Alpine Bliss: A 12-Day Adventure through Switzerland's Iconic Landscapes
Updated: Aug 27
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My idea of romance? Switzerland, of course. Envision charming timber houses nestled in lush green pastures, where flocks of sheep graze lazily throughout the day. Imagine the colossal misty mountains, their majestic peaks kissing the clouds and creating an aura of heavenly atmosphere on earth. The roads glistening with perfection, accompanied by the gentle chimes of cowbells as cars glide by. Imagine the the wind tousling your hair and the fragrance of yellow wildflowers filling in the air. It is truly a magical place on earth—a precious gem! Switzerland, you have my heart.
A 12-day Alpine Switzerland Adventure
Our A 12-day Alpine Switzerland Adventure was an exhilarating journey of exploration for us, right after the peak of Covid. Despite Switzerland still recovering from tourism losses and having fewer visitors, our experience was flawless. Their tourism services were exceptional, and we enjoyed a wonderfully serene and stress-free time without the usual crowds. It was filled with memorable experiences, delightful cuisine, and warm hospitality—a true paradise on earth that will remain close to our hearts forever.
How to Reach Switzerland Alps?
✈️ You may fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA) which is convenient for reaching the western Alps, or Bern Airport (BRN) which is smaller but closer to the central Alps.
🚖From the airport, you may conveniently book a taxi to the destination of your choice using EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS.
🚆 Swiss Federal Railways (SB) offers efficient and scenic train routes to various Alpine regions. You may take direct trains from Zurich to popular Alpine destinations like Interlaken, Zermatt, and St. Moritz. There are direct connections from Geneva to places like Chamonix (via Mont Blanc Express) and Zermatt.
🚗 I always recommend driving to the Alps because it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever experience. The highways and roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted, making the journey smooth. Just be ready for the winding mountain roads and keep an eye on speed limits, as fines for speeding can be quite steep. You can easily rent a car from any major city or airport, which can be easily arranged by BOOKING HERE.
🚌 If you dont fancy driving yourselves, then companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer comfortable and budget-friendly routes to Swiss Alpine towns with scenic views along the way.
Where to Stay?
Zurich
Glarnischhof by Trinity in Zurich offers modern accommodations with a focus on luxury and comfort, featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the Swiss Alps.
The Fred Hotel Zurich on Leonhardstrasse is positioned as a budget-friendly accommodation option in Zurich.
Hotel UTO KULM offers a car parking in Zurich and is recommended by travellers as a great place to stay.
Interlaken
Hotel du Nord Interlaken offers a cozy stay with views of the Jungfrau mountain range, renowned for its warm hospitality and right next to the Reformed Castle Church. Ask for a room with the views of Höheweg and overlooking the Alps.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is a luxurious retreat in Interlaken, renowned for its elegant accommodations, exceptional spa facilities, and stunning views of the Jungfrau mountain range.
Zermatt
Hotel Ambassador Zermatt offers cozy accommodations with views of the Matterhorn, renowned for its convenient location near the Gornergrat railway station.
Haus Ares is an apartment which offers free parking for your car and is located 450 m from the center.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best times to visit Switzerland are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Unfortunately, global warming has caused summer temperatures to climb above 40 degrees Celsius, which used to be the ideal time to explore Switzerland. Despite this, summer remains a great season to visit the Alps, though you might encounter crowds, much like any popular tourist destination worldwide.
What to Wear?
In inland cities like Zurich and Bern, temperatures can soar, so packing light summer clothing is essential to stay cool. However, as you head towards the Alps, such as Interlaken, the weather becomes cooler, making a sweater and warm clothes for the kids a wise choice. If you're planning to scale the Matterhorn, you'll need winter gear like gloves, a beanie, a jacket, and winter boots. Smart packing is key if you want to travel light and comfortably.
Top Sights to Explore
We kicked off our Swiss adventure in Zurich, flying into the city and deciding to spend a day exploring before heading to Interlaken and Zermatt to discover more of Switzerland's stunning gems. It's a great starting point for exploring Switzerland, with easy access to the Alps and other scenic spots.
Day 1: Land in Zurich
After a long drive of nearly 820 kilometers (510 miles), which took us about 13 hours including stops for bathroom breaks and food, we finally made it to Zurich!
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Zurich is like the heartbeat of Switzerland! It's the country's largest city and a buzzing hub for finance, culture, and education. With stunning lake views, a charming old town, and vibrant arts and nightlife scenes, Zurich has something for everyone. Plus, it's known for its top-notch quality of life, making it a fantastic place to both live and visit. Since we had half a day to explore, we made sure to indulge in some delicious Swiss chocolate and a cup of hot chocolate! For the best hot chocolate in town, head over to Schober Café on Napfgasse. And of course, we couldn't miss out on Sprüngli. This 'Confiserie' offers an incredible selection of chocolate, pastries, cakes, and even some savory delights like sandwiches. We ended up buying loads of chocolate to take back home, which I'm sure will delight our family and friends!
After satisfying our sweet tooth, we took a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and enjoyed some window shopping along Bahnhofstrasse. We racked up 14k steps, which is pretty typical for us when exploring a new city with the kids! To reward ourselves and the little ones, we hopped on a delightful 2.5-hour boat ride on Lake Zurich. It was such a treat, with good coffee and stunning views of the old harbor, the cityscape, and the sun reflecting off the water.
Post-boat ride, we couldn't resist a double treat—ice cream while walking along the lake promenade! Since it was getting close to dinner time, we decided to dine at the laid-back eatery Pumpstation Gastro GmbH, located right by the lake. It offers fantastic views and serves delicious sea food (including a kids menu), making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
If you have a bit more time, don’t miss out on visiting the iconic Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. They are definitely worth a visit!
Day 2: Rhine Falls
On a sizzling hot day in Zurich, we planned an excursion to the Rhine Falls. We drove from our hotel and parked in their facility parking. Despite arriving early, the place was already bustling, and with the rising temperatures, the kids were getting a bit cranky. We had pre-booked our tickets through GetYourGuide, allowing us to skip the long lines and head straight to the entrance. The powerful waves of the Rhine river were crashing against the rocks, making the boats look like tiny Lego blocks being tossed around. It looked daunting but incredibly exciting. Amongst this breathtaking spectacle, we took the opportunity to scale the iconic Middlerock. With one kid in a baby carrier and the other holding my hand, we began our ascent to the top. We eventually reached a small opening with a railing, offering a brilliant view of the falls below. It was mesmerizing to witness the full force of the Rhine flowing beneath us.
After descending the Middlerock, we were now ready for the thunderous roar of Europe’s grandest waterfall. With the temperature soaring above 30 degrees, we were all set to make a splash at the falls. What an incredible way to cool off, where the water dramatically plunges 23 meters into the abyss! The question is are you ready?
Don’t Miss: Experience the power of Europe’s greatest waterfall! Location: Rheinfallquai, Neuhausen am Rheinfall Ticket Prices: 20.00 CHF per person Duration: Enjoy a 30-minute round trip boat ride What to Wear: Dress to get wet and pack an extra outfit (in summer you’ll dry in a minute!) No-Go Zone: Large bags and strollers are a no-no Friendly Tip: Opt for a baby carrier for stability on the boat ride! |
Day 3: Onwards to Interlaken
Interlaken, an Alpine Paradise
Our next destination was Interlaken, a place that feels straight out of a fairy tale. It is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in Switzerland. Famous for its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure sports, this gem is a favorite particularly among Indian travelers, thanks to the iconic filmmaker Yash Chopra who showcased its beauty in Bollywood films. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, getting to Interlaken is part of the adventure! A journey of 2 hours from Zurich, you can drive through scenic mountain roads and crystal-clear lakes or take a train with mesmerizing views, or hop on the Swiss PostBus service convenient bus.
There is one main street of Interlaken, Höheweg, which is the bustling heart of the town. At the start of the street lies the Reformed Castle Church which used to be a monastery earlier. This bustling street is lined with a variety of restaurants and pubs that offer stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the expansive Höhematte Park. The park houses a children's playground Spielplatz Höhematte children’s park and a cozy café, perfect for a relaxing picnic with the kids. However, if you choose to continue on the Höheweg, you can opt for a quieter stroll on a serene pedestrian path that runs parallel through the park.
Don’t miss the Kursaal Garden (next to the Casino Kursaal), where a 350 kg statue of the famous Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra stands as a tribute to his work in showcasing Switzerland's beauty in Bollywood, greatly boosting the popularity of the Alpine nation among Indian tourists. |
At the end of Höheweg, you'll find the Swiss Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in Switzerland, another fun activity for the family. Nearby, you'll discover various shops and souvenir stores. In Bahnhofstrasse, you can shop for Swiss watches, chocolates, and souvenirs.
Adventure Sports
If you're heading to Interlaken in the summer, you're in for a fantastic time with loads of adventure sports and water activities! You can paraglide, taking in those incredible panoramic views, or feeling the rush of skydiving with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop. You can also get your heart racing with a thrilling bungee jump at Stockhorn or go for a wild ride with canyoning through gorges and waterfalls. For water lovers, there are serene boat tours on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, fun kayaking and canoeing, refreshing swims in crystal-clear lakes, and paddleboarding adventures. If you're visiting in the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby spots like Grindelwald and Wengen, explore beautiful snowshoe trails, try your hand at ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, or have a blast sledding with the family.
Harder Kulm - Panoramic Views of Interlaken
Climbing up to 1,322 meters above sea level to Harder Kulm, the closest mountain to Interlaken, was absolutely magical for us. The funicular railway, charming visitors for over a 100 years, whisked us from Interlaken to Harder Kulm in just 10 minutes. From the mountain station, we took a leisurely five-minute stroll to the Panorama Restaurant. The restaurant itself was great, as you can dine there soaking in spectacular views from their windows. Right next to the restaurant was the Zwei-Seen-Steg, or Two Lakes Bridge, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Standing on the glass-floored viewing platform, we felt like we were floating above the world. The view was absolutely stunning, with Interlaken spread out below us and the impressive peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the background. To our left, the Lake Brienz sparkled, and to our right, the deep blue of Lake Thun stretched out beautifully.
Timings: Open daily from 9:10 AM to 8:40 PM
Day 4: Jungfraujoch - The Top of Europe
Getting to this spectacular location is a breeze. You can easily catch a train from Interlaken Ost station, well connected to other parts of Switzerland. Once you arrive at Grindelwald Terminal, hop on the Eiger Express gondola for a scenic ride up the mountain. This chairlift will take you partway up, where you’ll then switch to a cogwheel train for the final ascent to the top. It’s recommended to reserve slots for both the Eiger Express and the cogwheel train to enjoy shorter lines and a more seamless experience.
Visiting this mountain destination can be quite pricey, especially for the second train that grants access to the ice caves and a top-of-the-mountain tour. Ticket Prices: From Interlaken Ost (one way) Adult CHF 125; Child (6-15 years) CHF 20; Free for kids 5 years and below. It’s worth noting that the Swiss Half Fare Card offers significant savings, reducing the cost by 50%. |
When we took the Eiger Express gondola, it was a quick and incredibly scenic ride up the mountain. The journey on the cogwheel train to the peak offered breathtaking views that seemed to stretch on forever. At the summit, we wandered through the ice caves, marveling at the intricate, stunning ice formations all around us. We spent a good 1.5 to 2 hours soaking in the magnificent sights and panoramic vistas during the mountain tour. By going early in the morning, we managed to avoid the crowds and truly enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the experience.
Negatives 👎⚠️
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Day 5: Mount Titlis
Mount Titlis
Mount Titlis, a towering 3,239 meters high, is the real star of the Swiss Alps, thanks to Bollywood! Forget the Eiger, Jungfrau, and other famous peaks—Mount Titlis is the real deal. Located near the charming Engelberg resort, roughly 35 km (22 miles) south of Lucerne, you can ascend Mt Titlis by hopping on a gondola from Engelberg to Stand, then taking a swirly cable car to the summit.
Discover the incredible attractions awaiting you on Mt. Titlis!
Walk across the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge at 3,000 meters above sea level, surpassing even the Salbit Bridge.
Take in breathtaking 360° views from the TITLIS Rotair, the world's first revolving gondola.
On the summit, don't miss the viewing platform, Ice Flyer chairlift, and the awe-inspiring TITLIS Cliff Walk.
If you're up for a scenic hike, explore the 40-minute Stotzig Egg trail.
How to Reach? If you take the train from Lucerne to Engelberg, it will take 43 minutes with hourly departures and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. By car, it's a 20 km drive via E35/A2 to exit #33 at Stans-Süd, with parking available at Titlis Valley Station. Best Time to Visit: For skiing plans, aim for a trip between December and March. Otherwise any time is the best time. We were the earliest visitors, right when the ticket counters opened. The later you go, the busier it gets, turning into a bustling fish market! By arriving early in the morning, we had the entire place to ourselves. What a treat! |
Day 6: Lauterbrunnen and Trummelbach Falls
Lauterbrunnen Valley
When they talk about the breathtaking views of Switzerland, I’m convinced they must be referring to Lauterbrunnen. How can anyone witness its beauty and not share this belief? Tucked away between Interlaken and the Jungfrau Massif in a valley that's truly stunning, Lauterbrunnen serves up spectacular views of snow-covered mountains towering gracefully over lush green meadows. The valley is dotted with picturesque waterfalls like the Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls and cozy Swiss timber houses, each with window sills brimming with vibrant flowers. One of the best ways to soak in the beautiful scenery is by hiking around Lauterbrunnen.
Getting there is easy—Swiss PostAuto runs a bus daily from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen Bahnhof, and it only takes about 21 minutes and costs $3–5. If you prefer, you can hop on the Berner Oberland-Bahnen train, which runs hourly from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, with a quick 22-minute journey. |
Trummelbach Falls
These impressive, glacier-fed waterfalls are hidden inside a mountain, offering a unique and thrilling experience as you explore the roaring cascades. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Trümmelbach Falls in Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most extraordinary natural glacier waterfalls you can explore underground via lift, galleries, tunnels, paths, and platforms. Since children under four aren't allowed to visit, Sidd decided to stay back with Arya, while Kiu and I took the lift up to marvel at the falls.
Entry Point: Trummelbach Falls entrance located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can either take the lift or walk up to the falls; it’s an easy route that takes around 8 minutes. Don't forget to bring a small jumper or windbreaker, as it can get chilly up there. Price: Adults 15 CHF and Children 6 CHF (only above 4 years of age) Duration: Plan for about 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience. Timings: Open from mid-April to early November, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with slight variations depending on the season. In July and August, the falls are open until 6:00 PM. |
Day 7: Rhone Glacier
Belvedere Hotel
This intriguing hotel, located on a hairpin bend of the Furka Pass, once boasted spectacular views of the Rhône Glacier but has been closed to the public since 2015. The main reason for its decline in popularity was the significant retreat of the glacier, now nearly a kilometer away, which diminished the once breathtaking views. The hotel gained a cult following after its appearance in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger and was particularly popular when the Rhône Glacier was just a few hundred meters from the road, making it a convenient resting spot for mountain climbers. Despite its closure, the hotel remains a captivating sight for visitors to the glacier. There is also a cozy restaurant across from the hotel offering delicious meals.
Rhone Glacier
Get set for an amazing adventure with the fam along the Rhone Glacier Nature Trail! Picture-perfect alpine views lead you to the breathtaking Rhone Glacier, but the real magic happens inside the stunning Ice Caves. The glacier appears whitish-grey on the surface, but within the 100-meter-long tunnel and ice chamber, it glows in mesmerizing shades of blue. Your kiddos will be totally spellbound by the beauty and wonder of it all! The trail is super family-friendly, with cool signs and panoramic spots to make the hike both fun and educational. Oh, and don't forget to pack a picnic for a chill lunch with the glacier as your backdrop—perfect for snapping treasured memories.
How to Reach? To get there, hop on a train or drive to Oberwald and follow the well-marked Rhone Glacier Nature Trail for a scenic 3 km walk through gorgeous alpine landscapes. Best Time to Visit: The best time to go is from July to September, especially in the mornings for the best views and cooler temps. With the glacier melting fast and a new lake forming, now's the time to see it before it's gone! |
Day 8: Zermatt
Our next stop for the next two nights was the enchanting village of Zermatt! Nestled at an altitude of 1,620 meters (5,315 feet) in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is famed for its breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn.
Don't miss the Kirchbrücke while you're there—it's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. From the bridge, you get an amazing view of the Matterhorn, the Mattervispa river below, and beautiful larch trees all around.
How to Reach: To get to this picturesque destination, you’ll drive to the nearby town of Täsch and then hop on a scenic train Glacier Express up to Zermatt, since private vehicles aren't allowed beyond Täsch. You can also reach Zermatt by taxi, or even helicopter! There are direct train routes to Zermatt, which is about 3.5 hours from Zurich airport and 4 hours from Geneva airport. |
Day 9: Matterhorn
You won't believe the awe we felt seeing the Matterhorn! With its iconic pyramidal shape and sharp ridges, this legendary peak on the Switzerland-Italy border (Zermatt) is even more breathtaking in person at an altitude of 4,478 meters. The view from the Gornergrat in Zermatt is absolutely the best, offering stunning panoramic views. Our adventure began on the Glacier Express, known as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World.' This scenic journey was a visual feast, starting in Visp at 658 meters and climbing to a breathtaking 3,089 meters above sea level on the Matterhorn Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train, a 45-minute journey filled with incredible views. At the top, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mesmerized us with the sight of the Matterhorn, 28 other peaks over 4,000 meters, and the Gorner Glacier. The viewing platform, Cinema Lounge, and Restaurant Matterhorn Glacier Paradise were the cherry on top!
How to Reach? Get on the Matterhorn Express from Zermatt to Furi and from there to Trockener Steg mountain station and continue from there by cable car/ gondola or the board the Matterhorn Glacier Ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Best Time to Visit: For planning your visit, we recommend spending 3-6 hours here, with the best time to visit being June to October. |
Day 10: Gruyères
After checking out from our hotel in Zermatt, it was time to start our return journey to Zurich. But don’t worry, our adventure didn’t end there! We still had plenty of hidden gems to explore, and one of them was the charming town of Gruyères. Located about 160 kilometers (approximately 2.5 hours by car) from Zermatt, Gruyères is a perfect stopover on our way back. From Gruyères, it's just another 130 kilometers (around 1.5 to 2hours by car) to Zurich, making it an ideal detour for even more Swiss beauty.
If you’re eager to enjoy the famous Swiss cheese fondue or raclette, you absolutely have to visit Gruyères! This charming medieval town in the Fribourg canton is a paradise for cheese lovers and is renowned for its delicious Gruyère cheese. Don't miss a visit to La Maison du Gruyère, a delightful little cheese factory right next to the train station, where you can learn all about the cheese-making process in a fun 30 to 45-minute tour.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town center, a lovely cobblestone street just 300 meters long, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. This scenic walk will definitely help you build up an appetite. Then, head over to Restaurant des Remparts, a rooftop spot with flower-adorned windows, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the town while indulging in some mouthwatering cheese specialties.
After your delicious meal, I highly recommend taking a relaxing walk along Les Grands Chemins, a picturesque path just outside the medieval town gates. You'll encounter adorable sheep and cows with Swiss bells, happily grazing on the lush green grass.
If you have a bit more time, make sure to visit the Gruyères Castle, also known as Château de Gruyères. This 13th-century castle is one of Switzerland’s most famous, offering a captivating glimpse into history and stunning views of the surrounding area. After an amazing day in Gruyères, we were all set to head back to our hotel in Zurich, eager for the final leg of our journey.
Day 11: Lucerne
If you want to see the most famous bridge, which is also the oldest covered bridge in the world, visit the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. This historic bridge, dating back to the 14th century, spans the Reuss River connecting the city. Along this river, you'll find an abundance of charming restaurants and cafes where you can soak up the sun or grab an ice cream on the go.
A great way to indulge in the sights of Lucerne is to take the sunset cruise. We took a 1-hour cruise in the Lucerne lake basin with the old town in the background. You may also take a round trip by steamer to the turquoise blue Urner Lake. Second-class passengers are seated on the lower level, while first-class passengers enjoy seating on the upper deck.
Pro Tip: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, there's no need to purchase a ticket. You can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass online at www.sbb.ch or directly at Swiss train stations. |
Day 12: Lindt Chocolate Museum in Kilchberg (near Zurich)
We chose to wrap up our final day in the sweetest way possible by visiting the renowned Lindt Chocolate Museum in Kilchberg. Lindt Home of Chocolate (near Zürich) is a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts! Located at the Kilchberg factory near Zürich, this newly opened museum has delighted many. Here, you can explore the interactive world of chocolate, marvel at the stunning chocolate fountain, shop at the largest Lindt store, take part in chocolate-making courses, enjoy guided tours, and relax at the on-site café.
⭐ Pro Tip: The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. You can get the Swiss Travel Pass online or at any staffed public transport ticket counter. When buying it online, simply make your purchase as a "guest" – no login required. |
How to Reach: There are several bus services from various points in Zurich to Kilchberg. Moreover you may also take a train. From Kilchberg station, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk to the Lindt Chocolate Museum.
Timings: Open Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
Closing Thoughts
Switzerland has completely won us over with its stunning landscapes and charming towns. From the vibrant streets of Zurich to the serene beauty of Interlaken and the majestic peaks of Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn, every moment felt truly precious! While it's known as one of the pricier destinations in Europe, with careful planning, you can make every penny count. Feel free to reach out if you're planning your trip—I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that made our journey absolutely unforgettable!
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