Switzerland had always been on our bucket list—and in November, we finally made it happen. It was the third time for me in as many years but we wanted to do it together this time. This blog details our 8-day trip from India, covering the cultural corners of Zurich, the fairytale charm of Lucerne, and the alpine beauty of Interlaken, with unforgettable excursions to Mt. Titlis, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, and beyond.
✈️ Day 1: Departure from New Delhi – Bound for the Alps
We began our journey with a direct evening flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Zurich (ZRH) on Swiss International Air Lines. The overnight flight was smooth, and we landed early the next morning, just as the sun was rising over the Alps.
✈️ Flight Duration: ~7.5 hours
💡 Tip: Book a window seat on the right for stunning mountain views on arrival!
🏙️ Day 2: Arrival in Zurich – Exploring the Cultural Capital
We took a quick 10-minute train from Zurich Airport to Zurich HB (main station) and dropped off our luggage at Hotel City Zurich, centrally located and perfect for a quick rest.
🗺️ What We Did in Zurich:
Bahnhofstrasse: Zurich’s famous shopping street—perfect for a morning stroll. From luxury boutiques to global brands, it’s all here. Old Town (Altstadt): We explored its cobbled lanes, medieval buildings, and quaint cafés. Don’t miss Augustinergasse, one of the prettiest alleys. Grossmünster Church: We climbed the tower for panoramic views of Zurich’s skyline. Lake Zurich Promenade: After lunch, we enjoyed a relaxing 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Zurich. The fresh air and alpine backdrop were rejuvenating.
🍽️ Lunch: Sprüngli Café for Swiss chocolate and Luxemburgerli macarons.
🍽️ Dinner: Classic Swiss fondue at Le Dézaley, nestled in the Old Town.
🚋 Getting Around: Zurich’s trams are incredibly efficient. We used the Zurich Card for unlimited public transit and museum discounts.
🌊 Day 3: Rhine Falls Excursion & Transfer to Lucerne
We started early and boarded a direct train to Schaffhausen (1 hour), home to the Rhine Falls—Europe’s largest waterfall.
🗺️ Rhine Falls Experience:
Took the boat ride to the middle rock platform—yes, right in the heart of the thundering falls! Walked the scenic trails on both sides of the river. Stopped by Laufen Castle, overlooking the falls.
In the afternoon, we returned to Zurich, collected our bags, and headed to Lucerne by train (1 hour). Lucerne greeted us with sunset over its lake and medieval bridges.
🛏️ Hotel in Lucerne: Hotel des Balances – right on the river with incredible views of the Old Town.
🏞️ Day 4: Lucerne Old Town & Mt. Pilatus OR Mt. Titlis
Lucerne felt like stepping into a storybook. With its painted facades and lakeside setting, we couldn’t stop taking photos.
🗺️ Morning in Lucerne:
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke): Iconic covered bridge with 17th-century paintings inside. Water Tower & Jesuit Church: Two of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal): A touching tribute to fallen Swiss Guards. Old Town Squares: Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz are filled with cafés and colorful murals.
🏔️ Afternoon Excursion: Choose Your Mountain Adventure
🔁 Option 1: Mt. Pilatus – Golden Round Trip
Boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up to Mt. Pilatus (2,132m) Explore panoramic decks, dragon legends, and the Pilatus Kulm hotel Descent via aerial gondola and panoramic cable car to Kriens, then return by bus
🧊 Option 2: Mt. Titlis – Glacier & Snow Fun
Train to Engelberg (45 mins) Ride the Titlis Rotair – the world’s first rotating cable car At the top: Cliff Walk, Glacier Cave, Ice Flyer chairlift over crevasses
🍽️ Dinner: At Wirtshaus Taube – rustic, hearty, and full of local flavor
🚞 Day 5: Scenic Train to Interlaken – Lake Views & Alpine Vibes
We boarded the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a 2-hour panoramic train journey filled with postcard views of turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and charming villages.
🗺️ Arrival in Interlaken:
Walked through Höhematte Park, where paragliders land Visited Japanese Garden and Casino Kursaal Short walk to Lake Thun promenade for golden hour
🛏️ Hotel in Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken – great location, garden views, and modern rooms with alpine touches.
🏔️ Day 6: Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe
This was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. We left early for the Jungfraujoch excursion—an engineering marvel and natural wonder all in one.
🗺️ Route:
Interlaken → Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch (via cogwheel train)
🧊 What to See at Jungfraujoch (3,454m):
Sphinx Observatory: Incredible views of the Aletsch Glacier Ice Palace: Walk through frozen tunnels and ice sculptures Snow Plateau: Walk outside on snow—year-round! Lindt Chocolate Heaven: Learn, sample, and shop Swiss chocolate
💡 Optional Stop: On the return, we got off at Wengen, a scenic, car-free village with wooden chalets and flower-lined balconies.
🌄 Day 7: Lauterbrunnen Valley & Mürren Village
We set out to explore one of the most beautiful valleys in the world: Lauterbrunnen, known for its 72 waterfalls.
🗺️ Lauterbrunnen Morning:
Walked to Staubbach Falls – a 300-meter free-falling waterfall Visited Trümmelbach Falls, inside a cliff, powered by glacier melt
🏞️ Mürren Afternoon:
Took a cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then mountain train to Mürren Had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Explored the serene, car-free alpine village
🛍️ Back in Interlaken, we picked up souvenirs like Swiss army knives, magnets, and local cheese. We did spend an extra day in Interlaken and that we would call as a Filmy Itinerary for Bollywood Fans like us specially if you have grown up watching DDLJ. It’s so close to our hearts that we decided to write it in a different blog post and I am sure if you too are excited to click the link above, you are up for a day to remember in your life.
✈️ Day 8: Return to Zurich & Flight Back to Delhi
We took an early morning train from Interlaken to Zurich Airport (~2 hours), making sure we had enough time to relax at the airport lounge before boarding our flight.
📦 Packing Tip: Don’t forget to declare and claim VAT refunds on major purchases!
Our flight back to Delhi was filled with reflections, photos, and plans to return someday.Subscriber Content
Two Yellow Jackets 