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Switzerland Itinerary

Visit Switzerland by rail and get a front-row seat to some of the world's most incredible natural beauty. The Swiss mountain ranges are ideal for skiing or hiking and provide amazing backdrops to charming cities.

While enjoying the scenery, try some of the country's world-class products. Just think: Swiss cheese, Swiss chocolate, Swiss watches - they sure know how to improve the quality of life! Experience it all with an Interrail Switzerland Pass.

 

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Cities visited in this trip:  

 

1. Zurich

2. Lucerne

3. Interlaken

4. Bern

5. Geneva

 

For this itinerary, we recommend:

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is an international business capital. With several identities – historical and traditional, young and cool, wealthy and cosmopolitan – it’s a city that appeals to all tastes. This is your chance to explore one of the most livable cities in the world!

Stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, a world-class shopping boulevard, then visit Grossmünster church, a symbol of the Swiss Reformation. The Old Town is a pedestrian zone with surprises all across its hidden alleyways. At night, enjoy the energetic nightlife.

You can get a 50% discount on boat rides around Lake Zurich with ZSG boat services by just showing your Interrail Pass. If you have a 1st class Interrail Pass, you get free access to the SBB lounge in Zürich HB train station.

Travel time:

0h45m

Transfer:

0

  • Zurich, Switzerland

    Zürich HB

  • 0h 45m
  • Lucerne, Switzerland

    Luzern (Lucerne)

Fraumunster Church and River Limmat, Zurich

Lucerne (Luzern), Switzerland

A visit to Lucerne isn't complete without visiting the Chapel Bridge. Built-in the 14th century, it's known as the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. The bridge runs past the Water Tower, which was originally part of the medieval city wall. These two structures form a key attraction and a picturesque photo opportunity.

Another remnant of medieval times is the Musegg Wall. Three of its towers can be climbed for a panoramic view over Lucerne. Can’t get enough of the scenery? Then make your way up Mount Pilatus, a landmark steeped in legend. It was once thought that a dragon lived on the mountain.

 

If you want to explore more of Switzerland's mountainous regions, consider a day trip to Mount Rigi, often referred to as "the Queen of the Mountains." Interrail Pass holders can enjoy a 50% discount on several of Rigi’s privately operated attractions, including the cogwheel trains to Goldau and Vitznau, as well as the aerial cable cars to Weggis and Kräbel.

For 50% off a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with SGV boat services, show your Interrail Pass.

Travel time:

1h50m

Transfer:

0

  • Lucerne, Switzerland

    Luzern (Lucerne)

  • 1h 50m
  • Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken Ost

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Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is Switzerland’s (and perhaps Europe’s) adventure-sport mecca, where anything goes – from world-class snowboarding and skiing pistes to paragliding and skydiving above the sparkling Brienz and Thun lakes or plunging through white rapids aboard a raft.

Close to Interlaken, you can take a scenic ride into the heart of the Bernese Alps. The Jungfrau Railway Station – Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the "Top of Europe" – is the highest railway station in Europe, standing at 3,454m tall! Once there, you'll be rewarded with mind-blowing views of the mountain giants Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. Interrail Pass holders can take advantage of a 25% discount on the Jungfrau railway experience.

Show your Interrail Pass to get free boat rides around Lakes Brienz and Thun with BLS boat services

Travel time:

0h52m

Transfer:

0

  • Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken Ost

  • 0h 52m
  • Bern, Switzerland

    Bern Hb

Breathtaking views at Interlaken

Bern (Berne), Switzerland

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, will have you marvelling at its beauty. It’s idyllic no matter what the season. In summer, you can swim in the perfectly blue Aare River, and in winter, you can go sledding at Gurten Hill and enjoy views over Bern.

The layout of Bern’s medieval Old City has been preserved since its founding in 1191 and can easily be explored on foot. Check out the Zytglogge, the medieval astronomical clock tower. Also important is the Cathedral of Bern, which provides magnificent views over the city.

tip-image
The University of Bern is minutes away from the main train station. The park outside the entrance is the perfect spot to take in incredible views of Swiss mountain ranges.

Travel time:

1h42m

Transfer:

0

  • Bern, Switzerland

    Bern Hb

  • 1h 42m
  • Geneva, Switzerland

    Genève (Geneva)

Aare River in Bern

Geneva (Genève), Switzerland

Geneva is a global city with both brains and beauty. It’s home to some of the brightest minds on earth, including those at the research organization CERN – the birthplace of the World Wide Web. The United Nations and International Red Cross are also stationed there. Guided tours are available at their offices and museums.

It’s hard to miss the Jet d’Eau, a large fountain that lies where Lake Geneva meets the Rhône River. Its stunning backdrop of the French and Swiss Alps is definitely photo-worthy. Nearby, the famous Flower Clock (L’horloge fleurie) is a living tribute to Switzerland’s watchmakers.

Interrail Pass Holders get a 50% discount on boat rides around Lake Geneva with CGN boat services.

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