10 Days Switzerland, Austria & Germany Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day journey through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, experiencing breathtaking alpine scenery, exploring historic cities, and indulging in local culture. This moderate-budget itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic experiences, ensuring a memorable trip.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$2000 - $3000 USD
Best Time
Late spring to early fall (May-October)
Activities
62
Daily Avg
$250/day
Cities
Zurich (1d), Lucerne (1d), Interlaken (1d), Innsbruck (1d), Interlaken (1d), Innsbruck (2d), Munich (3d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary combines the stunning Swiss Alps with charming Austrian cities and the vibrant culture of Munich. It offers a diverse experience, blending natural beauty with rich history and delicious cuisine, all within a relatively compact geographical area.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Scenic Train Ride
Day 2: Train to Lucerne
Alpine Hiking
Day 4: Hike in Interlaken region
Lake Cruise
Day 3: Lake Thun Cruise
Historical City Exploration
Day 5: Explore Interlaken's shops
Mountain Views
Day 3: Harder Kulm Funicular
Cultural Immersion
e.g., Swiss Folklore Show, Tyrolean Evenings (Innsbruck)
Chocolate Tasting
Day 1: Chocolate tasting in Zurich
Local Cuisine
Day 7: Try Austrian Schnitzel in Innsbruck
Museum Visit
Day 7: Tyrolean Folk Art Museum
Gardens and Parks
Day 8: Englischer Garten
Architecture
Day 4: Hofburg Imperial Palace
Beer Garden
Day 8: Lunch at Hofbräuhaus
Central European cuisine is hearty and diverse, with each country boasting unique regional specialties. Expect meat-centric dishes, comforting carbs, and rich desserts, influenced by neighboring countries and historical traditions. Be prepared for generous portions and a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes
A communal pot of melted cheese, typically Gruyère and Emmental, served with bread for dipping. A quintessential Swiss experience, perfect for sharing.
📍 Traditional Swiss restaurants in any city or mountain village
Thinly pounded, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet. A national dish of Austria, known for its crispy texture and delicate flavor.
📍 Traditional Viennese restaurants (Beisl) or Gasthäuser throughout Austria
A grilled pork sausage, sliced and topped with curry ketchup and curry powder. A popular street food in Germany, especially in Berlin.
📍 Street food stalls and Imbisse (snack stands) throughout Germany
A crispy potato pancake, often served as a side dish or main course. A simple yet satisfying Swiss classic.
📍 Restaurants and cafes throughout Switzerland, especially in German-speaking regions
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its diverse international cuisine and street food scene.
A vibrant open-air market with food stalls offering Austrian and international delicacies.
Offers traditional Swiss restaurants and cafes with local specialties.
Offers a variety of traditional Bavarian restaurants and beer gardens.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, but traditional cuisine is heavily meat-based. Look for dishes with vegetables, potatoes, or cheese as the main ingredient. Vegan options are less common but can be found in larger cities. For halal food, research restaurants in advance, particularly in areas with large Muslim communities. Be sure to clearly communicate any allergies to the waitstaff.
Wait to be seated. It's polite to say 'Guten Appetit' (Germany), 'En Guete' (Switzerland), or 'Mahlzeit' (Austria) before starting your meal. Use utensils properly. Tipping is customary (5-10% is sufficient), and it's common to round up the bill. Don't put your elbows on the table. It is expected that you will finish everything on your plate.
Oktoberfest
September-OctoberLarge beer festival in Munich, Germany. Expect crowds and higher prices.
Salzburg Festival
July-AugustPrestigious music and drama festival in Salzburg, Austria. Book tickets and accommodation in advance.
Lucerne Festival
August-SeptemberClassical music festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take a taxi or tram from Zurich Airport (ZRH).$100
02:00 PM - Check into Hotel
Settle into your accommodation near the city center.
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- 🚆Walk from the main train station.FREE
03:00 PM - Bahnhofstrasse Stroll
Explore Zurich's famous shopping street, window shopping or indulging in Swiss chocolate.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Bahnhofstrasse.FREE
05:00 PM - Lindenhof Hill
Enjoy panoramic views of Zurich's Old Town, the Limmat River, and the Alps.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Lindenhof.$40
06:30 PM - Dinner in Niederdorf
Enjoy dinner in Zurich's charming Old Town, known for its narrow streets and diverse restaurants.
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- 🚶Walk from Niederdorf.FREE
08:00 PM - Evening walk along Lake Zurich
Take a relaxing walk along the shores of Lake Zurich.
Book on Klook
Old Town (Altstadt)
Central location, close to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall (May-October)
During late spring to early fall, the weather is generally mild and sunny. Rainfall is possible, especially in mountainous regions, so packing layers is recommended.
Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Check for public holidays as shops and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.
Getting Around
Excellent Deutsche Bahn rail network; cities have U-Bahn/S-Bahn
Deutschlandticket (€49/month nationwide)
The Deutschlandticket covers all local/regional transit nationwide. Book ICE trains early for savings.
Travel
$300 - $500 (trains, buses)Accommodation
$80 - $150 per nightFood
$50 - $80 per dayActivities
$300 - $500 (tours, entries)Utilize regional trains instead of high-speed trains for shorter distances.
Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses outside the city center.
Eat at local markets and bakeries for affordable and authentic meals.
- Purchase train tickets in advance for better prices.
- Consider a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel within Switzerland.
- Learn a few basic phrases in German.
- Pack for all types of weather, as alpine conditions can change quickly.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to get oriented in each city.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Layers of clothing
- 3Rain jacket
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices and availability, especially during peak seasons or major events.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking your first travel component to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Visa (if required)
Check visa requirements for your nationality well in advance (3-6 months) and apply if necessary. Schengen Area rules apply to all three countries.
Train Passes (e.g., Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail Pass)
Research and purchase 1-2 months ahead if you plan extensive train travel, as passes can offer significant savings and convenience.
Popular Attraction Tickets (e.g., Neuschwanstein, Jungfraujoch, Hofburg Palace)
Book online 2-4 weeks in advance, particularly for timed entries or high-demand sites, to avoid long queues or sell-outs.
Car Rental (if applicable)
Book 1-3 months ahead for better rates and vehicle selection, especially if traveling during high season. Don't forget to account for Vignettes.
Specific Tours or Experiences (e.g., 'Sound of Music' tour, Glacier Express)
Secure bookings 1-2 months in advance, as popular tours often have limited capacity and sell out quickly.
SIM Card / eSIM
If using an eSIM, purchase and activate before departure. For physical SIMs, plan to buy upon arrival at airports or train stations.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone/Swisscom stores at airports or city centers
📍 Travel Wifi website; delivery to your hotel or airport pickup
Free WiFi is commonly available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in urban areas. Public WiFi hotspots are also available in some cities, but their reliability can vary. Be cautious when using public WiFi and avoid transmitting sensitive information.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for convenient and affordable data access. Consider a pocket WiFi device if you need reliable internet access for multiple devices or heavy data usage. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip to avoid relying solely on internet connectivity. Be aware of roaming charges if using your home country's SIM card.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
5–10%; round up to a nice number
Round up or 10%
€1–2 per bag
Say the total you want to pay (including tip) when paying. Don't leave tip on the table.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Switzerland, Austria, and Germany are generally safe countries for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
112
112
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Germany is more cash-heavy than other EU countries
Accepted at larger establishments; many small places cash-only
Growing but not universal
Carry cash — "Nur Barzahlung" (cash only) is still common at smaller restaurants and shops.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Late spring to early fall (May-October) is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices during this peak season. Shoulder seasons (April and November) can offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.
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