Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne–Interlaken–Zermatt [Scenic Trains] | Komfytrip

Imagine gliding past turquoise lakes, through lush green valleys, and beneath the shadow of snow-capped Alpine giants, all from the comfort of a panoramic train. This is the magic of Switzerland, a country that seems tailor-made for exploration by rail. For a first-time visitor, the sheer beauty can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, it's a dream trip that unfolds seamlessly.

This 7-day itinerary follows the classic route from the charming city of Lucerne to the adventure capital of Interlaken and finally to the iconic mountain village of Zermatt. Your golden ticket for this journey is the Swiss Travel Pass, an all-in-one pass that simplifies travel and unlocks countless experiences. Let's get on board!

Quick Overview:

Use a Swiss Travel Pass (6 or 8 days) for unlimited trains/boats/buses and museum entry; add optional seat reservations on the Luzern–Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express (mandatory only in Prestige class), and mandatory reservations on the Glacier Express if you extend to St. Moritz. Expect 25% off Jungfraujoch with STP and 50% off Gornergrat & most lifts (pay at the mountain company). Download SBB Mobile for live platforms, tickets, and delays.

The Perfect 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary (Lucerne to Zermatt)

This route is logically clustered to minimize backtracking and maximize scenery.

Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Transfer to Lucerne (Base 1)

1. Getting There: From Zürich Airport (ZRH), take the direct train to Lucerne (Luzern), a journey of about one hour.
2. Afternoon: Settle in and explore Lucerne’s enchanting Old Town. Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, see the poignant Lion Monument, and in the evening, enjoy a golden-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne. (The scenic lake boats are fully included in your Swiss Travel Pass).

Day 2: A Day in the Mountains – Pilatus or Rigi

You have two classic choices for a mountain excursion from Lucerne:

1. Option A (The Classic): Mount Rigi. Known as the "Queen of the Mountains," this trip is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (including the boat from Lucerne and the cogwheel train to the top). It's a fantastic, hassle-free option.
2. Option B (The Dragon): Mount Pilatus. This offers a thrilling "Golden Round Trip" involving a boat, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and a cable car. The STP provides partial coverage and discounts on this route.

Day 3: Lucerne to Interlaken via the Luzern–Interlaken Express

1. Morning: Board the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a breathtaking 2-hour panoramic train journey that glides past five crystal-clear lakes, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
2. Afternoon: Arrive in Interlaken (Base 2). For a stunning introductory view, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm. Alternatively, stroll along the promenade or take a boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz (both covered by your STP).

Day 4: The Jungfrau Region (Pick One Epic Adventure)

1. Option A (Top of Europe): Jungfraujoch. Take the modern Eiger Express cable car or the traditional cogwheel train to the highest railway station in Europe. With the STP, your travel is free up to Wengen or Grindelwald, and you get a 25% discount on the final, expensive leg to the summit.
2. Option B (Views & Thrills): Mürren–Schilthorn or Grindelwald-First. For stunning hikes, cliff walks, and equally impressive (but more affordable) views, head to these peaks. Mountain lifts are typically 50% off with the STP.

Day 5: Interlaken to Zermatt (Base 3)

1. The Journey: Take the scenic train route from Interlaken Ost via Spiez and Visp. The final leg from Visp to Zermatt winds through the dramatic Mattertal gorge, offering your first glimpses of the high Alps.
2. Evening: Arrive in the car-free village of Zermatt. Wander through its charming lanes and find a viewpoint to watch the sunset illuminate the iconic peak of the Matterhorn.

Day 6: Unforgettable Matterhorn Views

1. Option A (The Railway): Gornergrat. Take the historic Gornergrat Railway to a panoramic ridge with unparalleled views of the Matterhorn, glaciers, and surrounding peaks. The journey is 50% off with the STP.
2. Option B (The Cable Car): Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Ride Europe's highest cable car for a different, up-close perspective of the Matterhorn. This is also typically 50% off with your STP.

Day 7: Zermatt Flex Day & Departure

1. Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy an easy hike like the 5-Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg), have a classic cheese fondue lunch, or explore the dramatic Gorner Gorge.
2. Optional Big Finish: For the ultimate scenic train experience, ride the legendary Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur or St. Moritz. This is a full-day journey and requires a mandatory seat reservation.

Your Guide to the Scenic Trains on This Route

Understanding reservation rules is key to a stress-free trip.

1. Luzern–Interlaken Express: This panoramic journey is part of the regular public transport network. No seat reservations are required (or possible, except for Bistro seats). Just hop on with your Swiss Travel Pass.
2. GoldenPass Express (Interlaken to Montreux detour):
3. Prestige Class: Seat reservation is mandatory.
4. 1st/2nd Class: Reservation is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially during peak season, as capacity is limited.
5. Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz): A seat reservation is compulsory for all passengers in all classes, in addition to having a valid ticket or pass like the STP.

Passes & Tickets Explained (2025 Quick Guide)

1. Swiss Travel Pass (STP): Your best friend for this itinerary. It comes in 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive day options and offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus free entry to over 500 museums. Mountain lifts are generally 50% off (with the key exception of 25% for Jungfraujoch).
2. SBB Mobile App: Download this app! It's essential for checking live train timetables, platform numbers, delay alerts, and even viewing how crowded a train is likely to be.
3. Luggage Service: To travel light between bases, use the SBB luggage service. You can send your bags ahead from station to station (or even door to door) and they’ll be waiting for you when you arrive.

Switzerland Budget in INR (Per Person, Per Day)

This is a planning guide (excluding international flights). Costs for mountain lifts and train supplements will vary.

1. Shoestring: ₹9,000 – ₹13,000. This covers hostels, supermarket lunches, and one paid mountain lift every other day.
2. Comfort: ₹16,000 – ₹24,000. This allows for 3-star hotels, a mix of casual dining, and 1-2 major mountain excursions.
3. Splurge: ₹28,000 – ₹45,000. This covers boutique hotels, premium train classes, top viewpoints, and fine dining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Swiss Travel Pass include the trip to Jungfraujoch?

A:Not fully. The pass covers your travel for free up to the villages of Wengen or Grindelwald. For the final section to the "Top of Europe," you receive a 25% discount.

Is the Gornergrat railway included in the STP?

A:It is not fully included, but your Swiss Travel Pass gives you a 50% discount on the ticket price.

Do I need seat reservations on the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

A:No, reservations are not required for regular seats in 1st or 2nd class. You can simply board with your valid pass.

Are GoldenPass Express reservations mandatory?

A:Only for the luxurious Prestige class. For 1st and 2nd class, reservations are not mandatory but are highly recommended, especially in summer.

Is the Glacier Express reservation compulsory?

A:Yes, a seat reservation is mandatory for every single passenger, regardless of whether you are using a Swiss Travel Pass or a standard ticket.

Which app should I use for trains in Switzerland?

A:The SBB Mobile app is the official and most reliable app for all live timetables, platform information, and ticketing needs.