Winter Highlights of Switzerland

Day by day itinerary | Inclusions | Routing

Travel via the scenic routes to the highlights of Switzerland

Combine medieval Lucerne with the famous Chapel Bridge, Interlaken, the gateway to the three mighty mountains Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau and the car free village Zermatt at the foot of the spectacular Matterhorn. The highlights of this Switzerland tour are the excursions to Mt. Titlis, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe and Gornergrat with the best view of the Matterhorn as well as 29 other 4,000 m peaks.

This tour shows you the highlights of Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. You will scale the most famous mountain peaks. Mt. Titlis with views over the mountains in central Switzerland will be the first stop. Then you will visit the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the highest railway station in Europe, where you get to see the longest glacier of the Alps, the Aletsch glacier with 22 km length. Finally the most famous mountain in Switzerland, actually on the border to Italy, the Matterhorn will be visited. Not the mountain itself because the summit is only accessible to experienced mountaineers, but the Gornergrat at almost 3,000 m. Consequently, it is from this viewpoint, where the greatest number of 4,000 m peaks can be seen on a clear day.

The new Eiger Express ion its way to Eigergletscher

Day 1 – Arrival in Switzerland

Whether from any of the 3 Swiss international airports (Zurich/Zürich, Basle/Basel or Geneva/Geneve) or by train from Germany, France, Austria or Italy, the package includes the train trip from Swiss international airports or the border station to Lucerne/Luzern and at the end back to the airport or border station, so no need to buy any additional train ticket. All travel within Switzerland is included! And as an extra benefit, with this package tour all further excursions by train, mountain train, cable car, boat or bus can be obtained for half the price.

When you have arrived in Lucerne there may certainly be some time to explore the beautiful city. Of course you can visit the historic district with the famous Chapel bridge. However, also the narrow streets are worthwhile a stroll and above all, the Lion Monument is a must see and also close by. Next to the Lion Monument, you can visit the Glacier Garden. Lucerne was covered by a glacier 10,000 years ago and the traces are still visible.

Overnight in Lucerne

Day 2 – Excursion to Mt. Titlis

From Lucerne you will take the train to the mountain village Engelberg, which is worth a visit oas well. There is a monastery, founded in 1120, and it can be visited.

Upon arrival there, and a short walk to the valley station, you board the gondola which takes you up to the Truebsee and on to Stand and finally the revolving Titlis rotair cable car (the first of its kind) takes you up to Mt. Titlis (3,020 m). This glaciated mountain peak offers great views, for example you can see even the mountains near the Matterhorn, but you have to look closely and use a binocular. For a spectacular, close-up insight into a glacier, why don’t you visit the glacier cave. Alternatively you could ride the Ice Flyer chairlift. Get your thrills on the Titlis Cliff Walk, a spectacular suspension bridge at a height of 3,041 m.

Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 3 – Lucerne-Interlaken

After the Swiss breakfast buffet (included with all overnight) a short walk or taxi ride will bring you to the station. There, the Luzern Interlaken Express, the red train which is part of the GoldenPass Line, will be waiting for you, however, but don’t be late as the Swiss are famous for their punctuality. The train will leave on time!

After the departure you will enjoy the first part of the GoldenPass Line in the panoramic train. Why don’t you enjoy a hot or cold meal, a beverage or a snack? There is a restaurant car located in the middle of the train. On your trip to Interlaken you will pass by 5 lakes. Especially the last one, Lake Brienz, is extremely beautiful.

Luzern Interlaken Express above Lake Brienz in winter

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 4 – Excursion Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Today’s full day excursion takes you up to a unique, high alpine glacier world. You will reach Europe’s highest altitude railway station (3,454 m) aboard the legendary Jungfrau Railway. This mountain railway was built back in the late 19th century and opened on August 1, 1912. Originally the engineers planned to reach the summit of the Jungfrau (4,158 m), however in 1912 the financials did not permit to go on with the construction and consequently World War I put an end to the project. Now the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is the highest railway station and the highlight of every tour through Switzerland.

The Eiger Express gondola permits breathtaking views to the Eiger North Face. This very steep wall is one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps. It was the greatest climbing challenge in the 1930’s. Numerous stories about these climbs and fatal accidents can be told.

At the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe you can see the longest glacier of the Alps, the Aletsch Glacier, 22 km long! For instance, you can hike over the glacier to the nearby Moenchsjoch hut. Don’t miss the view from the Sphinx terrace, which can be reached by one of the fastest elevators in Switzerland. Subsequently, you can pay a visit to the Ice Palace and go inside the glacier and see the sculptures, in order to complete your visit.

Overnight in Interlaken

Day 5 – Interlaken-Zermatt

After you have had an impressive day at the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe it is time to continue to Zermatt. First you will ride along Lake Thun, then, after a change of trains in Spiez, you will continue through the 34 km long Loeschberg base tunnel, which is Switzerland’s second longest, to Visp. Here you will take the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway train and eventually reach Zermatt on the foot of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car free village. All transport within the village is by electric cars or sometimes even horse carriages. Above all, Zermatt is well known because of the Matterhorn, which was climbed for the first time in 1865. The first climb, however was overshadowed by the tragedy on the descent when 4 of the 7 climbers died because one of them slipped. When visiting the Matterhorn Museum, try to find the broken rope…

As Zermatt is a very famous winter sports destination, hotels are often fully booked. In such a case you would stay in Brig or Visp and do a day excursion to Zermatt.

Overnight in Zermatt

Zermatt in winter with the Matterhorn

Day 6 – Zermatt-Gornergrat

The cogwheel railway takes you to the Gornergrat (3,089 m). This magnificent viewpoint, not only has one of the best views of the Matterhorn, but also shows you the greatest collection of the highest glacier covered peaks of Switzerland. Take your time to enjoy the view, it’s worth it. A wonderful excursion to finish your Highlights of Switzerland tour.

Overnight in Zermatt

Day 7 – Individual Departure

It is time to say goodbye. However, even the journey back to the airport or border station follows through the beautiful Swiss landscapes. Depending your destination, we recommend a stopover in the city of Geneva, Bern or Zurich. Because all train stations in Switzerland are conveniently located in the centre of each Swiss city, you can easily go for a quick tour of the city. You can store your luggage safely in the luggage lockers, that you find at almost every station.
Alternatively, another tour can be added or you may want to stay a few extra days in Switzerland.

Routing

You can start or end the tour at any Swiss airport or border station.
Depending the hotel availability in Zermatt, those overnights might be replaced by either, Brig, Visp or other nearby town.

Highlights of Switzerland route