Switzerland Travel Guide
Sofia Laurent· Europe Editor
Updated September 12, 2026 · 7 min read
Switzerland is the rail-and-peak country: Lucerne's lake, the Jungfraujoch's rooftop of Europe, Zermatt's Matterhorn, and the panoramic trains between — priced like it looks. Planning figures: €200+/day honestly; the Half-Fare Card and the travel passes are the survival kit.
The classic route: Lucerne (2) → Interlaken and the Jungfrau region (3) → Zermatt (2), by scenic rail throughout.
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Lucerne is the lake-and-bridge postcard. The Jungfrau region (Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen) is the alpine heart. Zermatt is the car-free Matterhorn village. Geneva and Zurich are the gateways.
- Classic: Lucerne 2 → Jungfrau 3 → Zermatt 2.
- Panorama-rail: the Glacier Express between them.
The Price Survival Kit
The Swiss Half-Fare Card (~CHF 120) halves every rail and lift ticket; the Swiss Travel Pass covers most everything at a flat rate — price both against your actual route. Supermarkets (Coop, Migros) are the picnic solution.
Lakes & Peaks
Lucerne to Zermatt by rail.
Day 1 · Lucerne — arrival
The Chapel Bridge and the lakefront.
Day 2 · Pilatus or Rigi
The steamer and cog railway.
Day 3 · GoldenPass to Interlaken
The Brünig's scenic rail.
Day 4 · Jungfraujoch
The Top of Europe.
Day 5 · Lauterbrunnen
The valley of 72 waterfalls.
Day 6 · Zermatt & the Matterhorn
The Gornergrat railway.
Day 7 · Farewell
The rail to Geneva or Zurich.
Practical planning info
Money
- Honestly €200+/day; the Half-Fare Card is the survival kit.
- Supermarket picnics cut food costs by half.
When
- June–September opens all lifts.
- December–March is the ski season — same rails, different gear.
Frequently asked questions
Is Switzerland worth the prices?
For the mountains and the rails, yes — with the Half-Fare Card and picnics managing the bill.
Jungfraujoch or Gornergrat?
Both, if the week allows; Jungfraujoch for the ice palace, Gornergrat for the Matterhorn.
How many days for Switzerland?
A week does Lucerne, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt by scenic rail.
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