Switzerland itinerary (Zurich-Lucerne-Interlaken-Gruyere)

Nothing wrong with your plan but I would structure it slightly differently.

Unless you are flying in late or are concerned about jet lag I would skip Zurich and head straight for Lucern. It’s only a little over an hour by train from the airport. Trains run twice per hour. One is direct and the other requires a change in Zurich.

Instead of Interlaken stay in the Berner Oberland. Lauterbrunnen down in the in the valley or up in the mountains like Murren. Add the day saved in Zurich to your time here. Absolutely stunning views when the weather is nice.

Here are some hikes that are from forum member “Shoe”.

For the Schilthorn check the weather and view on the cams first thing in the morning. If it’s nice head up straight away. Crowds and weather can build later in the day.

https://lauterbrunnenhiking.wordpress.com/

Have a great trip. Hope you have good weather.

Edit: in Gruyere make sure to try the double cream. It’s similar to a clotted cream. Super rich.

I agree that you should stay in Lauterbrunnen, Murren, or Wengen instead of Interlaken. Interlaken was pretty but not like HOLY COW THIS IS AMAZING like Murren was. Also I felt the side of Switzerland near Gruyere (we flew into Geneva and took train to Bern) wasn't as pretty as the Berner Oberland, so if it was me, I'd do 3 days in the B.O. and cut an extra night from Zurich or Gruyere.

Rocket is right on all counts.

Check out the Air Time cafe in Lauterbrunnen. They can arrange several types of adventure activities: horseback riding, white water rafting, paragliding, etc. The teenagers might get a charge out of this.

Why go to Gruyere if you have no plans? Skip it and spend the time in the Berner Oberland. It will blow you away.

Thank you for the feedback! We changed our plans and will be going straight to Lucerne and adding a day to Berner Oberland area. We got a place in Murren.