheese and chocolate at the Gruyère and Cailler factories
• Travel parts of the scenic Golden Pass Line
• Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO), the capital of Switzerland

Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Lausanne.

This picturesque old town was built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. Move on to Montreux whenever you’re ready, drop your bags at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring Montreux.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head over to Lavaux. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle Guide

Day 2: Montreux - Gruyères / Broc - Montreux

After breakfast, catch the train to the very touristy yet wonderful, quaint little village of Gruyères. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon, which is your first leg to Gruyères, is served by regular regional trains as well as the famous Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can sometimes get a bit crowded. But like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a mediaeval village and cheese.

Lots of cheese!

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station and for a small entrance fee, you get to watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included.

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the village centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes. After exploring the hidden cobblestone alleys, checking out the castle and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler.

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a lot of free samples.

More than you thought you could handle.

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to spend the night by Lake Geneva.

Now, you do have the option to trade in the chocolate and cheese frenzy for some glacier action. Instead of heading to Gruyères, catch the train to Col-du-Pillon and visit Glacier 3000.

The 360-degree views are astonishing and if you’re brave enough, the Peak Walk across the suspension bridge is an experience you’ll likely never forget.

• Gruyère Cheese Factory
• Cailler Chocolate Factory
• Glacier 3000 Guide

Day 3: Montreux - Fribourg - Bern

Spend the morning covering some more ground in Montreux. Whenever you’re ready to move on, catch the train to Fribourg.

In Fribourg, follow the citywalk signs leading you through this mighty old town. The signs will lead you up and down some very steep alleyways, across ancient wooden bridges, down to the River Saane and past the city’s very own funicular. For an even better view of your surroundings, tackle the 365 steps to the tower of the Cathedral. The River Saane at the bottom of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a snack.

Once you’ve seen enough of this mediaeval town, catch the train to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

Getting to Bern from Fribourg takes less than half an hour. Spend the rest of the evening strolling through the UNESCO listed old town of Bern. For an impressive night view over Bern, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten.

• Best things to do in Fribourg

Day 4: Bern - Geneva

Today, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from. Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back up to Rosengarten for more views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

Oh the agony of choice...

Toward the end of the day, catch the train back to Geneva and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s largest city.

• Best things to do in Bern

Additional tips and information itinerary 1

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Montreux and Bern, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.
• When travelling from Montreux to Gruyères, you’ll need to transfer in Montbovon. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon is served by regular regional trains as well as the scenic Golden Pass Line. Since this section is often booked out, Golden Pass customer service recommends reserving a seat for this segment. However, if you catch the regional train, you don’t need to worry about that.
• You can also book the chocolate train, which will take you straight from Montreux to the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. This is also served by the Golden Pass Line.

2. Itinerary with the highlights of western Switzerland including lakes, cities and mountains

Highlights on this itinerary

• Walk through the picturesque vineyards of Nyon
• Explore the mediaeval city of Lausanne
• Hike to the Dent de Vaulion for some impressive Jura-views
• Have a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
• Enjoy some spectacular mountain views up at Glacier 3000

Day 1: Geneva - Nyon - Lausanne

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Nyon.

This mediaeval town by the shore of Lake Geneva is surrounded by a couple of charming vineyards. Follow the path through the vineyards to Nyon Castle to take in the view. After your lunch break, catch the train to Lausanne. Check in to your accommodation and make the most of your free Lausanne Transport Card.

Lausanne’s picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by numerous vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro.

To hear something interesting, head to the Cathedral between 10 pm and 2 am and observe the tower. Night guards have been shouting out the current time in the middle of the night from up there since 1405.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Best things to do in Lausanne

Day 2: Lausanne - Lac de Joux / Creux du Van - Lausanne

After breakfast, buy enough food for the day and head straight to Le Pont, a village in the Valleé de Joux. The train ride from Lausanne to the valley takes roughly an hour. Vallée de Joux is part of the Jura mountains and offers countless hiking options. In the centre of the valley, you’ll find a peaceful lake called Lac de Joux.

By far the most popular spot in the area is the distinctive mountain of Dent de Vaulion. Hiking the circular path from Le Pont takes around three hours. The views from Dent de Vaulion across the Vallée de Joux, all the way to Lake Geneva and way into France, make this place extra special.

Since you’ve got all day up here, spend as much time in the area as you like. Hang out by Lac de Joux, walk the path around the lake or do whatever else your heart desires. Whenever you feel like it, catch the train back to Lausanne and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

If you’re in for a bit of a challenge, we recommend hiking to Creux du Van instead. This natural, one-kilometre wide amphitheatre got its shape from constant erosion by water and ice. Marmots, mountain goats, deer and various birds inhabit this area.

The starting point of the hike is in Noiraigue, a village that takes roughly an hour and a half to reach from Lausanne. Hiking to Creux du Van is pretty tough and will take up to five hours. Spend as much time as you like at the amphitheatre before heading back to Noiraigue and Lausanne.

Of course, Switzerland gets its fair share of bad weather and we don’t suggest you do this hike if it’s raining. The rocks can get slippery and dangerous when they’re wet and we don’t want you to get hurt!

Day 3: Lausanne - Lavaux - Montreux

In the morning, cover some more ground in Lausanne before moving on to Montreux. Drop your luggage at your accommodation and head out again. Montreux has plenty to offer. Walk to the Promenade and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head in the opposite direction toward Vevey, where you’ll find a stunning riviera and many interesting museums. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle Guide

Day 4: Montreux - Glacier 3000 - Geneva

If you’ve come to Switzerland for the mountains, the glaciers, the views and the snow, today’s your day. Leave Montreux first thing in the morning and catch the train to Col-du-Pillon.

Hop on the cable car and enjoy the ride. At the top, you’ll be presented with the most astonishing 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see several huge players in the alpine scene like the Matterhorn, the Mont Blanc massif and the popular mountain-trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

If you’re brave enough, tackle the Peak Walk to Scex Rouge. This is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. Crossing this bridge is an experience you’ll likely never forget.

Whenever you’re ready, catch the train back to Montreux to grab your stuff before moving on to Geneva for the rest of the day.

• Glacier 3000

Additional tips and information itinerary 2

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lausanne and Montreux, you’ll receive a Transport Card that allows you to use local transport for free in both cities.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.
• If you’re interested, you can catch the passenger ship from Lausanne to Montreux instead of the train. There’s a direct connection leaving Lausanne around midday and takes just over an hour and a half.

3. Itinerary to the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps including the Matterhorn

Highlights on this itinerary

• Hike or ski until your feet fall off in Saas Fee
• Find yourself surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains
• Go on a hike at the base of the famous Matterhorn
• Check out the Gorner Glacier at Gornergrat
• Ride parts of the scenic Glacier Express Line

Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Zermatt

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Lausanne.

This picturesque old town was built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. The upcoming train ride into the mountains takes around three hours, so don’t spend too much time exploring Lausanne.

Between Visp and Zermatt, you’ll be completing the final leg of the Glacier Express Line. This ride is exceptionally scenic so make sure you have your camera within reach. Once you arrive in Zermatt, spend the rest of the day strolling through this little mountain town and enjoy the sight of the mighty Matterhorn.

Provided it’s not veiled in clouds.

Day 2: Free day in Zermatt

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular mountain views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt five-lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure, is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1.620 feet) across the valley.

Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see some mountains the easy way, we recommend heading up to Gornergrat. After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn.

Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

• Best things to do in Zermatt

Day 3: Zermatt - Saas-Fee

It’s up to you how much time you spend in Zermatt this morning. Do what you need to do before moving on to Saas-Fee.

Saas-Fee, also known as the pearl of the Alps, is surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains. As you arrive in this miraculous alpine village, you’ll find yourself in the midst of 13 mountains that are all over 4000 metres (13.120 feet) above sea level.

If you’re visiting during summer, your hiking options are nearly endless. Over 350 kilometres (217 miles) of hiking trails take you places you never even knew existed. And while we’re at it, don’t forget to look out for marmots during your hike. Your chances of spotting a couple of those cute, chubby alpine inhabitants aren’t too slim up here.

Swiss Glacier World, the self-announced highest playground in the world, might also be a place you’d like to visit. After all, who wouldn’t want to zipline across a glacier?

But Saas-Fee isn’t only interesting during hiking season. If you’re here in winter, you can absolutely ski or snowboard yourself silly. And with Saas-Fee being at such high altitude, you’ll partially be skiing on top of a glacier. Not something you get to do every day.

Over 150 kilometres (93 miles) of prepared slopes will keep you busy for as long as you please. And while other ski resorts have been struggling with a lack of snow these past few years – with global warming and all – you’re almost certain to find enough snow in Saas-Fee due to its high altitude.

Knock yourself out enjoying the mountain views, the snow, the hikes, the marmots and the fresh air.

• Best things to do in Saas-Fee

Day 4: Saas-Fee - Geneva

It’s really up to you how you plan out your day today. One option is to stay in Saas-Fee for a little while longer and keep hiking, looking for marmots, skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining across glaciers or whatever else it was you set your mind to.

Alternatively, if you’ve had enough of the thin air and are ready to head back down, stop over somewhere along the way back to Geneva.

The choice is yours.

Additional tips and information itinerary 3

• If you’re itching to get into the mountains and don’t care much for Lausanne, forget about that stopover and head straight to Zermatt. This will give you more time to explore everything the Swiss outdoors have to offer.
• The part between Brig and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave three times daily and are only for people with a reservation. But there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation. The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.

And this concludes our collection of four-day itineraries for Switzerland starting in Geneva. We hope you’ve been able to find something to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.