Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary 2026: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

A 10-day Switzerland itinerary covers Zurich + Lucerne + Interlaken + Jungfrau + Zermatt + Matterhorn + Geneva — Alpine grandeur via the world’s best train system.

Quick Itinerary Summary

A 10-day Switzerland itinerary covers Zurich + Lucerne + Interlaken + Jungfrau + Zermatt + Matterhorn + Geneva — Alpine grandeur via the world’s best train system.

10

Days

10

Day Plans

2026

Updated

Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary: Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1

Zurich Arrival

Land ZRH, train to Old Town. Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Lake Zurich stroll, Grossmunster + Fraumünster churches.

Daily spend: $200-350/dayNote: 1 night Zurich

Day 2

Zurich → Lucerne

Train 1 hr. Chapel Bridge, Old Town, Lion Monument, Lake Lucerne boat to Mt. Pilatus or Rigi.

Daily spend: $220-380/dayNote: Pilatus combo $90

Day 3

Lucerne → Interlaken

Scenic Lucerne-Interlaken train 2 hrs. Afternoon Harder Kulm funicular for Jungfrau views.

Daily spend: $200-340/dayNote: Funicular $30

Day 4

Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe

Day trip to Jungfraujoch (3,454m). Train via Kleine Scheidegg. Snow palace, sphinx observatory.

Daily spend: $250-400/dayNote: Jungfrau $220 RT

Day 5

Lauterbrunnen + Mürren

Day-hike Lauterbrunnen valley (72 waterfalls) + cable car to car-free Mürren village.

Daily spend: $180-280/dayNote: Cable car $50

Day 6

Interlaken → Zermatt (Glacier Express)

Glacier Express scenic train (8 hrs, must reserve). Or direct 5.5 hrs. Car-free Zermatt + first Matterhorn views.

Daily spend: $280-450/dayNote: Glacier Express $250

Day 7

Gornergrat + Matterhorn

Sunrise Gornergrat train (3,089m) for iconic Matterhorn reflection in Riffelsee. Afternoon hike or ski.

Daily spend: $240-400/dayNote: Gornergrat $130 RT

Day 8

Zermatt → Geneva

Train 4 hrs via Lake Geneva region. Afternoon Chillon Castle near Montreux.

Daily spend: $200-340/dayNote: Castle $14

Day 9

Geneva + Lavaux Wine Region

Jet d’Eau, Old Town, UN Tour. Afternoon Lavaux UNESCO vineyards train ride along Lake Geneva.

Daily spend: $200-340/dayNote: Wine tour $80

Day 10

Departure

Morning Geneva or fly home from GVA. Or extend to Annecy (France, 30 min away).

Daily spend: $180-300/dayNote: Free morning

Budget Breakdown

Style | Daily | Total Trip Cost
Budget | $160/day | $1,600 + $500 train pass
Mid-Range | $300/day | $3,000 + $700 train pass
Luxury | $600/day | $6,000 + $1,200 1st class

Pro Tips for this itinerary:

Swiss Travel Pass (8-15 days) covers all trains + boats + city transit + many museums — pays off after 3-4 days

Book Glacier Express seats 6 months ahead

Drink fountains everywhere — tap water is glacier-pure

Restaurant meals $30-50 mid-range; Coop/Migros supermarket meals $15 alternative

Snow on Matterhorn year-round even at base (1,620m Zermatt)

Sunscreen + sunglasses at altitude — UV 50%+ stronger above 2,000m

Planning your Switzerland trip? See our Switzerland travel guide, visa requirements, trip cost, packing list, or the Ultimate Bucket List.

Switzerland 10-Day Itinerary FAQ

How much does 10 days in Switzerland cost?

Mid-range $3,000-5,500 USD per person including flights + Swiss Travel Pass. Budget $2,000-3,000. Luxury $8,000+.

Is Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

Yes for 4+ travel days. 8-day Pass = $470 USD covers $700+ in train + boat + mountain transit + museum entry.

Best 10-day Switzerland itinerary?

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Jungfrau → Zermatt → Geneva = classic loop covering best of Alps + lakes.

How expensive is Switzerland really?

Very — easily $300+/day mid-range. Big Macs $8-10, restaurant meals $30-50. Plan accordingly + use supermarkets.

Glacier Express or direct train Interlaken-Zermatt?

Glacier Express (8 hrs scenic) for once-in-a-lifetime experience. Direct (5.5 hrs) saves time + money.