Late July puts Swiss alpine trails at their best, with snow cleared from all but the highest passes and wildflowers in full bloom. This 5-day route links Zermatt and Interlaken by train, mixing classic Matterhorn views with lake-side downtime.
Day 1: Zermatt Arrival
Zermatt is car-free, so park in Tasch and take the shuttle train in. Ride the Gornergrat cog railway for a head-on view of the Matterhorn, then wander the village's chalet-lined streets in the evening.
Day 2: Five Lakes Trail
Hike the Five Lakes Walk (Funfseenweg), a moderate 6-mile loop connecting alpine lakes that mirror the Matterhorn on calm mornings. Take the cable car up to Blauherd to start and cut the climbing in half.
Day 3: Train to Interlaken
Take the scenic train via Visp and Spiez to Interlaken, sitting between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Spend the afternoon paddleboarding or swimming in Lake Brienz's glacial-blue water.
Day 4: Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald
Take the train up to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, for glacier views, or stay lower and hike the First Cliff Walk above Grindelwald for similar scenery at a fraction of the cost.
Day 5: Harder Kulm and Departure
Ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm for a final panorama over both lakes before catching your train out of Interlaken.
Practical notes: Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited trains, buses, and boats, it pays for itself fast on this route. Cable cars and mountain railways get crowded by mid-morning in July, so start hikes early. Book Jungfraujoch tickets ahead if you want a specific time slot.
Where to Stay
Budget: Hostels and guesthouses in Interlaken run $80-110 a night in July.
Mid-range: Chalet-style hotels in Zermatt put you near the lifts for $250-320 a night in peak season.
Splurge: The Omnia in Zermatt offers minimalist design and Matterhorn views from around $650 a night.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Whymper Stube in Zermatt: Classic fondue and rosti in a cozy chalet setting.
Husi's Ranch in Zermatt: Casual burgers and local beer after a long hike.
Bebbi's Café in Interlaken: Lakeside breakfast spot with a view of the Jungfrau.
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