Switzerland’s story stretches from Roman outposts to medieval trade routes and a modern nation famed for neutrality, precision, and multicultural flair. Four national languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—shape distinct regions stitched together by punctual trains and postcard landscapes.

Travelers come for the Swiss Alps, emerald lakes, and villages where cowbells echo off limestone cliffs. In one week, you can savor Zurich’s museums and café culture, then ride to Interlaken for sky-high viewpoints, glacier experiences, and valley hikes past 72 waterfalls.

Practical notes: the currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), tap water is pristine, and tipping is modest (round up or add 5–10% for great service). Consider a Swiss Travel Pass if you’ll ride trains and boats often; pack layers—mountain weather changes fast.

Zurich

Zurich pairs Old Town alleys and riverfront quays with world-class art, design, and a thriving food scene. Stroll the Limmat, window-shop along Bahnhofstrasse, then catch a sunset from Uetliberg with Lake Zurich at your feet.

Highlights include the Grossmünster towers, the expanded Kunsthaus Zürich, and lake cruises to storybook towns. Coffee culture is strong—so is chocolate culture. You’ll taste both.

• Top sights: Old Town (Niederdorf), Grossmünster, Kunsthaus Zürich, Swiss National Museum, Uetliberg, Lake Zurich.
• Food favorites: Sprüngli Luxemburgerli macarons, bratwurst at Sternen Grill, seasonal plates at Frau Gerolds Garten, and heritage Swiss at Zeughauskeller.
• Stay central: Old Town for history, Seefeld for lake vibes, Enge for calm but connected.

Where to stay (Zurich): Browse stays on VRBO Zurich or compare hotels on Hotels.com Zurich. Aim for walking distance to the Hauptbahnhof (HB) or the lake.

Getting to Zurich: Book flights to Zurich (ZRH) with Omio Flights (Europe). If arriving elsewhere in Europe, check fast trains to Zurich on Omio Trains.

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, Old Town and Lake Promenade

Morning: In transit.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the Limmatquai and into the cobbled lanes of Niederdorf. Climb the Karlsturm tower at Grossmünster for a city panorama (small fee). Pause for coffee and a classic Luxemburgerli at Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz—founded in 1836, it’s a sweet slice of Zurich history.

Evening: Dinner at Zeughauskeller, a 15th‑century armory turned beer hall serving rösti, veal Zurich-style, and wursts (hearty, convivial, and central). For a nightcap, the Widder Bar is a temple of rare whiskies and perfect classics; nearby Old Crow excels in craft cocktails. Early to bed or riverside stroll if jet-lagged.

Day 2: Art, Lake Zurich Cruise, and Skyline Sips

Morning: Espresso at ViCafe (stand-up bar with third-wave beans) or a sit-down brunch at Babu’s Bakery for bircher muesli and flaky pastries. Explore Kunsthaus Zürich—its new wing houses major modern collections and Swiss masters like Giacometti.

Afternoon: Walk the lake promenade to Bürkliplatz and board a Lake Zurich boat. Short loops (1–2 hours, ~CHF 10–30) show villas, vineyards, and the Alps on clear days; hop off at Rapperswil if you fancy a longer run. Back in town, grab a bratwurst with gold-standard mustard at Sternen Grill (casual, beloved since the 1960s).

Evening: Treat yourself at Kronenhalle, where original Chagalls and Mirós hang above white-tablecloth classics—order the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. Prefer plant-based? Hiltl (since 1898) is the world’s oldest continually operating vegetarian restaurant with a buffet and à la carte. Finish with sunset drinks at Clouds Bar atop Prime Tower or at the garden tables of Frau Gerolds Garten (seasonal, creative street food stalls).

Day 3: Rhine Falls and Medieval Stein am Rhein Day Trip

Morning: Take a direct train Zurich HB → Schaffhausen (~40–50 min; from ~$12–25 on Omio Trains). Walk or bus to Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest by volume. Ride the small boat to the central rock (extra fee, ~CHF 10–20) for spray-on-your-face views.

Afternoon: Continue to Stein am Rhein (~25 min by train) to admire timber-framed houses painted with Renaissance frescoes. Lunch on the square—try käsespätzle or a seasonal fish from the Rhine. Return to Zurich (~1h15) and browse the Swiss National Museum if time permits.

Evening: Go classic Swiss: Le Dézaley near the cathedral for fondue moitié-moitié or Raclette Stube for melting wheels scraped tableside. Craft beer after? The Alehouse on Sihlquai rotates Swiss and international taps in a relaxed setting.

Interlaken

Interlaken sits between glassy Lake Thun and turquoise Lake Brienz, a springboard to the Jungfrau Region—think cliff-ringed Lauterbrunnen, car-free Mürren, and glacier views from Jungfraujoch. It’s where paragliders land on the town lawn as trains hum toward alpine trailheads.

Come for Harder Kulm sunsets, cliff walks, and lakeside wanderings. Stay for wood-fired rösti, chocolate workshops, and that first glimpse of the Eiger’s north face.

• Top sights: Harder Kulm, Lauterbrunnen valley, Grindelwald First, Jungfraujoch, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, St. Beatus Caves.
• Activities: Paragliding over Höhematte, cliff walks, boat cruises, summer hikes and winter sledging.
• Base options: Interlaken Ost (for trains to Jungfrau), Unterseen (quieter, historic), Interlaken West (shopping and Brienz boats).

Where to stay (Interlaken): See chalets and apartments on VRBO Interlaken or compare hotels on Hotels.com Interlaken.

Train to Interlaken: Zurich HB → Interlaken Ost ~1h58 (direct IC via Bern; from ~$28–70 depending on advance purchase) on Omio Trains. Morning departures run frequently.

Day 4: Zurich → Interlaken, Harder Kulm Golden Hour

Morning: Depart Zurich after breakfast; aim for a train around 9:00–10:00 a.m. to Interlaken Ost (~2 hours, scenic Bernese countryside). Reserve seats if traveling in peak season; prices vary with time/date on Omio Trains.

Afternoon: Check in and explore Unterseen’s old quarter. Coffee and cakes at Confiserie Schuh (elegant patisserie known for pralines) or a sandwich stop at Velo-Café near Interlaken West for a cyclist-friendly vibe.

Evening: Ride the funicular to Harder Kulm (about 10 minutes; round-trip ~CHF 40). The skywalk platform frames the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau at sunset. Back in town, dine at Husi Bierhaus (Swiss comfort plates, local beer list) or Ox Restaurant & Grill (steaks and seasonal sides). Stroll Höhematte Park under paraglider lights.

Day 5: Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”

Morning: Start early to beat crowds. Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal (train), then Eiger Express tricable gondola to Eigergletscher and cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch (~1h45 each way). Expect ~$120–240 per person round-trip depending on season/discounts.

Afternoon: At 3,454 m, explore the Sphinx Observatory terrace, the Ice Palace tunnels, and the Aletsch Glacier views. Have lunch at Restaurant Aletsch (panoramas with rösti and soups) and layer up—temperatures often feel like winter even in July.

Evening: Descend via Kleine Scheidegg for a classic rail route. Back in Interlaken, celebrate with Swiss specialties at Restaurant Taverne (Hotel Interlaken—reliable, cozy) or Gasthof Hirschen in Matten for rustic ambiance. Chocolate workshop at Funky Chocolate Club if available for a sweet nightcap.

Day 6: Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Waterfalls

Morning: Train to Lauterbrunnen (~20 min). Walk to Staubbach Falls, then take the cable to Grütschalp and the cliffside train to Mürren (car-free, dramatic views). Coffee at Café Liv or a terrace spot on Mürren’s main street with Jungfrau views.

Afternoon: Option A: Cable to Birg for the Thrill Walk and on to Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) if skies are clear—Bond lore and 360° alpine vistas. Option B: Hike the valley floor Lauterbrunnen → Trümmelbach Falls (inside-the-mountain cascades; small fee; usually open spring–autumn). Picnic with local cheese and bread from a village shop.

Evening: Return to Interlaken. Casual dinner at Laterne (wood-paneled, rösti variations) or grab thin-crust pies at Little Thai/Asian fusion spots if craving a change of pace. End with a lakeside stroll if you still have energy.

Day 7: Lake Brienz Turquoise Morning and Departure

Morning: Board a boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach (seasonal schedules; ~1 hour). Ride or hike up to Giessbach Falls and its historic grand hotel terrace for coffee with a view. Alternatively, visit St. Beatus Caves above Lake Thun for illuminated caverns and a balcony path over the water.

Afternoon: Pick up picnic fixings and a last box of Swiss chocolates. Train to Zurich Airport from Interlaken Ost in ~2h10 with one easy change in Bern; search times and fares on Omio Trains. If your flight is regional within Europe, you can also price one-way fares on Omio Flights.

Evening: In transit. If staying longer, consider a detour to Grindelwald First for the Cliff Walk and Bachalpsee hike (summer) or sledging (winter), or extend in Montreux/Geneva by train.

Extra eats and sips to try throughout:

• Zurich: Swiss Chuchi (fondue on a cobbled lane), Raclette Stube (intimate, melty heaven), Bauschänzli (island beer garden in summer), Café MAME (award-winning coffee roasting).
• Interlaken area: Restaurant Schuh (pastries and light lunches), The 3 Tells Irish Pub (casual burgers, sports), Bebbis (kitschy but fun for families), mountain huts serving rösti and apple strudel along popular trails.

Transport tips: Trains are frequent and on time; arrive 5–10 minutes early. Saver Day Passes and Half Fare Cards can lower costs. Pack a reusable bottle—fountains are safe—and bring a light rain shell year-round.

Summary: In one week, you’ll sip espresso on the Limmat, cruise Lake Zurich, stand above a glacier at Jungfraujoch, and wander Lauterbrunnen’s waterfall valley. With efficient Swiss trains and this day-by-day plan, you’ll glide from city culture to alpine drama—and leave already plotting your return.