Proposed Switzerland itinerary

One quick recommendation is that you stay in Montreux instead of Lausanne. We were there last month and were so happy we stayed in Montreux. It was quiet and gorgeous. Lausanne was a bit large, loud, and hilly for us.

Those are all nice places but it is a lot of moving around and time on trains and lifts. You will definitely want a Swiss Pass of some sort. And the weather may not be at its best in mid-May.

If you have perfect weather, you can do all of this although the pace is very fast. You have one day each for Zermatt and Chamonix, both notorious for unstable weather. Would you consider skipping two nights in Bern and adding one each to Zermatt and Chamonix to increase your chances of having a good visibility day? Bern is, IMO, “just a city,” while the others are areas of outstanding beauty.

It sounds like you are interested in museums - I really like the Einstein Museum and the rest of the Historical museum in Bern (where the Einstein museum is housed). Definitely worth a visit! I also like Avanches with its Roman ruins and the museum there.

Laurel is correct about the natural beauty in other locations, but I am one who thinks that Bern has a lot to offer. It will all depend on your interests. Be aware that most museums are closed on Mondays.

I think you’re trying to pack too many places in 12 full days. Luzern, Bern, Berner Oberland, Zermatt, Montreux, Chamonix & Annecy is just too much in that amount of time and you’re going to be exhausted. Part of the joy of Switzerland is slowing down to take it in. My personal preference is the mountains/countryside which makes it so unique, so I would cut Lausanne/Montreux as it’s a really congested area and do the lakes in Berner Oberland & Luzern. Or if Montreux/Lausanne is important to you then cut Zermatt and enjoy the nature of Luzern/BO with Montreux as your city. It’s not quaint or quiet. I’m here now in the off season and it’s swarming with people in my opinion. Chateau de Chillon is neat, but otherwise I find it full of traffic and noise. Especially Lausanne.

Day 1 - arrive in Zurich, Luzern
Day 2 - Luzern
Day 3 - Luzern
Day 4 - Berner Oberland (day trip to Bern at some point during this time)
Day 5 - Berner Oberland
Day 6 - Berner Oberland
Day 7 - Berner Oberland
Day 9 - Berner Oberland to Zermatt (or Montreux)
Day 10 - Zermatt (or Montreux)
Day 11 - Zermatt (or Montreux)
Day 12 - Chamonix
Day 13 - Chamonix
Day 14 - To Lyon

I like wanderweg’s ideas. With a long stay in Mürren you could day trip to Bern if it calls to you.

Maureen has great perspective. If you like museums, I have to admit that is not my focus any longer. I come for the outdoors, the transportation, the cleanliness, the lifestyle, the incredible beauty.

Or if Montreux/Lausanne is important to you then cut Zermatt and enjoy
the nature of Luzern/BO with Montreux as your city.

Another thought is that you can easily do a day trip to Zermatt from Montreux. Wait for the best weather day, get up early, and go.

I was in Montreux early June 2022 and it was not crowded at all. The spring flowers are incredible along the lake. I think late May will be a great time for this area.

Just a couple of things to consider.

Use the Sbb.ch app for public transportation. It is really great.

In Lucerne on a nice day, we did Rigi. Took the ferry to Weggis, took the Gondola to Rigi Kaltbad, then the cogwheel up to Rigi Kulm, then the cogwheel back down to Vitznau, ferry back to Lucerne. We did some easier walks in between, it was a lovely clear sunny day, check the weather, not sure it would be as nice in rain. We had the Swiss Travel Pass, all of that travel was included at that time.. Another nice day or half day trip would be to Mt Titlis from Lucerne.

Late May could be somewhat rainy and muddy and quite chilly up at elevation. I would opt for Chamonix or Zermatt, since you will have been in the Berner Oberland. If you plan to stay in Gimmelwald, make those reservations early, not many rooms. We stayed in Murren for 5 days and could have done several more. It is easy to get to Lauterbrunen and the other side of the valley to Wengen and Grindelwald. Although I understand there is alot of construction happening in Murren right now.

FYI train from Montreux to Lyon would be pleasant, ~3-4 hours. While Montreux was very beautiful, other small towns along Lake Geneva were stunning, Cully, Lutry, Vevey (larger than village) and still easy to use trains, buses and ferries.

In May (maybe most of the year), "The Chocolate Train" only runs on specific days. Honestly just take regular public transport to Broc-Fabrique. Broc-Village is fine also, just about a 15 minute walk to Callier. You can book a timed ticket online for Callier, plus there are workshops where you make chocolate creations. Gruyeres is worth a few hours too, for lunch maybe before or after Callier.

Also agree to not stay in Bern, we spent several hours twice there on our month in Switzerland. There are lots of easy to use lockers to leave your luggage. We did the clock tower tour, which was interesting, had a nice lunch, used the laundrette and my husband got a haircut. Having done the Goldenpass route in the reverse, while lovely, maybe instead plan to spend a few hours there when connecting to somewhere else, or on a rainy day as a day trip?

Sounds like a Wonderful trip regardless. Switzerland is amazing, no matter what you do!!

Forget about the "Chocolate Train". It is a ripoff. Most of the trip is actually by coach. Just go to Gruyeres and Broc by regular train.
Note that this is also an easy daytrip from Bern. There are now direct trains from Bern to Broc Fabrique, where the Cailler factory is.

Thank you so much for all the great suggestions!! I will take it all under advisement and revamp my plans.