Switzerland blends medieval cities and modern design with Alps that seem sculpted for explorers. Founded as a confederation in 1291, it grew into a multilingual nation famed for neutrality, precision watchmaking, and railways that pierce mountains and skim turquoise lakes. From Zurich’s arts to Bern’s UNESCO-listed arcades, each region reveals a distinct culture shaped by language and landscape.

Fun facts to prime your wanderlust: Switzerland has four national languages, over 60% of its land is mountainous, and many cities are ringed by vineyards and chocolate factories. You’ll sip water straight from historic fountains, ride punctual trains to photogenic passes, and picnic beside glacier-fed lakes.

Practical notes: currency is CHF, outlets are Type J/C, and public tap water is safe. For a 60-day trip, consider a Half Fare Card or mixing Saver Day Passes for trains (check prices on Omio trains). Save by shopping at Migros/Coop, staying in VRBO apartments, and prioritizing free hikes and viewpoints—then splurge on one or two bucket-list cable cars.

Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city is a creative hub wrapped around a glittering lake. Stroll the Altstadt’s lanes, browse contemporary art in Löwenbräu, climb Uetliberg for sweeping views, and caffeinate like a local. Zurich is an ideal soft landing for long trips, with excellent markets, parks, and day trips.

Where to stay (budget-forward choices first): Browse apartments on VRBO Zurich or hotels on Hotels.com Zurich. Specific picks: Hotel Marta (wallet-friendly by the river), Novotel Zurich City West (modern, tram-linked), Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich (classic next to the station), or the splurge-worthy Baur au Lac.

Getting in: Fly into Zurich and compare fares on Omio flights (for Europe) or consider Kiwi.com for long-haul. For a stress-free arrival, book Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer.

Days 1–12: Settle in and Explore Zurich + Easy Day Trips

• Old Town & lakefront: Wander Niederdorf’s guild houses, Lindenhof’s Roman ruins, and Fraumünster’s Chagall windows. Walk the promenade to Seefeld for sunset swimmers and Aperol at lakeside kiosks.
• Uetliberg ridge walk: Train to Uetliberg then hike the Planet Trail to Felsenegg for panoramic shots—city, lake, Alps in one frame. Return by cable car and ferry for a perfect urban–nature loop.
• Day trips for adventure and photos: Rhine Falls (Europe’s largest falls), Rapperswil’s rose town by lake, or Appenzell’s rolling dairy country. Pack picnics from local bakeries.

Recommended Viator activities (foodie + sightseeing):

Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride — cover major sights with a cable car viewpoint and lake crossing.

Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich — taste from artisan boutiques while learning about Swiss cacao craft.

Morning group tour to Rhine falls — compact, scenic, and camera-friendly.

Tour in Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum from Zurich with Pick Up — a sweet deep dive with transport included.

Eat & drink like a local:

• Breakfast/coffee: MAME (World Brewers Cup pedigree), ViCafe (street-side espresso), and Sprüngli at Paradeplatz for Luxemburgerli plus silky hot chocolate.
• Lunch: Hiltl (historic vegetarian buffet—pay by weight), Sternen Grill (classic bratwurst + Bürli roll), and Haus Hiltl’s takeaway for park picnics.
• Dinner: Zeughauskeller (hearty Swiss classics in a former armory), La Taqueria for budget-friendly bites, or Frau Gerolds Garten for seasonal outdoor food stalls.
• Markets: Oerlikon Market (Tue/Fri) for produce and cheese; Bürkliplatz flea and farmers’ stalls on weekends.

To Lucerne (morning departure): Train Zurich HB → Lucerne: 45–55 min, frequent departures; typical fares CHF ~12–25 (check live prices on Omio trains).

Lucerne

Lucerne is the postcard of Switzerland—Chapel Bridge, water tower, and a lake hemmed by peaks. It’s compact and walkable, with fast access to mountains like Pilatus, Rigi, and Titlis, making it ideal for hikers and photographers.

Where to stay: Search VRBO Lucerne or Hotels.com Lucerne. Specific: Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City (value), Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucerne (by the station), Hotel des Balances (romantic riverside), or lakefront Seehotel Hermitage/Hotel Seeburg for views.

Days 13–22: Lakes, Peaks, and Medieval Lanes

• Old Town & Musegg Wall: Photograph pastel façades and climb the medieval towers for city–lake panoramas.
• Pilatus or Rigi: Choose a budget-sensitive mountain: Rigi can be cheaper with deals and offers grand lake views; Pilatus is sensational via cogwheel up and gondola down.
• Titlis for adventure: Year-round snow, a suspension bridge, and glacier cave—perfect for your adventurous vibe.
• Lake time: Picnic cruises and swims at Ufschötti park; golden-hour photos from the Seebrücke.

Recommended Viator activities:

Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise — efficient and scenic for budget/time.

Lucerne Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems — learn the stories behind Chapel Bridge and hidden alleys.

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast/coffee: Heini and Bachmann bakeries for butterzopf; Café Take Away spots around the station are great for budget-friendly sandwiches.
• Lunch: Rathaus Brauerei (house-brewed beer, riverside), Pastarazzi (handmade ravioli), and Coop Restaurant (solid value, veg-friendly).
• Dinner: Wirtshaus Galliker (traditional Lucerne dishes), Max Chocolatier for dessert boxes, and Old Swiss House for schnitzel theater.
• Local life: Tuesday/Saturday market along the Reuss—cheese tastings, seasonal berries, and flowers.

To Interlaken (morning departure): Luzern–Interlaken Express: ~1h 50m through lakes and meadows; fares typically CHF ~20–45—compare on Omio trains.

Interlaken (Jungfrau Region Base: Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren)

Welcome to Switzerland’s adventure capital. Interlaken sits between lakes Thun and Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau towering above. Stay in Interlaken for easy transport or in Grindelwald/Mürren for alpine ambience.

Where to stay: Interlaken hotels: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (iconic), Hotel Blume (budget charmer), Hotel Interlaken (historic mid-range). Grindelwald options: Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald, Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Hotel Glacier Grindelwald, Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald, or Grindelwald Youth Hostel for serious savings.

Prefer apartments? See VRBO Interlaken and VRBO Grindelwald. Also explore Hotels.com Interlaken.

Days 23–34: Hikes, Ladders, Glaciers, and Turquoise Lakes

• Grindelwald–First: Ride up for the cliff walk and hike to Bachalpsee—mirror images of the Wetterhorn make iconic photos. Adventurous add-ons: mountain carts or the First Flyer zipline.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: 72 waterfalls, with Staubbach cascading by the village. Hike to Mürren via Grütschalp or take the cable and follow the Panoramaweg to Gimmelwald; advanced travelers can tackle the Via Ferrata Mürren–Gimmelwald with a guide.
• Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn: For a big-sky splurge, Jungfraujoch’s ice world; for better value and Bond-lore views, Schilthorn Piz Gloria.
• Oeschinensee (Kandersteg) day trip: A sapphire lake amid limestone walls—gentle circuits or steeper viewpoints for photographers.
• Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls: Vintage boats dock below a historic grand hotel; the trail behind the waterfall is a camera favorite.

Eat & drink:

• Interlaken: Husi Bierhaus (Swiss pub staples, great tap list), Little Thai (budget-friendly), Velo Cafe (cyclist-favorite espresso).
• Grindelwald: Barry’s (alpine comfort food), On-mountain huts like Berggasthaus First for rösti with a view; Coop Restaurant for value.
• Local life: Check weekly village markets for cheeses like alpkäse and fresh bread; bring a Tupperware for picnics.

To Bern (morning departure): Interlaken Ost → Bern ~50–60 min; fares from roughly CHF ~10–25 with discounts—see Omio trains.

Bern

Switzerland’s de facto capital is a time capsule of sandstone arcades, Renaissance fountains, and the looping Aare River. It’s ideal for “living like a local”: river swims, craft breweries, markets on Bundesplatz, and sunset at Rosengarten.

Where to stay: Apartment-hunt on VRBO Bern or browse Hotels.com Bern for good transit links.

Days 35–42: UNESCO Old Town, Aare Swims, and Emmental

• Old Town essentials: Zytglogge clocktower show on the hour, Federal Palace terrace views, and Rosengarten for golden-hour photography.
• Emmental day trip: Visit a show dairy to see cheese-making and sample fresh Emmentaler; rolling hills and barns make dreamy photos.
• Creux du Van or Gantrisch: For hikers, limestone amphitheater views (Creux du Van) or forested ridgelines (Gantrisch Nature Park).

Recommended Viator activity:

Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide — dive into arcades, history, and hidden courtyards.

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast/coffee: Adriano’s Bar & Café (espresso institution) and Äss-Bar (day-old pastries saved from waste, great for budget).
• Lunch: Lötschberg (Swiss wines and mac ’n’ cheese-like älplermagronen), Altes Tramdepot (brewpub by the bear park).
• Dinner: Kornhauskeller (dine under cathedral-like vaults) or Tibits (vegetarian buffet by weight). Summer: float the Aare with locals—waterproof bag recommended.

To Montreux/Lausanne (morning departure): Bern → Montreux ~1h20 (via Lausanne) or Bern → Lausanne ~1h; fares typically CHF ~20–40—check Omio trains.

Montreux & Lausanne (Lake Geneva Region)

Vineyard-cloaked hills, Belle Époque promenades, and the Riviera’s soft light await on Lac Léman. Base in Montreux for lakeside languor and in Lausanne for student energy, markets, and Olympic history. This region blends foodie pilgrimages with bold alpine day trips.

Where to stay: Montreux: Hotel Parc & Lac (value on the promenade), Eurotel Montreux (lake-view balconies), or Fairmont Le Montreux Palace (legendary grande dame). Lausanne: Hotel du Marche (budget), Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne (by Ouchy), Beau-Rivage Palace (historic gardens). Or browse apartments on VRBO Montreux / VRBO Lausanne or hotels via Hotels.com Montreux / Hotels.com Lausanne.

Days 43–52: Riviera Living, Chocolate, and Glaciers

• Lavaux vineyards: Terrace-path walks between Lutry and Saint-Saphorin with lake-and-Alps views. Taste Chasselas in village cellars; carry snacks for a scenic lunch among vines.
• Vevey & food pilgrimages: Visit lakeside markets and Charlie Chaplin statues, then head to Gruyères for cheese and the hilltop village. Chocolate lovers add Maison Cailler in nearby Broc.
• Glacier 3000 day: Ride to a high alpine world between Les Diablerets and Gstaad; brave the Peak Walk suspension bridge for photographs that feel like flying.

Recommended Viator activities:

Glacier 3000 Ticket Including Cable Car and Peak Walk by Tissot — a dramatic high-Alps experience with a unique bridge.

Maison Cailler chocolate factory Visit — multi-sensory cocoa storytelling plus tastings.

Eat & drink:

• Montreux: Le Museum (Swiss grill and raclette), Le Palais Oriental (lakefront Persian), and lakeside takeaways for al fresco dining.
• Lausanne: Café de Grancy (beloved brunch), Pinte Besson (historic Vaudois fare), Inglewood (outstanding burgers when you need a break from cheese).
• Markets: Lausanne’s Saturday market around Rue de Bourg; pick up saucisson vaudois and local cheeses for picnics along Ouchy.

To Geneva (morning departure): Lausanne/Montreux → Geneva in ~40–60 min; fares roughly CHF ~10–20 via Omio trains.

Geneva

Diplomatic yet playful, Geneva spreads around the jet d’eau with parks, watch boutiques, international districts, and a spirited food scene. It’s a perfect base for cross-border jaunts to Annecy and vineyard villages.

Where to stay: Apartments on VRBO Geneva or hotels via Hotels.com Geneva. Specific: Hotel Central (value in the heart), Novotel Geneve Centre/Novotel Geneva Centre (modern, walkable), or Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva for a splurge.

Days 53–60: Lake Life, Vineyards, and French Alps

• Old Town & Carouge: Climb to St. Peter’s Cathedral for rooftops, then wander Italianate Carouge’s artisans and cafés—ideal for photography and local browsing.
• Annecy day trip: Canals, swans, and market lanes—perfect for the “Venice of the Alps” vibe and foodie tastings.
• Vineyard villages: Satigny and Dardagny offer easy bike routes among vines; pack a picnic and taste local Chasselas and Gamay (book tastings directly in town).

Recommended Viator activities:

Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva — effortless transport and curated time in town.

(STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif — zero-emission boat with lakeside vistas and a glass in hand.

Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise — cover UN district, lakeside, and parks in one go.

Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide — tailor the route to your curiosities (watchmaking, history, hidden parks).

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast/coffee: Boréal Coffee Roasters for specialty brews; Cottage Café in a park chalet for croissants under trees.
• Lunch: Bains des Pâquis (affordable plat du jour with lake views), Chez Ma Cousine (roast chicken), Manor Food Hall (DIY budget feast).
• Dinner: Café du Soleil (fondue favorite), Café des Bains for seasonal plates, Plainpalais food trucks on market days.
• Markets: Plainpalais flea and farmers’ markets; Carouge’s Saturday stalls for charcuterie and olives.

Optional Rail Adventure Add-On (anywhere in your first month)

If you crave a bucket-list train, slot in 2 days for the Bernina Express between St. Moritz and Tirano—arguably Europe’s most spectacular railway.

Bernina Red Train Experience — classic red carriages climbing to glacial passes and spiraling viaducts; photographers, bring extra cards.

Logistics: Use Omio trains to piece together legs to/from St. Moritz; consider off-peak Saver Day Passes to keep costs down.

Budget & Local-Living Tips for 60 Days

• Transport: Mix a Half Fare Card with Saver Day Passes; check regional passes (Jungfrau/BOB, Titlis, Rigi) only on days you go big. Always compare live fares on Omio trains.
• Food: Alternate market picnics and affordable canteens (Migros/Coop/Manor) with special dinners. Carry a reusable bottle—public fountains are everywhere.
• Adventure on a budget: Prioritize free hikes and lake swims; choose one or two premium mountaintop gondolas (e.g., Jungfraujoch or Glacier 3000) to splurge on.
• Photography: Golden hours: Uetliberg (Zurich), Kapellbrücke (Lucerne), Bachalpsee (Grindelwald), Rosengarten (Bern), Lavaux terraces (sunset), and Jet d’Eau (Geneva) with evening lights.

Departing Switzerland: Trains from Geneva/Zurich connect easily across Europe—check Omio trains. For flights within Europe see Omio flights; long-haul options compare on Kiwi.com.

Sixty days in Switzerland means you can savor its many identities: German-speaking lakes and peaks, French-tinged vineyards, and capital-city calm along the Aare. With smart rail passes, market picnics, and a few bucket-list splurges, your adventurous, foodie, photo-forward journey will feel both epic and attainable.