Zurich to Geneva: Switzerland’s Lakes, Peaks & Glaciers in a Week
One week to cross Switzerland from north to south, covering five of its most iconic destinations. Zurich’s urban sophistication, Lucerne’s lake-and-mountain magic, Interlaken’s adventure energy, Zermatt’s Matterhorn grandeur, and Geneva’s international flair — all connected by the most scenic train journeys in the Alps. This is the complete Swiss sampler, paced for a week. Budget: CHF 1,500–2,200 per person.
7-Day Itinerary Overview
Route: Zurich (1) → Lucerne (1) → Interlaken (1) → Zermatt (2) → Geneva (2)
Best for: First-time visitors wanting comprehensive coverage, multi-destination travellers, train journey enthusiasts
Budget: CHF 1,500–2,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Direction: Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Visp → Zermatt → Visp → Geneva. Cross the country diagonally in one smooth arc.
Getting There & Around
Arriving
Zurich Airport (ZRH). Depart from Geneva Airport (GVA). This open-jaw routing is the most efficient — fly into Zurich, out of Geneva, no backtracking. Booking an open-jaw flight is usually similar in price to a standard return.
Getting Around
8-day Swiss Travel Pass: CHF 370 — covers all mainline trains, lake cruises, city transport, and gives 50% off mountain railways. Essential for this itinerary. Train highlights: Lucerne→Interlaken (Golden Pass), Interlaken→Visp (lakeside), Zermatt→Geneva (changing at Visp, 2.5 hours).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich Arrival & Old Town
☀️ AfternoonArrive Zurich Airport. Train to Hauptbahnhof (10 min). Explore the Altstadt: Lindenhof viewpoint (free), Grossmünster tower (CHF 5), Niederdorf quarter. Walk the Lake Zurich promenade.
Accommodation: Zurich (CHF 50–150/night).
Day 2: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
☀️ Full DayTrain to Lucerne (45 min). Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument (free). Afternoon: Pilatus Golden Round Trip — boat to Alpnachstad, steepest cogwheel railway up, summit at 2,128m, cable car down. 5-hour circuit.
Accommodation: Lucerne (CHF 50–160/night).
Day 3: Interlaken Arrival & Harder Kulm
☀️ MorningGolden Pass train Lucerne→Interlaken (2h). Walk the Höheweg promenade with Jungfrau views. Harder Kulm funicular (10 min) to the Two Lakes Bridge platform. Sunset dinner at the mountain restaurant.
Accommodation: Interlaken (CHF 50–170/night).
Day 4: Zermatt & Gornergrat
☀️ Full DayTrain Interlaken→Visp→Zermatt (2.5h). Drop bags at hotel. Afternoon: Gornergrat Railway to 3,089m — 29 four-thousand-metre peaks visible, the Matterhorn dominates the view. Walk down to Riffelsee for the classic reflection photo. Evening: walk the car-free village and see the Matterhorn glow at sunset from Kirchbrücke bridge.
Accommodation: Zermatt (CHF 60–200/night).
Day 5: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise & Zermatt Village
☀️ MorningMatterhorn Glacier Paradise — cable car via Furi and Trockener Steg to Europe’s highest station (3,883m). Glacier Palace, 360° Alpine panorama, ice cave. 3-hour return trip.
🌆 AfternoonAfternoon exploring Zermatt’s Hinterdorf (old quarter with 500-year-old raised barns) and the Matterhorn Museum. Evening train to Geneva via Visp (2.5h).
Accommodation: Geneva (CHF 50–170/night).
Day 6: Geneva — UN, Old Town & Jet d’Eau
☀️ MorningPalais des Nations — guided tour of the UN headquarters (CHF 16, 1 hour). See the Broken Chair sculpture and the Assembly Hall. Bring passport for entry.
🌆 Afternoon & EveningWalk the lakeside promenade to the Jet d’Eau fountain. Visit the Jardin Anglais and Flower Clock. Explore the old town: St. Pierre Cathedral (tower climb CHF 7) and Place du Bourg-de-Four. Lake Geneva sunset paddle steamer cruise (free with Swiss Travel Pass).
Accommodation: Geneva (CHF 50–170/night).
Day 7: Montreux, Chillon Castle & Departure
☀️ Full DayTake the train along the lake to Montreux (1 hour). Walk the lakeside promenade past the Freddie Mercury statue. Visit Chillon Castle — the iconic lakeside fortress that inspired Lord Byron (CHF 13.50, 1.5 hours). Walk the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (UNESCO) between Montreux and Lausanne — world-class white wine tasting. Train directly from Montreux to Geneva Airport (1h 15m) for departure.
Practical Information
Visas
Schengen. 90-day visa-free for most non-EU nationalities. Carry passport for UN tour.
SIM
Swisscom or Salt at Zurich Airport (CHF 10-20). Coverage good on all routes, patchy in mountain tunnels.
Money
CHF. Cards accepted everywhere. Keep CHF 100 cash for small purchases.
Luggage
SBB offers CHF 12 luggage transfer from Zurich to your next hotel. Book at any train station counter. Travel light for the Zermatt cable cars.
Best Time
June-September. July-August for swimming in Zurich lake, Aare river, and Lake Geneva. October also works but mountain cable cars have limited hours.
Altitude
Glacier Paradise at 3,883m is high. Take it slow. Descend if symptoms appear.
Budget Summary: 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary
Estimated Total: CHF 1,500–2,200 per person
- Accommodation (6 nights): CHF 300–750
- 8-day Swiss Travel Pass: CHF 370 (saves ~CHF 300 on point-to-point tickets)
- Pilatus + Gornergrat + Glacier Paradise (50% off each): CHF 110 total with pass
- Chillon Castle: CHF 13.50
- Meals: CHF 200–350
- SIM & miscellaneous: CHF 30–50
Best Season: June to September
Recommended For: First-timers wanting comprehensive coverage, train lovers, multi-destination travellers
Money-Saving Tip: The 8-day Swiss Travel Pass is your biggest money-saver. It covers the Montreux-Geneva leg and the lake cruise to Chillon. Book mountain railway tickets online before your trip — advance booking gives up to 20% discount on top of Swiss Travel Pass discounts.
Disclaimer: Prices and schedules vary by season. Mountain weather changes rapidly. Book Jungfraujoch and Glacier Paradise tickets in advance. Open-jaw flights (Zurich in, Geneva out) save time and money. Always verify visa requirements and travel advisories.