Thinking about a quick, five-day escape to Switzerland? You’re in for a treat! Switzerland isn’t just for skiers and thrill-seekers; it’s perfect for seniors and retirees who want to explore beautiful landscapes at a relaxed pace. Stroll through Zurich’s Old Town, cruise on Lake Lucerne, and soak up views of the Alps from charming mountain villages. The whole trip will leave you recharged and awestruck.
If you are of a certain age, you probably remember the idyllic Alpine village of Heidi, the young orphan who is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss mountains. The story’s takeaway—finding joy in small pleasures, facing challenges with courage, and staying true to oneself—resonated with young readers like me. The Switzerland of Heidi presented a magical escape, with vivid descriptions of alpine pastures, clear blue skies, and the simple yet fulfilling mountain lifestyle. Who amongst us did not want a couple of goats after reading about Heidi!! All stories aside, Switzerland will not disappoint. If you’ve ever wanted to wander through quaint Swiss towns, ride scenic trains, and see stunning lakes and peaks, this is the trip for you!
Our 5-day tour will explore the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Just imagine standing in the middle of a lush green valley with waterfalls tumbling from cliffs, chocolate shops around every corner, and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks so pristine they could be straight out of a postcard. Sound like a dream? Well, the Bernese Oberland region is calling, and it’s about to turn your travel daydreams into reality.
Day 1: Zurich – The City of Cool & Calm
Welcome to Zurich, the financial hub with a surprisingly laid-back vibe! Zurich is a great starting point with easy flights in and out to most international destinations.
Once arrived in Zurich, take the train from Zurich Flughafen (airport) to Zurich Hb (Hauptbahn or Main Station). The train runs every 3 to 5 minutes and travel time is 10-12 minutes. The train station has lockers to leave your bags. Travel Tip: Depending on your flight arrival time, you may want to spend the night in Zurich or explore for the day and continue on to Lucerne for the night.
Start your Swiss adventure by exploring Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt), packed with cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, and centuries-old buildings. Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most luxurious shopping streets. Everything from food (bakeries, delis, swiss cheese and chocolate) to high-end fashion (clothes, swiss watches, etc.) can be found. Don’t forget window-shopping is free!
Must-see? The Grossmünster Church. Climb its tower for a stunning panoramic view of Zurich’s rooftops. And don’t miss the Swiss National Museum – a crash course on Swiss history without feeling like you’re back in school. Fraumünster Church in the Old Town has beautiful stain glass windows, some by Marc Chagall and Agusto Giacometti.
Try Lunch at Sprungli, Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21. Famous for Luxemburgerli (meringue cookies), truffles, and hot chocolate. There is one in the train station as well. But the one at Paradeplatz is the original and has a wonderful café.
Day 2: Lucerne – Lakeside Charm and Mountain Views
Only an hour’s train ride from Zurich, Lucerne will capture your heart. Wander through the medieval streets, admire the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) with its iconic tower, and make a quick pit stop to marvel at the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), a tribute to Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. This charming city on a lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, making it a picture perfect gateway to Switzerland.
Then, time to get those lungs working! Head up to Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for a short hike. Or, if hiking sounds like a nightmare in disguise, opt for the scenic cogwheel train ride up to Mount Pilatus. Either way, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. Feeling brave? You can even take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway back down.
For the foodies, Lucerne offers both chocolate and cheese tastings. The Chäs Barmettler is a small family owned cheese shop at Pfistergasse 24 where you can indulge in all things Swiss and cheese. Chocolate lovers can enjoy the Aeschbach Chocolate Museum or Max, Schwizerhofquai 2. For a truly unique experience, visit the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, located at the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Art lovers should not miss a visit to the Sammlung Rosengart, with its impressive collection of classic modernist and impressionist works of art. Due to Rosengart’s friendship with Chagall and Picasso, those artist’s works are well represented at the museum.
Relax in the evening with a sunset boat tour of Lake Lucerne. Take in the mountain scenery, green pastures, and tranquil waters of the lake. Enjoy a local Swiss wine with a charcuterie platter as the sun sets behind the mountain panorama!
Day 3: Interlaken – Adventure Awaits
Interlaken is Switzerland’s adventure capital, squeezed between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Jungfrau mountains towering in the background. It’s small, but don’t let size fool you—this place is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.
If you’re ready to test your courage, Interlaken has got you covered. Go paragliding, skydiving, or even bungee jumping. Or, for seniors in tip top shape, combine all the adventure sports: climbing, abseiling, diving, and zipping for a Canyoning tour. The tours range from beginner to high octane adrenaline rushes not for the faint of heart.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, explore the old town and Oberhofen Castle. Rugenbrau Brewery offers tours and beer and whiskey tastings. There is also the Funky Chocolate Club workshop where you can taste, create and decorate with all things Swiss chocolate.
Take the Harder Kulm funicular up to the “Top of Interlaken” for views that may just leave you speechless (and very, very grateful for the funicular). If you weren’t able to fit in the Lucerne Lake cruise or can never get enough of lake cruises, try the relaxing cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. The turquoise waters make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen – Land of 72 Waterfalls
Welcome to Lauterbrunnen, just a short 15 to 20 minute train ride from Interlaken. This is the valley that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. You’ll see why right away. Towering cliffs and misty waterfalls are everywhere you look.
Start your day with a visit to the Staubbach Falls, one of Switzerland’s highest waterfalls, then make your way to Trümmelbach Falls. These are a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls hidden inside a mountain—you’ll feel like you’re exploring a secret lair.
Lauterbrunnen is also the perfect base for exploring the nearby villages of Mürren and Wengen. They’re car-free, peaceful, and accessible by cable car or train.
Day 5: Mürren and Wengen – Alpine Villages Frozen in Time
On your fifth tour day, visit Mürren and Wengen, two picturesque, traffic-free villages perched in the Alps.
First stop? Mürren. The cable car ride up is a thrill in itself, offering more jaw-dropping views with each ascent. In Mürren, wander through charming streets, take in the wooden chalets, and enjoy the slow-paced village life. If you’re up for it, take the Schilthorn cable car for epic panoramic views and a touch of James Bond nostalgia—it’s where On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed.
After that, head to Wengen. Famous for its annual Lauberhorn ski races, Wengen is the quieter of the two but equally beautiful. Take a short walk to Mannlichen for some of the best views in the region, with a trail that’s both family-friendly and full of scenery.
Wrapping Up Your Swiss Adventure
Five days in Switzerland will feel like five minutes thanks to the Bernese Oberland’s unreal beauty. You’ll leave with enough Instagram shots to last a lifetime and enough chocolate to keep you powered for the flight home. Don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your return by the time you board that plane.
Switzerland has a way of getting under your skin—and who wouldn’t want a little Swiss mountain magic in their life?
