19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Switzerland
Switzerland is often dismissed by backpackers as 'too expensive,' but with a strategic approach, you can navigate this alpine paradise without breaking the bank. By utilizing supermarket meals from Coop or Migros, staying in high-quality hostels with guest cards, and focusing on the country's greatest asset—the great outdoors—an epic 19-day journey is surprisingly achievable.
This route takes you from the cosmopolitan streets of Zurich to the dramatic valley of Lauterbrunnen and the sun-soaked shores of Lugano. You will rely on the world's most efficient public transport network and enjoy countless free hikes and historic districts that cost nothing to explore but offer memories that are truly priceless.
Day 1: Zurich, Switzerland - Arrival & Old Town Charm
Arrive at Zurich Airport
Clear customs and take the S-Bahn train to the Main Station (Hauptbahnhof). It is faster and cheaper than any taxi.
Niederdorf District Walk
Explore the winding cobblestone alleys of the Altstadt (Old Town). It's free to wander and filled with medieval history.
Grossmünster & Fraumünster
View the iconic twin towers of the Grossmünster. While entry is free, a small fee allows you to climb the tower for city views.
Lake Zurich Sunset
Join the locals at the lakeside park (Zürichsee) for a picnic dinner from a local Migros supermarket to keep costs low.
Day 2: Zurich, Switzerland - Mountain Views & River Swims
Uetliberg Mountain Hike
Take the S10 train or hike up Zurich’s local mountain for panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
Langstrasse Food Exploration
Head to Langstrasse for the city's best budget eats, including high-quality falafel and international street food.
Limmat River Swimming
In summer, head to the Oberer Letten riverside park. It’s a free, trendy spot to swim in the crystal-clear river.
Zurich West Exploration
Visit the Frau Gerolds Garten, a creative urban garden space made of shipping containers.
Day 3: Lucerne, Switzerland - Chapel Bridges & Lakeside Living
Train to Lucerne
Travel by train (approx. 45-60 mins). Use a Supersaver ticket booked in advance on the SBB app to save up to 50%.
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge)
Walk across the world's oldest surviving truss bridge, decorated with 17th-century paintings.
Musegg Wall
Climb the medieval city walls. Several towers are open to the public for free and offer incredible views over Lucerne.
Lion Monument
Visit this poignant rock relief carving, which Mark Twain once called 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.'
Day 4: Lucerne, Switzerland - Mount Rigi Adventure
Lake Lucerne Boat Trip
Take a boat toward Vitznau. If you have a travel pass, this scenic journey is often included or heavily discounted.
Hiking Mount Rigi
Rigi is known as the 'Queen of the Mountains.' Opt for the hiking trails to avoid the expensive cogwheel train costs.
Weggis Village Walk
Descend to the charming village of Weggis before taking the boat or bus back to Lucerne.
Hostel Kitchen Dinner
Utilize your hostel kitchen to cook a meal with Swiss ingredients from the local Coop.
Day 5: Interlaken, Switzerland - The Gateway to the Alps
Brunig Pass Train Ride
Take the scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken. Sit on the right side for the best lake views.
Höhematte Park
Relax in the large green meadow in the center of town and watch paragliders land in front of the Jungfrau peak.
Harder Kulm Hike
Skip the expensive funicular and hike up the zig-zag path (approx. 2 hours) to Interlaken’s local viewpoint.
Unterseen Old Town
Walk across the river to the quieter, historic side of Interlaken for a peaceful evening stroll.
Day 6: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland - Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Train to Lauterbrunnen
A short 20-minute train ride takes you into one of the most stunning glacial valleys in the world.
Staubbach Falls
Walk to the base of this 300-meter waterfall. It is free and you can walk up a path behind the falls.
Valley Floor Walk
Follow the flat, easy path toward Stechelberg. You will pass dozens of waterfalls and grazing Swiss cows.
Mürren Village (Hiking)
Hike up from Stechelberg to the car-free village of Mürren for some of the best views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Day 7: Grindelwald, Switzerland - Alpine Lakes and Glaciers
Travel to Grindelwald
Take the regional train into the neighboring valley of Grindelwald, surrounded by the North Face of the Eiger.
Bachalpsee Hike
Take the bus or hike up to First, then walk to the Bachalpsee, a mirror-like lake reflecting the alpine peaks.
Upper Grindelwald Glacier
Visit the glacier gorge (Gletscherschlucht) or simply hike near the base to see the retreating ice.
Grindelwald Village Stroll
Explore the main street of this classic Swiss resort town before heading back to Interlaken.
Day 8: Interlaken, Switzerland - Lake Brienz Beauty
Iseltwald Village
Take the local bus (free with Interlaken Guest Card) to the picturesque village of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz.
Shoreline Hike to Giessbach
Follow the beautiful forest path along the lake to the Giessbach Falls and the historic Grand Hotel.
Lake Swimming
Find a public access point along Lake Brienz for a refreshing (and cold!) swim in the turquoise water.
Sunset at the Aare
Watch the sunset by the Aare River near the Interlaken West station.
Day 9: Bern, Switzerland - The Bear City
Train to Bern
A scenic 1-hour ride takes you to the Swiss capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
Watch the mechanical figures perform their show 4 minutes before every hour at this medieval clock tower.
BärenPark (Bear Park)
See the resident bears living in a large park on the banks of the Aare River—totally free to visit.
Bern Cathedral (Münster)
Visit the highest cathedral in Switzerland. The interior is free; the tower climb is a small additional cost.
Day 10: Bern, Switzerland - Rose Gardens & River Floats
Rosengarten (Rose Garden)
Walk up to the Rose Garden for the best free view of the entire Old Town surrounded by the Aare loop.
Bundeshaus (Federal Palace)
Visit the seat of the Swiss government. The square out front features 26 fountains representing the cantons.
Marzili Pool
Join the locals at this free outdoor pool complex. In summer, people float down the river and exit here.
Swiss Fondue Picnic
Buy a DIY fondue kit from a supermarket and find a quiet spot along the riverbanks.
Day 11: Lausanne, Switzerland - Lake Geneva Shores
Train to Lausanne
Travel into the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Ouchy Promenade
Stroll along the beautiful Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) waterfront, lined with parks and sculptures.
Olympic Museum Grounds
While the museum has a fee, the surrounding Olympic Park is free and filled with sports-themed art.
Lausanne Cathedral
Visit the impressive Gothic cathedral in the hillier 'Cité' district of the city.
Day 12: Geneva, Switzerland - International Diplomacy
Day Trip to Geneva
Take a short train ride (40 mins) to Geneva. Use your Lausanne-based guest card for regional discounts if applicable.
Jet d'Eau
Witness one of the tallest water fountains in the world, spraying 140 meters into the air.
Palais des Nations
Walk through the Ariana Park to see the European headquarters of the United Nations from the outside.
Bains des Pâquis
A local favorite for cheap food, swimming in the lake, and affordable saunas in the winter.
Day 13: Zermatt, Switzerland - The Matterhorn Majesty
Train to Zermatt
A 3-hour journey through the Visp valley brings you to the car-free mountain village of Zermatt.
Hinterdorf District
Explore the oldest part of Zermatt with barns and grain stores dating back to the 16th century.
Kirchbrücke (Church Bridge)
The classic, free spot to photograph the Matterhorn. Go at sunset for the best lighting.
Stellisee Hike (Evening)
If you have energy, start a hike towards the lower viewpoints for a quiet moment with the mountain.
Day 14: Zermatt, Switzerland - Alpine Trekking
Five Lakes Walk (Partial)
Skip the Blauherd lift and hike up to save money. The reflections of the Matterhorn in the lakes are legendary.
Riffelalp Forest Trails
Walk through ancient stone pine forests with constant views of the most famous peak in the world.
Mountaineers' Cemetery
A somber but interesting visit in the center of town, dedicated to those who lost their lives on the surrounding peaks.
Budget Pizza Night
Look for takeaway pizza spots near the station for a more affordable hot meal than sit-down restaurants.
Day 15: Lugano, Switzerland - Italian Flair
Centovalli Railway or Gotthard Base
Take the train south into the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The climate and vibe change instantly.
Parco Ciani
Visit the most beautiful city park in Switzerland, right on the edge of Lake Lugano.
Via Nassa
Window shop along Lugano’s luxury street, then head to the backstreets for more affordable gelato.
Piazza della Riforma
The heart of the city—perfect for people-watching with a cheap snack from a local bakery.
Day 16: Lugano, Switzerland - Monte Brè Vistas
Hike Monte Brè
While there is a funicular, the hike up provides stunning views over the bay and toward Italy.
Gandria Village Walk
Walk the 'Olive Trail' along the lake from Lugano to the ancient, terraced fishing village of Gandria.
Lido di Lugano
Spend a few hours at the public beach area for a small fee, or find free access points further down the coast.
Risotto Dinner
Ticino is famous for risotto; look for 'Grotto' style restaurants slightly outside the city for better prices.
Day 17: Chur, Switzerland - The Alpine Hub
Albula Line Train Ride
Travel from Lugano toward Chur via the UNESCO World Heritage Albula railway line—a masterpiece of engineering.
Chur Old Town
Explore Switzerland's oldest city. It is compact, car-free, and full of historic charm.
Brambrüesch Mountain
Take the cable car or hike up for green meadows and views of the Rhine Valley.
Local Brews
Sample the local Calanda beer, which is brewed right here in Chur.
Day 18: St. Moritz, Switzerland - High Altitude Luxury for Less
Day Trip to St. Moritz
Take the train into the heart of the Engadin valley. The journey itself is one of the world's best.
Lake St. Moritz Walk
A flat, scenic 5km walk around the lake provides the best views of the surrounding 'palace' hotels for free.
Leaning Tower of St. Moritz
Visit the remains of the old church of St. Mauritius, which has a tower that leans more than the one in Pisa.
Segantini Museum (Exterior)
Admire the architecture of this museum dedicated to the painter of alpine landscapes.
Day 19: Zurich, Switzerland - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Return to Zurich
Take the final train leg back to Zurich (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy the changing scenery one last time.
Chocolate Shopping
Skip the expensive boutiques. Head to a large Coop or Migros to buy high-quality Swiss chocolate bars for friends at home.
Swiss National Museum (Park)
Relax in the Platzspitz park behind the museum before heading to the airport.
Airport Departure
Take the 10-minute train ride from the Main Station to Zurich Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of late May to June and September to early October are ideal. The weather is pleasant enough for hiking, the crowds are thinner, and you avoid the peak pricing of the high summer and winter ski seasons. If you want the quintessential green hills and wildflowers, June is unbeatable. For those looking to swim in the lakes, July and August are best, though you will need to book hostels much further in advance.
Currency & Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro. While many tourist spots will accept Euros, they often give a poor exchange rate in change. Switzerland is highly digitized; you can pay with a contactless card or phone almost everywhere, from mountain kiosks to buses. Tipping is not required as a service charge is included in prices, but rounding up to the nearest franc is common for good service. To save money, always use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Getting Around Switzerland
The train system (SBB) is the backbone of Swiss travel. For a 19-day trip, the 'Swiss Travel Pass' or the 'Half Fare Card' is almost mandatory to keep costs down. If you are under 25, look for the 'Seven25' pass for cheap evening travel. Buses (PostBus) connect the more remote alpine villages where trains don't reach. Within cities, your hostel stay almost always grants you a free local transport card, so never pay for a tram or bus ticket before checking into your accommodation.
