Planning a summer trip to Switzerland? This 7-day itinerary will take you through the country’s most iconic destinations: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Grindelwald/Jungfraujoch. It’s the perfect balance of city highlights, lake cruises, and breathtaking Alpine adventures. To make your journey smooth, consider a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers trains, boats, and buses across the country.
Day 1–2: Explore Zurich
Begin your trip in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, famous for its charming Old Town, luxury shopping, and refreshing Lake Zurich. Spend your first day wandering through Bahnhofstrasse, visiting the Grossmünster church, and enjoying the vibrant café culture.
On Day 2, relax with a Lake Zurich boat cruise or rent a bike to explore the green lakeside paths. Zurich also has excellent museums like the Kunsthaus Zurich.
👉 For accommodations in the city, check out Zurich hotels on Expedia or compare options on Booking.com for the best deals.
Day 3: Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus
Travel just under an hour by train to Lucerne, a fairytale lakeside town with medieval charm. Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, admire the Lion Monument, and enjoy Lucerne’s relaxed atmosphere.
A highlight of Lucerne is a trip up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, offering panoramic Alpine views. Combine it with a Lake Lucerne boat cruise for a perfect day.
👉 You can book a Lucerne day trip with boat cruise and mountain excursion to experience it all in one go.
Day 4–5: Interlaken – The Adventure Hub
Next, head to Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Known as Switzerland’s adventure capital, Interlaken offers paragliding, canyoning, and scenic hikes.
Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for sweeping views of the Jungfrau region. Spend time strolling along the lakes, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book an adrenaline activity.
👉 Find your perfect stay with Interlaken hotels on Booking.com or consider adventure tours in Interlaken via Expedia.
Day 6: Jungfraujoch or Grindelwald First
This day is reserved for the highlight of many Switzerland trips – the Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”). Travel by train through breathtaking scenery until you reach Europe’s highest railway station. Once there, explore the Ice Palace, observation decks, and snowy panoramas even in summer.
Alternatively, for a more active option, visit Grindelwald First. Activities include the First Cliff Walk, zipline rides, and incredible hiking trails.
👉 Secure your spot on the Jungfraujoch scenic railway tour to avoid sold-out dates.
Day 7: Relax & Return
On your final day, take it easy. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, or make a short trip to Bern, Switzerland’s capital, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Before you head home, make sure you’ve taken full advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass, which not only saves money but also adds convenience by covering unlimited trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland.
👉 Compare Swiss Travel Pass options here and plan your transport in advance.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day Switzerland summer itinerary offers the perfect mix of city exploration, lakeside relaxation, and unforgettable Alpine experiences. Whether you’re booking hotels, mountain excursions, or the iconic Swiss Travel Pass, make sure to reserve early for the best rates.
Happy travels — Switzerland in summer will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
