Planning a winter trip to Switzerland in 2023? This article makes the most of your 7 days in the Alps, with a detailed itinerary of activities, accommodation, food, and transport. Let’s get to it!

Are you ready to experience an alpine winter wonderland in Switzerland? Here’s a 7-day Switzerland itinerary of what you can do during winter! This itinerary is a great option for travellers who want to experience the best of Switzerland in all its icy glory. It includes visits to some of the country’s most popular ski resorts and winter sports destinations, as well as picturesque alpine villages and a bit of the city. Without further ado, let’s go!

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First things first… Get a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card:

👉 Swiss Travel Pass

Image Credits: My Switzerland

Make your travel easier with an all-in-one pass that covers trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland, as long as they’re within the Swiss Travel System. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of purchasing individual tickets, instead save both time and money!

💸 Prices: From S$351.89+

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass via YouTrip Perks on Klook & get up to 5% cashback with YouTrip!

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Swiss Half Fare Card

Image Credits: Klook

If you’re uncertain about your travel dates and value flexibility in your plans, consider exploring the Swiss Half Fare Card. With this option, you can benefit from discounts of up to 50% on Switzerland’s public transportation for an entire month, making it a convenient way to explore the country.

💸 Prices: From S$182+

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card via YouTrip Perks on Klook & get up to 5% cashback with YouTrip!

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

7-Day Switzerland Itinerary:

Day 1: Zurich to St Moritz

On your first day, arrive in Zurich, stretch your legs for a little and get ready for a 4-hour journey by train to St. Moritz. St. Moritz is a world-famous ski resort town in the Swiss Alps with a bunch of winter sports and other activities and amenities to keep you entertained. BTW, this town also hosted the Winter Olympics twice. So you know their winter sports facilities are top-tier quality. 

We recommend going to St Moritz by train which is a journey with two transfers.

🚂 How to get from Zurich Airport to St Moritz:

Step 1: Take a train from Zurich Airport to Zurich main station (Zürich HB). This takes about 10 minutes and costs around 7 Swiss francs. You can choose from different trains, such as the IC3, IC5, IR13, IR15, or IR75.

Step 2: Take a train from Zurich main station to Chur. This takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around 30 Swiss francs. You can choose from different trains, such as the IC1, IC3, IC5, or IR13.

Step 3: Take a train from Chur to St Moritz. This takes about 2 hours and costs around 25 Swiss francs. You can choose from different trains, such as the RE1 or RE32. This is the most scenic part of the journey, as you will travel along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes

You can book your train tickets online or get them at the station. You can also use a Swiss Travel Pass if you have one, which gives you unlimited access to public transport in Switzerland for a certain period of time.

Image Credits: Switzerland Travel & Vacation

Once you’ve reached St Moritz, check into your hotel and enjoy a dip in Switzerlands’ renowned thermal hot springs. Switzerland is packed with natural hot springs that have been attracting visitors for their healing benefits since a long time ago, beginning with Roman soldiers two millenniums ago.

We recommend checking out the Mineralbad & Spa, Samedan

💸 Price: from CHF 52.00, (~S$79).

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 2: St. Moritz

Image credits: Booking.com

St. Moritz, a renowned winter destination in the Swiss Alps, offers a wealth of activities that combine outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and luxury into a premium alpine experience. Today’s the day you get to explore St Moritz in all its winter glory including all their world-class sports facilities! 

Since you have the full day ahead, here are some of the best things to do on the slopes of St Moritz:

Image credits: Arzo Travels

 1️⃣ Skiing and Snowboarding: Start your day with a thrilling adventure on the slopes. St. Moritz is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, the well-groomed runs cater to all levels, ensuring an exhilarating experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.

2️⃣ Snowshoeing: If you’re looking for an alternative to downhill skiing, try snowshoeing. It’s a fantastic way to explore the serene winter landscapes at your own pace. You can choose from various snowshoe trails that lead you through pristine forests and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife.

 3️⃣ Ice Skating: Head to the frozen Lake St. Moritz and enjoy a classic winter activity — ice skating. Glide gracefully on the natural ice rink with the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Rentals are available for those who didn’t bring their own skates. You might also get to watch some professional ice hockey or figure skating at the Olympic Ice Rink.

4️⃣ Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Experience the charm of St. Moritz in a more leisurely fashion with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered village. It’s a delightful way to appreciate the picturesque surroundings and take in the alpine architecture.

 5️⃣ Tobogganing and Sledding: St Moritz has some of the longest and fastest toboggan runs in Switzerland, such as the 4.2-kilometer Cresta Run or the 3.5-kilometer Muottas Muragl Run. You can also go sledding with dogs or horses in the snowy landscape.

6️⃣ Bobsledding: St Moritz is the only place in the world where you can experience bobsledding on a natural ice track! You can join a professional pilot and reach speeds of over 100km/h on the Olympia Bob Run.

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Check out our 7-day Finland itinerary for summer here

🏨 Places to stay:

Image Credits: The Luxe Voyager

👉 Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

A 5-star hotel that blends modern design with classic Alpine charm. It boasts a spa, gourmet dining, and easy access to the slopes. The beautiful rooms and wellness facilities make it a fantastic choice for a relaxing stay.

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Booking.com & get up to 15% cashback!

📍 Address: Via Johannes Badrutt 11, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$1,916/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Hotel Steffani

If you’re seeking a more mid-range option, Hotel Steffani offers a convenient location in the centre of St. Moritz. It has cozy rooms, and a well-regarded restaurant, and is within walking distance of the town’s attractions.

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Trip.com & get up to 12% cashback!

📍 Address: Via Traunter plazzas 6, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$394/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Airbnb or Vacation Rentals

St. Moritz also has various Airbnb options and vacation rentals, which can be excellent for families or groups looking for more space and a homely atmosphere.

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

🍽️ Places to eat:

Image Credits: The Telegraph

1️⃣ Chesa Veglia: Located near Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Chesa Veglia serves up Italian specialities in a rustic Swiss setting.

📍 Address: Via Veglia 2, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

2️⃣ Acla Restaurant: Acla is a popular St. Moritz institution that serves Swiss and Engadin cuisine. It’s known for its cosy and charming ambience, making it an ideal spot to enjoy regional dishes like Capuns (Swiss chard rolls) and Pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta).

📍 Address: Via dal Bagn 54, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 3: Travel to Zermatt via the Glacier Express

Image credits: Travel + Leisure

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a charming mountain village renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and iconic Matterhorn peak that looms overhead. This car-free haven offers an enchanting blend of Alpine traditions and outdoor adventures, promising visitors an unforgettable Swiss experience. 

🚂 Getting from St Moritz to Zermatt:

Image credits: Finding Alexx

However, to get here from St Moritz requires a long train ride that pretty much takes your entire day away. Hence, Day 3 is mostly dedicated to travelling. The fastest way to get to Zermatt by St Moritz is by car which takes about 5 hours. The next fastest is a combination of multiple trains and a bus including at least five transfers that will take about over 6 to 7 hours.

With these in consideration, we recommend taking the Glacier Express because while it is one of the slowest routes, it is one of the most scenic and comfortable and takes about 8 hours. But rest assured the journey is an adventure in itself as you traverse some of Switzerland’s most spectacular landscapes, on one of the most scenic railway routes in Switzerland, the panoramic train —  the Glacier Express.

Image credits: Glacier Express

To journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, take a train ride on the Glacier Express, one of Switzerland’s most renowned scenic railway routes connecting these two places — passing through Chur, Andermatt and Brig along the way. 

For winter, the train departs from St Moritz in the morning, around 8 to 9 AM, and arrives at Zermatt in the evening around 5 to 6 PM. Refer to the Glacier Express timetable for more accurate timings. 

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the Glacier Express is covered but you need to pay fees to reserve your seat. Without a Swiss Travel Pass, the prices are as follows for one person, from St Moritz to Zermatt:

• 1st Class: 272 CHF (~S$412.75)
• 2nd Class: 159 CHF (~S$241.30)

Once you’ve arrived at Zermatt, check into your hotel, explore the city on foot, and have dinner at one of the charming restaurants in town.

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

🏨 Places to stay:

Image credits: Booking.com

👉 Riffelalp Resort 2222m

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Agoda & get up to 7% off!

📍 Address: 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$741/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Hotel Firefly: A boutique 4-star hotel known for its contemporary design and warm atmosphere. It’s a short walk from the train station and the Gornergrat Railway station

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Booking.com & get up to 15% cashback!

📍 Address: Schluhmattstrasse 55, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$536/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

🍽 Places to eat:

Image credits: Tripify

👉 Restaurant Whymper-Stube: Situated in the Monte Rosa Hotel, this restaurant specialises in local Swiss and international dishes. It’s an excellent choice for a gourmet meal and features an extensive wine list.

📍 Address: Bahnhofstrasse 80, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉Findlerhof: Nestled in the heart of Zermatt, this charming restaurant serves Swiss and international cuisine. The cosy ambience and exquisite dishes make it a favourite among visitors.

📍 Address: Findeln, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 4: Zermatt

Image credits: Pexels

Zermatt is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The top attraction here is undoubtedly the Matterhorn, which beckons climbers and photographers alike. The Matterhorn is an iconic mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the highest peaks in the Alps, with an elevation of 4,478m. You can see why it is a popular destination for tourists and mountaineers alike. 

One of the most popular attractions at the Matterhorn is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It’s an alpine wonderland of ski slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings, and a view platform to see the unique view of the Matterhorn. 

To get there, you will need to ride a series of cable cars to the highest station in Europe and get panoramic views over the Alps. It’s an interesting experience and can be quite confusing so we recommend reading this guide by Earhtrekkers for a better understanding as there’s more than one way of reaching the peak. 

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Image credits: Snow-wise 

If you are interested in hiking, there are many trails around the Matterhorn that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Gornergrat trail is one such trail that offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and other peaks in the region. 

If skiing is your thing, then you will be happy to know that there are many ski resorts around the Matterhorn that offer excellent skiing opportunities as well.

Or if you’re looking for a more leisurely day, you can descend after viewing the panoramic Alps and then move on to explore the charming village with its artisan shops and cosy cafes. But whatever you’re doing, remember to check the timetable for the Matterhorn lifts/cable cars to ensure you have ample time to get back!

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 5: Grindelwald

Image Credits: Grindelwald Swiss

Travel to Grindelwald, a village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. It’s a charming alpine village surrounded by some of the most majestic and highest mountains in Switzerland, such as the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. It’s a great place for sightseeing and adventure sports alike.

🚂 Getting to Grindelwald from Zermatt:

To make the journey from Zermatt to Grindelwald, you can head to the Rail Europe website and book your train in advance. The journey takes approximately 3 hours with the first train leaving at 5:37 AM.

Upon arrival in Grindelwald, hiking enthusiasts can explore the endless trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, with the Jungfrau Region offering some of the most striking vistas in the Swiss Alps. We recommend following these activities in Grindelwald:

Image Credits: Full Suitcase

1️⃣ Take a cable car up to Grindelwald-First — a mountain pass with stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. This 25-minute gondola journey passes through Bort and Schreckfeld and offers you scenic views of the surroundings.

2️⃣ Lake Bachalpsee — From Grindel-First, hike to the gorgeous alpine Lake Bachalpsee . It is an easy 3-km hike that can take around 1 hour each way. Get to see snow-capped mountains with green fields in the foreground. If you’re lucky you might even get to see the idyllic landscape reflected against the water’s surface on a clear day. Lake Bachalpsee is a definite must-see for any Grindelwald visit.

3️⃣ First Cliff Walk by Tissot — a suspended lookout platform perched 45 metres away from the edge of the mountain. Situated at the summit of First Mountain, 2200m above sea level, it is an easy walk that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This is also a must-see!

4️⃣ Grindelwald Village — the main hub of activities with restaurants and shops. To get back down to Grindelwald Village, you can either take the cable car again or choose something more fun like zipline via the ZipRider,  mountain carts or trotti bike scooters! The mountain carts are like “a cross between a go-kart and sled” while the Trottibike Scooters are like a cross between a scooter and bicycle.

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Try freedom camping in New Zealand with this itinerary

🏨 Places to stay:

Grindelwald offers a wide range of accommodations, mirroring the variety of activities available in the area. Options range from cosy chalets and traditional mountain lodges to luxurious hotels like the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof.

Image Credits: Booking.com

👉 Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Trip.com & get up to 12% cashback!

📍 Address: Swiss Alp Resort 1, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$433/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

🍽 Places to eat:

Image Credits: Grindewald

👉 Onkel Tom’s Hütte: This charming alpine hut is a traditional family-run restaurant that serves up delicious pizzas in a cosy cabin setting. The menu consists of vegetarian options too! Something for everyone.

📍 Address: Dorfstrasse 194, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 6: Jungfraujoch

Image Credits: Jungfraujoch CH

Ready to ascend to the Top of Europe? Jungfraujoch, often dubbed the “Top of Europe,” is a breathtaking high-altitude destination in the Swiss Bernese Alps. With stunning glacier vistas, a renowned cogwheel train journey, and year-round snow activities, visitors can experience the magic of the Swiss mountains.

🚂 Getting to Jungfraujoch from Grindelwald:

Image Credits: Jungfrau CH

First, take the train from Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg. At Kleine Scheidegg station, change to the Jungfrau Railway, which takes you via the Eiger Glacier to the Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe, with Europe’s highest railway station. The journey takes approximately 1hr 26mins.

❄️ Activities to do:

Once you arrive at Jungfraujoch, take in the sights and explore a unique range of activities. From exploring an enchanting ice palace to witnessing the majesty of the Aletsch Glacier, Jungfraujoch offers an adventure that’s both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.

Image Credits: World Atlas

1️⃣ Aletsch Glacier: Marvel at the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, part of the protected Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get to enjoy stunning views and take in the sheer scale of this icy wonder. If you’re keen on getting up close, guided tours are available for a more in-depth experience.

2️⃣ Ice Palace: Explore the enchanting Ice Palace, a world of ice sculptures, tunnels, and captivating artistry. Admire the intricate ice carvings and immerse yourself in this rare glacial wonderland. Elsa, who?

3️⃣ Sphinx Observatory: Visit the Sphinx Observatory, perched at an elevation of 3,571 meters. From the observation deck, soak in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Aletsch Glacier and the iconic Matterhorn.

4️⃣ Snow Sports at the Jungfraujoch Snow Fun Park: If you haven’t had enough action in the snow, experience the thrill of snow sports. Again, like many of the locations before, the usual winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding are available as well as sledging and snow tubing for you to better

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Check out our South Korean Itinerary which was built with you, YouTroopers!

🏨 Places to stay:

There are no accommodations available at Jungfraujoch itself because of its high altitude location. However, you can still find a variety of lodging choices in nearby lower areas like Wengen. There, you can find chalets, mountain lodges, and hotels that offer convenient access to Jungfraujoch for day trips.

Image Credits: Booking.com

👉 Hotel Victoria-Lauberhorn: This traditional Swiss hotel provides comfortable rooms, some with stunning mountain views. It’s conveniently located near the Wengen train station, making it a great base for exploring the region.

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Booking.com & get up to 15% cashback!

📍 Address: Dorfstrasse 1, 3823 Wengen BE, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$345/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Day 7: Zurich

Image Credits: Conde Nast Traveler

Last day and you’re back in the city of Zurich, a vibrant metropolis and Switzerland’s largest city. Here, you can soak in the dynamic blend of history, and culture that this dynamic city, with its picturesque old town and stunning lakeside promenade, has to offer.

🚂 Getting to Zurich from Wengen:

The train journey from Wengen to Zurich Hb typically takes around 2hrs 46mins, covering 98 km. There are 24 daily trains available for this route, but no direct services; travellers must make two transfers at Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken Ost respectively.

🛍 Activities to do:

Image Credits: Trip.com

Upon reaching Zurich, check out Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. After all the snow activities, it’s time to indulge in some retail therapy! Also, savour delectable Swiss chocolate and explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, offering everything from traditional Swiss dishes to international flavours.

If you’re a history nut, be sure to check out the Swiss National Museum for a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture. If you’re travelling with family, the Zurich Zoo and the FIFA World Football Museum offer engaging experiences for all ages. For relaxation, we recommend heading to the Hürlimannbad & Spa Zurich, where you can soak in thermal baths and take in the rooftop views.

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Check out our ultimate 7-day Tasmania road trip itinerary here

🏨 Places to stay:

Image Credits: Booking.com

👉 Hotel Helmhaus

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Trip.com & get up to 12% cashback!

📍 Address: Schifflände 30, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$468/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Ibis Budget Zurich City West: For budget-conscious travellers, this hotel provides clean and comfortable accommodations in a convenient location.

❗️ Pro-tip: Purchase accommodation via YouTrip Perks on Trip.com & get up to 12% cashback!

📍 Address: Technoparkstrasse 2, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

💸 Price: From S$149/night at the time of writing

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

🍽 Places to eat:

The city of Zurich serves as the perfect conclusion to your remarkable Swiss adventure with a combination of modernity and heritage. Enjoy the last moments of your journey before bidding farewell to the splendour of Switzerland.

Image Credits: Zunfthaus zur Meisen

👉 Zunfthaus zur Meisen: Located in a historic guild house, this restaurant offers Swiss classics in a charming setting. Try their Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a delicious local dish.

📍Address: Münsterhof 20, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉Kronenhalle: An iconic Zurich restaurant with a rich history, Kronenhalle is known for its fine dining and exceptional Swiss and international cuisine. The art collection within the restaurant adds to the unique atmosphere.

📍 Address: Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

👉 Swiss Chuchi: Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this restaurant serves traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette in a cosy Swiss chalet atmosphere.

📍 Address: Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

The Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary For Winter 2023: Find out more here

Your Swiss Adventure Awaits!

Image Credits: GetYourGuide

We hope this 7-day Switzerland itinerary has inspired you to book a Swiss winter adventure that promises breathtaking snowy landscapes and once-in-a-blue-moon alpine adventures with a little sprinkle of Christmas spirit. Safe travels, and may your Swiss sojourn be nothing short of extraordinary! As you embark on an epic winter adventure, remember to make use of your YouTrip card to enjoy the best rates all day, because every cent counts!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> to get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

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Bon voyage!

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