The Ultimate Switzerland Itinerary: Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt, St. Moritz & Scenic Trains to Lake Como

If Switzerland has been on your bucket list, let me just say this — it is even more magical in person ✨

This was one of those trips where every single stop felt like a postcard… but what I loved most was how each destination had its own vibe.

From peaceful lakes to dramatic mountains, luxury alpine towns, and some of the most scenic train rides in the world — this trip truly had everything 🤍

In this post, I’m sharing:

  • Exactly what I did 🗺️
  • Where I stayed 🏨
  • The best tourist experiences at each stop ✨
  • And how you can book it all for yourself 💻

✈️ Day 1: Zurich → Lucerne (The Perfect Start)

I landed in Zurich and went straight to Lucerne, and I would absolutely do that again.

It’s only about an hour by train, but it immediately feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale 🌿

✨ What I Did:

  • Walked across Chapel Bridge 🌸
  • Wandered through Old Town (no plan needed)
  • Sat along the lake and watched the sunset
  • Took in the mountain views everywhere

🚠 The Golden Round Trip (Must-Do Experience)

One of the highlights of my time in Lucerne was doing the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus – and I highly recommend it.

This experience includes:

  • 🚤 A scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne
  • 🚞 A ride on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world
  • 🚡 Panoramic gondolas with insane mountain views

👉 It’s one of the best ways to see Switzerland from multiple perspectives in one day.

The views at the top are absolutely breathtaking — mountains in every direction.


💭 My Take:

If you only do one “tour” in Lucerne — make it this.

It’s the perfect mix of:

  • Relaxing
  • Scenic
  • Bucket list worthy

👉 Lucerne is the perfect place to ease into your trip – calm, scenic, and not overwhelming after a long flight.

🏔️ Day 2–3: Grindelwald (My Favorite Stop)

Grindelwald was easily my favorite part of the trip 💚

The views here don’t even look real — waterfalls, green valleys, snow-capped peaks… everywhere you turn is stunning.

🏨 Where I Stayed:

👉 Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald

✨ Best Things to Do:

  • First Cliff Walk (easy + incredible views)
  • First Flyer Zipline
  • Gondola rides through the mountains
  • Scenic hiking trails

🪂 Paragliding in Grindelwald (Highlight of My Trip)

This was something I was nervous about at first… but once we were in the air, it was so peaceful.

Floating over the Alps, waterfalls, and tiny villages below was something I will never forget.

👉 If you’re even thinking about it — DO IT.

⛰️ Day 4–5: Zermatt (Seeing the Matterhorn in Person)

Zermatt felt like such a shift — more elevated, more luxurious, and just stunning.

And of course… the Matterhorn 🤍

🏨 Where I Stayed:

Mont Cervin Palace

One of the biggest reasons I loved staying at Mont Cervin Palace was how incredibly convenient the location is.

It’s right in the heart of Zermatt, which makes everything so easy — especially since Zermatt is a car-free village.

  • You’re just about a 5–10 minute walk from the train station, which is huge when you’re arriving with luggage 🚆
  • It’s only a short walk to the Gornergrat Railway, so getting to those iconic Matterhorn views is super easy ⛰️
  • You’re surrounded by shops, restaurants, and everything in the main village 🛍️

👉 I didn’t have to think about transportation at all — everything was just steps away.

And honestly, after moving between destinations, that level of convenience made the stay feel even more relaxing.


✨ Must-Do Experiences:

  • Gornergrat Railway (best Matterhorn views)
  • Walking through the village
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

🚆 Day 6: Glacier Express (Bucket List Train Ride)

The Glacier Express is one of those experiences that completely lives up to the hype ✨

You’re sitting in panoramic windows watching:

  • Snow-covered mountains
  • Deep valleys
  • Tiny Swiss villages

👉 It’s slow, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.

🌄 Day 7–8: St. Moritz (Luxury + Views + Slower Pace)

After the Glacier Express, arriving in St. Moritz felt like stepping into a completely different side of Switzerland.

Everything here feels more:

  • Polished ✨
  • Upscale 🛍️
  • Relaxed 🤍

🏨 Where I Stayed:

Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

🌄 Going Up to Piz Nair (Must-Do)

One of my favorite experiences here was going up to Piz Nair.

The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking — you can see across the entire Engadin valley and surrounding peaks.

This was one of those quiet moments where I just stood there and took everything in.


✨ Things to Do:

  • Walk around Lake St. Moritz
  • Explore the town center
  • Enjoy a relaxing lunch with a view
  • Take scenic lifts

💭 My Take:

After Grindelwald and Zermatt, St. Moritz felt like a reset — slower, quieter, and more about soaking it all in.

🇮🇹 Day 9: Bernina Express → Lake Como (The Perfect Ending)

This might have been the most dramatic scenery change of the entire trip.

You go from:
❄️ Snow-covered mountains
➡️ 🌲 Alpine lakes
➡️ 🌴 Palm trees

…and suddenly you’re in Italy 🇮🇹

Ending in Lake Como was the perfect, dreamy finale.?

💖 Final Thoughts

This trip was truly unforgettable.

From:

  • Paragliding in Grindelwald 🪂
  • Seeing the Matterhorn 🏔️
  • Riding scenic trains through the Alps 🚆
  • Ending in Lake Como 🇮🇹

Switzerland is one of those places that lives up to every expectation — and then some.

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