Personalized trips to Switzerland
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

Introducing Switzerland

Get to the heart of Switzerland.
Switzerland is all about quintessential Alpine scenery, perfectly preserved medieval towns, and international cities that run on a famously precise schedule. This central European nation is small but surprisingly diverse—shared borders with France, Italy, and Germany have produced distinct regional cultures. One unifying factor is the Alps: the mountain range takes up a whopping 65% of Switzerland’s total area, making this an ideal destination for active fun (and iconic views) all year. 

When is the best time to visit?
Snowy Switzerland is a skier's paradise, and it's no surprise that January and February are peak tourist months. This goes for the Alps of course, but applies to the cities too—Bern, for example, looks great under a layer of winter white, and its Christmas markets are a must-visit (for the delectable Swiss chocolates alone).

The country is also idyllic in summer, as travelers trade ski lifts for hiking boots and hit the Alpine trails. You can enjoy great outdoor excursions during the slower spring and fall seasons, too—September is a particularly great “off” month to visit, as the summer crowds are gone yet the weather is still pleasant, and the scenery ever-wonderful.

Where should you go?
Certainly, you’ll want to visit Switzerland’s picture-perfect capital of Bern, whose medieval Old Town is home to the towering Zytglogge clock tower. And of course, you’ll want to experience the Alps. There are many hiking trails in these world-famous mountains, all signposted and easy to follow. Head to St. Moritz and Zermatt for some of the best skiing in Europe.

Zurich is a beautifully kept city, and this is where serious shoppers will want to spend time. It's also a nice stop on your way to or from Germany by train. See much of the Swiss countryside in a short time on the GoldenPass railway line from Montreux to Lucerne and takes about 5.5 hours (switching trains at Interlaken). It runs through three mountain passes with spectacular views of lakes, waterfalls, and Swiss chalets. 

How many days do you need?
If you simply want to travel through the Swiss countryside and visit a few postcard-worthy cities and towns, you can do so in well under a week. To properly take advantage of Switzerland’s winter sports and excursions, two weeks is ideal. In this timeframe, you could embark on a number of great day-long or even multi-day hikes—or ski at multiple resorts—with time to relax at a few chalets along the way.

Switzerland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lauterbrunnental
Map of Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days
Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days

Take a classic Swiss hut-to-hut hike through the Bernese Oberland mountains on this week-long trek. You'll go from scenic valley to scenic valley as you traverse past the bases of some of the best-known mountains in the Alps, such as Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, making your way through waterfalls, cliff faces, and dairy pastures.

Vineyards of the Lavaux region by Lake Geneva
Map of Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days
Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days

Sample some of the world's best wines as you circle around Mont Blanc from Switzerland to Italy to France. Visit vineyards nestled in the idyllic countryside in the foothills of the Alps, where ancient grape varieties still produce rare and high-quality wines. Taste local wines in the terraced hills of Lavaux, Switzerland, and toast to the breathtaking views from Pointe Helbronner in France with a glass of Cuvée des Guides — moments and wines to be remembered!

Lauterbrunnen valley
Map of Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days
Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days

Hike from hut to hut under the snowy facades of some of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps with this five-day itinerary. As you hike past the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you'll make your way through Alpine pastures, glacial lakes, and rushing waterfalls, with stops on mountaintop tramways and charming villages in between.

Lac de Moiry
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days

Visit traditional Swiss villages, explore high-elevation alpine lakes, and cross high rocky passes as you trek through the Alps on this 10-day itinerary from Chamonix to Zermatt. Head east across the mountain range as you traverse mountainsides, hike along glacier foothills and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots). Spend your nights in lakeside mountain huts and cozy towns, falling asleep to the sound of the wind and water. 

Crossing Col de Balme
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 12 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 12 Days

You'll explore high alpine passes, pass through thick pine forests, hike along the base of glaciated peaks, and much more on this 12-day trekking itinerary. Start your trip in Chamonix—the French 'Capital of Alpinism'—then head east into Switzerland, arriving 10 days later in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. As you hike through the Alps, you'll spend your time looking for wildlife, breathing in the fresh alpine air, and taking in the views, ending each day with comfortable stays in villages and mountain huts.

Lake Moiry as seen from Corne de Sorebois
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days

Hike through thick pine forests, visit traditional Swiss villages, and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots) on this 7-day trekking itinerary through the Swiss Alps. Cross the high-elevation Col de Riedmatten Pass, traverse mountainside, and hike along glacier foothills as you make your way east towards Zermatt, which sits at the base of the Matterhorn. At night, cozy up in huts and small villages that retain an authentic alpine feel.

Switzerland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
The spectacular Landwasser Viaduct (photo courtesy of Scaliger
Switzerland's Best Train Rides

Switzerland's rail network is one of the world's best, defying steep mountain gradients, threading through dramatic valleys and around beautiful lakes to showcase the country's...

Our Latest Switzerland Content

Luxury alpine resort town of St. Moritz
Switzerland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Snow starts to fall in earnest in Switzerland in December, and with it are the tourists that flock to the mountain ski resorts. There are also charming markets held in various cities in the lead-up to Christmas. Whether you're interested in outdoor or city attractions, December's a great time to visit Switzerland. Read on to learn more.

Zürich city center with Fraumunster and Grossmunster Churches and River Limmat
Switzerland in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the final month of fall in Switzerland, and temperatures are generally cold. Conditions are not yet ripe for skiing, but this month is still an excellent time to visit Switzerland's cities for cultural attractions and to make the most of their proximity to the mountains if the weather's fine. Find out more about where to go and what to do in Switzerland in November.

Admire the changing leaves in the Swiss capital of Bern
Switzerland in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is fall in Switzerland and the low season for travel, between the peaks of summer and winter. The weather may be pleasant and sunny or damp and dull, so it makes sense to base yourself in one of Switzerland's beautiful cities if you're visiting in October. Read on for more about traveling to Switzerland in October.

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Switzerland
Travel specialist Valentine Julien
active 10 hours ago

Valentine Julien

Valentine is the girl from The French Alps! After being a tailor-made trip planner in Sri Lanka and event organizer for an international ski freeride competition in Switzerland, she settled...

read more...
Travel specialist Tomaz Martinek
active 2 days ago

Tomaz Martinek

I knew I want to work in travel industry since my high school years. I was born in Slovenia's capital and spend my youth dreaming about showing other people our lovely country and travelling the...

read more...
Travel specialist Julien Hunerfurst
active 3 days ago

Julien Hunerfurst

Born in the French South Alps, Mountains are my playground since my childhood. I love to share my passion and organize trips in my favorite and secret spot in the Alps.

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Switzerland also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Switzerland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Excellent, had a very merry Swiss Christmas!
Switzerland | Dec 20 - Dec 27, 2022

A
Anne A.
Shively, KY | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

We had a really good time in Switzerland.
It was a wonderful experience!
Interlaken and Zermatt were absolutely memorable! We loved all the Christmas markets as well which was incorporated into the visit. Basel Christmas market was especially amazing!

Excellent communication and quick response from the local tour specialists, when we needed questions answered while in 🇨🇭
Very good sense of responsibility demonstrated by the local tour guide/team, which is much appreciated. We... read more

We had a really good time in Switzerland.
It was a wonderful experience!
Interlaken and Zermatt were absolutely memorable! We loved all the Christmas markets as well which was incorporated into the visit. Basel Christmas market was especially amazing!

Excellent communication and quick response from the local tour specialists, when we needed questions answered while in 🇨🇭
Very good sense of responsibility demonstrated by the local tour guide/team, which is much appreciated. We predominately worked with Tomaz & Zala. Melita & Ester helped too.
The hotels arranged for us were pretty good too with excellent customer service.

Overall, it was a lovely experience and great Christmas spent in Switzerland this year.
So THANK YOU for making it happen.

Hotel Reviews
Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
Zurich

Excellent customer service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Interlaken
3800
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Edelweiss
Geneva
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Basel Christmas Market
Switzerland

Amazing cheese fondue!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022

Hi Anne,

thank you for your kind words. I look forward to seeing you travelling with us again. Tomaz

Me and my husband are returning customers to ...
Switzerland | Oct 14 - Oct 18, 2022

M
Manasa G.
Morrisville, NC | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2022

Me and my husband are returning customers to Kimkim and we are glad that we trusted Kimkim again for our aniversary celebrations. Tomaz and team planned a perfect vacation for us in Switzerland. Tomaz paid attention to all our needs, interests and incorporated each and every detail into our trip. We were there in Switzerland for just 5 days and we managed to explore all the must see attractions in St Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken and Luzern. This was only possible due to the excellent planning... read more

Me and my husband are returning customers to Kimkim and we are glad that we trusted Kimkim again for our aniversary celebrations. Tomaz and team planned a perfect vacation for us in Switzerland. Tomaz paid attention to all our needs, interests and incorporated each and every detail into our trip. We were there in Switzerland for just 5 days and we managed to explore all the must see attractions in St Moritz, Zermatt, Interlaken and Luzern. This was only possible due to the excellent planning done by Tomaz and team. Every last detail of our trip was planned to perfection. All the accomodations and activities booked by them were excellent. We never had any complaint throughout the entire trip. I will definitely recommend Tomaz to anyone visiting Switzerland and we will definitely contact Kimkim again for travel in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Cascada Hotel 4*
Lucerne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Romantik Hotel Julen
Zermatt
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Interlaken
3800
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2022

Hi Manasa, thank you for your kind words and we are looking forward to seeing you travelling with us in the future.
Tomaz

Switzerland in September
Switzerland | Sep 12 - Sep 19, 2022

M
Megan D.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2022

Tomaz and Zala did a fantastic job planning our trip to Switzerland. Every detail was taken care of and everything worked out without any issues. The trip plan was exactly what we had in mind- great hikes, beautiful scenery, very great accommodations which were all very well located and clean, cozy and with great breakfasts! We would highly recommend Tomaz and Zala to anyone interested in exploring Switzerland. Thank you both!! read more

Tomaz and Zala did a fantastic job planning our trip to Switzerland. Every detail was taken care of and everything worked out without any issues. The trip plan was exactly what we had in mind- great hikes, beautiful scenery, very great accommodations which were all very well located and clean, cozy and with great breakfasts! We would highly recommend Tomaz and Zala to anyone interested in exploring Switzerland. Thank you both!!

Hotel Reviews
Cascada Hotel 4*
Lucerne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Interlaken
3800
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Backstage Hotel Vernissage
Zermatt
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Angleterre & Résidence
Lausanne
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Cheese Tuk-tuk tour
Luzern
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2022

Hi Megan, thank you for your feedback. I am happy to hear you enjoyed your trip and hopefully we can see you soon travelling with us. Kind regards, Tomaz