Let me start by saying this: a week in Switzerland isn’t long — but it’s long enough to fall deeply in love with the country. Between the postcard-perfect alpine villages, glacial lakes, efficient trains, and charming little cities, Switzerland surprised us not just with its beauty but also with how doable it was on a (somewhat) tight budget.

So if you’re planning a week in Switzerland and want to experience both the cities and the mountains without emptying your bank account, here’s exactly how we did it — with some tips we wish we knew earlier!

🧭 Our Home Base: Interlaken & Beyond

We based ourselves near Interlaken, and let me tell you — this was a brilliant move. Even though we weren’t smack in the city center, the Swiss public transport system is so good that it didn’t matter. Nearly every village has a nearby train or bus station, and we don’t mind walking, so exploring was easy (and super scenic).

From Interlaken, we did day trips to

• Lauterbrunnen—the valley of waterfalls. If you love photography, this place is a dream. Think dramatic cliffs, lush meadows, and cows with bells.
• Grindelwald—a perfect base for alpine hikes. The views of the Eiger are unforgettable.
• Wengen and Mürren—car-free villages with panoramic views. You feel like you’re walking through a painting.

📸 Photography Tip: Get up early! Morning light + fewer tourists = magic photos.

🏙️ Cities in Switzerland: Small But Stunning

Swiss cities are tiny by global standards, but they pack a punch. In just one week, we squeezed in:

• Zurich—Honestly, you can see most of it in two days. Don’t miss Uetliberg for panoramic views, then hike down and head to the Lindt factory in Kilchberg for a chocolate fix.
• Bern—Loved this little capital! The old town is gorgeous, with cobblestone streets, arcades, and a laid-back vibe. Great for street photography.
• Lucerne—Picture-perfect bridges, lakeside walks, and the nearby Mount Pilatus or Rigi make it ideal for a day trip.
• Geneva or Lausanne (optional)—French-speaking Switzerland has a different vibe. Geneva’s a bit posh; Lausanne is more lively. If you’re short on time, focus on the Alps instead.

If you want lesser-known gems, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Baden, and Schaffhausen are charming and easy to explore in a day. The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is a must if you love natural drama.

💸 Saving Money in an Expensive Country

Switzerland has a reputation — and yeah, it’s accurate. A hot dog in Zurich? $12. A basic meal out? $25+. But there are ways to stretch your budget:

• Cook your meals if you have access to a kitchen. We stocked up at grocery stores and splurged on pastries/snacks instead of sit-down meals.
• Accommodation tourist passes: Many hotels and Airbnbs give you free local transport passes (ask your host!). These are only valid in that region — for example, Interlaken’s pass won’t work in Zurich, but it’ll cover buses and discounts on funiculars nearby.
• Swiss Travel Pass: Worth it if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground. It includes trains, buses, boats, and museum entries.
• Interrail One Country Pass: Better for slow travelers or those staying longer. Compare prices based on your route — Swiss trains are pricey, so passes can save a lot.
• Walk when you can — and in Switzerland, you’ll want to.

💡 Budget hack: Download the SBB mobile app to track train schedules and see discounted “Supersaver” tickets.

🚂 Getting Around: A Scenic Joyride

Switzerland’s trains are part transport, part sightseeing experience. The Golden Pass Line (Lucerne to Interlaken to Montreux), Bernina Express, and Glacier Express are among the most scenic routes in the world. Even regular regional trains feel luxurious, and the windows are huge — great for travel photography.

🌄 Our Highlights: What Not to Miss

If you’re short on time, here’s what we recommend:

✅ Lauterbrunnen & Mürren—Waterfalls, cliffs, views.
✅ Hiking above Grindelwald—especially First to Bachalpsee.
✅ Bern Old Town—Chill, photogenic, and walkable.
✅ Lucerne + Mount Rigi or Pilatus – Lake + mountain = magic.
✅ Zurich views from Uetliberg—and cheap(er) Lindt chocolate in Kilchberg.
✅ Train rides between destinations—truly part of the adventure.

📦 Final Thoughts: One Week of Swiss Magic

One week felt short — but full. We saw mountain villages, glacial lakes, charming cities, and alpine trails. And we did it without blowing the budget too badly, thanks to smart planning, hostel cooking, and those magical Swiss transport passes.

If you’re heading to Switzerland, take the scenic route. Walk the extra 20 minutes. Wake up early for the light. Talk to locals. And don’t stress about ticking off everything — even standing still here feels like a moment worth savoring.