Best Route
A strong first Switzerland week starts with Zurich or Lucerne, continues to Interlaken for the Bernese Oberland, and finishes in Zermatt if Matterhorn views are a priority. The route is scenic but expensive, so fewer bases usually work better.
Train Planning
Swiss trains are excellent, but passes are not automatically the cheapest option. Compare your actual route before buying. Seat class, mountain lift costs, and weather-sensitive excursions can change the budget quickly.
Interlaken And The Alps
Use Interlaken as a base if you want lakes, mountain villages, viewpoints, and day trips. Do not judge the region only by one famous viewpoint; weather can make a flexible plan much better.
Zermatt Tradeoff
Zermatt is memorable, but it takes time and money. Add it if the Matterhorn is a major goal. If not, spend more time around Lucerne and Interlaken and keep the route simpler.