Zurich 10-Day Travel Guide
🗺️【Itinerary】
Itinerary Overview
• Duration: 10 days 9 nights
• Start/End Point: Zurich
• Main Attractions: Zurich, Rhine Falls, Lucerne, Zermatt, Matterhorn, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva
• Transportation: Self-driving (Recommended: Mid-size car such as VW Golf; Economy car rental is approximately CHF 50-70 per day)
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Daily Itinerary and Hotel Arrangements
September 1st, Day 1: Arrive in Zurich
• Itinerary: Arrive at Zurich Airport, rent a car, and explore the Old Town (Bahnhofstrasse, Lake Zurich, Frauenkirche). • Hotel: Ibis Budget Zurich City West (1-star, budget chain hotel)
• Address: Technoparkstrasse 2, 8005 Zürich
• Price: Approximately CHF 90-110/night (double room, breakfast included)
• Advantages: Approximately 10-minute drive from the city center, clean rooms, good value for money, suitable for short stays.
• Parking: The hotel provides parking spaces (approximately CHF 15/night) or you can use nearby public parking (Parkhaus Pfingstweid, CHF 1.5/hour).
• Note: The hotel's location is slightly out of the way; it is recommended to drive to attractions to save on parking fees in the city center.
Day 2, September 2nd: Zurich → Rhine Falls → Lucerne
• Itinerary: Visit the Rhine Falls (boat trip or viewing platform), drive to Lucerne, and visit the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Lake Lucerne.
• Hotel: Ibis Budget Luzern City (1-star, budget hotel)
• Address: Kellerstrasse 6, 6005 Luzern
• Price: Approximately CHF 100-120/night (double room, breakfast included)
• Advantages: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Lucerne train station and the Old Town; simple and practical rooms, suitable for budget travelers.
• Parking: The hotel offers limited parking (approximately CHF 15/night) or you can use the nearby Parkhaus Kesselturm (CHF 1.5/hour).
• Note: Parking in Lucerne is limited; it is recommended to arrive early to secure a white paid parking space or use the P+R parking lot.
Day 3, September 3rd: Lucerne → Zermatt
• Itinerary: Drive to Täsch, park, take the train to Zermatt, and stroll along Bahnhofstrasse.
• Hotel: Hotel Bahnhof (2-star, near Zermatt train station)
• Address: Bahnhofplatz 54, 3920 Zermatt
• Price: Approx. CHF 100-130/night (double room, no breakfast, shared bathroom)
• Advantages: 2-minute walk to the train station, clean and comfortable, suitable for budget travelers, many restaurants nearby.
• Parking: Parking at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch in Täsch (approx. CHF 15/day).
• Note: The hotel does not have private bathrooms. If you mind, you can choose the slightly more expensive Hotel Tschugge (approx. CHF 150/night, including private bathroom).
Day 4, September 4th: Zermatt - Matterhorn
• Itinerary: Take the Gnaglart train to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of the Matterhorn, hike to Lake Rifel, and take the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
• Hotel: Continue staying at Hotel Bahnhof. • Parking: Continue parking at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch.
• Note: Breakfast can be had at a nearby café (such as Bakery & Café Zermatt, approximately CHF 10 per person).
Day 5, September 5: Zermatt - Five Lakes Hike
• Itinerary: Hike the Five Lakes (Schöderly Lake, Grindy Lake, etc.), then explore Zermatt's shopping streets in the afternoon.
• Hotel: Continue staying at Hotel Bahnhof.
• Parking: Continue parking at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch.
• Note: The hiking route is free; it is recommended to bring your own lunch to save money.
Day 6, September 6: Zermatt → Interlaken
• Itinerary: Pick up your car in Täsch, drive to Interlaken, visit Lake Thun, take a boat trip or a walk along the lake.
• Hotel: Hotel Rössli (2-star, located in Interlaken city center)
• Address: Hauptstrasse 10, 3800 Interlaken
• Price: Approximately CHF 110-140/night (double room, breakfast included)
• Advantages: Walking distance to East Station, cozy rooms, free parking (advance reservation required).
• Parking: Free parking spaces at the hotel (limited availability) or use Parkhaus Interlaken Ost (CHF 2/hour).
• Note: Prices in Interlaken are higher during peak season; advance booking is recommended to secure discounts.
Day 7, September 7th: Interlaken → Jungfraujoch
• Itinerary: Take the Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch, visit the Sphinx viewpoint and Ice Palace, and explore the town of Grindelwald in the afternoon.
• Hotel: Continue staying at Hotel Rössli.
• Parking: Parking is available near Grindelwald train station (approximately CHF 10/day) or in the hotel's free parking spaces. • Note: Jungfraujoch entrance fees are expensive (approximately CHF 150-200 per person). Consider purchasing a Jungfraujoch tourist card to save money.
Day 8 (September 8th): Interlaken → Bern
• Itinerary: Drive to Bern and visit the Old Town (Clock Tower, Bern Cathedral, Bear Park).
• Hotel: Ibis Budget Bern Expo (1-star, budget hotel)
• Address: Guisanplatz 2-4, 3014 Bern
• Price: Approximately CHF 90-110 per night (double room, breakfast included)
• Advantages: Approximately 10-minute drive from the Old Town, clean rooms, free parking.
• Parking: The hotel provides free parking spaces or you can use Parkhaus Expo (CHF 2 per hour).
• Note: Parking in Bern city center is expensive. It is recommended to park behind the hotel and take a bus into the city (approximately CHF 4 one way). Day 9 (September 9th): Bern → Lausanne → Geneva
• Itinerary: Morning visit to Lausanne (Cathedral, Olympic Museum), afternoon drive to Geneva (Jet Jet d'Eau, St. Peter's Basilica).
• Hotel: Ibis Budget Genève Aéroport (1-star, budget hotel)
• Address: Avenue Louis Casaï 26, 1216 Cointrin, Geneva
• Price: Approximately CHF 90-120/night (double room, breakfast included)
• Advantages: Close to the airport, suitable for returning the car on the last day, simple and practical rooms, free parking.
• Parking: Free parking spaces at the hotel or use Parking Cointrin (CHF 2/hour).
• Note: The hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from Geneva city center; taking the bus is recommended (free bus tickets are provided by the hotel). Day 10 (September 10th): Geneva → Zurich (Return)
• Itinerary: Morning tour of Lake Geneva, with a stop in Montreux to visit Chillon Castle.
Day 11 (September 11th): Zurich to Hong Kong
• Itinerary: Return the rental car at Zurich Airport. #Switzerland
• Parking: Designated parking lot at Zurich Airport.