Paraglide between the scenic valleys of Lauterbrunnen, experience one of many world’s steepest open-air funiculars, and catch the dawn in opposition to the long-lasting “Toblerone” Matterhorn mountain — all for below S$2.3k throughout six cities on this Switzerland itinerary.
Majestic mountains, deep forestry and azure blue skies. Switzerland is each bit true to its identify, however nothing ready me for the sheer gorgeousness of that imagery to be multiplied by a thousand in individual. I imply, may you think about waking as much as the view above day by day? 😍
Switzerland is an costly vacation spot — a normal meal at McDonalds prices ~S$15, that claims so much eh? — however this itinerary will show that you simply don’t must be loopy wealthy (or asian, for that matter) to expertise the perfect of Switzerland below a S$2.3k funds.
We’re speaking about visiting the valley that impressed a scene in The Lord of The Rings film, watching the dawn on the Matterhorn mountain, and sliding down the Fräkigaudi Sommer with the Swiss Alps within the background, amongst others.
Price range Breakdown for 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary Throughout 6 Cities
This Switzerland itinerary begins off in Zürich. Flight costs aren’t included within the funds since they fluctuate all yr spherical, however you possibly can examine them out right here:
Travelling with the Swiss Journey Move
Except you’re renting a automobile to drive (petrol is loopy costly btw!), the Swiss Journey Move is an absolute important for getting round Switzerland with out bursting your funds.
Other than together with prepare rides, the Swiss Journey Move additionally covers an in depth community of buses, boats and 500 museums throughout the nation. Take a look at our information to maximising the Swiss Journey Movefor extra particulars on what’s lined and what’s not.
The Swiss Journey Move is accessible in 3, 4, 8 and 15 days however for this itinerary, the 8-day move labored greatest! We flew into Zürich, rented a automobile to cowl our first day of transport to Lucerne and round, earlier than activating the move for Day two to 9. As soon as again in Zürich, you will get across the metropolis both by strolling or with the ZVV day-pass — legitimate for 24-hours. Utilizing the move solely inside Zürich meant that we had been protecting two zones, which set us again at CHF17.60/pax for the day.
An hour away from Zürich Airport, spend two days within the historic metropolis of Lucerne. Discover its charismatic previous city, get to the highest of Mt Pilatus by way of the well-known Golden Spherical Journey, take pleasure in a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps from Mount Rigi, and make sure you go to the Victorinox Museum to get your individual personalised Swiss Military Knife!
*Replace (15 Aug 2022): The Victorinox Museum (aka the Swiss Knife Valley customer centre) is completely closed.
Lodging: Airbnb — non-public room in a shared condominium for 3 pax at ~S$178/evening, 15mins from Lucerne principal station Transport: Commute by way of public trains with the 24-hour ZVV day-pass or hire a automobile from Zürich Airport and drop off in Lucerne (~CHF100/day, ~S$137).
Admire Lucerne’s medieval structure together with Europe’s oldest wood-covered bridge of Kapellbrücke, and the 9 fortified towers of Musegg Wall. You would spend the afternoon having fun with espresso by the Reus riverside at Mill’feuille, or get a drink with a chook’s eye view of Lucerne on the elaborately-decorated Resort Château Gütsch bar at evening.
How one can get there: Stroll throughout the Bahnhof Luzern (principal prepare station) to the previous city space. The previous city is located alongside the Reus river.
Make Your Personal Swiss Military Knife: Victorinox Model Retailer (Brunnen)
Whereas there are Victorinox shops throughout Switzerland, this explicit Victorinox Outlet in Brunnen is a retailer, museum and customer centre multi function. However the spotlight for us was getting hands-on and making our personal Swiss Military Knife from scratch — the method solely takes quarter-hour, and you’ll even get your identify engraved on the finish. Superior bookings by way of e-mail for this expertise is required.
In addition to wandering across the museum, there’s additionally a 1.5-hour tour to study all concerning the household enterprise and its merchandise, together with a go to to the chocolate manufacturing unit and vineyard! Go large or go residence — boost your tour expertise by including on fringe actions to the agenda. Assume: A spherical journey on the Urnersee cruise to see Lake Lucerne, a half-day hike in historic Switzerland, or ingesting brandy on the Arnold Dettling AG Kirsch Distillery tour, simply to call a couple of.
Price: CHF35/customised knife (~S$48) — Entrance to the museum is free Opening Hours (Customer Heart):Varies. Handle: Bahnhofstrasse 3, 6440 Brunnen Switzerland (There are a couple of Victorinox retailers within the space so make sure you key within the precise deal with!)
Go to the Highest Outside Carry in Europe: Hammetschwand Carry
Positioned on the prime of Bürgenstock mountain, the Hammetschwand raise is the best outside raise in Europe and affords a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne. Sadly, this one’s solely accessible by automobile however is a less expensive choice to Pilatus or Titlis (particularly with out the Swiss Journey Move).
Price: CHF13 (two-way on the raise), CHF10 (one-way) Opening Hours: 9:30AM – 6PM How one can get there: Park your automobile at Resort Villa Honegg and hike one hour alongside the Felsenweg (Rock Path) Handle: Bürgenstock Resort, Felsenweg, 6363 Bürgenstock
Ascend to Mount Pilatus by way of the “Golden Spherical Journey”
The well-known Golden Spherical Journey takes you to varied factors of Mount Pilatus by means of 5 totally different modes of transport — by boat, cogwheel prepare, aerial cable means and cable automobile up, adopted by a bus again to Lucerne Station. Take a look at the Golden Spherical Journey interactive map to know how the route works (extra particulars in our Swiss Journey Move information)!
On the peak, there are various mountain climbing trails accessible however our favorite is the 40-minute Tomlishorn hike. A ‘low effort, excessive returns’ hike, this path is a straightforward one with countless photogenic views that get higher as you stroll on. To get to the start line, stroll previous the restaurant space, and also you’ll see the signage to the beginning of the hike.
On the descend, take the aerial cable means and get off at Fräkmüntegg station for the Fräkigaudi Toboggan (CHF8/experience) — Switzerland’s longest Summer time Toboggan Run at 1,350m lengthy. Regulate the deal with to fit your want for velocity as you zoom down the curves of the slide. As soon as on the backside, don’t fear about lugging your Toboggan again up since you’ll get pulled again as much as the highest.
Should you intend to take pictures or movies, strap your GoPro to your physique as a result of each fingers are wanted to manoeuvre the Toboggan.
The whole travelling time up and down Mount Pilatus takes ~2.5 hours. Consider one hour to experience the Fräkigaudi Toboggan and additional time to discover Mount Pilatus itself, so put aside about 4-6 hours for the entire expertise.
Price: CHF108. CHF36 with Swiss Journey Move. Transport Hours: First cogwheel experience up from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus at 8:30AM. Final connection all the way down to Kriens on the cableway leaves Pilatus Kulm at 5:30PM. Beginning Level: Luzern (principal station) for the prepare or boat experience to Alpnachstad OR Kriens (take bus no.1 from Luzern principal station)
Picnic With A View at Mt Rigi
The prepare experience as much as Mount Rigi is solely free for Swiss Journey Move holders, so that you’ll wish to go to this on the day your move is activated. There are two routes up and down Rigi Kulm — both take the cogwheel prepare from Arth-Goldau (37mins) or Vitznau station (32mins).
From there, it’s a 15-minute hike to the highest the place you possibly can view over 13 lakes and the entire of the Swiss Alps in a full 360-degree panoramic view. The clear skies, huge grass plains, and recent Swiss air make for an ideal picnic!
Price: CHF72 (Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm), CHF45 (Rigi Kulm to Vitznau). Free for Swiss Journey Move holders Opening Hours: Varies Beginning Level: Arth-Goldau OR Vitznau station
Day 3 – 5: Interlaken
Interlaken, a backpacker-friendly metropolis and the proper base for day journeys to surrounding adventures.
What to anticipate:Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen — between valleys that impressed the LOTR motion pictures, using the Gelmerbahn — Switzerland’s steepest open-air Funicular, difficult your vertigo on the Thrill Stroll — 200m-long walkway manufactured from glass and metallic wires, and final however not least, making it to Jungfraujoch — the best prepare station in Europe.
Lodging:Backpacker’s Villa Interlaken (Hostel) — CHF43/mattress in a 6-bed blended dorm, 10mins stroll from Interlaken OST Station, or 5mins experience on Bus 102 (in the direction of Interlaken West) alighting at Sonnenhof Station From Lucerne – Interlaken: Trip the Luzern-Interlaken Specific (~120mins). It departs each hour from 7:05AM to three:05PM besides 8:05AM.
A cargo-railway traditionally constructed to move heavy supplies for the development of the Gelmer dam, the Gelmer Funicular is now a funicular attraction, the steepest of its type with an inclination of over 106 levels. Open air and securing its passengers with just one bar throughout, this funicular experience is for the acrophiles on the market. Queue early to get seats within the first two rows for unobstructed views as you ascend!
On the prime, take a brief five-minute hike to see the Gelmer Lake and its turquoise waters. It’s attainable to hike round the entire lake (~2hrs 50mins) however the perfect views are most likely from the suitable facet, in the direction of the dam and solely a five-minute hike.
As soon as again down, proceed your journey by mountain climbing to the Handeck Suspension Bridge. It hangs 70m above the Handeck gorge, with a view of the Handeck Waterfall.
Price: CHF32 CHF (two-way), CHF16 (single journey) Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM (Jun, Sep – Oct), 9AM – 5PM (Jul – Aug) How one can get there: Take the Line 470 Prepare from Interlaken OST, adopted by Bus 171 (2hrs 17mins). Alight on the Handegg, Gelmerbahn bus cease.
*Professional-tip:Guide two-way tickets three days upfront as tickets promote out rapidly! Should you solely have a one-way ticket to the highest, the one means down is a two-hour hike.
Discover Iseltwald and Lake Brienz
The small fishing village of Iseltwald is a hidden gem with cosy vacation chalets and leisure actions like kayaking.
Stroll down the quaint streets and see the Iseltwald Fortress throughout the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Whereas most individuals go to the Lake Brienz Station to benefit from the lake, we really feel that the view from Iseltwald is extra magical. Have a picnic right here, and watch the solar set throughout the horizon!
How one can get there: From Interlaken Ost station, take bus 103 to the final cease of Iseltwald Dorfplatz (15mins).
Paraglide over Lauterbrunnen
There are a couple of paragliding spots from Interlaken however nothing beats the expertise of flying between the valleys of Lauterbrunnen. Operating off from Mürren, we flew actually near rock faces, waterfalls, and over the scenic village huts of Lauterbrunnen, all whereas having fun with the Swiss Alps within the distance. I don’t suppose there’s wherever else on the earth with an expertise like this.
Should you’re assured, you may even get an opportunity to take over the flight for bit! For the daredevils, you’ll even get to take pleasure in their signature “curler coaster” as they spend the final minute or two making sharp drops and swerves earlier than touchdown safely on the bottom. Your coronary heart is bound to get an excellent wholesome dose of adrenaline for the day.
We signed up with Airtime Paragliding, which entitles you to a free drink (a espresso, sizzling chocolate or perhaps a beer!) on the Airtime Cafe in Lauterbrunnen city.
Price: CHF170 (~S$232). Further CHF40 for GoPro rental. Bookings:E-mail or name +41 (0)79 247 84 63 Assembly Level: Airtime Cafe — 10-minute stroll from Lauterbrunnen station
The James Bond Expertise: Schilthorn
Proper subsequent to the touchdown spot for paragliding is the cable automobile station that brings you as much as Schilthorn. Swiss Journey Move holders get to experience this cable automobile free of charge! Simply present your tickets on the counter to gather your ticket.
Make a pit cease at Birg Station for the Thrill Stroll — a 200m walkway of clear glass panels and grills overlooking plunging depths of over 2,670m. Should you’re feeling lion-hearted, lie flat on the clear glass panels for the complete vertigo impact!
After that, hop on the subsequent cable automobile to go additional as much as the Piz Gloria Schilthorn Summit — the precise set of ‘James Bond: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Stroll across the James Bond museum or dine above the clouds on the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.
Price: CHF82.60 (roundtrip). Free with Swiss Journey Move. Opening Hours: 7:25AM – 4:25PM How one can get there: From Lauterbrunnen, take bus No. 141 to the Stechelberg Schilthornbahn. The cable automobile to Mürren departs each 30mins. Alternatively, take a cable automobile from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then a prepare to Mürren.
Go to Europe’s Highest Prepare Station: Jungfraujoch
Get 3,454m above sea stage at Jungfraujoch for icy air and views of Switzerland’s 4,000m peaks. Whereas there’s a excessive likelihood that the view above will likely be foggy, the experience on the Jungfrau railway is arguably some of the scenic!
Earlier than leaving, ship a postcard at Europe’s highest mailbox. Stamps might be bought for CHF2 and postcards for CHF3, however you possibly can carry your individual postcard.
Price: CHF197.20, CHF137.40 with Swiss Journey Move Opening Hours: First prepare leaves Interlaken OST at 6:35AM (arrives each 30mins). Click on right here for detailed timings. How one can get there: From Interlaken OST Station, take the Bernese Oberland Railway to both Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald (20/35mins). At both station, take the Wengernalp WAB cogwheel prepare to Kleine Scheidegg Station (30–45mins). Lastly, switch to the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch (50mins with two sightseeing stops).
Hike Grindelwald First for gorgeous lake views
Positioned within the coronary heart of the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald First is an adventurer’s playground. Be it on the best way as much as Grindelwald’s peak, or on the best way down, — there are mountain climbing trails and thrill-activities populating the entire space, promising continuous alpine pleasure.
Trip the gondola as much as the Mount First Prime Station, and begin your Grindelwald Hike to Lake Bachalpsee. That is a straightforward hike that crosses alpine meadows to the Bernese Alps. The reward: the crystal-blue, (actually) glistening Bachalpsee Lake, with the peaks of Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn within the distance!
Wanna strive the whole lot? Go for the cheaper 4-in-1 bundle (Grindelwald First Prime Journey), which units off from Zürich and offers you a full day of thrill actions and sightseeing on the identical time.
Grindelwald Firstbahn Gondola Price: CHF30 (50% low cost with Swiss Journey Move) Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM. Examine web site for updates. How one can get there: SBB Prepare from Interlaken OST to Grindewald (~33mins)
Day 6: Montreux
Crossing into Montreux, you’ll first realise the stark distinction between the German-speaking cities of Lucerne and Interlaken and French-speaking Montreux. Apart from its French-influenced structure, Montreux has the Swiss Alps as a backdrop and Lake Geneva at its doorstep. It’s a spot to unwind as a result of its serene environment and slower tempo of life. Even attending to Montreux by way of the Golden Move Line is an expertise in itself. See Switzerland’s grandest fortress Château de Chillon, stroll alongside the romantic streets of Vevey, and take a detour to the Leukerbad Thermal Baths earlier than hitting the subsequent metropolis (Zermatt).
Lodging: Airbnb — non-public room in a rental unit match for one pax — ~S$85/evening, 10mins stroll from Montreux principal station.
A well-known route between Interlaken to Montreux is the Golden Move Line which brings you alongside the dreamiest sights throughout Switzerland, full with panoramic ceilings on the two-hour experience. The service runs as soon as each two hours.
Should you miss this prepare, there are numerous native trains that go from Interlaken to Montreux however by way of Bern as a substitute of Zweisimmen.
Château de Chillon is called Switzerland’s grandest fortress for good cause. Wealthy in historical past, the fortress has been inhabited by three royal households. Take a guided fortress tour or discover the highlights for your self — make sure you take a look at the courtyard, nice halls and chapel.
Outdoors, take an idyllic stroll alongside the riverside. There’s a small seaside to the left of the fortress for photograph alternatives, or a fast dip in the summertime.
Entrance Price: CHF12.50. Free with Swiss Journey Move. Opening Hours:Varies How one can get there: Take Bus 201 from Montreux station (9mins). Drop off at Chillon Station and also you’ll have the ability to see the fortress.
Day Journey to Vevey
An enthralling small city proper subsequent to Montreux, Vevey is called one of many ‘Pearls of the Swiss Rivera’ with vineyards, vacation lodging and alfresco eating places throughout.
Spot the Charlie Chaplin statue on the promenade as the long-lasting actor spent his final years there. The Nestlé Headquarters and the Alimentarium (CHF13, free on Swiss Journey Move) — the world’s first food-themed museum — are additionally discovered right here.
Look out for the “image” of Vevey on the promenade — the world’s tallest fork standing at 8m excessive!
How one can get there: From Montruex, take Bus 201 to Vevey (30mins), or a prepare from Montreux Station to Vevey Station (10mins) and stroll to the primary promenade space (9mins).
Soak within the Leukerbad Thermal Baths
After exploring Montreux and Vevey, we stopped by the Leukerbad Thermal Baths en-route to Zermatt. It’s the most important thermal spa resort within the Swiss Alps with pure thermal waters wealthy in minerals — simply what you want after days of mountain climbing and adventuring. Plus level: the bus experience there may be free on the Swiss Journey Move!
Bask in 10 thermal baths (28 – 44 levels) on the Leukerbad-Therme whereas being surrounded with mountainous views — particularly fairytale-like within the winter. Not many vacationers know of this gem, so benefit from the effervescent jets, chilly tubs and saunas undisturbed!
Entrance Price: CHF25 for 3 hours. Opening Hours: 8AM – 8PM How one can get there: Prepare from Montreux to Leuk. Change to the LLB bus (30mins experience) to Leukerbad. The bus has adequate baggage storage on the backside and there will likely be baggage storage rooms on the spa.
*Professional-tip: Carry your individual towel or you’ll have to hire towels at CHF5/towel.
Day 7: Zermatt
House to the Matterhorn, a.ok.a. the “Toblerone Chocolate Mountain”, Zermatt is a car-free city that has ski slopes open all three hundred and sixty five days of the yr. Snowboarding apart, Zermatt can also be the gateway to a few of the most stunning hikes within the nation. Plot your route across the huge Matterhorn panorama with this full map of the Matterhorn Paradise.
Highlights right here clearly embody seeing the Matterhorn up shut, however it’s additionally an ideal place to take pleasure in reasonably priced cheese fondue (Cafe Du Pont)!
Transport: Take a prepare from Montreux to Leuk (1hr 20mins) and cease on the Leukerbad Thermal Tub. Thereafter, take the prepare to Visp (~30mins). The ultimate leg is Visp to Zermatt (~1hr). Lodging: Zermatt Youth Hostel — mattress in shared blended dorm at ~CHF40/evening, 15mins stroll from Zermatt Station *Features a lengthy flight of stairs simply earlier than the hostel
Of all the gorgeous views we noticed, the Matterhorn dawn outshone all of them (pun supposed). You’ll see the clearest reflection of the Matterhorn within the nonetheless water of the Riffelsee.
For this view, we took the primary prepare at 7AM on the Gornergrat Bahn (Matterhorn Railway) from Zermatt village to Riffelboden Station. Riffelsee is simply a 5-minute hike from the station.
After dawn, take the prepare to Gornergrat Peak, the place Switzerland’s highest resort, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat stands. On the prime, admire the entire vary of 29 4,000m-tall peaks!
Price: CHF49 (one-way). 50% low cost with the Swiss Journey Move. Operation Hours: First prepare up at 7AM (Full Schedule) How one can get there: Take the Gornergratbahn from the Bahnhofplatz Base Station (~15mins to Riffleboden, 33mins to the Gornergrat peak). The station’s situated close to the Zermatt prepare station and is straightforward to identify.
Go on the 5-Seenweg Hike
An alternate hike is the 5-Lakes Stroll, the place you’ll see the Matterhorn in its full glory at each flip. The 5 alpine lakes are Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee, and Stellisee (tongue tornado a lot?), with Stellisee providing the clearest view of the Matterhorn.
The entire hike is ~9.3km lengthy, and takes about 4 hours to finish. It’s not troublesome both, manageable even for households with kids!
Zermatt Bergbahnen Price: CHF40. 50% low cost with the Swiss Journey Move. Working Hours: (Full schedule) How one can get there: Take a funicular from Zermatt Station to Sunnegga (2,288m). Transit to the gondola as much as Blauherd (2,571m). Begin the hike from Blauherd downwards in the direction of Sunnegga, then take the funicular again to Zermatt.
Day 8: Glacier Specific to St Moritz
The Glacier Specific is the queen of railways in Switzerland. The eight-hour picturesque experience is so common that you simply’re suggested to make reservations at the least one month upfront to safe seats! (Bookings open three-months forward)
On the journey, plug into the prepare commentary for details about numerous stops alongside the route.
Starting from Zermatt and ending in St Moritz, highlights of the route embody passing by means of the Oberalppass at 2033m above sea stage, the Rhine Gorge (a.ok.a the Grand Canyon of Switzerland), and the well-known Landwasser Viaduct. Sit on the suitable facet for the perfect views!
Price: From CHF185 (second class). Solely a reservation payment of CHF33 is required with the Swiss Journey Move Timetable: Examine schedule for particular timings
Day 9: St Moritz
The ultimate cease of the Glacier Specific is St Moritz, a preferred city with luxurious alpine resorts. From right here, you possibly can take a day journey to the city of Filisur the place you possibly can hike to the well-known view level of the Landwasser Viaduct.
Lodging:Youth Hostel — mattress in six-man blended dorm for ~CHF42/evening, ~15mins bus experience from St Moritz station How one can get there:Glacier Specific (8 hours)
With 65m-high pillars towering over Graubünden, the Landwasser Viaduct is without doubt one of the most photographed railways on the earth. You’ll have glimpsed it whereas on the Glacier Specific, however seeing it from above is a distinct expertise.
From St. Moritz, alight at Filisur village on the Rhätische Bahn. The primary viewpoint simply quarter-hour from the station is a frontal view of the viaduct. However our private favorite is the the Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt, which is a 40-minute hike to see the prepare from above.
Price: CHF21.80. Free with Swiss Journey Move. Timetable: Examine schedule for particular timings Coordinates (Aussichtsplattform Landwasserviadukt): 46.680606, 9.67496387237543 How one can get there: Board the Rhätische Bahn between St Mortiz and Chur (arrives each hour). Select the final cabin, particularly designed with home windows you possibly can roll down for pictures. Alight at Filisur village, and stroll to the perspective.
*Professional-tip: Use the SBB app to examine prepare timings, so you understand when to catch the prepare because it passes the viaduct!
Day 10: Zürich
A bustling metropolis with historic attraction, Zürich affords a change of tempo after days spent amidst nature. We arrived in Zürich from St Moritz at evening, and began the subsequent (and final) day exploring the town. In addition to taking a day journey out to see the Rhine Falls, we explored Zürich Outdated City and caught the sundown at Lindenhof.
At this level, our Swiss Journey Move had expired, so we bought round both by public buses or by foot.
Lodging: Resort Bristol Zürich — Numerous room configurations can be found at ~S$95/pax. 5mins stroll from Zürich station. Transport: Native SBS prepare from St Moritz to Zürich (3hrs 6mins)
The most effective day journeys out from Zürich is to the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall at 23m! We signed up for a half-day tour starting with a decide up close to Zürich principal station.
The drive is about 40 minutes earlier than arriving on the entrance of Rhine Falls. Trip the panoramic elevator on the prime of the Laufen Fortress, all the way down to the viewing platforms. For a extra intimate expertise, take a ship experience to the Rhine Falls Basin to really feel the complete drive of the falls at shut proximity. Be aware that you simply’ll must pay an additional payment for the boat experience (CHF10).
Should you’d wish to prime your go to to the Rhine Falls with exploring Zürich Metropolis as properly inside the day, you possibly can go for an all-in, full-day tour which features a cogwheel prepare experience.
Price:~S$72 (for the half-day tour) Assembly Level: Zürich Central Station, Sihlquai Automobile Park at 8 1, 8005 Freienbach. Airport pick-ups accessible.
Discover Zürich Outdated City
Zürich Outdated City affords a variety of cultural, historic, and retail experiences. Look out for the dual towers of the Grossmünster (entrance payment of CHF5), one among Zürich’s most distinguished historic landmarks, which you’ll climb up for a panoramic view of the town. Sightsee at St Peter’s Church, which homes Europe’s largest clock-face.
Stroll alongside Lake Zürich and luxuriate in views over ice-cream from Niederdorfstrasse, a buying road full of vigorous cafes. Should you’re feeling fancy, head to the excessive road of Zürich — the Bahnhofstrasse, simply to modify it up from the previous city vibes.
Should you’d wish to expertise Zürich Metropolis whereas studying extra about its historical past with a information, go for this Zürich Day Tour.
Store the Newest Tendencies at ‘IM VIADUKT’
That includes a 500m stretch of shops sitting beneath a viaduct, IM VIADUKT is a buying idea that’ll impress the trendiest of individuals.
The retailers listed here are rigorously curated, gathering ‘hipster’ distributors from everywhere in the world to create a refreshing retail expertise promoting the whole lot from garments, baggage, and sneaker-fashion to family/ornamental ornaments.
Opening Hours: 11AM – 7PM, 10AM – 6PM (Sat). Closed on Solar. How one can get there: First head to the primary railway station (Zürich Quartierweg). Then, take the Sihlquai exit and stroll within the path of Zollstrasse. Cross Hafnerstrasse to Josefstrasse, and also you’ll arrive (~20mins stroll).
Go to the FREITAG Flagship Retailer
FREITAG is known for modern baggage created from recycled truck tarps. The flagship retailer in Zürich is iconic for its storefront design because the tallest transport container construction on the earth! The 26m construction is made by reclaiming transport containers, and you’ll climb all the best way up for a chook’s eye view of the town.
For dinner, you possibly can head subsequent door to the Frau Gerolds Garten, a beer backyard the place you possibly can dine alfresco whereas exploring artsy installations.
Stroll as much as Lindenhof Hill to see the cityscape of Zürich, significantly of the Limmat River and Niederdorf (medieval quarter). It’s a favorite spot for locals and travellers alike — sit on the ledge and catch the solar setting over Zürich metropolis.
How one can get there: Take a brief uphill hike from the riverfront. The lookout level is sort of simple to identify from the underside
Price range Issues
1) Meals
Consuming out wherever in Switzerland units you again at the least S$20 per meal. For perspective, a easy principal at an affordable restaurant prices at the least S$22, water at eating places value S$5 a glass, and a McDonald’s meal goes for S$19. Our wallets would have skilled a cash disaster scarier than ‘The Nun’ (extra like ‘The None’).
The answer: Good ol’ supermarkets of Coop and Migros, that are discovered throughout Switzerland. There are such a lot of picnic-worthy spots in Switzerland anyway — nice excuse to take pleasure in grocery store meals outdoor! Assume CHF4 salad pastas and CHF3 tuna sandwiches. Croissants, ham, and spreads in Switzerland are recent and scrumptious for breakfast and lunch.
Choose to cook dinner dinner as a substitute of consuming out too. We had been youngsters in a sweet retailer (kitchen, slightly) making an attempt out totally different recipes!
To our shock, we really managed to maintain to a funds of ~CHF20/day. This was spent on groceries with a couple of restaurant meals of Cheese Fondue in Zermatt, a standard Swiss restaurant in Lucerne and a comforting meal of McDonald’s. To be sincere, meals isn’t a spotlight in Switzerland so we didn’t really feel like we had been lacking out on a lot!
2) Lodging
The most cost effective lodging choices are hostels and Airbnbs. Renting an entire Airbnb condominium might be fairly expensive, however a room is often ok, even for the three of us!
Hostels are nice as a result of they’re not solely reasonably priced, but in addition typically conveniently shut to coach station and affords entry to travellers’ requirements — kitchen, laundry, and free breakfast. Plus level: You get to mingle round with different like-minded travellers as properly! Hostels basically value about S$50–70/pax per evening in a shared dorm, which is taken into account affordable for Swiss requirements.
3) Transport in Switzerland
Travelling inside or between cities inevitably incurs heavy bills — one experience from Lucerne to Interlaken may simply value S$41. We overcame this by planning our route round maximising the Swiss Journey Move. For a flat worth, we bought all limitless rides on buses, trains and even discounted entries (many as much as 50%) to some sights! After doing the mathematics, we realised we saved a whopping complete of ~S$971 with the move. Severely!
The most cost effective and most fuss-free choice is to get the E-ticket Swiss Journey Move by way of Klook. Affirmation is nearly instant and you’ve got the comfort of accessing the ticket in your telephone. To not point out, they’re additionally 5% cheaper than getting the bodily tickets!
*Professional-tip: Should you’re staying with an Airbnb host or hostel, ask for a Customer Card. This offers you free transport inside the metropolis for the entire period of your keep.
Each metropolis and city in Switzerland was so distinctive from one another — and day by day was a shock. Additionally, travelling throughout the nation by way of rail, and waking as much as a brand new vacation spot every time actually felt magical. We hope this Switzerland itinerary conjures up you to check out this Swiss journey — an expertise full of unfiltered pure magnificence, superb outside adventures, and wealthy cultural choices!
Make a pit cease at Birg Station for the 
