Five days is enough to see the highlights of Switzerland if you travel by train, which is fast, scenic, and remarkably punctual. This itinerary for 5 days in Switzerland takes you from Zurich to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, up into the Alps at Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch, along the Swiss Riviera to Montreux and Chillon Castle, and finally to Geneva. It starts at Zurich Airport and ends in Geneva, which also has an international airport.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Zurich
- Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
- Day 3: Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch
- Day 4: Montreux, Chillon Castle, and Lavaux
- Day 5: Geneva
Day 1: Zurich
- Morning: Take the train from Zurich Airport to the main station, about 10 to 15 minutes, and drop off your bags. Stroll down Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, toward the lake.
- Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt). Climb the towers of the Grossmünster for city views, see the Chagall windows in the Fraumünster, and relax at the Lindenhof viewpoint. Try rösti, crispy grated potatoes, for lunch.
- Evening: Walk along Lake Zurich or take a short boat cruise, then have dinner by the water.
Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Pilatus
- Morning: The train from Zurich to Lucerne takes about 45 minutes. Walk across the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, see the Water Tower, and visit the Lion Monument.
- Afternoon: Take the "Golden Round Trip" up Mount Pilatus: a boat across the lake to Alpnachstad, the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, and the cable car and gondola back down to Kriens, then a bus to Lucerne. The cogwheel railway usually runs from spring to autumn. In winter, go up and down by cable car from Kriens.
- Evening: Enjoy cheese fondue or raclette in Lucerne's Old Town.
Day 3: Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch
- Morning: Take the scenic Luzern–Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass, about two hours. Drop your bags in Interlaken.
- Midday: Ride the trains via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen to the Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 meters the highest railway station in Europe. See the Ice Palace, the Sphinx Observatory, and the Aletsch Glacier. Check the weather webcam first, as the views depend on clear skies, and book tickets in advance in summer.
- Evening: Back in Interlaken, ride the funicular to Harder Kulm for sunset views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Alternative: If the weather is cloudy or the budget is tight, spend the day in the Lauterbrunnen Valley instead, seeing Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls and the car-free village of Mürren.
Day 4: Montreux, Chillon Castle, and Lavaux
- Morning: Take the GoldenPass Express or regular trains to Montreux on Lake Geneva, about three hours with a stunning journey through the mountains. Walk or take the bus along the lake to Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress on a rock in the water.
- Afternoon: Stroll Montreux's flower-lined lakeside promenade, past the Freddie Mercury statue.
- Evening: Head to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces between Montreux and Lausanne for a wine tasting and sunset over the lake.
Day 5: Geneva
- Morning: The train from Montreux to Geneva takes about an hour along the lake. Take a guided tour of the Palais des Nations, the UN's European headquarters, or visit the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
- Afternoon: See the Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock in the English Garden, then explore the Old Town, Place du Bourg-de-Four, and St. Peter's Cathedral, whose towers you can climb. Try perch fillets from the lake for lunch.
- Evening: End your trip with a stroll along the lakeshore as the city lights reflect on the water.
Tips for Your 5-Day Switzerland Trip
- Get a travel pass: A Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, boats, and many museums, and gives discounts on mountain railways such as the Jungfraujoch. Compare it with the Half Fare Card and Supersaver tickets.
- Reserve scenic trains: Panoramic trains such as the GoldenPass Express may require seat reservations.
- Pack layers: Mountain tops can be below freezing even in summer.
- Stay connected: An egoViet Switzerland eSIM keeps you online for train apps, webcams, and maps. Switzerland is outside the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply.
Want more time? Add Zermatt and the Matterhorn, or the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. See the best places to visit in Switzerland and our Switzerland travel guide.
FAQs: 5 Days in Switzerland
Is 5 days enough for Switzerland?
Yes, for a first taste. Five days covers Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau region, Lake Geneva, and Geneva by train.
Should I base myself in one place?
You can. Lucerne or Interlaken make good bases for day trips, which saves packing and unpacking.
Is the Jungfraujoch worth it?
On a clear day, yes. It is expensive, so check the weather webcam and consider cheaper alternatives such as Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, or Grindelwald First if it is cloudy.
Can I add Zermatt to a 5-day itinerary?
It is possible, but it makes for long travel days. Replace Montreux or Geneva with Zermatt if the Matterhorn is a priority.