Final Up to date on December 5, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Dreaming of an epic Switzerland street journey? Right here’s my really useful Switzerland itinerary for these with 2 weeks in Switzerland.
Dramatic mountains, spearmint lakes, cute alpine cities blanketed in glowing white snow — Switzerland is the winter wonderland that many dream of. Switzerland could also be a small nation, but it surely positive packs a punch with landscapes of epic proportions.
Having executed a number of Switzerland street journeys (and traveled to many chilly nations), I can safely say that Switzerland has among the most spectacular mountainscapes on the planet. For many who are eager to see the perfect of Switzerland in 2 weeks, right here is our Switzerland itinerary.
The Final Switzerland Itinerary
Learn how to Get to Switzerland
This Switzerland itinerary begins and ends in Basel Airport, which is situated proper throughout the border with France and Germany. Alternatively, you can even fly into Zurich Airport, simply an hour’s drive to Basel. There are many low cost flights from numerous cities round Europe to Basel. You will get funds flights from London to Basel for €50 return. From the US, yow will discover flights from New York to Basel for as low cost as $500 return.
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Present Switzerland Journey Restrictions
At the moment, people who find themselves vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 don’t must current a unfavorable check earlier than getting into Switzerland. People who find themselves not vaccinated or who haven’t recovered will nonetheless must take a check to enter the nation. Nonetheless, vacationers will not must take a second check taken 4 to seven days after getting into. Test the Swiss information web site for up-to-date information.
It’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage for journey in the course of the pandemic. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Confer with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Learn how to Get Round Switzerland
By Automobile
For this Switzerland street journey itinerary, we suggest hiring a automotive or driving your individual car. Switzerland has outstanding infrastructure and transport community. Plus it’s a small nation and driving distances are by no means greater than a few hours.
Automobile rental in Switzerland can be comparatively cheaper than practice journey. A 1-week automotive rental in Switzerland prices round US$365 or €300. At the moment, petrol prices round €1.3-1.5 per liter.
By Campervan
We drove our camper van and liked exploring the lakes and excessive mountains within the day and sleeping in our heat van by night time As Switzerland is so costly, driving a camper van may be an effective way to avoid wasting on lodging and meals.
Wild tenting is likely one of the finest issues about campervan journey, however technically it isn’t allowed in Switzerland. There are many campsites in Switzerland although they usually prices round €20-30/night time for a parking spot and a couple of adults.
You may you may rent a campervan in Switzerland on Indie Campers from €50/day and it comes with all the pieces you want together with outside desk and chairs, bedding, cooking tools. Simply make sure you choose a van with hotter for those who’re coming in winter!
By Prepare
Most individuals would say one of the best ways to get across the Switzerland is by practice as that’s the quickest mode of transport. Nearly each nook of Switzerland may be accessible by practice — actually some mountain cities like Wengen can solely be reached by practice and never automotive.
For those who’re desiring to discover Switzerland by practice, it’s finest to get a Swiss Rail Cross as that may prevent fairly a few cents. You should buy it right here upfront and verify practice schedules on the Swiss Federal Railways web site.
Finest Time to Go to Switzerland
It actually will depend on what kind of expertise you’re in search of in Switzerland. We discover winter (November to February) the perfect time to discover Switzerland’s charming alpine villages and snow-covered mountains. Nonetheless, anticipate sub-zero temperatures and be sure to are comfy driving in snowy situations. Confer with my information on driving in Switzerland.
For those who’re after lengthy hikes and heat climate, then summer time (June – August) is the perfect time to go to. The whole lot turns inexperienced and it’s a wonderful time to go on boat journeys, swim within the lake, hike the mountains and go to observatories in the Swiss Alps.
2 Weeks in Switzerland Itinerary
My really useful Switzerland street journey focuses on exploring the countryside, mountains and small villages. I favor nature to massive cities, and so I’ve designed this Switzerland itinerary with a give attention to nature, and skipped cities like Geneva and Zurich.
- Day 1-2: Basel
- Days 3-4: Interlaken & Lake Brienz
- Days 5-7: Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald
- Day 8: Wengen & Murren
- Day 9: Glacier 3000
- Days 10-12: Montreux, Lausanne, Gruyères
- Day 13: Zermatt
- Day 14: Again to Basel
Switzerland Itinerary Days 1-2: Discover Basel
Basel is a good start line because it’s inside a brief driving distance to the perfect components of Switzerland. Basel’s medieval previous city is likely one of the most stunning anyplace in Europe, dominated by the red-sandstone City Corridor, Its medieval previous city facilities round Marktplatz.
Its Twelfth-century Gothic cathedral has metropolis views, and comprises the tomb of the Sixteenth-century Dutch scholar, Erasmus. Town’s college homes a few of Erasmus’ works.
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The place to Keep in Basel
Price range: Resort & Lounge by Hyve Basel SBB
Positioned in Basel, Hyve Resort is a contemporary funds lodge within the coronary heart of city with free parking. Rooms are spacious, nicely designed and cozy. Test charges right here.
Mid Vary: Hyperion Resort Basel
Inside Basel’s tallest liveable constructing, the Hyperion Resort Basel is only a brief stroll from the Previous City. Extremely-modern rooms provide nice views via ceiling-to-floor glass home windows. Test charges.
Luxurious: Grand Resort LES TROIS ROIS
Positioned within the heart of Basel’s Previous City, on the banks of the Rhine, Grand Resort Les Trois Rois is one among Europe’s oldest metropolis resorts, the place such personalities as Napoleon have stayed. (Pictured) Test charges.
Itinerary Days 3-4: Drive to Bernese Oberland
Time to kickstart your Switzerland street journey! As soon as you permit the town behind, you’ll see the silhouette of the huge Swiss Alps looming within the distance. Drive south, previous the town of Bern, in direction of Thun and also you’ll be there in two hours.
Positioned on the decrease finish of Lake Thun, Thun is the gate to the Bernese Oberland. You’ll get your first glimpse of the quintessential Swiss landscapes right here: snowcapped peaks looming above the glassy waters of the spearmint lake. The historic Previous City is located about one kilometer from the shore of the lake, on the river Aare.
Drive round Lake Thun
After exploring Thun, take a scenic drive across the pristine Lake Thun. First, cease for a picnic at Schadau Park, that has an exquisite marina, playground and lake views.
It takes simply over an hour to drive a loop throughout Lake Thun. This space is called the Riviera of the Bernese Oberland and the scenic route has loads of picturesque views. A number of the highlights embrace the Hünegg fortress in Oberhofen, and St Beatus Caves.
Discover the City of Interlaken
Constructed on a slim stretch of valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is unquestionably the spotlight of Switzerland for a lot of. It’s an outside lover’s playground, characterised by mountains, meadows and quite a few climbing and snowboarding trails. The city itself is a wonderful base for climbing excursions and boat journeys.
Among the finest climbing routes is the 2-hour circuit from Panoramaweg. One other common factor to do in Interlaken is paragliding, among the finest views to see the formidable Swiss Alps, whatever the time of 12 months.
Base Your self in Unterseen
You may select to remain in Interlaken or Unterseen, a neighborhood simply exterior of city. We stayed in Unterseen as we wished to be nearer to nature (whereas Interlaken is extra of a metropolis). Unterseen actually means Decrease Lake, since Unterseen is situated on the flat space on the japanese shore of Lake Thun.
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The place to Keep in Unterseen
Price range: Tenting Manor Farm
We parked our campervan at this lakeside campsite in Unterseen and liked with the ability to keep proper on the water. Services had been nicely maintained and costs had been nice. Test charges right here.
Mid Vary: NO8 Boutique Resort
That includes a classic gents saloon character, this boutique lodge is fashionable and reasonably priced. It’s additionally nice for households trying to share a room. Test charges right here.
Luxurious: Resort Central Continental
In fact for those who’re trying to splurge, verify in to the luxurious Resort Central Continental situated alongside the banks of the Aare River. It’s housed in a historic constructing, with views of the spectacular Jungfrau Massif. Test charges right here.
Itinerary Days 5-7: Head into Lauterbrunnen Valley
Earlier than you permit Interlaken, take a scenic drive alongside Lake Brienz enroute to Lauterbrunnen. The views listed here are much more gorgeous than at Lake Thun because the mountains loom larger over the glassy spearmint waters of the lake.
For those who’re touring Switzerland in summer time, catch a ship journey on Lake Brienz to see all of them. Among the finest locations to cease is the village of Iseltwald. The gorgeous village backdropped by snowcapped mountains appears straight out of a fairytale.
If in case you have greater than 2 weeks in Switzerland, I like to recommend persevering with your journey to Lucerne from Brienz, because it’s simply an hour drive away. Lucerne has a beautiful previous city and plenty of cool museums and mountain hikes. Take a look at this checklist of issues to do in Lucerne.
Weave via the Lauterbrunnen Valley
It’s time for the perfect a part of this Switzerland street journey! Drive 2 hours southeast into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, one of the crucial spectacular trough valleys within the Alps.
The title ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (‘many fountains’) suggests the magnificence of this panorama. There are 72 waterfalls within the Lauterbrunnen Valley, essentially the most well-known being the Staubbach Falls proper within the coronary heart of city. Plunging nearly 300m from an overhanging rock face, they’re one of many highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
One other deafening pure phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls within the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. As much as 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a complete top of about 200m. This spectacle can solely be reached in summer time by tunnel carry.
Go Snowboarding in Grindelwald
Proceed driving in direction of the ski resort of Grindelwald, simply 20 minutes away by automotive. I like to recommend staying in Grindelwald for the following few days because it’s the most important ski resort within the Jungfrau area and makes for a wonderful base (even for those who don’t ski).
Embedded in a welcoming hole, Grindelwald is surrounded by the imposing mountains of Eiger and Wetterhorn. In winter, Grindelwald is blanketed in snow and you may simply ski off the slopes exterior your lodge or go sledding proper exterior your entrance door.
In summer time, there are 300 km of strolling trails round Grindelwald. The high-altitude stroll from Grindelwald-First alongside the Bachalpsee to the Schynige Platte ranks among the many most stunning hikes of the area.
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The place to Keep in Grindelwald
Price range: Gasthof Panorama
Among the finest funds choices in Grindelwald, the Gasthof Panorama enjoys a quiet location on the Terrassenweg in Grindelwald, solely a 5-minute drive away from the middle. Test charges.
Mid Vary: Resort Gletscherblick
We shared a 2-bedroom duplex with buddies at this lodge throughout Christmas and had a wonderful time hanging out, cooking and taking part in in snow! The balcony views had been astounding and the lodge location improbable. Test charges right here.
Luxurious: Belvedere Swiss High quality Resort
Providing panoramic views of the Bernese Alps, this family-run 4-star superior lodge with a wonderful spa and outside saltwater scorching tub within the backyard. Test charges right here.
Itinerary Day 8: Go to the Alpine Village of Wengen
Head again to Lauterbrunnen for a day of excursions within the mountains. A rack railway hyperlinks Lauterbrunnen with the mountain city of Wengen which may solely be accessed by practice. The practice journey itself is nicely definitely worth the journey, because it actually takes you up the mountain with steep cliffs proper exterior your window.
From Wengen, you can even proceed onto the Kleinen Scheidegg, and alter trains for the onward journey to the Prime of Europe, Jungfraujoch*.
Take the Prepare to Murren
On the alternative aspect of the valley is the vacation resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cableway from Stechelberg continues to the height of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, well-known for being the setting the place the 007 traditional, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.
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*Prime Factor to Do in Jungfrau Area: Go to the Prime of Europe
Among the finest issues to do within the Jungfrau area is to take the gondola as much as Jungfraujoch, the very best practice station in Europe. Perched at 3,571m above sea degree, the Jungfraujoch observatory affords gobsmacking views of Mönch and Jungfrau.
Ticket costs are excessive, round 185 – 235 CHF (US$205-267) per individual relying on the season (which is why we selected to go to Glacier3000 as a substitute). However the ticket value contains the cable automotive journey there, and visits to the Ice Palace and The Alpine Sensation. Ebook your ticket right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 9: Head to Glacier 3000
The subsequent day, drive 2 hours southwest to Glacier 3000 in Col du Pillon. It’s one other observatory perched excessive within the Swiss Alps, with jawdropping views of Mont Blanc, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. However ticket costs are half of Jungfrajoch costs, and so we selected to go to Glacier3000 as a substitute. Ebook your tickets right here!
One distinctive attraction that Glacier 3000 has is the Peak Stroll. The The 107m lengthy bridge is the one suspension bridge on the planet that connects two mountain peaks. It takes simply minutes to stroll it; but it surely’s not for the faint-hearted. We had been fortunate to go to on a transparent, sunny day, however we nonetheless skilled 70km/h winds and -12degC temperature.
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The place to Keep in Les Diablerets
Price range: Bauernhotel Gässlihof
Positioned above the village of Feutersoey by Gstaad, that is an natural farm providing rustic rooms with mountain views. Test charges right here.
Mid Vary: Auberge de L’Ours
Inbuilt 1833 on the principle sq. of Vers l’Eglise, this stunning Swiss chalet affords Alpine-style rooms, a captivating backyard, and free parking on web site. Test charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Chalet des Bovets
Among the finest resorts within the space, this historic lodge is stuffed with character, with conventional wood interiors, Scandinavian model design and a big artwork assortment. Test charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 10-12: Go to Montreux
For the final a part of your Swiss street journey, head west in direction of Montreux, one of the crucial charming cities in Switzerland. Town is constructed alongside Lake Geneva and oozes a chic European model.
Recognized for its delicate microclimate, Montreux has colourful promenade lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean bushes and grand Belle Époque buildings. One stunning spot to go to is the offshore medieval island fortress, Château de Chillon, full with ramparts, formal halls and 14th-century murals.
Wander the Previous City of Lausanne
Only a 30-minute drive alongside the lake, you’ll discover the town of Lausanne. The city is constructed on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes overlooking Lake Geneva.
The enticing previous city of Lausanne is essentially car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques form the streetscape within the medieval metropolis centre. The Nineteenth-century Palais de Rumine homes superb artwork and science museums.
Discover Medieval City of Gruyères
It’s nearly the top of your journey. In your approach again to Basel, make a cease on the medieval city of Gruyères, 1 hour away from Lausanne. The city gave its title to the area La Gruyère and its scrumptious cheese, Gruyère. Be sure you strive some Gruyère quiche, raclette and fondue whenever you’re right here.
The hamlet is ridiculously charming, constructed on a hilltop surrounded by its fortress partitions. Contained in the car-free city, you’ll discover postcard-perfect cobblestoned streets, fountains and fairytale-like homes. The thirteenth century Fort of Gruyères dominates the city.
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The place to Keep in Gruyères
Price range: Gruyère Rooms
Resorts in Gruyères should not low cost, and that is the most cost effective possibility if you wish to keep on the town. A number of the rooms provide views of the pedestrian zone or the Gruyère Fort. Test charges right here.
Mid Vary: Resort de Ville
Each city in Switzerland has a lodge de ville, and this city’s fundamental lodge is ready in a historic chalet with stunning wood options. Test charges right here.
Luxurious: Le Saint Georges
The very best lodge on the town is situated proper in the principle sq., with a powerful view of the city. It’s additionally received massive household rooms. Test charges right here.
Switzerland Itinerary Day 13: Proceed to Stunning Zermatt
Head to southern Switzerland (a 2-hour drive) to go to what’s arguably one of many finest winter locations in Europe. This car-free village is the place you’ll go for a full view of the long-lasting Matterhorn. Its fundamental road, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique outlets, resorts and eating places, and in addition has a energetic après-ski scene.
Admire the standard Walser structure and sip scorching chocolate on the streetside cafes. Don’t miss the wonderful Matterhorn Museum, which particulars the harrowing tales of mountaineers who tried to ascend the Matterhorn.
On our first journey to Zermatt, we took the Glacier Categorical from St Moritz to Zermatt. The views via the open-roof home windows had been spectacular, the journey itself was one epic journey: it introduced us via 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. It was undoubtedly one of many most stunning practice journeys we’ve ever taken.
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The place to Keep in Zermatt
Price range: Zermatt Youth Hostel
The very best funds possibility in Zermatt is that this youth hostel, only a 10-min stroll from the ski elevators. We stayed right here on our first journey to Switzerland and liked the views of Matterhorn from right here. Test charges.
Mid Vary: Mont Cervin Palace
Opened in 1851, the 5-star lodge stands within the coronary heart of Zermatt, with trendy interiors and an infinite wellness and spa space. Test charges right here.
Luxurious: Grand Resort Zermatterhof
One other historic landmark lodge, this grand dame of Zermatt is an ultra-luxurious property in a central however peaceable location in Zermatt. Friends are picked up from the practice station by an electrical automotive or in a blue horse-drawn carriage. Test charges right here.
Itinerary Day 14: Drive again to Basel
Sadly, your journey has come to an finish. The drive from Zermatt to Basel is round 3.5 hours. I like to recommend driving again to Basel within the morning to be sure to can catch your flight dwelling.
It’s also possible to fly dwelling from Geneva Airport which is 2h 45m by automotive, or Zurich Airport barely additional at 3h 45m away. Alternatively, you may proceed on to discover the neighboring nations as Zermatt is true throughout the border from France and Italy.
Value of this Switzerland Street Journey Itinerary
Let’s be clear: Switzerland IS an costly place to journey. Costs of sights, lodging and meals may be exorbitant. Restaurant meals are costly — put together to spend not less than $40 on every meal. Fortunately supermarkets are fairly nicely priced. Even low cost hostels are round $50 per individual per night time.
For those who’re touring Switzerland on a decent funds, cooking your meals and staying at low cost Airbnbs, then you will get by on as little as $120 per individual per day.
Packing for this Switzerland Street Journey
What you pack will depend on whenever you’re planning on doing your Switzerland street journey. In case you are visiting Switzerland in winter, make sure you carry heat garments together with a top quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s necessary to put money into a superb pair of winter boots or sturdy climbing footwear for snow situations.
As well as, bear in mind to get snow chains on your automotive/rental for those who’re planning to drive in winter. They aren’t required by regulation, however they’ll maintain you secure within the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and located the snow chains to be very helpful. In case you are driving a camper van, it’s additionally helpful to carry a thermos and pouch hotter to maintain your self heat.
Wish to Learn Extra about Switzerland?
That’s a wrap! Thanks for studying all the way in which to the top. We’ve undoubtedly packed rather a lot into this 2-week Switzerland street journey itinerary. However relaxation assured you’ll be exploring at fairly a leisurely tempo.
This Switzerland itinerary gives you a style of the nation and present you the perfect components of the nation, whether or not you’re visiting in winter or summer time. If in case you have any query, be happy to go away me a remark beneath!
Learn my articles on Switzerland beneath:
- Driving the Glacier Categorical
- 15 Most Stunning Locations to Go to in Europe
- Finest Winter Locations in Europe
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