How many days do you need in Switzerland?

Planning your trip to Switzerland can be overwhelming at first. With so many landmarks and cities, it can feel difficult to prioritize your must-see destinations and experiences. Here’s our guide to making the most of your trip — no matter how many days in Switzerland you have, whether its just a few days or a couple of weeks. 

Switzerland in 3 or 4 days

Perfect for Swiss main attractions 

If you've got just 3 or 4 days to spend in Switzerland, you can still hit some of the country's most famous spots. 

Start in Zurich, the largest city, and wander around the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming mediaeval streets. While here, check out Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s exclusive shopping streets, and visit the Swiss National Museum to get a taste of the country’s history. You can also try traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette in Zurich’s cosy restaurants

From Zurich, take a day trip to Lucerne. Spend a day to take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne and walk across the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a stunning 14th-century wooden bridge. 

You might also be able to squeeze in a trip to Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. 

Switzerland in 5 or 7 days

Perfect to add some natural highlights 

With 5 to 7 days, you can dive deeper into Switzerland's landscapes.tart in Zurich, then head to Lucerne to enjoy its iconic lake and mountain views. 

Spend a day in Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, where you can take a train up to Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," for incredible views of the Alps. Interlaken is also great for adventure activities like paragliding, skydiving, and hiking.

While here, don’t miss the chance to try Interlaken’s local chocolates. 

You’ll also want to include a visit to the charming village of Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps. 

Here you can take the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Just be sure to book train tickets and adventure activities in advance, especially in peak seasons.

Switzerland in 8-10 days

Perfect for an all-in Swiss itinerary

An 8 to 10-day trip lets you see a wider range of Swiss highlights. Begin in Zurich and make your way to Lucerne and Interlaken, ensuring you visit the Jungfraujoch. 

From there, spend a few days in the picturesque region of the Bernese Oberland. Take a tour of the region to explore charming towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls, is the perfect place for a hike.

Then head to Zermatt to admire the Matterhorn and enjoy skiing or hiking,  depending on the season.  You can continue your journey to Montreux and take a scenic train ride on the Golden Pass Line to Gstaad, known for its luxury chalets and boutiques. 

Don't miss a visit to the Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva, where you can explore Lausanne and the beautiful city of Geneva. 

Switzerland in 11-14 days

Perfect for to add some relaxing days

How many days do you need in Switzerland varies on the pace you like to travel, but with 11 to 14 days, you can travel at a relaxed pace and add some downtime. Follow the 8 to 10-day itinerary but take extra days to fully enjoy and take in  each location. This is ideal because you can then spend more time in the Bernese Oberland for hiking or relaxing. Maybe even take a day trip to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps.

You might as well include a stay in one of Switzerland's famous wellness resorts, such as those in the thermal spa town of Leukerbad, where you can indulge in spa treatments and thermal baths. 

Explore the Ticino region, with its Italian flair, sunny weather, and towns like Lugano and Bellinzona, known for their Mediterranean vibe and historic castles. While here, visit local markets for fresh produce and handmade goods.

Or take a leisurely cruise on one of Switzerland's many lakes, like Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne.

Switzerland in 2 weeks or longer

Perfect for combining with Italy 

If you have two weeks or more, you might want to extend your Swiss adventure with a trip to Italy. 

After exploring the major Swiss highlights, such as Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva, you can easily cross the border into northern Italy. 

It’s worth visiting the stunning lakes of Como and Maggiore, which are just a short train ride away. There are fantastic and luxurious villas and gardens that dot the shores of these lakes. 

In Como, visit Villa Carlotta and its botanical garden, or take a ferry ride to the picturesque town of Bellagio. Lake Maggiore offers the beautiful Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella with its baroque palace and gardens.

From there, continue to the fashion capital of Milan, where you can see the iconic Duomo di Milano and visit world-class museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera. Milan also offers vibrant nightlife, excellent dining, and high-end shopping, making it a perfect conclusion to your extended European adventure.