Swiss Alps by Train: 7 Days
A week of lakes, peaks, and panoramic rail from Zurich to Lucerne, the Jungfrau, and the Matterhorn.
7 days · June and September for clear alpine views, open mountain railways, and fewer crowds than peak July and August. · Travellers who love mountain scenery and stress-free public transport
Switzerland's rail network is so seamless that the train becomes part of the scenery. This seven-day loop links the cities, lakes, and highest peaks of the central and southern Alps, climbing to the Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn and finishing on the legendary Glacier Express. Trains run to the minute, so you can plan tight connections with confidence.
Day by day
- 1
Arrive in Zurich
Land in Switzerland's largest city and ease in along the lake and old town.
- Stroll the medieval Old Town lanes and the Bahnhofstrasse
- Walk the Limmat river to the Lake Zurich promenade
- Ride the train to your first alpine base in the evening
- 2
Lucerne and the Lake
Discover postcard Lucerne, its wooden bridge, and the lake at its doorstep.
- Cross the medieval Chapel Bridge and water tower over the Reuss
- See the carved Lion Monument and the painted old town facades
- Take a steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne beneath the surrounding peaks
- 3
A Peak Above Lucerne
Climb one of Lucerne’s landmark mountains by historic cogwheel and cable car.
- Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus
- Take in the panorama of lake, city, and Alps from the summit
- Descend by cable car and gondola, then transfer to the Jungfrau region
- 4
Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
Base in the Jungfrau region between two lakes and the famous waterfall valley.
- Settle in Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz
- Train into the Lauterbrunnen valley beneath its towering cliff waterfalls
- Ride the cable car and walkway to Grindelwald-First for cliffside views
- 5
Up to the Jungfraujoch
Take the cogwheel railway to the Top of Europe high in the Bernese Alps.
- Climb by rail via Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest station
- Visit the Ice Palace and the Sphinx observation terrace on the glacier
- Look out over the Aletsch Glacier and the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau
- 6
Cross to Zermatt
Travel south to the car-free village beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
- Take scenic trains over the mountains to car-free Zermatt
- Ride the Gornergrat cogwheel railway for the classic Matterhorn view
- Wander Zermatt's old hamlet of weathered wooden barns and chalets
- 7
The Glacier Express
Ride the famous panoramic line across the heart of the Swiss Alps.
- Board the Glacier Express from Zermatt through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels
- Cross the Oberalp Pass and the landmark Landwasser Viaduct
- Arrive in Chur or St Moritz to connect onward at journey's end
Plan your trip
Best time to go
June and September for clear alpine views, open mountain railways, and fewer crowds than peak July and August.
Getting around
This is an all-rail trip on Switzerland's punctual, integrated network, with scenic panoramic trains and cogwheel railways climbing to the summits. Lake steamers and cable cars fill in the gaps, towns like Zermatt are car-free, and luggage can be sent ahead between stations so you travel light.
Where to stay
- Lucerne — lakeside old town and the gateway to Pilatus and Rigi
- Interlaken or Grindelwald — best base for the Jungfrau region; Interlaken for connections, Grindelwald for scenery
- Zermatt — car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn
Budget
Switzerland is expensive, so the big levers are a rail pass, picnic lunches from supermarkets, and choosing which costly summit excursions matter most. Mountain railways to the highest peaks carry premium fares; tap water is excellent and free.
Good to know
- A Swiss rail pass can pay off across a week of trains and discounts; check whether it covers the mountain cogwheel railways you plan to ride.
- Reserve a seat on the Glacier Express in advance, as the panoramic carriages require a booking on top of your ticket.
- High peaks like the Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat are weather-dependent, so keep a flexible day and go up when the forecast is clear.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Switzerland?
This itinerary is built as a 7-day route for Switzerland, with a day-by-day plan you can adapt in TripAlta.
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
For this TripAlta plan, the suggested timing is June and September for clear alpine views, open mountain railways, and fewer crowds than peak July and August..
How should I get around Switzerland?
This is an all-rail trip on Switzerland's punctual, integrated network, with scenic panoramic trains and cogwheel railways climbing to the summits. Lake steamers and cable cars fill in the gaps, towns like Zermatt are car-free, and luggage can be sent ahead between stations so you travel light.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
Consider Lucerne — lakeside old town and the gateway to Pilatus and Rigi; Interlaken or Grindelwald — best base for the Jungfrau region; Interlaken for connections, Grindelwald for scenery; Zermatt — car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn.
How should I budget for Switzerland?
Switzerland is expensive, so the big levers are a rail pass, picnic lunches from supermarkets, and choosing which costly summit excursions matter most. Mountain railways to the highest peaks carry premium fares; tap water is excellent and free.
Can TripAlta personalize this itinerary?
Yes. Use TripAlta to turn the idea into a personalized plan with dates, travelers, bookings, budget notes, and day-by-day adjustments.