After arriving at Zurich airport, you'll make your way to your home base of Wengen (the cutest little mountain town). Then you'll spend the next 6 days exploring all the Jungfrau region has to offer! It's a once-in-a-lifetime vacation! 

Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Zürich, Switzerland

Interlaken, Switzerland

Kandersteg, Switzerland

Thun, Switzerland

Lake Brienz, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Exploring the Jungfrau Region: Your Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary

As a traveler who typically enjoys weekend getaways in the United States, planning my first trip to Switzerland felt a bit overwhelming. With endless activity options and a train timetable that seemed to be in another language, I spent hours curating what I believed to be the perfect itinerary for a week in this stunning country. 

But just as I thought I had everything figured out, I looked at the weather forecast: rain every.single.day.

Despite the dreary weather and the need for numerous plan B’s, we ended up having an absolutely amazing time exploring the beauty of Switzerland. 

The Jungfrau Region is nestled in the Bernese Oberland, located in the south-central area of Switzerland. This picturesque region features stunning alpine landscapes, high peaks, glaciers, and charming villages. It forms a triangle connecting Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen, and is dotted with quaint towns like Wengen, Murren, and Gimmelwald, as well as the sparkling waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. 

Renowned for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, the Jungfrau Region offers breathtaking views of iconic mountains like the Eiger, Mönch, and its namesake, the Jungfrau.

For travelers from the United States, Zurich is often the most affordable entry point to Switzerland, approximately 2.5 hours away from Interlaken by train. Another option is Bern, which is just a 52-minute train ride to Interlaken.

Once in Interlaken, you’ll find easy train access to all destinations in the Jungfrau Region. This itinerary is based out of Wengen, but feel free to start from any town in the region due to the accessibility of the trains.

When it comes to getting around, I highly recommend purchasing a rail pass versus buying individual tickets. The **Jungfrau Region Train Pass** and the **Swiss Travel Pass** are two great options:

The efficient Swiss rail system allows you to stay in any town within the Jungfrau Region. We chose to stay in Wengen at the **Hotel Bellevue**, which offered stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

 When is the best time to visit the Jungfrau Region?

The best time to visit the Jungfrau Region largely depends on your interests:

**Summer (June to August):** Ideal for hiking with average temperatures ranging from 53-76°F. However, be prepared for rain, especially in August.

**Winter (December to February):** A snowy wonderland perfect for skiing and Christmas markets.

**Spring (March to May):** Offers a mix of winter sports and the awakening of flora, with fewer tourists.

**Note:** The weather can be unpredictable in the Alps, so pack layers, a rain jacket, and an umbrella!

After an overnight flight, arrive in Zurich early in the morning. Head to the train station located in the airport and catch a train to Interlaken OST, followed by another train to Wengen. 

After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Wengen village. Grab dinner from Santo’s Fine Foods and enjoy a picnic in the fresh alpine air.

Start your second day with an early morning adventure! Take the Wengen-Mannlichen Gondola, hike the Panorama Trail, and check out more views along the Royal Walk.

After eating breakfast at the hotel, hop on a train and head to Thun. It's about a 1 hour and 30 minute ride.

Sadly, it’s time to fly home! If you have extra time, consider exploring more of the beautiful Jungfrau Region.

 Have more time? Other Adventurous Things to do near the Jungfrau Region

There are countless activities to enjoy in the Jungfrau Region, from paragliding to hiking in the pristine landscapes. The opportunities are endless, and I cannot wait to return someday!

 Things to know BEFORE visiting Switzerland for the First Time

1. Download the SBB Mobile App for easy planning of all train routes.

So, I’m thrilled to share this complete one-week itinerary for the Jungfrau Region, designed to make your planning a breeze!

 Where to start this 7 Day Switzerland Itinerary?

See Jungfrau Region Train Pass Options here! 

See Swiss Travel Pass Options Here! 

 Where to stay during one week in the Jungfrau Region?

We stayed here each night EXCEPT night 6. Due to a very early morning flight, we choose to stay near the Zurich Airport. 

- **Day 1:** Land in Zurich, travel to Wengen

- **Day 2:** Mannlichen and Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls

- **Day 3:** Thun Castle, St. Beatus Caves, Harder Kulm

- **Day 4:** Hot tub boat, Giessbach Falls, Aare Gorge

- **Day 6:** Grindelwald First & Pfingstegg

 Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and Travel to Wengen

 Day 2: Wengen-Mannlichen, Panorama Trail, Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls

After enjoying the stunning views, take the gondola back down and head to Lauterbrunnen (The train leaves from Wengen every half hour at 12 after and 42 after).

After the 12-minute ride, head to Staubbach Falls. You can catch the bus or walk (a 10-minute walk to the base from the train station). Then you can take the short, but steep walk up to walk behind the falls. 

After your trek up to Staubach falls, catch the next bus (bus 141) to the Trümmelbachfälle stop. After a short walk, you’ll see a line to buy tickets for Trümmelbach Falls. It was only 14 CHF, and completely worth it IMO.

After checking out the falls, spend the evening walking back through the the village to the train station (about a 45 minute walk). You’ll walk along the river and pass some epic viewpoints.

Then, grab a pizza from the outdoor restaurant and enjoy dinner with a view!

In order to get back to Wengen, you will have to stop at the Interlaken OST station, so Harder Kulm is a great pit stop. From the Interlaken OST train station, it's just a 6 minute walk to the base of the mountain.

Exploring the Jungfrau Region: Your Ultimate 7-Day Switzerland Itinerary

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