How to plan your stress-free Switzerland itinerary 

Step 1: circle all things to see (use the Swiss Travel Pass map)

Download the Swiss Travel Pass map, or a roadmap if you plan to drive. Make your wish list of activities, and don’t limit yourself yet. Pick all the mountains, train rides, lakes and towns you’d like to visit, and circle them on the map.

Step 2: pick base towns (2+ nights each, central hubs only)

There are two things you need to do to see a lot without the stress:

1. Do not pick too many base towns. Stay two nights in each base at the very least. That prevents time wasted on packing, unpacking, and checking in and out of hotels. If you have two weeks, spending a full week in just two towns is the smart thing to do.
2. Only pick easy-to-reach, centrally located towns, near multiple spots on your wish list. Zermatt, for example, is beautiful but isolated at the end of a valley, with only one train line going in. It takes time to go anywhere else. Brig, on the other hand, is a transport hub.

Many transport hubs are lively towns with plenty of shops, restaurants and events. If you prefer smaller villages, there often are a few nearby which do have a train stop allowing you to reach the hub town quickly.

Of course, 1 night per town is fine if you want to travel across the entire country in a limited time (for example, on all of the famous panoramic trains) and if you don’t mind a high travel pace.

Step 3: remove things to see (anything 90+ minutes away)

Decide your maximum travel time for a day trip. 90 minutes one-way, for example. This is the time to reach the start of your activity, like the valley station of a cable car.

Check the timetable for each spot on your wish list. Remove it from your list if it’s more than 90 minutes from your base.

You shouldn’t panic about cutting things out: all of Switzerland looks amazing. There are very few bad choices. When you skip the far-away stuff, you are not missing out. You are avoiding travel stress and gaining time to enjoy the scenery.

Step 4: prioritize (one must-do per day + bonus list)

Pick only one must-do per day. Move everything else to your bonus list. These are the things to do if you have time left, or if the weather isn’t great for your must-do. This approach gives you clarity and keeps you flexible.

When deciding which activity should be your must-do, I recommend going for variety: if you already selected mountains for two days, pick a lake, town or castle for your third day. But you can also prioritize based on :

• budget, by picking the cheaper excursions first
• travel time, by doing nearby stuff first
• famous must-see excursions
• quiet, off-the-beaten-path destinations

Step 5: find accommodation

If you travel by train, accommodation within walking distance of the rail station is a daily time saver. Find excellent hotels near the train stations here.

If you drive, avoid accommodations in the center of larger cities. Parking is limited and expensive. Consider a nearby smaller town or a hotel in the suburbs if you want to limit your expenses and travel time.

I recommend airport hotels only if you have a very late arrival or early departure. Otherwise, traveling directly to and from your base towns will make your trip more efficient.

Step 6: book your rail pass (or rental car)

Train travel is the safest, most efficient and eco-friendliest option for most itineraries. Compare train and car travel in Switzerland here.

Almost everyone traveling by train is best off with either the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card. Compare your options in detail here.

If you want to drive, please find your rental car here.

Video: how to plan if your wish list is too long

Switzerland travel planning FAQ

Do you need help planning your trip?

Feel free to post your questions in the forum and we’ll be happy to help! If you’d like us to plan your entire trip for you, please go here.

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