3 Days In Switzerland: How To Make The Most Of It?

Find out how to make the most of your time in 3 days in Switzerland. Despite being a small country, Switzerland will make you feel like- So much to see and so little time! It is a paradise for people who love nature, hiking or snow sports.

And what if you have just a few days to explore Switzerland. We cannot make justice while choosing from some 200 mountain peaks, 100 mountain passes, 7000 lakes and water bodies, and numerous other breathtaking countryside views. But this is what we can do. This Switzerland itinerary is your best guide to plan your dream Swiss trip. It is for 3 days in Switzerland from Zurich.

Day 1: Zurich

Mostly everyone like me would arrive in the country in its busiest airport city – Zurich. I still vividly remember my first steps on the walkway beside the Limmat river, its turquoise waters and the blue steeple of Fraumunster Church in the distance.

The first place I would suggest to visit is Bahnhofstrasse. It is known as Europe’s richest street. This is due to the Swiss Bank offices, and shops selling exquisite jewellery and watches here. This street is perfect for the first Swiss touch.

Next, you should visit the Fraumunster Chruch. The Chagall’s windows here are worth admiring. After that, you can go on a cruise on the Limmat river. The best way to view the city is from its waters. You can also take a dip in the Zurich lake at Frauenbad am Stadthausquai (for women only) and Schanzengraben (for men).

Depending on what time you arrive here and according to your interests, you can select the things to do in Zurich. If you are into museums and history you can visit the state of art Swiss National Museum.

Zurich City views

After you are done with Zurich Altstadt or Old Town you can head over to Lindenhof. This is the old Roman fortress atop a hill in Zurich. And it offers uninterrupted views of the Zurich skyline, river Limmat and the old quarters. The place is quite isolated now, but it is filled with a rich history.

By the evening you can grab a drink at the panorama bar- Jules Verne, which also offers the best views over the city. Before you know, your first day from the 3 days in Switzerland is about to end. By the end of the day, you have to take the train to Engelberg village.

What to see in Zurich: Limmat river, Bahnhofstrasse, Fraumunster Chruch, Zurich lake, Swiss National Museum, Zurich Altstadt, Lindenhof, etc

Where to stay in Zurich: Hotel Citizen m Zurich

Day 2: Engelberg, Mount Titlis and Lucerne

Engelberg village is just an hour away from Zurich. And it is the most beautiful fairy tale village in the Alps. You need to start early and explore the many picturesque lanes of Engelberg. It is lined with quaint houses having sloping roofs. And in the summer they have flower pots in every window.

Engelberg

While exploring you will come across the Engelberg Abbey, a benedictine monastery which is worth the visit. You will forget your time and be transported to another era entirely. And if you love cheese (who doesn’t?) then you should also plan to visit the Engelberg Cheese factory. There are also numerous walking, hiking and skiing trails around Engelberg which you can plan to explore.

What to see in Engelberg: Engelberg Abbey, Cheese factory, hiking or walking trails, Mount Titlis.

Best hotels in Engelberg Switzerland: Terrace hotel Engelberg

Mount Titlis

After Engelberg, check the weather and head over to Mount Titlis Gondola Station. Mount Titlis is almost 3200 meters above sea level. You can reach the top in 30 minutes by a cable car and RotAir Gondola. You will have to hold your breath at the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The Titlis Cliff Walk, Snow Park and Glacier Cave are some places that you must keep on your list.

While you are on the way back you can also visit Trubsee lake or have your lunch atop the mountain. With limited time, you might have to skip one or two things, like I hopelessly skipped Trubsee lake. You may opt for Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus instead of Mount Titlis, which are nearby. It depends on the weather and which one attracts you the most. But you should visit at least one mountain in your 3 days in Switzerland.

Lucerne

Then you should head to Lucerne which is half an hour away from Engelberg. There are three things that you must see in Lucerne. One is obvious and easily found the Lucerne lake. Another is the most photographed place in Switzerland- The Chapel Bridge. And the last one is said to be the most mournful piece of stone- The Lion monument. Stay for the night in Lucerne or head over to your next destination Interlaken.

• More details here: One day in Lucerne.
• What to see in Lucerne: Lucerne lake, Chapel Bridge, Lion monument.

Day 3: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Jungfrau

Yes, we are saving the best for the last day from our 3 days in Switzerland. Interlaken is one of the best cities in Switzerland. Bollywood fans love Interlaken due to the various movies shot here. It is blessed with two lakes- Brienz and Thun. You can spend some time admiring their beauty and taking a boat ride on the lakes. A legendary place called St. Beatus caves near Thun lake, should be on your list.

If the weather is sunny and you want another mountain adventure, then head over to Jungfrau. This highest mountain in Europe is 3400 meters above sea level and gives you extremely beautiful views. You can also go to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the valley of 72 waterfalls. This valley is a paradise for hikers and serious hikers. Numerous scenic hiking routes start from the Lauterbrunnen valley. And even if you are a casual walker like me, you have a lot to see here.

Another alternative place nearby is Grindelwald. The First cliff-walk in Grindelwald is the beauty and pride of Switzerland. It has magnificent panoramic views. Depending on your liking and weather conditions, you can choose any two or three from the above locations to spend your third and last day in Switzerland. By the evening you might want to head over to the Zurich airport for your next destination.

• What to see in Interlaken: Brienz lake, Thun lake, St. Beatus Caves, Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen valley, Grindelwald cliffwalk, etc.
• Related Article: Oeschinen Lake.

Travel Bookings

Switzerland is a country with lots of amazing nature and places which feel like heaven. But nature is very unpredictable and this heaven can easily be like hell for you. So make sure you have some flexibility while you make the bookings for the 3 days in Switzerland.

All mountains or places of natural interest have a webcam, and the video is shared live on their website. So just check the live video and forecast before you decide where to go next. In case the weather looks bad or cloudy, swap your locations for the day and go somewhere else. You can easily do it because Switzerland is a small country and the places mentioned above are all close together. While booking excursions in advance, make the bookings which are valid for the period you are here and not for an exact date. For public transport, you can buy the Swiss 3 day Pass, which provides travel through maximum train and mountain train routes in Switzerland.

If you like the mountains and mountain villages then you might want to check out this post – Things to do in Quba, Azerbaijan

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