Should I visit Zermatt if I only have 10 nights in Switzerland?

The weather in June is unpredictable everywhere in the Alps. While you certainly want to see the Matterhorn in all its glory in Zermatt, Zermatt itself is a very interesting car free village to visit. You could stay in Montreux and keep your eye on the weather and if a clear day is predicted in Zermatt you can train there in under 3 hours. Many people do that as a day trip. Its an option. Montreux has a lot to enjoy in and around the area. Enjoy your trip.

I think day trip is a good idea. You do it only if the weather is nice. Zermatt is very expensive and you'd save some money on accommodation.

If your focus is outdoors, hiking and not rushing, absolutely do not do Lausanne. It’s very much a city (it has a subway system). And honestly so is Luzern. You can do nature things by commuting out of Luzern, but it’s a very busy congested place in town.

Zermatt is one of those places where on a perfect weather day up at Gornergrat you’re going to get beautiful views, but on a regular day down in the village you really don’t get magnificent mountains views (the Matterhorn isn’t visable in the main part of town). I was also shocked how bustling this so called car free village is. There are sooo many e-taxis buzzing everywhere that you’re constantly having to move over for them. It’s not my favorite. I much prefer Bettermalp or Saas Fee for hiking and true car free quiet Swiss village if you want to experience the Valais.

Personally I’d recommend going straight to Mürren or Wengen for 7 or 8 nights (there are so many day trip options, you’re not going to run out of things to do) & ending in Luzern for 2-3 nights (you can go to the airport from there). This recommendation is based on prioritizing nature, hiking and relaxation. If your desire is to see as much as possible, some would find that kind of itinerary too slow.

I would skip Zermatt. The Berner Oberland has so much more to offer. The scenery is to die for, and the hiking is wonderful. It’s much more relaxing and laid back. I liked Zermatt, but it was far more bustling and upscale, neither of which appeal to me. Plus, your trip will feel longer if you don’t have to travel back and forth to Zermatt.

I agree with the other posters that I wouldn’t add Lausanne either. It’s a city. Two nights in Lucerne is plenty, unless you are doing day trips to Pilatus, Titlis and/or Rigi. Two nights are plenty in Zermatt and if you haven’t been, it is worth it. Loved all of the shops, old town, the weather was perfect when we were there. Add the additional nights to the Berner Oberland. Lots to do there as well……all of that said - it rains a lot in Switzerland. That’s why it’s so green. Plan for the poor weather and be super happy when the good weather shines on your trip.

I would suggest that you pick either Zermatt or the Berner Oberland and park yourself in the one of your choice for all 5 or 6 of your designated “hiking” days. As stated by others, rain or fog can be expected, and staying in one spot increases your chances of catching a few nice days. On different trips, I spent a week in Lauterbrunnen at the end of June, and four nights in Zermatt in late August. On the first trip, we had two (non-consecutive) days of rain, and made day trips to Bern and Gruyère. In Zermatt, we had one rainy day and two beautiful days. As for which of the two to choose, I’d lean toward the B-O because of the abundance of hiking trail options and because it offers train links to more places for potential rainy day outings. I also found Montreux more charming than Lausanne, but either is reached easily from the other by train.