A balanced week of iconic Swiss winter train journeys, Alpine towns, and relaxed downtime, starting and ending with flights from Portland (PDX) to Zurich (ZRH).
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Duration7 days
Travellers1
Best time to visitDecember to March for winter scenery and ski season; early December offers festive markets with fewer crowds.
Estimated cost$3,800 - $5,400
Main airportZRH
Itinerary
Day 1 - Zurich, Switzerland
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
International flight from Portland (PDX) to Zurich (ZRH)
Cost: $800-1100 · Travel time: 11h 30m (incl. layover) · By flight · Near Portland International Airport
Options: One‑stop flights on airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss, or Delta
Transfer from Zurich Airport to city centre hotel
Cost: $10-15 · Travel time: 20 min · By train · Near Zurich Airport
Options: Train (S-Bahn) or taxi
Afternoon walk in Zurich Old Town and visit Grossmünster
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Grossmünster, Zurich
Options: Walking
Evening at Lake Zurich promenade
Cost: Free · Travel time: 10 min walk · Near Lake Zurich promenade
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café Sprüngli — Famous for pastries and hot chocolate
Zeughauskeller — Traditional Swiss fare in a historic armory
Restaurant Swiss Chuchi — Fondue and raclette in the heart of the Old Town
Where to stay
Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich — Central 4‑star hotel, rooms $180‑250 per night, free Wi‑Fi, close to main station
Day 2 - Zurich to Lucerne (GoldenPass Line)
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Morning train from Zurich HB to Lucerne via GoldenPass Line
Cost: $30-45 · Travel time: 1h 0m · By train · Near Zurich Hauptbahnhof
Options: Direct regional train
Check‑in at Lucerne hotel and short rest
Cost: Included in lodging · Travel time: 10 min walk · Near Hotel des Balances
Options: Walking
Explore Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Kapellbrücke, Lucerne
Options: Walking
Evening boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (winter schedule)
Cost: $25-35 · Travel time: 15 min walk · Near Lake Lucerne pier
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café de Ville — Bakery with fresh breads and coffee
Wirtshaus Galliker — Classic Lucerne cuisine in a historic cellar
Restaurant Balances — Fine dining with views over the Reuss River
Where to stay
Hotel des Balances — Boutique 4‑star hotel on the river, rooms $190‑260 per night
Day 3 - Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz
Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Morning transfer to Visp for Glacier Express departure
Cost: $15-20 · Travel time: 1h 30m by train · By train · Near Lucerne Bahnhof
Options: Regional train to Visp
Scenic Glacier Express from Visp to St. Moritz
Cost: $120-150 (2nd class) · Travel time: 8h 0m · By train · Near Visp Railway Station
Options: Panoramic train with dining car
Evening stroll around St. Moritz lake
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Lake St. Moritz
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café Arcas — Cozy café near the train station
Restaurant Engiadina — Local specialties with a view of the Engadine valley
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz – Restaurant Chesa — Elegant dining with Alpine cuisine
Where to stay
Hotel Hauser — Family‑run 4‑star hotel, rooms $180‑240 per night, central location
Day 4 - Bernina Express: St. Moritz to Tirano (Italy) and return
Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Morning Bernina Express round‑trip (St. Moritz – Tirano – St. Moritz)
Cost: $100-130 (2nd class) · Travel time: 4h 30m total · By train · Near St. Moritz Railway Station
Options: Panoramic train, includes commentary
Afternoon relaxation at Badrutt's Palace spa (optional)
Cost: $70-120 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café Piz — Breakfast with fresh pastries
Ristorante Bella Vista (Tirano) — Italian lunch in Tirano after train arrival
Restaurant La Baracca — Swiss‑Italian fusion back in St. Moritz
Where to stay
Hotel Hauser — Same hotel as previous night
Day 5 - Travel to Interlaken (GoldenPass continuation)
Location: Interlaken, Switzerland
Morning train from St. Moritz to Interlaken Ost via GoldenPass Line
Cost: $55-70 · Travel time: 5h 30m · By train · Near St. Moritz Railway Station
Options: Scenic train with panoramic windows
Check‑in and brief rest
Cost: Included in lodging · Travel time: 10 min walk · Near Hotel Interlaken
Options: Walking
Evening walk along Höheweg promenade and sunset view of Jungfrau
Cost: Free · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Höheweg, Interlaken
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Café du Nord — Hearty breakfast with Swiss breads
Restaurant Taverne — Traditional Swiss dishes near the river
Restaurant Jungfrau — Fine dining with mountain views
Where to stay
Hotel Interlaken — 4‑star hotel central to train station, rooms $170‑230 per night
Day 6 - Jungfraujoch Day Trip
Location: Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Morning cogwheel train from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Cost: $150-190 · Travel time: 2h 30m round‑trip · By train · Near Interlaken Ost Station
Options: Trains via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg
Explore Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Alpine restaurant
Cost: Included in ticket · Near Jungfraujoch railway station
Return to Interlaken and relax at hotel
Cost: Included · Travel time: 2h 30m · Near Hotel Interlaken
Options: Train
Where to eat
Hotel Interlaken Breakfast Buffet — Buffet with hot and cold options
Restaurant Top of Europe — Alpine cuisine at 3,454 m altitude
Husi Bierhaus — Casual Swiss tavern back in Interlaken
Where to stay
Hotel Interlaken — Same accommodation
Day 7 - Return to Portland
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Morning train from Interlaken Ost to Zurich HB
Cost: $35-50 · Travel time: 2h 0m · By train · Near Interlaken Ost Station
Options: Direct regional train
Transfer to Zurich Airport
Cost: $10-15 · Travel time: 20 min · By train · Near Zurich Hauptbahnhof
Options: S-Bahn or taxi
International flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Portland (PDX)
Cost: $800-1100 · Travel time: 11h 30m (incl. layover) · By flight · Near Zurich Airport
Options: One‑stop flights on Lufthansa, Swiss, or Delta
Where to eat
Babu's Bakery & Coffee — Quick breakfast near the hotel
Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Waag — Light lunch before departure
Airport Lounge (Swiss Business Lounge) — Dinner in the lounge, optional
Where to stay
N/A — No overnight stay; departure in the evening
Estimated Cost
$3,800 - $5,400
Air transportation
$1,600 - $2,200
Ground transportation
$300 - $500
Lodging
$1,200 - $1,800
Meals
$500 - $700
Activities
$300 - $500
Incidentals
$100 - $200
Trip Highlights
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Line
Jungfraujoch
Zermatt
St. Moritz
Lucerne
Montreux
Zurich Old Town
Visa Requirements
Switzerland
Citizenship: General
Visa required: No for short tourism stays up to 90 days for US, EU, UK, and many others (Schengen)
Stay allowed: Up to 90 days within any 180‑day period
Application process: No visa needed for eligible passports. Obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) starting 2025 for visa‑free travelers.
Requirements: Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure), proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, travel insurance recommended.
Fees: N/A (ETIAS fee €7, if applicable)
Multiple entry: Allowed
Good to Know
Winter weather may cause train delays; dress in layers and check snow conditions. Swiss rail network is punctual, but mountain passes can close. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel and museum entry. Credit cards widely accepted; cash (CHF) useful in small towns.
Local Customs
Tipping 5‑10% is customary in restaurants. Quiet conversation is expected on public transport. Recycling bins are abundant; separate waste accordingly.
Background
Switzerland's alpine heritage dates back centuries, with neutral politics, watchmaking, and a tradition of precision engineering. The railways were built in the 19th century to connect remote valleys.
Useful Phrases
Grüezi — Hello (German-speaking regions)
Merci — Thank you (French-speaking regions)
Buongiorno — Good morning (Italian-speaking regions)
Budget Tips
Use a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train travel
Stay in 3‑star hotels or family inns for lower rates
Book flights 6‑8 weeks in advance for best fares
Dine at lunch menus (Mittagstisch) for cheaper meals
Time-Saving Tips
Pre‑book Glacier Express seats; store luggage at main stations; download SBB mobile app for real‑time updates.
Getting Around
Swiss rail is timed on the clock; reserve seats for Glacier and Bernina Express. Use S‑Bahn for airport transfers.
Beating the Crowds
Travel in early December before school holidays; choose mid‑week train departures to avoid peak tourist groups.
Local Deals
Swiss Travel Pass includes free entry to most museums; some mountain railways offer discounted return tickets with the Pass.
Combo Deals
Combine Glacier Express ticket with a hotel stay package offered by Swiss Tourism for up to 10% savings.
If the Weather Turns
If heavy snow blocks a mountain pass, replace train segment with a scenic bus (e.g., PostBus) or explore indoor attractions in the same town.
Alternative Activities
Snowshoeing in Davos, visit the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, or enjoy a thermal spa in Scuol.
Side Trips
Day trip to Lucerne’s Mount Pilatus (cable car), or a short visit to Basel’s art museums.
Events While You're There
December 5–12: Zurich Christmas Market; December 8–15: Lucerne Advent Market; December 10–18: St. Moritz International Snow Festival.
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