10 days in Canton of Bern & Geneva Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Switzerland sightseeing planner
Start: Washington
Fly to Zürich Airport, Drive to Bern
1
Bern
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Geneva
— 3 nights
Drive
3
Grindelwald
— 2 nights
Drive to Zürich Airport, Fly to Washington
End: Washington
Mon, May 10 - Wed, May 19
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Bern — 3 nights
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City of Bears
The capital and political center of Switzerland, Bern sits on a peninsula formed by the U-shaped River Aare.Get some cultural insight at Chateau de Chillon and The Cathedral of Bern. Change things up with these side-trips from Bern: Chaplin's World (in Corsier-sur-Vevey), Gruyeres (Gruyeres Castle & HR Giger Museum) and Interlaken (Harderkulm & Parasailing & Paragliding). The adventure continues: wander the streets of UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, appreciate the history behind Freddie Mercury Statue, get engrossed in the history at Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum, and admire the natural beauty at Rose Garden (Rosengarten).
To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Bern road trip planning website.
Washington, USA to Bern is an approximately 18-hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from Washington to Bern due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Washington in May, expect Bern to be a bit cooler, temps between 66°F and 44°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can drive to Geneva.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 10 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Geneva — 3 nights
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Capital of Peace
Geneva brings the world to one small city with a huge expat population and the highest number of international organizations in any one city.Get a sense of the local culture at Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre and Patek Philippe Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Lausanne (La Suisse - Belle Epoque - paddle steamboat, The Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique), &more). The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Geneva, ponder the design of The Geneva Water Fountain, don't miss a visit to The Flower Clock, and see the interesting displays at International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Geneva trip planning site.
Traveling by car from Bern to Geneva takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in May, and nighttime lows around 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Grindelwald.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 14 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Grindelwald — 2 nights
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Glacier Village
As one of the country's oldest ski resorts, Grindewald serves as a prime example of a cozy Swiss ski town.On the 18th (Tue), admire the verdant scenery at Lauterbrunnen Village, then admire the sheer force of Trümmelbachfälle, and then admire the sheer force of Staubbach Waterfall.
For photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Grindelwald itinerary site.
You can drive from Geneva to Grindelwald in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. On the 19th (Wed), you'll travel back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 17 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Canton of Bern travel guide
The Canton of Bern is home to a diverse landscape of plateaus, breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. In the capital city you'll find the Old Town, built in a loop of the river Aare. Its sandstone houses, narrow streets, fountains, and medieval atmosphere have earned it World Heritage Status. Sightseeing stops on your itinerary include the 101 m (331 ft) high platform at the Rose Garden, the bear family at Bear Park, and the Houses of Parliament that often open their doors to tourists. Shop the 6 km (3.7 mi) long covered medieval promenade, the longest shopping arcade in Europe. The boutiques, bars, and cabaret stages, some housed in vaulted cellars, are among Bern's other tourist attractions. Outside of the capital city, hike valleys and foothills, or take on the staggeringly steep mountain cliffs by ski or snowboard.
