📍 Switzerland

SWISS GRAND LOOP: LAKES, PEAKS AND ALPINE CITIES ROUTE

Alpine villages rise in valley hollows, peaks pierce eternal snows, lakes mirror the mountains. The Swiss circuit distills perfection.

≈ 6
Days
273
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Geneva, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Wengen and Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland, Zurich to finish. In five days, discover Switzerland's essentials.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Geneva

lake city international elegance

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7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Promenade de la Treille – Geneva’s oldest promenade offering panoramic city views.
2
United Nations Office at Geneva and Broken Chair monument.
3
Stroll around Lake Geneva and Old Town squares.
4
Explore Montreux town center and lakeside promenade.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Optional boat cruise on Lake Geneva.
→
Boat trip or lakeside lunch with views of the Alps.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 163 km
Travel time: 3h16
2
Day

Zermatt

iconic matterhorn mountain

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10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic train from Geneva to Zermatt (~3.5h).
2
Five Lakes Trail (Leisee, Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee) near Zermatt.
3
Walk through Zermatt village and along the river for Matterhorn views.
4
Visit Gorner Gorge.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Take the Sunnegga funicular and Blauherd cable car to the hiking start.
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Return train from Randa to Zermatt.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 86 km
Travel time: 1h44
3
Day

Wengen

alpine car-free mountain village

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9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Option: Ski at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or visit the Glacier Palace.
2
Train to Gornergrat for panoramic Matterhorn views.
3
Cable car ride from Mürren to Schilthorn for panoramic Alps views.
4
Visit Bond World
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Transfer from Zermatt to Jungfrau Region via Interlaken (~3h).
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Optional Via Ferrata from Mürren to Gimmelwald.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 15min
4
Day

Grindelwald

mountain valley sanctuary

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10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Cable car from Grindelwald to First.
2
Hike to Bachalpsee Lake and return (2h round trip).
3
Visit the First Cliff Walk and viewpoint.
🎯

Activities

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Try adventure rides: First Flyer, First Glider, or Mountain Cart.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 15min
5
Day

Zurich

urban lake city sophistication

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7 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Train from Wengen to Lucerne (~2.5h).
2
Walk Kapellbrücke Bridge & Water Tower.
3
Visit Lion Monument and Glacier Garden.
4
Explore Lucerne Old Town and lakeside promenade.
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Optional guided tour with boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
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Optional guided city tour with boat ride and cable car.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - Switzerland

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Perfect weather for hiking, warmest temperatures, peak tourist season, highest prices, long daylight hours, festival season.

Winter (December-March): World-class skiing, Christmas markets, winter sports paradise, expensive ski resorts, shorter daylight, magical snowy landscapes.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, moderate prices, wildflower blooms, excellent for cultural sites, unpredictable mountain weather.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, autumn colors, harvest season, good weather, fewer tourists, excellent value before ski season.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Switzerland?

Alpine perfection with pristine mountains, luxury watches, and world-famous chocolate culture. Experience efficient trains, medieval towns, and outdoor adventures in Europe's playground. The country offers incredible hiking, skiing, and luxury experiences with stunning mountain scenery. Switzerland provides reliability, beauty, and luxury in compact Alpine paradise.