My 1 Week Switzerland Itinerary

Hi friends!

A few people have asked me to share my full Switzerland itinerary, so I thought I’d write it all out here. I’ll include some tips, what I might have done differently, and links to tickets and resources to make planning a little easier. I'm also going to write out my itinerary and then what I would recommend if I did it again.

Night 1: Zurich

As you may know, I ended up spending my first night in Zurich to buy a new phone. This wasn’t originally part of my plan, but it turned out to be a cool stop. You’ll most likely be passing through Zurich anyway, so if you have the time and resources, staying for a night can be a fun way to start your trip!

Nights 2-3: Gimmelwald

After my one night in Zurich I headed to the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald. I dive more into the details of that in this post: https://www.thefrolickingfairy.ca/post/2-nights-in-gimmelwald-switzerland. This hostel was one of my main draws. I had scenic views from every angle, met great people, and went on some great hikes. If you're looking for breathtaking views, Gimmelwald is the place to be, and Mountain Hostel was a great choice for a few nights.

Nights 4-5: Grindelwald

While it might sound similar to the last place I stayed, Grindelwald has its own magic. I took the train from Gimmelwald, making a stop in Thun to swim in the lake with some friends I’d met along the way. I didn’t really know what to expect from this town, but the views blew me away all over again. I stayed at the Swiss Youth Hostel (more details in this post: https://www.thefrolickingfairy.ca/post/2-nights-in-grindelwald), and absolutely loved my time here. Between the stunning hikes, endless outdoor activities, and alpine charm, it’s a place worth visiting—just be prepared for those classic Swiss prices $$

Night 6: Lucerne

I haven’t done a separate post for Lucerne just because I was only there for one night and don’t think I’m that qualified to speak to it, but I loved the city. It was a quick visit, but I had an extra night and had wanted to see Lucerne, so I thought this would be perfect.

I actually stayed in a hotel here, not a hostel — and boy, let me tell you, I had a hard time finding anything for under 400 CAD a night. If you want to visit here, let it be the place you book earliest, because there’s limited accommodation for reasonable prices.

Anyways, the city was so pretty — a lovely size, as it wasn’t too big but still had lots to do — and I just loved the river flowing through the middle. I took myself to dinner at Mill’Feuille and it was yummy! Expensive as always, but I wanted to treat myself on my final night.

I wish I had more time to go explore Mount Pilatus, but hopefully I’ll be back one day!

✧ My Final Itinerary ✧

• 1 night — Zurich

• 2 nights — Gimmelwald (Mountain Hostel)

• 2 nights — Grindelwald (Swiss Youth Hostel)

• 1 night — Lucerne

Short + sweet, but full of views that blew me away.

✧ Solo Female Travel ✧

This was my first time traveling alone, and honestly, it was such a positive experience. Switzerland felt like a safe place for women — I never felt scared or uncomfortable. That said, I was mindful: I kept dinners earlier so I wasn’t wandering late, avoided drinking too much when I was solo, and trusted my gut. With that balance, I felt free to explore, rest, and enjoy without worry.

✧ Activities & Extras ✧

One of the best ways to plan activities in Switzerland is through GetYourGuide — it’s super easy to use and has all the little adventures in one place.

• In Grindelwald, I took the cable car ride up the mountains, and it was absolutely worth it for the views and hikes. If you’re heading there, you can check it out here: Grindelwald cable car experience.

• In Lucerne, I wish I had time to explore more — especially the lake and Mount Pilatus. Next time, I’ll definitely be booking something like this: Lucerne trips & day tours.

✧ Tips / What I’d Do Differently ✧

• Get the SBB App — it’s by far the easiest way to buy train, bus, and cable car tickets. Just put in your destination and go.

• Swiss Half Fare Pass — I skipped it at first, but it would have saved me so much. Between trains, gondolas, and little trips, the costs add up. Totally worth it.

• Book everything early — accommodation here is $$$. If you want to stay overnight, plan it first.

• Pack light for train travel — hopping between towns and hostels is way easier when you’re not dragging a huge bag.

• Bring electrolytes + sunscreen — don’t underestimate the mountain sun. Even though you’re up high, it gets hot on long hikes. I was so grateful to have electrolytes with me—I sweated so much, and staying hydrated made a huge difference.

Thanks for joining me on another post faeries! I'll be back soon, and if you have any questions/post requests please let me know! Have a magical day! 🧚