A 10-day summer journey through the Swiss Alps - from Lucerne's lakeside charm to the dramatic peaks of Wengen, scenic Golden Pass trains, and wine country in Montreux.
Trip Highlights
Scenic Golden Pass train through the Alps Mt. Pilatus cogwheel railway and panoramic views Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls and bike rides Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Lake Bachalpsee hike Mürren cable car and Schilthorn summit
M
Mustafa Furniturewala
Travel Itinerary
At a Glance
10 days • Best for June • 8 min read
- • Scenic Golden Pass train through the Alps
- • Mt. Pilatus cogwheel railway and panoramic views
- • Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls and bike rides
- • Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Lake Bachalpsee hike
- • Mürren cable car and Schilthorn summit
Trip Overview
This 10-day itinerary explores the best of the Swiss Alps in summer - starting in charming Lucerne, taking scenic trains through mountain passes, spending time in the car-free villages of the Jungfrau region, and ending with Lake Geneva wine country before flying out of Zurich.
Regions Visited: Lucerne, Interlaken, Wengen/Lauterbrunnen, Montreux, Zurich
Best Time to Visit: June to September for hiking and outdoor activities. June offers long days, wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks. Book mountain accommodations well in advance.
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & Transfer to Lucerne
Arrival
Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). Transfer to Lucerne by train (~1 hour direct).
Evening:
- Check into hotel in Lucerne
- Light dinner and early rest after long flight
Where to Stay: Hotel Continental Park, Lucerne - central location near the lake and old town.
Tips:
- Purchase Swiss Travel Pass before arrival for unlimited train travel
- Lucerne is compact and walkable
Day 2: Explore Lucerne & Mountain Excursion
Morning
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) - Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge
- Walk through Lucerne’s medieval old town
- Lake Lucerne waterfront stroll
Afternoon
- Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi (choose based on weather)
- Pilatus: World’s steepest cogwheel railway
- Rigi: “Queen of the Mountains” with panoramic views
- Ride gondolas, enjoy sunset views, easy hikes at the summit
Evening
- Dinner in old town Lucerne
- Evening walk along the lake
Tips:
- Check weather forecasts - clear skies are essential for mountain views
- Mt. Pilatus “Golden Round Trip” combines boat, cogwheel train, and cable car
- Book Golden Pass tickets for tomorrow
Day 3: Golden Pass Train to Interlaken & Wengen
Morning
- Golden Pass Scenic Train from Lucerne to Interlaken (~2 hours)
- One of Switzerland’s most beautiful train journeys
- Panoramic windows with mountain and lake views
Midday
- Arrive Interlaken, explore the town between two lakes
- Optional: Lake Brienz boat trip to Iseltwald (15 min by train)
Afternoon/Evening
- Train from Interlaken to Wengen (25 min)
- Car-free mountain village with Jungfrau views
- Check into hotel, settle in for 5-night stay
Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Belvedere or similar in Wengen - stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Tips:
- Wengen is car-free - travel light or use luggage service
- Stock up on any necessities in Interlaken
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Valley
Full Day
- Rent bikes and explore Lauterbrunnen Valley
- Trümmelbach Falls - 10 glacier waterfalls inside the mountain
- Staubbach Falls - 300m waterfall in the village
- Cycle through the valley floor with 72 waterfalls cascading down cliffs
Evening
- Return to Wengen
- Dinner with mountain views
Tips:
- E-bikes available for easier cycling
- The valley is flat and family-friendly
- Bring rain jacket - waterfalls create mist
Day 5: Mürren & Schilthorn
Morning
- Cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren - another car-free village
- Walk through the charming alpine village
Midday
- Ride up to Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) - 2,970m summit
- 360-degree panorama of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau
- James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” filming location
- Revolving restaurant at the top
Afternoon
- Allmendhubel Flower Trail - easy family-friendly hike from Mürren
- Or hike from Mürren to Gimmelwald (easy, scenic, 30 min)
Evening
- Return to Wengen
Tips:
- Go early for clearest views
- The Thrill Walk at Birg station offers glass-floor platforms
- Schilthorn is included with Swiss Travel Pass (50% discount)
Day 6: Grindelwald & First
Full Day
- Train to Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg
Morning/Afternoon
- Grindelwald First cable car to 2,168m
- First Cliff Walk - suspended walkway with glass platform
- Hike to Lake Bachalpsee - stunning alpine lake (1.5 hours each way, easy)
- Optional: First Flyer zip line or Trottibike scooter ride down
Alternative
- Glacier Canyon Walk in Grindelwald village
Evening
- Return to Wengen via scenic train route
Tips:
- Start early for the Bachalpsee hike - afternoon clouds are common
- The hike is easy but at altitude - take your time
- Trottibike (scooter) ride down is fun for all ages
Day 7: Wengen & Kleine Scheidegg Hike
Full Day
- Hike from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg (2-3 hours, moderate)
- Stunning views of Eiger North Face, Mönch, and Jungfrau
- One of the classic Jungfrau region hikes
- Lunch at Kleine Scheidegg with mountain views
Afternoon
- Train back to Wengen or continue exploring
- Relax and enjoy final evening in the mountains
Alternative Day Trip:
- Train to Jungfraujoch - “Top of Europe” at 3,454m
- Europe’s highest railway station
- Ice Palace and Sphinx observation deck
Tips:
- Check weather before committing to Jungfraujoch (expensive if cloudy)
- The Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg hike is mostly downhill on return
Day 8: Golden Pass to Montreux
Morning
- Check out from Wengen
- Train back through Interlaken
Midday
- Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Interlaken to Montreux (~3 hours)
- Scenic journey through Simmental Valley and Pays-d’Enhaut
Afternoon/Evening
- Arrive Montreux on Lake Geneva
- Château de Chillon - stunning medieval castle on the lake
- Walk the lakeside promenade
- Explore the old town
Where to Stay: Hotel in Montreux or Zurich area.
Tips:
- The Golden Pass route is one of Switzerland’s most scenic
- Château de Chillon is beautiful at sunset
- Montreux is famous for its jazz festival (July)
Day 9: Montreux & Lavaux to Zurich
Morning
- Lavaux Vineyards - UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards
- Walk among the vines with Lake Geneva views
- Wine tasting at a local cave
Midday
- Train from Montreux to Zurich (~2.5 hours)
Afternoon
- Explore Zurich old town (Altstadt)
- Walk along the Limmat River
- Lindenhof viewpoint
Optional Day Trip
- Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen (45 min from Zurich)
- Europe’s largest waterfall by volume
Where to Stay: Hotel near Zurich Airport or city center.
Tips:
- Rhine Falls is worth it if you have time
- Zurich old town is compact and walkable
Day 10: Departure
Morning
- Final Swiss breakfast
- Last-minute shopping for chocolate and watches
- Train to Zurich Airport (~10 minutes from city)
Tips:
- Arrive at airport 3 hours early for international flights
- Duty-free has excellent Swiss chocolate selection
- Return Swiss Travel Pass materials if applicable
Trip Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 10 days |
| Transport | Swiss Travel Pass covers all trains, boats, and most mountain transport |
| Regions | Central Switzerland, Jungfrau, Lake Geneva, Zurich |
| Best For | Scenic train lovers, hikers, mountain enthusiasts |
| Pace | Active with built-in relaxation |
Practical Tips
Getting Around
- Swiss Travel Pass - Essential for this itinerary
- Unlimited train, bus, and boat travel
- Free admission to 500+ museums
- 25-50% discount on mountain railways
- Trains run frequently and on time
- Most mountain villages are car-free
Weather & Packing
- June days are long (light until 9:30pm)
- Mountain weather changes quickly
- Pack layers - warm at lake level, cool at summits
- Good hiking shoes essential
- Rain jacket for waterfalls and sudden showers
Money
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Switzerland is expensive - budget accordingly
- Credit cards widely accepted
- Tipping not expected (service included)
Altitude
- Some activities are at high altitude (2,000-3,500m)
- Take it slow, stay hydrated
- Not recommended for those with altitude sensitivity
Reservations
- Book mountain hotels well in advance (especially Wengen, Mürren)
- Golden Pass panoramic seats can be reserved
- Popular restaurants may need reservations
Must-Do Highlights
- Golden Pass Panoramic Train - One of the world’s great train journeys
- Lake Bachalpsee Hike - Pristine alpine lake with Eiger views
- Schilthorn Summit - 360-degree panorama of the Alps
- Lauterbrunnen Valley - 72 waterfalls in one valley
- Château de Chillon - Fairy-tale castle on Lake Geneva
- Chapel Bridge, Lucerne - Iconic covered wooden bridge
- Wengen Village - Car-free alpine charm with stunning views