As someone who normally takes weekend getaways in the United States, I found planning this Switzerland itinerary to be slightly overwhelming. I didn’t know where to begin, the train timetable confused the heck out of me, and the activity options were endless. After hours and hours of planning and researching I thought I had the BEST Switzerland itinerary for 7 days put together.
…and then I looked at the forecast and it was supposed to rain every.single.day.
After everything was said and done, we had the absolute BEST time exploring this beautiful country…even with the crazy weather and all of the plan B’s. With that, I am SO VERY EXCITED to share this complete one week Jungfrau Region in Switzerland itinerary.
I will warn ya though… it’s a long one. I want this to be the most complete Switzerland itinerary you’ll find to truly make your planning easy.
There’s a FREE printable itinerary at the end of this post so you can take it with ya on this bucket list vacation!
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Table of Contents
Where is the Jungfrau Region?
The Jungfrau Region is located in the Bernese Oberland, a mountainous region in the south-central region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, including high peaks, glaciers, and picturesque villages.
The region is sort of a triangle that connects Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. You’ll also find the quaint towns of Wengen, Murren, and Gimmelwald in addition to the sparkling blue lakes of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
The Jungfrau Region is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, and it is renowned for its breathtaking views of iconic mountains like the Eiger, Mönch, and its’ namesake, the Jungfrau. It’s truly an outdoor-lovers paradise.
Closest Major Airports (to Interlaken)
- Bern: <1 hour train ride
- Zurich: 2.5 hour train ride
Where to start this 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary?
If traveling from the United States, you’ll likely be able to find the most affordable flights to Zurich which is approximately 2.5 hours from Interlaken by train. It’s also worth it to check out flights to Bern which is just a 52 minute train ride to Interlaken.
After arriving in Interlaken, you’ll be able to catch quick and easy train rides to any of the destinations in the Jungfrau Region.
This particular itinerary is based on of Wengen, but you are able to start from anywhere in the Jungfrau region since the trains are so accessible.
Which Swiss rail pass is best?
The Jungfrau Region Train Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass are both travel passes for Switzerland, but they cater to different needs and offer different coverage. I do HIGHLY recommend that you purchase one of these though vs. buying individual tickets for each ride.
The rail pass made it SO EASY to get around. You could just hop and and off the trains and show your ticket on your phone when asked. WAY LESS STRESSFUL than I was envisioning.
Here’s a comparison of the two:
Jungfrau Region Train Pass:
- Coverage: This pass is specifically designed for travelers visiting the Jungfrau Region, which includes towns like Interlaken, Wengen, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. It provides unlimited travel within this region and access to the mountain railways and cable cars in the Jungfrau Region.
- Duration: The Jungfrau Region Train Pass is available for various durations, typically ranging from 3 to 8 consecutive days.
- Benefits: It offers excellent coverage for exploring the Jungfrau Region, making it ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time in this area, particularly for hiking, skiing, and enjoying the mountain attractions.
- Limitations: It has limited coverage outside of the Jungfrau Region, so it may not be the best choice for those planning to extensively travel throughout Switzerland (your train ride to and from the airport would not be included)
See Jungfrau Region Train Pass Options HERE!
Swiss Travel Pass:
- Coverage: The Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire country of Switzerland and provides unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, which includes trains, buses, trams, boats, and some mountain railways. It also includes free or discounted access to many museums and attractions across Switzerland. It does NOT include gondolas and mountain railways (they are 50 percent off though).
- Duration: The Swiss Travel Pass is available for various durations, typically ranging from 3 to 15 consecutive days.
- Benefits: This pass is ideal for travelers who plan to explore various parts of Switzerland, including major cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva, as well as regions outside the Jungfrau area. It offers more flexibility in terms of travel routes.
- Limitations: While it provides access to the Jungfrau Region, it may not be the most cost-effective option if your primary focus is on this specific area. The Jungfrau Region Train Pass may offer better value for concentrated travel within that region.
See Swiss Travel Pass Options HERE!
In summary, the choice between the Jungfrau Region Train Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass depends on your travel itinerary. If you plan to stay mainly within the Jungfrau Region and make extensive use of its mountain railways and cable cars, the Jungfrau Region Train Pass is a great choice.
However, if you intend to explore various parts of Switzerland beyond the Jungfrau area, the Swiss Travel Pass offers broader coverage and more flexibility for your travels throughout the country.
Our Decision:
In hindsight, I wish we would have went with the Jungfrau pass vs. the Swiss Pass. It was the cheaper option to start with and it would have been nice to hop on and off the gondolas at our convenience. The only train ticket that we would have had to purchase would have been Zurich to Interlaken (and back) to get to the airport.
Important note:: The train trip to the top of Europe is NOT included in either pass. It is discounted, but if you are hoping to do this excursion, be sure to budget for it. However, it is not a part of this Switzerland itinerary.
Check out the full comparison here!
Where to stay during one week in the Jungfrau Region?
As stated previously, the Switzerland rail system is effective and so very easy to use. With this being said, you could pick any one of the Jungfrau Region towns to pick as your home base or you could stay in a different town each night. We choose to stay in Wengen (at The Hotel Bellevue) for the entire time and then just hopped on a train to a new destination each day.
Here are some highlights of staying in each place:
Wengen: Wengen, a car-free village, immerses you in tranquility while providing stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s a hiking and skiing haven in a picturesque alpine setting, offering a taste of Swiss hospitality in charming hotels and eateries. The train station is less than a 10 minute walk from any hotel here and you’ll have easy access to the Maennlichen Gondola Station.
Interlaken: Centrally located, Interlaken is your gateway to the Jungfrau Region, surrounded by beautiful lakes. Adventure activities like paragliding and skydiving abound, complemented by a range of shopping, dining options, and cultural events. You may be able to find slightly more affordable options here.
Grindelwald: Nestled amidst awe-inspiring alpine scenery, Grindelwald is a hiker’s paradise with diverse trails and a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Stay in cozy Swiss chalets and soak in the alpine charm. You’ll have quick and easy access to Grindelwald First and Pfingstegg.
Lauterbrunnen: Lauterbrunnen’s enchanting valley is home to magnificent waterfalls like Trümmelbach and Staubbach Falls. It’s an ideal base for excursions to the Jungfraujoch, and you can enjoy camping and adventure activities amidst lush green surroundings.
See Lauterbrunnen Hotels Here!
***This Switzerland itinerary for 7 days has a homebase of Wengen, BUT if you choose to stay in a different village, you could easily switch things around a bit. ***
When is the best time to visit the Jungfrau Region
The best time to visit the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland largely depends on your interests and the activities you wish to pursue. ALSOOOO, even if you travel in the summer it may still be 40 degrees and rain…(speaking from experience) so just be sure to pack layers! It’s always colder up on the mountains.
Summer (June to August): Summer is ideal for hiking, outdoor adventures, and enjoying the lush landscapes of the Jungfrau Region. Average temperatures range from 53-76 (in Interlaken). August is the rainiest month of the year in the Jungfrau Region (it’s when we visited and I can attest to this fact).
Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage to the region, creating a picturesque setting. The crowds thin out, making it a quieter and more budget-friendly time to visit while still offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking. Average fall temperatures in Interlaken range from 34-67.
Winter (December to February): Winter transforms the Jungfrau Region into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and experiencing traditional Christmas markets. The region’s mountain villages are at their most magical during this season. Expect temperatures to be fall between the mid 20s and mid 40s.
Spring (March to May): Spring offers the opportunity to enjoy both winter sports, especially in March, and the awakening of the region’s flora. With fewer tourists and lower prices, it’s a peaceful time to explore as the landscape transitions from snow-covered to vibrant and green. Daytime temperatures will start to warm up to the high 60s.
A note about the weather: Although it is important to check the forecast before your visit, locals agreed to not stress about it too much. The weather in the Alps can change quickly and differ depending on your elevation and the town you are in. Just bring layers, a rain jacket, and an umbrella and be prepared for it all!
One Week in Switzerland Map
7 Days in Switzerland Quick Itinerary:
- Day 1: Land in Zurich, travel to Wengen
- Day 2: Mannlichen and Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
- Day 3: Thun Castle, St. Beatus Caves, Harder Kulm (Thun and Interlaken)
- Day 4: Hot tub boat, Giessbach Waterfall, Aare Gorge (Lake Brienz)
- Day 5: Lake Oeschinen (Kandersteg)
- Day 6: Grindelwald First & Grindelwald Pfingstegg
- Day 7: Fly Home
The BEST Switzerland Itinerary for 7 Days: Exploring the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland
It’s timeeee! Here’s the exact 7 day Switzerland itinerary that we completed. I’ve included all the details you’ll need to know + my personal opinions or tips! If I forgot something or if you are left with additional questions, just send me a message on Instagram!
Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and Travel to Wengen
If traveling to Switzerland from the USA, you’ll likely have an 8-14 hour flight to Zurich. It’ll be a long travel day, but try to find an overnight flight to maximize your time (we will call this day 0).
Then, you’ll arrive in Zurich in the early morning hours of day 1. After landing, head to the train station located right in the airport. Just head to baggage claim and follow the signs. You’ll then see stairs leading down the the train station.
How does the train schedule work?
I’ll admit, we were slightly confused upon arrival. But, it turns out to be extremely easy to use! Just check the Yellow timetable located at the center of the station and find the time listed for your destination (Interlaken OST in this case). It comes at the same times every single day!
Train Schedule for Day 1: Zurich Flughafen (Airport) to Interlaken OST to Lauterbrunnen to Wengen
Stop 1: Wengen:
After your long travel day, take it easy day 1 by checking into your hotel in Wengen (we stayed at the Hotel Bellevue) and then take some time to explore the quaint town of Wengen. It’s a car-free village and you’ll find walking trails throughout.
There’s rental shop near the tennis courts where you can rent racquets or bikes if you want a bit more excitement for day one.
Then, head back towards the Mainstreet for dinner. We ordered togo from Santo’s Fine Foods and had a picnic on the nearby picnic tables.
Day 2: Wengen-Mannlichen, Panorama Trail, Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
After getting a good nights sleep, wake up bright and early for a day full of adventure! From your hotel in Wengen, you’ll have a short walk to the Wengen-Mannlichen Gondola station (Pictured above).
If you aren’t staying in Wengen, just hop on a train to the Wengen station.
You can buy your tickets beforehand or right at the desk (or if you purchased the Jungfrau Swiss Pass the ride is included). There’s also an option to upgrade your ticket to ride on the top deck of the gondala…it was only 5 CHF extra!
We of course couldn’t resist the upgrade 🙂
After getting to the top of the mountain, you’ll be met with some of the most beautiful views and of course the sound of all the cow bells ringing. You’ll see a super unique playground complete with a natural bowling lane, cow slide, and many other fun obstacles.
Stop 1: Panorama Trail 9:00-1:00
Then, head to the Panorama trailhead to the right of the restaurant. It’s an easy 5.9-mile trail (out and back) with amazing views everywhere you look.
Side note: You could do this trail as a one-way as it leads to the Kleine Scheidegg train station. However, we hiked out and back.
After the hike, continue up the trail to the Royal Walk overlook. This will be busier than the Panorama Trail, but it’s quite the view!
After your morning of hiking, grab a quick bite to eat at the grab and go restaurant and then take the gondola back down to Wengen.
Keep reading:: 14+ of the BEST Hikes in Switzerland
Stop 2: Staubbach Falls 2:00-3:00
From the Gondola station, take the short walk (about 4 minutes) to the train station and catch a train to Lauterbrunnen (the train leaves from Wengen every half hour at 12 after and 42 after).
Lauterbrunnen is another classic swiss town just below Wengen. It’ll only take 12 minutes by train! Once arriving, you can either hop on a bus or walk to Staubbach Falls.
From the train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the base of the falls. Its actually the highest freefalling waterfall in all of Switzerland!
After arriving, you can head up the short trail (.4 miles round trip) to walk behind the falls. Although short, it is a pretty steep and crowded trail to the top so make sure to factor in at least 30 minutes for the hike.
Stop 3: Trümmelbach Falls 3:00-5:00
After your trek up to Staubach falls, catch the next bus (bus 141) to the Trümmelbachfälle stop. After a short walk, you’ll see a line to buy tickets for Trümmelbach Falls. It was only 14 CHF, and completely worth it IMO.
Trummelbach Falls are an impressive set of 10 waterfalls that cut through a mountain. I recommend taking the elevator up (to stop 6) and then walking the entire way down. This way, you will ensure you see all the viewpoints without the trek up 🙂
Expect to spend around 1 hour exploring here.
After checking out the falls, spend the evening walking back through the the village to the train station (about a 45 minute walk). You’ll walk along the river and pass some epic viewpoints.
Finally end you day with a fondue dinner at Restaurant Taverne Bernerhof back in Wengen.
Day 3: Thun and St. Beatus Caves
Stop 1: Thun Castle 9:00-12:00 (with transportation)
After eating breakfast at the hotel, hop on a train and head to Thun. It’s about a 1 hour and 30 minute ride.
From the train station, it’s about a 6 minute walk to the entry of the castle. It’s actually a super fun walk as the town of Thun is extremely cute!
With your swiss rail pass, you get free admission to the castle. All you have to do is show the ticket desk your train ticket and they will exchange it for the museum ticket.
Then, spend the next hour or so exploring everything the castle has to offer. There are interesting artifacts throughout + an epic view of the city from the top.
Stop 2: St. Beatus Caves 1:00-3:00
After exploring the castle, walk to the nearest bus station and hop on bus 21. Ride the bus (for about 40 minutes) to the Beatushohlen stop. From here, you’ll see the epic cave entry across the street.
Take the walk up (while admiring the view of the falls and the lake) and then purchase your tickets at the top. Admission is 19 CHF per adult.
You’ll then be able to explore the caves at your leisure stopping at all the points of interest. It was actually a much longer walk then I expected, so be sure to leave at least one hour to make it through the caves.
Then grab a quick lunch with a view overlooking Lake Thun.
Stop 3: Harder Kulm 4:00-7:00
In order to get back to Wengen, you will have to stop at the Interlaken OST station, so Harder Kulm is a great pit stop. From the Interlaken OST train station, it’s just a 6 minute walk to the base of the mountain.
Side note: Before taking the funicular to the top, be sure to check the webcams to make sure there is a view from the top. You can see all the Jungfrau region web cams here, or at the ticket booth!
After purchasing your ticket (34 CHF general, 17 CHF with Swiss pass, free with Jungfrau Rail Pass), you’ll take a quick 10-minute ride to the top. (You can hike to the top, but I recommend saving your hiking for at the top).
Once at the top, you’ll followed a short paved trail to the restaurant and overlook. It’s likely to be very busy and packed with a long line for photos at the corner of the viewpoint.
If you have energy left, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking the hiking trail (right before the restaurant) up to a much better viewpoint (about 1 steep mile up). You’ll find two benches at the top with some of the very best views.
Then, grab a pizza from the outdoor restaurant and enjoy dinner with a view!
Day 4: Lake Brienz
Stop 1: Hot Tub on Lake Brienz 8:30-11:30 (with transportation)
How cool is a hot tub boat?! The epic views do not hurt either. This was a plan B option on our itinerary due to the rain, but it turned out to be so much fun!
Hop on a train from Wengen to Brienz (1 hour 18 min) and then walk across the street to Pirate Bay Nautical Center where you can find these hot tub rentals (advanced reservation highly recommended). You then have the next 1.5 hours to float around the beautiful Lake Brienz. There’s even a latter on the boat so you can jump in!
Stop 2: Giessbach Falls 11:30-2:30
After your relaxing morning hot tubbing, head to the boat shuttle stop (right next to the Pirates Bay) and hop on the boat to the Giessbach See stop (included in your Swiss Rail Pass– see boat schedule here).
From here, you have the option to take a funicular to the top of the falls, or hike. We choose to hike as there are many amazing stops and overlooks along the way. Although you can hike further up, we stopped at the point where you walk behind the falls.
Be prepared though, these are some powerful falls and you will likely get soaked!
Stop 3: Aare Gorge 2:30-5:00
Take the boat shuttle back across the Brienz and then hop on a train to Meiringen (10 minutes) and then from Meiringen to Aareschlucht West or Ost (West was closed when we visited). Then, walk to the entry of the gorge to purchase your tickets (10 CHF).
It’s a fun and easy walk through the gorge about 1.6 km one way. Since the West train station was closed, we did have to walk there and back to get back to the Aareschlucht OST station.
Day 5: Lake Oeschinen
Stop 1: Kandersteg (all day)
This hike had been on my bucket list for quite some time, and even though the weather did not cooperate with us, it was still amazing!
From Wengen, you’ll take the train to Kandersteg (Train route: Wengen to Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost to Spiez to Kandersteg) which will take approximately 2.5 hours.
After arriving, you will have about a 15 minute walk to the train station to the gondola station. It’s flat, paved, and right through town.
After arriving at the gondola station, purchase your tickets (30 CHF general, 15 CHF with Swiss Rail Pass). Once at the top, you’ll then have a 30 minute easy walk to the lake (there is a paid shuttle as well)
Once at the lake, you can choose between different hikes, or walk to the restaurant, or rent a row boat. We hiked to the waterfall (pictured above). It was a short hike, but slightly sketchy as you can see in the picture!
And if you are lucky enough to have dry weather, there is an alpine slide at the mountain station.
After a full day exploring this lake, head back to Wengen for some dinner at Pasta and More (I know the name is funny, but it was our favorite meal of the trip).
Day 6: Grindelwald First and Pfingstegg
A trip to Grindelwald is a must during any Switzerland itinerary for 7 days! From Wengen, it’s just a 1 hour 15 minute train ride.
Side note: We choose to stay in Zurich this night due to an early morning flight the next day. This meant, we had to store our luggage during our day of adventures. We took the train to Interlaken Ost first and stored our bags in their lockers right outside the train station.
Stop 1: Grindelwald First (8:30-1:30)
After arriving at the Grindelwald train station, you have a short 10-minute walk to the FirstBahn Gondola Station. You can buy your tickets for the gondola and activities right at the station (you can also purchase activity tickets on the mountain, but we choose to get the bundle).
The gondola ride up is about 25 minutes with 3 separate stops depending on the activities you chose to do. We decided to do the First Flyer and the Mountain Carts (pictured below). Both were worth it, but be prepared to wait in line. I recommend trying to get to the zipline as close to opening as possible. The mountain carts line moved much faster.
Then, we got back in the gondola and headed to the top for a bite to eat and a walk out on the Cliff Walk.
If you have nicer weather than us, the hike to Lake Bachalpsee at the top as well. It’s a 4-mile round trip hike to a beautiful lake! Unfortuntealy, we had close to zero visibility at the top.
Click here for a full detailed guide to visiting Grindelwald First! (Coming Soon)
Stop 2: Grindelwald Pfingstegg
After heading back down from Grindelwald First, take a short walk across town to reach another adventure. Grindelwald Pfingstegg is home to yet another cable car, an alpine slide, a unique flyline, and a restaurant with an epic view.
These activities are located at a much lower elevation that Grindelwald first, so the visibility will likely be better as well (if visiting on a cloudy day).
You can purchase your tickets for the cable car, flyline, and alpine slide at the desk for just 32 CHF (for everything with the Swiss Travel Pass)
Day 7: Fly Home
Unfortunately, day 7 will be dedicated to flying home 🙁 If you have more time in Switzerland (or a late night flight), be sure to check out the ideas below!
Have more time? Other Adventurous Things to do near the Jungfrau Region
There are truly SO many things to do in the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland and I CAN NOT wait to get back someday. We had to change a few of our original plans due to heavy clouds and rain, but it still turned out to be the best time.
Below are more ideas to check out (or switch around) during your time in the Jungfrau Region.
- Murren Thrill Walk
- Grindelwald Gorge
- Paragliding
- Canyoning in Interlaken
- Visit Rhine Falls in Zurich
- Ride to the Top of Europe
Things to know BEFORE visiting Switzerland for the First Time
- Download the SBB Mobile App for easy planning of all train routes.
- Purchase a rail pass!! It will make your life much easier AND save you money. You just have to decide between the Jungfrau Region Pass or the Swiss Rail Pass.
- Book a hotel with breakfast. Food is expensive in Switzerland so this can save you quite a bit of money.
- Again, be prepared to spend some money on food. We typically paid between $20-$40 per plate. Yep, 6 chicken nuggets and fries were twenty dollars.
- Be prepared with back up options. On cloudy/rainy days, the visibility on the mountains will be terrible.
- Pack a wool layers, a rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes…just in case 🙂
FREE Switzerland Itinerary for 7 days!
As promised, here is a free printable Switzerland Itinerary for 7 days! Download and print it off to bring with you on your adventure! All my hours of research and experience will make your planning much easier 🙂
There ya have it! A complete and candid Switzerland itinerary for 7 days! I hope you find this guide helpful in planning your bucket list getaway to the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland!
As always, I am MORE THAN HAPPY to answer any questions about this trip or others you may be planning. Just send me a message on Instagram!
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