Backpacking Switzerland is all about one thing: jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Think glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and perfect mountain villages. The catch? It’s one of the most expensive countries in Europe—but with the right strategy, it’s 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 2–4 days
🏔️ Lauterbrunnen Valley (Waterfall Paradise)
7
Lauterbrunnen looks unreal.
- 70+ waterfalls in one valley
- Visit Staubbach Falls
- Base for villages like Wengen & Mürren
👉 1–2 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
👉 1–2 days
🏔️ Zermatt (Matterhorn Views)
6
Zermatt is famous for the Matterhorn.
- Car-free alpine village
- Incredible mountain views
- Great for hiking or skiing
👉 1–2 days (pricey but iconic)
💸 Budget Reality (Important)
Switzerland is very expensive.
- Hostel: €40–80/night
- Food: €15–25 (cheap = supermarket)
- Transport: expensive but excellent
- Beer: €7–10 🍺
👉 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 5–8 Day Route
- Day 1–2: Lucerne
- Day 3–5: Interlaken + Lauterbrunnen
- Day 6–7: Zermatt
- Optional: Scenic train route
🧭 When to Go
- Best: June–September (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 (5–7 days)
- Or part of a Central Europe route (Austria–Switzerland–Italy)