6 days Switzerland - 3 itineraries from Geneva

Although Switzerland may be small, there’s more than enough to see and do for six days. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following itineraries will help you with that process.

They are all doable within six 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 six days available and see an 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 through French Switzerland with chocolate, cheese, wine and the Matterhorn

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Explore the beautiful cities of Nyon, Lausanne and Montreux by Lake Geneva
• Hike to the Dent de Vaulion for some impressive Jura-views
• Have a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
• Visit Maison Cailler and fill up on Swiss chocolate
• Check out the Chillon Castle by Lake Geneva
• Hike in front of the mighty Matterhorn in 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 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

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!

• Best things to do in Lausanne

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 - 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 5: Montreux - Zermatt

It’s time to venture into the mountains today. So leave Montreux whenever you’re ready and head to Zermatt. You’ve got all day to explore this popular mountain town. 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 that will take your breath away. 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 (1620 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 6: Zermatt - Geneva

There’s certainly more than one day’s worth of things to do and see in Zermatt. Which means today is the perfect time to tick off anything you didn’t get to yesterday. Once you’re ready to leave the alpine air, catch the train back to Geneva.

Additional tips and information 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.
• 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.
• 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 have enough time and love being on the lake, you can catch the passenger ship from Lausanne to Geneva. This will take almost four hours but you can get off along the way and transfer to the train anytime.
• The part between Brig and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave Zermatt and St. Moritz 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.

2. Itinerary with five city trips, the Alps, the Jura mountains and three lakes

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Visit the old towns of Bern (UNESCO), Morat and Neuchâtel
• Walk along Europe’s longest freshwater beach
• Challenge yourself to the Peak Walk at Glacier 3000
• Spend two nights in the Bernese Alps in Gstaad
• Travel back in time at the magnificent Château de Chillon
• Enjoy the best of Lake Geneva

Day 1: Geneva - Bern

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

In this charming UNESCO listed city, 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.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for the afternoon. In the evening, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten for some impressive night views.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Best things to do in Bern

Day 2: Bern - Morat - Neuchâtel - Bern

After breakfast, catch the train and venture to the quaint little town of Morat. This ride will only take you half an hour and you won’t even need to transfer. Morat itself is tiny and won’t take you long to figure out. Spend a few moments strolling through its historic town centre and stretch your legs by the lake.

This area is perfect for biking, hiking, swimming or just hanging out by the lake as well.

By the way, you’ll find Europe’s longest freshwater beach at Lake Morat in Salavaux. This might not impress anyone who grew up by the sea, but for a land-locked country like Switzerland, this is a big deal...

Once you’ve seen enough of Morat, travel on to Neuchâtel. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city with its lake views and steep alleyways. For some additional great views, head up to Chaumont, Neuchâtel’s backyard mountain.

The funicular leaves from Le Coudre and takes you to the summit. From the summit, you can hike down to Cressier via Trois Cheminées. From Cressier, the bus will take you back to Neuchâtel. Alternatively, go for a walk around Chaumont and catch the funicular back down.

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Bern and enjoy another night in Switzerland’s capital.

• Best things to do in Morat

Day 3: Day trip from Bern

Bern is conveniently located in close proximity to a variety of breathtaking destinations. For one, there’s Thun and Interlaken, which are two wonderful places to visit for some spectacular lake and mountain views.

If you’re into mountain lakes, you’re in luck, too. Lake Oeschinensee and Blausee are both within reach from Bern and more than worth a trip. The crystal clear water in both lakes will leave you breathless.

Only half an hour west of Bern lies the mediaeval city of Fribourg. If you decide to head over there, 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.

Technically, you could take this even further and head to Gruyères and Broc for some typical Swiss cheese and chocolate. Whatever you end up doing today and whenever you’re ready, head back to Bern for your last night in the city.

• Best things to do in Fribourg
• Best things to do in Thun
• Best things to do in Interlaken
• Lake Thun - best attractions and prices

Day 4: Bern - Gstaad

You’re probably ready to leave Bern by now. So grab your bags in the morning and hop on the train to Gstaad. You’re in for plenty of scenic treats today. From Spiez to Zweisimmen and onward to Gstaad, you’ll be travelling on the Golden Pass Line. This popular scenic train route connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.

After your second transfer in Zweisimmen, the climb through the Bernese Oberland towards Gstaad begins. 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.

This is why you’ll be spending two nights up here. Get off in Gstaad, check into your accommodation and head out to explore the Alps. Your hiking options are endless. Find a hike that suits your fitness level and enjoy the views. By the way, Lake Lauenensee is only one of the popular places you can visit up here.

In the evening, if you decide to wander through Gstaad, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. This place is a playground for the rich and famous. Much like St. Moritz.

Day 5: Gstaad - Glacier 3000 - Gstaad

If there was ever a day when you needed your camera, it’s today. The mountain panorama awaiting you at your destination is unparalleled, so make sure your battery is fully charged.

The destination we're talking about is the impressive Glacier 3000, which is very easy to access from Gstaad. After a 35-minute bus ride to Col-du-Pillon, you’ll find yourself at the base of some seriously impressive mountains.

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.

Depending on what time you arrive back in Gstaad, spend a couple more hours strolling through the town or set out on another hike before enjoying one more night in the Bernese Alps.

• Glacier 3000

Day 6: Gstaad - Montreux - Geneva

Time to say goodbye to this beautiful region. Catch the Golden Pass train after breakfast and continue your scenic journey to Montreux, where you have a couple of hours before travelling back to Geneva. Head to the Promenade of Montreux 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.

Head back to Geneva toward the end of the day and spend the evening in Switzerland’s second largest city.

Additional tips and information itinerary 2

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Bern, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• The Golden Pass Line is fully covered by the Interrail and Eurail Passes as well as the Swiss Travel Pass.
• 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.
• 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.

3. Itinerary along Lake Geneva and to Interlaken for adventurers and mountain enthusiasts

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 - aka the Top of Europe
• Take a stroll through Bern, the capital of Switzerland (UNESCO)
• Visit the Camille Bloch chocolate factory in Courtelary

Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a free walking 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 - 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’ve got more activities to choose from today than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

If even that...

Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning and jet boating are all popular activities that will get your adrenaline flowing.

Another option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either Giessbach (Lake Brienz), the Saint Beatus Caves or Spiez (Lake Thun).

The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is nearly endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody wants to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe. If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly experience, we suggest looking into visiting Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First or Männlichen instead. The rides up to these mountains and the views from the top won’t disappoint you.

Other places of interest in and around Interlaken are: the open-air museum Ballenberg, the chocolate workshops at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee or the Aare Gorge.

And let’s not forget those charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.

We could go on forever here but we guess this would only make you hate that you don’t have all week here.

• Best things to do in Interlaken
• 12 Tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch
• Mount Schilthorn Piz Gloria
• Schynige Platte - Top of Swiss Tradition
• Skydive Interlaken - why you shouldn’t miss it
• Ballenberg open-air museum

Day 5: Interlaken - Bern

We’re assuming you 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.

However, if you happen to have ticked off everything on your Interlaken bucket list, move on to Bern. In this charming UNESCO listed city, 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 to Rosengarten for the 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.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for however long you have left of the day after arriving from Interlaken. In the evening, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten for some impressive night views.

• Best things to do in Bern

Day 6: Bern - Courtelary - Geneva

In the morning, spend a couple of hours covering some more ground in Bern. Once you’re done, grab your bags and get ready for some chocolate action in Courtelary. This inconspicuous little village isn’t as innocent as it seems. It’s home to Camille Bloch, the company behind Ragusa and Torino. In our opinion some of the best Swiss chocolate brands.

Their visitors’ centre is a fantastic place to buy all different kinds of their delicious chocolate creations. And their exhibition doesn’t stop at telling you about the ups and downs of this family business since its early beginnings in 1926.

It also includes a mouth-watering demo station where two chocolatiers make Ragusa and Torino bars right in front of you. Needless to say you’ll be able to taste their mouth watering outcome only minutes after it’s cooled off.

Take your time enjoying some of the best chocolate before continuing your trip back to Geneva.

• Camille Bloch chocolate factory

Additional tips and information itinerary 3

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Montreux, Interlaken and Bern, 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 six-day itineraries for Switzerland starting in Geneva. We hope you’ve been able to find something to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.