7 Days in Switzerland: Zurich’s Urban Culture and Interlaken’s Alpine Wonders
Switzerland blends medieval history and modern precision. Founded as a confederation in 1291, it grew into a multilingual nation renowned for neutrality, world-class railways, watchmaking, and, of course, chocolate. From glacier peaks to glassy lakes, its compact scale makes a week feel rich and varied.
This 7-day Switzerland itinerary focuses on two essential bases: Zurich (culture, cuisine, day trips) and Interlaken (gateway to the Jungfrau region and the Swiss Alps). Expect scenic trains, lakeside promenades, and easy access to iconic viewpoints without a car.
Practical notes: The Swiss franc (CHF) is the currency; cards are widely accepted. Trains run like clockwork—consider a Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass to reduce costs. Pack layers any time of year; mountain weather shifts quickly. Local specialties to try include rösti, raclette, fondue, Älplermagronen (hearty alpine pasta), and pralines from heritage chocolatiers.
Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s creative capital—medieval lanes in the Altstadt (Old Town), the sparkling Limmat River, and a museum scene that punches far above its size. Cafés hum with third-wave coffee, and the lakeside promenade doubles as the city’s living room on sunny days.
Top sights include the twin-towered Grossmünster, the art-rich Kunsthaus, the Swiss National Museum, and the scenic Uetliberg ridge for sunset. Shopping? Stroll Bahnhofstrasse for Swiss design and watch boutiques, then detour to cobbled alleys for indie galleries and wine bars.
Food culture is vibrant. Pair a local-style breakfast with hot chocolate at Confiserie Sprüngli, sample classic Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce) at traditional taverns, and enjoy seasonal lake fish or modern Swiss plates at relaxed brasseries.
- Where to stay (Zurich):
- Browse stays on Hotels.com or VRBO.
- Baur au Lac (heritage on the lake; polished service and gardens).
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich (opposite the main station—quiet rooms, easy transit).
- Hotel Marta (budget-friendly, central Niederdorf).
- Novotel Zurich City West (hip Zurich-West, family-friendly rooms).
- How to get to Zurich:
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich, Lakeside Stroll & Old Town
Afternoon: Land in Zurich and take the train to Zurich HB. Drop bags and ease in with a lakeside walk from Bürkliplatz along Lake Zurich’s promenade. For coffee, try MAME (roastery-level espresso flights) or Café Henrici (smooth flat whites) in the Old Town.
Evening: Explore the Altstadt: slip through Spiegelgasse and Augustinergasse to the river. Dinner options: Raclette Stube (classic fondue and raclette in a wood-paneled room), Zeughauskeller (historic armory hall serving bratwurst and rösti), or Rosaly’s (Swiss brasserie, lively vibe). Nightcap at Widder Bar (serious whiskies) or Old Crow (speakeasy spirits).
Day 2: Art, Chocolate, and a Zurich Food Tour
Morning: Choose culture: the Swiss National Museum (origin stories and design) or Kunsthaus (from Giacometti to contemporary). Grab a sweet breakfast at Confiserie Sprüngli—try Luxemburgerli macarons and hot chocolate.
Afternoon: Join the Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates to sample regional cheeses, cured meats, and sweets while learning the city’s culinary backstory.
Evening: Ride up Uetliberg (S10 train) for sunset over the lake and Alps, then dine at Die Waid (city lights, seasonal Swiss plates) or Haus Hiltl (est. 1898, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant—order the rösti with chanterelles).
Day 3: Rhine Falls & Storybook Stein am Rhein, plus Lindt Chocolate
Morning: Take a half-day excursion on the Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Tour. See Europe’s mightiest waterfall and stroll Stein am Rhein’s frescoed timber houses.
Afternoon: Return to Zurich and head to Kilchberg for the Lindt Home of Chocolate—don’t miss the chocolate fountain and tastings.
Evening: Dinner near the river: Kronenhalle (art-lined dining room; Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) or Swiss Chuchi (fondue variations). Wrap with a stroll along the Limmatquai when the city glows gold at night.
Interlaken
Welcome to Switzerland’s adventure heart: Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. It’s the ideal base for Jungfraujoch, alpine villages like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and lake cruises.
In town, relax in Höhematte Park, wander to Unterseen’s old lanes, or try a chocolate workshop. If you seek altitude, ride modern gondolas to glaciers; if you prefer calm, glide across turquoise Lake Brienz to fairy-tale islets.
Dining runs from cozy Swiss to international. Try rösti and venison at Restaurant Laterne, craft beer and plates at Hüsi Bierhaus, or refined Swiss at Restaurant Taverne (Hotel Interlaken). For coffee and brunch, Velo Café does house-baked pastries and great pour-overs.
- Where to stay (Interlaken):
- Compare stays on Hotels.com or VRBO.
- Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (flagship spa hotel facing Höhematte).
- Hotel Interlaken (historic property, lovely garden; Restaurant Taverne on site).
- Hotel Blume (friendly, central, good value).
- Zurich to Interlaken (Day 4 travel):
- Train via Bern: ~1 h 58 min, 2nd class typically CHF 35–75 depending on fare/pass. Search schedules and prices on Omio. Morning departure recommended.
Day 4: Train to Interlaken, Lakeside Orientation
Morning: Depart Zurich for Interlaken Ost by train (~2 hours). Check in and grab a light lunch at Velo Café (sourdough sandwiches, carrot cake) or Sandwichbar (quick, tasty).
Afternoon: Stroll Höhematte Park with constant paragliders landing on the lawn. If funiculars are operating (Harder Kulm typically May–Nov), ride up for a sweeping panorama; in cooler months, opt for a gentle walk along the Aare to Unterseen’s Marktgasse and the parish church.
Evening: Dinner at Hüsi Bierhaus (Swiss comfort plates, 20+ taps) or Restaurant Laterne (wood-beamed coziness; order cheese rösti or venison in season). For dessert, Movenpick scoops on Höheweg or artisanal truffles at Swiss Chocolate Chalet.
Day 5: Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
Embark on the glacier world of the Jungfrau massif. The journey—train to Grindelwald Terminal, Eiger Express gondola to Eigergletscher, then the historic cogwheel to 3,454 m—is half the magic. Bring layers; temperatures can be well below freezing any time of year.
Book a guided experience for logistics made easy: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Interlaken. Expect ice palace tunnels, the Sphinx Observatory platform, and views across the Aletsch Glacier.
Evening: Back in town, unwind over dinner at Restaurant Taverne (seasonal Swiss with a garden setting) or Ox Restaurant & Grill (excellent steaks and robust Swiss wines). If you still have energy, a relaxed stroll along the Aare under the stars is lovely.
Day 6: Paragliding, Lake Brienz, and Alpine Flavors
Morning: Fly tandem with the pros: Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken (transport to Beatenberg launch, 10–20 minutes in the air, photos available).
Afternoon: Cruise Lake Brienz (year-round core service; fuller timetable spring–fall). Stop in Iseltwald for the iconic pier and quiet village lanes. In warmer months, continue to Giessbach to hike to the falls (hotel/funicular typically operates mid-Apr–Oct).
Evening: Fondue finale at Bebbis (fun and lively) or a quieter cheese feast at Restaurant Laterne. For a nightcap with live music, try Goldener Anker.
Day 7: Interlaken to Zurich Airport & Departure
Morning: Train Interlaken Ost → Zurich Airport via Bern (~2 h 15 m; check times on Omio). If you have extra time, hop off at Zurich HB for a farewell coffee at Sprüngli and a last walk along the Limmat.
Afternoon: Depart Switzerland with glacier views and chocolate still on the palate. If your flight leaves later, consider the on-site shops at Zurich Airport for last-minute Swiss treats.
Extra tips: Mountain excursions are weather-dependent; always check forecasts and webcams in the morning. Jungfraujoch tickets from Interlaken can exceed CHF 200 without a pass; the Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass can reduce costs. For flexible, pan-Swiss train planning and pricing, use Omio.
Optional add-ons (if you have more time): Lucerne with Mt. Pilatus or Titlis; for guided options, see these popular day trips originating from Lucerne or Zurich: Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise and Mount Titlis Day Trip from Zurich.
In a week, you’ll taste Zurich’s café culture and museums, then trade cobblestones for glaciers in Interlaken’s Jungfrau region. The contrasts—riverfront sunsets, roaring waterfalls, and high-alpine ice—are the essence of a classic Swiss escape.