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5 days Switzerland - 4 itineraries from Geneva
Are you planning on spending five days in Switzerland and looking for your perfect itinerary? In this case, this selection of four itineraries will help you plan your trip. You’ll find different options for your five-day trip starting in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start somewhere along the way or in a different city.
Activities
Five days is a great length for a trip through Switzerland if you’ve never been here and want to get a feel for this beautiful country. This way, you’ll have enough time to see various places without feeling rushed. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following routes will help you along the way.
All of them can be done in five days and start from Geneva. However, if you'd prefer to start somewhere else, you can easily adjust your trip accordingly. Geneva is well connected and can be reached from any other city in Switzerland, especially from cities in the West like Lausanne, Montreux, Fribourg, or even Bern.
You’ll notice we’re only discussing travel using public transport and not by car. Most routes can also be done by car if you decide to rent one during your stay in Switzerland. But given our extensive train and bus network, traveling by car is really not necessary.
If you have more than five days available and see a route that you like, you can easily extend it by spending an extra night in some places.
Have fun planning!
1. Itinerary with all major highlights along Lake Geneva, cheese, chocolate and the Jura mountains
Highlights on this itinerary:
- Discover the highlights of Geneva, Switzerland’s second largest city
- Walk through the picturesque vineyards of Nyon
- Explore the mediaeval city of Lausanne
- Hike to the Dent de Vaulion for some impressive Jura-views
- Take a stroll along the picturesque Promenade in Montreux
- Have a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
Tag 1: Geneva - Nyon - Lausanne
In the morning, you can explore Geneva on your own, rent a free bike from "Genève Roule", or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some takeaway lunch and take the train to Nyon.
This medieval town by the shores of Lake Geneva is surrounded by charming vineyards. Follow the trail through the vines to Nyon Castle and enjoy the view. After your lunch break, catch the train to Lausanne. Check into your accommodation and use your free Lausanne Transport Card.
The picturesque old town of Lausanne is built on three hills and is surrounded by numerous vineyards. It is home to the International Olympic Committee and the only metro system in Switzerland.
If you want to hear something interesting, head to the cathedral between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM and watch the tower. Since 1405, watchmen have announced the current time from up there in the middle of the night.
Tag 2: Lausanne - Lac de Joux / Creux du Van - Lausanne
After breakfast, grab enough food for the day and head straight to Le Pont, a village in the Vallée de Joux. The train ride from Lausanne to the valley takes about an hour.
The Vallée de Joux is part of the Jura Mountains and offers countless hiking opportunities. In the middle of the valley, you'll find a lovely lake called Lac de Joux. The most popular spot in the area is the striking mountain Dent de Vaulion. The hike on the circular route from Le Pont takes about three hours.
The view from Dent de Vaulion stretches from the Vallée de Joux all the way to Lake Geneva and far into France. Since you have the whole day, you can spend as much time in the area as you like. Relax by Lac de Joux, walk the path around the lake, or do whatever your heart desires.
Once you're ready, you can take the train back to Lausanne and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.
If you're looking for a different challenge instead of visiting Lac de Joux, we recommend the hike to Creux du Van. Creux du Van is a natural amphitheater about 1,200 m wide that has retained its shape through constant erosion from water and ice. Marmots, mountain goats, deer, and various birds inhabit this area.
The starting point for the hike is in Noiraigue, a village about 1.5 hours from Lausanne. The hike to Creux du Van is quite strenuous and can take up to five hours. Spend as much time in the amphitheater as you want before returning to Noiraigue and Lausanne.
Of course, the weather in Switzerland can be unpredictable, and we recommend not doing this hike in the rain. The rocks can become slippery and dangerous when wet.
Tag 3: Lausanne - Lavaux - Montreux
Am Morgen erkundest du nochmals Lausanne, bevor du nach Montreux weiterfährst. Gib dein Gepäck in deiner Unterkunft ab und mach dich auf zur Seepromenade in Montreux, wo du die Freddie Mercury Statue vor der Markthalle sehen kannst.
Wenn dich Schlösser interessieren, solltest du das berühmte Schloss Chillon auf keinen Fall verpassen. Um dorthin zu gelangen, kannst du entweder die Promenade zu Fuß entlanggehen, einen Bus nehmen oder eines der regelmäßig fahrenden Passagierschiffe nutzen.
Selbst wenn du keine Lust hast, das Schloss zu besichtigen, empfehlen wir dir einen Besuch. Es ist ein schöner Ort, um am See zu entspannen und tolle Fotos zu machen.
Alternativ kannst du in die entgegengesetzte Richtung nach Vevey fahren, wo du eine atemberaubende Riviera und viele interessante Museen findest. Nur eine kurze Zugfahrt westlich von Montreux liegen die berühmten Lavaux-Weinberge, die zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe gehören. Um die herrliche Aussicht zu genießen, steig am besten in Cully oder Epesses aus und folge dem ausgeschilderten Wanderweg durch die Weinberge.
Tag 4: Montreux - Gruyères / Broc - Montreux
After breakfast, you’ll take the train to the very touristy but beautiful village of Gruyères. On the way to Gruyères, between Montreux and Montbovon, both regular regional trains and the panoramic Golden Pass Line trains run.
Since Gruyères is quite popular with tourists, it can get a bit crowded. But there’s a reason why every popular place attracts visitors, and in this case, that reason is a medieval village. And cheese.
A whole lot of cheese.
The Gruyère cheese factory is located just behind the train station. Here, you can watch how traditional Gruyère cheese is made. Samples are, of course, included. Once you’re done snacking, you can either take the bus or follow the path until you reach the center of Gruyères. This walk will take you about 20 minutes.
The main attraction in Gruyères is probably the castle, which is open to the public for an entrance fee of 12 CHF. However, the hidden cobblestone streets and countless souvenir shops are likely to entice you to stay longer than you expected.
After exploring Gruyères and perhaps picking up a souvenir or two, you can head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler. In this visitor center, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland. At the end of the tour, there’s a buffet where you can sample a vast array of chocolates. On the train ride back to Montreux, you can digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and look forward to the night by Lake Geneva.
You also have the option to swap the chocolate and cheese experience for a glacier visit. Instead of going to Gruyères, you can take the train to Col-du-Pillon and visit Glacier 3000.
The 360-degree view is breathtaking. And if you're brave enough, the Peak Walk across the suspension bridge is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Day 5: Montreux - Geneva
Today, you have several options to choose from. If you need a few more hours in Montreux, feel free to stay there in the morning. When you’re ready to head back to Geneva, you can either take the train or the passenger boat.
If you want to see something new, you can leave your bags at your accommodation and instead go on a city trip. Fribourg and Bern are both great options for a day trip from Montreux.
In Fribourg, follow the signs for the city tour that will guide you through the impressive old town. The signs will lead you through steep alleys, over old wooden bridges, down to the Saane River, and past the funicular railway. For an even better view of your surroundings, you should climb the 365 steps to the cathedral tower. The Saane River at the foot of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and grab a snack.
If you choose the capital of Switzerland, you can also head to Bern. Join a city tour or explore Bern on your own. Stroll through the old town, visit the Bear Park, check out the Federal Palace, and walk back to the Rosengarten to enjoy the view.
You can also visit the Gurten, the local mountain of Bern, observe the animals in the Dählhölzli Animal Park, or stop by the Botanical Garden. Take the lift at the train station and enjoy the view from the Grosse Schanze, or go for a swim in the Aare or at Weyermannshaus.
Head back to Montreux in the afternoon to pick up your luggage before continuing on to Geneva. If you take your luggage with you and store it at the train station in Fribourg or Bern, you can head straight to Geneva without returning to Montreux.
Additional tips and information for itinerary 1
- 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.
- When travelling from Montreux to Gruyères, you’ll need to transfer in Montbovon. If your budget allows, you can book the chocolate train that’ll take you straight from Montreux to the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. This is also served by the Golden Pass Line.
- 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.
2. Itinerary into the Alps with Switzerland’s highest peaks in Saas-Fee and Jungfraujoch in Interlaken
Highlights on this itinerary:
- Walk past the mighty jet d’eau and sit on the world’s longest bench in Geneva
- Spend a few hours exploring Lausanne by Lake Geneva
- Hike or ski until your feet fall off in Saas-Fee
- Find yourself surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains
- Go for a hike in the Jungfrau region in front of majestic mountain peaks
Tag 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Saas-Fee
In the morning, you can explore Geneva at your own pace, rent a free bike from "Genève Roule", or join a city tour. After the tour, grab a take-away lunch and hop on the train to Lausanne.
This picturesque old town is built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It is home to the International Olympic Committee and the only metro system in Switzerland. The upcoming train ride into the mountains takes about two and a half hours, so don't spend too much time in Lausanne.
Saas-Fee, also known as the “Pearl of the Alps”, is surrounded by Switzerland's highest mountains. When you arrive in this charming Alpine village, you'll find yourself amidst 13 peaks, all rising over 4,000 meters above sea level.
This can only mean one thing: you must love the great outdoors to come here…
Day 2: A Free Day in Saas-Fee
Get ready to breathe in nothing but fresh mountain air today. You'll probably spend a lot of time outside before the day winds down. If you're visiting in summer, your hiking options are nearly endless. Over 350 kilometers of trails will take you to places you never even knew existed.
While you're at it, be sure to keep an eye out for marmots during your hike. Your chances of spotting a few of these cute alpine critters are quite good up here.
The Swiss Glacier World, the highest playground in the world, is another spot you might want to check out. Who wouldn't want to zip-line over a glacier?
But Saas-Fee isn't just interesting during the hiking season. If you come in winter, you can really get your fill of skiing or snowboarding. And since Saas-Fee is so high up, you’ll even get to ski on a glacier. That’s not something you experience every day.
With over 150 kilometers of groomed slopes, you can keep busy for as long as you like. While other ski areas have struggled with snow shortages in recent years, Saas-Fee almost always has enough snow thanks to its altitude.
Enjoy the views of the mountains, the snow, the hikes, the marmots, and the fresh air.
Day 3: Saas-Fee - Interlaken
Once again, you decide how to plan out your day today. One option is to stay in Saas-Fee for a little while longer. Keep hiking, looking for marmots, skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining across glaciers or whatever else you’ve set your mind to.
Alternatively, if you’ve had enough of the thin air and are ready to head back down, travel onward to the adrenaline-packed and popular town of Interlaken.
Spend the rest of today in this conveniently located place between two stunning and crystal clear lakes. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Activities are endless and you’ve got all day tomorrow to explore Interlaken and its surroundings.
Since your options in this area are so plentiful, check tomorrow’s suggestions to see if you find something to tick off the list this afternoon already. Maybe you fancy a short trip to Lauterbrunnen or a ride up Harder Kulm for some great views?
Day 4: Free Day in Interlaken
You have more activities to choose from today than you can imagine. It depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky's the limit.
Or is it?
Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning, and jet boating are popular activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.
A slightly more relaxing option is a ride on a passenger boat on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. On both lakes, you'll be treated to stunning views, and you’ll wish you never had to leave. If you want to make a stop on one of the boat trips, you can either get off at Giessbach (Lake Brienz), at the St. Beatus Caves, or in Spiez (Lake Thun).
The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent place for hikers. The number of hiking trails is nearly endless. Regardless of your fitness level and ambitions, you'll find something to your taste here.
Of course, the famous Jungfraujoch—also known as the Top of Europe—is the number one destination that everyone wants to see. You'll take the Jungfrau Railway up to the highest railway station in Europe and find yourself amid impressive mountains and glaciers.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Jungfraujoch, we recommend visiting the Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First, or the Männlichen instead. The rides to these mountains and the views from the summits won’t disappoint you.
Other attractions in and around Interlaken include: the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, the chocolate workshop at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee, and the Aare Gorge. And let’s not forget the charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen, or Grindelwald.
We could keep going on forever. But you’d probably just end up being annoyed that you’re not spending the whole week here.
Day 5: Interlaken - Geneva
You probably didn’t get to do everything you set your mind to yesterday. This is why you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Interlaken today. Do what you need to do before heading back to Geneva in the late afternoon or evening. The train ride from Interlaken to Geneva takes roughly three hours. So unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.
Additional tips and information for itinerary 2
- If you’re itching to get into the mountains and don’t care much for Lausanne, forget about that stopover and head straight to Saas-Fee. This will give you more time to explore everything the Swiss outdoors have to offer.
- Upon check-in at your accommodation in Interlaken, you’ll receive an Interlaken Visitor Card that allows you to use local transport for free and gives you additional discounts on attractions and activities.
3. Itinerary across Switzerland with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Highlights on this itinerary:
- Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO)
- Travel to Europe’s longest freshwater beach by Lake Morat
- Eat lots of Ragusa and Torino at the chocolate factory in Courtelary
- Stroll through the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds (UNESCO)
- Admire the Abbey District in St. Gallen (UNESCO)
- Discover the highlights of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city
Tag 1: Geneva - Bern
In the morning, you can explore Geneva on your own, rent a free bike from "Genève Roule", or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab a take-away lunch and take the train to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
In this charming city, which is recognized by UNESCO, you have plenty of options for activities. Join a city tour or wander around Bern at your own pace. Stroll through the old town, walk to the Bear Park, check out the Federal Palace, or head back to the Rose Garden for more stunning views of the area.
You can also visit the Gurten—Bern's local mountain—watch the animals at Dählhölzli Zoo, or stop by the Botanical Garden. Take the lift at the train station and enjoy the view from the Grosse Schanze, or go swimming in the Aare or at Weyermannshaus.
You’re sure to find enough options to keep you busy in the afternoon. In the evening, we recommend heading up to the Rose Garden for an impressive view of the city.
Tag 2: Bern - Murten - Neuchâtel - Bern
After breakfast, take the train to the charming little town of Murten. The journey only takes half an hour, and you won't even need to change trains. Murten is tiny, and you won't need long to explore the town. Stroll through the historic old town and stretch your legs by the lake.
The area around Murten is perfect for biking, hiking, swimming, or simply enjoying the lake.
By the way, at Lake Murten in Salavaux, you'll find the longest freshwater sandy beach in Europe. This might not impress anyone who grew up by the sea, but for a landlocked country like Switzerland, it's quite remarkable.
Once you're done exploring Murten, hop on the next train to Neuchâtel. Spend the afternoon discovering this beautiful city with its lake views and steep streets. If you're looking for even more amazing views, you should head up to Chaumont, the local mountain of Neuchâtel.
The funicular takes you from Le Coudre to the summit. From there, you can hike down to Cressier via Trois Cheminées. A bus will bring you back to Neuchâtel from Cressier. Alternatively, you can take a walk in Chaumont and ride the funicular back down.
At the end of the day, you can return to Bern and spend another night in the Swiss capital.
Tag 3: Bern - La Chaux-de-Fonds - Bern - St. Gallen
Your second day in Bern starts off just like yesterday. You have breakfast and head out. After you’ve stowed your luggage either at your accommodation or at the train station, this time you’re off to La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel.
Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, was born here. And since this city was the center of the Swiss watch industry for over 100 years, it’s only fitting that the International Watch Museum is located here.
Another distinctive feature of La Chaux-de-Fonds, apart from the watches, is its chessboard layout. When the city was destroyed by fire in the 19th century and had to be rebuilt from scratch, the unusual layout that you see today emerged.
On your way back to Bern, be sure to stop by Courtelary.
This unassuming little village is not as innocent as it seems. It’s the home of Camille Bloch, the company behind Ragusa and Torino, which we believe are two of the best Swiss chocolate brands.
The Camille Bloch Visitor Center is a fantastic place where you can buy all kinds of delicious chocolate creations. The exhibition not only tells you all about the ups and downs of the family business since its founding in 1926, but there’s also a tasty demo station where two chocolatiers make Ragusa and Torino chocolate right before your eyes. Of course, you can taste the result just minutes after it cools.
Take your time enjoying the chocolate before you head back to Bern. Pick up your bags and catch the train to St. Gallen. There’s a direct train that will take you to Eastern Switzerland in just over two hours.
Day 4: Free Day in St. Gallen
Today, you have the luxury of choosing from many activities and sights. On one hand, you can stay in St. Gallen.
Start your day by exploring the old town. With the UNESCO-protected Abbey district, its magnificent cathedral and the impressive abbey library, this city has a lot to offer.
Don’t miss the recreational area "Drei Weieren." You can reach it either by the Mühlegg funicular or on foot via one of the many stairs. Alternatively, you could visit the Peter & Paul wildlife park or quench your cultural thirst in one of the many museums.
By far the best place to relax is at the "Drei Weieren." Here, you can go swimming or take a walk through the forest. Plus, you have a fantastic view over the entire city, Lake Constance, and even as far as Germany.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to head into the mountains, you can also visit the nearby Alpstein mountain range. Take the train to Wasserauen and hike up to Seealpsee, one of the three lakes in the Alpstein massif. Spend some time at this peaceful spot before you hike up to Ebenalp.
On your way to Ebenalp, you'll pass by a place that might look familiar. The famous restaurant Äscher. Since it was featured in National Geographic and on Ashton Kutcher's Instagram, it has been practically overwhelmed by its own success.
Unfortunately, this has caused it to lose some of its former charm. However, the Äscher is still a must-see spot to grab a few photos and take a break.
At Ebenalp, you can choose to hike back to Wasserauen or take the cable car. If you’re still not done after this long day, you could stop in Appenzell on your way back to St. Gallen.
If you get off in Appenzell and are brave enough, check out the little cheese shop at Hauptgasse 13. But be warned, the pungent cheese smell will knock you over. Your feet can’t compete with that smell, not even after being trapped in your hiking boots all day long… 🙂
Oh, and make sure you don’t miss out on a delicious piece of Appenzeller Biber. This is a traditional local sweet made of gingerbread and a honey-almond filling. And just to answer your question: No, this Biber doesn’t have any famous Canadian relatives…
If you like beer, you should definitely stop by the Locher brewery. They produce the popular Quöllfrisch beer, which is enjoyed all over Switzerland.
Lake Constance is also easily accessible from St. Gallen. You can reach the shores of this beautiful lake in just half an hour. Whatever you decide to do today, make sure to come back to St. Gallen for your second night in the evening.
Day 5: St. Gallen - Zürich - Geneva
Today you've got quite a journey ahead, as you’ll be crossing the entire country in one day. But don’t fret. In a small country like Switzerland, it sounds more dramatic than it really is.
On your way back to Geneva, you can make a stop in Zürich and spend a few hours exploring the largest city in Switzerland. Stow your bags at the train station and set off. Take a stroll along the bustling Bahnhofstrasse and walk to Lindenhof, where you’ll have a fantastic view of the old town. Continue to Lake Zürich at Bellevue, visit the Grossmünster, and wander through Niederdörfli, a part of the old town.
The train ride from Zürich to Geneva takes just under three hours. Head out whenever you want, and spend the rest of the evening exploring the second-largest city in Switzerland.
Additional tips and information for itinerary 3
- Upon check-in at your accommodation in Bern and St. Gallen, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free. In the case of St. Gallen, this includes transport all the way to Lake Constance.
- If you decide to go on a hike in the Alpstein, please make sure you wear sturdy shoes. A pair of sneakers isn’t enough for certain trails, so please be careful.
- Since you’ll be travelling across Switzerland twice and also using the train a fair bit on your day trips from Bern, we highly suggest you buy a travel pass. Be that an Interrail, Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass.
- Access to the Clock Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds and the Abbey Library in St. Gallen is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
4. Itinerary for nature lovers with Lake Geneva and two full days in Interlaken and in the Alps
Highlights on this itinerary:
- Spend a few hours exploring Lausanne and Montreux by Lake Geneva
- Visit the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
- Ride parts of the scenic Golden Pass Line between Montreux and Interlaken
- Discover everything Switzerland stands for in Interlaken: lakes, mountains, rivers, and ravishing landscapes
- Visit Jungfraujoch - also known as the Top of Europe
Tag 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux
In the morning, you can explore Geneva on your own, rent a free bike from "Genève Roule," or join a city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and catch a train to Lausanne.
This picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee and the only metro in Switzerland. When you're ready, continue on to Montreux, drop off your luggage at your accommodation, and spend the rest of the day exploring Montreux.
If you're interested in castles, don't miss a visit to the famous Château de Chillon. To get there, you can either walk along the promenade, take a bus, or hop on one of the regularly scheduled passenger boats.
Even if you’re not up for a castle visit, we recommend making a detour to spend some time by the lake. It’s a great place to relax and take plenty of beautiful photos.
Alternatively, you can head in the opposite direction to Lavaux to explore the vineyards. Just a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To enjoy the stunning views, it's best to get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the marked hiking trail through the vineyards.
Day 2: Montreux - Interlaken
You’re in for plenty of scenic treats today. Spend a few more hours in and around Montreux in the morning before moving on. Leave the Lake Geneva region and start your climb up into the Alps on the Golden Pass Line. After a couple of tunnels, you’ll arrive in the Bernese Oberland, our favourite part of the whole train journey.
This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.
Even if you don’t have enough time to get off along the way, the ride through this picturesque area is something you probably won’t forget anytime soon. After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in Zweisimmen, where you’ll need to transfer to another train.
The last leg of the journey takes you past Spiez and Lake Thun before you finally arrive in Interlaken. Spend whatever you have left of the day exploring this popular town and get ready for a couple of days in this adrenaline and scenery-packed destination.
Days 3 and 4: Free Days in Interlaken
You have more activities to choose from over the next two days than you can imagine. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-fueled place like Interlaken, the sky's the limit.
If at all!
Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning, and jet boating are popular activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.
A slightly more relaxed option is a boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. On both lakes, you'll be spoiled with incredible views, and you might wish you never had to leave. If you want to make a stop on one of the boat trips, you can get off either in Giessbach (Lake Brienz), at the St. Beatus Caves, or in Spiez (Lake Thun).
The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent place for hikers. The number of hiking trails is virtually limitless. Regardless of your fitness level or ambitions, you'll find something to suit your taste.
Of course, the famous Jungfraujoch—also known as the Top of Europe—is the number one destination everyone wants to see. Taking the Jungfrau Railway, you ascend to the highest railway station in Europe, surrounded by impressive mountains and glaciers.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Jungfraujoch, we recommend visiting Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First, or Männlichen instead. The journeys to these peaks and the view from the summit will not disappoint.
Other attractions in and around Interlaken include: the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, the chocolate factory at the Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee, or the Aare Gorge. And let's not forget the charming towns and villages of Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen, or Grindelwald.
We could go on forever here. But we think you'd just be annoyed that you can't spend the whole week here.
Day 5: Interlaken - Geneva / Zurich
You probably didn’t get to do everything you set your mind to these past two days. This is why you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Interlaken today. Do what you need to do before heading back to Geneva in the late afternoon or evening. The train ride from Interlaken to Geneva takes roughly three hours and unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.
Or, if you’re leaving Switzerland from Zurich, head that way instead. The fastest connection leads through Bern and takes two hours. However, if you have time and fancy completing the Golden Pass Line, you have the option to travel to Zurich through Lucerne instead. This will take you an extra hour but is way more scenic than the journey through Bern.
Additional tips and information for itinerary 4
- Upon check-in at your accommodation in Montreux and Interlaken, you’ll receive transport card that allows you to use local transport for free and gives you additional discounts on attractions and activities.
- 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.
- You can complete the Golden Pass journey without making a reservation. However, the Golden Pass customer service recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get pretty busy during high season.
And this concludes our collection of five-day itineraries for Switzerland starting in Geneva. We hope you’ve been able to find something to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.