Planning a trip to Switzerland?
Chances are your itinerary could use a little fine-tuning. And as a professional Switzerland travel consultant, I have lots of experience to share.
I have worked with hundreds of people on video consultations, helping them optimize, improve, or even completely overhaul their itinerary. Let’s learn from their mistakes.
Here are twenty of the most common mistakes travelers make, plus some simple ways to improve your trip without adding stress (or gray hairs).
👉👉 Want 1-1 Help from a TRAVEL PRO? Check out my travel consults
1. Trying to See Too Much (in Too Little Time)
Switzerland may look small on a map, but it’s packed with mountains, valleys, and winding train routes that slow things down.
Many travelers try to cram four or five major stops into a single week, only to spend most of their vacation inside a train carriage.
Instead, focus on two or three regions and give yourself the joy of actually enjoying them. Switzerland is best savored, not speed-run.
📝 👉 CHECK OUT MY 7-DAY ITINERARY TO GET YOU STARTED
2. Underestimating Travel Times
Just because two places look close together doesn’t mean you’ll zip between them in half an hour.
Mountains tend to get in the way, and even though the trains are efficient, they aren’t magical teleportation devices. Always check the SBB timetable and give yourself extra time. It’s better to sip a coffee while waiting for a connection than to stress about a missed one.
💡 Pro Tip: Things like the following are typically a mistake:
- Zermatt as a day trip from Interlaken
- Basing yourself in Zurich to see Interlaken/Zermatt/Geneva
3. Spending Too Much Time in Zurich (Or Any?)
Zurich is beautiful and worth exploring, but it’s not the heart of Switzerland for most visitors.
Many travelers linger here because the airport is nearby, but after a day you’ll probably be ready to move on. The real magic happens in the Alps, lakes, and storybook towns.
Think of Zurich as the appetizer, not the main course.
💡 Pro Tip: For some people skipping Zurich altogether (aside from landing there) is the way to go. Head straight to Lucerne or Interlaken.
4. Skipping Lucerne
Some travelers rush past Lucerne on their way to bigger-name destinations, which is a shame.
This compact city has
- a gorgeous lake
- a medieval old town
- easy access to mountains like Pilatus and Rigi.
You don’t need more than a couple of nights, but it’s a gem worth adding. Plus, the wooden Chapel Bridge is practically begging to be photographed. I mean look at it (above)!
📝 👉 CONSIDER MY 1-DAY IN LUCERNE GUIDE (IT’S EPIC)
5. Not Accounting for Weather in the Mountains
You might dream of blue skies and panoramic views (or Instagram has lied to you), but the Alps sometimes have other ideas.
Weather changes quickly, and that “perfect” day trip can turn into a foggy nothingness if you’re unlucky.
💡 Pro tip: I always tell my clients to keep a flexible schedule and have a Plan B (or C), like a museum, a city visit or lake cruise. That way you won’t feel like you wasted a day waiting for the clouds to clear.
6. Visiting Mountains Without Checking Visibility
The “Top of Europe” sounds thrilling, until you arrive and see… nothing but fog. Trust me, it was my memory of my first visit (when I was four) for many years, until I could return.
Many visitors buy tickets without checking webcams or forecasts first, which is a costly mistake. Jungfraujoch is expensive, so make sure the weather is clear before committing. Your wallet and your photo album will thank you.
💡 Pro Tip: Read my PRO mountain tips to see how you should really do it.
7. Not Booking Scenic Trains in Advance
Switzerland’s scenic trains, like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, are insanely popular.
Unlike regular trains, these require seat reservation, and they sell out in days.
Some travelers don’t realize this and end up disappointed. Book well ahead if you’ve got your heart set on one of these rides.
💡 Pro Tip: Read all about booking panoramic trains
6. Overlooking Train Passes
Buying train tickets individually can quickly drain your wallet. Many travelers don’t realize that regional passes or the Swiss Travel Pass can save money and simplify things.
Depending on your itinerary, these train passes might cover scenic trains, boats, and even mountain rides. A little research upfront can free up your budget for fondue later.
9. Driving When It’s Not Necessary
Switzerland is made for trains, and they’re almost always easier, more direct and less stressful than driving.
Many visitors rent cars, thinking it will give them flexibility, only to realize parking is expensive and city driving is a headache. I have stood in traffic jams around Zurich (on the way to the airport), Lucerne, Lausanne & Geneva, and just out in the mountains. Driving is not always faster or easier.
Trains also take you right to the heart of towns and even tiny villages. If you really need a rental car, save it for rural areas.
But if you are just doing the standard stuff (Zermatt, Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken Region and perhaps Lake Geneva) then trains will make your life easier.
Of course, a car can make sense if you have loads of luggage, a stroller, and a bigger group.
Just realise that in Switzerland – public transport is epic, on time, scenic, easy, punctual and can get you absolutely everywhere (yes everywhere) from 6 am to 11pm every day of the year!
10. Not Factoring in The High Prices
Switzerland has a reputation for being pricey, and it lives up to that reputation, especially if you are coming from places like Australia, New Zealand, or the UK.
Many visitors arrive without properly budgeting and then get shocked by restaurant bills. To balance things out, consider picnics with supermarket food or taking advantage of daily transport passes. It’s all about knowing when to splurge and when to save.
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Pro Tips: I have a bunch of posts and a guide that can really help with those on a budget
- 🔢 SIMPLE Budget Calculator: Roughly How Much Will My Trip Cost?
- 💰 50 Ways to Save in Switzerland
- 📝 My Detailed Budget Guide (35+ pages of tips, tricks and ideas)
11. Booking Hotels Too Late
If you’re traveling in peak season, last-minute hotel bookings can be nearly impossible. Summer is the peak (late June—mid August), and Christmas/New Year is also popular. But Switzerland is popular almost all year round.
Popular spots like Zermatt, Interlaken, and Lucerne fill up fast.
Leaving it too late might mean you overpay or stay somewhere inconvenient. Book early, and you’ll sleep better—literally.
💡 Pro Tip: Try some of my favorite spots in popular destinations before they sell out
12. Bring The Wrong Credit Card or Cash
Switzerland isn’t part of the Eurozone, and while some places accept euros, many do not.
Even when they do, the exchange rate can be horrible, so only use leftover Euros in a pinch.
It’s always best to have some Swiss francs in your pocket, especially in smaller towns, farmers’ shops or markets, and for bathrooms.
ATMs are widely available, so there’s no excuse for being caught unprepared. Don’t bother ordering cash at home, you will just be handing your bank extra money!
As for as credit cards go, Switzerland is all about “tap to pay” and Apple Pay and credit card are almost universtally accepted
BUT AMEX is not super popular, so bring at least one Visa or Mastercard. (or a wise Visa card – see below).
💡 Pro Tip: Consider a WISE credit card where you can preload Swiss Francs and favorable rates and save BIG.
13. Only Staying in Interlaken
Interlaken may be convenient, but it’s not the most charming place in the Bernese Oberland.
Too many travelers base themselves there without realizing nearby villages like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Mürren offer a far more “Swiss” experience. Waking up surrounded by mountains is far better than staring at souvenir shops.
Pick a village, and you’ll never regret it.
💡 Pro Tip: Read my guide on where to stay in the Interlaken Region and cheaper places outside the hotspots to save money.
JUNGFRAU UNCOVERED: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2024
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
14. Ignoring Smaller Scenic Towns
Everyone heads for Zermatt, Lucerne, or Geneva, but Switzerland’s magic often lies in its smaller towns.
Places like Appenzell, Gruyères, or Soglio are picture-perfect and feel more authentic. They’re also less crowded, which means you can enjoy that Swiss cheese without elbowing for space.
Don’t be afraid to go a little off the beaten path and explore the real Switzerland, away from the hordes.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out my list of Fairytale villages in Switzerland
15. Not Accounting for Sunday Closures
Planning a shopping spree on a Sunday?
Think again. In Switzerland, most shops close, and even cities can feel surprisingly dead on a Sunday.
Do your shopping on Saturday and treat Sunday as a day for lakes, mountains, or long walks. Consider it forced relaxation, Swiss-style.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have to go shopping on a Sunday check out local train stations (or the airport) as they are allowed to open shops there. Or head to a petrol/gas station for food as they have a decent range.
16. Forgetting About The Altitude
Heading straight from Zurich to a high-altitude mountain excursion can take a toll.
Some people feel lightheaded or exhausted because they didn’t give themselves time to adjust. So, take your time when you arrive, and maybe do something a little lower down for the first few days. Even ground level in Switzerland is at 400m+ (1200 ft)
Spread out your high mountain days, and remember to hydrate. Even in Switzerland, altitude sickness is a real thing, especially up on the Jungfraujoch or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
💡 Pro Tip: Remember your sunscreen and sunglasses, even if it doesn’t appear sunny. Sunburn at altitude is not a fun experience, even in winter!
17. Missing Out on Swiss Food Experiences
Too many visitors eat the same safe hotel dishes day after day. Or just go with what they know, and complain that the food is boring
But Switzerland has a rich food culture, from bubbling pots of fondue to crispy rösti and creamy raclette. Local alpine cheese and chocolates are an experience all on their own.
Forget the diet for a week and eat like a Swiss, your taste buds will be thrilled.
💡 Pro Tip: Try a cheese fondue in Zurich, Lucerne or Geneva where the choices are endless or better yet, in the heart of cheese-land Gruyere, if you make it there.
18. Not Leaving Time for Lakes
Everyone gets dazzled by the mountains, but the lakes are just as stunning.
Whether it’s a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, a swim in Lake Geneva, or a stroll along Lake Thun or Brienz, these waters are magical.
Don’t miss out by overstuffing your days with cable cars and peaks. The lakes are Switzerland’s calm, sparkling counterbalance to its rugged Alps.
💡 Pro Tip: Try my full day out on Lake Brienz, one of the most popular day trips I share with my clients. Or make a day of it going up Pilatus with a boat ride first, on the Golden Round Trip (May-Oct).
19. Using Switzerland Only as a Transit Country
Some travelers pop into Zurich or Geneva just as a quick stopover on their way to Italy or France. Or just spend a few days on their way through thinking that will be enough.
That’s like sitting down at a fancy restaurant and leaving after the bread arrives!
Switzerland is more than an airport hub or a highway through to Italy. it’s an alpine wonderland worth a trip of its own. Give it the time it deserves and don’t miss out on one of god’s masterpieces!
20. Not Building in Downtime
It’s tempting to fill your itinerary with back-to-back excursions. But if you never sit on a café terrace, wander aimlessly through an old town, or linger by the lake, you’re missing the soul of Switzerland. Leave space for slow mornings and spontaneous discoveries. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best Swiss experience of all.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
Great info…although I have been to Switzerland several times still have much I would like to see and experience and your tips & comments very beneficial !