5 days Switzerland - 4 itineraries from Geneva

Five days is a great amount of time to spend in Switzerland if you’ve never been here and want to get a taste of this beautiful country. It’ll just give you enough time to see different places without having to rush too much. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following itineraries will help you with that process.

They are all doable within five days and have their starting point in Geneva. However, if you’d like to start in a different place, you can easily adapt your trip accordingly. Geneva is very well connected and can be reached from every other city in Switzerland. Especially those in western Switzerland like Lausanne, Fribourg, Montreux or even Bern.

You will notice that we only talk about travelling by public transport and not by car. Most itineraries are also possible by car, in case you decide to get a rental during your stay in Switzerland. But with our very dense network of trains and buses, there’s no real need to travel by car.

Of course, the choice is all yours.

Also, if you have more than three five available and see a Switzerland itinerary you like, you can easily stretch it out by spending an extra night at some of the places.

Happy planning!

• Public Transport in Switzerland
• The 10 most important railway passes for your trip in Switzerland
• Everything you need to know about train tickets in Switzerland

1. Itinerary with all major highlights along Lake Geneva, cheese, chocolate and the Jura mountains

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover the highlights of Geneva, Switzerland’s second largest city
• Walk through the picturesque vineyards of Nyon
• Explore the mediaeval city of Lausanne
• Hike to the Dent de Vaulion for some impressive Jura-views
• Take a stroll along the picturesque Promenade in Montreux
• Have a glass of wine in the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)

Day 1: Geneva - Nyon - Lausanne

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Nyon.

This mediaeval town by the shore of Lake Geneva is surrounded by a couple of charming vineyards. Follow the path through the vineyards to Nyon Castle to take in the view. After your lunch break, catch the train to Lausanne. Check in to your accommodation and make the most of your free Lausanne Transport Card.

Lausanne’s picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by numerous vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. To hear something interesting, head to the Cathedral between 10 pm and 2 am and observe the tower. Night guards have been shouting out the current time in the middle of the night from up there since 1405.

• Best things to do in Geneva

Day 2: Lausanne - Lac de Joux / Creux du Van - Lausanne

After breakfast, buy enough food for the day and head straight to Le Pont, a village in the Valleé de Joux. The train ride from Lausanne to the valley takes roughly an hour. Vallée de Joux is part of the Jura mountains and offers countless hiking options. In the centre of the valley, you’ll find a peaceful lake called Lac de Joux.

By far the most popular spot in the area is the distinctive mountain of Dent de Vaulion. Hiking the circular path from Le Pont takes around three hours. The views from Dent de Vaulion across the Vallée de Joux, all the way to Lake Geneva and way into France, make this place extra special.

Since you’ve got all day up here, spend as much time in the area as you like. Hang out by Lac de Joux, walk the path around the lake or do whatever else your heart desires. Whenever you feel like it, catch the train back to Lausanne and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

If you’re in for a bit of a challenge, we recommend hiking to Creux du Van instead. This natural, one-kilometre wide amphitheatre got its shape from constant erosion by water and ice. Marmots, mountain goats, deer and various birds inhabit this area.

The starting point of the hike is in Noiraigue, a village that takes roughly an hour and a half to reach from Lausanne. Hiking to Creux du Van is pretty tough and will take up to five hours. Spend as much time as you like at the amphitheatre before heading back to Noiraigue and Lausanne.

Of course, Switzerland gets its fair share of bad weather and we don’t suggest you do this hike if it’s raining. The rocks can get slippery and dangerous when they’re wet and we don’t want you to get hurt!

• Best things to do in Lausanne

Day 3: Lausanne - Lavaux - Montreux

In the morning, cover some more ground in Lausanne before moving on to Montreux. Drop your luggage at your accommodation and head out again. Montreux has plenty to offer. Walk to the Promenade and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head in the opposite direction toward Vevey, where you’ll find a stunning riviera and many interesting museums. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle Guide

Day 4: Montreux - Gruyères / Broc - Montreux

After breakfast, catch the train to the very touristy yet wonderful, quaint little village of Gruyères. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon, which is your first leg to Gruyères, is served by regular regional trains as well as the famous Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can sometimes get a bit crowded. But like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a mediaeval village and cheese.

Lots of cheese!

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station and for a small entrance fee, you get to watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included.

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the village centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes. After exploring the hidden cobblestone alleys, checking out the castle and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler.

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a lot of free samples.

More than you thought you could handle.

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to spend the night by Lake Geneva.

Now, you do have the option to trade in the chocolate and cheese frenzy for some glacier action. Instead of heading to Gruyères, catch the train to Col-du-Pillon and visit Glacier 3000.

The 360-degree views are astonishing and if you’re brave enough, the Peak Walk across the suspension bridge is an experience you’ll likely never forget.

• Gruyère Cheese Factory
• Cailler Chocolate Factory
• Glacier 3000 Guide

Day 5: Montreux - Geneva

Today, you have several options to choose from. If you need a couple more hours in Montreux, stick around in the morning. Once you’re ready to make your way back to Geneva, either catch the passenger ship or the train.

Or, in case you’d like to see something new, leave your bags at your accommodation and go on a city trip instead. Both Fribourg and Bern are possible destinations for a day trip. In Fribourg, follow the city-walk signs leading you through this mighty old town. The signs will lead you up and down some very steep alleyways, across ancient wooden bridges, down to the River Saane and past the city’s very own funicular.

For an even better view of your surroundings, tackle the 365 steps to the tower of the Cathedral. The River Saane at the bottom of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a snack.

Alternatively, if you opt for the capital of Switzerland, head to Bern instead. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back to Rosengarten for the views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

In the afternoon, head back to Montreux to grab your bags before you move on to Geneva. Of course, if you take your luggage with you and leave it at the train station in Fribourg or Bern, you can head straight back to Geneva without having to go through Montreux again.

• Best things to do in Bern
• Best things to do in Fribourg

Additional tips and information for itinerary 1

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lausanne and Montreux, you’ll receive a Transport Card that allows you to use local transport for free in both cities.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.
• When travelling from Montreux to Gruyères, you’ll need to transfer in Montbovon. If your budget allows, you can book the chocolate train that’ll take you straight from Montreux to the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. This is also served by the Golden Pass Line.
• If you’re interested, you can catch the passenger ship from Lausanne to Montreux instead of the train. There’s a direct connection leaving Lausanne around midday and takes just over an hour and a half.

2. Itinerary into the Alps with Switzerland’s highest peaks in Saas-Fee and Jungfraujoch in Interlaken

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Walk past the mighty jet d’eau and sit on the world’s longest bench in Geneva
• Spend a few hours exploring Lausanne by Lake Geneva
• Hike or ski until your feet fall off in Saas-Fee
• Find yourself surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains
• Go for a hike in the Jungfrau region in front of majestic mountain peaks

Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Saas-Fee

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Lausanne.

This picturesque old town was built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. The upcoming train ride into the mountains takes around two and a half hours, so don’t spend too much time exploring Lausanne.

Saas-Fee, also known as the pearl of the Alps, is surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains. As you arrive in this miraculous alpine village, you’ll find yourself in the midst of 13 mountains that are all over 4000 metres (13.120 feet) above sea level.

This can only mean one thing. You have to love the outdoors to come up here…

• Best things to do in Geneva

Day 2: Free day in Saas-Fee

Get ready to inhale nothing but fresh mountain air today. Chances are you’ll be spending a fair amount of time outside before the day is over. If you’re visiting during summer, your hiking options are nearly endless. Over 350 kilometres (217 miles) of hiking trails take you places you never even knew existed.

And while we’re at it, don’t forget to look out for marmots during your hike. Your chances of spotting a couple of those cute, chubby alpine inhabitants aren’t too slim up here.

Swiss Glacier World, the self-announced highest playground in the world, might also be a place you’d like to visit. After all, who wouldn’t want to zipline across a glacier?

But Saas-Fee isn’t only interesting during hiking season. If you’re here in winter, you can absolutely ski or snowboard yourself silly. And with Saas-Fee being at such high altitude, you’ll partially be skiing on top of a glacier. Not something you get to do every day.

Over 150 kilometres (93 miles) of prepared slopes will keep you busy for as long as you please. And while other ski resorts have been struggling with a lack of snow these past few years – with global warming and all – you’re almost certain to find enough snow in Saas-Fee due to its high altitude.

Knock yourself out enjoying the mountain views, the snow, the hikes, the marmots and the fresh air.

• Best things to do in Saas-Fee

Day 3: Saas-Fee - Interlaken

Once again, you decide how to plan out your day today. One option is to stay in Saas-Fee for a little while longer. Keep hiking, looking for marmots, skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining across glaciers or whatever else you’ve set your mind to.

Alternatively, if you’ve had enough of the thin air and are ready to head back down, travel onward to the adrenaline-packed and popular town of Interlaken.

Spend the rest of today in this conveniently located place between two stunning and crystal clear lakes. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Activities are endless and you’ve got all day tomorrow to explore Interlaken and its surroundings.

Since your options in this area are so plentiful, check tomorrow’s suggestions to see if you find something to tick off the list this afternoon already. Maybe you fancy a short trip to Lauterbrunnen or a ride up Harder Kulm for some great views?

Day 4: Free day in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from today than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

If even that...

Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning and jet boating are all popular activities that will get your adrenaline flowing.

Another option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either Giessbach (Lake Brienz), the Saint Beatus Caves or Spiez (Lake Thun).

The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is nearly endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody wants to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe. If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly experience, we suggest looking into visiting Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First or Männlichen instead. The rides up to these mountains and the views from the top won’t disappoint you.

Other places of interest in and around Interlaken are: the open-air museum Ballenberg, the chocolate workshops at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee or the Aare Gorge.

And let’s not forget those charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.

We could go on forever here but we guess this would only make you hate that you don’t have all week here.

• Best things to do in Interlaken
• 12 Tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch
• Mount Schilthorn Piz Gloria
• Schynige Platte - Top of Swiss Tradition
• Skydive Interlaken - why you shouldn’t miss it
• Ballenberg open-air museum

Day 5: Interlaken - Geneva

You probably didn’t get to do everything you set your mind to yesterday. This is why you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Interlaken today. Do what you need to do before heading back to Geneva in the late afternoon or evening. The train ride from Interlaken to Geneva takes roughly three hours. So unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 2

• If you’re itching to get into the mountains and don’t care much for Lausanne, forget about that stopover and head straight to Saas-Fee. This will give you more time to explore everything the Swiss outdoors have to offer.
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Interlaken, you’ll receive an Interlaken Visitor Card that allows you to use local transport for free and gives you additional discounts on attractions and activities.

3. Itinerary across Switzerland with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO)
• Travel to Europe’s longest freshwater beach by Lake Morat
• Eat lots of Ragusa and Torino at the chocolate factory in Courtelary
• Stroll through the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds (UNESCO)
• Admire the Abbey District in St. Gallen (UNESCO)
• Discover the highlights of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city

Day 1: Geneva - Bern

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a free walking tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

In this charming UNESCO listed city, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from. Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back up to Rosengarten for more views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for the afternoon. In the evening, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten for some impressive night views.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Best things to do in Bern

Day 2: Bern - Morat - Neuchâtel - Bern

After breakfast, catch the train and venture to the quaint little town of Morat. This ride will only take you half an hour and you won’t even need to transfer. Morat itself is tiny and won’t take you long to figure out. Spend a few moments strolling through its historic town centre and stretch your legs by the lake.

This area is perfect for biking, hiking, swimming or just hanging out by the lake as well.

By the way, you’ll find Europe’s longest freshwater beach at Lake Morat in Salavaux. This might not impress anyone who grew up by the sea, but for a land-locked country like Switzerland, this is a big deal...

Once you’ve seen enough of Morat, travel on to Neuchâtel. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city with its lake views and steep alleyways. For some additional great views, head up to Chaumont, Neuchâtel’s backyard mountain.

The funicular leaves from Le Coudre and takes you to the summit. From the summit, you can hike down to Cressier via Trois Cheminées. From Cressier, the bus will take you back to Neuchâtel. Alternatively, go for a walk around Chaumont and catch the funicular back down.

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Bern and enjoy another night in Switzerland’s capital.

• Best things to do in Morat

Day 3: Bern - La Chaux-de-Fonds - Bern - St. Gallen

Your second day in Bern starts similar to yesterday. Have breakfast and get a move on. This time, after storing your bags either at your accommodation or at the train station, you’re heading to La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Canton of Neuchâtel.

Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, was born here. And since this city was the centre of the Swiss watchmaking industry for over 100 years, it only makes sense for the International Clock Museum to be up here.

Another characteristic element to La Chaux-de-Fonds, apart from clocks and watches, is its chessboard-shaped outline. When the city was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century and they had to rebuild it from scratch, they introduced the unusual framework you’ll find today.

On your way back to Bern, make sure you stop over in Courtelary. This inconspicuous little village isn’t as innocent as it seems. It’s home to Camille Bloch, the company behind Ragusa and Torino. In our opinion some of the best Swiss chocolate brands.

Their visitors’ centre is a fantastic place to buy all different kinds of their delicious chocolate creations. And their exhibition doesn’t stop at telling you about the ups and downs of this family business since its early beginnings in 1926.

It also includes a mouth-watering demo station where two chocolatiers make Ragusa and Torino bars right in front of you. Needless to say you’ll be able to taste their mouth watering outcome only minutes after it’s cooled off.

Take your time enjoying some of the best chocolate before you head back to Bern. Once you arrive, grab your bags and catch the train to St. Gallen. There’s a direct train that takes just over two hours to bring you to the eastern part of Switzerland.

• Camille Bloch chocolate factory

Day 4: Free day in St. Gallen

Today, you’ve got heaps of activities and sights to choose from. For one, you have the option to stay in St. Gallen.

Start the day exploring the old town. With the UNESCO listed Abbey District, its towering Cathedral and the impressive Abbey Library, this city has quite a few things to offer.

While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the recreational area of Drei Weieren. To get there, either catch the Mühleggbahn or take the stairs. Alternatively, visit the wildlife park Peter & Paul or still your cultural thirst at one of the many museums.

By far the best place to relax is at Drei Weieren. Go for a refreshing swim to recover from the many steps you took up here or go for a stroll in the forest. You also get a fantastic view over the whole city, Lake Constance and all the way to Germany.

Alternatively, if you’d like to venture into the mountains, visit the nearby Alpstein mountain range. Catch the train to Wasserauen and hike up to Seealpsee, one of the three lakes in the Alpstein mountain range. Spend some time in this peaceful spot before moving on to Ebenalp.

On your way to Ebenalp, you’ll pass by a place you might have seen before. The famous Äscher restaurant. Ever since it was featured on National Geographic and on Ashton Kutcher’s Instagram, it‘s been completely overrun by its success. This sadly caused it to lose some of its former charm. However, it’s still a worthwhile place to snap a few photos and take a break.

At Ebenalp, you can choose between hiking back to Wasserauen or catching the cable car. If you still have it in you after this long day, you might like a quick stopover in Appenzell on your way to St. Gallen.

In case you hop off in Appenzell and are feeling brave, visit the little cheese store at Hauptgasse 13. But be warned, those smelly cheese fumes will knock your socks off the second you enter the store. There’s no way your feet will be able to compete with that odour. Not even after a full day of being trapped inside your trekking boots... 🙂

Oh, and don’t miss out on a piece of Appenzeller Biber, an iconic local sweet treat made of gingerbread and a honey almond filling. And before you ask: Nope. This Biber doesn’t have any famous Canadian relatives...

Also, if you’re a beer-lover, make sure to stop by the Locher brewery. They brew the popular Quöllfrisch beer that is consumed all across Switzerland.

Lake Constance is also easily accessible from St. Gallen. You can reach the shore of this beautiful lake within only half an hour. Whatever it is you end up doing, come back to St. Gallen in the evening for your second night.

• Best things to do in St. Gallen
• Lake Constance

Day 5: St. Gallen - Zurich - Geneva

You’ve got a fair bit of travelling to do today since you’ll be crossing the whole country in one day. But don’t worry. In a tiny place like Switzerland, that sounds more dramatic than it is.

On your way back to Geneva, stop over in Zurich and spend a few hours exploring Switzerland’s largest city. Store your bags at the train station and off you go. Go (window-)shopping at busy Bahnhofstrasse and walk up to Lindenhof for a great view over the old town. Head to Lake Zurich at Bellevue, visit Grossmünster and wander through the Niederdörfli, a part of the old town.

The train ride from Zurich to Geneva takes just under three hours. Move on whenever you see fit and spend the rest of the evening exploring Switzerland’s second largest city.

• Best things to do in Zurich

Additional tips and information for itinerary 3

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Bern and St. Gallen, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free. In the case of St. Gallen, this includes transport all the way to Lake Constance.
• If you decide to go on a hike in the Alpstein, please make sure you wear sturdy shoes. A pair of sneakers isn’t enough for certain trails, so please be careful.
• Since you’ll be travelling across Switzerland twice and also using the train a fair bit on your day trips from Bern, we highly suggest you buy a travel pass. Be that an Interrail, Eurail or Swiss Travel Pass.
• Access to the Clock Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds and the Abbey Library in St. Gallen is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.

4. Itinerary for nature lovers with Lake Geneva and two full days in Interlaken and in the Alps

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Spend a few hours exploring Lausanne and Montreux by Lake Geneva
• Visit the Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO)
• Ride parts of the scenic Golden Pass Line between Montreux and Interlaken
• Discover everything Switzerland stands for in Interlaken: lakes, mountains, rivers, and ravishing landscapes
• Visit Jungfraujoch - also known as the Top of Europe

Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a free walking tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Lausanne.

This picturesque old town was built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. Move on to Montreux whenever you’re ready, drop your bags at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring Montreux.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head over to Lavaux. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle Guide

Day 2: Montreux - Interlaken

You’re in for plenty of scenic treats today. Spend a few more hours in and around Montreux in the morning before moving on. Leave the Lake Geneva region and start your climb up into the Alps on the Golden Pass Line. After a couple of tunnels, you’ll arrive in the Bernese Oberland, our favourite part of the whole train journey.

This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

Even if you don’t have enough time to get off along the way, the ride through this picturesque area is something you probably won’t forget anytime soon. After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in Zweisimmen, where you’ll need to transfer to another train.

The last leg of the journey takes you past Spiez and Lake Thun before you finally arrive in Interlaken. Spend whatever you have left of the day exploring this popular town and get ready for a couple of days in this adrenaline and scenery-packed destination.

Day 3 and 4: Free days in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from these next two days than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

If even that...

Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning and jet boating are all popular activities that will get your adrenaline flowing.

Another option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either Giessbach (Lake Brienz), the Saint Beatus Caves or Spiez (Lake Thun).

The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is nearly endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody wants to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe. If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly experience, we suggest looking into visiting Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First or Männlichen instead. The rides up to these mountains and the views from the top won’t disappoint you.

Other places of interest in and around Interlaken are: the open-air museum Ballenberg, the chocolate workshops at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee or the Aare Gorge.

And let’s not forget those charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.

We could go on forever here but we guess this would only make you hate that you don’t have all week here.

• Best things to do in Interlaken
• 12 Tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch
• Mount Schilthorn Piz Gloria
• Schynige Platte - Top of Swiss Tradition
• Skydive Interlaken - why you shouldn’t miss it
• Ballenberg open-air museum

Day 5: Interlaken - Geneva / Zurich

You probably didn’t get to do everything you set your mind to these past two days. This is why you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Interlaken today. Do what you need to do before heading back to Geneva in the late afternoon or evening. The train ride from Interlaken to Geneva takes roughly three hours and unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.

Or, if you’re leaving Switzerland from Zurich, head that way instead. The fastest connection leads through Bern and takes two hours. However, if you have time and fancy completing the Golden Pass Line, you have the option to travel to Zurich through Lucerne instead. This will take you an extra hour but is way more scenic than the journey through Bern.

Additional tips and information for itinerary 4

• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Montreux and Interlaken, you’ll receive transport card that allows you to use local transport for free and gives you additional discounts on attractions and activities.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.
• You can complete the Golden Pass journey without making a reservation. However, the Golden Pass customer service recommends booking a seat for the segment between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get pretty busy during high season.

And this concludes our collection of five-day itineraries for Switzerland starting in Geneva. We hope you’ve been able to find something to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.