How to plan a 4 day trip in Switzerland?

Hi, I am planning a visit to Switzerland in mid Sept (15-19). I would be landing in Zurich and would like to do Zurich - Lucerne- interlaken if time permits. Can someone tell me how many days is ideal to stay in each place? Any reasonable (3*) hotel to stay? Any must do's? Pls let me know, thanks.

Hi Mathew157,

Welcome to MySwissAlps! Perhaps you could share a bit about what you expect and what your interests are? If you like nature, Interlaken is not the place to be, for example, but if you like a lively town and good train connections, it is perfect. You can best see the town and regional pages for our activity and hotel suggestions. Then make a plan, and post back here if you need further suggestions. Here are some links to get you started:

www.myswissalps.com/zurich
www.myswissalps.com/lucerne
www.myswissalps.com/berneseoberland
www.myswissalps.com/plantrip/doityourself
www.myswissalps.com/customholidays

Thanks Arno for your prompt response. We would prefer the nature options. Since we are there for only 4 days and landing in Zurich @7pm...do you suggest we stay the first day in Zurich and next day head to Lucerne? Can we base out of Lucerne and see the other places? If so, kindly suggest.

Hi Mathew157,

This is my suggestion: get a 4-day Swiss Pass and use it for September 16 to 19. The first evening I would stay near Zurich airport in one of these hotels as they offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport. Then stay two days in Lucerne and two in Grindelwald or one of the other smaller villages in the Bernese Oberland. The Lucerne to Grindelwald transfer can be done via the Golden Pass route.

See here for hotels and day trip suggestions for Lucerne and Grindelwald:
www.myswissalps.com/lucerne
www.myswissalps.com/centralswitzerland
www.myswissalps.com/grindelwald
www.myswissalps.com/berneseoberland

All about the Swiss Pass can be found here: www.myswissalps.com/swisspass

If this is your first time to Switzerland, you get to see two regions with the above plan, which is a good introduction. Alternatively, you can stay all days in Lucerne as there are plenty of activities for all weather types.