Backpacking Switzerland is all about one thing: jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Think glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and perfect mountain villages. The catch? Its one of the most expensive countries in Europebut with the right strategy, its still doable.
?? Interlaken (Adventure Base)
7
Interlaken is the backpacker hub.
- Between two lakes (Thun & Brienz)
- Base for outdoor activities: hiking, paragliding, skydiving
- Easy access to Jungfrau region
? Stay 24 days
?? Lauterbrunnen Valley (Waterfall Paradise)
7
Lauterbrunnen looks unreal.
- 70+ waterfalls in one valley
- Visit Staubbach Falls
- Base for villages like Wengen & Mrren
? 12 days (or more if hiking)
? Scenic Trains (Bucket List)
8
Switzerland has some of the best train journeys in the world.
- Glacier Express
- Bernina Express
? Expensive, but unforgettable views
?? Lucerne (Classic Swiss Beauty)
7
Lucerne is a postcard-perfect stop.
- Chapel Bridge + lake views
- Easy trips to Mount Pilatus or Rigi
- More relaxed than big cities
? 12 days
?? Zermatt (Matterhorn Views)
6
Zermatt is famous for the Matterhorn.
- Car-free alpine village
- Incredible mountain views
- Great for hiking or skiing
? 12 days (pricey but iconic)
? Budget Reality (Important)
Switzerland is very expensive.
- Hostel: 4080/night
- Food: 1525 (cheap = supermarket)
- Transport: expensive but excellent
- Beer: 710 ?
? Backpacker survival tips:
- Cook your own meals (Coop/Migros supermarkets)
- Camp or stay in hostels outside main hubs
- Consider a Swiss Travel Pass (if moving a lot)
- Drink tap water (free and excellent)
?? Suggested 58 Day Route
- Day 12: Lucerne
- Day 35: Interlaken + Lauterbrunnen
- Day 67: Zermatt
- Optional: Scenic train route
? When to Go
- Best: JuneSeptember (hiking season)
- Winter: skiing + snow landscapes
- Shoulder seasons: cheaper, fewer crowds
?? Things to Know
- Everything runs perfectly on time
- English widely spoken
- Nature is the main attraction (cities are secondary)
- Weather changes quickly in the mountains
?? Honest Take
- Pros: arguably the most beautiful landscapes in Europe
- Cons: expensive, not very budget backpacker
? Compared to Austria: more dramatic, but pricier
? Compared to Norway: similar cost, but easier transport
? Smart Strategy
Switzerland works best as:
- A short, high-impact trip (57 days)
- Or part of a Central Europe route (AustriaSwitzerlandItaly)