Switzerland & Lake Como: A Breathtaking 1-Week Travel Itinerary

Switzerland and Lake Como are a dream combination for any traveler looking for stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant streets of Zurich to the jaw-dropping waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen and the serene beauty of Lake Como, this trip was packed with incredible sights and adventures. Here’s how we spent one unforgettable week exploring Switzerland and northern Italy.

📍 Days 1-2: Exploring Zurich – A Perfect Blend of Modern and Historic

Our journey started in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Often overlooked as just a financial hub, Zurich is actually a fantastic place to start your Swiss adventure.

Things to Do in Zurich:

• Stroll Through the Old Town (Altstadt) – Wander through the cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops.

• Bahnhofstrasse – One of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, great for window shopping or splurging on Swiss watches.

• Lake Zurich – Take a boat ride or just relax by the lake with stunning views of the Alps in the background.

• Lindenhof Hill – A historic site offering a panoramic view of the city.

• Uetliberg Mountain – If you love views, hike or take a train to the top for a breathtaking sunset.

  
  

Zurich is also famous for its vibrant food scene. We enjoyed traditional Swiss fondue and Rösti at a cozy local restaurant before getting ready for the next day’s adventure.

Zurich, Switzerland

📍 Days 2: Appenzell Hike

For an epic hiking experience, we headed to Appenzell, where we did a 16 km hike through breathtaking landscapes.

• The trail offers insane panoramic views and ends at a beautiful lake where you can swim.

• If you don’t want to hike the whole way, you can take a gondola up and just hike a few kilometers.

• Gondola price: €40 per person

• Parking: €5

This was one of our favorite hikes—so peaceful and absolutely stunning!

Appenzell, Switzerland

📍 Day 3: Lucerne – A Postcard-Perfect Swiss Town

Lucerne is a must-visit when in Switzerland! Nestled between the lake and mountains, it's one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Things to Do in Lucerne:

• Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) – The iconic wooden bridge with stunning views of the city and lake.

• Old Town (Altstadt) – Colorful, medieval buildings and a charming atmosphere make it a great place to wander.

• Lion Monument – A touching tribute to Swiss soldiers, carved into a rock.

• Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi – If you have time, take a cable car or cogwheel train up for breathtaking panoramic views.

• Boat Tour on Lake Lucerne – The best way to see the town from a different perspective.

  
  

Lucerne felt like stepping into a fairytale, and we wished we had more time to explore. But the next stop was calling!

Lucerne, Switzerland

📍 Day 4: Lauterbrunnen – The Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen is hands down one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. The scenery here looks like something out of a fantasy movie—green meadows, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls everywhere.

What to See in Lauterbrunnen:

• Staubbach Falls – One of Switzerland’s highest waterfalls, cascading down a sheer cliff.

• Trümmelbach Falls – A series of powerful waterfalls hidden inside a mountain, accessible by a tunnel-lift.

• Walk through the valley – Even if you don’t do a big hike, just walking around Lauterbrunnen is magical.

  
  

🚗 On the way to Lauterbrunnen, we stopped at:

• Iseltwald – A small, peaceful village on Lake Brienz, known for its stunning turquoise waters.

• Giessbach Waterfalls – One of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls, where you can walk behind the cascading water.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

📍 Day 5: Grindelwald

Not far from Lauterbrunnen is Grindelwald, another breathtaking Swiss destination. With its green valleys and snow-capped peaks, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

Things to Do in Grindelwald:

• First Cliff Walk – A suspension bridge with insane views of the mountains.

• Bachalpsee Lake Hike – A short, easy hike leading to a stunning alpine lake.

• Grindelwald Village – A charming little town with cute shops and traditional Swiss chalets.

📍 Day 6: Driving to Lake Como (with a Stop at Ticino’s Ponte dei Salti)

On our way from Switzerland to Italy, we stopped at Ticino’s Ponte dei Salti—a magical stone bridge over crystal-clear waters.

Things to Do in Ponte dei Salti:

• Swim in the emerald-green river – The water is super clean and refreshing.

• Walk across the medieval stone bridge – A perfect spot for photos!

After this stop, we drove into Italy and arrived at the dreamy shores of Lake Como.

Ticino’s Ponte dei Salti, Switzerland

📍 Days 6-7: Lake Como – Italian Elegance by the Water

Lake Como is one of the most romantic and beautiful places in Italy. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming villages, it’s a perfect place to unwind after all the Swiss adventures.

Top Places to Visit in Lake Como:

🌿 Bellagio – The most famous and picturesque town on the lake.

• Stroll through the cobbled streets and enjoy stunning lake views.

• Visit the beautiful Villa Melzi Gardens.

• Have an espresso at a lakeside café while soaking in the scenery.

🏰 Tremezzina

• Visit Villa Carlotta, a stunning villa with incredible gardens.

• Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the lake.

🏡 Varenna – A charming lakeside village.

• Villa Monastero – A historic villa with gorgeous botanical gardens and breathtaking lake views.

• Walk along the Lovers' Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) – A scenic promenade along the water.

Lake Como, Italy

Final Thoughts

This one-week Switzerland & Lake Como trip was a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. From the breathtaking Swiss Alps to the elegance of Lake Como, every single place we visited was a dream come true.

Would I do it again? 100% YES! If you're planning a trip like this, be ready for stunning views, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences!

Have you been to any of these places? Let me know in the comments! 🏔🌊💙