15 Days Switzerland Train Itinerary

Are you ready for your best trip in Switzerland? This 15 days Switzerland train itinerary will show you Switzerland from a spectacular side you have not seen before.

All you need for this Switzerland train itinerary is an adventurous spirit, ready to see the best of Switzerland, and 15 days.

This train Itinerary through Switzerland can be adapted and changed as and when you like. But when we put this itinerary together we obviously made it easy for people to travel Switzerland by train. At no point do you have to wait for long connections, or walk far with your luggage.

During these 15 days travelling in Switzerland by train, you will start in Lucerne, visit the Bernese Oberland, the glaciers in Valais and the mighty Matterhorn in Zermatt. This alone is a Swiss train Itinerary not to be missed. But we will not stop there.

Riding on the wold famous Glacier Express to St. Moritz, sleeping up at nearly 3000 metres altitude are also events which we have included in these 15 days in Switzerland. You will also be passing by some of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland.

And to add the cherry on the cake we even included the Swiss Mediterranean side, Ticino, where walking under palm trees whilst savouring some of the best gelatos are not to be missed.

So, let’s start planning and discover this amazing Swiss travel itinerary by train.

15 Days Switzerland Train Itinerary in a nut shell

This is what our 15 days Switzerland train itinerary looks like.

You can of course shorten it however you like.

Day one – Lucerne City and lake tour. Overnight at Mount Pilatus

Day two – Mount Pilatus to Brienz. Overnight at Brienzer Rothorn

Day three – Brienzer Rothorn to Interlaken to Grindelwald. Overnight at Grindelwald First

Day four – Grindelwald to Mürren

Day five – Mürren Schilthorn to Alestsch Arena, Fiescheralp. Overnight at Fiescheralp

Day six – Aletsch Arena to Zermatt. Overnight in Zermatt

Day seven – Stay in Zermatt

Day eight – Zermatt to Bergün. Overnight in Bergün

Day nine – Bergün to St.Moritz. Overnight in St. Moritz

Day ten – St. Moritz to Diavolezza Mountain station. Overnight in Diavolezza.

Day eleven – Diavolezza to Zürich. Overnight in Zürich

Day twelve – Zürich to Lugano Ticino. Overnight in Locarno

Day thirteen – Lugano to Locarno-Ascona. Overnight in Locarno.

Day fourteen – Locarno-Ascona to Bellinzona. Overnight in Bellinzona

Day fifteen – Bellinzona – Zürich (or to your end station)

Swiss Train Tickets you need

To make it as easy as possible during your travel in Switzerland we suggest you purchase the Swiss Travel Pass which is valid for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days.

There are a few rules you should know before embarking on this grand train tour of Switzerland. And we therefore suggest you read first our blog post Travel Switzerland by train.

It covers pretty much everything there is to know when using the Swiss public transport systems and which ticket might be the best for you.

We also suggest you download the SBB App on to your phone. This way you always have the correct timings on hand to see where the train is and you can easily change your route and re-plan if necessary.

First Day – Visit Lucerne & Lake Lucerne Area

Overnight at Mount Pilatus – Hotel Pilatus Kulm

Take the day and explore the city of Lucerne with its beautiful old town and river area. Cross the famous Kappelen Brücke (Chapel bridge) and maybe even head up to the Grütsch viewpoint.

As most of the Swiss Travel tickets include a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, we suggest you join one of these cruises as well.

For your first night we chosen a unique location for you. Sleeping up at Mount Pilatus will blow your mind away.

The best way to reach Mount Pilatus from Lucerne is to take a bus to Kriens. Walk the short path to the cable car station (10min) which brings you up to Mount Pilatus.

The Hotel Pilatus Kulm 4* or the Hotel Bellevue 3* at an altitude of 2132m will be your base for the night.

Both hotels offer incredible views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.

Good to know: The bus from Lucerne is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. There will be a reduction for the Pilatus Bahn up the mountain. (Normal ticket Chf 59.20 reduced price Chf 37.-)

Travel tip: During the summer months you can also get to Mount Pilatus by a boat cruise followed by a ride in the steepest cogwheel train in the world.

The boat cruise would be included in your Swiss Travel Pass but not the cogwheel train.

Read more about the Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

An alternative option would be spending the night at Mount Rigi. From Lucerne you can take a boat followed by the Rigibahn up the mountain. Both transport systems are included in the Swiss Travel pass.

For the hotel we would suggest to book a room at the unique Mineralbad & Spa hotel Rigi Kaltbad.

Find out more how best to get to Mount Rigi from Lucerne

Second Day – Visit Brienz & Brienzer Rothorn

Overnight at Brienzer Rothorn – Rothorn Kulm Hotel

(If you visit during the winter or shoulder months you might want to skip Brienz and head straight to Interlaken as the suggested activities will be closed)

After having enjoyed a quiet night under 1001 stars (or more) at Mount Pilatus your next destination is Brienz with an overnight at the Brienzer Rothorn in the Bernese Oberland.

Head back down to Kriens and jump on the bus B1 to Lucerne station.

Make sure you take the Bus B1, direction Ebikon – Filden, 17 minutes. There is a 2^nd bus but it takes 40 minutes to get back to Lucerne train station on that one.

With the scenic GoldenPass train line from Lucerne to Interlaken you can relax for just over two hours and admire the passing Swiss landscape. For this Swiss Itinerary we will disembark the train at Brienz.

This train line belongs to some of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland.

Visit the Village Brienz & its’ lake

The beautiful village by the lake holding the same name – Lake Brienz is well worth exploring.

Store your luggage either at the Brienz tourist office (Hauptstrasse 143) free of charge, or at the train station.

However only during the opening hours of the station you may be able to store larger baggage. Smaller lockers can also be found at the Brienzer train.

There is a special small road called Brunnengasse which is super photogenic during the summer months. Every house is covered in beautiful summer flowers.

Visit the Giessbachfalls

Closed during the winter months

You probably don’t need more than 2, maximum 3 hours to include a visit to the imposing Giessbach falls. This is why we added this activity to your Switzerland train itinerary.

From Brienz board the ferry ship that docks by the Giessbachfalls.

It is only a short 12 minutes cruise but still beautiful in its own right.

To save some time ride the vintage funicular up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach from where you see the mighty waterfall and the view back down to the lake.

You can hike all the way up to the top of the falls, or just until you are behind the waterfall.

Good to know: The boat cruise is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. You only have to buy a ticket for the funicular which is about Chf 7.-. Or hike up.

Take the boat back to Brienz.

Read more about The Giessbachfalls

Riding the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn

From beginning of June to end of October only

Once you have finished exploring Brienz and the Giessbachfalls is it time to head to your hotel. Again, we suggest a special place to overnight. The Berghaus Rothorn Kulm up at the Brienzer Rothorn.

The train ride offers spectacular views and once you are at the top be ready for a big wow!

Catch the sunset at the viewing platform and look out for the local heard of Steinbocks.

We also highly recommend to get up for sunrise. This time hike up to the single cross left of the hotel rather than the sunset viewpoint.

Good to know: There is a special offer called the “Rothorn night”. This includes the train ride up to Rothorn, the night in the hotel and breakfast. A very good value package. The train is NOT included within any travel pass we highly recommend adding this trip.

• Price (incl. train journey):
• CHF 100.00 all-inclusive per adult person
• CHF 35.00 all-inclusive per child (6-15 years)

This offer is for the 4.36 pm train which is also the last one up the mountain.

Make sure you do not miss this, and we recommend you book your seats in advance. This can get quite busy and when it is full there is no other way to get up the mountain.

Third Day – Next stop Grindelwald with a visit in Interlaken

Overnight in Grindelwald at Grindelwald-First Gasthause

If you travel during the winter months and you had to skip day two’s activities, you could always spend longer in Interlaken. Here is a list of things to do in Interlaken.

Arriving in Interlaken

A short train ride from Brienz to Interlaken-Ost will give you some time to reflect on the beautiful night you have just spent up at the Brienzer Rothorn.

Interlaken is famous and many travellers from all around the world make their way here.

It is a great base to explore the Jungfrau region, which includes Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and the mighty Jungfraujoch.

Depending on the time you get to Interlaken, we suggest you drop your bags at the baggage storage and make your way up to Harder Kulm.

A beautiful viewing platform giving you a great feel of the place.

After you have explored Interlaken, it is time to travel to Grindelwald. A short 33 minutes train ride and you arrive at the Swiss alpine village which calls the mighty Eiger mountain it’s home.

Welcome to Grindelwald-First

From the train station in Grindelwald walk through the village up to the First Gondola station, as your overnight hotel is once more up the mountain. The last gondola departs from Grindelwald at around 5pm, so don’t miss it as it would be quite a long and steep hike up to First.

The reason why we suggest tonight to sleep at the Berggasthaus First is simple. This will give you the exceptional advantage of experiencing the First Cliff walk by Tissot with the least amount of tourists.

Furthermore, you can be part of hopefully an amazing sunset and sunrise.

Good to know: You will receive a 50% reduction when riding up the First gondola with your Swiss Travel Pass. (Return ticket) Chf 34.-

This activity in Grindelwald is only possible from June to end of October and middle of December to April. If you travel to Grindelwald outside these dates, we suggest to book a room at the Hotel Spinne with its amazing outdoor heated pool facing the Eiger North wall.

Fourth Day – Grindelwald to Mürren

Hiking to Bachalpsee & visit the Glacier canyon in Grindelwald

Overnight in Mürren in the Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel

We assume you were witnessing a beautiful sunrise, had a great breakfast at the hotel and are now hiking to Bachalpsee.

A beautiful 6km roundtrip alpine hike with constant views of the amazing high mountains surrounding Grindelwald including the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

Depending on your time schedule you could also visit the Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald.

The canyon opens from May – to the end of November.

There is a small entry fee to be paid which helps to keep the canyon and the walkways safe.

There is even a crazy giant canyon swing for the brave.

Alternative activities: Another activity you could add or swap, would be a visit to the Jungfraujoch known as the Top of Europe. For sure this is a one-off experience and also quite a pricey one.

However, you will get a reduced fare for the ticket on the Jungfrau Railway, which is Europe’s highest railway station at 3454 metres above sea level.

Train ride to Lauterbrunnen via Kleine Scheidegg

 To reach our next destination we will take the scenic train ride over the mountain via Kleine Scheidegg, Wengen Alp and down to Lauterbrunnen. A 2h train ride that will keep you in constant awe.

Make sure you have your camera ready, sit where you can change sides constantly and choose a wagon where the windows can be opened for great photography.

You will have to change the train at Kleine Scheidegg and wait for about 40 minutes for the connecting train.

But there are worse places to wait for a train!

Good to know: from Grindelwald to Wengen you will have a reduced fare and from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen the journey is included in your Swiss Travel Pass.

Arrive at Lauterbrunnen

If it is not too late why not stroll through Lauterbrunnen village and check out the famous viewpoints. But you could also do this the next day.

From the train station make your way to the cableway station to Grütschalp, change there to the “Mürren BLM”train, and ride to Mürren village.

It is now time to check in to your chosen Hotel in Mürren.

Good to know: From Lauterbrunnen to Mürren the journey is covered with the Swiss Travel Pass

Fifth Day – Schilthorn Piz Gloria – Aletsch Arena, Valais

Overnight in the Alestch Arena at Fiescheralp – Hotel Jungfrau

Get ready for another great but quite active day.

If you can we suggest to pack a small bag and leave your bigger bag or suitcase at the Gimmelwald station in Mürren. You will pass by here again at the end of the day.

From Mürren take the advantage and take the first gondola that heads up to Schilthorn Piz Gloria. This way you might beat the crowds.

Exit at Birg and walk the” Thrill Walk”. An epic iron path around the mountain cliff.

If you have time hop on the next gondola up to Schilthorn Piz Gloria. Home to 007 James Bond.

Before heading outside and looking at the most spectacular panorama with the mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, visit the film museum.

Schilthorn Piz Gloria was the film location of the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.

You do not need to be a James Bond fan to have a good time.

The world famous 360-degree revolving restaurant Schilthorn – Piz invites to have lunch or even just a drink.

Good to know:
From Mürren to Schilthorn to Stechelberg you will get a reduced fare on the Schilthorn Round Ticket and only pay Chf 42.- instead of Chf 108.-

Add an extra day in Mürren

If you do have time, you might want to add an extra day in Mürren.

After visiting Schilthorn Piz Gloria return to Mürren and walk to the Almendhubel Funicular located in the centre of the village.

This will bring you up to the amazing Flower Park Almendhubel and an awesome playground when travelling with kids. From there, walk down the adventure trail to Mürren and stay another night in the Swiss village.

You will again get 50% reduction on the Allmendhubel funicular.

Find out more about the Almendhubel Flower Park

Train journey to the Alestch Arena in Valais

If you are not adding the Almendhubel on to your Switzerland train itinerary, then it is now time to sit back and ride to Fiescheralp in the Canton Valais.

From Lauterbrunnen it is a 2h 40 minutes train journey to Fiesch plus a 10 minutes gondola ride up to Fiescheralp.

A good time to have a nap or simply reflect on your amazing train travels through Switzerland you have had so far.

Check in to your Hotel Jungfrau at Fiescheralp. It is again up the mountain, nice and tranquil.

Sixth Day – Alestch Glacier & Zermatt

Overnight in Zermatt – Choose a hotel

Today you will be standing close to the biggest glacier of the Swiss Alps. The world famous Aletsch Glacier is holding a Unseco World heritage site and rightly so.

The gondola departs right outside of your hotel and for a less touristy visit, we suggest you take one of the first gondolas up to the Eggishorn.

Onward train journey in Switzerland to Zermatt

Arriving in Zermatt it is probably time to check in to your hotel in Zermatt and relax in the spa. Our suggestion would be the Zurbriggen Suiten or if you like to go even more luxurious the sustainable CERVO Mountain Resort.

If none of these suit you, check out our list of the best hotels in Zermatt

Seventh Day – Explore Zermatt

Zermatt with its mighty toblerone mountain – the Matterhorn has so much on offer. Depending on the time of the year you travel Switzerland by train, the activities may change.

Winter in Zermatt: Skiing, sledging snowshoe walking and staying your second night at the Iglu Dorf on the Gornergrat mountain. These would be our suggestions.

Check out our winter guide to Zermatt und Skiing in Zermatt the complete guide

Zermatt, any other time of the year:

Apart from walking through the charming village of Zermatt you must head up to some of the mountain summits.

Or make a day out of it and ride them all. Although your Swiss Travel Pass will not cover this ticket. Sometimes you can get the Zermatt cable car rides at a better price with get your guide.It is worth checking them out and comparing.

Alternatively you can choose to ride up to Sunnegga for ½ a day. With impeccable views of the Matterhorn, you will not be disappointed and this will be your cheapest option to go up a mountain.

Riding up the Gornergrat is an exceptionally beautiful train ride in Switzerland. And from the top you have some incredible views over the glaciers, the Matterhorn and many more 4000-metre peaks.

If you want to go higher focus on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and its World’s highest Glacier Palace.

To give you some more ideas check out the best 14 things to do in Zermatt

Stay the night again in Zermatt.

Eighth Day – On the Glacier Express To Bergün-Filisur

Overnight in Bergün at the Kurhause Bergün

Today is all about the most beautiful train ride through Switzerland. And you are half way along your 15 days Switzerland train itinerary.

Explore the Glacier Express from Zermatt to the St. Moritz in the Engadin. The worlds slowest express train will take you through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.

The whole journey takes 8 hours, but we suggest a stop at Bergün-Filisur.

You will need to make a seat reservation as this is obligatory and not included in the Swiss Travel Pass. (Chf 39.-)

After a long relaxing train ride passing amongst some amazing Swiss landscapes, you probably will be pleased to get off the train in Filisur.

Stretch your legs a bit and walk to the viewpoint from where you can see the Landwasser Viaduct.

Wait for a train to pass over which will give you a great photo opportunity.

Afterwards, walk back to Filisur train station and catch the next train to Bergün. No matter whether it is the regional train or another Glacier Express, you will have your ticket anyway.

Our hotel suggestion is the Kurhaus Bergün.

Travel tip: If you are travelling by train in Switzerland during the winter months, you must go sledging in Bergün.

Find out more about the Preda-Bergün sledge run

Ninth Day – St. Moritz

Overnight in St.Moritz – Choose your Hotel in St. Moritz

From Bergün it is only a short train ride to reach the world-famous St.Moritz. Check in to your hotel in St.Moritz and explore the area.

This would be a great day to rent a bike and ride around lake Silsee. Take in the beautiful scenery the Engadin offers along the valley.

If biking is not your thing walk around the small lake in St. Moritz or visit any nearby lakes. There are plenty of them in St.Moritz.

Tenth Day – Diavolezza and Glacier visit

Overnight at 3000m on Diavolezza at the Berghaus Diavolezza

After a relaxing morning, check out of your hotel and take the train to the Diavolezza stop. The gondola will take you up to 2978 metres from where you can marvel at some amazing glaciers including the Morteratsch Glacier and the Piz Bernina.

When you arrive check in to the Berghaus Diavolezza  and book a slot in the outdoor jacuzzi. A great and most certainly a unique experience.

Activities other than relaxing on the sunny terrace up at Diavolezza are Guided Glacier hikes. Make sure you make a reservation beforehand.

There is also a Via ferrata which looks great if you are into such activities.

Eleventh Day – Train ride to Zürich

Overnight in Zürich in your chosen Zürich Hotel

 So, it is time to get back to civilisation and visit our first city in Switzerland. The train from St.Moritz to Zürich is 3.20 hours. It will be regular train so no seat reservation is needed.

In Zürich make the most out of your one day in Zürich. Walk through the city or visit the Zürich Zoo.

Maybe this is also a great time to shop for some souvenirs.

Here is our How best to spend one day in Zürich guide

Twelfth Day – Ticino – Locarno – the southern part of Switzerland

Overnight in Lugano – Choose your Lugano Hotel

Whilst being on the Switzerland train itinerary it would be a shame not to include the Ticino (Tessin) into this trip.

Especially as with the new train connection you are only 2 hours away from palm trees, gelato and the Mediterranean flare.

Head straight down to Lugano for one night. As the train journey is so quick from Zürich you will be there before lunch if you depart Zürich early.

This will give you time for plenty of things to do in Lugano. One suggestion would be a visit to San Salvatore.

Book your Hotels in Lugano here.

Thirteenth Day – Explore Locarno

Overnight in Locarno-Ascona – Choose your Hotel in Locarno

Carry on exploring Lugano for the day. Do not miss Marcote village which can be reached by bus from Lugano.

Another great activity in Lugano would be a visit to the summit of Monte Generosso. 

The train from Lugano stops at Capolago and from there it is a private train all the way to the summit of Monte Generosso.

Or maybe you feel like to you need to relax today, then we can suggest the Termali Salini & Spa Locarno.

Plan the day that you are leaving Lugano to be in Locarno – Ascona for the evening.

After checking in to your hotel in Locarno – Ascona take some time to stroll along the Piazza of Ascona. Sometimes they have live music and the atmosphere is just chilled and relaxed.

Fourteenth  day – Explore Locarno-Ascona

Overnight in Bellinzona – choose your Hotel in Bellinzona

If you like some fairytale villages and waterfalls take a bus to Foroglio in the Valle di Maggia (Maggiatal)

Be early as this can get quite busy during peak seasons.

In Foroglio hike up to the La Val Calnègia. The path is going up next to the waterfall. At the top you find the most beautiful fairytale village, straight out of a hobbit film scene.

At the end of the day when back in Locarno take the train to Bellinzona and check in to your chosen hotel in Bellinzona.

Here are some other most beautiful things to do in the Locarno region.

Fifteenth Day – Explore the Castles of Bellinzona & back to Zürich

Overnight in Zürich – Choose a Hotel in Zürich 

After you have explored the beautiful Castles of Bellinzona, which by the way is also another Unesco World heritage site it is time to get back to Zürich. Or wherever you wish to end this Switzerland train itinerary.

Wow, you have come a long way and most certainly experienced some of the very best Switzerland has to offer. And the best of it, you travelled Switzerland by train from A to Z.

Your Swiss travel pass is still valid for the 15^th day. So we suggest you explore Zürich City for your last adventure.

About this Switzerland Train Itinerary

Whether you choose to complete the full 15 days or only part of it, this will be an incredible train trip through Switzerland.

Because you are traveling by train, whichever length of Swiss Travel Pass you have purchased, this train itinerary  can be shortened as and when you like. Your ticket can always bring you back to where you have to be.

With the links I have added in the blog article, you will find extra information. The articles will also help you to change activities or even destinations should some of the suggestions above not be to your liking.

I hope you agree after completing this Swiss train itinerary, that traveling by train in Switzerland is easy and super comfortable.

Swiss Train Journeys

You may also like some other beautiful Swiss train journeys which are not in this article. For example the fantastic GoldenPass Express Train from Montreux to Interlaken.

If this train journey would also interest you, you would have to add 2 more days to your Switzerland train itinerary. But never the less it is well worth exploring. The beautiful Montreux Riviera offers again another aspect to this trip.

Furthermore should you be travelling Switzerland during the months of May into June, you may be in luck and could experience the spring flowers at Les Pléiades. 

Travel Guide Switzerland

The following posts may help you to plan and adjust your holiday in Switzerland.

• GoldenPass Express Line – Montreux to Interlaken
• When Best to visit Switzerland 
• Travelling Through Switzerland by Train
• Epic Summer Road Trip Through Switzerland 2020
• How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
• GoldenPass Line – Lucerne to Interlaken by Train
• Switzerland Itinerary , 7, 10 & 14 Days
• 33 of the Best Viewpoints in Switzerland – NO HIKING required

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning a 15 Day Switzerland Train Itinerary.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help other readers and they can join in the conversation.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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