If You Have 3 Days: Lausanne – Lucerne
Day 1: Lausanne
Start with Lausanne if you’re visiting Switzerland as part of a multi-country trip. Wander the cobblestone streets for quintessential European vibes and stop by the Olympic Museum for a touch of history and sportsmanship.
Days 2-3: Lucerne
Spend two days in Lucerne. Dedicate one day to hiking Mount Rigi and the other to exploring Lucerne’s charming Old Town. Take in the lakes and mountains for which this city is famed.
Travel Tip:
• There are daily trains between Lausanne and Lucerne. The journey takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Even during transit, don’t miss the scenic beauty from the train windows.
• If short on time, prioritize Lucerne as it offers a more diverse mix of landscapes compared to Interlaken.
If You’re Planning a Deep Dive: 9-Day Swiss Adventure
Route: Lucerne → Interlaken → Lausanne → Bouveret → Zermatt
Days 1-3: Lucerne
Stay three nights in Lucerne to fully appreciate its rich offerings. Spend one day exploring the Old Town, another hiking Mount Rigi and visiting Weggis village, and use the third day for relaxed lakeside activities. Don’t forget the iconic “photo at the big rock” on Mount Rigi.
Days 4-5: Interlaken
Spend two days here. Aside from visiting the famous Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”), take a scenic flight to view Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks from above.
Day 6: Lausanne
After immersing yourself in natural wonders, dive into Swiss culture and history in Lausanne. Its ancient streets and historical buildings are perfect for exploring and photography. If museums are your thing, save some time for the Olympic Museum.
Day 7: Bouveret
Take a day to slow down in Bouveret, where you can experience Switzerland’s idyllic rural charm. In summer, enjoy a lakeside barbecue, swim in Lake Geneva, or simply relax among the locals.
Days 8-9: Zermatt
Spend your last two days in Zermatt. Dedicate one to skiing and the other to admiring the iconic Matterhorn. Ride the cable car to the summit platform or opt for a scenic flight for a unique aerial view of this majestic peak.
Transportation Recommendations:
• Trains: The Swiss rail network is highly efficient, offering stunning views and eliminating the hassle of driving and parking.
• Key Train Timings:
• Lucerne → Interlaken: 1 hour 45 minutes by train or 53 km (1 hour 50 minutes) by car.
• Interlaken → Lausanne: 2 hours 10 minutes by train or 95 km (2 hours 10 minutes) by car.
• Lausanne → Bouveret: 1 hour 8 minutes by train or 22 km (45 minutes) by car.
• Bouveret → Zermatt: 2 hours 55 minutes by train.
Insider Tips:
• Buy train tickets on the official Swiss rail website, though registration can be cumbersome. For ease, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers discounts (e.g., 25% off Jungfraujoch trains).
• Use the SBB Mobile App for real-time train schedules and seamless planning.
Closing Thoughts
After exploring so many places, Switzerland always leaves an indelible impression. Its incredible scenery, cultural richness, and serene atmosphere make it a destination you’ll long to revisit. Time may feel short and camera storage may fill quickly, but the memories Switzerland gives will last a lifetime.