Switzerland
Note: You can start any day of the week. We just started this way because it made the most sense for us. I suggest going by getting the cheapest flights whatever day that is and make that your day 1.
10 Night Best of Switzerland Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly into Zurich; Train to Wengen; get groceries and explore the town; Marble Run Challenge
Day 2 – Stay in Wengen (sleep here): Männlichen; Cow Playground & Lieselotte Family Trail Hike; family fondue dinner
Day 3 – Lauterbrunnen: Staubbach Falls, Bike Ride (or walk) in the Valley, Trümmelbach Falls
Day 4 – Grindlewald & Pfingstegg Mountain Fun: Zip line, Mountain coaster, Playground, Hike (or ride) to Glacier Gorge
Day 5 – Mürren: Funicular to Allmendhubel Flower Park and playground; Explore village Optional paragliding from Mürren
Day 6 – TRAVEL DAY to Lucerne (sleep here, or try the town of Weggis by boat); explore Old Town, Chapel Bridge, chocolate & cheese shops
Day 7 – Mount Rigi: Historic Cogwheel Train Ride to Mount Rigi, Hike the Kid-friendly Panorama Trail; Cliff Walk, Playground at Rigi Kaltbad,
Day 8 – TRAVEL DAY to Lugano (sleep here): boat ride to Gandria, Olive Tree Trail to Lido San Domenico for swimming in Lake Lugano,
Day 9 – Mount San Salvatore: Funicular to top; visit church at the summit for epic views & photos, playground, tourist train, Lakeside dinner
Day 10 – Morcote & Old Town Lugano: Boat ride to Morcote, climb Santa Maria del Sasso, lunch on the water, Parco Scherrer, Old Town Lugano Piazza for Sunset Dinner & Gelato
Day 11 – Fly home via Milan or Zurich (train + flight)
Packing
The weather in Switzerland is unpredictable. In the valley it can be sunny and warm but at the top of the Alps it will be chilly. Be prepared to wear layers.
We packed a hiking backpack with our extra clothes - specifically an extra layer and a rain jacket for each one of my kids and me. I also made sure to have an umbrella and portable charger at all times.
Remember to check the weather ahead of your trip, but bring a variety of short and long pants and shorts - especially if you are visiting in the spring/summer.
Swiss Travel Pass Options
Save money and time by choosing one of the travel passes
Swiss Travel Pass – Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats + free entry to 500+ museums + discounts on mountain lifts.
Half Fare Card – 50% off all trains, buses, boats, and most mountain transport.
Regional passes (like Jungfrau Travel Pass) are great if staying in just one area.
Resources & Pro Tips
Planning a trip to Switzerland can seem overwhelming. We did so much research before our first trip, I spent weeks planning and searching for the best resources. After visiting more than a handful of time now I am happy to say I complied a list of the best resources for you to use.
We created these resources for you:
In addition to our blogs, these are some of our favorite resources:
- Swiss Family Fun: Their website gives you all the practical information you need before going to Switzerland.
-Holidays to Switzerland: I found this podcast to be extremely helpful in planning our trip to Switzerland. They also have a website with so much more information and even a FREE travel planning kit and guide to get you started.
-Rick Steves Forum: I have bought Rick Steves books before planning to travel to so many countries and have used and LOVED them.
-My Swiss Alps: They give you very budget friendly options of not only activities but accommodations and just overall how to save money when going to one of the most expensive counties in the world.
