Switzerland!
8-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne, Wengen, Interlaken
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich
Morning:
Flight: We flew from San Antonio to Zurich with a layover in Denver. The total flight time was around 12 hours. Although we couldn’t check in early due to flying Swiss Airlines through a United booking, the flight was smooth despite sitting in the middle rows. Sleep was elusive, but we made it!
Afternoon:
Arrival: We arrived at Zurich Airport, where the train station is conveniently located. We purchased a 6-day Swiss Travel Pass for CHF 375 (about $440), making travel by train and bus easy. Although pricey, it was worth it for the convenience.
Travel to Lucerne: We took a train to Lucerne and arrived around 2 PM. We stayed at The Lubo, a minimalist hostel just a 10-minute walk from the station through the beautiful Spreuerbrücke pedestrian bridge. The self-check-in was smooth, and our small, yet functional room had an attached bathroom.
Exploration: After changing, we wandered through the nearby restaurants and found a lovely spot by the river for dinner—no reservations needed!
Evening:
Sightseeing: I grabbed a coffee to combat jet lag, and we explored Lucerne. The Clock Tower offers stunning views of the city. We also visited the Lion Monument and walked around the castle. The city felt safe even at night, making for a relaxed stroll back to the hotel.
Day 2: Mt. Pilatus Adventure
Morning:
Breakfast: We enjoyed a simple but delicious breakfast at a French café—eggs, fruit, and toast, just what we needed before a day of adventure.
Mt. Pilatus: We purchased our tickets nearby and took a short bus ride to Kriens Valley Station. From there, we hopped on the cable cars, enjoying breathtaking views of cows and ranches on the 30-minute ride up. At the top, we walked around and even rode the toboggan—so much fun! The descent by tram was a bit nerve-wracking, but the views made it worthwhile.
Afternoon:
Ferry Ride: After the tram, we took a ferry back to Lucerne. It was a lovely experience, with snacks and scenic views on board. The ferry was included with our ticket, and we caught the last boat back to town.
Evening:
Dinner: We dined at Rathaus Brauerei, where the pretzels and draft beer were exceptional. Pro tip: In Switzerland, the waitstaff won’t bring the check unless you ask—it’s considered rude to rush diners. We loved the relaxed vibe as people lingered over meals with friends and family.
Day 3: Journey to Wengen
Morning:
Travel: We packed up and took the train from Lucerne to Interlaken, then switched to another train for Wengen—a charming, car-free village where we stayed for the rest of our trip. The 2-hour journey was scenic and peaceful, with plenty of seating on the train.
Check-in: We arrived early in Wengen and checked into Hotel Alpenruhe (booked through Airbnb). The hotel had the most amazing view—I’d return in a heartbeat!
Afternoon:
Lauterbrunnen: A short 10-minute train ride took us to Lauterbrunnen, a stunning village known for its 72 waterfalls. We grabbed a Bratwurst from a street vendor and hiked to Staubbachfall Waterfall. The views were breathtaking, but our favorite part was stumbling upon a hidden hiking trail with even more incredible scenery.
Evening:
Dinner: Back in Wengen, we dined at Ristorante Da Sina. The mushroom pasta, Aperol Spritz, and tiramisu were all fantastic. Highly recommend!
Day 4: Hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg
Morning:
Surprise: After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we were thrilled to catch the cow parade—an unforgettable, spontaneous experience.
Shopping: Since the weather took a chilly turn (snow and a 30-degree drop!), we bought On Cloudwander waterproof hiking boots. They were lightweight, stylish, and perfect for the trails.
Hiking: We took the cable car to Männlichen—an exhilarating ride if you’re not afraid of heights! Despite the gloomy weather, the views were worth it. We hiked down to Kleine Scheidegg, a 2-hour trek, then caught the train to Allmend for lunch before hiking back to Wengen.
Evening:
Relaxation: After walking 26,000 steps (10.5 miles), we enjoyed dinner and a well-deserved beer. The food was decent, but the beer hit the spot after such a fulfilling day.
Day 5: Visit Grindelwald
Morning:
Repeat Hike: We couldn’t resist hiking from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg again! This time, it snowed and rained, but we were prepared with rain jackets and waterproof shoes. A cozy coffee shop stop kept us warm before taking the train to Grindelwald.
Grindelwald: While scenic, we found Grindelwald a bit overhyped, especially compared to car-free Wengen. We had a quick meal, but overall, Wengen’s charm won us over.
Afternoon:
Return to Wengen: We took the cable car back to Wengen, picked up our luggage, and caught the train to Interlaken.
Evening:
Interlaken: We checked into Hotel Interlaken and explored the city. After the quaint villages, Interlaken felt busier and more urban, a change of pace before our departure.
Day 6: Back to Zurich
Morning:
Breakfast: After a buffet breakfast, we walked around Interlaken briefly before taking the train back to Zurich.
Afternoon:
Zurich: We arrived at Zurich’s train station and checked into Motel One—a modern and comfortable hotel. We took a bus to a nearby restaurant by the water and enjoyed a beef kebab with fries (eaten with a fork, as is customary in Switzerland).
Lindt Chocolate Factory: A 20-minute walk led us to the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Unfortunately, the tours were sold out, but the shop was still a chocolate lover’s dream. We stocked up on treats for family and friends.
Evening:
Downtown Zurich: We explored downtown Zurich, visiting the bridge, chapel, and various shops. Dinner was at a lovely Italian restaurant. Although we skipped the popular cheese fondue spot (thanks to my lactose intolerance), it was clearly a local favorite.
Day 7: Departure
Morning:
Breakfast & Train: Breakfast at the hotel was delicious, and we made our way to the train station. The train to the airport was packed since it was a weekday, but we managed.
Flight: At the airport, checking in was a bit of a hassle since we couldn’t pre-select our seats. We ended up in middle seats for the 12-hour flight to San Francisco, followed by a 4-hour flight to San Antonio. With little sleep over 24 hours, it was rough, but we were relieved to check our bags through to our final destination.
Final Thoughts:
Reflecting on the trip, I’m thrilled with everything we did. If I could change anything, I’d skip Interlaken and spend an extra day in Wengen—it was the highlight of our Swiss adventure!
