Swiss Alps Travelers Recommend

Three days in the Swiss Alps are just enough time to take in the highlights of this scenic part of Europe. Interlaken and Lucerne make convenient basecamps from which you can hike or ski, savor the views from some of Europe’s highest peaks, and enjoy an epic train ride through the mountains. Here’s how to do it.

Day 1: Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus

Against a backdrop of lush valleys, snowcapped peaks, and glittering lakes, Lucerne is an ideal starting point for your Swiss Alps explorations. Head out on the popular Golden Round Trip, which includes a boat cruise, a ride on Europe’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, and a cable car ride back down. Then, spend the evening strolling around the atmospheric Old Town before dining on a traditional cheese fondue at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Day 2: The GoldenPass Panoramic

Running all the way from Lucerne to Montreux, the GoldenPass Panoramic is considered one of Switzerland’s most beautiful train journeys. With limited time, opt to ride the short section between Lucerne and Interlaken—a route full of photo ops as the train climbs over the Brünig Pass, offering views over Lake Lungern, Lake Brienz, and the Bernese Alps.

After you arrive in Interlaken, spend the rest of the day outdoors. A boat cruise across Lake Brienz or Lake Thun is a must, but you’ll also find ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and water sports. Adrenaline junkies can even try their hand at skydiving or paragliding.  

Day 3: Europe’s highest railway

On your final day, take a voyage to the “Top of Europe”—the 11,332-foot (3,454-meter) summit of Jungfrau mountain, where an observatory affords panoramic views over the Aletsch Glacier as well as the French and German Alps. Getting to the Jungfrau involves taking multiple trains, so book a day trip from Interlaken to ensure a hassle-free experience. Look for a tour that includes entrance to the Sphinx Observatory and stops in mountain towns such as Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen along the way. 

Interlaken is ideally situated for discovering the Bernese Oberland, and with three days, you can explore the stunning landscapes of the Jungfrau via Europe’s highest railway, learn about Swiss culture, and take in two Alpine lakes. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Interlaken. 

Day 1: Swiss Culture and Alpine Views

A guided walking tour of Interlaken is the best way to get your bearings. Stop at landmarks such as Interlaken Castle and Monastery, admire the seasonal blooms in Höhematte park, and cross the river to stroll around the village of Unterseen. A visit to the Museum of Tourism offers a chance to discover the history of the Jungfrau region and learn more about Swiss culture and traditions. In the afternoon, head up to the mountaintop vista point of Harder Kulm—book tickets for the cable car in advance to save time—from where you can see Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, framed by the distant peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. Spend the evening enjoying Interlaken’s varied nightlife. Joining a pub crawl is a great way to sample traditional pubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues.

Day 2: Journey to the Top of Europe

The mountains around Interlaken offer plenty of options for day trips, but if you only have time to visit one summit viewpoint, it has to be the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch. The landscapes of Jungfrau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are some of the most impressive in Switzerland, and the journey to the 11,332-foot-high (3,454-meter-high) mountain summit includes a ride on the highest railway in Europe. The most convenient way to visit Jungfrau is as part of a tour—the journey includes multiple train rides and changes, and the best tours offer time to explore at each stop. Take in the views along the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass, and hop out to visit the mountain towns of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen along the way. Leave yourself plenty of time at Jungfrau to ride the elevator up to the Sphinx Observation Deck, visit the Ice Palace, or enjoy lunch at one of the mountaintop restaurants. 

Day 3: Fun by the Lakes

Interlaken is known as Switzerland’s adventure capital, and most of the outdoor activities center around its two lakes: Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It’s worth devoting an entire day to exploring the lakeside towns, vista points, and attractions, and there is a variety of tours to choose from, including bus and bike tours and hop-on-hop-off-boat cruises. Perhaps take a walking tour of Thun, visit the St. Beatus Caves, see natural sites such as Giessbach falls and Neuhaus beach, or head out into the surrounding countryside on a Swiss-cheese-and-chocolate-tasting tour. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For a truly unforgettable experience, paragliding, skydiving, and bungee jumping are all possible, while winter visitors can enjoy skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing. End the day with a traditional Swiss fondue dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants.

A week is the perfect amount of time for a Swiss Alps getaway. Hit the ski slopes, savor the views from one of Europe’s highest peaks, enjoy a scenic train ride, and more. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Hop on a train

The snow-blanketed peaks and glittering glaciers of the Swiss Alps provide a magical backdrop for a train ride. Get on the Bernina Express for a journey across the Italian border, passing natural wonders such as Lej Nair Lake. To avoid the hassle of booking train tickets, join a tour that includes round-trip transfers by car and time to wander around Tirano (Italy). Or, take a full-day trip on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, with views of Gotthard Pass and the Matterhorn.

Day 2: Hit the slopes

St. Moritz is one of Switzerland’s most popular resorts, and you’ll find plenty of options for skiing, snowboarding, and more. Prebook your lift pass for Corvatsch—or to escape the crowds, hire a guide and head off-piste to check out Bivio. Summer travelers can hike the area’s excellent trails. 

Days 3–4: Explore Lucerne’s lakes and mountains

Plan a night or two in idyllic Lucerne. Spend your first day walking around the historic Old Town, followed by a cruise around Lake Lucerne and a cheese fondue dinner. On your second day there, do the popular Golden Round Trip, which includes a boat cruise, a ride on Europe’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, and a cable car ride back down. 

Days 5–6: Have an Interlaken adventure

Known as Switzerland’s adventure sports hub, Interlaken offers ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Explore the town’s two lakes, visit Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, or try a new-to-you activity such as paragliding. The next day, ride to the “Top of Europe,” the 11,332-foot (3,454-meter) summit of Jungfrau mountain.

Day 7: Marvel at the Matterhorn

South of Interlaken, the car-free town of Zermatt is the gateway to the mighty 14,692-foot (4,478-meter) Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks. Take a cable car ride up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, then a journey on the cogwheel railway to the neighboring Gornergrat—views of the Alps the entire way. While you’re in town, pick up some Toblerone Swiss chocolate (whose logo features the Matterhorn).

Named after the towering Jungfrau summit, this mountainous region in the Swiss Alps is known for its rugged Alpine scenery. From panoramic viewpoints overlooking glaciers and sky-high mountain peaks to misty waterfalls, here are some of the sights you won’t want to miss while exploring the Jungfrau region.

Jungfraujoch

Known as the Top of Europe, this high-altitude saddle connects the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch. Visitors ride a cog railway up the narrow slope to the 11,330-foot (3,454-meter) Jungfraujoch summit station for panoramic views of an icy wilderness that encompasses parts of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding Alpine peaks.

Sphinx Observatory

Perched about 384 feet (117 meters) above Jungfraujoch station, this steel and glass observation station is used by scientists to conduct research and monitor meteorological conditions. The observatory’s terrace is open to the public and is accessible via a lift, affording dizzying views that—when conditions are clear—stretch all the way to the German and French borders.

Ice Palace of Jungfraujoch

Situated at the Jungfraujoch, this frosty palace—originally hewn into the ice in the 1930s by mountain guides—is filled with impressive ice sculptures. Wander through tunnels and chambers, marveling at frozen carvings of animals such as penguins and bears.

Eiger

This imposing mountain is famous in the climbing world. Its sheer and perilous, crumbling north face—nicknamed Mordwand (Murder Wall)—has earned particular notoriety. Some of the best views of the towering wall of limestone are from the Eiger Trail, which runs along its foot.

Staubbach Falls

Dropping from a height of almost 985 feet (300 meters), Staubbach Falls are among the most impressive waterfalls that are dotted around the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Go in summer, when the falls flow freely and gentle winds infuse the air with misty spray.

Encircled by alpine valleys and snow-capped peaks,, it’s easy to see why Interlaken is one of the most-visited destinations in Switzerland. One day is just enough time to take in the highlights, but planning ahead is essential if you want to fit everything in. Here are some ideas for how to spend one day in Interlaken.

Morning: City Sights and Mountain Views

Spend the morning enjoying views of Jungfrau from the top of Harder Kulm, which lies just north of town. Ride the cable car to the 4,337-foot (1,322-meter) mountain summit, from which you can see Lake Brienz, and Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains to name a few—book your admission tickets in advance to avoid lengthy ticket lines. 

Interlaken is best explored on foot so opt for a walking tour in order to maximize your time. Tours tend to cover Höhematte Park, which blooms with colorful flowers in the spring and summer; Interlaken Castle and Monastery; and neighboring Unterseen, home to the Museum of Tourism.

Afternoon: Explore the Lakes

Exploring the lakes of Thun and Brienz is a must for visitors in Interlaken. With limited time, it’s best to choose a tour over taking public transport to make the most of the day. A boat cruise or kayaking excursion around Lake Brienz affords views of the lakeside villages and landmarks such as Giessbach falls, while hop-on hop-off boat cruises come with the flexibility to create your own itinerary. 

It’s possible to explore by land too; bus and bike tours typically cover lakefront attractions such as Neuhaus Beach; the traditional Swiss villages of Matten and Bönigen; Shadau Castle; and the St Beatus Caves. 

Night: Party by the Lakeside

Interlaken has a lively nightlife scene, especially during the summer months; bars, nightclubs,  and live music venues are dotted around the lakes and town center. Join a pub crawl to benefit from local recommendations and spend the evening among like-minded travelers.

For something a little more traditional, head to one of Interlaken’s many restaurants, where you can tuck into Swiss dishes such as cheese fondue or raclette. Winter visitors can also work up an appetite during a night sled ride, followed by a fondue dinner a restaurant in the mountains. 

Two days in Interlaken gives you time to explore the lakeside town, enjoy outdoor activities, and take a day trip to the Swiss Alps. In order to maximize your time, look for tours that include hotel pickup and lunch for the best value and be sure to book ahead, especially in peak season. Here’s how to spend two days in Interlaken.

Day 1: Interlaken and the Lakes

Morning: The 4,337-foot (1,322-meter) mountain of Harder Kulm sits just north of Interlaken and affords views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. Book tickets for the cable car in advance to save time and then return to explore Interlaken on a walking tour, which typically cover Höhematte park, Interlaken Castle, and the Museum of Tourism.

Afternoon: Explore the lakefront villages, waterfalls, and viewpoints of Interlaken on a tour of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Explore the countryside on an e-bike tour, devise your own itinerary with a hop-on hop-off boat pass, or visit lakeside attractions such as Neuhaus beach, Shadau Castle, and the St. Beatus Caves on a boat tour.

Night: Spend the evening hopping between bars, pubs, and live music venues, and then head to a nightclubs to dance until the early hours. A bar crawl is the best way to meet like-minded travelers to share drinks with and to

Day 2: Visit the Top of Europe

Morning: Nicknamed the Top of Europe, the 11,332-foot (3,454-meter) mountain summit of Jungfrau is home to Europe’s highest train station. Trains depart from Interlaken and advance booking is essential, especially in high season. For a hassle-free experience, visit as part of a tour, which tend to stop at Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass.

Afternoon: Views from Jungfrau stretch over the Aletsch Glacier, and the Mönch and Eiger mountains. At the top, highlights include multiple viewpoints, the highest of which is the Sphinx Observation Deck; an Ice Palace and Snow Fun Park; and several shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to send a postcard from the highest post box in Europe.

Night: Back in Interlaken, celebrate your final evening with a traditional Swiss dinner. Cheese fondue, raclette, and rosti (potato fritters) are among the most popular dishes, and desserts often feature decadent Swiss chocolate.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to ski, there are few places on the planet more epic for newbies than the majestic Swiss Alps. Ski resorts throughout the region offer gentle slopes and ski schools that’ll have you gliding down the slopes in no time. These are some ways to learn to ski in the Swiss Alps.

Highlights

• Enroll in ski school with your own personal instructor at Kleine Scheidegg, one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in the Swiss Alps.

• Learn how to brake, carve, and fall safely in a small-group class beneath the majestic Matterhorn.

• Ride the world’s first revolving cable car to the top of Mt. Titlis to practice on the beginner-friendly slopes.

• Show off your new skills on a day trip to the ski resorts of Chamonix from Geneva.

• Take your ski skills to the next level (and off the beaten track) with a guided day of touring the Bivio mountainside.

One of the glitziest of the Swiss mountain resorts, St Moritz has long been the holiday destination of choice for European celebrities and wealthy businessmen, but its world-class ski runs, spectacular Swiss Alps scenery and perfect blend of sun and snow, appeal to everyone. Even if you’re not here to hit the slopes, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a few days.

Day 1: Soak up the alpine scenery Enjoy a 30-minute walk from St Moritz through the Staz forest, to the majestic Lej da Staz (Lake of Staz), where you can experience open-air swimming in one of the country’s most delightful locations. Enjoy a picnic lunch, and when the heat becomes unbearable, retreat back to town, where the Segantini museum offers a cooler way to marvel at the glorious alpine scenery – the iconic paintings will add a whole new layer to your Alps experience.

Day 2: Hike through the mountains Whether skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or simply walking, there’s no excuse for not exploring some of the region’s incredible mountain scenery. The adventurous can head to Diavolezza for some awe-inspiring glacier hikes, or else tackle one of the many trekking routes in the Engadine Valley.

Day 3: Take an iconic railway journey Some of the country’s most spectacular train routes start here, so huddle up in the warmth of a railway carriage and trundle through the countryside. The Bernina Express runs through the snow-capped Alps all the way to Italy, or the slow-moving Glacier Express spirals through the mountains on a 100-year-old route from St Moritz to Zermatt.