4 days in the Swiss Alps

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Rigi Kulm

   The summit of the Rigi, a rounded mountain above Lake Lucerne with a view that reaches the Alps and several lakes. The railway from Vitznau is among the oldest mountain railways in Europe. Dress warmly and check ahead for the weather.

   Go when Morning on a clear day, ideally the first or second day of good weather.

   Local tip Check the forecast the night before, since the whole point is the view. Bring a warm layer and a hat even in summer, because the top is windy.

   

   About 29 min by car or transit13.2 km
2. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   Lion Monument

   A huge lion carved into a rock face, dying with a spear in its side, in memory of the Swiss Guards killed in Paris in 1792. A quiet, moving place in a small garden with a pond.

   Go when Midday, when the light falls on the rock face.

   Local tip Stand by the pond and take a quiet minute. It is a memorial, so most people speak softly here.

   

3. Lunch

   Älplermagronen

   A Central Swiss mountain dish of macaroni, potatoes, cheese and onions, served with a spoon of apple sauce. Filling and plain.

   Local tip Share a plate, since portions are large, and try the apple sauce even if it sounds odd.

   About 30 min by car or transit13.9 km
4. 3
   MiddayWorth a short stop

   Vitznau

   A small village on the lake at the foot of the Rigi, where the cogwheel railway begins. Stroll the waterfront, watch the boats and let your head clear after the top.

   Go when Midday, after the mountain.

   Local tip Walk along the water and have a drink at a lakeside table. The pier is where the boat to Lucerne leaves.

   

   About 13 min by car or transit4.1 km
5. 4
   AfternoonAn easy stop

   Weggis

   A lake village with a mild climate, where palm trees grow beside the water. A good place for a lakeside walk before the boat or bus back to Lucerne.

   Go when Afternoon, on the way back to the city.

   Local tip Take the lakeside path through the village and look for the palms. Go back to Lucerne by boat, so the day ends on the water.

   

6. Dinner

   Rösti with a fried egg

   Grated potatoes fried until crisp and topped with an egg, the Swiss everyday dish. Hearty after a day on the mountain.

   Local tip Order a green salad on the side.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from WeggisAbout 23 min by car or transit9.9 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Chapel Bridge

   A covered wooden footbridge across the Reuss, dating from the 14th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1993, with an old stone water tower beside it. Walk across slowly and look up at the painted panels under the roof.

   Go when Early morning, before the tour groups arrive.

   Local tip Walk the whole length and look up at the painted panels under the roof. Come back after dark, when the bridge and the tower are lit and the water is still.

   

   About 50 min by car41.4 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Giessbach Falls

   A long series of cascades dropping through the forest into Lake Brienz. You can reach it by boat from Brienz and a short funicular, or on foot. The mist and the sound are part of it.

   Go when Morning, when the mist is still in the trees.

   Local tip Take the funicular up or the path through the woods. The path is damp and can be slippery, so wear shoes with a grip.

4. Lunch

   Whitefish from Lake Brienz

   Pan-fried lake fish served with potatoes and a simple sauce, by the water.

   Local tip Ask for the fish of the day.

   About 10 min by car or transit2.5 km
5. 3
   MiddayWorth a short visit

   Brienz

   A village at the end of the lake, known for wood carving, with old wooden houses and a calm waterfront. A good place for lunch before the last stretch to Interlaken.

   Go when Midday, with a long lunch.

   Local tip Look into a wood carving shop and walk to the lake front. The turquoise colour of the water is the glacier flour in it.

   

   About 49 min by car39.4 km
6. 4
   AfternoonWorth a short climb

   Musegg Wall

   Part of the medieval wall that once closed the old town, with several towers on the hill above the roofs. A short climb for a view over the city, the lake and the peaks. Check ahead on which towers are open.

   Go when Afternoon, for the view over the roofs.

   Local tip Walk up through the lanes behind the old town. Check ahead on which towers are open, because it is seasonal.

7. Dinner

   Perch fillets from the lake

   Small fried or pan-cooked fillets of lake perch, called egli, with lemon and potatoes. A classic of the lakes.

   Local tip Ask what came from the lake that day.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Musegg WallAbout 1 h 4 min by car60.1 km

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Staubbach Falls

   A waterfall that drops straight off the cliff beside the village of Lauterbrunnen, one of the highest free-falling falls in Europe. It spreads into spray before it reaches the ground, and it is an easy walk from the station.

   Go when Morning, when the valley is quiet.

   Local tip It is an easy walk from the station. Walk up to the base for a closer look, and bring a light jacket for the spray.

   

   About 13 min by car or transit4.3 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Kleine Scheidegg

   A mountain pass at the foot of the Eiger north face, where the railways meet. Wide meadows, the big wall above you, and a view down both valleys. Dress for the cold.

   Go when Early morning, on a clear day.

   Local tip Look up at the north face of the Eiger and use the terrace for a warm drink before the rest of the climb. Carry a coat, hat and gloves.

   

   About 31 min by car or transit15.0 km
4. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Harder Kulm

   A viewpoint on the hill above Interlaken, reached by a funicular, with the town between two lakes below and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau across the valley. A short walk from the top station to the platform.

   Go when Late afternoon, for the light on the peaks.

   Local tip Take the funicular and walk the last few minutes to the platform. Check ahead on when it runs, and bring a warm layer.

   

   About 32 min by car or transit16.4 km
5. 4
   AfternoonWorth a short walk

   Grindelwald

   A village at the foot of the Eiger north face, with wooden chalets and a view up to the peaks. The railway comes down the other side of the pass, so you end in a different valley.

   Go when Afternoon, as the end of the day.

   Local tip Walk the main street and look up at the Eiger wall above the roofs. It is a calm place after the high snow.

   

6. Dinner

   Swiss chocolate to finish

   A square of dark or milk chocolate from a village chocolatier, eaten on a bench with the Eiger above. A fine way to end the trip.

   Local tip Buy a bar to take home, since it travels well.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from GrindelwaldAbout 21 min by car or transit8.5 km

   Where Day 3 ended.
2. 1
   MiddayWorth the time

   Jungfraujoch

   A saddle among the glaciers at over 3,400 meters, reached by a railway that climbs through tunnels inside the Eiger and the Mönch. The terraces look over the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps. Take it slowly, because the air is thin, and check ahead for the weather.

   Go when Midday on the clearest day of your week.

   Local tip The air is thin, so walk slowly, drink water and sit down if you feel dizzy. Sunglasses and a warm coat are essential. Check ahead for the weather and for what is open.

   

   About 16 min by car or transit5.9 km
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   Trümmelbach Falls

   Ten glacier-fed waterfalls that thunder inside the mountain, reached by a tunnel lift and walkways cut into the rock. It is cool, wet and loud. Check ahead on the season and the water level.

   Go when Midday, as a cool break from the sun.

   Local tip The paths are wet and the noise is huge, so wear a jacket with a hood and shoes with a grip. Check ahead on the season and the water level.

4. Lunch

   A picnic of bread, cheese and fruit

   From a village bakery or a small shop, eaten on a bench or in a meadow with a waterfall in view.

   Local tip Buy it the evening before so you can leave early.

   About 25 min walk2.0 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Mürren

   A car-free village on a high terrace with a view straight across to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. You reach it by cable car and a short train. A calm place to walk and look.

   Go when Afternoon, with the sun behind you on the peaks.

   Local tip Walk the village and out along the terrace for the view. There are no cars, so the sound is mostly bells and wind.

   

   About 17 min walk1.4 km
6. 4
   EveningA quiet walk

   Gimmelwald

   A tiny car-free village of wooden farmhouses on the slope below Mürren, with cattle bells and a long view. A short walk down from Mürren, and one of the quietest corners of the trip.

   Go when Evening, around sunset (about 9:23 PM).

   Local tip Walk down from Mürren along the lane between the farms and take the cable car or train back. Respect the working farms and keep to the paths.

   

7. Dinner

   Raclette

   A half wheel of cheese melted at the table and scraped over potatoes, with pickles. A good evening after a long day.

   Local tip Go with a group, because it is made to share.