How to Plan a Dreamy 5 Days in Switzerland Itinerary
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IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Wondering how to experience the best of Switzerland without a month-long sabbatical? This 5-day itinerary showcases the country’s top highlights—Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and the Swiss Alps—all in one perfectly paced loop from Zurich, ideal for travelers short on time.
Here's a secret most guides won't tell you: five days is actually the sweet spot for exploring this Alpine paradise—especially if you’ve got limited time to work with. With Switzerland's incredibly efficient train system and compact towns, you can go from urban sophistication to mountain majesty in less time than it takes to watch The Sound of Music.
I've guided countless travelers through this exact adventure, and they're always amazed at how much you can pack in without feeling rushed. From paragliding over Interlaken's turquoise lakes to scaling a mountain via cable car in waterfall-filled Lauterbrunnen, this carefully curated Switzerland 5 day itinerary hits all the highlights while leaving room for those spontaneous moments that make your trip unforgettable.
5 Days Switzerland Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a brief overview of the detailed 5 day Switzerland itinerary, beginning and ending in Zurich, that you’ll find below:
This itinerary assumes you land in Zurich the morning of your first day and fly out the evening of your fifth and final day. If that’s not possible depending on your point of origin, you’ll likely require 6 days away.
Day 1: Zurich to Lauterbrunnen - Your Swiss Adventure Begins!
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Lauterbrunnen 2 Day Itinerary
Assuming you’re traveling from another country to Switzerland by air, you’re best suited to fly into Zurich. This is the closest airport to Lauterbrunnen, where you’ll be heading soon after you arrive.
This itinerary takes advantage of the fact that you’ll be most energized when you arrive, fueled by the excitement of your upcoming alpine adventure. Use that adrenaline to commute to the furthest town—Lauterbrunnen—then slowly work your way back to Switzerland’s largest city over the remaining four days.
Bern is technically closer to Lauterbrunnen but has limited international arrivals, so it’s unlikely to be a feasible airport for you to fly into. Geneva Airport is another international option, though it takes longer to reach Lauterbrunnen from there. As you may have already deduced, there is no Lauterbrunnen airport—and therefore no direct flights to Lauterbrunnen.
Efficient, punctual public transportation is without a doubt the best way to travel through Switzerland. Going this route saves you the hassle of navigating—and parking—rental vehicles in tiny mountain towns. Robust transit routes from Zurich mean a car is entirely unnecessary for this 5-day Switzerland itinerary. Instead, purchase the 6-day Swiss Travel Pass to save money and avoid having to secure individual tickets for every ride.
Traveling from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen takes nearly three hours across three different train lines, so you’ll likely arrive in the Bernese Oberland late in the afternoon. Use the remaining daylight to explore the quaint town of Lauterbrunnen. Home to 72 cascading waterfalls, the valley’s signature fall is visible as soon as you step out of the train station.
Learn the ins and outs of commuting by train, bus, and gondola with the Swiss Travel Pass in this Lauterbrunnen transit guide detailing routes between Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken.
You can’t visit Lauterbrunnen without snapping a flick of Staubbach Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. This thundering wall of water sits at the end of a charming stroll through town, with an optional mini hike leading behind the falls.
Once your stomach starts rumbling, grab fondue for dinner in town. With deep cultural roots in Switzerland—where cheese has been a culinary cornerstone for centuries—this hearty dish is the perfect way to warm up after a long day of travel.
I’m partial to Hotel Oberland as one of the best Lauterbrunnen restaurants with a view, but you can find this classic Swiss dish at most spots in town.
After dinner, check into your accommodations and call it a night. While you could stay directly in town, I discovered the most magical youth hostel in Lauterbrunnen before my trip and quite literally planned my whole itinerary around staying there. Its cozy common areas are perfect for connecting with other adventurous travelers.
If the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll need to add two more legs to your commute, as this secluded cabin is only accessible by cable car—and getting to the cable car inconveniently requires a bus ride from town.
Staying in Gimmelwald comes with the added benefit of being able to use the last few hours of daylight to explore this fairytale, car-free village full of traditional Swiss chalets. Listen to the gentle chime of cowbells drifting over green pastures before grabbing a nightcap at rustic Hotel Pension.
Day 2: Lauterbrunnen - Ascend the Schilthorn!
Spend your second day in Lauterbrunnen working from the mountaintop back down to the valley. Yes, there’s a method to the madness.
The Schilthorn is the summit of the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps lying north of the Sefinenfurgge Pass. As you travel down from the peak, stop at Birg, Mürren, and Gimmelwald—in that order—until you reach the final Stechelberg cable car station at the base of the valley.
Visit this panoramic peak in the morning to ensure clear views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau summits. Pack warm layers for the high-altitude chill, as these mountains remain snow-capped even in summer. Brunch is available at the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant, which still features substantial 007-themed attractions after its appearance in the Bond classic On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
After breakfast, descend to the next cable car stop at Birg, where the free Thrill Walk serves as the main attraction. Challenge your fear of heights on this death-defying cliffside walkway suspended above the valley, with a tightrope section and glass floors that highlight just how far above the ground you are.
Mürren is the next stop along the cable car route, where I recommend incorporating some physical activity into your itinerary with an easygoing hike. The Northface Trail is quintessential Switzerland—stunning mountain vistas, tiny villages with rustic cabins nestled in the hills, and flower-filled alpine meadows line this entire route.
Depart from Mürren and either follow the full 4.6-mile loop, which ends with a funicular ride, or detour to the Sprutz Waterfall and finish the hike in Gimmelwald. I chose the latter and highly recommend it, since waterfalls are specifically what this area is known for!
Big on cascading water? Discover how to find the three top waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen—including the Sprutz Waterfall—that you need to see to believe.
Even if you’re not staying there, grab a pint and a slice from the Mountain Hostel for lunch. Build-your-own, wood-fired pizza is their specialty, and the jaw-dropping mountain views served on the side are completely complimentary.
If you haven’t stepped foot in Gimmelwald yet, take this time to explore the family-run B&Bs and sheep farms that dot this charming chalet community. The Honesty Shop is a personal favorite of mine; it relies entirely on visitors’ integrity to leave the correct payment for any souvenirs taken.
At this point, we were exhausted and hit the hay after lounging around the property, playing cards with fellow Lauterbrunnen travelers.
If you still have some fuel left in the tank, take the cable car back down and hop on the bus to Trümmelbach Falls. These ten glacial, subterranean waterfalls roar through a network of tunnels and caverns you can explore for the modest fee of 16 CHF.
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken - Cruise Around the Lake
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Interlaken 2 Day Itinerary
Begin your third day in Switzerland with a quick breakfast to prepare for the commute to Interlaken. Fortunately, this ride is much shorter than your initial trek to the Bernese Oberland, with 20-minute trains running between the two towns throughout the day.
If you’re staying at the Mountain Hostel, breakfast is included in your nightly rate as a sizable brunch spread. Wake up early for the best selection. Just note that lodging in Gimmelwald means factoring in another cable car and bus ride with your luggage before hopping on the train to Interlaken.
Once you've dropped your bags at your hotel—I loved staying at Hotel de la Paix for those killer mountain views—head straight to Höheweg.
This main commercial street in Interlaken offers the perfect chance to indulge in some retail therapy after spending the last two days in a relatively remote getaway, plus you can watch paragliders land in Höhematte Park.
Spend the rest of the day cruising around one of the lakes that give Interlaken its name: Brienzersee. Bistro Pistache is a cute counter-service café next to the Interlaken Ost terminal where you can grab a quick bite for lunch before hopping on the ferry.
Stay on the historic steamboat for about an hour until the seventh stop at Brienz. Along the way, you’ll pass the cascading Giessbach Falls pouring into the turquoise lake below.
Arrive at Brienz, an authentic wood-carving village on the eastern shore of the lake. With its picturesque streets and traditional Swiss houses, this dreamy town is a delight to wander through in any direction.
For a lakeside stroll, you’ll find public folding chairs stored along the shore for anyone to use. Don’t miss Brunngasse—the most romantic corner of Brienz—which once earned the title of the ‘most beautiful street in Europe.’
Train back to Interlaken instead of taking the ferry for a more efficient 30-minute ride, then grab a sweet treat from Vanini Swiss Chocolate. When visiting Switzerland, you have to try coveted Swiss chocolate in some form—and Vanini caters to all tastes with truffles, candies, pralines, and delicious gourmet gelato goodies.
Day 4: Interlaken - Climb Castles in Thun
Spend your fourth day exploring Thun, the most prominent town along the second lake that borders Interlaken. While you could take the ferry again, it’s essentially the same experience after your first ride—and the journey to Thun is even longer at 2 hours and 10 minutes. I’ll take the 30-minute train ride, please!
Your first stop is Mühleschleuse, a sluice bridge that creates an epic standing wave locals surf all day long. This phenomenon is only possible in spring—when snowmelt and runoff are at their peak—and during my late-May visit the water was still raging at this coveted surf spot.
Afterward, head to medieval Thun Castle, where you can take in sweeping views of the town from the castle’s turrets. Nowhere else in my travels have I had the chance to actually climb into the towers of a 12th-century castle, so I’d say this is a truly one-of-a-kind experience unique to Thun!
On your way out, walk down Kirchtreppe to see a lovely painting of knights on the underside of this wooden pavilion. Following this walkway downhill will bring you to Obere Hauptgasse, a two-level commercial lane lined with bars, boutiques, and cafés to explore.
If none of the restaurants here catch your eye, return to the riverside square, Mühleplatzand grab a table at Del Padre to experience the best Italian cuisine in the Bernese Oberland.
A visit to Switzerland’s adventure capital would be incomplete without a paragliding excursion, so head back to your hotel in Interlaken and prepare to take to the skies.
Although we booked our experience with Paragliding Interlaken, there are a host of companies offering similar flights around town. While these adrenaline junkie trips are a bit pricey, soaring above Interlaken with the snow-capped Jungfrau massif as your backdrop is absolutely unreal—and I’d say well worth the money.
Day 5: Interlaken to Zurich - Chocolate Heaven
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Zurich 1 Day Itinerary
And just like that, your Swiss adventure has almost come to a close! Spend your last day in this alpine land by taking the train back to Zurich before enjoying your final precious hours in Switzerland’s largest city.
It’s only a 2-hour, 15-minute ride from Interlaken to Zurich, and assuming you’re flying out the next morning, you’ll need a convenient place to spend the night. I enjoyed Hotel Limmathof for its central location and easy access to major public transit routes.
Once you’re settled, head to one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious shopping streets: Bahnhofstrasse. If you’re hoping to purchase a high-quality timepiece from one of Switzerland’s prestigious watchmakers, this is the place to do it. Otherwise, it will likely be more of a window-shopping experience.
Head toward Lake Zurich to reach chocolate heaven—otherwise known as the Lindt Home of Chocolate. This state-of-the-art interactive museum immerses visitors in the world of chocolate, covering its history, production process, and the story of globally beloved Lindt.
After you’ve reached the point of sampling so much free chocolate that your stomach starts to hurt—this unfortunately happened to me—that’s your cue to return to town for some final historical sightseeing.
Fraumünster is the iconic Gothic church with the green spire, while Grossmünster embodies Romanesque architecture with its twin towers and modern stained-glass windows. Churches are kind of the thing to see in Zurich, and the final parish to add to your itinerary is St. Peter’s Church, which boasts the largest church clock face in Europe.
Just down the street, you’ll find Lindenhof—a peaceful green oasis where you can relax and revel in everything you’ve accomplished over the past five days in Switzerland. On your way back to the hotel, stop by Mühlsteg, the bridge famous for its ‘love locks.’ With that, you’ll have discovered the most notable sights in Zurich—all in one quick day!
5 Days in Switzerland by Train
If you prefer package holidays where everything is organized in advance—taking the time-consuming burden of planning and booking off your plate—the Switzerland Travel Centre offers a range of 5-day train journeys.
These panoramic trips are the easiest and most comfortable way to discover Switzerland, covering the country’s most beautiful routes with large panoramic windows that frame unforgettable views of the Swiss mountains the entire way. Below is a comprehensive list of all the options for a 5 day tour of Switzerland:
Use the promo code ‘AFFDESTINATION195’ to receive a 5% discount on any packages, mountain excursions, or regional passes offered by the Switzerland Travel Centre. The same code also takes 20% off the purchase of the Swiss Coupon Pass.
How Much Does a 5 Day Itinerary Switzerland Cost?
Following the above Switzerland itinerary 5 days cost me $1,253.66 overall as a young college student on a budget, omitting flight costs. While Switzerland is notoriously one of the most expensive countries in Europe to visit, I found my overall expenses to be quite reasonable considering everything we accomplished.
I spent significantly the most in Interlaken at $635.85, which can be largely chocked up to the cost of paragliding. Two days in Lauterbrunnen cost me $399.80 while budget traveling and staying in a hostel, while the single day we spent in Zurich only cost me $218.73.
Purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass was a game-changer for my travel budget, since it covered all my train, bus, boat, and gondola rides. This transit usually brought me to pristinely beautiful places I could then enjoy for free, which is how I avoided additional expenses for the vast majority of activities covered in this itinerary.
Is 5 Days in Switzerland Enough?
After this action-packed Switzerland 5 days itinerary, you'll have experienced more than most travelers do in weeks. From the thundering waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen to the turquoise Interlaken waters, and from mountain top adventures to cosmopolitan city streets, this itinerary delivers the perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural discovery.
If you’re taking PTO to embark on this journey, you can typically squeeze 9 days of travel out of a week off by departing Friday night and returning Sunday evening. Spending only 5 of those days in Switzerland makes this itinerary perfect if you’d like to spend your remaining time away in a nearby country like France (3 days in Paris anyone?), Germany, Austria, or Italy!
Remember, while this travel maximalist itinerary is packed with highlights, it's also flexible enough to adapt to your interests and energy levels. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking mountain thrills or a nature enthusiast chasing the perfect shot, Switzerland's incredible infrastructure makes it easy to modify this route to curate your own perfect Swiss adventure—which I know you’ll love since it just so happens to be my favorite country I’ve ever visited!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Add these Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Zurich maps to your phone for easy navigation during your trip (Google Maps)
Customize your Lauterbrunnen itinerary with this interactive trip builder (Mindtrip)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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