Itinerary 14 days Bernese Oberland and Valais
Swatchme is planning an exciting 14-day solo trip to Switzerland from September 16-30, focusing on experiences in Zurich, Luzern, the Bernese Oberland, and Valais. They’re seeking advice on whether to stay in Zurich upon arrival or head directly to Luzern, and are also interested in hiking safety tips and cultural experiences like local festivals and cheese-making tours.
- Consider heading straight to Luzern from Zurich for a smoother start to your trip.
- The Swiss Travel Pass is ideal for easy access to transportation around Switzerland, especially for your activities.
- Prioritize hiking routes like Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, which are safe and offer beautiful views.
- Explore local festivals and the cheese-making process in the Emmental area to enrich your cultural experience.
AI-generated summary-
WOW! This forum is amazing! Reading all of the posts has been tremendously helpful in planning my 14 day trip to Switzerland (my first!) coming up September 16-30.
I’m flying into Zurich (overnight) and arrive around noon on the 17th.
Do you recommend staying in Zurich the day of my arrival or heading directly to Luzern?
Most of the posts I’ve read seem to favor heading straight to Luzern.
I’m planning this exciting trip on very short notice! I will be traveling solo and would love any feedback about safety while hiking alone (I know it’s always safest to have a buddy). I’m interested in easy walking routes in some of the smaller, quaint villages (rather than bigger cities).
From my wish list (recommended here), most of the places I want to spend my time seeing are in the Bernese Oberland and Valais regions.
However, I *really* wish to experience any/all traditions and daily lifestyle of the land.
I have discovered a few Alpabzug festivals happening during my visit and would really appreciate any info or suggestions regarding those!
Additionally, I would really love to explore the Emmental and/or Gruyere areas to witness the cheese making process!
I am still building the remainder of my itinerary…I plan to be in Zermatt on the 26th and 27th —-there is the Entlebucher Alpabzug in Schupfheim on the 28th that I would love to experience this tradition! There is also another on the 20th in Sigriswill.
There are SO MANY absolutely wonderful, amazing places to explore and things to see!! It’s overwhelming!!
I’m hoping I can enlist the assistance of all the experts here to make this the trip of a lifetime!!! I simply cannot wait!!
*I will fly out of Zurich on the morning of the 30th.
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance or suggestions you may have!
Gratefully!
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Hi Swatchme-
Welcome to the Forum.
Answers to questions like this-
<<“Do you recommend staying in Zurich the day of my arrival or heading directly to Luzern?
Most of the posts I’ve read seem to favor heading straight to Luzern.”>>
depend on your overall plans. That is, will you spend some time in Luzern, or not?
The way that we can best advise you is if you do some work yourself… Lay out a tentative itinerary. Use the timetable:
http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable
and a map, such as:
map.search.ch/?pos=663902,207520&z=8& poi=zug
Then we can comment. And, to the degree that you can do so, list your priorities for the kinds of things you have mentioned, and others.
Hiking or walking?
Your enthusiasm is great, but it doesn’t help us offer an organized response.
Show dairy in the Emmental? Images attached.
Slowpoke
Hi Swatchme… I was supposed to be in Switzerland this exact week (trip got canceled) and I had done a considerable amount of planning for that trip (often using this website forum), so maybe my advice will help. You may have guessed (correctly) that I have never been to Switzerland either, so take this with a grain of salt… Anyways, here’s what I see… You are going to be flying into Zurich. If you stay in Zurich, you will probably take a train to your hotel area. If you go to Lucerne, you will probably also take a train to your hotel area there. At that time of day, you can take a direct train from the airport station to either city. So logistically it’s almost the same. Lucerne is further than Zurich, but it’s not far and doesn’t take a long time by train. And if you stay in Lucerne, it will probably be close to the station there. In any case, your flight arrives mid-day, so you have plenty of time if you want to go directly to Lucerne (or other cities like Bern). If you already know you don’t want to go to Zurich, then just go straight to Lucerne. It will be easy. However, you are going to have two full weeks to travel, so it doesn’t sound like you need to rush around and/or skip things. I think most people that skip Zurich do it because they’ve already been or they don’t have many days and want to spend them in other parts of Switzerland. But I would think, for you (having never been and having time), why not spend a day in Zurich? You could also do this on your last night (if you fly back home from Zurich). Have fun on your trip. I wish I was there, ha ha. (although I am a little less sad when I look at the weather forecast and it shows rain for Lucern, Lauterbrunnen, as well as Bregenz, Milan, and Oslo – our trip itinerary) for the days we would have been in each place).
Hello Slowpoke!
I really appreciate your reply and all of the helpful information and lovely photos you provided–it all makes perfect sense!
My (very) tentative itinerary is as follows:
—Day 1: arrive ~noon to Zurich airport. Train to Luzern. Explore town. Stay overnight in Luzern.
—Day 2: Luzern [Mt. Titlis and Pilatus. Is it reasonable to do both in one day?]
—Day 2: leave Luzern for Interlaken. Arrive evening.
**Engelberg lying between Luzern and Interlaken–is the Show Cheese Dairy and Monastery worth factoring into my itinerary here? (if I plan to also go to the Mittelland further on in my trip)
If so, do you recommend staying another day in/around Luzern? Possibly in Engelberg?
—Day 3, 4, 5 (possibly Day 6) Interlaken as my base to explore the following in the Bernese Oberland region: Unterseen (Harder Kulm funicular), Schynige Platte cogwheel train, Jungfrauroch cable car, Wengen (Kleine Scheidegg Walk 15 km one day from Grindelwald), Lauterbrunnen waterfalls, Murren.
Is this too ambitious for 4 days?
—Day 6 (or 7 if I stay another day in BO region) from Interlaken, I’d like to head to Mittelland. Burgdorf/Emmental/Guyeres. There is a cheese tour by bicycle (Emmentaler Kaseroute–a 1 day/35 km bicycle ride through the region–any feedback regarding this ride? Especially want to know if it’s something I can do solo as a female). Any suggestions for place to stay in Emmental (or close by)? I’m thinking 2 days in this region if I do the cheese tour by bicycle?
—Day 7 (or 8): Mittelland to Valais region/Zermatt
—Day (8) 9, 10, 11: I definitely do not want to miss the Aletsch Glacier, Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat.
*I was able to book a one night/last minute stay at KlumHotel Gornergrat on Day 10 in Zermatt. I could really use some help figuring out the best way to go about the other points of interest here.
—Day 11 afternoon: head back to Central Switzerland. Specifically, want to be in Entlebuch for the Alpabzug on the morning of Day 12. Suggestions for accommodation in or around Entlebuch for the night of Day 11? Any help with figuring out how best to get there on time for the festival or any insights would be appreciated–I *really* don’t want to miss this!
—Day 12: After the Alpabzug, head to central Switzerland again–possibly spend this day exploring Lake Brienze or Lake Thun.
—Day 13: Head back to Zurich. Spend day exploring town. Prepare for early morning flight next day.
–Day 14: Travel home.
***This is a rough idea of what I’d like to see and do while I visit beautiful Switzerland! Please offer any suggestions you may have–I don’t know if what I’ve proposed is too ambitious or if I have room to add even more?
I will purchase a STP–likely a 15 day pass for ease of getting around (unless you recommend otherwise?). I am very interested in seeing the mountains (of course!); however, I have a strong desire to experience the culture and everyday life as it is in Switzerland…slow, peaceful, beautiful, relaxing.
I appreciate any suggestions, modifications or other ideas with complete openness.
Thank you, in advance, for being so very helpful. I cannot wait to be there!
Hello Tuyeda,
I think I may have been composing my previous reply to Slowpoke when you sent your thoughtful reply! I really appreciate it.
Also, I’m sorry to hear your trip has been cancelled. I hope you can reschedule your trip for another time (and perhaps have perfect weather too!)
As I was thinking about my itinerary (which has completely occupied my thoughts for several days! I only decided to go three days ago…spontaneous trip) I think I’ve decided to spend my last full day in Zurich before heading out early the next morning…just as you suggested 🙂
Every time I’ve been to Italy, I’ve had a layover in Zurich and every time I’ve gone I’ve always marveled at the gorgeous Alps and promised myself one day I’d explore them—little did I know just how much there is to see and do down there!!
Again, I so appreciate your kindness and suggestions—I wish you were going too! I know it will be amazing. How can it not be? No matter the weather!! Thanks again!
I would suggest you stay in Lauterbrunnen (or Wengen or Grindelwald) instead of Interlaken. We had booked Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen and had considered Hotel Edelweiss In Wengen. We also Hotel Central in Lucerne, in case that helps. They all seem reasonably priced, well reviewed, and conveniently located. Lauterbrunnen is in a valley with a bunch of waterfalls. It looks amazing. I heard some times of year it is kind of dark because the mountains block the sun, but in the summer when the sun is higher, it is fine. Wengen is up the mountain so you look down on the valley. Some people like that view better. Also, Wengen is car-less. We live in Washington state, where there are many mountains, so the valley part is more unique for us. That’s why we had picked Lauterbrunnen (and my wife likes waterfalls) but I read a lot of people recommend Wengen because it’s up higher. I think either would be better than Interlaken (and if you need to get to Interlaken for something, it is a short train ride from Lauterbrunnen. But if you stay in Lauterbrunnen, you can wake up and hike from your hotel (without taking a train in from Interlaken).
WOW, Tuyeda, Thank you! All of your advance planning has been tremendously helpful to me. I really appreciate it. That’s really too bad that you’ve done all the researching and your trip has been cancelled.
Both Lauterbrunnen and Wengen look fantastic–what Swiss town or city or mountain isn’t?! I absolutely love the idea of being able to hike without train travel. My brother lived in Kirkland for many years and loved it–I suspect one day he may move back as he loved it so much. I just moved back to the east coast after living in SoCal for the past two decades–it’s nice to be back ‘home’ where there are real trees and seasons! I’ve always loved the mountains over beaches 😉
I will most definitely check out the hotels you mentioned. Thanks, also, for the recommendation for the Lucerne hotel! I’m sure I will have modified this skeleton of an itinerary a few times before I take off 🙂 Thank you, again. Most appreciated.
Hi Swatchme –
Jungfrau Region –
Interlaken is a really good travel base if you are doing day trips to places outside the Jungfrau region . Otherwise, one of the four villages listed here under where to stay will be a nicer Alpine experience:
http://www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfrauregion
Each of the four towns/villages has advocates. A lot of us like Wengen:
http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/tips-about-wengen-and-the-jungfrau-region-by-kim
Grindelwald is much more commercial and spread out more than the others.
Hotels in Luzern or Zürich.
For each major city, search for the name or look under “where to go” and check the tab for hotels or”where to stay.”
There are several hotels very close to the main station in Zürich, so you may not have to use public transport to get to them. Or, you can use the excellent and frequent tram and bus network. . Each has it’s own style, personality and cost ( Zürich is not a cheap place to stay). I have been using the Adler for at least 15 years. Probably longer,but that is as far back as their current computer system shows.
Slowpoke
Hi Swatchme… I thought i’d provide a little more info on the hotels I mentioned to give you more context. For Lauterbrunnen, I picked Silberhorn with a room facing the waterfall. It seemed to be the nicest (or one of the nicest) hotels and it’s very close to the train station. (note: I think there is also a Silberhorn in Wengen). For Wengen, I picked Edelweiss. It is a Swiss chocolate box style hotel (which I wanted) gets really good reviews but I think mostly because of the owner and service. I find picking hotels where people love the owner often works well, but that’s just personal preference. There are certainly more expensive (and probably better) facilities. Wengen hotels seemed more expensive that Lauterbrunnen. However, Silberhorn (in Lauternbrunnen) was more than Edelweiss (in Wengen) at least when I was looking. Edelweiss is a longer walk from the station but not far (perhaps steep downhill/uphill which seemed to bother some people but not others). For Lucerne, I was not as picky. I mainly wanted a hotel close to the train station because we would be getting in fairly late. The Central is close and had decent reviews but you might want to look around some more. One thing I noticed for almost all the hotels I looked at… the prices were cheaper if I booked directly on their own websites. I found this often throughout Europe. So I found hotels on booking.com and then compared to the hotel websites. I’m used to booking having lower prices but for this trip, that wasn’t the case. But I still used them to locate hotels on a map and compare amenities and reviews. As Slowpoke says, a lot of people on this forum prefer Wengen. I think that Rick Steve’s guy likes Grindelwald. Like I mentioned, I chose Lauterbrunnen because it’s in a valley, but I also chose it because seemed the most convenient within the Jungrau region. I think it’s closest to Interlaken when you come in by train. And you can get to Wengen, Murren, and Grindelwald fairly directly. Also, I figured we would be hiking up in the mountains all day so we could base in the valley. I think there are more food options in Lauterbrunnen (and even more in Grindelwald). It seemed like Wengen and Murren might be more limited to the hotel restaurants. I think people like Wengen because it’s car free and you get the mountain view from your hotel room. But I’ve never been. This is just from reading… 🙂 Also, I don’t remember where I got it, but I recommend that you google for a map of the Jungfrau area transportation and especially look for one with the topography. Once you can see where the mountains and valleys are, it will make more sense than a regular map. You can also use it to help figure out which pass (or combination of passes) you will want to get. THAT is very confusing…
<<“Also, I don’t remember where I got it, but I recommend that you google
for a map of the Jungfrau area transportation and especially look for
one with the topography. Once you can see where the mountains and
valleys are, it will make more sense than a regular map.”>>
Try this one
A useful map. The same map is available from various sites; this one is fairly large for clarity.
Luzern Hotels-
Luzern is a premier tourist destination. The hotels tend to be expensive.
This list gives nice range to check out:
http://www.myswissalps.com/lu cerne/hotels
if I want to have a great view, similar to the attached, but from a slightyly different angle, I try for the Hotel des Alpes, get a room on the river side, and pay a lot.
It is very close to two nice restaurants along the river, with a good range of prices ( das Schiff is a bit more upscale), but is my favorite for a main meal).
http://www.rathausbrauerei.ch /en/
http://www.luzern.com/en/thin gs-to-do/eating-drinking/restaurants/r estaurant-schiff/
and German:
( their website is not responding at this moment, but, it will show up in a Google search.)
However, if i want nice accommodations, with good access to Luzern main station, with a good kitchen at a room price about 1/3 that of the des Alpes, I stay in Sachseln, a village along the route to Interlaken.
Here is a review I wrote recently:
http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/review-of-an-inn-in-sachseln-near-luzern
Slowpoke
Dear Tuyeda and Slowpoke,
Your generosity in sharing so much useful information is priceless! Thank you both for all of it (and I love the thread title change too!) You are experts for sure!
Tuyeda, I had to laugh when I searched for the hotels in Lauterbrunnen and Wengen–there’s a Hotel Silberhorn in both places haha…unfortunately, it looks as though both places are unavailable for my dates. Will consult directly with the hotel as I searched through Booking.com (thanks for the tip!)
What can I say, Slowpoke? You’ve given me plenty of information to keep me busy this afternoon! So grateful. I have been up very late at night doing research and dreaming of my stay in Switzerland. I know it will all come together and be fantastic–thanks to your valuable input.
I will check out all of the suggestions you offered for sure. Today, I will work on figuring out my stay in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen for Day 3-6 of my trip.
Do either of you have a preference or suggestion for the best base in the Zermatt area?
Again, many many thanks for all of your advice. I really appreciate and I’m sure I’ll have many more questions along the way!
Have a great day,
Swatchme
Hi again Swatchme,
The link that slowpoke provided for the Jungfrau map is good. It looks almost exactly like the one i printed out except mine was in black and white. It will give you a better idea of how the villages align and how to travel between. There is also a good map (on this website, i believe) that shows a map of all Switzerland and all forms of transportation that you can use to see what routes are covered by passes and which have discounts. It’s giant and detailed so you have to zoom in a lot.Slowpoke also mentioned hotel prices in Lucerne. I was going to mention also but i had forgotten. Lucerne is pretty expensive. You are going late Sept though. I didn’t check but i would expect the prices to be better than now (peak season) although if you are finding hotels fully booked then maybe peak season goes later than i assumed.
I also forgot to say i agree with your comment about four, distinct seasons. Previously i lived in Colorado which has awesome weather. Four very different seasons, all really cool in their own ways. After that I lived in San Diego which is supposed to have the best weather in the country, but i found it boring to have no seasons Seattle has seasons but very mild. Colorado was the best. Just missing ocean…
Hello again Tuyeda,
Thanks for your newest message–much appreciated!
I’ve decided I’d like to stay UP in Wengen; rather than DOWN in the valley in Lauterbrunnen–I prefer the vantage point of looking into the valley; however, I am most certain both are breathtakingly beautiful!
As per your suggestion, I contacted the Edelweiss in Wengen directly and they are able to accommodate me for two nights (Day 4,5,6) in a double, south facing room with Jungfrau view 🙂 I am really excited, of course–it requires me to move around some days/stops but I’m sure I’ll figure it out! Day 1 (and possibly 2) in Lucerne leaves me with one day between there and Wengen at present…Where to go on Day 3?!
My daughter lived in San Diego for several years and loved it. She loves the ocean; I prefer the mountains and 4 seasons 🙂 Funny, she also loves Colorado and has the same “but…no ocean” feeling about it.
I’m working on Lucerne accommodations now. Thanks to you and Slowpoke for all of your amazing ideas! I agree, the topographical map is extemely helpful!
Cheers until next time,
Swatchme
Hi Swatchme –
<“I agree, the topographical map is extemely helpful! “>>
That is not a topographic map. Probably, you could call it a panoramic map, or , maybe, a 3D map.
This is a topographic map, which clearly shows altitudes, and profiles equal-altitudes by the curvy lines:
The level of detail is probably more than you want or need, but it is invaluable for hikers.
Hotel Edelweis is distinctly down hill from the station. About 50 meters below.
Did you look here:
http://www.myswissalps.com/we ngen/hotels
The Sunstar is just up the street from the station, close to the Cableway up to Männlichen, with a modest climb. The Victoria Lauberhorn is close to the tand on about the same level.
You might try them for your “missing” night
Also, if you find Luzern to be expensive by your standards, please note my post above about a nice inn in Sachseln. That is on the train line to Interlaken, which could give you a modest head-start when you go that way after Luzern.
Slowpoke
Slowpoke
Hi Swatchme
Tuyeda wrote ‘I think there are more food options in Lauterbrunnen (and even more in Grindelwald). It seemed like Wengen and Murren might be more limited to the hotel restaurants’.
I see you have decided to stay in Wengen. We stayed in the Silberhorn (Wengen) for 4 nights in June and I can assure you that there is no shortage of eating places in the village. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen 3 or 4 years ago and prefer the scenery, atmosphere and restaurants in Wengen. You have made a good choice.
We also stayed for a couple nights in Luzern and stayed in the Hotel Des Alpes which is close to the station and centre. Our room overlooked the Chapel Bridge. There is no shortage of international cafes and restaurants in Luzern!
Jane
Haha. Slowpoke’s new map (if you click 3D) is pretty cool, but like he said, is probably overkill. I still like the low tech “topographic”-ish drawing that includes the trains and mountain lifts. It will help you once you start researching the popular hiking options to see where they go and how to get around. You may also find the swiss train app useful for times, connections, etc. I think it’s SBB… And remember to download offline maps from Google maps before you go.
Hi Swatchme,
We stayed at the Hotel Edelweiss for 8 nights in June, and it was great. Daniel the owner is lovely, as is Thomas on reception. The views are beautiful, and their 25 CHF dinners are very nice – they provide that night’s menu at breakfast so you can decide whether to eat in or not. The hike down from Klein Scheidegg to Wengen is lovely.
We stayed at the Hotel Central in Luzern, 5 minutes walk from the station, and it was great too.
In Zermatt we stayed at the Hotel Garni Testa Grigia, probably the best room of our 5 week trip, in the main street 5 minutes walk from the station, with views of the Matterhorn from our room. We also stayed at the Kulm Hotel Gornergrat for one night, amazing!! Went up Klein Matterhorn, and Sunnegga from Zermatt.
Have a fun trip. Switzerland is gorgeous!
Narelle
I feel a little more confident in my hotel recommendations since Rels just mentioned (and liked) two of the three hotels… I didn’t research any other areas in Switzerland so I’m going to go silent and let others help your remaining days, now that slowpoke expanded the scope of your thread 🙂
Hello again Slowpoke,
Your topographical map is so cool! As you mentioned, not a degree of detail I need on this trip; but, thank you for sharing. The Inn at Sachseln looks darling and your idea to get a head start to Wengen from Luzern is a great one–I will keep that in mind for the “missing day”. Slowly, but surely, I am figuring out this very exciting itinerary–thanks to you and everyone on this forum. What a wonderful site 🙂
Hello JaneEB,
Thank you for the confirmation regarding Wengen! Tuyeda suggested it a few posts back, Slowpoke confirmed Wengen is a great place and now you also! I’m very excited. Also, I’m ecstatic that I was able to book one night at the Hotel des Alpes in Luzern the night of my arrival to Switzerland. I will likely stay another night in Lucerne and I’m fine with switching hotels there after one night–haha I travel light! Thanks again for your insight…SO helpful! I’m delighted to hear you had an amazing visit in June 🙂
Swatchme
Hello Rels,
How wonderful–five weeks in Switzerland!! Amazing! I’m so glad for all of the input here from the experts. So helpful…moreso than any books I’ve researched or sites I’ve visited! Little things like you mentioning the hotel in Wengen gives you the dinner menu at breakfast 🙂 Love it. Is the hike down from Klein Scheidegg something I could do safely/easily as a solo traveler? I’m certain there are plenty of solo travelers there on any given day. I’ve traveled solo many times in Italy but there’s something about the vast wilderness of the Alps that gives me a bit of a pause.
As for the Central Hotel in Luzern, both you and Tuyeda recommended it. Unfortunately, it is fully booked for the nights I’ll be in Luzern 🙁 The Hotel Des Alpes is my first night stay and I’m still looking for Night 2 accommodations in Luzern.
Thanks for the Zermatt recommendation at the Hotel Garni Testa Grigia. How many nights did you stay in/near Zermatt when you visited? What was your favorite part of your stay at Gornergrat Kulm Hotel? I’d love to hear the details of your stay in that region and any tips you might have!
Thank you, again, for your kind reply.
Swatchme
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