12 day itinerary for Switzerland

Itinerary

Switzerland is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a fun and engaging 12-day itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

• Morning: Arrive in Zurich. Check into your family-friendly hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt). Stroll along the Limmat River and visit the beautiful Grossmünster church.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local Swiss restaurant. Try some fondue – it’s a must!

## Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne

• Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Lucerne (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and the Water Tower. Don’t miss the Lion Monument!
• Evening: Take a leisurely walk along Lake Lucerne and have dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

## Day 3: Mount Pilatus Adventure

• All ## Day: Take the cogwheel train or the aerial cableway to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy breathtaking views and let the kids explore the hiking trails. There’s also a toboggan run in summer!
• Evening: Return to Lucerne and relax at your hotel.

## Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken

• Morning: Depart for Interlaken (about 2 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the town. Take a stroll along the Aare River and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
• Evening: Have dinner in Interlaken and maybe catch a local performance or festival if available.

## Day 5: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

• All ## Day: Take the train to Jungfraujoch. Visit the Ice Palace, enjoy the views from the observation deck, and let the kids play in the snow (even in summer!).
• Evening: Return to Interlaken for a cozy family dinner.

## Day 6: Adventure Day in Interlaken

• All ## Day: Choose an adventure activity! Options include paragliding, a boat trip on Lake Thun, or a family-friendly hike.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a casual dinner in town.

## Day 7: Interlaken to Zermatt

• Morning: Travel to Zermatt (about 2.5 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the car-free village. Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the region’s history.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the Matterhorn.

## Day 8: Gornergrat Excursion

• All ## Day: Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for stunning views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. There are great hiking trails and photo ops!
• Evening: Return to Zermatt and enjoy a family dinner.

## Day 9: Zermatt to Geneva

• Morning: Depart for Geneva (about 3.5 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Visit the Jet d'Eau and stroll through the English Garden. Don’t forget to check out the Flower Clock!
• Evening: Have dinner in the Old Town and enjoy some Swiss chocolate for dessert.

## Day 10: Day Trip to Montreux

• All ## Day: Take a train to Montreux (about 1 hour). Explore the lakeside promenade and visit Chillon Castle. If time allows, take a boat ride on Lake Geneva.
• Evening: Return to Geneva for dinner.

## Day 11: Geneva to Bern

• Morning: Travel to Bern (about 1 hour by train).
• Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the Bear Park, and check out the Zytglogge clock tower.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in one of Bern’s charming restaurants.

## Day 12: Departure from Zurich

• Morning: Head back to Zurich (about 1 hour by train). If time allows, visit the Swiss National Museum or do some last-minute shopping on Bahnhofstrasse.
• Afternoon: Depart from Zurich.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Swiss Travel Pass: Consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.
• Pack Snacks: Always have some snacks handy for the kids during travel days.
• Flexible Plans: Be open to adjusting your itinerary based on the family’s energy levels and interests.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Switzerland! Enjoy your trip! 🌄🚂🍫