14-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Swiss Alps Top Destinations

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Switzerland, despite its small size (fitting 14 times inside Madagascar), can’t be fully explored in a 14-day trip.

However, two weeks are enough to discover top destinations in the Swiss Alps and explore few of its amazing cities. During this period, you’ll immerse yourself in a complete Swiss travel experience, from stunning natural scenery to unforgettable adventures, fascinating museum discoveries, and mouth-watering Swiss cuisine.

The fourteen-day Switzerland itinerary I’ll share will show how I reached this conclusion. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

In summary, this 14-day Switzerland Itinerary kicks off in Zurich and concludes in Geneva, the two largest Swiss cities. Tailored for summer and shoulder travel seasons, the goal is to explore Switzerland’s highlights, making it ideal for first-timers.

Using this itinerary, you’ll be venturing through picturesque cities like Lucerne, Bern, and Montreux, and visit top attractions such as Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, and Gruyeres. Essentially, it is traveling across the country from northeast to west.

Despite Switzerland’s small size, practicality calls for booking accommodations in various locations: two nights in Zurich, three nights in Bern, three nights in Interlaken, two nights in Zermatt, two nights in Montreux, and an additional night in Geneva.

Skip the car rental – Switzerland’s efficient public transportation is more than sufficient for getting around. However, I strongly recommend using a Swiss Travel Pass for cost savings; it covers public transportation and museums across the country. 

Day 1 — Zurich City Tour

We kick off your fourteen-day Switzerland trip in Zurich, the largest city and the financial hub of the country.

This city is known for its vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and world-class museums. Located in the northeastern part of the country, it sits on the shores of its own lake, offering travelers beautiful scenery after they explore the city, which is a blend of modernity and tradition.

I assume you’ll be arriving in the city in the morning during your trip. So, we will begin the actual exploration of the city in the afternoon.

Depending on what you like to explore, there are plenty of options. You can try sightseeing in Bahnhofstrasse to see what the famous shopping district in Zurich all is about. Alternatively, you can walk along the city’s promenade beside the lake for scenery that should serve as an appetizer to the breathtaking views that await you in the Swiss Alps.

However, I would strongly suggest that you spend more time in the Old Town of Zurich visiting the city’s historical attractions or museums. Since you will be spending more time in nature in the coming days of your trip, it is reasonable to explore the city for a balanced and well-rounded Switzerland trip.

Don’t forget to see the iconic churches of Zurich like Fraumünster, which has stained glass designed by Marc Chagall. Visit the Swiss National Museum for an introduction to the history and culture of the country that you’ll be visiting! At sunset, head to Uetliberg where you can get a beautiful overlooking view of the city.

Known to have the best nightlife in Switzerland, you might not want to miss the nightlife in Zurich. I’m not much into nightlife so I can’t recommend. But if you want to try, Langstrasse, known for its diverse nightlife scene, can be a nice place to start. If you can’t party yet on your first day, don’t worry. You’ll be staying in Zurich until the night of Day 2.

Here’s a guide to help you make your visit to Zurich worth it.

If you don’t have a place to stay in Zurich yet, you can use this link to find the best hotel deals in Zurich. And if you need help in exploring the city, check out the different guided tours below.

Day 2 — Day Trip to Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

I don’t recommend partying hard during your first night in Zurich, because you need to wake up early on your second day. You’ll be taking a day trip to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, from Zurich. It’s important to get to Lucerne early to make the most of your second day.

You can read my other post on why Lucerne is worth visiting for your 14-day Switzerland trip.

Don’t worry about the intercity travel, as getting to Lucerne from Zurich is a quick 45-minute single train ride. What’s better? Old Town Lucerne is literally a stone’s throw away from the train station. As soon as you arrive in the city, you can already start exploring the charming historic center of Lucerne if you want.

However, I suggest that you head straight to Mount Pilatus first after you arrive in the area. Mount Pilatus, considered by many as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountains, is a must-visit for the stunning views of Lake Lucerne, fun adventures, and unique experiences.

One of these unique experiences is the Pilatus Railway, which is the world’s steepest cogwheel train. If you are traveling with your family, the toboggan run on this mountain makes the visit even more exciting.

Why do I suggest visiting this place first during your second day in Switzerland? It’s simple: it’s more enjoyable when tourists aren’t crowding the mountains yet. During the morning, the experience in the mountains should feel more serene and queues to the different attractions in the mountains don’t exist yet.

Visiting Mount Pilatus could last for an entire day or half day, depending on you. Just don’t forget to have enough time to explore Old Town Lucerne after spending time in Mount Pilatus.

There are plenty of things to see in Old Town Lucerne and they are not just ordinary landmarks. One of them is Europe’s oldest wooden covered bridge, known as the Chapel Bridge. During the summer, the bridge looks so charming with the flowers decorating it.

Another must-see landmark in Lucerne is the Musegg Wall, which is the most preserved medieval wall in Switzerland. Aside from those, you should also see the churches of Lucerne like the Jesuit Church, which has stunning baroque interiors.

If you want help in making the most of your visit to Lucerne, I recommend checking my Lucerne walking tour or these different guided tours in Lucerne.

What I like about some of these guided tours is that they conveniently bring you to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus from Zurich. You don’t have to worry about buying individual tickets, booking online, and so on. If you prefer visiting the attractions in Lucerne DIY, the Swiss Travel Pass covers a discount for visiting Mount Pilatus.

Day 3 — Exploring the Old City of Bern

The second part of your fourteen-day Switzerland trip begins in the morning of your third day in the country.

During this time, you’ll be moving from Zurich to Bern, where you’ll begin uncovering the beautiful places within and nearby the Swiss capital city. Using the train, you should arrive in Bern approximately one hour after you leave Zurich.

After you’ve checked in/dropped your bags at your hotel in Bern and taken a rest, it’s time to begin touring the Old City of Bern, which I think is the most beautiful place in all of Switzerland when it comes to architecture.

Did you know that the Old City of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? True to its status as the capital of Switzerland, the old city of Bern is a symbol of the country’s wealth and rich heritage.

The arcades, the colorful fountains, and the imposing landmarks in the Old City of Bern are definitely the things that separate Bern from other destinations in Switzerland, making it a must-see for any trip to Switzerland, regardless of the length.

There are plenty of things to do in Bern, but the ones I really recommend you seeing are the Bern Cathedral, Zytglogge, Kramgasse, and Bundeshaus. You can finish leisurely exploring these places in Bern within half a day.

After that, proceed to the Rose Garden where you can take in an overlooking view of the Old City of Bern. The view is unmissable during sunset. If you want, you can eat your dinner at the romantic alfresco seating of the Rose Garden Restaurant. If the weather permits, the ambiance could be absolutely romantic.

After the Rose Garden, it is probably night already, which is the time for the Spooky Bern Tour. Join to discover the stories of the witches and wicked spirits behind the dark history and legends in Bern.

Day 4 — Interesting Discoveries in the Museums of Bern

On day three, it’s likely that you’ll stumble upon various viewpoints in Bern. Some of these offer a view of the Alps, such as the one behind the Bundeshaus. If you’re a mountain lover, I believe you’ll be excited to visit the beautiful destinations in the Swiss Alps. Weather permitting, you can even spot Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from Bern!

However, before you go there, don’t miss the opportunity for fun and intriguing discoveries in Bern’s museums. In my opinion, there are a few museums in Bern worth seeing, especially if you’re interested in art, history, technology, and science. These are the museums you should check out on the fourth day of your Switzerland itinerary.

The first one you should see is the Bern Historical Museum. It has exhibits that provide insights into the historical development of Bern and the country. During your visit, you’ll also uncover many things about Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern for a few years.

Another must-see is the Museum of Communication. Here, you’ll discover a lot about the ways we communicate with others. This includes communication tools, from paper to nostalgic phones and simple items you might not think are used for communication. The museum is interactive and has many games. You’ll definitely enjoy it if you’re traveling with friends or family.

If you still have time, or if you love modern art, you can visit the Paul Klee Museum. It’s just a quick ride on bus number 12 from the Old City of Bern. Paul Klee, a Swiss painter known for his unique style and innovative use of color and form, is featured here. Remember, the Swiss Travel Pass allows you to enter these museums for free.

If you are not interested in the museums I just mentioned, I have a list of different attractions and activities in Bern that can be great alternatives.

Before the day ends, have a unique dining experience at Kornhauskeller Restaurant & Bar. It’s quite expensive, but it’s like eating in the medieval ages, thanks to the restaurant’s architecture. The vaulted ceiling and the artworks that adorn it give a time-transporting flair, in my opinion.

By the way, if you don’t have a hotel to stay in Bern, you can find the best hotel deals here. You’ll be staying in Bern for three nights, from Day 3 to Day 5.

Day 5 — Day Trip to Thun

For the 5th day of your Switzerland trip, you’re going to take a day trip to Thun. This city, located 30 kilometers south of Bern, is often referred to as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland or Bernese Alps. You can reach this beautiful city with a mere 30-minute train ride from Bern. If you’d ask me, I’d describe Thun as a smaller version of Lucerne, yet offering more fairytale experiences.

Did you know that Thun has its own lake named after the city? To me, it’s the most magical lake in all of Switzerland. Not because it’s home to mystical creatures, but because it’s the lake with the most fairytale-looking castle.

Around Lake Thun, you can visit five castles. However, for this 14-day Switzerland trip, I suggest seeing only three of them: Schadau Castle, Thun Castle, and Oberhofen Castle. Visiting these tourist attractions are three of my five unmissable things to do in Thun.

Schadau Castle is the romantic castle nestled on a scenic park at the shores of Lake Thun. It’s the first place I suggest you visit once you arrive in Thun. This castle is just a 15-minute walk from the train station. You cannot go inside Schadau Castle, but you can explore its beautiful surroundings while breathing in the fresh air from the lake and mountains.

After Schadau Castle, explore the Old Town Thun where you can see Thun Castle dominating the skyline of the city. Explore it. Then come inside Thun Castle – it is the highlight of visiting Thun. Inside, you can see exhibits about the history of the town and of the surrounding region. Most importantly, from its towers, you can take in a breathtaking iconic view encompassing the city, Lake Thun, and Bernese Oberland.

Thun is quite a cute place to wander around. There are plenty of hidden gems that you can find in Thun, especially in its old town. Like Lucerne, it also has a flower-decked wooden bridge which is nothing short of photogenic. This bridge is located near the train station, so it’s most likely that you won’t miss it.

Anyhow, your day trip to Thun does not end in Old Town Thun, particularly since you’ll definitely have more extra time after Thun Castle. From Thun Old Town, you can ride the bus #21 to Oberhofen, where Oberhofen Castle is located. This castle is the most picturesque of all castles in Central Switzerland, thanks to its location, sitting on the shores of Lake Thun.

During summertime, you can join a guided tour to see its unique-looking rooms dating back to the medieval ages and inspired by Eastern cultures. Oberhofen Castle also has an exotic garden and a restaurant where you can spend the rest of the day, relaxing with the view of the tranquil Lake Thun. Swiss Travel Pass covers the boat ride and bus rides and entry to the tourist attractions for your day trip to Thun from Bern.

Day 6 — Saint Beatus Caves & Lake Thun

On the 6th day of your 14-day Switzerland trip, you’ll start the real immersion into the beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Say goodbye to Bern because you’ll be heading to Interlaken. This town is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, one of the ultimate destinations in the Alps. You’ll be staying here for three days and three nights, allowing you to see the highlights of this stunning destination. Getting to Interlaken from Bern is a breeze. These two towns are only one hour away by train.

However, you must have everything settled (like accommodation, reservations, etc.) by the morning of day 6 in Interlaken, because there are literally plenty of things to see in this region! I’m really excited for you. We can’t waste any minute chillin’. LOL. There will be plenty of time to relax at night.

Here’s a guide to help you make your stay in Interlaken worth it. And here is where you can find the best hotel deals in Interlaken.

Your first destination is Saint Beatus Caves. According to legend, this is a legendary cave linked to Saint Beatus, the hermit who killed the fire-breathing dragon which lived in today’s Saint Beatus Caves. From Interlaken, the trail jump to Saint Beatus Caves is only 15 minutes away by riding bus number 21 heading to Thun.

The main attractions here are the cave filled with spectacular rock formations and informative screens telling some interesting history and geology. However, I bring you here mainly because of the Saint Beatus Caves restaurant where you can eat your lunch with a beautiful view of Lake Thun. The view is a great appetizer to all the amazing sceneries that you are bound to see in the coming days.

Make sure you book a table weeks before your visit, though. It gets fully reserved quite fast, especially during the summer season.

After your lunch and exploring the cave, catch a boat at the dock of Saint Beatus Caves near the trail jump. You’ll be taking in absolutely relaxing views in the lake, as you head to Spiez for a quick stop.

In this Mediterranean-looking town, you can find a castle which has a unique view of the Bernese Oberland. Visit the castle grounds and proceed to the back of the chapel of the castle for the best views, overlooking Lake Thun.

From Spiez, you can catch a train going back to Interlaken, where your last destination for day 6 has quick access. That tourist attraction is called Harder Kulm, and it offers the best view in Interlaken, spanning from Lake Brienz to Lake Thun with Interlaken and the Jungfrau massif in the middle.

The thing is that it also has a restaurant where you can see the view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau which is a very nice place to eat dinner as you watch the sunset.

For a seamless visit, make sure you book online in advance your table in the restaurant and the Harder Kulm skip-the-line ticket (discounted with Swiss Travel Pass). Access to Harder Kulm is a convenient 10-minute funicular ride from Interlaken. After your visit to Harder Kulm, I suggest heading back to your hotels to sleep early.

Day 7 is a highlight of every trip to the Swiss Alps, and you need to get to that destination early for the best experience!

Day 7 — Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald

On the seventh day of your 14-day journey in Switzerland, you’ll visit Lauterbrunnen, a place often referred to as Heaven on Earth. Following this, your adventures will continue in Grindelwald after you visit Mannlichen, considered the best viewpoint in the entire Jungfrau Region. Mannlichen is a mountain situated above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, offering a 360-degree view of the Jungfrau Region.

For this day, I encourage you to arrive in Lauterbrunnen very early in the morning. This will allow you to see the village and the valley in its most tranquil state. The streets are not crowded at this time, and the mist and morning light make the scenery dramatically beautiful.

Don’t worry about waking up early; Lauterbrunnen is just a 30-minute train ride from Interlaken. However, make sure you arrive before the day-trippers from the major Swiss cities, who usually leave their cities around 8 or 9 am and arrive in Lauterbrunnen around 9:30 or 10:00 am.

In Lauterbrunnen village, there’s not much to do other than be awe-struck by the awe-inspiring scenery, relax in the cafes, and take beautiful photos from different viewpoints of Lauterbrunnen. After exploring Lauterbrunnen, we’ll head to Wengen. This is another village in the Lauterbrunnen valley where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and find the cable car station to your next destination: Mannlichen.

Once you arrive at the top cable car station, hike to the summit of the mountain to see the panoramic views. For a better experience, try the Mannlichen Royal Ride. This is a special cable car experience where you’ll ride on the aerial gondola’s top balcony from Wengen to Mannlichen.

From Mannlichen, you have two options to reach Grindelwald, your next destination. First, you can hike down to Kleine Scheidegg and catch a train to Grindelwald. Alternatively, you can take the cable car directly to Grindelwald. I recommend the first option if you enjoy hiking with a spectacular view of Eiger’s notorious north face. The hiking trail is relatively easy and slopes downwards.

Once you reach Grindelwald, there are several enjoyable activities you can partake in. You can try the zip lines, trottibikes, and other rides on Mount First. Alternatively, you can walk inside the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon and try the Canyon Swing.

However, I recommend going straight to the First Cliff Walk and hiking to Bachalpsee. The cable car to reach these places is not free, but you can spend as much time as you want taking in the stunning scenery. Bachalpsee is one of the most picturesque lakes in Switzerland.

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the cable cars in Grindelwald are discounted by 50%.

Day 8 — Jungfraujoch

The 8th day is another highlight of your 14-day Switzerland trip. On this day, you’ll be visiting Jungfraujoch, the ultimate destination in the Bernese Oberland. Simply put, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in all of Europe, earning it the title of ‘Top of Europe’. However, visiting Jungfraujoch is more than just a train ride and picturesque sights.

Aside from the cozy and scenic train ride, you can see the Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. You can enter the Ice Palace, a series of chambers carved into the glacier, and see cute ice sculptures inside. Even in summer, you can enjoy playing with snow (i.e., snowshoeing) because the snow at nearly 4000 meters above sea level doesn’t melt.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, Jungfraujoch has the Alpine Sensation Exhibition where you can learn about the history of the Jungfrau Railway from different multimedia displays. Hungry? Jungfraujoch has a restaurant where you can indulge in Swiss cuisine and traditional dishes while enjoying the scenery.

Overall, you can spend 5 to 6 hours at this destination. An entire day would be needed to make the most of it, including the train ride to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken. You should know that you have two options for a round trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken.

The first option is a round trip train ride: take a train to Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken, then a train to Kleine Scheidegg from Lauterbrunnen, and finally, the Jungfrau Railway ride from Kleine Scheidegg, and vice versa. Learn more about the train round trip to Jungfraujoch.

The second option is a cheaper and faster one: take a train to Grindelwald from Interlaken, then the Eiger Express cable car ride to Eigergletscher from Grindelwald Terminal, and finally, the Jungfrau Railway ride from Eigergletscher, and vice versa. Learn more about the train-cable car round trip to Jungfraujoch.

Indeed, going here is a fantastic experience, even right from the beginning of your journey. The Eiger Express cable car and Jungfrau Railway offer a remarkable experience due to their engineering feat and the change of scenery that you’ll see throughout the ride.

Whichever way you choose to get to Jungfraujoch, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of booking your tickets in advance. Jungfraujoch is a popular tourist attraction and tickets sell out quickly, especially during the peak season.

Day 9 — Gornergrat & Alpine Culinary Tour

On the 9th day of your 14-day Switzerland trip, you will see the most iconic mountain in all of the Alps: the Matterhorn. This mountain is located in a village called Zermatt in the canton of Valais, which is your next destination. Here is a guide to visit Zermatt and here’s why Zermatt is worth visiting.

I recommend leaving Interlaken early so you can arrive in Zermatt before lunch. The journey is a minimum of 2 hours by train, with two transfers. Depending on the availability of the trains, the travel duration can last up to 2 hours and 45 minutes.

In this itinerary, I suggest staying for one night in Zermatt because one day is undoubtedly not enough to see the highlights. By the way, if you still don’t have a place to stay in Zermatt, you can find the best hotel deals in Zermatt from here.

Arriving in Zermatt before lunch, you will still have half a day to spend exploring, which is enough to fully enjoy Gornergrat. Within four hours, you can already enjoy the scenic cogwheel train journey to Gornergrat, explore the Gornergrat observation deck, see the Gorner glacier, and eat and chill in the restaurant in Gornergrat while taking in the stunning views of the Matterhorn.

If you were able to finish all those quickly, you can hike down to Riffelberg and Riffelsee, which is one of the lakes with stunning views of the Matterhorn.

If you like taking photos, you should not miss the opportunity to see the lake. Weather permitting, you can photograph the Matterhorn’s image inverted in the calm surface of the lake. You can purchase your tickets in Gornergrat Bahn in Zermatt. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you get a 50% discount.

When you return to Zermatt, it will probably be evening. There’s not much to do but relax in your hotel, explore the village, or have another kind of adventure: an alpine culinary experience. You can join a tour, but you can definitely do it yourself as you explore the village. Zermatt offers various dining options. The Bahnhofstrasse area has many restaurants serving Swiss cuisine.

Day 10 — Klein Matterhorn & Sunnegga

On the 10th day of your 14-day Switzerland trip, you will be visiting two more highlights of Zermatt: Sunnegga and Kleine Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise).

However, while I recommend visiting these two other highlights of Zermatt, please be aware that there are plenty of other attractions you can explore from this village.

These include Zermatt’s hidden gems which are budget-friendly alternatives to Sunnegga and Kleine Matterhorn. They can also be a great way to make your visit to Zermatt more special and unique compared to the usual hiking and sightseeing highlights mentioned previously.

If you prefer visiting the highlights, we begin in Sunnegga, which is just above the village. To reach Sunnegga from Zermatt, ride the funicular from the Zermatt station to Sunnegga. The Sunnegga funicular departs from the Sunnegga Valley Station, which is conveniently located in Zermatt.

The journey offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and takes around 10 minutes. Once at Sunnegga, you can see another perspective of the Matterhorn. It also has a restaurant, so you can do the sightseeing while filling up your tummies.

From Sunnegga, you can start hiking to other picturesque attractions like Leisee and visit more peaks like Rothorn with a cable car ride. You can also ride a gondola to Blauherd where you can embark on a classic hike called Five Lakes Trail. Hiking this trail needs 3 to 4 hours to finish. So, if you are interested, it’s better to kick off your day very early so you will still have enough time to visit Kleine Matterhorn in the afternoon.

At minimum, you’ll need 4 hours in Kleine Matterhorn, including the cable car round trip. The Kleine Matterhorn, or “Little Matterhorn,” is also known as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It’s one of the highest cable car stations in Europe, offering stunning views of the Alps and the iconic Matterhorn.

To get to Kleine Matterhorn from Zermatt, take the gondola to Furi, then to Trockener Steg, and finally to Kleine Matterhorn. Click here for more information about Kleine Matterhorn and to book your tickets.

The experience has similarities with Jungfraujoch but the view is more compelling because you’ll see mountains from three different countries (Switzerland, Italy, and France) at one spot. Of course, weather permitting, Kleine Matterhorn also offers a view of the Matterhorn that makes the scenery unique. In Kleine Matterhorn, you can also go inside a glacier. They call it Glacier Palace.

Day 11 — Montreux & Chillon Castle

After visiting the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt, the highlights of the Swiss Alps, it’s time to explore another side of Switzerland.

Did you know there’s a part of this country that feels like the Mediterranean? That’s Montreux, a beautiful lakeside city in the canton of Vaud. From its vineyards to the posh and fancy atmosphere of its lakeside promenades, you’ll surely feel Montreux’s Mediterranean vibes.

On the morning of the 11th day of your 14-day Switzerland trip, you’ll be moving from Zermatt to Montreux. Try to arrive in Montreux by late morning so you can pick a restaurant in the city that offers not only Mediterranean food but also a beautiful view of the lake. The journey from Zermatt to Montreux is a 2.5-hour train ride with a transfer in Visp.

After lunch, you’ll visit Chillon Castle, which I consider one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland. Perched on a small rock island in Lake Geneva and with the panorama of the French Alps in the background, it’s a place you’ll absolutely love.

Let’s not forget about its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which is nothing short of impressive. During your visit, you’ll find lots of rooms to explore, like the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Dungeon. Each room has its own story to tell, with historical artifacts and exhibits that bring the castle’s rich history to life.

You can reach Chillon Castle from Montreux in three ways: by train, bus #201, or ferry ride. The amount of time you’ll spend at Chillon Castle could vary, but usually, 2 hours is enough to fully explore the palace.

It’s not necessary to book your tickets in advance, but you might want to, especially during the peak season. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can explore Chillon Castle and its contemporary art exhibitions free of charge.

After visiting Chillon Castle, it’s time to see the rest of the city and take so many pictures! Visit the promenade and stumble upon amazing artworks that stand by the tranquil lakeshores.

Discover the musical heritage of the city by visiting the museum of the British rock group Queen (Queen Studio Experience) inside Casino Barriere de Montreux. If you still have time, you might also want to see the former home of Charlie Chaplin in Vevey, where you can find his memorabilia.

Montreux also has a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can meet new friends or acquaintances. By the way, you’ll be spending a night in Montreux since there’s an amazing day trip you can do from this city the next day.

If you don’t have a place to stay in Montreux, you can find the best hotel deals in the city from this link. Lastly, if you need more ideas on how you can spend a day in Montreux aside from what I mentioned, you can get more ideas by checking my article explaining why I find Montreux worth visiting.

Day 12 — Gruyeres

Like southern France, southern Germany, and northern Italy, Switzerland also boasts beautifully preserved medieval villages.

One of them is Gruyeres, which is only a 1 hour and 10-minute train ride from Montreux with a transfer in Montbovon. Interestingly, Gruyeres is not just a charming medieval village. It boasts a fantastic castle, charming streets, lovely countryside scenery, and unusual museums.

In this village, you can find an authentic cheese for which Switzerland is known: Le Gruyère AOP. Naturally, there are dishes you can enjoy that are made special because of Gruyere Cheese. Near the village, there’s a chocolate factory where you can indulge in unlimited chocolate after the tour.

Simply put, this is why Gruyeres is included in this 14-day Switzerland Itinerary. You can check my guide on how to make the most of your visit to Gruyeres. Alternatively, below are different guided experiences that summarize your visit to Gruyeres.

Day 13 — International Museums in Geneva

On the penultimate and final day of your 14-day visit to Switzerland, you’ll discover another aspect of Switzerland: a diplomatic hub, home to numerous international organizations. This is most apparent in Geneva, the second-largest and westernmost city in Switzerland.

You can find the best accommodation offers in Geneva from this link.

In this city, you’ll explore mind-nourishing and heart-touching museums, sightsee meaningful modern landmarks, and relax with pleasant views of the lake, mountains, and vineyards. Since I expect you’ll be leaving Switzerland on the afternoon of day 14 and museums open late in the morning, we prioritize visiting the museums and touring offices of the international organizations in the city on day 13 of your trip.

It would be great to arrive in Geneva from Montreux by late morning, so you can still visit a couple of museums in Geneva for the rest of day 13. The journey from Montreux to Geneva takes about an hour on a direct train ride.

So, which museums should you see in Geneva? There are several to choose from. But if you ask me, I recommend the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, Patek Philippe Museum, and CERN.

Explore the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva to discover the history, principles, and global impact of these humanitarian organizations through interactive exhibits and personal stories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of international solidarity and our shared responsibility for global well-being.

Visit the Patek Philippe Museum to see what makes Swiss watches so famous. Here, you can see exquisite watches, clocks, and the legacy of Patek Philippe, offering a unique glimpse into the artistry and innovation of precision timekeeping.

If you’re a fan of science like I am, you can also visit CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva. CERN provides insight into particle physics and features exhibits explaining groundbreaking research conducted in its facilities. It’s one of the most unique and educational destinations in Switzerland.

Day 14 — Geneva City Tour

If you plan to leave Switzerland by evening, you still have the whole morning and early afternoon to explore Geneva. This time will be enough to see the notable and historical landmarks of the city.

Check out my guide to the places and experiences that make Geneva worth visiting.

What should you not miss? Firstly, Jet d’Eau. This is a huge fountain that sprays water really high from Lake Geneva. It’s like the city’s signature and you can see it from many places. One such place is Jardin Anglais, a lovely park with a clock made of flowers and a bronze fountain.

Not too far from the park is the old town of Geneva where you can find the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. This old church dates back to the 12th century and was where John Calvin gave his speeches during the Protestant Reformation. You can climb the towers for amazing views of the city and the lake.

When you visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, you must not forget to check out the Chapel of Maccabees. To me, it is Geneva’s architectural gem and a must-see for architecture lovers like you. This Gothic-style chapel has an awe-inspiring chancel vault, pulpit, and stained glass window.

Exploring the city of Geneva is not complete without a selfie in front of the flags of Palais des Nations. This is the home of the United Nations in Europe and the second-biggest UN center after New York. It is located close to the Museum of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, which you might have seen during day 13.

Not too far from Palais des Nations lies another iconic landmark of Geneva: The Broken Chair Sculpture. It looks like a giant chair with a broken leg – a symbol of opposition to land mines and cluster bombs, and a reminder to the politicians and diplomats who come to Geneva. Don’t forget to take a selfie during your visit!

For an insightful tour of the city, consider joining a guided tour. The good news is that there are different kinds of tours available to suit everyone’s type of exploration. There is the tour for the photogenic spots of the city, a tour to unveil hidden gems of the city, a chocolate walking tour, and more.

More Ways to Spend Days in Switzerland

So, that wraps up my 14-day Switzerland itinerary. I hope it gave you an idea of how you can make the most of your 2 weeks in Switzerland. However, before you go using this plan, know that there are other alternatives to the destinations I mentioned in this post.

For example, if you like to make your trip unique by visiting less-travelled destinations, check out other cities near the Swiss Alps like Sion and Brig.

Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais, is a stunning destination for wanderers and explorers. Its two ancient landmarks, perched on top of its two hills located in the heart of the city, offer a throwback look into the history of the region with breathtaking views of the Pennine Alps.

Since Sion is located along the route to Montreux from Zermatt, you can easily insert it into this itinerary after day 10. Here is my guide to help you make a visit to Sion worth it.

Brig, on the other hand, is in the middle of the route between the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt. If you like, you can insert Brig into this itinerary after day 8 before you visit Zermatt. You can spend half a day in Brig to see a unique-looking castle or one whole day if you want to relax in its thermal baths, one of the largest in all of Switzerland.

Learn more about Brig by reading my post about the tourist attractions and activities you can find in Brig.

Actually, there’s another destination you can visit after Day 8 before you go to Zermatt. It’s called Kandersteg and it’s another one of the most beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps. From this village, you can visit Oeschinensee. It’s the lake below a spectacular mountain face. Both will take your breath away.

Lastly, if you like seeing artworks and more amazing city vibes, perhaps you would not miss Basel. It’s another Swiss city located north of Bern. From Bern, Basel is just a short train ride. You can easily visit this city on a day trip from Bern after Day 4. You can start discovering from my guide to Basel’s most beautiful places.

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