Switzerland Route: Zurich to Zermatt, 17 Places to See

Explore Switzerland's alpine region across 1,299 km, connecting iconic destinations from Zurich and Geneva to the Bernese Oberland peaks. This route covers major cities and mountain towns including Interlaken, Zermatt, Lucerne, and Bern, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes from lakeside resorts to high-altitude villages.

Mode
Places
Start
Switzerland & the Alps
End
Zurich
Stops
17
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Switzerland & the Alps
  2. Eiger & Jungfrau — Iconic twin peaks in the Bernese Alps, with Jungfrau accessible by cogwheel railway to Europe's highest railway station, offering panoramic views and alpine exploration.
  3. Mönch & Bernese Oberland — Mountain region combining the Mönch peak with rolling valleys, traditional chalets, and villages renowned for world-class hiking and mountaineering in pristine Alpine terrain.
  4. Cathedral of St. Pierre — Historic cathedral where John Calvin gave famous sermons.
  5. Swiss National Museum — Located in a fairytale castle, dedicated to Switzerland's cultural history.
  6. Zermatt & Matterhorn — Car-free resort town nestled below the distinctive pyramid-shaped Matterhorn, Switzerland's most recognizable peak, attracting mountaineers and hikers to its challenging trails…
  7. Grindelwald, Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen
  8. Chapel Bridge — 14th century iconic bridge and water tower, most photographed monument in Switzerland.
  9. Münster Cathedral — Gothic cathedral rising from Bern's old town.
  10. Interlaken — Tourist resort and base camp for outdoor activities in the Bernese Oberland Alps, formerly known for watch making.
  11. Jungfrau Mountain — Famous mountain peak in the Jungfrau Region, scenic both in summer and winter.
  12. Grindelwald — Picturesque town in the Jungfrau Region with spectacular mountain scenery.
  13. Lauterbrunnen — Picturesque town in the Jungfrau Region.
  14. Wengen — Picturesque town in the Jungfrau Region.
  15. Lausanne
  16. Geneva — International city where global influences reign supreme.
  17. Zurich — Switzerland's largest city with over 50 museums and 100+ art galleries, cultural attractions.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Zermatt is accessible only by battery-operated vehicles; gasoline-driven cars are not permitted within city limits.
Transport
Zermatt takes 30 minutes or less to walk between sites, making it walkable for visitors.
Transport
Cable cars in Zermatt whisk skiers up surrounding mountains in winter and hikers in summer.
Transport
Zermatt is accessible via scenic train routes that connect it with the outside world.
Transport
The Jungfrau Region has an extensive network of railways and well-maintained foot and bike paths accessible to many types of travelers.
Transport
In Geneva, explore the city by bike or take a boat ride on Lake Geneva to rest weary feet.
Transport
In Zurich, take a boat ride on Lake Zurich or go hiking in the nearby mountains.
Food
Try raclette, a classic Swiss dish made from cheese, in Interlaken.
Food
In Lucerne, try Luzerner Chügelipastete, a local specialty made from puff pastry, veal and mushrooms doused in a cream sauce.
Tip
Interlaken offers views of three famous Swiss mountains: the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Mönch, and serves as a base camp for outdoor activities.
Tip
The old town in Bern boasts four miles of arcades, one of the longest covered shopping areas in Europe.
Timing
The Jungfrau Region is accessible to many types of travelers in both summer and winter due to well-maintained infrastructure.

Video on this route

10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland - Travel Video

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