From lakeside castles and storybook villages to alpine peaks and glacier trails, our 12-day Switzerland adventure was a journey through every corner of Swiss beauty. We began along the shores of Lake Geneva, exploring medieval fortresses like Chillon, Nyon, and Aigle, sampling wine in Chexbres, and visiting the legendary Gruyères hilltown for a taste of traditional cheesemaking. A quick stop in Geneva took us to the world-renowned CERN, while Bern impressed with its Old Town and bears along the riverside. From there, we ventured into the Bernese Oberland, where Mürren became our mountain base for paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley, tackling the thrilling via ferrata to Gimmelwald, revolving at the Schiltorn Piz Gloria, and biking past iconic waterfalls and alpine trails. Continuing through Lauterbrunnen, we hiked scenic routes like the Männlichen Panorama Trail, Eiger Trail, and Schynige Platte to First, then admired Oeschinensee’s turquoise waters. In Zermatt, we chased the Matterhorn from every angle – along the 5-Lakes and Glacier Trails, and on the unforgettable descent from Gornergrat to Riffelsee. We closed our Swiss journey in Lucerne, strolling the Chapel Bridge and Altstadt as the sun set over Lake Lucerne – before ending with bikes and canals in Amsterdam. Join us as we journey through Switzerland region by region – featuring detailed itineraries, practical tips, breathtaking photos, and our favorite moments from one of the most spectacular destinations on earth.

⛰️ 12-Day Scenic Journey Through Switzerland

Our 2025 Switzerland trip was an unforgettable adventure filled with jaw-dropping scenery and memorable experiences at every turn. Explore each blog post for in-depth itineraries, practical tips, captivating photos, and memorable highlights from every region we visited.

• 🏰 Lakes of Switzerland – 2 days (Aug 20-21)
  • 🧪 CERN (Geneva)
  • 🏰 Château de Nyon + Chillon + Aigle
  • 🍇 Chexbres + Montreux + Villeneuve (Lake Geneva)
  • 🧀 Gruyères Hilltown & Cheesemaking
  • 🏛️ Bern Old Town
  • 🏰 Schloss Thun + Oberhofen am Thunersee
  • 💧 St. Beatus-Höhlen Caves & Waterfall
• 🏔️ Mürren Base – 3.5 days (Aug 21 night – Aug 24)
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike: Mürren → Lauterbrunnen via Trümmelbach & Staubbach Falls + Northface Trail (Aug 22)
  • 🧗 Mürren Via Ferrata + Gimmelwald (Aug 23)
  • 🪂 Schilthorn Piz Gloria + Birg Thrill Walk + Paraglide Lauterbrunnen Valley (Aug 24)
• 🌄 Lauterbrunnen Base – 3 days (Aug 25–27)
  • 👑 Männlichen Royal Walk → Kleine Scheidegg via Panorama Trail + Eiger Trail (Aug 25)
  • 🏔️ Schynige Platte → Grindelwald First Ridge Hike via Faulhorn & Bachalpsee + Trottibike (Aug 26)
  • 🛶 Oeschinensee Toboggan + Lake Oeschinen Hike + Lake Thun Ferry (Aug 27)
• 🗻 Zermatt Base – 3 days (Aug 28 afternoon–Aug 31 midday)
  • 🌊 Scenic Train to Zermatt + Gorner Gorge and Blatten (Aug 28)
  • 🥾 Blauherd to Sunnegga: Crystal Trail to Stellisee + 5-Lakes Trail + Mountain Carts + Gourmet Trail to Chez Vrony (Aug 29)
  • ❄️ Matterhorn Glacier Trail + Furi Suspension Bridge (Aug 30)
  • 🪞 Gornergrat Bahn Railway + Hike Gornergrat → Riffelberg via Riffelsee (Aug 31 morning)
• 🦢 Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, Musegg, Altstadt & Lakefront – Half day (Aug 31 evening)
  
  
• 🚲 Amsterdam: Pancakes, Biking, Canals & Anne Frank House – Half day (Sept 1 evening)

💡 Switzerland Tips

• 🌤️ Weather first: Mountains are notorious for unpredictable weather. The MeteoSwiss app is the most reliable weather app but also still not perfect. Keep a mid-trip flex day near big alpine objectives (Berner-Oberland and Zermatt), check weather the night before and morning, and watch webcams to reshuffle quickly. Prioritize your activities, book flexible activities (if possible), expect to reschedule activities, and have backup/rainy weather activities identified. 
• 📲 App downloads: SBB (transit) and MeteoSwiss (weather) are must-haves. Matterhorn app is helpful for activity schedules and webcams in Zermatt.
• 🕰️ Early start: Unless weather is an issue, start hikes early (8-9 AM) to beat crowds and have best mountain visibility. This was effective for us at Männlichen, Schynige Platte, Sunnegga, Oeschiensee, Stellisee, and Gornergrat.
• 🛷 Crowd-savvy fun: Morning is best to avoid long lines for queued activities. Mountain carts at Sunnegga and the Oeschinensee toboggan have minimal morning lines if you hit them before lunch. Grindewald First is critical to go in the morning to avoid hour+ long lines for all activities, except trottibikes that rarely have waits. 
• 🧥 High-alpine layers: Even in August, bring gloves, neck/head buff, and a wind breaker for Schilthorn, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn. 
• 🚡 Last-ride realities: Always verify last cable car/gondola/train times before starting late hikes; build a 30-45m cushion and know the consequences if you have to make the hike back.
• 🚡 Ticketing nuance: The Berner-Oberland Pass was very convenient and covered the majority of tickets in this region, eliminating having to purchase tickets for every transit route. The Swiss Half-Fare Pass provided a discount for the Berner-Oberland Pass as well the rest of Switzerland, including Zermatt. Buy Zermatt lift routes at ticket booths or in the SBB app to apply Half-Fare discount.
• 🧾 City cards pay: Montreux Riviera Card discounts hit Lavaux Vinorama, Chillon, and more; Berner-Oberland Pass includes Oeschinensee gondola.
• 🚌 Expect detours: Check your transit in the SBB app and adjust as needed. There was a Lauterbrunnen↔Zweilütschinen bus replacement that added a few minutes and occasional crowding, so pad transfers.
• 🏔️ Altitude acclimation: Save high altitude activities toward the end of your trip to allow time to acclimate. Always have a plan for early departure or pivoting if you experience altitude sickness. 
• 🧳 Car strategy: A short Geneva→Montreux rental car unlocks castles, Lavaux, and CERN efficiently; ditch the car before the mountains since many are car-free and easy to access via train/cable car.
• 🛜 Stay connected: If your phone is locked to a carrier (unable to use a SIM card) and you need internet access, we recommend the WiFio device ($50/2 weeks) that serves as a hotspot for unlimited high speed data. Pick it up at the post office at the airport when you land and drop it off in any mailbox when you’re done.

🗓️ Other Itineraries

Because we shifted our schedule to tackle the Oeschinensee hike a day earlier during better weather (instead of en route to Zermatt), we had to cut Giessbach Falls, the Grandhotel, Brienz, and Harder Kulm. We also couldn’t fit in the Stoos or Hardergrat ridge hikes, which would each require an additional full day. Below, I’ve included itineraries for these stops we had to skip or postpone.

💦 Giessbach Falls and Brienz

This Giessbach and Brienz day trip is great for a rainy or flex day when mountain views are obscured, as both destinations shine even under clouds. The route combines scenic train, boat, and funicular rides around turquoise Lake Brienz, making travel part of the experience. Highlights include walking behind the cascading Giessbach Falls, lunch on the terrace of the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, and exploring the storybook village of Brienz with its lake promenade, carved wooden chalets along Brunngasse, and local woodcarving workshops.

• 🚆 8:31 AM – Transit: Lauterbrunnen → Giessbach (2h)
  • 🚆 8:31 AM – Train: Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken Ost (22m, every 30m at xx:01/:31 from 6 AM – 11 PM)
    • 🚶‍♂️ 8:53 AM – Walk (6m) to Boat Station
  • 🛳️ 9:07 AM – Boat: Interlaken Ost (See) → Giessbach See (62m, hourly at xx:07 starting 9:07 AM, scenic ride across Lake Brienz)
    • 🚶‍♂️ 10:09 AM – Walk few minutes uphill to Funicular 
  • 🚡 10:15 AM – Funicular: Giessbach See (Talstation) → Giessbach Hotel (5m, every 15-30m at xx:00/:15/:30/:55 from 10:15 AM – 5:55 PM)
    • 🚶‍♂️ Backup: Walk (16m) directly to Grandhotel Giessbach 
• 💦 10:30 AM – Explore Giessbach Falls: Walk (15m one-way) behind the falls and climb to upper viewpoints (60m)
• 🍽️ 11:30 AM – Lunch at Grandhotel Giessbach – ​​Kehrli Terra​​ce (Reservations not required, and usually plenty of space for spontaneous visits. Counter service orders)
  • 🎬 Filming location for Band of Brothers
  • 🌾 Kehrli menu: some GF options including raclette with note that staff accommodate allergies. Elisa GF clearly marked menu ​​
• 🚆 12:40 PM – Transit: Giessbach → Brienz (15m)
  • 🚡 12:40 PM – Funicular: Giessbach Hotel → Giessbach See (5m, every 40m at xx:00/:40 from 9 AM – 6 PM)
    • 🚶‍♂️ Backup: Walk (16m) to boat dock
  • 🛳️ 1:09 PM – Boat: Giessbach See → Brienz (See) (11m, every 2h at xx:09 – 10:09 – 5:09 PM)
• 🌊 1:20 PM – Explore Brienz lakeside village (1.5-2h)
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll Brunngasse (20-30m)
    • One of the prettiest streets in Switzerland, lined with ornately carved wooden chalets.
  • 🌊 Walk along the lake promenade (20-30m)
    • Beautiful turquoise lake views with photo stops and benches.
  • 🪚 Optional: Swiss Woodcarving Museum or workshop visit (30m)
    • Brienz is famous for woodcarving – you can pop into Huggler Holzbildhauerei or the museum.
  • ☕️ Break for a drink or light snack (30m)
    • Grab a lakeside coffee or ice cream with a view.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walk (2m) to Train Station
• 🚆 3:02 PM – Transit: Brienz → Lauterbrunnen (1h)
  • 🚆 3:02 PM – Train: Brienz → Interlaken Ost (17m, every 30m at xx:02/:37 from 7:02 AM – 10:32 PM)
    • 🚶‍♂️ 3:24 PM – Walk (10m) to Train Station
  • 🚆 3:34 PM – Train: Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (22m, every 30m at xx:04/:34 from 6:04 AM – 11:04 PM)

🥾 Stoos Ridge Hike

The Stoos Ridge hike is a good hike to do if you are staying near Lucerne. Good weather is essential for this hike for visibility and safety. The Stoos Ridge hike runs from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock, a short but spectacular ridgeline walk with sweeping Lake Lucerne and Alpine views, occasional narrow and exposed sections, and a moderate T2–T3 rating. Below is the plan we developed in case we could do this en route from Zermatt if we had to leave early due to inclement weather.

• 🚆 7:30 AM – Transit: Zermatt → Klingenstock (5.5h)
  • 🚶‍♂️ 7:30 AM – Walk (7m) to Train Station  
  • 🚆 7:52 AM – Train: Zermatt → Andermatt (3h) → Arrive 10:46 AM
  • 🚆 10:50 AM – Train: Andermatt  → Göschenen (16m) → Arrive 11:06 PM
  • 🚆 11:09 PM – Train: Göschenen → Schwyz (49) → Arrive 11:58 PM
  • 🚌 12:07 PM – Bus 501: Schwyz, Bahnhof → Schwyz, Stoosbahn (10m) → Arrive 12:24 PM
  • 🚠 12:40 PM – Funicular: Schwyz Stoosbahn (Talstation) → Stoos SZ village (7m) → Arrive 12:47 PM
    • 🧳 Drop luggage at Blend & Brew
    • Walk (19m) to Chairlift  
  • 🚡 1:05 PM – Chairlift: Stoos SZ → Klingenstock (7m, every 1m)
• 🥾 1:12 PM – Stoos Ridge Hike: Klingenstock → Fronalpstock
  • 2h, 2.7mi, 938 ft elevation change 
  • Panoramic ridgeline with lake and Alpine views, exposed trail with narrow sections – rated moderate T2–T3, sun protection essential
• 🚡 3:15 PM – Reach Fronalpstock summit, enjoy panoramic views or snack
• 🚡 3:30 PM – Chairlift: Fronalpstock → Stoos village (14m, last down 4:00 PM)
  • 🍽️ Optional: Snack in Stoos village at Fronalpstock Summit Restaurant (panoramic terrace seating)
  • 🧳 Collect luggage at Blend & Brew
• 🚆 4:10 PM – Transit: Stoos → Lucerne (1.5h)
  • 🚠 4:10 PM – Funicular: Stoos SZ → Schwyz Stoosbahn (Talstation) (7m every 30m, last departure 10:40 PM)
  • 🚌 4:29 PM – Bus 501: Schwyz, Bahnhof → Schwyz (10m, last reasonable departure 7:29 PM) → Arrive 4:49 PM
  • 🚆 4:53 PM – Train: Schwyz → Arth-Goldau (7m)
  • 🚆 5:15 PM – Train:  Arth-Goldau → Lucerne (26m)
  • 🏙️ 5:41 PM – Arrive Lucerne

🥾 Hardergrat Ridge Hike

The Hardergrat Ridge is one of Switzerland’s most spectacular yet challenging hikes, stretching high above Lake Brienz with nonstop views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Best attempted only in perfect weather, this exposed ridgeline requires clear skies, dry footing, and a full day’s commitment. Most hikers start from Lombachalp and ascend to Augstmatthorn for incredible panoramic vistas before turning back or continuing carefully toward Harder Kulm. The route is steep and narrow in sections but offers jaw-dropping alpine scenery.

⚠️ Recommended only to do this part of the hike because it is very dangerous. 

• 🚆 6:32 AM – Transit: Lauterbrunnen → Lombachalp (1.5h)
  • 🚆 6:32 AM – Train Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken Ost (20m)
  • 🚶‍♂️ 6:55 AM – Walk 10m to Interlaken West (or take local bus if time)
  • 🚌 7:10 AM – Bus 106 from Interlaken West → Habkern (30m)
  • 🚌 7:45 AM – Alpine bus connection Habkern → Lombachalp (15m)
• 🥾 8:00 AM – Start Hardergrat hike from Lombachalp (4-5h, 1560 m)
  • 🌤️ Weather: Only do this on a clear, dry day
  • 💧 Bring water and sun protection – very exposed ridge
  • ⛰️ Lombachalp → Augstmatthorn summit: 1.5-2.5h, 2137 m, lunch/photo break
  • 🥾 Augstmatthorn → Harder Kulm: 2-3h, continue ridge toward Suggiture 
• 🥾 1:00 PM – Arrive Harder Kulm (1322 m)
  • 🍻 Optional: Café/restaurant at summit for celebratory drink!
• 🚆 2:10 PM – Transit: Harder Kulm → Lauterbrunnen (40m)
  • 🚡 2:10 PM – Funicular: Harder Kulm → Interlaken Harderbahn (10m every 30m at xx:10/:40, last departure 9:40 PM)
    • 🚶‍♂️ Walk (10m) to Train Station
  • 🚆 2:34 PM – Train: Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (22m, every 30m at xx:04/:34 from 6 AM – 10:04 PM)
• 🛌 3:00 PM – Arrive back in Lauterbrunnen

🏔️ Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm, known as the “Top of Interlaken,” is an easy-to-reach viewpoint offering sweeping views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the snowcapped trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s best visited on a clear afternoon for golden-hour light, ideally after exploring nearby spots like Giessbach Falls. It’s also easy to reach from Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen. The funicular ride itself is short, but long queues often form during peak summer hours, so it’s wise to visit early morning or near sunset. While the summit platform delivers great views, travelers seeking quieter or more dramatic alpine experiences may prefer other outlooks around Lauterbrunnen and Mürren that offer similar panoramas with fewer crowds.

• Harder Kulm from Geissbach (4h with no hike, assume go after Giessbach Falls trip in afternoon)
  • 🚡 Transit: Giessbach → Harder Kulm (2h)
    • 🚡 12:30 PM – Funicular: Grandhotel Giessbach → Giessbach See (4m, every 15m at xx:00/:15/:30/:45 from 9 AM – 6 PM)
      • 🚶‍♂️ Backup: Walk (16m) directly to Grandhotel Giessbach 
    • 🛳️ 12:51 PM – Boat: Giessbach See → Interlaken Ost (See) (62m, hourly at xx:51, scenic ride across Lake Brienz)
      • 🚶‍♂️ 1:53 PM – Walk (10m) to Funicular Station
    • 🚡 2:10 PM – Funicular: Interlaken Harderbahn → Harder Kulm (10m every 30m at xx:10/:40)
  • 🏔️ Explore Harder Kulm (50m)
  • 🥾 Optional Hike: Harder Kulm → Interlaken Harderbahn (1.5h, 2.8 mi, 2,460ft elevation loss)
  • 🚡 Transit: Harder Kulm → Lauterbrunnen (1h)
    • 🚡 3:10 PM – Funicular: Harder Kulm → Interlaken Harderbahn (10m every 30m at xx:10/:40)
      • 🚶‍♂️ 3:20 PM – Walk (10m) to Train Station
    • 🚆 3:34 PM – Train: Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (22m, every 30m at xx:04/:34 from 6 AM – 11 PM)