10 Swiss Destinations to Combine in One Trip (And the Best Way to Travel Between Them)

By Silvanna Pacheco, May 7, 2026

Switzerland is a country that feels designed for the “two-birds-one-stone” approach. Thanks to its compact size and legendary transit system, you can wake up in a medieval German-speaking city and fall asleep by a palm-fringed Italian-style lake. If you’re planning a trip for 2026, don’t just pick one base. These four curated combinations allow you to experience 10 distinct destinations (with a few hidden gems in between) while minimizing travel fatigue. Let our travel consultants design your next Swiss escapade.

Lucerne + Mürren: Peaks, Paintings, and Peace

This is the quintessential Swiss experience, balancing lakeside elegance with a dramatic mountain retreat. In Lucerne, the journey begins with a stroll through the medieval Old Town, where you can admire the 14th-century Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and its vibrant gable paintings. For the best panoramic views, a trip to Mount Pilatus via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or a boat cruise across the fjord-like Lake Lucerne is essential.

The journey continues via the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a premium panoramic train that skirts the turquoise shores of Lake Brienz and climbs the Brünig Pass. After reaching the valley floor, you will ascend by cable car to Mürren, a car-free village perched on a cliff ledge 400 meters above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Here, the focus shifts from history to total alpine immersion. From your balcony, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks feel close enough to touch.

While based in Mürren, you can take the cable car further up to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria for a 360-degree brunch at the rotating restaurant made famous by James Bond. For a gentle adventure, hike the Flower Trail or descend into the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” to witness the power of the Trümmelbach Falls, hidden inside the mountain. We recommend staying 3 nights in Lucerne and 3 nights in Mürren to fully appreciate the contrast between the city’s pulse and the mountain’s peak.

Bern + Gstaad + Montreux: Castles, Chic, and Chateaus

This route takes you from the UNESCO-listed capital of Bern into the upscale mountain meadows of Gstaad, ending at the “Swiss Riviera” in Montreux. It is a perfect blend of medieval history, luxury boutiques, and Mediterranean vibes. In Bern, the journey begins in a medieval dreamscape where you can watch the 16th-century astronomical clock of the Zytglogge perform its hourly mechanical dance before climbing the 344 steps of the Bern Minster for views over the turquoise Aare River.

From the capital, a scenic rail train brings you to the high-alpine glitz of Gstaad, a car-free village of ornate wooden chalets where luxury boutiques like Cartier sit alongside traditional cheese grottos. For a literal high point, take a quick trip to Glacier 3000 to cross the “Peak Walk”, the world’s only suspension bridge connecting two mountain summits. Visit our Blog article about Gstaad to uncover 7 Hidden Summer Experiences Only Locals Know.

The transition from the mountains to the lake is the highlight of the trip. Instead of a modern cabin, step into the GoldenPass Belle Époque train. Inspired by the legendary Orient Express, these coaches feature plush upholstered seats, polished wood paneling, and golden accents.

As you relax in 1930s elegance, the train climbs toward the highest point of the line before a dramatic descent. You’ll watch through large windows as the rugged peaks soften into the sunny, UNESCO-listed Lavaux vine terraces, with the expanse of Lake Geneva opening up before you.

Once at the shore, you can pay your respects at the Freddie Mercury statue, explore the beautiful Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) which sits directly on the water, or take the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye for a panoramic farewell to Lake Geneva. We recommend staying 3 nights in Bern, 3 nights in Gstaad, and 3 nights in Montreux to fully appreciate each town.

Chur + Ticino + Aletsch Arena: The Southbound Odyssey

This is for the traveler who wants the full spectrum of Swiss nature. Start in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, where you can wander through a car-free Old Town filled with hidden courtyards and visit the 800-year-old Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. For a quick nature fix, take the Brambrüesch cableway directly from the city center to high-alpine meadows.

Heading south, the transition to Ticino feels like entering another country. In Lugano, you can soak up the Mediterranean flair by strolling through the sub-tropical flora of Parco Ciani or taking the red funiculars up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for “Instagram-perfect” views of the lake and the Italian Alps.

Finally, your odyssey peaks at the Aletsch Arena. Here, you’ll trade palm trees for the Great Aletsch Glacier. Accessible only by cable car, the car-free villages of Bettmeralp and Riederalp offer front-row seats to this 23-kilometer ice giant; a hike to the Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn viewpoints is mandatory to truly grasp the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

We recommend staying 3 nights in each destination to fully experience each town. From Chur to Ticino board the postal bus going through mountain villages and alpine scenery that remains inaccessible to the main rail lines. Continue your journey via the Centovalli Railway. This narrow-gauge train crosses 83 bridges and viaducts as it winds through deep gorges and chestnut forests toward Domodossola, where you’ll catch a quick connection into the heart of the Valais and the Aletsch Arena. Our team will help you find the perfect accommodations for your budget and preferences.

Zurich + St. Moritz: Urban Chic to High-Altitude Glitz

In Zurich, your adventure starts in a city that masterfully balances high-finance sophistication with a laid-back lakeside soul. Spend your morning wandering the winding alleys of the Altstadt (Old Town) to see the iconic twin towers of Grossmünster, then head to Bahnhofstrasse for some of the world’s most exclusive window shopping. For a true local experience, take a dip in one of the “Badis” (river or lake pools) or enjoy a sunset drink at Zürich West, an industrial district turned creative hub.

As you transition toward the Engadin Valley, arrive at St. Moritz, a legendary resort that offers more than just glitzy boutiques and world-class hotels; it is a gateway to raw wilderness. You can walk the scenic path around Lake St. Moritz, take the funicular up to Corviglia for endless alpine vistas. For a true 2026 highlight, a trip to Muottas Muragl at sunset offers what is widely considered the most beautiful view in all of Switzerland, overlooking the vast plateau of the Upper Engadin lakes.

To perfectly blend urban exploration with Alpine luxury, we recommend 2 nights in Zurich and 3 nights in St. Moritz. While driving the Julier Pass offers incredible freedom, the Bernina Express route is the undisputed champion of this journey. Taking the train allows you to cross the Landwasser Viaduct, a 65-meter-high curved limestone bridge that leads directly into a cliffside tunnel, a UNESCO World Heritage experience that is completely inaccessible by car. The Albula Line is also an option for relaxing in a panoramic carriage as the train conquers dramatic height differences through a series of spiral tunnels and high-altitude galleries, delivering you into St. Moritz in total comfort.

Planning a multi-stop Swiss itinerary can feel like a puzzle. Whether you want to ride the world’s most scenic rails or find the perfect boutique hotel in a car-free village, we’ll connect the dots for you. Start planning your Swiss vacation with us today!

10 Swiss Destinations to Combine in One Trip (And the Best Way to Travel Between Them)

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