Five days in the Swiss Alps by train: Lucerne’s old town and lake, then Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls and a mountain day, with train times.
Updated
Two days in Lucerne for the Kapellbrücke and the old town, with a mountain day up Rigi Kulm and Pilatus, then three days in Interlaken. Expect a toboggan run at Heimwehfluh and a boat ride on Brienzersee to Iseltwald.
Per person for 5 days: a room shared by two, food, local transport and sights. Flights are extra.
Budget
$750–900
Mid-range
$1,100–1,350
Comfort
$1,700–1,950
A rough guide from typical local prices; yours depends on season and choices.
A travel eSIM gives your phone mobile data in Switzerland as soon as the plane touches down: maps, ride apps and messages work at the airport, with no roaming bill and no SIM card to swap. Set it up at home in a few minutes; your own number keeps working for calls and texts.
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Day 1 · Lucerne, Switzerland
Cross the Kapellbrücke, wander the Altstadt and the Seeboden waterfront, then settle in for dinner at the Rathaus Restaurant.
Your base for the next 2 nights: Lucerne
Days 1 to 2 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓12:30 PM · 1.5 hours
Direct train from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lucerne Hauptbahnhof, 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains run hourly; ticket about 35 CHF. Step out into the town centre with your luggage and head to your hotel.
1The wooden bridge across the Reuss River, built in 1365, is Lucerne's signature. Walk its length slowly; the painted ceiling panels inside tell local stories. A 5-minute walk south from the train station.
Insider tip: Walk it in both directions and stop midway to photograph the tower, Wasserturm, on the left at its best angle.
2Maze of medieval lanes, half-timbered townhouses, and quiet fountains. Wander Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz; no fixed route needed. Most of the Old Town sits just north and east of the bridge, all walkable.
Insider tip: Duck into Hirschenplatz for the best light on the facades; it's a little sheltered square locals know but tourists miss.
Walk the grassy shoreline north of the Old Town. Still water, mountain backdrop, perfect light in late evening. Benches everywhere; ideal for sunset. A 10-minute walk from Hirschenplatz.
Insider tip: Arrive by 8:30 PM for golden hour (sunset at 9:20 PM). Sit north of the Museumsplatz where fewer people cluster.
Waterfront spot just east of Kapellbrücke with lake views from the terrace. Simple Swiss fare (schnitzel, rösti, fresh perch). Reserve or arrive by 6 PM to secure a table outside. 2 minutes from the bridge.
Insider tip: Order the perch fillet (Egli); it's caught from this lake. Dinner runs 25-35 CHF per person.
If you land early
Optional, close to your stay, before the plan above.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Full day
Climb aboard historic mountain railways to Europe's highest viewpoints, with guaranteed jaw-dropping views and snow-capped peaks even in summer.
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Half day or full day
The boat cuts through the lake to villages like Rigi or Pilatus, combining water views with easy access to hiking trails or a summit view without major effort.
Book nowFull day
One of Switzerland's most scenic routes, combining the historic train with a short boat ride across the lake and dramatic Alpine switchbacks.
Book nowBook in Lucerne Old Town or the lakefront just north of it: flat walk to the train station, the lake, and everything on today's itinerary. Avoid the steep residential streets south of Hertenstein.
Want more choice for your 2 nights? See everything in Lucerne, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Historic brewery in the old town. Order the Luzerner Käseschnitte and their own lager.
Lakefront terrace with sunset views. Start with lake fish, finish at 8:34 PM for golden hour.
Day 2 · Lucerne, Switzerland
Head up Rigi Kulm, then ride the Pilatus cogwheel railway to Pilatus Kulm, and finish with an easy walk along the lake back in Lucerne.
6:30 AM · 2 hours 15 minutes
Take the train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau (30 min), then switch to the red cogwheel train that spirals up Rigi through alpine meadows. You'll rise 1,400 metres in an hour with views that expand with every turn. Arrive early to grab a window seat and watch the lake shrink below.
Prefer a guide? · Half day
Take a cogwheel train halfway up, hike the gentle ridge trail to the summit with 360-degree views, then descend on foot or ride the train back down.
Book this tour
1Step out at the summit (1,797 m) into alpine air. The panorama spreads 200 km: six lakes, the Bernese Oberland, and the Appenzell Alps on clear days. Sit on the terrace with coffee and soak it in for 90 minutes. A short, flat walk around the summit takes 20 minutes.
Insider tip: Grab a table on the north-facing terrace of the Rigi Kulm hotel restaurant, not indoors. Coffee costs CHF 4.50.
10:15 AM · 3 hours
Descend the Rigi cogwheel to Arth-Goldau (1 hour). Catch the train back to Lucerne (30 min), then take the local train from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (20 min). You'll have lunch time in between, stay at a cafe near Lucerne station.
Prefer a guide? · Full day
The world's steepest cogwheel railway climbs to Pilatus; walk the quiet alpine meadow loop with lake views before taking the ropeway or train down.
Book this tourThe world's steepest cogwheel train (48% gradient) climbs Pilatus in 30 minutes. It's thrilling and strange: the track almost feels vertical. You'll spiral up through forest and then break into open alpine views. Adrenaline and scenery in equal measure.
Insider tip: Sit on the right side for mountain views (left has the valley). Buy your ticket at Alpnachstad station (CHF 37 one-way, CHF 52 round-trip). Popular in July: arrive 20 minutes early.
3At 2,128 metres, Pilatus is one metre higher than Rigi and feels wilder. The summit is rocky, windier, and less crowded. Walk the ridge trails (easy, 30-45 min round trip) past dramatic drop-offs and views into central Switzerland. The air is thinner and clearer.
Insider tip: Skip the helicopter rides and head straight to the Esel ridge walk (marked from Kulm hotel). Wind is common: bring a light layer.
4:45 PM · 1 hour
Descend Pilatus by rotating cable car (10 min) to Kriens, then catch bus 1 from Kriens station back to Lucerne city centre (15 min). You'll arrive by 5:15 PM, leaving time for a quiet evening.
Walk west along the lake from the city centre toward Nationalpier. The evening light turns the water gold and the mountains catch the last rays. Stop at a bench, sit for 30 minutes, and watch sailboats drift past. No rush, no plan.
Insider tip: Start from the Seepromenade near Hotel Schweizerhof. Bring a light sweater: wind picks up at dusk.
Quick pastry and coffee by the river before your early train. Leave by 7:15am.
Mountain views, hearty rösti and local cheese. You'll eat here after the cogwheel train up.
Back in Lucerne by 7pm. Order älplermagronen and watch the sunset from the terrace.
Day 3 · Interlaken, Switzerland
Walk from Interlaken West station to Höheweg, spend the day at Jungfrau Park, then have steak at Steak Chalet and a stroll along the lake.
Your base for the next 3 nights: Interlaken
Days 3 to 5 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓Getting here: Lucerne to Interlaken by Train (Brünig Pass scenic route) (2 hours).
8:45 AM · 2.5 hours
The 2-hour journey crosses the Brünig Pass with views of Alpine meadows, forests and Lake Brienz. Sit on the left side northbound for better views. Catch the 9:10 AM departure and arrive 11:10 AM.
1A 15-minute flat walk along the main avenue past cafes and shops. Drop bags at your hotel, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs after the train.
Insider tip: Walk via Marktgasse for quieter streets and a better first feel of the town.
2A 10-minute walk from Höheweg, this outdoor playground has lake views and a giant swing over the water. Perfect for photos and a breather after travel. Climb the viewpoint for views of the lake and the Jungfrau peaks.
Insider tip: Go straight to the viewpoint first before crowds arrive; the swing is best around golden hour when the light is soft.
A lakeside restaurant 10 minutes south on Höheweg with terrace seating over the water. Order the grilled trout or lamb chop and watch the mountains go pink at sunset. Casual, mid-range, no fuss.
Insider tip: Arrive by 6:30 PM to claim a terrace table before the evening rush; ask for the water-facing seats.
4Walk the south shore eastward from Steak Chalet toward Bödelibahn station (1.2 km, 20 minutes). The path hugs the lake with views of the Jungfrau massif glowing in the last light. No crowds this time of evening.
Insider tip: Leave dinner at 8 PM to catch the last of the golden hour; the peaks stay lit until 9:20 PM.
Prefer a guide? · 2-3 hours
Paddle across turquoise water with the Bernese Oberland peaks rising directly from the shore. Combine it with a ride on one of the old steamships for a leisurely afternoon.
Book this tourPopular experiences worth booking ahead.
Full day (with hikes down)
The ride itself is the attraction. You'll pass through a tunnel carved into the Eiger, emerge at 3,454 metres, and stand between the Aletsch Glacier and two of the Alps' most famous peaks.
Book now
Half day to full day
James Bond shot his opening scene here. The cable car climbs in stages so you can hop off early for an easy walk or push to the summit for 360-degree views and a revolving restaurant.
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4-5 hours
This is the easy win. You're hiking beneath the north face of the Eiger with mostly downhill gradient, wildflowers all around, and views that get better as you walk. Start at Eigergletscher and finish in Alpiglen or Grin
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Half day
The valley is ringed with waterfalls (72 of them) and steep cliffs. Take the train down, walk to Staubbach Falls (the misty one), then explore car-free Wengen village on foot.
Book nowBook accommodation on the Höheweg: it's the main promenade between the two train stations, flat walk to both, and steps from the lake. You'll be central for everything without the noise of downtown.
Want more choice for your 3 nights? See everything in Interlaken, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Quick, good kebab wrap. Fuel up before heading to Brienz, five minutes from the station.
Fondue and raclette in a wood-beamed room. Central Interlaken, easy walk after a long travel day.
Day 4 · Interlaken, Switzerland
Take the funicular up Harder Kulm, hike across to Heimwehfluh, and ride the toboggan run with a coffee at the cafe before heading back to Höheweg.
Take the cogwheel funicular up 1,322 metres in 10 minutes to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking both Interlaken lakes and the Bernese Oberland peaks. The views are clearest in early morning before heat haze. Funicular departs from Harder Kulm station, a 5-minute walk or short bus ride from central Interlaken.
Insider tip: Go early before crowds. Buy a round-trip ticket (32 CHF per person) at the station; breakfast is pricey at the top.
Hike down through open alpine meadows and light forest (about 1.5 hours, 5 km, gentle descent). You'll pass mountain huts and grazing cows with unbroken views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. Ends at Heimwehfluh cable car station. Trail is well marked and mostly downhill.
Insider tip: Wear layers; it's cool at the top and warms quickly. Bring water and a light snack; mountain huts charge tourist prices.
After the hike, take the cable car down (included with many passes, or 12 CHF). Grab lunch and coffee at the terrace café with views over Interlaken. The toboggan run is optional if energy allows. 10 minutes from the end of the Harder Kulm trail.
Insider tip: Order a rösti or sandwich; avoid the overpriced main courses. Sit on the terrace, not indoors.
4Stroll the lakeside promenade Höheweg from the station westward along both lakes at water level. Spot swans and sailboats, browse small parks and viewpoints. Quiet in July afternoons. A 15-minute walk from Heimwehfluh station back into town.
Insider tip: Walk the north shore first (Lac de Brienz) before doubling back to the south shore (Lac de Thoune) for variety.
5Return to Harder Kulm by funicular for dinner as light drops (departing around 8:15 PM to arrive for sunset views). The restaurant serves simple Swiss fare with 360-degree valley views. Reserve a table in advance. 5 minutes from central Interlaken by funicular.
Insider tip: Book a table for two by phone (033 826 24 24) by early afternoon. Sit outside. Order cheese fondue or rösti.
Early-opening café near the funicular. Strong coffee, fresh pastries. Grab and go before 7am.
At the summit. Local trout, rösti, huge terrace views. Arrive by 12:30 to beat crowds.
Back in Interlaken's main square. Fondue, burgers, long communal tables. Lively after hikes.
Day 5 · Interlaken, Switzerland
Take the boat across Brienzersee to Iseltwald, walk around the village, and climb to the lake viewpoint nearby for a slow last afternoon.
8:30 AM · 0.5 hours
Head to the lake's eastern shore where the water's clearest. A 15-minute train ride from Interlaken Ost to Brienz, then walk 5 minutes to the pier.
Sail across the turquoise water with the Brienzer Rothorn peaks framing the view. The 40-minute cruise ends at Iseltwald pier. Book tickets at the Brienz boat station or online.
Insider tip: Sit on the left side of the boat (lake view). Boats run hourly; one departs around 9:30 AM.
2No cars, no crowds. Walk narrow lanes past flower-draped chalets, pause at the tiny lakeside church, and sip coffee at a waterfront cafe. You'll need 2-3 hours to wander properly.
Insider tip: Grab lunch at Restaurant Seestern on the waterfront; their Felchen (local fish) is the best reason to eat there.
3A 10-minute uphill walk from the village to a rocky outcrop with unobstructed lake views and the Bernese peaks beyond. Perfect for golden hour photos around 8:30-9:15 PM.
Insider tip: Bring a sweater; it cools fast at this height. Stay until after 9 PM for the best colour shift on the water.
9:30 PM · 1 hour
Evening boat back to Brienz (9:45 PM departure), then train to Interlaken Ost (10:30 PM departure). Both run late in July. 1 hour total.
Early start with views over Interlaken valley. Order eggs and fresh pastries before the crowds arrive.
Right on Brienzersee shore. Try the lake fish (Felchen) and sit on the terrace facing turquoise water.
Elegant spot for evening meal. Reserve a table by the window for golden hour light over the lakes.
What travellers ask about each place on this trip, answered.
What travellers ask about Lucerne, answered.
Take the train to Rigi Kulm (45 minutes via Arth-Goldau) and hike down toward Rigi Scheidegg, about 1.5 hours, with 360-degree views and manageable descent. Or go to Pilatus via cable car and hike the gentler eastern slopes. Both are less crowded than Titlis.
The Rigi Railway (cogwheel, 40 years old, stunning lake views) or Pilatus Cogwheel (steeper, more dramatic). Both take 45 minutes from Lucerne and your Tourism Ticket covers part of the cost. Skip the Gotthard if short on time, it's beautiful but 4+ hours each way.
Yes, if you handle cold water. July averages 20°C (68°F), refreshing not pleasant. Bring a wetsuit or accept 2-3 minutes max. Popular spots: Ufschütti beach (20 minutes walk, free) or any designated lake access point, many free.
Yes, especially weekends and school holidays. Weekday mornings are quieter. Book lake cruises early or show up at the dock by 8:30am for best timing.
Expect 20-25°C (68-77°F), occasionally hitting 26°C (79°F). Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and good hiking boots; mountain weather changes fast.
Spoken here: German (Swiss dialect). English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
Useful phrases
• Guten Tag (GOO-ten TAHG): Good day/hello
• Danke (DAHN-kuh): Thank you
• Ja (yah): Yes
• Nein (nine): No
• Wieviel kostet das (VEE-feel KOS-tet dahs): How much does it cost
Lucerne is very safe. The main concern is mountain weather on hikes: check forecasts, start early, and turn back if conditions worsen.
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire. It’s free and works from any phone, including a foreign mobile.
Tipping isn't expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service. Many restaurants include service charges.
• Buy a Swiss Travel Pass if you're doing multiple train and boat trips; it pays for itself after two scenic journeys.
• Hikes in July are busy on weekends; start before 8am or go on a weekday.
• The lake water is swimmable in July (around 21°C); bring swimmers for a dip between activities.
• Markets at Bäckerei Bachmann on Weinmarktgasse sell excellent hiking snacks; grab a Bircher muesli and local bread there.
What travellers ask about Interlaken, answered.
Jungfraujoch is famous but expensive (CHF 180-210 return) and crowded. The Schilthorn Rotair (Lauterbrunnen valley) feels less touristy, costs less, and has a rotating cable car cabin with 360-degree views. Go early morning.
Oeschinen Lake loop (1.5 hours, almost flat) from Kandersteg or Stechelberg to Trümmelbach Falls (45 minutes, all downhill) are perfect. Both start near cable car stations so you're not hiking for 2 hours to reach the good bit.
Thun Lake (45 minutes by train from Interlaken) has the best scenery and less crowds than Brienz. Boats run several times daily in July. Book ahead online or just show up and take the next one.
No. Scenic trains in July don't need advance booking. Just buy your Jungfrau pass or single tickets at the station the morning you go. Cable cars are first-come, first-served and rarely full in the morning.
Expect 20-24°C (68-75°F) during the day and 10-14°C (50-57°F) at night. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, comfortable hiking boots, and sunscreen. Afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so start hikes early.
Spoken here: German (Swiss German is local). English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, though less common in rural villages.
Useful phrases
• Grüezi (GREW-tsee): hello (very Swiss)
• Danke (DAHN-kuh): thank you
• Bitte (BIT-uh): please
• Wie viel kostet das (vee feel KOS-tet dahs): how much does this cost
• Tschüss (choos): goodbye
Alpine weather changes fast; check forecasts before heading up and don't push past your fitness level on exposed trails. Stick to marked paths and carry water.
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire. It’s free and works from any phone, including a foreign mobile.
Tipping isn't expected but rounding up is polite. Leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants, or just round the bill to the nearest 5 CHF. Most places include service in the bill.
• Buy a Jungfrau Travel Pass if you're doing multiple mountain railways; it saves roughly 20-25% on individual tickets over three days.
• Hike early, between 7-9am, to avoid crowds on popular trails and catch the clearest mountain views.
• The regional trains run frequently and reliably; download the SBB app to check timetables and buy tickets on the go.
• Bring cash or a card everywhere. Most places take both, but mountain huts and small shops sometimes prefer Swiss francs.
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