5 Days in Switzerland: Top 3 Recommendations
Switzerland has towering Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, picture-postcard villages, and modern cities. With so many beautiful landscapes to visit and attractions to enjoy, planning a trip can be overwhelming. While you could spend weeks traveling around Switzerland discovering its hidden secrets, five days in Switzerland is more than enough if you are short on time and just want to go through the country's best highlights. From the bustling streets of Zurich to the serene lakeside of Lucerne, a five-day tour of Switzerland promises an unforgettable blend of urban sophistication and alpine grandeur.
- Aliza
1. Cultural Capitals and Lakeside Havens: 3 Days in Switzerland
| Day 1 | Arrive in Basel and explore its rich cultural scene. |
| Day 2 | Head to Neuchâtel, a lakeside gem surrounded by the Jura Mountains. Explore the Neuchâtel Castle and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Neuchâtel. |
| Day 3 | End your Swiss journey in Montreux with a visit to the charming Chillon Castle on a small island in Lake Geneva. |
This three-day whirlwind through Switzerland offers a range of experiences, from cultural explorations in Basel to lakeside tranquility in Neuchâtel and the timeless splendor of Montreux. Enjoy the blend of art, history, and natural beauty that Switzerland has to offer.
Dive into the rich cultural scene in Basel, visiting the Kunstmuseum and the iconic Basel Minster. Explore the magnificent Neuchâtel Castle and discover the city's horological heritage at the International Watchmaking Museum. Take a leisurely lakeside promenade in Montreux or hop on the Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train for panoramic mountain views.
Dive into the rich cultural scene in Basel, visiting the Kunstmuseum and the iconic Basel Minster. Explore the magnificent Neuchâtel Castle and discover the city's horological heritage at the International Watchmaking Museum. Take a leisurely lakeside promenade in Montreux or hop on the Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train for panoramic mountain views.
Want to replicate one of the above itineraries or create a unique itinerary from scratch? Fill out our custom Switzerland trip form and our dedicated team of local Swiss operators will make it possible for you.
For other recommended itineraries, check out our guide on how long to spend in Switzerland. And if you want to research more on the country, be sure to go through our Switzerland travel guide.
2. Unseen Switzerland: 4 Days in Switzerland
| Day 1 | Begin your Swiss capade in Solothurn and explore the charming Old Town. |
| Day 2 | Head to Andermatt and explore the mysterious Devil's Bridge. |
| Day 3 | Discover the lakeside beauty of Murten and stroll along the well-preserved medieval walls. |
| Day 4 | End your off-the-beaten-path Swiss adventure in Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll through the Lavaux vineyards, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and savor local wines. |
Compact but full of adventure, this four-day Swiss sojourn promises a unique blend of historical charm, alpine tranquility, and lakeside elegance. Roam through the cobblestone streets of Solothurn's Old Town and marvel at the majestic St. Ursus Cathedral. Venture into the tranquil alpine village of Andermatt and discover the mysterious Devil's Bridge, a historic crossing surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Stroll along the well-preserved medieval walls of Murten and sip some of Switzerland's finest wines in Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva.
3. From City Lights to Mountain Heights: 5 Days in Switzerland
|
Day 1 |
Arrive in the vibrant urban hub of Zurich and shop on the famous Bahnhofstrasse. |
| Day 2 | Head to the enchanting lakeside town of Lucerne and take a cable car ride to Mount Pilatus for panoramic views. |
| Day 3 | Venture into the heart of the Swiss Alps to Interlaken and try paragliding for an adrenaline rush, or take a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe.' |
| Day 4 | Take a trip to Zermatt, a car-free village at the foot of this legendary mountain, and marvel at the iconic Matterhorn on a cogwheel train ride to Gornergrat. |
| Day 5 | End your journey in Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore. |
This incredible five-day Swiss package begins in Zurich and takes you to some of Switzerland's most iconic places. On your Zurich tour, stroll around the enchanting Old Town and shop until you drop on the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Discover Lucerne's Old Town, crossing Chapel Bridge, capturing Water Tower moments, and climbing Mount Pilatus for panoramic views. Try paragliding for an adrenaline kick or taking a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe.' After marveling at the breathtaking alpine scenery from Jungfraujoch, travel to Zermatt to see the iconic Matterhorn and ski to your heart’s content. To end the trip, explore the beautiful Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore and unwind in Locarno's exquisite botanical gardens.
