Snow peaks, glacier trains, turquoise lakes and flower-filled villages around Lucerne, Interlaken, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt, with seamless public transport.
Great Okay Not ideal
Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m, with glacier views and an ice palace. Check weather and cloud cover before going.
scenic · about 8 hrsWooden covered bridge from the 14th century with painted panels, crossing the Reuss river in the old town.
culture · about 1.5 hrsCable car trip near Engelberg to a glacier cave, snow park and rotating gondola. Warm layers are needed even in summer.
adventure · about 5 hrs · best in the morningEurope's highest cable-car station near Zermatt with an ice palace and Matterhorn views. Go early for clear skies.
scenic · about 4 hrs · best in the morningSteamer ride across the lake between mountains and little villages, an easy and relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.
scenic · about 2.5 hrs · best in the afternoonCog railway up from Zermatt to a viewing terrace facing the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa glaciers.
scenic · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFunicular to a platform between Lakes Thun and Brienz, with views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
scenic · about 2.5 hrs · best in the eveningQuieter, still easy to reach
Deep U-shaped valley with dozens of waterfalls and meadow paths. Easy walks, even for beginners.
nature · about 3 hrsGondola up to a high platform walk on a cliff edge, with the option of a mountain trail down to Bachalpsee lake.
adventure · about 4 hrs · best in the morningVintage cog railway to a flower-rich alpine garden and views of the Jungfrau trio, usually open summer only.
nature · about 4 hrs · best in the morningEmerald alpine lake above Kandersteg reached by gondola and a short walk, with boat rentals and picnic spots.
nature · about 4 hrsQuiet lakeside village with a small castle on a peninsula, a fine place for a walk and a lunch of lake fish.
relax · about 2.5 hrs · best in the afternoonFood, markets, crafts and people
Share a pot of melted Alpine cheese with bread in a traditional restaurant; vegetarian-friendly and warming after a cold day.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningVisit a working farm or alpine dairy to see cheese being made and taste products from local cows.
food · about 2 hrsStalls along the Reuss river with local cheeses, breads, honey and flowers. Weekday markets are smaller.
shopping · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningWander Hinterdorf's dark timber barns on stilts and tiny lanes, and see how mountain life persisted in a car-free resort.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningLearn tempering and moulding with a chocolatier, and take home your own bars. Fun for families.
food · about 2.5 hrs · best in the afternoonSpots most visitors miss
Traditional cliff-top village above Lauterbrunnen reached by cable car, with sweeping Eiger views and calm trails.
relax · about 3 hrsCrystal-clear forest lake in the Bernese Oberland with trout pools and gentle paths, far from major tour routes.
nature · about 2.5 hrsA tiered waterfall tumbling into Lake Brienz, reached by a historic funicular and a cluster of forest trails.
nature · about 3 hrsTiny hillside hamlet above Zermatt with classic Matterhorn photo views, reached by a quiet walking trail from the village.
scenic · about 3 hrs · best in the afternoonEntry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Melted Alpine cheese served with bread, potatoes and pickles; vegetarian-friendly and cosy.
Crispy shredded potato cake, often topped with egg or cheese, a hearty mountain breakfast or dinner.
Smooth milk and dark bars from Lindt, Cailler and small chocolatiers.
Chasselas from the Vaud and Valais vineyards, rarely exported so good to try locally.
Handmade cowbells and carved figures from Brienz, the traditional centre of Swiss woodcraft.
Luxury watches and classic multi-tool knives; check airline rules for carrying knives in checked luggage.
Gruyere, Appenzeller and Emmental, vacuum-packed so they travel well.
Glacier, Golden Pass and Jungfrau lines pass through spectacular mountain scenery.
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Try Buffet by weight with Indian curries, dals, salads and Swiss dishes (veg; vegan dishes are labelled).
Founded in 1898 and listed by Guinness as the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant. The takeaway buffet is cheaper than sitting down. It is a huge relief for Indian vegetarians.
CHF 20-30 (Rs 2,200-3,300)Map
Try Luxemburgerli, small airy macarons (veg). Truffles (veg).
Buy a small mixed box. Ask about any fillings that use gelatin or alcohol.
CHF 10-20 (Rs 1,100-2,200)Map
Try A pretzel or Swiss bakery treat (veg). Hot chestnuts (heissi Marroni) from street stands in autumn and winter (veg, vegan).
The chestnut stands appear from around October. In summer, choose a fruit tart from a bakery instead.
CHF 5-8 (Rs 550-880)Map
Try Classic St Gallen veal bratwurst with a crusty roll (not veg). A vegetarian sausage is usually also available (veg).
A Zurich institution where you eat standing at the counter. The mustard is strong.
CHF 9-14 (Rs 1,000-1,550)Map
Try Ice cream or a coffee from the lakeside kiosks (veg).
End with a walk by the swans. The public water fountains in the city run with drinkable spring water, so refill your bottle for free.
CHF 5-8 (Rs 550-880)Map
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Street food, markets and humble legends
Founded in 1898 and still family-run, Hiltl is the obvious first stop for vegetarian clients, with plenty of Indian dishes on the buffet.
Order Pay-by-weight buffet, Indian curries, Hiltl tartare
Zurich's grand chocolate house; sit upstairs for coffee and cake, then buy gifts downstairs.
Order Luxemburgerli, truffles, hot chocolate
A 15th-century armoury turned beer hall serving hearty Swiss classics in big portions.
Order Rösti, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, sausages
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
Original works by Chagall, Miró and Picasso hang above the tables at this old-world Zurich favourite.
Order Geschnetzeltes with rösti, chocolate mousse
A half-timbered house famous for its schnitzel cooked in butter at the table. Classic Lucerne lunch after the Lion Monument.
Order Wiener schnitzel prepared tableside
A ski-and-hike stop with one of the most photographed Matterhorn views; reach it by Sunnegga funicular and a short walk.
Order Vrony burger, dried-meat platter, cakes with Matterhorn view
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Creative, precise cooking at Zurich's grand hilltop hotel, with city and lake views.
Order Heiko Nieder's tasting menu
Lake Lucerne's top table, set in a Belle Époque palace hotel on the promenade.
Order Seasonal tasting menu
Playful, theatrical dinner in a Zermatt boutique hotel; open in the winter and summer seasons only.
Order Tasting menu
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Lake Geneva, Montreux, Switzerland · Usually the first half of July (confirm on the official site)
A lakeside music festival with jazz, rock and pop on stages around Montreux, with free concerts along the promenade. The Alpine backdrop makes this a very scenic festival.
Tip: Hotels fill up quickly; stay in Vevey or Lausanne and take the train.
Local tip: A Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, boats and many mountain railways at a discount; check which lifts you will use before buying.
Build a free itinerary in a minute, or let our team plan it all — stays, transport and a clear price.
