A Romantic Winter Wonderland in Switzerland

1

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich & Lakeside Romance in Lucerne

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Activities
4

Arrival at Zurich Airport (ZRH) & Train to Lucerne

Zurich Airport Train Station
A Swiss Travel Pass (8 days) is highly recommended for convenience and cost savings. It covers most trains, buses, boats, and offers discounts on mountain excursions. Trains to Lucerne run frequently.

Check-in at a Romantic Lakeside Hotel

Lucerne
Suggested hotels: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (luxury), Art Deco Hotel Montana (great views & bar), Hotel des Balances (riverside charm). Book well in advance for the best rooms.

Stroll Through Lucerne's Old Town & Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
The bridge and Old Town are especially magical at dusk when the lights turn on, reflecting in the Reuss river.

Intimate Dinner at Restaurant Balances

Hotel des Balances, Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern
Request a window table when booking for the best views. Reservations are essential.
2

Day 2: Majestic Mountains & Lake Views

Friday, January 16, 2026
Activities
4

Journey to Mount Pilatus

Pilatus Kulm
The cogwheel railway is closed in winter. Check the live webcams for weather conditions before you go. Your Swiss Travel Pass gives a 50% discount. Backup Option: If weather is poor, visit the Swiss Museum of Transport.

Lunch with a View at Pilatus-Kulm

Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm
No reservation needed for the self-service restaurant, but recommended for the table-service options.

Romantic Winter Boat Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Lucerne Ferry Terminal (Pier 1)
The cruise is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Check the winter timetable as schedules are reduced.

Cozy Cheese Fondue Dinner

Sternenpl., 6004 Luzern
For a quieter, more intimate setting, try the Fondue House Du Pont.
3

Day 3: Scenic Train to the Alpine Heart

Saturday, January 17, 2026
Activities
4

Luzern-Interlaken Express to Grindelwald

Luzern Train Station
This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Sit on the right side for the best views leaving Lucerne.

Check-in to a Cozy Alpine Chalet Hotel

Grindelwald
Suggested hotels: Hotel Belvedere (great spa and views), Boutique Hotel Glacier (modern luxury), Hotel Spinne (central location).

Explore Grindelwald Village & First Cliff Walk

Grindelwald-First
The cable car ride is 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass. The Cliff Walk is free. Wear sturdy, warm boots.

Dinner at Restaurant Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere, Grindelwald
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for a window table.
4

Day 4: Top of Europe & Icy Palaces

Sunday, January 18, 2026
Activities
4

Excursion to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Jungfraujoch
This is a very popular and expensive trip. Book tickets online in advance. The Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount. Check the weather forecast obsessively; it's not worth it on a cloudy day. Dress in warm layers.

Lunch Amongst the Peaks

Restaurant Crystal, Jungfraujoch
The self-service restaurant is a more budget-friendly option.

Relax and Unwind at the Hotel Spa

Your Hotel in Grindelwald
This is a great backup activity if the weather is too poor for the Jungfraujoch trip.

Casual Dinner at Barry's Restaurant

Hotel Eiger, Grindelwald
The alpine-chic decor makes for a very romantic and authentic experience. Book ahead.
5

Day 5: Journey to Iconic Zermatt

Monday, January 19, 2026
Activities
4

Scenic Train Ride to Zermatt

Grindelwald Train Station
The entire journey is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. It's a long but spectacular ride, so grab a window seat and enjoy the changing landscapes.

Check-in to a Hotel with a Matterhorn View

Zermatt
Suggested hotels: The Omnia (luxury design), Hotel Firefly (suites with kitchens), CERVO Mountain Resort (chic and rustic). Book many months in advance.

Discover Car-Free Zermatt

Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt
The quiet, clean air and the sound of horse-drawn carriages make for a very romantic atmosphere.

Dinner at Schäferstube

Hotel Julen, Zermatt
This place is tiny and extremely popular. You must book weeks, if not months, in advance.
6

Day 6: The Majestic Matterhorn & Fairytale Moments

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Activities
4

Gornergrat Railway for Iconic Matterhorn Views

Gornergrat
Go early for the best light and fewer crowds. The Swiss Travel Pass gives a 50% discount. Again, check the webcam for clear skies before departing.

Lunch at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat
Try to get a table by the window. The Rosti is a classic choice here.

Romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Zermatt
Carriages can be found near the train station or booked through your hotel. A 30-minute tour is usually sufficient.

Gourmet Dinner at After Seven

Hotel Backstage, Zermatt
This is a splurge, but perfect for a special romantic occasion. Book far in advance.
7

Day 7: Farewell to the Alps & Return to Zurich

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Activities
4

Morning in Zermatt & Matterhorn Museum

Matterhorn Museum, Zermatt
The museum is surprisingly engaging and provides great context to the region's mountaineering culture.

Train from Zermatt to Zurich

Zermatt Train Station
The journey is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Direct trains run to Zurich HB (main station).

Check-in to a Hotel in Zurich

Zurich
Suggested hotels: Baur au Lac (ultimate luxury), Storchen Zürich (classic, on the river), 25hours Hotel Langstrasse (trendy).

Farewell Dinner at Zunfthaus zur Waag

Münsterhof 8, 8001 Zürich
The historic ambiance and classic Swiss cuisine provide a perfect end to your trip. Reservations are essential.
8

Day 8: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure

Thursday, January 22, 2026
Activities
2

Chocolate Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Confiserie Sprüngli, Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zürich
At Sprüngli, be sure to try their famous macarons, called 'Luxemburgerli'.

Train to Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Zürich HB
Trains to the airport are frequent (every 5-10 minutes) and the journey is very quick. Allow plenty of time for check-in and security.
Travel FAQs

Q.What is the best way to travel within Switzerland?

The Swiss Travel System is one of the best in the world. For this itinerary, an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass is highly recomm...

Q.What should we pack for a trip to Switzerland in January?

Pack in layers! You will need a warm, waterproof outer jacket and pants, thermal underwear, fleece or wool mid-layers, w...

Q.What is the currency and tipping culture?

The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's good to have some cash for smaller p...

Q.What are some must-try Swiss foods for a couple?

Sharing a pot of cheese fondue or a raclette meal is a classic romantic experience. Also try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (vea...

Q.Any local customs we should be aware of?

The Swiss value punctuality, so always be on time for reservations and transport. Greetings are important; a simple 'Grü...

Q.What if the weather is bad on a day we plan to go up a mountain?

Always have a backup plan. If the mountain peaks are covered in clouds, it's not worth the expensive ticket. Instead, ex...