4 Days in Switzerland: The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary
Planning on spending 4 days in Switzerland and looking for the ultimate itinerary to guide the way? Keep Reading!
In the past 7 years I have spent a LOT of time in Switzerland. My husband is from Switzerland and we visit multiple times a year and he loves to show me around his home country – so I know the country very well.
Switzerland is the perfect place to visit for travelers of all types. With its stunning old towns, lush nature, and deep history, there is something for everyone.
Although there are many places you can visit and routes you can take while visiting Switzerland, this itinerary takes you through some of the best and most beautiful places in Switzerland.
In just 4 days you can see some of the highlights of Switzerland, but more time is always better! This 4 day itinerary brings you through cities, nature, and more so you can get the full Swiss experience.
Prepare to fall in love with this beautiful country and enjoy your 4 days in Switzerland.
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
Short on time? Check my TOP recommendations for Switzerland:
🚂 Save on transport: Get a Swiss Travel Pass to have unlimited access to public transport that allows you to visit a wide range of cities!
🇨🇭 Personal tour recommendations:
Explore Zurich during sightseeing and boat tour.
Visit Lucerne with a local guide.
Get a Paragliding Experience in Interlaken
🍫 For the foodies: don’t forget to check the home of Swiss chocolate here.
In This Post
Is 4 days enough in Switzerland?
Is 4 days in Switzerland enough? Well, it is enough to give you a taste of this stunning country, but it is definitely not enough to explore it thoroughly.
You could easily spend months in Switzerland and still have more to see and do but with 4 days (in my itinerary) you can see four of the top attractions in the country that make it such a worthwhile place!
How to Get Around Switzerland
Getting around Switzerland is pretty easy thanks to its efficient transportation system. Here are three popular ways to explore the country:
🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility, especially if you plan to visit remote areas. Switzerland has well-maintained roads, but be prepared for tolls, parking fees, and narrow mountain passes. My favorite place to find car rentals in Switzerland is Discover Cars.
🎟️ Swiss Travel Pass *BEST OPTION*: The Swiss Travel Pass, allows unlimited travel on the national rail network and other forms of public transportation. This pass is a convenient option for tourists. It covers trains, trams, buses, boats, and even some mountain railways and cable cars. It also provides free admission to many museums. You can purchase it here.
🚂 Train: If you only want to enjoy public transportation like boats or trains in one place then opting for a one-time train ticket is best. My favorite place to book train tickets is Omio.
💡 INSIDER TIP: If you want to take a train in Switzerland do it in Interlaken! This is where the most scenic train rides in Switzerland are. The prices are high, but so so so worth it.
How many days is good to see Switzerland?
To get the most out of your visit I’d suggest 7 – 14 days in Switzerland. With more days you can relax a little bit, see more places and do more nature activities like long hikes.
However, Switzerland is quite expensive so to save money you can cut back on a few days and travel a little bit quicker.
How much money do you need for 4 days in Switzerland?
Be prepared: Switzerland is EXPENSIVE! How much money you spend can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay, what activities you do, and how you get around.
However, here is a general outline for two people who are looking to not spend a fortune without being “too” cheap:
- 🏨 Hotels: $240 / night * 4
- 🚂 Transportation: $100 / day * 4
- 🏔️ Activities: $50 / day * 2 (assuming you do an activity in only two places)
- TOTAL: ~$1460 for 4 days without flights
Money in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It’s best to carry some cash for small purchases, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places.
Tipping in Switzerland is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip if service is not included.
4 Days in Switzerland at a GLANCE
➡️ Day 1: 🛩️ Land in Zurich
➡️ Day 2: 🚗 Drive 45 minutes from Zurich to Lucerne / 🚂 Take the train from Zurich to Lucerne (40 minutes)
➡️ Day 3: 🚗 Drive 1 hour from Lucerne to Interlaken / 🚂 Take the train from Lucerne to Interlaken (2 hours)
➡️ Day 4: 🚗 Drive 2.5 hours from Interlaken to Geneva / 🚂 Take the train from Interlaken to Geneva
This is a very packed 4 days in Switzerland but it will show you the highlights of the country. If you want to avoid moving around every day I suggest driving straight from Zurich to Interlaken or skipping Geneva at the end and enjoying two days in Interlaken.
Interlaken is one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth and the surrounding villages will have you awe-struck.
Day 1: Zurich
Zurich is the best place to start your 4 days in Switzerland. It is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the most important financial centers in the world.
The city is known for its picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and world-class museums and galleries.
💡 Zurich is one of my favorite cities in Switzerland. I love ending the day here with a takeaway pizza and a walk along the water.
There are plenty of things to do and see here and with only one day in Zurich, you can see quite a bit, but unfortunately not everything.
The rest of this 4 days in Switzerland itinerary covers some more nature-focused days, so spending your time in Zurich exploring the old town and the historical and cultural city is best.
Things to do in Zurich | 4 Days in Switzerland
Stroll through the historic old town: Zurich’s Altstadt (old town) is full of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes and shops.
A great way to see Zurich and get some information along the way is with this top-rated Zurich Old Town Walking Tour.
Visit the Swiss National Museum: The Swiss National Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Swiss history and culture.
Here you can find tickets for a Guided Tour and Entrance.
Here you can find Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket.
Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich: Lake Zurich is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a boat ride or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery.
💡 INSIDER TIP: A great dinner idea that will make you feel like a local is getting something to go – like pizza from Santa Lucia – and eating along the waterfront promenade.
Enjoy Swiss chocolate: Zurich is known for its delicious chocolate, so be sure to visit some of the city’s top chocolate shops like Confiserie Sprüngli or Teuscher to try some of the best chocolate in the world.
I love getting to know a country by trying the foods it is best known for. In Switzerland, this is it’s chocolate and CHEESE! Book this TOP RATED Chocolate & Cheese tour for an immersive experience!
Explore the Kunsthaus Zurich: This art museum houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Swiss artists like Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler.
Where to Stay in Zurich
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Zurich!
Day 2: Lucerne
Lucerne is located just 45 minute drive from Zurich making it the perfect place to spend your second day during your 4 days in Switzerland. This charming city is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by the Swiss Alps.
The city is known for its beautiful old town, which features colorful buildings, narrow streets, and historic landmarks. It is one of the most magical cities in Switzerland and a wonderful place to explore!
💡 I love Lucerne because of its close proximity to mountains and water (to enjoy Switzerland’s amazing nature) but also for its charming city.
Things to do in Lucerne | 4 Days in Switzerland
Visit the Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower: The Chapel Bridge is a wooden bridge that dates back to the 14th century, and the Water Tower is a historic tower that served as a prison and watchtower in the past.
I think the best way to see and learn about a city is with a walking tour! This is the top rated Lucerne walking tour for a beautiful historic tour of the old town.
Explore the Old Town: Lucerne’s Old Town is a charming and picturesque area with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful squares.
Take a boat tour of Lake Lucerne: Lake Lucerne is a stunning lake surrounded by the Swiss Alps. A boat tour is a great way to explore the lake and enjoy the scenery.
One of my favourite things I did in Lucernce was take a boat tour. The calm waters, stunning mountain views, and knowledgeable captions make it a MUST DO! Click Here to book the TOP-RATED boat tour in Lucerne!
Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport: This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Lucerne and features exhibits and displays related to transportation, technology, and mobility. Get your tickets in advance here!
Take a day trip to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi: Lucerne is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are two of the most popular mountains in the region and offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
I highly recommend this Mount Pilatus Tour that not only brings you to the top of Pilatus but also on a 1 hour boat tour. Book your spot for this tour here.
Visit the Lion Monument: This famous monument is a sculpture of a dying lion and was created to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution.
Try Swiss chocolate and cheese: Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and cheese, and Lucerne has plenty of shops and restaurants where you can try some of the best Swiss food.
Where to Stay in Lucerne
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Lucerne!
Day 3: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen
A very scenic one-hour drive from Lucerne is Interlaken! This is a traditional Swiss resort town located inside the picturesque mountains typical of Switzerland.
💡 This day is my favourite on this itinerary that will show you some of the most beautiful and breathtaking places in Switzerland that you see in magazines.
Interlaken is built on a small area of land between huge mountains and between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is one of the best villages in Switzerland too!
This is the perfect place to visit for nature and adventure travel lovers looking to enjoy the lush nature of Switzerland.
💡 INSIDER TIP: I find Interlaken an interesting place to visit, but even more so the villages beyond Interlaken are the places that are the most beautiful, namely: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen!
Honestly, if you have a flight on the 4th day of this itinerary leaving from Geneva you should go there for day 4, but if you don’t I’d HIGHLY suggest spending day 3 and day 4 in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald instead of Geneva.
Things to do in Interlaken | 4 Days in Switzerland
Top of Harder Kulm: Seeing Interlaken from above is easily one of the top things to do while here. Heading to the top of Harder Kulm can be done via hiking or by funicular.
Paragliding: Paragliding in Switzerland offers breathtaking aerial views of the Swiss Alps and an unforgettable experience.
➡️ Click Here to book a tour of Switzerland’s top rated paragliding tour! This is a bucket list tour where you will sail above the Swiss Alps on a tandem flight.
Lake Brienz: Lake Brienz is a stunning aqua-blue lake sitting in Interlaken that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A visit here will show you the true natural beauty of Switzerland’s lakes and mountain views and a must-visit in this 4 day Switzerland itinerary.
This kayak tour provides a great viewpoint on Lake Brenz if you are visiting in summer time, sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Book this tour!
Schynige Platte Railway: The Schynige Platte railway is one of the highest railways in Switzerland and is quite old at 115 years old. A ride in one of these rail cars offers stunning views of the mountains and valley below!
Where to Stay in Interlaken
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Interlaken!
Optional: Day 4 or During Day 3
If you prefer the mountains over cities and choose to stay in Interlaken for two days instead of one then you can spend more time in Switzerland’s most beautiful villages: Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
As mentioned, this is the most beautiful region in Switzerland and a place you will want more than one day to fully explore. However, if time isn’t on your side you can fit in as much as possible in one day and plan to save the rest for your next visit.
Things to do in Lauterbrunnen | 4 Days in Switzerland
There really is no place on earth as beautiful as Lauterbrunnen. This is why it is one of the top places you can venture to with 4 days in Switzerland is Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen is a small authentic village located in a U-Shape valley within the Swiss Alps. It is an amazing place to visit during every season with its mountain peaks, authentic architecture, and waterfalls.
💡 If you search Switzerland online or on social media the top videos and photos you will see are of Lauterbrunnen. The natural beauty of this village is something you cannot miss!
Top Things to do in Lauterbrunnen
Trümmelbach Falls: This is a series of waterfalls within the surrounding mountains, and it is a natural wonder that’s not to be missed.
This E-Bike tour is the BEST way to explore the valley, see all the waterfalls and enjoy the perfect Swiss picnic.
Book the Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls E-bike Tour here!
Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk: A scenic walk that leads you through meadows, farmhouses, the vivid blue river.
Cable car to Mürren: The journey itself offers breathtaking views and in Mürren you can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while admiring at the surrounding peaks.
Enjoy Lauterbrunnen’s simplicity: Stroll through the village, capture stunning photos of the charming wooden chalets and alpine flowers.
Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Lauterbrunnen!
Grindelwald is a nature lovers’ paradise and a must-visit with only 4 days in Switzerland. It is a bucket list place to visit with the huge mountains, lots of things to do, and stunning scenery.
💡 While Lauterbrunnen is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Grindelwald is a place to do activities! This is the adventure part of Switzerland with hikes, gondola rides, scenic train rides, and more.
Top Things to do in Grindelwald
Hike the Eiger Trail: The Eiger Trail takes you through breathtaking landscapes with amazing views of the famous Eiger North Face, as well as the Mönch and Jungfrau moutains.
Go Skiing or Snowboarding: Grindelwald is home to world-class ski resorts like Wengen, Grindelwald, and Mürren – perfect for those who love to skii and snowboard.
Jungfraujoch Railway: One of the most beautiful train rides in the world that winds you up tunnels and past glaciers.
First Cliff Walk by Tissot: This unique walkway offers panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. You’ll be walking on a steel cable-secured walkway with a glass floor section – not for the faint of heart, but definitely a memorable adventure.
In order to get there you will have to take the Cable car – tickets can be bought online HERE + with a Swiss Travel Pass there is a 50% discount!
Where to Stay in Grindelwald
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Grindelwald
Day 4: Geneva
Geneva can be reached by car from Interlaken in just 2 hours and the ride is beyond scenic. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a vibrant and lively city surrounded by the Swiss Alps.
Geneva is home to all things Swiss, like Fondue, chocolate, and many banks, but it is also a very cultural and interesting place to visit and explore. This is the perfect place to end your 4 days in Switzerland in a modern yet cultural hotspot.
Things to do in Geneva
Visit the Jet d’Eau: The Jet d’Eau is one of the most famous landmarks in Geneva. This impressive fountain shoots water 140 meters into the air and is visible from many parts of the city.
Walk along the Geneva Lakefront: The Geneva Lakefront is a beautiful promenade that offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.
Explore the Old Town: Geneva’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful squares. It’s a great place to wander around, shop for souvenirs, and try some local food and drinks.
Visit the Palace of Nations: The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations in Europe and is located in Geneva. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about the history and work of the United Nations.
Go shopping: Geneva is known for its luxury shopping, with high-end brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.
Take a boat tour of Lake Geneva: Embark on a beautiful boat tour of Lake Geneva, a stunning lake located within the Swiss Alps and French Jura Mountains.
Where to Stay in Geneva
➡️ Click HERE to book the BEST hotel in Geneva
Where to stay in Switzerland
Head to Booking.com to find where to stay in each city in Switzerland, starting with Zurich! This is my favourite way to find hotels and many have really nice cancellation policies.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly holiday head to Hostelworld.com and check out the deals here.
Booking.comBest Time to Visit Switzerland
Like most travel destinations, the best time to visit Switzerland is completely subjective!
But, September is typically one of the best months to visit Switzerland for many reasons. September still welcomes warm days with plenty of sun like the summer months but with much fewer summer tourist crowds. You will also find all hikes still open and in great condition for exploring.
A rundown on the seasons in Switzerland:
➡️ Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season due to warm weather. You can enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and festivals.
Read More: Complete Guide to Switzerland in Summer
➡️ Fall (September to November): The crowds thin out, and the weather is still warm and sunny. The fall colours in the Swiss countryside is stunning. It’s a good time for hiking and enjoying cultural events.
➡️ Winter (December to February): Switzerland is a top winter destination. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are at their best. Christmas markets and festivities add to the charm.
➡️ Spring (March to May): As the snow melts, Switzerland starts to bloom. Spring is great for lower-altitude hiking and exploring cities. It’s less crowded than summer but offers pleasant weather.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress.
With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
Spending 4 days in Switzerland promises a whirlwind of an adventure. There is no better place to get to enjoy and experience old cities and stunning nature all within a few days. Use this 4-day guide to mold your Switzerland travels, and by the end of your stay, you will already be planning your visit back.
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Love,
SSW
