The Ultimate Two-Week Switzerland Itinerary by Train
Uncover hidden mountain villages and lakeside gems on an unforgettable rail adventure.
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Switzerland offers an unforgettable blend of majestic mountains, picturesque villages, crystal-clear lakes, and world-class transportation—making it ideal for exploration by train. This detailed two-week Switzerland itinerary is crafted for the independent traveler who wants to maximize their experience using the legendary Swiss rail network. Here’s how to savor Switzerland’s delightful diversity, from Appenzell’s green valleys to alpine high points on the Glacier Express to lakeside strolls in Lausanne and Zürich.
Why Travel by Train in Switzerland?
Switzerland’s public transportation is famously efficient, punctual, and scenic. Trains, boats, mountain lifts, and buses connect even the smallest alpine hamlets, allowing you to travel stress-free and fully enjoy the views along the journey.
Day-by-Day Switzerland Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Zürich, transfer to Appenzell (overnight in Appenzell or on Ebenalp)
- Day 2: Explore Appenzell & Ebenalp (overnight in Appenzell or on Ebenalp)
- Day 3: Early train to Luzern (overnight in Luzern)
- Day 4: Luzern: City, lake, and mountain (overnight in Luzern)
- Day 5: Boat and train via Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano (overnight in Lugano)
- Day 6: Bernina Express to Pontresina in the Upper Engadine (overnight in Pontresina)
- Day 7: Upper Engadine (St. Moritz, Samedan – overnight in Pontresina)
- Day 8: Glacier Express to Zermatt or Lausanne (overnight in Zermatt)
- Day 9: Zermatt: Matterhorn views & hikes (overnight in Zermatt)
- Day 10: Zermatt or Lausanne (overnight in Lausanne)
- Day 11: Golden Pass to Lauterbrunnen Valley (overnight in Gimmelwald or Mürren)
- Day 12: Berner Oberland hikes and lifts (overnight in Gimmelwald or Mürren)
- Day 13: More time in Berner Oberland (overnight in Gimmelwald or Mürren)
- Day 14: Bern and Zürich (overnight in Zürich)
- Day 15: Zürich or fly home
Regional Highlights and Itinerary Details
Day 1–2: Arrival in Zürich, Appenzell & Ebenalp
Start your Swiss adventure by landing at Zürich Airport and heading east to the rolling hills of Appenzell, famed for its unique rural traditions, painted houses, cheese-making culture, and breathtaking vistas from Ebenalp.
- Wander the car-free streets of Appenzell town, browse artisan shops, and admire bright frescoed facades.
- Ride the cable car up to Ebenalp for easy walks, imposing panoramas, and maybe a stop at a mountain inn.
Day 3–4: Luzern
Travel to the lakeside city of Luzern (Lucerne), where medieval architecture meets snowcapped peaks.
- Stroll the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and lively Old Town squares.
- Take a steamer cruise on Lake Luzern for classic scenery.
- Explore local museums (e.g., Swiss Transport Museum) or ascend to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for sweeping alpine and lake views.
Day 5: Gotthard Panorama Express & Lugano
Board a boat from Luzern to Flüelen, then delight in the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express through valleys, spiral tunnels, and Italian-speaking villages to Lugano, the pride of Swiss Ticino.
- Enjoy Mediterranean vibes, palm trees, and chic promenades along Lake Lugano.
- Wander Lugano’s old quarter and bustling piazzas. Savor Italian-Swiss cuisine for dinner.
Day 6–7: Bernina Express & Pontresina/Upper Engadine
On Day 6, ride the Bernina Express—an engineering marvel and UNESCO heritage railway—through dramatic landscapes and over sweeping viaducts to the Upper Engadine valley.
- Pontresina: An adorable alpine village with a blend of Belle Époque hotels and quiet lanes.
- St. Moritz: World-famous winter sports destination with upscale shopping and beautiful lakeside walks.
- Spend your time hiking, visiting the lakes, or relaxing in a spa. Stay in Pontresina for a charming base with easy rail access.
Day 8–10: Glacier Express to Zermatt or Lausanne
Take the legendary Glacier Express, “the world’s slowest express train,” winding over snowcapped passes and through deep gorges all the way to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. On bad-weather days, opt for the more urban lakeside appeal of Lausanne.
- Zermatt: Ride the Gornergrat Bahn for views of the Matterhorn, explore car-free streets, and enjoy high-mountain hikes.
- Weather good? Stay extra for more walks or lift rides. Weather poor? Shorten your stay and redirect to Lake Geneva and Lausanne.
- Lausanne: Medieval streets, elegant lakefront promenades, vibrant museums, and access to Château de Chillon and Lavaux wine terraces.
Day 11–13: Berner Oberland: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Gimmelwald & Mürren
Board the Golden Pass scenic train and head into the heart of the Bernese Alps—home to Switzerland’s most famous peaks and enchanting alpine villages.
- Lauterbrunnen Valley: Deep, glacier-carved valley dotted with waterfalls and flower-studded meadows.
- Gimmelwald & Mürren: Small mountain villages with jaw-dropping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Perfect for hiking, alpine lifts, and savoring tranquil settings.
- Devote at least two full days to local hikes and cable car rides. Highlights include the Schilthorn for 360° panoramas and hikes to remote mountain inns.
Day 14–15: Bern & Zürich
Travel to Switzerland’s tidy, friendly capital, Bern. Stroll the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its distinctive arcades, clock tower, and riverside gardens. Then head to Zürich for your last night; explore its vibrant downtown and lakeside parks.
- Bern: Don’t miss the Zytglogge (clock tower) or the bear enclosure in the city park.
- Zürich: Walk along Bahnhofstrasse, visit the Kunsthaus art museum, or unwind by the lake before departure.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Switzerland
- Swiss Travel Pass: Consider a rail pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and many alpine lifts. It can save money and reduce travel hassle.
- Luggage: Pack light, as frequent train travel is easier with fewer bags. Hotels and most stations offer luggage storage.
- Weather: The Alps produce changeable weather. Bring layers and check local forecasts before mountain excursions.
- Language: Swiss German in the north, Italian in Ticino, French in the west, and Romansh in isolated pockets—English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Scenic Rail Routes Featured in This Itinerary
- Bernina Express: Sweeps from Lugano through the highest railway border in the Alps, featuring dramatic viaducts and views over glaciers.
- Glacier Express: Panoramic train famed for slow, beautiful journeys from St. Moritz / Pontresina to Zermatt through the heart of the Alps.
- Golden Pass: Connects Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken and the Bernese Alps, with classic Swiss countryside vistas.
Sample Two-Week Itinerary Table
| Day | Destination | Main Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appenzell | Arrival, village stroll, Ebenalp cable car |
| 2 | Appenzell | Hiking, cheese shops, traditional inns |
| 3 | Luzern | Old Town, city walls, Chapel Bridge |
| 4 | Luzern | Lake cruise, mountain excursion (Pilatus/Rigi) |
| 5 | Lugano | Gotthard Panorama Express, lakeside walk |
| 6 | Pontresina | Bernina Express, Engadine strolls |
| 7 | Pontresina | St. Moritz, Samedan, hiking or spa |
| 8 | Zermatt | Glacier Express, Matterhorn stroll |
| 9 | Zermatt | Gornergrat, alpine hikes, Glacier Paradise |
| 10 | Lausanne | Old Town, lakefront, Château de Chillon |
| 11 | Berner Oberland | Lauterbrunnen Valley, Gimmelwald arrival |
| 12 | Berner Oberland | Mürren, Schilthorn, mountain hikes |
| 13 | Berner Oberland | Extra hike or local village visit |
| 14 | Bern/Zürich | Bern Old Town, transfer to Zürich |
| 15 | Zürich | City sights, lake, departure |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for this itinerary?
A: Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers nearly all trains, buses, boats, as well as many museums and alpine lifts. It makes travel flexible and cost-effective, especially for this itinerary’s amount of mobility.
Q: When is the best time to follow this itinerary?
A: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds. July and August are stunning but busier, especially in the Alps.
Q: How much walking and hiking is involved?
A: This itinerary is adaptable for all fitness levels. Major sights and towns are reachable by public transport. However, time in places like Appenzell, Upper Engadine, Zermatt, and Berner Oberland is best enjoyed with some easy to moderate alpine walks.
Q: Is language a barrier for English speakers?
A: English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and by transport staff throughout Switzerland. Some knowledge of German, French, or Italian may be helpful but isn’t essential.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Bring layers for unpredictable mountain weather, sturdy walking shoes, a light raincoat, a travel adapter, and a daypack for hikes. Switzerland is clean and safe, so pack light and comfortable.
Switzerland Quick Tips
- Money: The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small villages.
- Food: Try fondue in mountain inns, sample chocolate and pastries, and don’t miss local cheeses—especially in Appenzell and Gruyères.
- Culture: Remember that store hours are generally short—plan shopping accordingly. Sundays are quiet, with most shops closed.
- Etiquette: Be punctual (Swiss efficiency!), greet with a polite “Grüezi”, and respect local customs and the environment.
- Sustainability: Swiss trains are among the most eco-friendly ways to travel. Use refillable water bottles; mountain water is drinkable and delicious!
Make the Most of Your Switzerland Journey
This two-week itinerary helps you take in the very best Switzerland has to offer—countless mountain vistas, pristine lakes, charming cities and towns, and seamless, scenic train rides throughout. Adapt the route to your interests, stay flexible to weather, and you’ll experience a Swiss adventure as rewarding as it is relaxing. Bon voyage!
References
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