switzerland tour from zurich

THE 10 BEST Zurich Tours & Excursions

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1. Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

2. Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

3. Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car

4. Swiss Villages Grindelwald and Interlaken Day Trip from Zurich

5. Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich

6. Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

7. Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride

8. Swiss Alps: Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip from Zurich

9. Private Zurich Day Tour from St Gallen

10. Heidiland and Liechtenstein Tour from Zurich

11. Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Half-Day Tour from Zurich

12. Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

13. Zurich Tuk Tuk Private Tour with Cheese Fondue and Wine

14. Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich

15. Zurich City Tour with Audio Commentary

16. Lucerne Day Tour from Zurich

17. Black Forest and Rhine Falls Day Trip from Zurich

18. Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen & Mürren Private Day Trip from Zurich

19. Daytrip to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe with EigerExpress Gondola Ride from Zürich

20. eTukTuk Private Tour - Central Zurich and Surroundings

21. Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich

22. Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner

23. Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride

24. Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Adventure from Zurich

25. City tour of Zurich with the city whisperer from CHF 21.00

26. 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg

27. Swiss Cheese, Chocolates and Mountains Small-Group Tour from Zurich

28. Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour

29. Private Trip from Zurich to Vaduz in Liechtenstein & Swiss Heidiland

30. Mt Titlis Glacier Paradise Tour from Zurich With Lucerne

What travelers are saying.

• Steven S 4 contributions 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible area, very scenic even with the rain. Would love to see area on a sunny day Glad we went, area is incredible. Wish there could have been some transportion from train station to bus pick up. Weather was not good and it made it unpleasant to walk the long distance to the bus. Would have been good to have had a bus to wait in while we waited for our bus, raining constantly. Semi easy to navigate however again, lots of walking envolved, it would be nice to alleviate some of this. Read more Review of: Swiss Villages Grindelwald and Interlaken Day Trip from Zurich Written April 25, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate
• Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride
• Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich
• Zurich Tour: 6 hours on shore, on water, in the air!
• Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland
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Europe , Switzerland , Travel

 25 incredible day trips from zurich, switzerland.

Zurich is a great place to base yourself while in Switzerland. It’s the most affordable international airport and there are some great day trip from Zurich that will allow you to see so much of the country without having to move around.

When you visit Zurich, not only will you enjoy an exciting metropolis, but also an opportunity for a variety of unforgettable day trips. Get ready to uncover some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations on the best day trips from Zurich!

In just a few hours from the city, you can witness the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, or climb the heights of Mount Titlis. You might want to explore the enchanting streets and historic landmarks of Lucerne on a city tour. And for the quintessential Swiss experience, book a train ride through the spectacular Swiss Alps .

Zurich is your ticket to exploring the unparalleled beauty of Switzerland . Curious about what awaits? Check out 24 of the best day trips from Zurich by train below!

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Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

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Situated at the northern tip of Lake Zurich is the city of Zurich. It has over a thousand years of history, evident in its charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. Once a Roman settlement, Zurich has evolved into a thriving global hub while still retaining its historic charm.

Zurich is renowned for its business, but there’s so much more here! You’ll find art museums, commercial retail streets, performance art centers, and historical landmarks everywhere you turn. The nightlife is one of a kind in Zurich, and nature lovers can’t miss out on a boat ride on Lake Zurich, surrounded by the stunning Alps!

And Zurich’s strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring Switzerland. The world-class Swiss railway system connects you to destinations like Lucerne, Zermatt, and the shores of Lake Geneva.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars
• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Switzerland?

If you’re planning to do a lot of day trips by train, I would definitely get the Swiss Pass which will allow you to ride the trains for free and also give you free access or deep discounts on a lot of activities around Switzerland.

When it comes to getting around Switzerland , the train system reigns supreme, offering both convenience and efficiency. And while driving provides autonomy, the train ensures relaxation and panoramic views. For day trips from Zurich, the train journey only amplifies your experience!

Hop aboard panoramic trains like the Glacier Express or GoldenPass Line for an unforgettable travel experience. You can choose from different destination packages. And all guests enjoy expansive windows that frame Switzerland’s serene lakes and majestic Alps like living artworks.

Plus, Switzerland is renowned for having one of the world’s finest train networks. Trains run like clockwork, connecting major cities and even the most picturesque day trip destinations. You might want to consider getting the Swiss Travel Pass, which grants you unlimited train rides.

I’ve done Switzerland by train and by car. Both have their pros and cons. I do love having the flexibility of having a car to explore a little deeper and a little more off-the-beaten-path, both literally and figuratively.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

20-Minute Day Trips from Zurich

Looking for something to do outside of Zurich with minimal travel? Check out these destinations, all of which are just a 20-minute train ride out of central Zurich!

 Imagine trading the cityscape for a tranquil mountain retreat less than 30 minutes from the heart of Zurich. Uetliberg Mountain, your destination, promises a day filled with natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

Head to Hauptbahnhof station in central Zurich, where trains for Uetliberg leave every half hour! The 20-minute train ride itself is an experience, gradually transitioning from urban landscapes to verdant hills. Lace up your hiking shoes and follow well-defined trails that lead to the mountain’s summit!

On Uetliberg Mountain, breathe in the fresh mountain air on a picnic or a hike through dense forest trails. If you’re interested in adventure tourism, you can go paragliding here! And try to stay long enough to enjoy the sunset over the entire city of Zurich below.

Looking for easy day trips from Zurich to escape the hustle and bustle of Zurich? Baden is the perfect remedy. Just a hop away, this historic town is known for its thermal baths and medieval charm.

Upon arrival in Baden, take your time wandering through the old town. Don’t miss the chance to explore the stoic remnants of Stein Castle. Then, sink into a heavenly thermal bath and let your cares melt away!

Baden is also home to an impressive number of stand-out museums, including the Museum Langmatt, which boasts an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. Or some might be interested in the Teddy Bear Museum Baden!

As you enjoy a day in this very walkable city, you might consider a stroll along the Limmat River. Nearby, local cafes and restaurants offer a taste of local flavors, ensuring that your senses are pampered!

Another short train ride brings you to Winterthur, a cultural center with a vibrant arts scene. With the Swiss Science Center Technorama, the Fotomuseum, and a trip through the charming Old Town, this would be the perfect day trip from Zurich for families!

Every season of the year, a stroll through Winterthur’s pretty old town does not disappoint. Observe historic buildings or peruse a street market. And one of the most popular attractions in the city is the Swiss Science Center Technorama. The science museum features interactive exhibits that explore the wonders of science and technology.

Art lovers will want to visit the Museum Oskar Reinhart and Kunstmuseum Winterthur, 2 more very popular destinations within Winterthur. Or if you’re here during the summer, the hilltop Rosengarten in Old Town is absolutely beautiful with hundreds of rose varieties!

Full-Day Trips from Zurich

 The best day trips from Zurich by train are anywhere from an hour to 3 hours one way. Below, you can read about the most popular day trip destinations, as well as some unassuming gems!

3.5 hours by car

I only recommend taking this day trip from Zurich if you have a rental car, otherwise it will take too long by train. Zermatt and the Matterhorn are must-sees when you’re in Switzerland, so even if you don’t take a day trip, it’s worth spending the night if you need to.

Zermatt is most famous for its incredible views of the Matterhorn, but there’s a lot more to this picturesque town. It’s home to some of the most scenic train rides on Earth and some great restaurants and shopping as well.

Zermatt is also the end of the  Walker’s Haute Route , which is a massive hike through the Swiss Alps that begins in Chamonix, France, and traverses some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland, ending in Zermatt. You can take the Gornergrat Railway (one of the most scenic train rides in the world), Hike from Gornegrat to Riffelsee, and visit the Matterhorn museum.

30-45 minutes by train

From Zurich’s main train station, you can take a leisurely train ride along Lake Zurich to Rapperswil at the southern end. Spend a day exploring the medieval castle and its rose gardens which are the reason the city has been called the “City of Roses.”

Rapperswil has been called the “Riviera of the Alps,” with its lakefront attractions, historical charm, and top-notch shopping and dining options. Old Town is home to a wide range of designer boutiques, clothing retailers, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, and trendy food joints.

Take a walk along the lakeside promenade. And if you’re feeling up to it, visit the local Knie’s Kinderzoo, which features animals native to Switzerland.

Whether you’re an art lover or looking for a relaxing jaunt outdoors, consider visiting the Enea Tree Museum nearby. This park is home to a wide range of regional trees, as well as fascinating contemporary art sculptures by renowned artists.

1 Hour by Train

A Zurich to Lucerne day trip is one of the most popular day trips available to travelers in Switzerland. In just an hour, you’ll arrive in the heart of Lucerne, where you’ll have access to the town’s many treasures! Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town to see beautiful examples of medieval architecture. You can visit the Richard Wagner Museum, housed in a charming villa.

And the iconic Chapel Bridge is a must-visit. This 700-year-old bridge is famous for its lovely wooden structure trimmed with colorful flowers! Nearby, the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) pays tribute to Swiss Guards and is absolutely moving to see in person.

On Lake Lucerne, you can take boat cruises against the stunning backdrop of surrounding mountains. Or head to the Swiss Transport Museum (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz), with its interactive exhibits on transportation history. Nearby, you can ascend Mount Pilatus via cable car ride for views that take your breath away.

A day trip to Bern is a great way to experience the diversity of the Swiss countryside in central Switzerland. In just an hour, you’ll travel from urban Zurich to this idyllic Swiss town. The entire town holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a storybook-perfect Old Town.

One of the best things to do in Bern is simply to roam the streets! Say hello to the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower, shop, and hunt down historic bronze statues and pretty fountains. This is also where you’ll find Switerland’s tallest cathedral, the Cathedral of Bern!

When in Bern, a visit to Bear Park is a must. Plus, you can visit the Einsteinhaus, a house museum where the mathematician lived while he was developing his Theory of Relativity. And among the many excellent museums in Bern, I recommend the Natural History Museum.

In just an hour, you can reach Basel, a cultural hotspot on the banks of the Rhine River. Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, Basel is a vibrant Swiss city that offers historical, cultural, and outdoor attractions.

Basel is known for its thriving arts scene. The city boasts over 40 museums, including art museums like Fondation Beyeler, the Museum Tinguely, and the Swiss Architecture Museum. For more variety, there’s the Toy Worlds Museum or the Jewish Museum of Switzerland.

The old town is a gorgeous maze of medieval streets and squares, anchored by the magnificent Basel Minster with its striking red sandstone façade. Make sure to check out Marketplatz. Framed by imposing medieval buildings covered in ornate architecture, the square hosts a vibrant farmer’s market and festive holiday gatherings.

And just a short walk away, the Rhine promenade invites you to take a scenic walk. During the warmer months, locals and visitors alike love to swim in the river’s cool waters. And a relaxing Rhine River cruise is a fantastic idea on a sunny day!

Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Schaffhausen just might be the most popular day trip from Zurich! This is where you can experience Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, as well as the magic of an ancient Swiss town.

Neuhausen am Rheinfall is the home of Rhine Falls. This is the perfect spot to witness the sheer power of the cascades from an observation deck. Or you can take trails along the river’s edge that take you through lush forests and close to the falls.

For a thrilling experience, take a boat to get close to the falls. It’s the ultimate way to feel the spray and energy of the cascades! For more daring activities, there’s also Adventure Park Rheinfall, where you can take on challenging ropes courses and ziplines right next to Rhine Falls!

You can also discover the source of Rhine Falls by venturing to Lake Constance, which feeds Rhine Falls nearby. This serene lake straddles 3 countries and offers boat rides that provide mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes.

Then, in Schaffhausen, walk into the past as you explore well-preserved medieval streets. Don’t miss the impressive Munot fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River. And a popular stop in Schaffhausen is the All-Saints Museum (Museum zu Allerheiligen), which boasts a treasure trove of art and artifacts.

1-1.5 Hours by Train

Venturing from Zurich, the towns of Arth Goldau and Einsiedeln offer a taste of Swiss beauty and spirituality in a single day trip!

Start your day in Arth-Goldau, set on the banks of beautiful Lake Zug and cradled by the Swiss Alps. You can spend your time riding bicycles along the stunning lakefront or exploring quaint local eateries by the water.

And nearby Mount Rigi is one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Switzerland. Take a cogwheel train to the top and enjoy hiking trails that offer breathtaking scenery.

Then just it’s another 30-minute train ride to Einsiedeln known to be a spiritual haven. The crown jewel here is the majestic Einsiedeln Abbey. Marvel at the baroque architecture and explore the rich history within. Plus, if you’re here in the winter, the village hosts a charming Christmas village in the square here!

1.5 Hours by Train

Stein am Rhein stands as a time capsule, offering a captivating journey back to the Middle Ages. It’s hailed as one of the best day trips from Zurich for those interested in medieval history. This charming town is like something out of a fairy tale!

The town’s well-preserved half-timbered houses are breathtaking and give you a sense of reverence for the past. Every corner of Stein am Rhein tells a story, inviting you to explore its historic nooks and crannies. The vivid frescoes that decorate the buildings just add to the town’s charm!

The church and former monastery of St. George’s Abbey is a main attraction in Stein am Rhein. Its intricate facade and ornate details paint a living picture of centuries past, so you feel like you’re walking in history. Nearby, you can explore Hohenklingen Castle, and take a stroll along the picturesque Rhine River. 

If you prefer a guided walking tour,  this one is excellent . It’s a full-day tour with transportation from Zurich that combines sightseeing at Rhine Falls with a visit to Stein am Rhein.

Nestled in eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is perfect for those interested in unique historical attractions. The St. Gallen Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a focal point. It boasts a stunning library filled with ancient manuscripts and delicate Baroque architecture. And the city’s historical textile industry is celebrated at the Textile Museum, where you can see delicate lace creations.

Wandering through the old town, you’ll encounter medieval facades, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. The twin-spired cathedral and the Abbey Square add to the city’s architectural appeal. The Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum) houses a diverse collection of artworks made up of both classical and contemporary pieces.

Also, while you’re in St. Gallen, check out the culinary scene! It offers a wide range of traditional Swiss flavors and contemporary twists at both restaurants and fast-food locations.

For those seeking a day trip full of outdoor adventures, Glarus is a hidden gem surrounded by mountains and valleys. Take a stroll around the charming town, known for its painted wooden houses. For a taste of local flavors, explore farmers’ markets offering fresh produce and handmade goods. Then, venture into the great outdoors!

Klöntaler Lake (Klöntalersee), a nearby mountain lake, is a perfect retreat for the day. You can go hiking or mountain biking on  trails around the lake  to find waterfalls and enjoy stunning mountain views. Enjoy a tranquil lakeside picnic or rent a kayak from the Rhodannenberg Chalet.

1.5-2 Hours by Train

Fribourg is a picturesque town with a blend of French and German influences nestled in the rolling landscapes of western Switzerland. The medieval old town is packed with preserved architecture. Navigate cobblestone streets winding through Gothic buildings, visit the iconic St. Nicholas Cathedral, and walk the pedestrian-only Zaehringen Bridge.

The city’s dining scene is spectacular, from Old Town to the sleek commercial districts! You can peruse all kinds of local cafes and restaurants serving Swiss specialties, Parisian favorites, and Italian classics.

And Fribourg’s museums do not disappoint. The Art and History Museum showcases regional heritage, while the Espace Jean Tinguely-Niki de Saint Phalle adds contemporary appeal. The Sarine River winds through the city, with tranquil spots like St. Jean’s Terrace, where you can take in the city’s panoramic views.

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Chur is Switzerland’s oldest city, at around 5000 years old! Its lovely old town exudes a medieval charm, with narrow streets leading to architectural treasures like the Chur Cathedral and the Rathaus (Town Hall). The bustling markets and squares feel timeless!

For outdoor enthusiasts, Chur is a base for exploring the Rhine Gorge (Rheinschlucht), often referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” You can explore hiking trails through the gorge or go on rafting and canoeing excursions.

Back in Chur, the Bündner Kunstmuseum showcases Swiss art, from traditional to contemporary. Chur is also a gateway to the Bernina Express , a scenic train ride that crosses the breathtaking Alps and connects Switzerland to Italy.

1.5-2 hours by Train

Although I included Mount Rigi in things to do near Arth-Goldau, it’s a well-known Swiss destination on its own! There are a few ways to reach this infamous mountain peak, but the most direct route for a day trip is by taking a train to Arth.

From here, you’ll take Embark on a cable car ride up the mountain’s slopes. The journey itself is a scenic delight, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, you can board Europe’s oldest cogwheel railway, providing an authentic Swiss experience.

At the summit, be prepared to be stunned speechless by the panoramic vistas, from Lake Lucerne to the Swiss Alps beyond. Mount Rigi also offers an array of well-marked hiking trails and nature walks suitable for all levels. Hike through lush meadows, dense forests, and alpine slopes. You won’t believe the clouds up here, and don’t be surprised if a cow greets you on the trail!

2 Hours by Train

Appenzell is a village in northeastern Switzerland where you can experience the essence of Swiss tradition while soaking in classic Alpine scenery. The colorful village is set symphony of rolling hills, verdant meadows, and rustic farms. It’s the ideal backdrop for your exploration of Swiss culture!

Appenzell’s colorful buildings are why it’s one of the best day trips from Zurich! The village’s traditional architecture is heavily painted with bright hues and cheerful patterns. Just wandering the streets and popping in storefronts is satisfying for any visitor.

While you’re exploring, head to the Appenzeller Brewery to try the famous Appenzeller beer. Or explore the cheese shops and chocolate shops found throughout the colorful old town. And for a bit more culture, you can get a feel for the region by visiting the Appenzell Museum. Exhibits here showcasing folk art, historical artifacts, and insights into the village’s past.

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! Gruyères is famed for its namesake cheese. But it’s also known to be one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Switzerland! Spend your time wandering the Renaissance-era village, admiring the wood and stone structures from a bygone era.

The Gruyères Castle, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the past. While you’re here, make sure to visit La Maison du Gruyère, where you’ll learn about the cheese-making process. And then head to a local eatery to indulge in a mouthwatering fondue!

And fans of the “Alien” movies can check out this next unique attraction: the H.R. Giger Museum. This art museum inside of a medieval castle showcases the surreal and creative works of the Swiss artist behind the infamous science fiction series!

Just a scenic 2-hour train ride away, Interlaken is an adventurer’s paradise positioned between Lakes Thun and Brienz. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Zurich for adrenaline seekers. It’s often a base for exploring the Jungfrau Region. But this resort town is a dreamy destination on its own, with charming streets set against crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains!

Interlaken’s food scene offers everything from cozy Swiss chalets to global eateries. You can enjoy local specialties like fondue and raclette. Or savor international cuisines, including Italian, Lebanese, and Asian.

Additionally, the resort town boasts several day spas where visitors can unwind and relax. These spas provide a range of treatments and services, including massages, facials, and wellness therapies, all set against the backdrop of Interlaken’s serene surroundings.

Venture across the border to Colmar, a fairytale-like town in France’s Alsace region. It makes an ideal day trip, offering a taste of France within a manageable journey from Zurich!

Colmar, nestled in the Alsace region of France, makes for a captivating day trip from Zurich. Stroll through the well-preserved old town, where half-timbered houses adorned with vibrant flowers line the streets. The historic district, known as “Little Venice,” offers picturesque canals and charming bridges.

Colmar’s cultural scene shines through its museums, like the Unterlinden Museum, a religious art museum set in a converted convent from the 1200s. And the Bartholdi Museum is a must-visit. This museum honors the creator of the Statue of Liberty, who was born in Colmar!

While in France, make it a point to savor Alsatian cuisine at local bistros. Here, dishes like tarte flambée and choucroute (sauerkraut) reflect the region’s fascinating culinary heritage.

2.5 Hours by Train

Lausanne, situated on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, is a vibrant Swiss city known for its truly diverse attractions. If you’re a fan of the Olympic Games, Lausanne is the Olympic Capital of the world! It’s where the International Olympic Committee headquarters is located, and you can visit the Olympic Museum here.

for history lovers, head to the city’s Old Town, where you can explore charming cobblestone streets and squares. The impressive 12th-century Lausanne Cathedral is a focal point of the city’s oldest history. And just a few steps away, the Palais de Rumine is a must-see destination. This stunning 200-year-old palace is home to several different museums!

With its lakeside location, Lausanne’s Ouchy district offers a variety of pretty lakefront promenades and parks for your enjoyment. And Lausanne’s local markets, shopping malls, boutiques, and cafes will please any shopper.

A 2.5-hour train ride lands you in the sunny town of Lugano, located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of southern Switzerland. Its mix of Swiss efficiency and Italian influences makes for an interesting place to visit!

The city sits by Lake Lugano, giving it lovely lakefront views and a wonderful, balmy climate. Start your visit with a stop at the lakeside Parco Ciani, where you can sit by the water or take a relaxing walk. And the historic Old Town offers impressive retail options, whether you’re into boutiques, local markets, or international brands.

Lugano’s cultural scene includes spots like the Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana, highlighting Swiss and Italian art. And while it’s a bit far to walk, for fans of the German writer, the Hermann Hesse Museum is worth paying for a car to reach.

2.5-3 hours by Train and Cable Car

One of the most popular day trips from Zurich is Mount Titlis. It’s a journey that promises thrilling Alpine adventures! From Engelberg, you’ll  ride a cable car  to arrive at Glacier Park. Here, you can take an exhilarating ride on the Glacier Park snow slide or take the Ice Flyer chairlift, with its stunning panoramas.

For the bravest, take on the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge! Suspended over a deep glacier crevasse, it offers breathtaking views and a touch of adrenaline. And in the Glacier Cave, you’ll explore intricate ice formations and learn about the glacier’s formation.

And I highly recommend setting aside time in your day to explore Engelberg! The village offers a variety of opportunities for hiking, shopping, and enjoying Swiss cuisine.

2.5-3 Hours by Train

Embark on a memorable day in the Jungfrau region, beginning with the picturesque village of Grindelwald. Nestled among snow-capped mountains, Grindelwald glows with Alpine charm. As you explore the main thoroughfare lined with shops and eateries, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Next, you’ll take the famous Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe.” This legendary cogwheel train journey offers unbelievable views of the Alps while you climb to an altitude of almost 3,500 meters!

At the top, you can go inside the Ice Palace, a cavern sculpted from ice that features fun ice sculptures. You can also stroll the observation platforms, taking in the snow-clad peaks that make you feel like you’re really on top of the world.

While there’s no direct train ride to Alpstein, this is one of the best day trips from Zurich for outdoor lovers! Alpstein is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Head out early and enjoy a day exploring lush meadows, rolling hills, and rugged peaks.

You’ll find a wide range of where well-marked trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints. As you explore Alpstein’s trails, you’re likely to encounter charming Alpine huts and grazing cows, which only add to the region’s Swiss charm!

Take a cable car ride to Ebenalp Peak. This is where the famous Aescher Mountain Guesthouse is, perched dramatically on a cliff. It’s an exciting visit and a unique spot to enjoy a meal with stunning views! And the Säntis Cable Car transports you to the highest peak in the region, rewarding you with unparalleled Alpine views.

Zurich Day Trips FAQ

On a day trip from Zurich, you can explore some amazing neighboring countries. Head to Germany to experience cities like Konstanz, known for its charming old town and beautiful lake views. You can also visit destinations in France, like Strasbourg, which is famous for its unique blend of French and German influences. And don’t miss a trip to Liechtenstein, a tiny yet picturesque country known for its Alpine landscapes and Vaduz Castle.

Embarking on day trips from Zurich by train opens up a realm of opportunities for you! The majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, is just a train ride away. You can go on a city tour in Lucerne, wandering cobbled streets and admiring the iconic Chapel Bridge. Or delve into medieval history with a trip to Bern, the capital city. With convenient train connections, these enchanting destinations promise unforgettable adventures with reach of Zurich.

Absolutely! Lucerne makes for a fantastic day trip from Zurich. The train ride itself is a picturesque journey through Swiss landscapes. Once there, you’ll be captivated by the charming beauty of Lucerne. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge and enjoy the serene views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. Also, consider a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum to learn about the city’s rich history. Or you can climb Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views.

For day trips from Zurich, the “GoldenPass Line” stands out as the most scenic train journey. Connecting Lucerne to Montreux puts Switzerland’s diverse beauty on display! You’ll pass through lush meadows, charming villages, and the enchanting landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Marvel at stunning Lake Geneva and catch glimpses of iconic peaks like the Matterhorn. This train ride boasts oversized, panoramic windows for taking in the breathtaking views.

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Europe Tours & Trips from Zurich

Find your perfect adventure! We have 90 tours of Europe that start in Zurich, Switzerland. The most popular month is June, and tour lengths range between 4 and 29 days.

90 Europe tour packages from Zurich with 1,988 reviews

Fall/Spring Swiss Alps Drive in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided

Where to begin?! When I discovered EpikDrives, I knew this would be the perfect surprise trip for my husband. Initially the packages and trip seemed “to good to be true” but Stephan was quick to respond to my 1,000 questions. We didn’t find many reviews which made me nervous but booked regardless and ARE WE GLAD WE DID! This turned out to be one of the best trips we have ever taken. Planning of the trip and booking was seamless. Stephan was so helpful and prompt with responses throughout the entire process from start to finish. Once we arrived in Switzerland, Stephan was waiting at the hotel with our supercar on arrival. We were impressed with the ease of everything! We would get into the car each morning and essentially hit “go” on the GPS. Easy GPS guidance to follow along with designated stops for sightseeing, coffee if needed, and re-fueling. We also enjoyed the binder that accompanied with printed out information of the itinerary for each day and description of the different sites or mountain passes. I would certainly give EpikDrives and Stephan a 10+ if I could and we will definitely be taking another trip with them in the near future. Thank you, Stephan, for such an incredible experience!

• Christmas & New Year

Switzerland and Italy

The trip itinerary was enjoyable, the pace was just nice. The whatsapp group chat was very useful. The staff manning the chat responded to the queries and clarification promptly.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Swiss and Italian Spotlight

It is excellent service every thing is well.planned and amazing

Grand Tour of Switzerland

This tour covered Switzerland to perfection. The tour director Marco was amazing and entertaining. He was passionate about his job and it showed in the whole tour running like clockwork. Salvatore did a great job navigating the narrow streets. Could not have asked for two better guides

• Sightseeing

Switzerland ( 8 days )

Switzerland and Austria (2024, 13 Days)

We had a fantastic Tour Guide Dr Qiu Moayad, and Venci our Coach Captain, both brilliant.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Train & Rail

Contrasts of Switzerland (8 Days)

Emmo was amazing!!!!

• River Cruise

Spectacular Switzerland with Romantic Rhine 2024

Country Roads of Switzerland (Classic, 14 Days)

We went on this trip expecting a lot. Every expectation we had was exceeded. The venues were spectacular, but that was Switzerland. The precision and professionalism with which each days adventures unfolded was apparent. When you are on a 14 day trip with no serious complaints it is a direct reflection on the Insight team, take a bow Sue, Greg and Maria.

Switzerland All-in-one trip

Vittalli from All in one Swiss tours was an excellent guide and everything ran smoothly. Tourradar were great with communication and liaising with us and All in one Swiss tours

Best of Switzerland (9 Days)

Good people food travel and sights to see

Switzerland´s Best

Switzerland and Italy with Amalfi Coast

Firstly, I will absolutely book with them again. Daily check-ins and confirmations of drivers coming and where to be etc were beyond expectations. They made a custom trip and found the best value hotels in every city and supported our independent trip amazingly. Guides and transfers were great and any time I had a question they answered within minutes! Highly recommended.

Swiss and Italian Spotlight End Venice

Europmando and our tour guides Gabby and Alberto were fantastic. We were a little hesitate to book such tour fearing it may be more for Seniors, but this was not the case. Was a great way to see everything. We were just a little disappointed that we didn't get our pre-booked gondala ride in Venice to ourselves as it was a honeymoon treat...we ended up sharing

The Best of Switzerland

Mirella and Maximo (driver) took very good care of us. We love the itinerary and specially the lunch hosted by a local swiss farmer's family just outside of Bern.

What people love about Europe Tours from Zurich

I really enjoyed my holiday and I would like to say thank you to Wendy and the rest of the team. Whenever I needed something they were always available. I highly recommend booking your solo trip or family holiday with these guys. Thank you for everything ❤️

Well organized. Our tour guide’s Joana, Eva and Gabriel were outstanding! They went out of their ways to make sure everyone is happy and satisfied. They were patient and supportive!!!

Tours starting from Zurich

• Zurich to Zurich tours (38)
• Zurich to Amsterdam tours (23)
• Zurich to Geneva tours (8)
• Explorer from Zurich (64)
• Family from Zurich (53)
• River Cruise from Zurich (31)
• Private from Zurich (27)
• In-depth Cultural from Zurich (16)
• Self-Guided from Zurich (16)
• Coach / Bus from Zurich (14)
• Train & Rail from Zurich (7)
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Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Don’t miss the highlight of any Swiss holiday and join us for a full-day excursion to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe!

Titlis - Eternal Snow & Glacier

Take the revolving Rotair cable car up to Mt Titlis, where a magical winter wonderland awaits you all year round!

Pilatus - The Golden Round Trip

Take the Dragon Ride cable car to Mt Pilatus and descend by the world’s steepest cogwheel train before taking a relaxing lake cruise!

Zurich & Surroundings City Tour

Combine the fascinating city of Zurich with its beautiful surroundings on our extended afternoon sightseeing tour! 

Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein

Visit the Rhine Falls, Europe’s biggest waterfall, and the medieval town of Stein am Rhein on an afternoon excursion from Zurich!

Zurich with Cruise & Lindt Home of Chocolate

Discover Zurich on a versatile city tour including a boat trip on Lake Zurich and a visit of the Lindt Home of Chocolate!

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Tour Categories

Sightseeing Tours

Discover our sightseeing tours with daily departures from zurich, lucerne and interlaken.

Browse our wide selection from city tours to full day mountain excursions with a professional tour guide introducing you to the most beautiful destinations in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Premium Small Group Tours

Discover our premium small group tours with max. 16 guests for a more personal touch.

Enjoy authentic experiences with hand-picked local providers at destinations off the beaten track from the comfort of a Mercedes minibus conducted by an experienced driver-guide. 

Multi-Day Tours

Discover our fine selection of multi-day tours and make the most out of your stay.

Combine our most popular mountain excursions with an unforgettable overnight stay including half board or breakfast and enjoy ample time at leisure to explore the most beautiful Swiss destinations.

The 7 best day trips from Zürich

Apr 27, 2023 • 5 min read

Explore more of Switzerland and beyond with these top day trips from Zürich © Sze Lung Ng / Getty Images

Stacked with museums, galleries, and Switzerland ’s best gourmet scene , Zürich  is a pleasure to visit.

Excellent public transport also makes the city a fantastic base for exploring the region, with day trip options including visits to charming old towns, soaks in thermal baths and a cruise to an island on Lake Zürich. Here are our favorite excursions.

1. Explore the old town of Lucerne

Travel time: 1 hour

Is  Lucerne Switzerland’s prettiest city? You be the judge after swooning at its cobalt lake and well-preserved medieval Altstadt (old town) with candy-colored houses and waterfront promenades. Don’t miss the creaky 14th-century  Kapellbrücke , a covered bridge that zig zags across the Reuss River. Contemplate the  Lion Monument , a 10m-long sculpture of a dying lion that Mark Twain called the “saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world”. Get a bird’s-eye view of it all by wandering along the top of the  old city walls .

How to get to Lucerne from Zürich: Frequent trains depart from Zürich’s main station.

2. Wander around Winterthur’s atmospheric old town

Travel time: 25 minutes

Winterthur is home to the truly stupendous art collections amassed by Oskar Reinhart , including works by German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Here, you’ll also find one of Europe’s foremost  photography museums , and the fantastic, hands-on Technorama devoted to science. The medieval turreted castle  Schloss Kyburg tops a crag just south of Winterthur, while the pedestrian-only old town is lined with pastel-painted, terracotta-tiled boutiques, cafes and bars such as  La Cyma .

How to get to Winterthur from Zürich: Frequent trains depart from Zürich’s main station.

3. Catch sunset atop Uetliberg, Zürich’s local peak

Travel time: 30 minutes

Uetliberg is the mountain on Zürich’s doorstep, ablaze with wildflowers in spring and daubed with russets and golds in fall. Head up this 869m (2850ft) peak to hike, jog or mountain bike on the trails that criss-cross the woods, such as the  Planetenweg , a 6km (3.7 mile) route across the mountain ridge that’s marked by 1:1 billion scale models of the planets. At the summit is Uetliberg Aussichtsturm , a steel lattice observation tower with fine views over the city, Lake Zürich and, in the far distance, the Alps. Sunset is prime-time viewing and a chance to enjoy a drink or meal at the  Hotel Uto Kulm .

How to get to Uetliberg from Zürich: Train S10 runs to Uetliberg. From the terminus it's a 10-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint.

4. Feel the power of the Rheinfall, Europe’s largest waterfall

Travel time: 55 minutes

Formed by tectonic shifts during the last ice age 15,000 years ago, the Rheinfall is a real crash-bang spectacle. The river cascades 23m (75ft) across a width of 150m (492ft) creating billowing plumes of spray and raging white water in the basin below. In summer, ferries head to the tall rock in the middle of the falls, which you can climb and watch the water rush all around you. Otherwise, follow the trail that wends down from medieval Schloss Laufen to the Känzeli viewing platform. A visit to the falls can easily be combined with exploring the quaint medieval town of Schaffhausen, which is 4km (2.5 miles) away.

How to get to Rheinfall from Zürich: Take the S9 train to Neuhausen Rheinfall station.

5. Cycle around the tiny principality of Liechtenstein

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Only 25km (15.5 miles) long by 12km (7.5 miles) wide at its broadest point,  Liechtenstein is the stuff of pure fairy tales: a mountain principality crowned by turreted castles such as that in Vaduz , its capital. From the tourist office here hire an e-bike to follow the 59km (37 mile)  Drei Länder Tour (Three Countries Tour), which leads to the medieval town of Feldkirch in Austria. The route then heads on to Illspitz and down along the Rhine to Buchs in Switzerland – dominated by its 13th-century castle,  Schloss Werdenberg – before heading back to Vaduz.

How to get to Liechtenstein from Zürich: Take the train to the border town of Sargans. From there, frequent buses head to Vaduz.

6. Sail to an island from lakeside Rapperswil

Travel time: 40 minutes

Known as the "city of roses" thanks to its profusion of the fragrant blooms, Rapperswil is a cultured little town on the eastern shore of Lake Zürich. Dominating the skyline is the late-12th-century castle  Schloss Rapperswil . On the slopes beneath is one of the oldest vineyards on Lake Zürich and a herd of fallow deer. The town’s  Kunst(zeug)haus is a forward-thinking art gallery, and  Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona  is a history museum with a striking facade that combines modernist perforated bronze with a 14th-century stone tower. Stroll along the lakeside promenade then take a short ferry ride to the island of  Ufenau , a nature reserve with medieval churches and a restaurant serving fresh battered fish, a local speciality.

How to get to Rapperswil from Zürich: The S5, S7 or S15 trains are the fastest way here. A cruise across Lake Zürich from Bürkliplatz takes two hours.

7. Relax in one of Baden’s mineral rich spas

Travel time: 15 minutes

The Romans were the first to harness the wellness powers of the 18 sulphur springs that bubble up around Baden. Roughly 800,000 liters (176,000 gallons) a day of Switzerland's most mineral-rich thermal water is pushed at temperatures of as much as 68°C (154°F). Most of Baden's springs have been channeled into spa hotels and complexes such as  FORTYSEVEN and the Roman Bath at  Hotel Blume . Along the Limmat River are a couple of small, open-air  municipal baths that you can freely take a dip in. Baden’s Old Town is adorned by a fetching covered timber bridge (the Holzbrücke), cobbled lanes and an assortment of step-gabled houses. Also check out the  Stiftung Langmatt , a gorgeous mansion housing a cornucopia of French impressionist art and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

How to get to Baden from Zürich: Take trains IR16 or IR36 from Zürich's main station.

This article was first published May 2021 and updated April 2023

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Two Week (14-Day) Tours from Zurich

Are you currently seeking a fun and exciting package tour spanning two weeks, departing from Zurich? We've conducted a thorough analysis of all available 14 and 15-day organized tours departing from Zurich in Switzerland. Our analysis took into account various factors such as price, guest ratings, service, comfort, food, and activities, aiming to identify the absolute best options for your next trip. Whether you're yearning for a serene getaway or an exhilarating expedition, these guided tours provide the perfect duration to immerse yourself in the best of both worlds. Prepare yourself for captivating excursions and exceptional cuisine as you embark on an unforgettable escape that will ignite your wanderlust. Switzerland is a fantastic destination because of the museums & attractions, food, resorts, and skiing. Take a look at our meticulously curated list of top-rated tours departing from Zurich to kickstart your planning process.

• Country Roads of Switzerland (Classic, 14 Days) 14 Days, $7274.00
• Switzerland and Italy with Amalfi Coast 15 Days, $3299.00
• Switzerland and Austria (2024, 13 Days) 13 Days, $4725.00

What are the two-week tours from Zurich like?

Here are the important factors:

• 10 trip options analyzed
• $495 average price per day (USD)
• 13 to 15 days in length
• 4.67 of 5 average rating
• 80 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of two-week tours from Zurich? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 80 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 13 days, while the longest is 15 days. When it comes to transportation , tour options are organized as coach / bus and train & rail, with a majority being coach / bus tours. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 10 two-week tours from Zurich, you can rest assured that Switzerland has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best 2-Week Tours from Zurich in Switzerland

Country roads of switzerland (classic, 14 days).

• On Sale: 20% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for two-week tours from Zurich.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting Switzerland and Italy, that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities. With a duration of 14 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 40 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers aged 5 or older. This trip visits 16 destinations, including Brig, Lake Maggiore, Lugano, and St Moritz along the way. Zurich will be both the start and end of your journey. Brought to you by Insight Vacations , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $416 per day. It's currently on a special discounted offer.

• Coach / Bus
• In-depth Cultural

Switzerland and Italy with Amalfi Coast

• On Sale: 4% Off See Prices

With this option you can experience an unparalleled journey for 15 unforgettable days, visiting Switzerland and Italy. It ensures an intimate group setting with 10 participants at most. Experience a trip that takes you to 7 remarkable destinations, including Naples, Lucerne, Lake Como, and Venice. Zurich will mark the start of your journey, while Amalfi will serve as its final destination. Wanderful Holidays LLC , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests people of any age. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $211 per day. Act quickly to seize the current limited-time sale and reserve your spot now.

Switzerland and Austria (2024, 13 Days)

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices

This fantastic journey has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, visiting Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Italy. Explore 11 incredible locations on this trip, including Montreux, Interlaken, Vaduz, and Salzburg. Zurich will be the beginning and end of your trip. With an emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Lasting 13 days, the maximum group size is 50 people, and it's good for travelers aged 5 or older. Organized by Trafalgar , this is a great deal because it's only $327 per day. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Grand tour of Switzerland in 14 days

• On Sale: 15% Off See Prices

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage, visiting Switzerland and Germany, is the perfect choice. Discover a journey that spans 7 destinations, with notable stops in Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Montreux. Beginning in beautiful Zurich, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Geneva. Spanning across 14 days, the voyage accommodates 10 individuals, and is suitable for people of any age. Offered by WiseYatra , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $314 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards with Amsterdam (Start Zurich, End Amsterdam)

This exceptional trip offering by Emerald Cruises has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 13-day journey, visiting Switzerland, Germany, France, and Netherlands, you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip takes you on an adventure to 14 destinations, including Kehl, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Rudesheim am Rhein. Zurich will mark the start of your journey, while Amsterdam will serve as its final destination. With a group size of 182 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 12 to 90 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $871 per day.

• Wine tasting
• River Cruise

Zurich-Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, visiting Switzerland, Germany, France, and Netherlands. With 14 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Kehl, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg, and more. Zurich marks the starting point, while Amsterdam stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. Spanning across 13 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 182 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 12 to 90 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Emerald Cruises , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $834 per day - an unbeatable value.

Grand Alpine - Zurich > Lucerne > Interlaken

This 15-day journey, visiting Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, is ideal for travelers aged 12 or older. And priced at only $786 per day, it's a great value, too. Along the way, this journey encompasses 15 destinations, including Montreux, Lake Geneva, Lausanne, and Vevey. Beginning in beautiful Zurich, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Vienna. It's offered by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Train & Rail
• Walking Tour

Zurich to Berlin & The Majestic Rhine

Priced at just $741 per day, this terrific 13-day journey, visiting Switzerland, Germany, and France, is ideal for travelers aged 12 to 90 years old. This itinerary covers 16 captivating destinations, with stops in Breisach, Colmar, Kehl, and Strasbourg, among others. Zurich will mark the start of your journey, while Berlin will serve as its final destination. Organized by the reputable Emerald Cruises , this is one of the best tours on this list.

The Peaks, Lakes, Coast

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Switzerland and Italy. With a duration of 15 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 10 people, and is good for travelers aged 2 to 89 years old. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 7 destinations, featuring Lake Como, Venice, Rome, and Naples. Zurich marks the starting point, while Amalfi stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This fantastic option, organized by Wonderful Holidays UK , presents an unbeatable value at just $242 per day.

THE SWISS EXPRESS

Spanning over 15 days, this journey has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 5 to 69 years old, it is organized by Interrailing Packages , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Uncover the beauty of 5 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Interlaken, Montreux, and Zermatt. Zurich will be the beginning and end of your trip. Available at an unbeatable price of only $207 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland , The Best Historical Tours in Switzerland , The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland , The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland , The Best River Cruises in Switzerland , The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Switzerland , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Switzerland , The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland , The Best Eco Tours in Switzerland , The Best Train & Rail Tours in Switzerland , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland , The Best Cultural Tours in Switzerland , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland , The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Basel , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Zurich , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva , The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich , The Best 10-Day Tours from Lucerne , The Best 2-Week Tours from Basel , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Lucerne for more package tour options.

How much do two-week tours from Zurich cost?

Travelers to Switzerland will have a large number of terrific options for two-week tours from Zurich at a variety of great prices. The price of two-week tours from Zurich here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 10 two-week tours from Zurich, their average daily price is a very reasonable $495 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Switzerland .

And for more information on Switzerland, see Switzerland Travel Costs and Switzerland Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Best Day Trips from Zurich: 15 Must-Visit Destinations

Zurich is an awesome city to spend a few days exploring. Between its historical sites, museums, charming old town, the Limmat river, Lake Zurich, and surrounding mountains, there is a lot to see and do.

But, Zurich is also a great place to base yourself to explore the rest of Switzerland from. Thanks to such efficient trains, you can take some incredible day trips from Zurich to the Swiss Alps, waterfalls, historic cities, and lots more.

So, what are the best day trips from Zurich that should be on your list? We run through them all below for you.

Table of Contents

Rhine Falls

One of my favorite day trips from Zurich is without a doubt a visit to Rhine Falls . I am a little obsessed with rivers and waterfalls, and since Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe (by volume, not height), it comes at the top of the list.

Sitting north of Zurich and right on the border with Germany, the Rhine Falls is formed by the Rhine River. Rhine Falls is 150 meters across and 23 meters high and it pumps out some 600,000 liters of water a second in the summer.

Experiencing the sheer power of the Rhine Falls is an incredible experience and you can view it from platforms on either side or go on a boat trip that takes you right up to the falls.

Getting to Rhine Falls is incredibly easy as it is a direct train ride from Zurich HB to Neuhausen Rheinfall, and then a short walk from the station. You will be at Rhine Falls in under an hour.

Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis is one of the most beautiful mountains in Switzerland and another of the great day trips from Zurich.

Whether you simply want to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top or be active by skiing in the winter or hiking/mountain biking in the summer, Mt Titlis is the place for you.

The peak sits at 3000 meters above sea level and to get to the top, you will experience great views from the TITLIS Rotair cable car which rotates as it takes you directly to the peak.

Once at the top, take in the views from the viewing platform in every direction, go on the Titlis Cliff Walk, and visit the 5000-year-old Glacier cave.

There are a plethora of hiking trails that bring you back down the mountain or you can stop for lunch at the mountain-top restaurant and take the cable car back down.

Getting to Mount Titlis from Zurich is easy. It takes just over 2 hours to get to the heart of central Switzerland. You will need to change trains in Luzern and get off at Engelberg before getting on the cable car.

One of the easiest day trips from Zurich is a trip to Winterthur , Switzerland’s sixth largest city just 30 minutes north of Zurich.

Winterthur’s appeal is culture. It is packed to the brim with stunning architectural styles, museums, and art galleries, and the Old Town is an absolute delight to stroll around.

Winterthur’s Old Town is actually the biggest pedestrianized old town in Switzerland and it is filled with great bars, cafes, and restaurants. Once you have found it, it is hard to leave, so perhaps taking in the other sites first is the best idea.

The Fotomuseum is one of the best photography museums in Europe, the Oskar Reinhart Collection museum is full of incredible pieces by artists such as Rembrandt. Plus, there is even the Swiss Science Centre Technorama which is awesome for kids.

There are trains to Winterthur every hour from Zurich HB and they take less than 30 minutes.

Grindelwald

A visit to the charming alpine town of Grindelwald is another of the great day trips from Zurich, especially if you want to experience the mighty Alps.

Sitting just below the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a hub for awesome mountain activities in both summer and winter. In the winter, it is all about skiing, snowboarding, and most other winter sports.

Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and a trip up Grindelwald First mountain offers countless activities from zip-lining to riding mountain karts, and lots more.

The incredible views of the surrounding Jungfrau Region from Grindelwald First have to be seen to be believed and there are some awesome hikes to beautiful Alpine lakes that should not be missed.

Getting to Grindelwald from Zurich takes about 2.75 hours via train. You will need to change trains in the picturesque town of Interlaken, and it is worth combining your Zurich day trip to Grindelwald with Interlaken.

One of my favorite towns in Switzerland and one of the top day trips from Zurich is Interlaken.

Surrounded by the alps with the bright blue Lake Thun on one side, the deep blue Lake Brienz on the other, and with the Aare running through it, you couldn’t ask for a more quintessential Swiss Alpine town.

Known as the adventure capital of the region, you can enjoy all kinds of activities from paragliding to white water rafting and canyoning. There are also some incredible hiking routes that take you up mountains, past waterfalls, and offer awesome views too.

The town itself is lovely to stroll around. The Swiss architecture is a delight, the shopping is awesome, and you can hang out on the lake beaches in the summer, swim, go on cruises, and lots more!

You can be in Interlaken via a direct train from Zurich in just under 2 hours.

The city of Fribourg lies to the west of Bern and it is one of the more cultural day trip destinations within easy reach of Zurich.

Known as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the country, strolling around the medieval old town is a must, as you take in the stunning medieval architecture and views across the Sarine River .

One of the highlights is the city’s impressive gothic cathedral with its stunning bell tower and art nouveau stained glass windows. The city is also full of art museums that showcase modern and contemporary art.

Once you are done sightseeing, a stroll around the narrow pedestrian streets will have you finding lots of riverside cafes, wonderful shops, restaurants, and more.

Getting to Fribourg takes just 1.5 hours via train from Zurich, changing at Bern on your way.

Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is probably the best example of medieval Switzerland you can find in the country. Sitting downstream from Lake Constance on the Rhine River, it was once a fishing village but blossomed with art and architecture between the 12th and 15th centuries.

If you love a bit of culture then this is the perfect day trip from Zurich for you.

Stein am Rhein is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in all of Europe. The old houses lining the river banks and old town are stunning with their half-timbered design and painted facades.

Taking a look at the town hall (Rathaus) and square (​​Rathausplatz) is a must. The town hall is probably the most beautiful building in Stein am Rhein and the square is decorated with paintings that depict the history of the town.

St George’s Abbey, once a benedictine monastery and today a museum on the banks of the Rhine is also a must-see, as is the medieval castle Hohenklingen that sits on a hill about the town.

To get to Stein am Rhein from Zurich take the train to Schaffhausen and change to Stein am Rhein. It takes less than one hour.

If cities are your thing, a lovely day trip from Zurich is a visit to the Swiss capital, Bern. It is a wonderful city that is packed full of history and sitting on the banks of the Aare river, it is beautiful too!

The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this is a great place to start your day trip. The cobbled streets, old architecture, many fountains, shops, cafes, and restaurants make the Old Town a delight to stroll around.

Other great things not to miss in Bern are the Natural History Museum , Einstein Museum , Zytglogge clock tower, and the Swiss Parliament Building .

You can also stroll along the river to the Bear Pit where you will find bears roaming around as well as an aquarium, and petting zoo.

Getting to Bern is quick and easy from Zurich via a direct train which takes 56 minutes.

Appenzell is one of the lesser thought of day trips from Zurich but it is a great one nonetheless.

Appenzell is a quintessential Swiss village in Eastern Switzerland that sits below the stunning Alpstein mountains. Imagine Swiss homes in rolling hills and pastures, with mountain views and you get the idea.

The center of town is car-free and home to beautiful houses with decorated facades. A visit to the Museum of Appenzell will teach you all about the culture, and sampling some traditional food is a must too.

There are lots of great hiking trails around the area and you can take the cable car up to Ebenalp to see awesome views as well as a 17th-century chapel cut into the cliffs.

The trip to Appenzell from Zurich HB takes 1.75 hours on the train. Change at Gossau SG and get off at Urnäsch.

Rapperswil-Jona

Sitting just down Lake Zurich from the city of Zurich is the town of roses, Rapperswil-Jona . Chances are you will have spent some time on Lake Zurich already while visiting the city, but Lake Zurich is huge and there is a lot more to explore than the shores around Zurich.

Rapperswil-Jona lies close to the other end of Lake Zurich and it is filled with roses. All the houses in the center of the town have window boxes with roses and there are numerous rose gardens to visit around the city.

You can also visit the lovely Rapperswil Castle which sits above the town. Home to stunning views over Lake Zurich, a deer park, and rose gardens it is a lovely place to hang out.

A stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich is also delightful and in the summer, a swim and some bathing on the beaches are also a must.

You can get to Rapperswil-Jona in 40 mins by train from Zurich or you can get a boat across Lake Zurich.

Gruyeres , as you have probably guessed from the name, is known for Gruyere cheese but it is also the home of the oldest chocolate factory in Switzerland too. If cheese and chocolate are your things, a day trip to Gruyeres is a must.

Sitting in western Switzerland, the charming village of Gruyeres is home to a cheese factory, chocolate factory, museums, and a beautiful castle as well as great traditional restaurants.

Enjoy a tour and tasting experience at La Maison du Gruyère (cheese) and La Maison Cailler (chocolate). Then visit the beautiful 13th-century Gruyeres Castle and take in some art at the HR Giger Museum .

It is hard to believe such a small Alpine town could be home to so much, but that is why it is one of the top-day trips from Zurich.

Getting to Gruyeres takes 2.5 hours changing at Bern and Bulle.

One of the top cultural day trips from Zurich is to the city of Basel which lies to the west of Zurich on both the French, German, and Swiss borders.

Basel is a beautiful multicultural city of note and well worth a visit. Sitting on the Rhine River, its Old Town is lovely to stroll around and something not to miss is the town hall which stands out since it is made from red sandstone.

The gothic cathedral is also a wonderful sight to see and so is the Gate of Spalen , an ancient gate of the city.

Basel is also home to some great museums including the Natural History Museum and the fine arts museum of the Beyeler Foundation.

Basel is less than an hour away from Zurich via a direct train making it very easy on a day trip.

Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Sitting on Lake Lucerne where the Reuss River flows out of it, Lucerne is as beautiful as it is full of culture.

Home to one of the best preserved Old Towns in Switzerland along with the beautiful Chapel Bridge, with views across Lake Lucerne and into the Alps, it is a hard day trip to beat.

Crossing Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge of its kind in Europe is a must. It is covered with window boxes full of flowers and the ceiling features a series of paintings depicting the town’s history.

Other great things to do include visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Sammlung Rosengart art museum which has a lot of pieces by Picasso, the Lion Monument, and lots more.

There is a direct train to Lucerne that takes less than an hour from Zurich.

Liechtenstein

It is not often that a day trip includes going to a different country but you can be in the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, in less than 1.5 hours from Zurich.

Liechtenstein is packed full of mountains and is a wonderful place if you want to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking is great in the summer and it is all about skiing in the winter.

Vaduz is home to some great architecture and interesting artwork. Be sure to check out the Vaduz Cathedral and the Vaduz Castle.

Jungfraujoch

Saving one of the best until last, a day trip to Jungfraujoch is a pretty incredible experience.

Jungfraujoch is accessed from Grindelwald and is a saddle that connects the stunning peaks of Monch and Jungfrau. Riding the cable cars and cogwheel train to the top is an experience in itself with magic views.

At the top, you can see the Aletsch Glacier , dine at a mountain-top restaurant, ski all year round, hike, and see some of the most amazing views that feature the three main peaks of the religion, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.

Getting there takes a while from Zurich. The 3.75-hour journey includes a train to Interlaken, then to Grindelwald, and then cable cars.

Best Day Trips – Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you go from zurich by train.

There honestly isn’t anywhere in Switzerland that isn’t a train ride away from Zurich, it just depends on how long you are willing to sit on a train.

You can be in Geneva to the west in under 3 hours, in Lugano in the south in under two hours, and in the hard-to-reach mountain resorts of eastern Switzerland in less than 4 hours.

But, by using the train, you will be missing the many scenic drives that Switzerland has to offer.

How many days should you spend in Zurich?

If you want to see the city of Zurich, about 2 days and 2 nights is the perfect amount of time. You will be able to see everything Zurich has to offer in a relaxed way. But, if you want to include some of the awesome day trips from Zurich, 4 or 5 days might be better.

Is Zurich a walkable city?

Yes, Zurich is a very walkable city. Central Zurich is mostly flat, has a lot of pedestrianized zones, and you can walk from one side of Zurich’s outer reaches to the other in just 2.5 hours.

Of course, Zurich is also home to excellent public transport too so you can always hop on a bus/tram/metro whenever you feel like taking a break from strolling around the city.

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8 days in Switzerland - 10 itineraries from Zurich or Geneva

With a full eight days in Switzerland, you have several options to plan your perfect itinerary. There’s plenty to see and do in a week in Switzerland. Our selection of ten itineraries will help you organise your trip. It shows you different options that are all doable in eight days starting either in Zurich or in Geneva. All of the following itineraries are also adaptable so that you can start along the way or in a different city. This way, you can make the most of your time in Switzerland.

Saver Day Pass SBB - starting at 29 CHF

The Saver Day Pass is available at dynamic prices up to 6 months in advance. The earlier you book, the cheaper you travel. With this pass, you can travel throughout Switzerland without restrictions and use all means of public transport.

Swiss Travel Pass

With the Swiss Travel Pass you have free travel throughout Switzerland by boat, bus or train. You travel wherever you want, on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive travel days.

Swiss Half Fare Card

With the Swiss Half Fare Card you get a 50% discount on your trips by bus, train, boat and most mountain railroads. You can travel throughout Switzerland within one month.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex you have free travel throughout Switzerland by boat, bus or train. You travel wherever you want, on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 freely selectable travel days within a month.

Friends Day Pass for Youth SBB

The Friends Day Pass for Youth is an incredibly attractive offer for young people under 25. With up to three other people, you can travel all over Switzerland at an unbeatable price.

Day pass for Swiss Half Fare Card holders

The SBB Day Pass can be booked in combination with a Half-Fare Travelcard or a Swiss Half Fare Card. You can then travel the whole day on the public transport network throughout Switzerland.

Although Switzerland may be small, there’s more than enough to see and do for eight days. With the high diversity of landscapes, you’ll be happy you have a decent amount of time to spend in this wonderful country. If you’re planning your trip to Switzerland, the following itineraries will help you with that process.

They are all doable within eight days and have their starting point in Zurich or in Geneva. However, if you’d like to start in a different place, you can easily adapt your trip accordingly. Zurich is very well connected and can be reached from every other city in Switzerland. So is Geneva if you like to start in a city in western Switzerland.

You will notice that we only talk about travelling by public transport and not by car. Most itineraries are also possible by car, in case you decide to get a rental during your stay in Switzerland. But with our very dense network of trains and buses, there’s no real need to travel by car.

Of course, the choice is all yours. But if you do travel by train, we recommend buying a travel pass of some sorts. Since you’ll be covering quite some ground with public transport, an Interrail, Eurail or a Swiss Travel Pass will make getting around a lot easier.

Also, if you have more than eight days available and see a Switzerland itinerary you like, you can easily stretch it out by spending an extra night in some of the places.

Happy planning!

• Public Transport in Switzerland
• The 10 most important railway passes for your trip in Switzerland
• Everything you need to know about train tickets in Switzerland

1. Itinerary to the Alps with the sunny Ticino, the Matterhorn in Zermatt and Interlaken

Highlights on this itinerary:

• Discover the sights in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city.
• Drive through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world
• Visit one of the popular river valleys Maggia or Verzasca
• Enjoy a few scoops of delicious ice cream in Locarno or Ascona
• Take a windy train ride from Locarno to Domodossola in Italy
• Hike in front of the mighty Matterhorn in Zermatt
• Day 1: Zurich - Bellinzona - Locarno

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Bellinzona.

Thanks to the 57 kilometres (35 miles) long Gotthard-Basistunnel, it now takes you less than two hours to bolt through the Alps and reach Switzerland’s warm south. Stop over in Bellinzona and visit the Castello di Montebello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before travelling on to Locarno.

Spend the rest of the evening taking in the Italian atmosphere in Locarno. Hang out at Piazza Grande, stroll along Lago Maggiore or just enjoy a few scoops of ice cream by the lake. And just in case you’re wondering: Yes, you’re still in Switzerland. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. This is as Italian as our country gets...

Since you’re staying in the Canton of Ticino for the next two nights, you’re entitled to a Ticino Ticket. You’ll receive it when you check in to your accommodation. This fantastic travel pass lets you use public transport for free all across the Canton of Ticino. It also gives you numerous discounts on other local attractions and activities.

• Best things to do in Zurich

• Day 2: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Get ready to explore the Italian part of Switzerland in all its glory. With the abundance of activities to choose from, you won’t get bored today. First up, we recommend you head to one of the two river valleys: Maggia or Verzasca. Both are fantastic for hiking, spending some time by the river or going for a refreshing swim.

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. One of our favourite places is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo.

If you prefer calmer waters over cold mountain streams, head to Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano. Both lakes are stunning and provide you with more photo opportunities than you can imagine.

Other popular destinations in Ticino are the inspiring little artsy town of Ascona next to Locarno and the city of Lugano further south.

To brush up on your Swiss geography knowledge, visit Swissminiatur in Melide just outside Lugano. It’s a miniature version of Switzerland and displays incredible attention to detail.

In case you’re one of those adrenaline junkies, there’s always the 007 bungy at the end of Verzasca valley. You might have seen this 220 metre (720 feet) dive in the James Bond movie Golden Eye. If you decide to throw yourself off that wall, please don’t forget to share your picture with us. We’d love to see that...🙂

As you might have gathered by now, this day is by no means long enough to do everything on the list.

Good thing there’s always tomorrow.

• Best things to do in Ticino

• Day 3: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Knock yourself out doing whatever you missed out on yesterday. The list should be long enough to keep you busy for another day. Alternatively, leave Switzerland and hop across the border to Italy.

Not far from Lugano lies the idyllic Como region, the place where George Clooney and other celebrities got married. If you’re curious to find out what Mr. Nespresso saw in this part of the world, today’s your chance.

The two main places we recommend visiting in the area are the city of Como and the village of Menaggio. Both are situated by the shores of Lake Como and will automatically make you take a step back and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

At the end of the day, head back to Switzerland and spend whatever time you have left in Locarno before moving on to Zermatt tomorrow.

• Day 4: Locarno - Domodossola - Zermatt

You’re probably going to laugh now. But the station your train to Domodossola leaves from is called Locarno FART. Unfortunate name, we know. It’s short for F errovie A utolinee R egionali T icinesi and translates to “regional railway of Ticino”.

The ride to Domodossola lasts just under two hours. It might be the slowest train you’ve ever been on but chances are you won’t even notice time passing by.

The landscape is beyond stunning from start to finish. As you travel through the impressive Centovalli region – which stands for one hundred valleys – you’ll pass several charming villages with old stone houses, ride across tall viaducts and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall or two.

Enjoy the views because from Domodossola to Brig, you’ll be spending most of the time in a tunnel. That’s ok though because the ride from Brig to Zermatt is part of the Glacier Express – another scenic train ride.

Once you arrive in Zermatt, spend the rest of the day strolling through this little town and enjoy the sight of the mighty Matterhorn. Provided it’s not veiled in clouds.

• Day 5: Free day in Zermatt

Zermatt is all about mountains and the outdoors. If you’ve come to Switzerland for our spectacular mountain views, you’re going to love it here.

Several hikes and walks of all difficulty levels take you places you didn’t even know existed. Like for instance the popular Zermatt five-lakes trail, which takes 2.5 hours to complete. It leads past five crystal clear mountain lakes with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Another impressive, yet head spinning adventure, is walking across the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Randa. It stretches 494 metres (1.620 feet) across the valley.

Hello vertigo!

The circular track starts and finishes in Randa, 15 minutes by train from Zermatt.

In case you’d rather skip the hiking altogether and see some mountains the easy way, we recommend heading up to Gornergrat. After a ridiculously steep train ride, you’ll find yourself at an altitude of 3089 metres (10.135 feet) above sea level. Right in front of the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn.

Don’t be surprised if climbing those steps to the viewpoint leaves you completely breathless. It’s not you, it’s the thin air.

• Best things to do in Zermatt
• Day 6: Zermatt - Interlaken

How you plan out today is entirely up to you. One option is to stay in Zermatt for a little while longer and keep hiking, looking for marmots, skiing, snowshoeing, taking photos of glaciers or whatever else you’ve set your mind to.

Alternatively, if you’ve had enough of the thin air and are ready to head back down, travel onward to the adrenaline packed and popular town of Interlaken. Spend the rest of the day in this conveniently located place between two crystal clear lakes. Activities are endless and you’ve got all day tomorrow to explore Interlaken and its surroundings.

Since your options in this area are so plentiful, check tomorrow’s suggestions to see if you can find something to tick off the list this afternoon already. Maybe you fancy a short trip to Lauterbrunnen or a ride up Harder Kulm for some great views?

• Best things to do in Interlaken
• Day 7: Free day in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from today than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

If even that...

Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning and jet boating are all popular activities that will get your adrenaline flowing.

Another option is to embark on a passenger ship cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Both rides come with incredible views that will make you wish you’d never have to leave.

If you’re looking for a stopover on one of the cruises, get off at either Giessbach (Lake Brienz), the Saint Beatus Caves or Spiez (Lake Thun).

The Jungfrau region around Interlaken is also an excellent playground for hikers. The amount of trails is nearly endless and whatever your fitness level and ambitions, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, the No. 1 destination everybody wants to see out here is the famous Jungfraujoch – aka Top of Europe. If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly experience, we suggest looking into visiting Mount Schilthorn, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald First or Männlichen instead. The rides up to these mountains and the views from the top won’t disappoint you.

Other places of interest in and around Interlaken are: the open-air museum Ballenberg, the chocolate workshops at Funky Chocolate Club, the two mountain lakes Blausee or Oeschinensee or the Aare Gorge.

And let’s not forget those charming towns and villages like Brienz, Spiez, Thun, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.

We could go on forever here but we guess this would only make you hate that you don’t have all week here.

• 12 Tips for your first trip to Jungfraujoch
• Mount Schilthorn Piz Gloria
• Schynige Platte - Top of Swiss Tradition
• Skydive Interlaken - why you shouldn’t miss it
• Ballenberg open-air museum
• Day 8: Interlaken - Geneva / Zurich

You probably didn’t get to do everything you set your mind to these past two days. This is why you have another day to knock yourself out in and around Interlaken today. Do what you need to do before heading back to Geneva in the late afternoon or evening. The train ride from Interlaken to Geneva takes roughly three hours and unless you have a plane to catch, there’s no rush to get back.

Or, if you’re leaving Switzerland from Zurich, head that way instead. The fastest connection leads through Bern and takes two hours. However, if you have time and fancy completing the Golden Pass Line, you have the option to travel to Zurich through Lucerne instead. This will take you an extra hour but is way more scenic than the journey through Bern.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 1
• Ticino is a highly popular holiday destination for the Swiss. If you travel during school vacations or public holidays, please make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
• The peace and quiet in the Verzasca and Maggia valleys can be deceiving. As soon as it starts raining further up in the mountains, those streams become a dangerous force of nature. Please check the weather forecast before you head out. In case it does rain further up, keep a safe distance from the water and don’t take a nap on one of the cosy boulders inside the river. People have been surprised by the enormous mass of water and died. We don’t want you to be one of them.
• The part between Brig and Zermatt is served by the Glacier Express trains. Those leave Zermatt and St. Moritz three times daily and are only for people with a reservation. But there are regular trains commuting between Brig and Zermatt that don’t require a reservation. The best part? The views are exactly the same as with the Glacier Express. Minus the large panoramic windows.

2. Itinerary for culture lovers with five city trips, Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city and free biscuits

• Visit a total of five Swiss cities - Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Solothurn and Basel
• Enjoy the fascinating scenery on the Rigi and on Lake Lucerne
• Ride through the picturesque Entlebuch region
• Fill your belly with delicious Kambly biscuits and Cailler chocolate
• Visit the old town of Bern (UNESCO)
• Discover Solothurn, the most beautiful baroque town in Switzerland
• Explore the vibrant cultural city of Basel
• Day 1: Zurich - Mount Rigi - Vitznau - Lucerne

Leave Zurich first thing in the morning and catch the train to Lucerne. Store your luggage either at the train station or at your accommodation and take the next train to Arth Goldau. From here, the Rigibahn – a cog railway that’s been around for over 150 years – takes you on a 45-minute ride to the top station Rigi Kulm.

Provided Mount Rigi isn’t veiled in clouds, you’ll be presented with spectacular views over the Alps, Lake Lucerne and other surrounding lakes. Just follow the signs to the viewing point after getting off at Rigi Kulm.

Once you’ve snapped enough photos, either take a break at the restaurant, catch the train down to Vitznau or go for a hike. With over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of hiking trails at your feet, you’re spoiled for choice here.

Upon arrival in Vitznau, the passenger ship to Lucerne will be waiting for you. Keep your camera within reach because this scenic and peaceful ride offers some more stunning views.

Back in Lucerne, spend the rest of the evening exploring the city or find a cosy spot by the lake to relax.

• Mount Rigi Guide
• Day 2: Free day in Lucerne

Lucerne has an abundance of activities to offer. One of the most obvious picks is to catch the world’s steepest cog railway to Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s backyard mountain. This railway only leaves from Alpnachstad during summer, while the cable car from Kriens takes you up to Mount Pilatus all year round.

Speaking of mountains: Mount Titlis is another landmark in the area worth visiting. From Engelberg, you’ll reach the top by catching two gondolas. One of them is the world’s first revolving aerial cableway. So expect some impressive 360-degree views at the top.

For an easy hike, including a ride on a 152.8 metres-high rocket-like outdoor elevator, catch the passenger ship or the bus to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock.

And let’s not forget Stanserhorn, a mountain close to Lucerne that is accessed by a fancy double-deck cable car. The best way to take this trip is by catching the passenger ship to Stansstad. From there, catch the funicular railway for the first leg and get on the open-air gondola for the final part to Stanserhorn.

Technically, you could even visit Interlaken for the day. Leave Lucerne on the Golden Pass Line in the morning, spend the day exploring the photogenic region around Interlaken and head back to Lucerne in the evening.

Another great way to spend the day around Lucerne is on Lake Lucerne. Several steamboats and passenger ships operate on the Lake and take you on the most stunning journeys.

As you can see, Lucerne has plenty to offer on a sunny day. But in reality, the weather isn’t always too promising. In this case, here are some cool indoor options for you.

For one, there’s Aeschbach’s Chocoworld in Root. Getting there by bus takes around 30 minutes. Nothing brightens up a rainy day like some delicious chocolate, does it?

In Hergiswil, not far from Lucerne, you’ll find what the Swiss affectionately call the Glasi. Hergiswil Glassworks runs you through the process of glass-making, lets you watch the pros in action and even offers the opportunity to give glassblowing a shot. When’s the last time you made your own glass?

Another bad-weather option is the Museum of Transport. As the name suggests, this museum covers every means of transport throughout history. From bicycles to astronautics, they’ve got it all.

• Best things to do in Lucerne
• Mount Pilatus Guide
• Mount Titlis Guide
• Mount Stanserhorn Guide
• Boat trips on Lake Lucerne
• Aeschbach chocolate factory
• Museum of Transport Lucerne
• Day 3: Lucerne - Kambly - Bern

Luckily, you don’t have to leave Lucerne until lunchtime today. So spend the morning doing whatever you didn’t get to do yesterday. Whatever you do, make sure you work up an appetite and don’t grab too big a lunch for your ride to Trubschachen. You’ll need every free inch in your stomach for the biscuit-feast awaiting you.

Once you’re ready to move on, catch the train to Trubschachen. But watch out. This train gets split up along the way and only the front part travels through the picturesque Entlebuch region to the Kambly factory. When you’re at the platform in Lucerne, please check the display to make sure you get on the right half of the train.

The Kambly factory store right next to Trubschachen station is free to visit. In here, you can spend as much time as you like tasting up to 100 types of delicious biscuits. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the factory and watch the production of this iconic Swiss biscuit. However, they do have a cinema at the shop where they give you some more insight into this traditional family business.

After reaching the point of explosion, or maybe two biscuits before, move on to Bern. To digest your Kambly overdose, go for a walk in Switzerland’s capital city. For an impressive night view over Bern, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten.

• Day 4: Free day in Bern

In this beautiful UNESCO listed town, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from. Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back up to Rosengarten for more views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus.

Bern is also conveniently located in close proximity to a variety of breathtaking destinations. So you can easily go on a daytrip from here. For one, there’s Thun and Interlaken, which are two wonderful places to visit for some spectacular lake and mountain views.

If you’re into mountain lakes, you’re in luck, too. Lake Oeschinensee and Blausee are both within reach from Bern and more than worth a trip. The crystal clear water in both lakes will leave you breathless.

Only half an hour west of Bern lies the mediaeval city of Fribourg. If you decide to head over there, follow the citywalk signs leading you through this mighty old town. The signs will lead you up and down some very steep alleyways, across ancient wooden bridges, down to the River Saane and past the city’s very own funicular. For an even better view of your surroundings, tackle the 365 steps to the tower of the Cathedral. The River Saane at the bottom of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a snack.

Technically, you could take this even further and head to Gruyères and Broc for some typical Swiss cheese and chocolate. Whatever you end up doing today and whenever you’re ready, head back to Bern for your last night in the city.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for a day.

• Best things to do in Bern
• Best things to do in Fribourg
• Best things to do in Thun
• Lake Thun - best attractions and prices
• Day 5: Bern - Solothurn

If there’s anything you wanted to do in Bern yesterday but ran out of time, get that over with in the morning and leave for Solothurn whenever you’re ready.

Solothurn is commonly known as “Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city”. Take a stroll through this pretty old town and get ready to spend a full day in the area tomorrow. Also, go ahead and treat yourself to a few scoops of ice cream at Vitaminstation – one of the ice cream places ever – and have it while sitting on the stone wall along the River Aare.

You’ll fit right in with the locals in doing so.

Seraina’s Tip: My two absolute favourite places for food in Solothurn are Pittaria and Vitaminstation. Anyone that likes a good falafel or hummus is going to love Pittaria. And Vitaminstation makes some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted in Switzerland.

• Day 6: Free day in Solothurn

Although Solothurn is by no means a big city, there’s still plenty to see and do in the area. One activity we particularly recommend is going on a hike in the Jura mountains. This high plateau is a wonderful area to visit all year round.

One option to reach the top with its countless walking trails is by cable car from Oberdorf to Weissenstein. Feel free to walk as long and as far as you like before hiking back down or catching the cable car to Oberdorf.

A very popular hike is the round trip from Solothurn via Balmberg and Weissenstein. Catch the Postauto in Solothurn, get off at Balmberg, walk along the crest to Weissenstein and head back down to Oberdorf by cable car. From Oberdorf, the train will take you back to Solothurn.

This is an easy walk and takes you into the Jura without too much effort. During your hike, you’ll also enjoy the view over the Alps, including Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Another place you can visit is Verena Gorge. You can walk along the creek through the forest in the gorge until you reach the little hermitage at the end. The walk takes roughly 45 minutes return and is super peaceful.

Alternatively, hop on the passenger ship to Biel. How long you stay on it really depends on your preferences. You can go all the way to Biel – which takes around three hours – or get off anywhere along the way and catch the train back to Solothurn.

One of the highlights on this tour will be Switzerland’s largest stork station in Altreu, which you’ll pass about 45 minutes into the journey. In 1950, when storks were nearly extinct in Switzerland, Max Bloesch started his reintroduction project to save our storks. Thanks to him, around 40 breeding pairs can be seen soaring through the air, strutting across the fields and clattering on the rooftops around Altreu these days.

Only in spring and summer, though. They travel to warmer territories in autumn until winter is over.

If you continue your journey onward to Biel, the views of the Jura mountains and the Swiss Central Plateau will accompany you all the way. After passing through a watergate, you’ll arrive at the port in Biel, which is only a short walk from the train station.

From there, heading back to Solothurn will take 15 minutes by train.

• Day 7: Solothurn - Basel

If you’d like to cover some more ground in Solothurn this morning, stick around as long as you need to before moving on to Basel. The train ride takes just under an hour. Basel is a vibrant city right on the German and French border. It offers several walking tours at various times throughout the week. Pick a tour or just head out into the city on your own.

Stop by the Pfalz – the perfect viewing platform to snap some postcard-quality photos – walk along the River Rhine to watch the big cargo ships enter and leave the harbour, pass by the Cathedral or geek out in one of the many museums.

During the warmer summer months, an activity you might enjoy is joining the locals for a swim in the River Rhine. Before hopping into the water and letting the current take them downstream, they usually pack their clothes into a so-called Wickelfisch. This dry-bag comes in the shape of a fish and is iconic to Basel.

• Best things to do in Basel

• Day 8: Basel - Zurich

If there’s something you didn’t get to do in Basel yesterday, today’s your day. But in case you’ve seen enough of the city already, you can always hop across the border and visit Weil am Rhein in Germany or St. Louis in France.

Technically, you could even visit three countries in one day. Switzerland, Germany and France. That’s completely doable in Basel and might be something you don’t get to experience every day. Especially if you’re from a country that requires you to get on a plane to cross the nearest border within a reasonable amount of time.

Whenever you’re ready to leave Basel, head back to Zurich and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s largest city. Since you didn’t have any time to hang out here, you might like to do some sightseeing.

If time allows, visit the Lindt chocolate factory to end this itinerary. Right next to Zurich, in Kilchberg, you’ll find the brand new Lindt visitors’ centre, which opened their doors in September 2020 to the public. If you’ve never tried a roasted cocoa bean before, eaten as many Lindor balls as you can or enjoyed some quality time with the world’s tallest chocolate fountain, this is your chance.

• Lindt Home of Chocolate

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 2
• On your way down from Mount Rigi to Vitznau, try to sit on the right side of the train for better views of Lake Lucerne.
• If you travel with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the Rigibahn as well as the passenger ship from Vitznau to Lucerne. If you travel with a Swiss Travel Pass or the National Day Pass, all rides are fully covered.
• The passenger boat between Solothurn and Biel runs three times a day from May to October. Please check the timetable to find your connection.
• If you are travelling with a Swiss Travel Pass, all journeys are fully covered. If you are travelling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you will receive a 50% discount on the boat trip from Solothurn to Biel.
• When in Altreu, look out for pooping (excuse the expression) storks. They usually don't hold back and you wouldn't be the first person to get splashed with, well... you know what, when you get off the boat.
• If you want to take a trip to Germany or France, don't forget to exchange a few euros. And don't forget to take your passport. As Switzerland is not part of the European Union, you will have to show your passport when leaving the country.
• When you check in at your accommodation in Basel, you will receive a guest card that allows you to use local public transport for free.

3. Itinerary across the Alps to the sunny south in Ticino with two panoramic train rides

• Discover the sights in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city
• Walk through Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland
• Visit St. Moritz, the place where the rich and famous hang out
• Ride the Bernina Express across the Alps to Lugano
• Visit one of the popular Maggia or Verzasca river valleys
• Take a day trip across the border to Como in Italy
• Cross the Alps again on the Gotthard Panorama Express
• Spend a whole day in Lucerne
• Day 1: Zurich - Chur - St. Moritz

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Chur.

For better views of Lake Zurich and Lake Walensee on your way to Chur, we recommend grabbing a seat on the left when you get on the train. Spend an hour or two strolling through Chur – the capital of the Grisons – and get ready for the clean alpine air awaiting you in St. Moritz.

To get to St. Moritz, catch the train in Chur. Make sure you have your camera ready because you’ll be spoiled with panoramic views from start to finish. The Landwasser Viaduct and the curvy Albula Line are two highlights on this leg.

Spend the rest of the day hanging out in St. Moritz. If you find yourself feeling unusually sleepy tonight, thank the high altitude of 1822 metres (5977 feet) above sea level for that. It usually takes people a day or two to get accustomed to the thin air.

• Day 2: Free day in St. Moritz

St. Moritz is all about the outdoors. Summer and winter. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, stand up paddling, swimming, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just going for a walk, you’ll find your fix.

Only a short ride from St. Moritz lies Lake Silvaplana, a stunning place to cover some of those activities.

Another place worth visiting, since you have a full day in St. Moritz, is Ospizio Bernina. With 2253 metres (7397 feet) above sea level, this little railway station is the highest spot of the Bernina Express Line. Trains from St. Moritz leave every hour and lead you past several good-looking spots with lakes, glaciers and towering mountains.

On the culinary side, we recommend two things in the Grisons. Firstly, don’t miss out on a bowl of Bündner Gerstensuppe. This barley soup with vegetables and meat is iconic to the Grisons. It warms you up like nothing else on a chilly day.

Secondly, treat yourself to a slice of Engadiner Nusstorte. This heavy, delicious pastry puts the calories right back where you’ve been trying to lose them. But it’s so worth it.

Back in St. Moritz, spend the rest of the day strolling through the town. It’s not as charming and mystical as other villages in the area like Samedan or La Punt. But it’s great for window shopping and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a celebrity or two.

• Best things to do in St. Moritz
• Best things to do in the Engadine
• Day 3: St. Moritz - Tirano - Lugano

Today, you’ll be spending quite a few hours travelling across the Alps from St. Moritz all the way to Lugano. Your journey will take you up to the highest point of the Bernina Express Line, past glistening glaciers and crystal clear mountain lakes, down to the southern part of Switzerland and across a spectacular viaduct before crossing into Italy.

And eventually back to Switzerland...

The first leg of this scenic train ride takes you to Ospizio Bernina, the highest point of today’s journey. This little railway station isn’t far from St. Moritz and lies 2253 metres (7391 feet) above sea level. It’s all downhill from here. Figuratively speaking, of course. As you make your way down toward Italy, you cross the circular viaduct in Brusio. Here, the train takes a full 360-degree turn to overcome the altitude.

At this point, you’ll have lost quite some altitude and the outside temperature will be a lot warmer than it was just a couple of hours ago. The last leg of the journey starts in Tirano, right next to the Swiss-Italian border. From Tirano, the Bernina Express Bus takes you through the impressive Valtellina wine region.

Before crossing back into Switzerland, you’ll drive past Lake Como, the place where George Clooney and many other celebrities got married.

After this long day, you might like to stretch your legs at the promenade of Lake Lugano. Enjoy the view, grab a few scoops of ice cream and take a stroll through Lugano.

You’ve earned it.

Since you’re staying in the Ticino for the next three nights, you’re entitled to a Ticino Ticket. You’ll receive it when you check in to your accommodation. This fantastic travel pass lets you use public transport for free all across the Canton of Ticino. It also gives you numerous discounts on other local attractions and activities.

• Bernina Express
• Day 4: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Also, don’t forget to bring your picnic on this journey. You’ll find countless opportunities to take a break in both valleys. Our favourite place is right below the famous stone bridge in Lavertezzo.

• Day 5: Free day in the Canton of Ticino

Knock yourself out doing whatever you missed out on yesterday. The list should be long enough to keep you busy for another day. Alternatively, you have the option to head across the border to Italy.

At the end of the day, head back to Switzerland and spend whatever time you have left hanging out in Lugano before moving on to Lucerne tomorrow.

• Day 6: Lugano - Lucerne

If you’re visiting Switzerland between April and October, you have the opportunity to travel back across the Alps on the Gotthard Panorama Express.

On the first leg of this journey, a panoramic train will take you through the old Gotthard tunnel to Flüelen. Before Gotthard-Basistunnel opened in 2016, this was the only way to reach Ticino by rail. Nowadays, since the opening of the world’s longest tunnel, the old one is only used for tourist purposes.

From Flüelen, a steamboat will take you on a three-hour ride across Lake Lucerne. You’ll arrive in Lucerne around 3 pm, right next to the train station. This will leave you with plenty of time to explore this stunning city and its surroundings. If you can’t travel to Lucerne on the Gotthard Panorama Express, simply catch the regular train instead.

• Gotthard Panorama Express

• Day 7: Free day in Lucerne
• Mount Pilatus
• Mount Titlis
• Mount Stanserhorn
• Day 8: Lucerne - Zurich

Luckily, you don’t have to leave Lucerne until the afternoon or even evening today. So spend the day doing whatever you didn’t get to do yesterday.

A popular day trip from Lucerne is heading up to Mount Rigi. To get there, store your luggage either at your accommodation in Lucerne or at the train station and take the train to Arth Goldau. From here, the Rigibahn – a cog railway that’s been around for over 150 years – takes you on a 45-minute ride to the top station Rigi Kulm.

Once you’ve snapped enough photos, either take a break at the restaurant, catch the train down to Vitznau or go for a hike. With over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of hiking trails at your feet, you’re spoiled for choice here. Upon arrival in Vitznau, the passenger ship to Lucerne will be waiting for you. Keep your camera within reach because this scenic and peaceful ride offers some more stunning views.

Back in Lucerne, grab your bags and head back to Zurich.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 3
• The Bernina Express timetable changes depending on the season. To find your connection and make a reservation, visit the RhB website. The Bernina Express bus between Tirano and Lugano only runs from May to November.
• The Gotthard Panorama Express only runs from April to October, from Tuesday to Sunday. If you travel outside these months or on a Monday, take the regular train from Lugano to Lucerne instead. You need a reservation for the train between Lugano and Flüelen.
• If you are travelling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, only the train journey from Lugano to Flüelen on the Gotthard Panorama Express is fully covered. The steamboat trip costs extra.
• When you check in at your accommodation in Lugano, you will receive a Ticino Ticket. With this ticket, you can use public transport throughout the canton of Ticino free of charge for the duration of your stay.
• The tranquillity of the Verzasca and Maggia valleys can be deceptive. As soon as it starts raining higher up in the mountains, these rivers become a dangerous force of nature. Please check the weather forecast before setting out. If it rains higher up, keep a safe distance from the water and don't take a nap on one of the cosy boulders in the river. Visitors have already been surprised by the enormous water masses and died. We don't want you to have to be one of them.

4. Itinerary to the Swiss National Park and Europe’s largest waterfall

• Visit the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe
• Take a stroll through the pretty old town of Schaffhausen
• Admire the Abbey District in St. Gallen (UNESCO)
• Enjoy the impressive Alpstein Mountains
• Spend the night in the Swiss National Park
• Enjoy a few days in the spectacular Engadine
• Day 1: Zurich - Schaffhausen

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Schaffhausen.

Head straight to Neuhausen next to Schaffhausen, where the mighty Rhine Falls attract visitors from all over the world. Access to the falls is free from the northern shore, while seeing them from Laufen Castle in the south costs 5 CHF. Spend however long you like getting soaked in the mist of the Rhine Falls before moving on to Schaffhausen.

Schaffhausen has a charming old town with an impressive total of 171 bay windows, which is more than any other Swiss city can account for. Once you’re done chasing them all down and exploring the rest of Schaffhausen, head up to Munot and enjoy the view over the city.

• Day 2: Schaffhausen - St. Gallen

After breakfast, grab your bags and catch the train to St. Gallen. You’ve got all day to explore the city and its surroundings in all its glory. With the UNESCO listed Abbey District, its towering Cathedral and the impressive Abbey Library, St. Gallen has quite a few things to offer.

While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss a trip to the recreational area of Drei Weieren. To get there, either catch the Mühleggbahn or take the stairs. Alternatively, visit the wildlife park Peter & Paul or still your cultural thirst at one of the many museums.

By far the best place to relax is at Drei Weieren. Go for a refreshing swim to recover from the many steps you took up here or go for a stroll in the forest. You also get a fantastic view over the whole city, Lake Constance and all the way to Germany.

• Best things to do in St. Gallen
• Day 3: St. Gallen - Alpstein - St. Gallen

Today, you’re in for some serious hiking and a ton of impressive mountain views. In the morning, catch the train to Wasserauen and hike up to Seealpsee, one of the three lakes in the Alpstein mountain range. Spend some time in this peaceful spot before moving on to Ebenalp.

On your way to Ebenalp, you’ll pass by a place you might have seen before. The famous Äscher restaurant. Ever since it was featured on National Geographic and on Ashton Kutcher’s Instagram, it‘s been completely overrun by its success. This sadly caused it to lose some of its former charm. However, it’s still a worthwhile place to snap a few photos and take a break.

At Ebenalp, you can choose between hiking back to Wasserauen or catching the cable car. If you still have it in you after this long day, you might like a quick stopover in Appenzell on your way to St. Gallen.

In case you hop off in Appenzell and are feeling brave, visit the little cheese store at Hauptgasse 13. But be warned, those smelly cheese fumes will knock your socks off the second you enter the store. There’s no way your feet will be able to compete with that odour. Not even after a full day of being trapped inside your trekking boots... 🙂

Oh, and don’t miss out on a piece of Appenzeller Biber, an iconic local sweet treat made of gingerbread and a honey almond filling. And before you ask: Nope. This Biber doesn’t have any famous Canadian relatives...

Also, if you’re a beer-lover, make sure to stop by the Locher brewery. They brew the popular Quöllfrisch beer that is consumed all across Switzerland.

In the evening, head back to St. Gallen and enjoy sleeping like a baby tonight. Fresh mountain air has a tendency to leave you peacefully exhausted.

As an alternative to hiking and crawling around in the Alpstein, you can head to Lake Constance instead and enjoy some downtime by the lake.

• Day 4: St. Gallen - Scuol

What time you continue your journey today is entirely up to you. The train ride to Scuol takes just under three hours and even if you stick around in St. Gallen until the afternoon, you can still make it to Scuol in time.

So catch the train whenever you’re ready and travel to the marvellous Engadine region in the Canton of Grisons. The Engadine has to be one of the most magical places in Switzerland. Especially during autumn, when the leaves turn yellow, orange and red. But throughout the rest of the year, it’s just as fantastic a place to visit.

Enjoy the rest of your day exploring Scuol and get ready for a few days of being surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and plenty of Swiss wildlife.

Ever seen a marmot? Chances of seeing one in the near future are pretty good.

• Day 5: Scuol - Chamanna Cluozza

These next two days, you’re going to explore Switzerland’s only national park in all its glory. Leave your luggage in Scuol and only take what you need for your hiking excursion. If you ask nicely, they might let you leave your luggage at your accommodation in Scuol until you come back from the mountains tomorrow night.

The rules that apply when visiting Switzerland’s only National Park are pretty strict. There’s no leaving the marked trails, no taking plants with you, no making fires and so on. Once you arrive at the gates of the park, please read the signs or stop by the visitor centre in Zernez to make sure you’re prepared.

What you probably weren’t expecting is that visiting the park is free. Everything in Switzerland seems to be more expensive than anywhere else in the world. And yet, while you pay an entrance fee to pretty much every National Park in the world, ours is free. Pretty cool, right?

Since the only place to spend the night inside the Swiss National Park is a mountain hut called Chamanna Cluozza, you’ve got one task to accomplish today. Get to Chamanna Cluozza.

One hike we recommend starts half an hour from Scuol, in the village of Zernez. From there, you’ll spend a good three hours until you reach your camp for the night. The hike isn’t too straining. And if you’re not the most experienced hiker, just give yourself enough time and you should be alright.

Enjoy this evening far away from civilisation without phone reception and sitting around a table chatting to strangers. You’ve earned it.

• Day 6: Chamanna Cluozza - Scuol

If you haven’t planned out today’s hike yet, ask the owners of Chamanna Cluozza for their recommendations. You have several further options of different difficulty levels to explore the National Park.

Or you can make your way straight back to Scuol after breakfast if you’ve had enough. It’s entirely up to you. If you’re looking for some relaxing alternatives to climbing up and down those steep mountains, the Engadine certainly has you covered.

For one, there are the hot springs in Scuol. Depending on how sore your legs are from your National Park endeavours, a few hours in this relaxing setting might just be what you need.

Otherwise, we suggest heading to one of the nearby villages. Like for instance Guarda or Sent. The stone houses you’ll encounter are characteristic to this part of Switzerland. And while you’re walking by those mighty buildings, keep an eye out for a bakery.

The Engadine is where the iconic Engadiner Nusstorte comes from. If you have a sweet tooth, we highly recommend you don’t leave before grabbing a slice or two. It’s heavy and rich. And it’s worth every single calorie.

• Best things to do in Scuol
• Day 7: Scuol - St. Moritz

After breakfast, leave Scuol and head to St. Moritz. You’ve got all day to explore this fancy mountain town today. St. Moritz is all about the outdoors. Summer and winter. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, stand up paddling, swimming, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just going for a walk, you’ll find your fix.

Another place worth visiting, since you have plenty of time in St. Moritz, is Ospizio Bernina. With 2253 metres (7397 feet) above sea level, this little railway station is the highest spot of the Bernina Express Line. Trains from St. Moritz leave every hour and lead you past several good-looking spots with lakes, glaciers and towering mountains.

On the culinary side, we recommend grabbing a bowl of Bündner Gerstensuppe. This barley soup with vegetables and meat is iconic to the Grisons. It warms you up like nothing else on a chilly day.

Back in St. Moritz, spend the rest of the day strolling through the town or hanging out by the lake. It’s not as charming and mystical as other villages in the area like Samedan or La Punt. But it’s great for window shopping and maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a celebrity or two.

• Day 8: St. Moritz - Zurich

If there’s anything you didn’t get to do yesterday, today’s your chance. The train ride back to Zurich takes just over three hours so there’s no rush to leave just yet. However, if you’ve seen it all and you’re ready to move on, you’re welcome to hop on the train and spend some time anywhere along the way between St. Moritz and Zurich.

One place you might like is the dreamy village of Bergün with its impressive stone buildings that are iconic to this area. You’ll arrive in Bergün right after navigating the confusing Albula Line, the part where the train overcomes the altitude by taking a few loops and tunnels through the mountains. As you look out the window, you’ll notice the train crosses sides of the valley while spiralling down the mountains.

Another place you might enjoy between St. Moritz and Zurich is Walenstadt. Or more precisely, Lake Walensee. This beautiful lake is the perfect stopover. It’s a stunning and mystical lake and, depending on the weather and the light reflection, it sometimes reminds you of a Scottish loch.

Spend the rest of the evening in Zurich and snack on some more Engadiner Nusstorte by the lakeshore or at Lindenhof.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 4
• Keep your eyes open for wildlife on your hikes. The chances of seeing some marmots, chamois or even ibex are pretty good.
• If you're staying at the Chamanna Cluozza, be sure to book in advance. Use the booking page to make a reservation.
• This itinerary is best in summer or autumn. Especially if you plan to spend some time in the National Park. Of course, you can also visit in winter. But that would mean skipping the Chamanna Cluozza and spending more time in the snow in Scuol. Not a bad alternative either...
• If you want to get off in Walenstadt, you have to be careful not to catch the express train to Zurich. It doesn't stop in Walenstadt.

5. Itinerary with the complete Golden Pass Line, two stop-overs in the Swiss Alps and Swiss chocolate

• Take in the fascinating scenery on Mount Rigi and on Lake Lucerne
• Enjoy the view of the mountains of the Jungfrau region in Interlaken
• Ride the complete Golden Pass Line, one of Switzerland's panoramic trains
• Venture onto the Peak Walk at Glacier 3000, a suspension bridge between two peaks
• Visit Maison Cailler and fill your belly with delicious Swiss chocolate
• Walk along the shores of Lake Geneva
• Day 1: Zurich - Mount Rigi- Vitznau - Lucerne
• Day 2: Lucerne - Interlaken

You’ve got all day to explore Lucerne and its surroundings today. For a more detailed list of things to see and do, turn back to day 2 in itinerary No. 2.

In case you’re staying in the city, there are quite a few options as well. Either join a guided city tour, take a stroll through the old town, walk across the Kapellbrücke, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden with its famous Lion Monument. Leave for Interlaken on the Golden Pass train whenever you’re ready.

The Golden Pass Line is a popular scenic train route from Lucerne to Montreux and is served by several train companies. It connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.

This panoramic journey leads past eight lakes, rides through six different cantons (the Swiss version of states), crosses three mountain passes and connects two language regions. Today’s leg between Lucerne and Interlaken is run by Zentralbahn and takes just under two hours.

Once you arrive in Interlaken, spend the evening in this popular yet very touristy town. Activities here are endless and if you want to enjoy this region to its fullest, you’ll be happy you have two full days here. So get ready for some action.

• Golden Pass Line
• Day 3 and 4: Free days in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from these next two days than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

• Day 5: Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Gstaad

You’re in for plenty more scenic treats today. Once you leave Interlaken and head toward Zweisimmen, you’ll have Lake Thun to your right. For the best lake views, we recommend grabbing a seat on the right when you get on the train.

Just over one hour into the journey, you’ll need to transfer to a different train in Zweisimmen. That’s where the climb through the Bernese Oberland towards Gstaad begins. This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

In Gstaad, you have several options to spend the afternoon. Since this area is a hiker’s paradise, you’re spoiled for choice here. One hike takes you to Lake Lauenensee, a mountain lake surrounded by moorland.

A trip that is easily doable from Gstaad is a visit to the impressive Glacier 3000. After a 35-minute bus ride to Col du Pillon, you’ll find yourself at the base of the cable car. Hop on the gondola and enjoy the ride. At the top, you’ll be presented with the most astonishing 360-degree views across the Alps.

On a clear day, you can see several huge players in the alpine scene like the Matterhorn, the Mont Blanc massif and the popular mountain-trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. If you’re brave enough, tackle the Peak Walk to Scex Rouge. This is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. You’ll also find other activities on Glacier 3000 like the mountain coaster or a walk across the glacier.

In the evening, if you decide to wander through Gstaad, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. This place is a playground for the rich and famous. Much like St. Moritz.

• Glacier 3000
• Day 6: Gstaad - Montreux

Time to say goodbye to this beautiful region already. Catch the Golden Pass train again after breakfast and continue your scenic journey. After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Bienvenue...

The Golden Pass Line terminates in Montreux, where you’ll be spending the night. Enjoy the day in this wonderful area on the shores of Lake Geneva. Walk to the Promenade and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall.

In case you’re interested in castles, don’t miss out on visiting the famous Chillon Castle. To get there, either follow the Promenade by foot, catch a bus or take one of the regularly departing passenger ships.

Even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, we still recommend heading out there and spending some time by the lake. It’s a great place to hang out and take a bunch of jealousy-inducing pictures.

Alternatively, head in the opposite direction toward Vevey, where you’ll find a stunning riviera and many interesting museums. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Best things to do in Montreux
• Chillon Castle
• Day 7: Montreux - Gruyères / Broc - Montreux

Today is all about cheese and chocolate. After all, that’s what Switzerland is famous for. So catch the train to Gruyères and get ready for some culinary and mediaeval action.

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station. For a small entrance fee, you can watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included.

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the village centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes.

The main attraction in Gruyères is probably the castle, which is open to the public and costs 12 CHF to enter. But the hidden cobblestone alleys and the countless souvenir shops also tend to have people stick around longer than they expected.

After exploring Gruyères, and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler. Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a lot of free samples.

More than you thought you could handle.

On your train ride back to Montreux, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose. Spend the rest of the day hanging out in Montreux.

• Gruyères Cheese Factory
• Cailler Chocolate Factory
• Day 8: Montreux - Lausanne - Geneva / Zurich

Leave Montreux after breakfast and head to Lausanne. This picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by numerous vineyards. You should definitely find enough to keep you busy for a few hours.

In case you would have liked to visit the Lavaux vineyards the day before yesterday but ran out of time, today’s another chance to give it a go.

Toward the end of the day, either head back to Zurich or travel on to Geneva. Whichever city it is you’re leaving Switzerland from.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 5
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• On the way from Rigi to Vitznau, try to sit on the right side of the train to get a better view of Lake Lucerne.
• If you travel with an Interrail or Eurail Pass, you get a 50% discount on the Rigi Railway and on the passenger boat from Vitznau to Lucerne.
• If you travel with the Swiss Travel Pass or the SBB Day Card, all journeys are covered.
• You can make the journey with the Golden Pass without a reservation. However, Golden Pass Customer Service recommends reserving a seat for the section between Zweisimmen and Montreux, as it can get quite crowded in high season.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. And even if you’re not keen on going into the castle, seeing it from the outside is still worth the trip.

6. Itinerary with four city trips, Mount Titlis, Lake Constance and a night in the Alps

• Spend a night in the Alpstein mountain range
• Hang out by Lake Constance
• Ride the Voralpen-Express, a scenic train ride from St. Gallen to Lucerne
• Walk across the famous Kapellbrücke in Lucerne
• Enjoy the mountain views from Mount Titlis
• Discover the charming mountain village of Engelberg
• Day 1: Zurich - St. Gallen

In the morning, explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, grab some take-away lunch and have it on the train to St. Gallen.

Spend the afternoon exploring the old town of St. Gallen. With the UNESCO listed Abbey District, its towering Cathedral and the impressive Abbey Library, this city has quite a few things to offer.

• Day 2: St. Gallen - Alpstein

The following two days are fully dedicated to exploring the Alpstein mountain range. Leave whatever luggage you won’t need in St. Gallen and get ready for some serious hiking.

The hiking options are absolutely endless in this mountain range. Whether you’d like to catch a glimpse of the famous Äscher restaurant or go for a swim in the charming Seealpsee, you’ll find your match.

Since you’ve got two days to spare, we’ll run you through one of our favourite hikes in this area. It starts in Brülisau, includes two mountain lakes, some fresh milk and cheese, maybe a night in a stable above the cows and definitely a pair of sore calves.

Firstly, make your way to Brülisau in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. From here, start your walk to the restaurant Ruhesitz, which you’ll reach halfway up a mountain called Hoher Kasten. From Ruhesitz, follow the signs pointing you toward Lake Sämtisersee. By now, you might be ready for a break. Spend as much time as you like hanging out by or inside this beauty.

From Sämtisersee, keep going until you reach Bollenwees by Lake Fälensee. If you’re looking for comfort, this mountain inn is where you can spend the night. They offer private rooms or dorms with showers as well as a restaurant. The views over the lake are unparalleled and after this long day of hiking, you’ll probably be more than happy to just stretch your legs and take in the stunning backdrop.

However, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, keep going. Follow Lake Fälensee to the end and you’ll bump into Fälenalp, a little Alp where a farmer’s family takes their cows, goats and pigs to spend the summer. They offer beds in a big dorm in a stable above the cows and cook a rustic farmers’ dinner for you.

Everyone looking for a place to forget about this busy world out there will love coming here. In case you decide to stay at Bollenwees, we still recommend you walk to Fälenalp to see this magical place and to try their fresh goat cheese. Either today after settling in at Bollenwees or tomorrow before heading back to St. Gallen.

• Day 3: Alpstein - St. Gallen

Wherever you spent last night, we hope you slept well in this fresh mountain air. You can head straight back to St. Gallen after breakfast, but it’s really up to you how you plan out your day. You haven’t exhausted your hiking options by far, so keep going for as long as you please.

One option is to climb to Bogartenmannli and terminate your hike in Wasserauen after passing Seealpsee. This should put you on the train to St. Gallen some time in the afternoon. Or you can just walk back to Brülisau via Sämtisersee and Brüeltobel. The world is your oyster here.

On your way back to St. Gallen, you might like a quick stopover in Appenzell, the charming capital of the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. In case you’re feeling brave, visit the little cheese store at Hauptgasse 13. But be warned, those smelly cheese fumes will knock your socks off the second you enter the store.

There’s no way your feet will be able to compete with that odour. Not even after two full days of being trapped inside your trekking boots... 🙂

In the evening, head back to St. Gallen and enjoy sleeping like a baby tonight. Spending a day or two in the mountains has a tendency to leave you peacefully exhausted.

• Day 4: St. Gallen - Lake Constance - St. Gallen

It’s time to take it down a notch today. After two intense and possibly exhausting days in the Alpstein, take a relaxing trip to Lake Constance.

This lake is 63 kilometres (39 miles) long, up to 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) wide and shares its shores with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It’s one of Europe’s biggest lakes and is very easy to reach from St. Gallen by train.

This tri-national area offers a considerable amount of sights and activities for you to discover. For one, there’s the picturesque town of Constance in Germany that’s just within walking distance from Kreuzlingen. Most Swiss go there for its cheap shopping, but Constance has more to offer than low-priced stores.

With its charming old town, a wide array of cafés, restaurants, ice cream places and peaceful spots to hang out by the lake, Constance certainly manages to attract visitors throughout the warmer months.

If you’re into fish and other creatures that live and dwell under water, the Sea Life is always a potential bad weather option.

Of course, you don’t need to leave the country to enjoy Lake Constance to its fullest. Visit one of the many beaches, go for a swim, catch a passenger ship, rent a stand up paddleboard, grab a bike and follow the trails or go for a walk along the lakeshore.

The Canton of Thurgau, which makes up most of the Swiss part along Lake Constance, is famous for its apple trees. One of the walks we recommend in this area is the Altnauer Apple Trail. It’s particularly idyllic when the trees bloom in April and May or then again during harvest time in autumn. The trail is basically divided into three separate trails, which all contain informative signs addressing different topics. Combine all three trails and you’ll know everything there is to know about apples. Oh, and options to buy and taste a selection of apple products are plentiful along the way, too.

Additional places of interest by Lake Constance are the towns of Romanshorn, Rorschach and Kreuzlingen. Once you’re done exploring the area, catch the train back to St. Gallen for one last night.

• Day 5: St. Gallen - Lucerne - Engelberg

You’ve probably seen enough of St. Gallen by now so grab your bags in the morning and catch the Voralpen-Express to Lucerne. Out of the many scenic train rides in Switzerland, this is one of the less touristy ones. It doesn’t come with fancy panorama windows and there’s no friendly voice pointing out what viaduct you just crossed.

But that doesn’t make it any less worth riding.

We recommend breaking up your journey halfway in and getting off in Rapperswil, a real hidden gem of a city. Head up to the castle, spend some time with the deer in the castle’s garden, go for a swim in Lake Zurich and walk along the idyllic esplanade. An excellent spot to relax is the lawn behind OST, the technical college of Rapperswil. You can’t miss it when you head toward the lake after leaving the train station.

If you’re looking for an easy walk, follow the wooden footbridge and the connecting walkway across the lake to Pfäffikon. In doing so, you’ll be completing three kilometres (1.8 miles) of the Camino de Santiago trail, a pilgrim route leading from different places across Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Once you’re ready to move on, catch the next train to Lucerne and transfer to the train to Engelberg. This versatile mountain village is situated about 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Lake Lucerne and lies at an altitude of 1.013 metres (3.323 feet) above sea level. At 3.239 metres (10.626 feet), towering over the other peaks surrounding Engelberg, is mighty Mount Titlis.

Since you’ll arrive in Engelberg mid- or late afternoon, there won’t be enough time to head up there right away. So let’s leave that until tomorrow to make sure you don’t feel rushed. Instead, what you can do this afternoon is check out the centre of Engelberg. Or more specifically, the Benedictine monastery.

This ancient monastery, which was founded in 1120, is still inhabited by 30-odd monks. You can either visit the premises on your own or join a guided tour.

• Day 6: Free day in Engelberg

Like so many places in the Swiss Alps, Engelberg has its focus on the outdoors. Unarguably the most popular destination in this area is Mount Titlis. From Engelberg, you’ll reach the top by catching two gondolas. One of them being the world’s first revolving aerial cableway. Expect to be presented with some impressive 360-degree views at the top. Alongside an impressive glacier cave and the exciting Titlis Cliff Walk by Tissot.

The hiking options in the area around Engelberg are also seemingly endless and cater to all kinds of preferences. One recommended hike is the so-called “Kitzelpfad” in Brunni. What literally translates to “tickle-path” requires you to take off your shoes and walk across different types of soil. And whilst your feet get tickled by nature, you’ll also be able to enjoy the perfect views of Mount Titlis.

Now what would a proper hike be without coming across a mountain lake or two...?

A slightly more advanced hike called Four-Lakes hike takes you past – you might have guessed it – four mountain lakes. Since this excursion takes almost five hours to complete, we recommend you only opt for it if you’re feeling fit enough.

For a more relaxing and less straining day, you might prefer the wheelchair accessible path around Engelberg. This two-hour walk starts at the monastery in the centre of Engelberg and leads all the way to the picturesque River Aa and back. Even though this walk doesn’t take you up into the peaks, it still comes with some pretty acceptable mountain views.

During winter, Engelberg turns into an absolute heaven for snow lovers. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice skating or sledging, you’ll have your expectations met. Engelberg is especially popular among freeriders.

• Best things to do in Engelberg
• Brunni Engelberg
• Day 7: Engelberg - Lucerne

If there’s anything you wanted to do in Engelberg yesterday but ran out of time, get that over with in the morning and leave for Lucerne afterwards. Travelling from Engelberg to Lucerne takes less than an hour and is very straightforward.

Once you arrive, store your bags at the train station and spend a few hours exploring this charming city. Walk across the Kapellbrücke, take a stroll through the old town, hang out by the lake or visit the Glacier Garden with its famous Lion Monument.

You’ve got all day here so take your time. For more ideas of things to do in Lucerne, turn back to day 2 on itinerary No. 2.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 6
• In the Alpstein you will always come across alpine huts where you can buy fresh products such as milk, cheese and bread. By the way, milk never tastes better than straight from the cow or goat. And after you've dragged your body up a steep mountain for a few hours, you'll love the refreshment.
• There's a lot going on in Alpstein, especially in summer. If you can, you should plan your hike on a weekday, as there are usually fewer people out then.
• If you want to stay overnight on the Fälenalp, you should call ahead to make a reservation. Ask either at your accommodation in St. Gallen or at the tourist information if they will call for you. The same applies to Bollenwees. Book your bed online or call directly.
• In case you decide to take a trip across to Constance in Germany, don’t forget to exchange some Euros. And make sure to bring your passport, too. Since Switzerland isn’t part of the European Union, you have to show your passport when leaving the country.
• The Voralpen-Express is included with the Interrail, Eurail and Swiss Travel Pass.

7. Itinerary for mountain lovers with the Glacier Express Line and lots of outdoor activities

• Ride the entire Glacier Express panoramic train - the slowest express train in the world
• Hike at the foot of the famous Matterhorn
• Ski or hike in Saas-Fee - the pearl of the Alps
• Stroll along the promenade in Montreux on Lake Geneva
• Visit the old town of Bern - the capital of Switzerland
• Best things to do in Chur

Like Zermatt and Saas-Fee, St. Moritz is all about the outdoors. Summer and winter. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, stand up paddling, swimming, windsurfing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just going for a walk, you’ll find your fix.

• Day 3: St. Moritz - Zermatt

Today, you’re going to complete the full Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt. This ride on “the world’s slowest express train” is a once in a lifetime experience and will spoil you with the best views the Alps have to offer.

The train leaves St. Moritz twice a day, with both trains departing in the morning. The schedule changes throughout the year and there are certain trains that don’t do the full journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt. To find your connection, please make sure you consult their current timetable.

There’s a reason why the Glacier Express is one of the most popular scenic railway routes in Switzerland. What makes this journey so memorable are the fantastic views you get left, right and centre throughout the whole ride. The train takes you across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, three cantons and two language regions.

It takes just over 8 hours to complete and depending on what time you leave St. Moritz, you’ll arrive in Zermatt between 5 and 6 pm. Whenever you do arrive, spend the rest of the day strolling through this little mountain town and enjoy the sight of the mighty Matterhorn.

Provided it’s not veiled in clouds.

• Glacier Express - What to expect on this scenic train journey

• Day 4: Free day in Zermatt
• Day 5: Zermatt - Saas-Fee

Get ready for some more mountain action today. Whenever you’re done exploring Zermatt, catch the train and bus to Saas-Fee.

Saas-Fee, also known as the “pearl of the Alps”, is surrounded by Switzerland’s tallest mountains. As you arrive in this miraculous alpine village, you’ll find yourself in the midst of 13 mountains that are all over 4000 metres (13.120 feet) above sea level.

This can only mean one thing. You have to love the outdoors to come up here… If you’re visiting during summer, your hiking options are nearly infinite. Over 350 kilometres (217 miles) of hiking trails take you places you never even knew existed.

And while we’re at it, don’t forget to look out for marmots during your hike. Your chances of spotting a couple of those cute, chubby alpine inhabitants aren’t too slim up here.

But Saas-Fee isn’t only interesting during hiking season. If you’re here in winter, you can absolutely ski or snowboard yourself silly. And with Saas-Fee being at such high altitude, you’ll partially be skiing on top of a glacier. Not something you get to do every day.

Over 150 kilometres (93 miles) of prepared slopes will keep you busy for as long as you please. And while other ski resorts have been struggling with a lack of snow these past few years due to global warming, you’re almost certain to find enough snow in Saas-Fee due to its high altitude.

Knock yourself out enjoying the mountain views, the snow, the hikes, the marmots and the fresh air.

• Best things to do in Saas-Fee

• Day 6: Saas-Fee - Montreux

There’s certainly more than one day’s worth of things to do and see in Saas-Fee. Which means today is the perfect time to tick off anything you didn’t get to yesterday.

Once you’re ready to leave, catch the train and head to Montreux by Lake Geneva. Go to the Promenade and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall. If you’re keen on visiting the famous Chillon Castle, follow the Promenade to the castle or catch a bus. Passenger ships also take you there on a regular basis.

Alternatively, visit the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

We’re aware that this is quite a full schedule for today and we don’t encourage you to try and cover it all. But now that you know your options, you’re flexible and can plan your day according to your preferences.

And maybe the weather... Plus, you’ve got all day tomorrow around here so take your time.

• Day 7: Free day in Montreux

Can you hear Lake Geneva calling your name? Follow that call today and tick off whatever’s left from yesterday’s list. Like visiting Château de Chillon, the Promenade in Montreux and of course the mind-blowing Lavaux vineyards.

Also, the city of Lausanne is fairly close to Montreux. The train ride takes less than half an hour and we recommend you go pay it a visit if you have time. Its picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by numerous vineyards. This city right by Lake Geneva is home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro.

Since you’re spending today right by Switzerland’s largest lake, you also have the option to go on a boat cruise. Spending a few hours on Lake Geneva is the perfect way to wind down and not rush from one place to another for a change.

Another pretty promising option for today is to pay Gruyères and Broc a visit for some serious cheese and chocolate action. If this is something you’d be interested in, turn back to day 7 on itinerary No. 5. Just make sure you leave for this trip on an empty stomach.

As you can see, there are plenty of activities in the area to keep you busy for a day before you settle down in charming Montreux for another night.

• Best things to do in Lausanne

• Day 8: Montreux - Bern - Zurich / Geneva

It’s time to say goodbye to the wonderful Lake Geneva region already and get a move on to Bern. Before finishing your trip in Zurich (or Geneva) tonight, you’ve got a day to explore Switzerland’s capital.

Store your luggage at the train station in Bern. After that, you’ve got a few hours to explore this UNESCO certified city. Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back to Rosengarten for the views.

Toward the end of the day, catch the train to Zurich or Geneva. Whichever city it is you’re leaving Switzerland from.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 7
• While you explore Chur, you can leave your luggage in a locker at the train station in Chur.
• The Glacier Express is covered by all major travel passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass and Interrail and Eurail passes. However, you still need to make a reservation even if you have a passport.
• In winter, Zermatt is a very popular but expensive ski resort. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance during the high season.
• Access to Chillon Castle is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass. Even if you don't want to visit the castle, it's worth seeing it from the outside.

8. Itinerary with the highlights of western Switzerland and a trip into the Bernese Alps

• Discover the charming towns of Nyon, Lausanne and Montreux on Lake Geneva
• Treat yourself to a glass of wine in the wine terraces of the Lavaux region (UNESCO)
• Hike to Dent de Vaulion for sweeping views from the Jura Mountains
• Visit the historic city centre of Bern (UNESCO)
• Take a stroll through the picturesque old town of Morat
• Go on a day trip from Bern to Interlaken or to the crystal clear Lake Oeschinensee
• Spend a night in Gstaad in the Bernese Alps
• Venture on the Peak Walk on the Glacier 3000 between two mountain peaks
• Day 1: Geneva - Nyon - Lausanne

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a guided city tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Nyon.

This mediaeval town by the shore of Lake Geneva is surrounded by a couple of charming vineyards. Follow the path through the vineyards to Nyon Castle to take in the view. After your lunch break, catch the train to Lausanne. Check in to your accommodation and make the most of your free Lausanne Transport Card.

Lausanne’s picturesque old town is built on three hills and surrounded by numerous vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro.

To hear something interesting, head to the Cathedral between 10 pm and 2 am and observe the tower. Night guards have been shouting out the current time in the middle of the night from up there since 1405.

• Best things to do in Geneva
• Day 2: Lausanne - Lac de Joux / Creux du Van - Lausanne

After breakfast, buy enough food for the day and head straight to Le Pont, a village in the Valleé de Joux. The train ride from Lausanne to the valley takes roughly an hour. Vallée de Joux is part of the Jura mountains and offers countless hiking options. In the centre of the valley, you’ll find a peaceful lake called Lac de Joux.

By far the most popular spot in the area is the distinctive mountain of Dent de Vaulion. Hiking the circular path from Le Pont takes around three hours. The views from Dent de Vaulion across the Vallée de Joux, all the way to Lake Geneva and way into France, make this place extra special.

Since you’ve got all day up here, spend as much time in the area as you like. Hang out by Lac de Joux, walk the path around the lake or do whatever else your heart desires. Whenever you feel like it, catch the train back to Lausanne and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

If you’re in for a bit of a challenge, we recommend hiking to Creux du Van instead. This natural, one-kilometre wide amphitheatre got its shape from constant erosion by water and ice. Marmots, mountain goats, deer and various birds inhabit this area.

The starting point of the hike is in Noiraigue, a village that takes roughly an hour and a half to reach from Lausanne. Hiking to Creux du Van is pretty tough and will take up to five hours. Spend as much time as you like at the amphitheatre before heading back to Noiraigue and Lausanne.

Of course, Switzerland gets its fair share of bad weather and we don’t suggest you do this hike if it’s raining. The rocks can get slippery and dangerous when they’re wet and we don’t want you to get hurt!

• Day 3: Lausanne - Lavaux - Bern

In the morning, cover some more ground in Lausanne. Before you leave for Bern, make sure you spend some quality time in one of our favourite spots in Switzerland. Only a short train ride east of Lausanne, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards. The views across Lake Geneva are unparalleled and will take your breath away.

After your little excursion, go back to Lausanne to pick up your luggage. From there, a direct train takes you to Bern in just over an hour. You’ve got the rest of the day to roam the streets of our capital city. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk up to Rosengarten for the views.

You can also visit Gurten – Bern’s backyard mountain – see some animals at Dählhölzli wildlife park or visit the botanical garden. Alternatively, catch the elevator at the train station to hang out at Grosse Schanze or go for a swim either in the River Aare or at Weyermannshaus. In the evening, we recommend you walk (or catch the bus) back up to Rosengarten for some impressive night views.

• Day 4: Bern - Morat - Neuchâtel - Bern

After breakfast, catch the train and venture to the quaint little town of Morat. This ride will only take you half an hour and you won’t even need to transfer. Morat itself is tiny and won’t take you long to figure out. Spend a few moments strolling through its historic town centre and stretch your legs by the lake.

This area is perfect for biking, hiking, swimming or just hanging out by the lake as well.

By the way, you’ll find Europe’s longest freshwater beach at Lake Morat in Salavaux. This might not impress anyone who grew up by the sea, but for a land-locked country like Switzerland, this is a big deal...

Once you’ve seen enough of Morat, travel on to Neuchâtel. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city with its lake views and steep alleyways. For some additional great views, head up to Chaumont, Neuchâtel’s backyard mountain.

The funicular leaves from Le Coudre and takes you to the summit. From the summit, you can hike down to Cressier via Trois Cheminées. From Cressier, the bus will take you back to Neuchâtel. Alternatively, go for a walk around Chaumont and catch the funicular back down.

Toward the end of the day, make your way back to Bern and enjoy another night in Switzerland’s capital.

• Best things to do in Morat
• Day 5: Day trip from Bern

Bern is conveniently located in close proximity to a variety of breathtaking destinations. For one, there’s Thun and Interlaken, which are two wonderful places to visit for some spectacular lake and mountain views.

• Day 6: Bern - Gstaad

You’re probably ready to leave Bern by now. So grab your bags in the morning and hop on the train to Gstaad. You’re in for plenty of scenic treats today. From Spiez to Zweisimmen and onward to Gstaad, you’ll be travelling on the Golden Pass Line. This popular scenic train route connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva.

After your second transfer in Zweisimmen, the climb through the Bernese Oberland towards Gstaad begins. This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

This is why you’ll be spending two nights up here. Get off in Gstaad, check into your accommodation and head out to explore the Alps. Your hiking options are endless. Find a hike that suits your fitness level and enjoy the views. By the way, Lake Lauenensee is only one of the popular places you can visit up here.

• Day 7: Gstaad - Glacier 3000 - Gstaad

If there was ever a day when you needed your camera, it’s today. The mountain panorama awaiting you at your destination is unparalleled, so make sure your battery is fully charged.

The destination we're talking about is the impressive Glacier 3000, which is very easy to access from Gstaad. After a 35-minute bus ride to Col-du-Pillon, you’ll find yourself at the base of some seriously impressive mountains.

Hop on the cable car and enjoy the ride. At the top, you’ll be presented with the most astonishing 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see several huge players in the alpine scene like the Matterhorn, the Mont Blanc massif and the popular mountain-trio Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

If you’re brave enough, tackle the Peak Walk to Scex Rouge. This is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. Crossing this bridge is an experience you’ll likely never forget.

Depending on what time you arrive back in Gstaad, spend a couple more hours strolling through the town or set out on another hike before enjoying one more night in the Bernese Alps.

• Day 8: Gstaad - Montreux - Geneva

Time to say goodbye to this beautiful region. Catch the Golden Pass train after breakfast and continue your scenic journey to Montreux, where you have a couple of hours before travelling back to Geneva. Head to the Promenade of Montreux and check out the Freddie Mercury statue just outside the market hall.

Head back to Geneva toward the end of the day and spend the evening in Switzerland’s second largest city.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 8
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Lausanne and Bern, you’ll receive a Transport Card that allows you to use local transport for free.
• The Golden Pass Line is fully covered by the Interrail, Eurail and Swiss Travel Pass.

9. Itinerary across all of Switzerland from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance in eight days

• Visit Maison Cailler and Camille Bloch to fill your belly with delicious Swiss chocolate
• Check out the historic city centre of Bern (UNESCO)
• Travel to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the cradle of the Swiss watchmaking business (UNESCO)
• Marvel at the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe
• Spend some time by Lake Constance
• Ride on the Voralpen-Express to Rapperswil
• Discover the highlights of Zurich - Switzerland’s largest city

• Day 2: Lausanne - Montreux - Gruyères - Lausanne

After breakfast, catch the train and head to Montreux, where you spend a couple of hours exploring the town, walking along the Promenade or visiting Château de Chillon. Around lunchtime, travel to the very touristy yet wonderful, quaint little village of Gruyères. The ride between Montreux and Montbovon is served by regular regio trains as well as the famous Golden Pass Line.

Since Gruyères is highly popular with tourists, it can sometimes get a bit crowded. But like with every busy place, there’s a reason. And in this case, the reason is a mediaeval village and cheese.

Lots of cheese!

The Gruyère cheese factory is right behind the train station and for a small entrance fee, you get to watch how the iconic Gruyère cheese is being made. Samples and tasting opportunities are included.

Once you’re done snacking, either catch the bus uphill or follow the path until you reach the village centre of Gruyères. This walk should take you around 20 minutes. After exploring the hidden cobblestone alleys, checking out the castle and maybe grabbing a souvenir or two, you have the option to head to Broc and visit La Maison Cailler.

Their visitor centre teaches you everything you need to know about Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand and at the end of the tour, you’ll get to taste a lot of free samples.

On your train ride back to Lausanne, try to digest your cheese and chocolate overdose and get ready to spend the night by Lake Geneva.

• Day 3: Lausanne - Fribourg - Bern

Spend the morning covering some more ground in Lausanne or visit the stunning nearby Lavaux vineyards. Whenever you’re ready to move on, catch the train to Fribourg. In Fribourg, follow the city-walk signs leading you through this mighty old town. The signs will lead you up and down some very steep alleyways, across ancient wooden bridges, down to the River Saane and past the city’s very own funicular.

For an even better view of your surroundings, tackle the 365 steps to the tower of the Cathedral. The River Saane at the bottom of the city is a great spot to stretch your legs and treat yourself to a snack.

Getting to Bern from Fribourg takes less than half an hour. Spend the rest of the evening strolling through the UNESCO listed old town of Bern. For an impressive night view over Bern, we recommend heading up to Rosengarten.

• Day 4: Bern - La Chaux-de-Fonds - Bern

Today, it’s time to travel north and check out the Cantons of Neuchâtel and Jura. After breakfast, head straight to La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Canton of Neuchâtel. Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, was born here. And since this city was the centre of the Swiss watchmaking industry for over 100 years, it only makes sense for the International Clock Museum to be up here.

Another characteristic element to La Chaux-de-Fonds, apart from clocks and watches, is its chessboard-shaped outline. When the city was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century and they had to rebuild it from scratch, they introduced the unusual framework you’ll find today. Unusual for Switzerland, that is.

On your way back to Bern, make sure you stop over in Courtelary, a tiny little place in the Canton of Jura. This inconspicuous village is by no means as innocent as it seems. It’s home to Camille Bloch, the company behind two absolute Swiss favourite chocolate brands.

Ragusa and Torino.

Their visitors’ centre is a fantastic place to buy all different kinds of their delicious chocolate creations. And their exhibition doesn’t stop at telling you about the ups and downs of this family business since its early beginnings in 1926.

It also includes a mouth-watering demo station where two chocolatiers make Ragusa and Torino bars right in front of you. Needless to say you’ll be able to taste their mouth watering outcome only minutes after it’s cooled off.

Take your time enjoying some of the best chocolate before you head back to Bern.

• Camille Bloch Chocolate Factory

• Day 5: Bern - Rhine Falls - Schaffhausen

Since you haven’t had too much time to hang out in Bern yet, give yourself a few hours to explore our capital city before travelling to Schaffhausen.

Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk up to Rosengarten for the views.

Around lunchtime, catch the train to Schaffhausen and drop your bags at your accommodation before you head out again. The main attraction in the area are the mighty Rhine Falls. They attract visitors from all over the world and are one impressive force of nature. Access to the falls is free from the northern shore, while seeing them from Laufen Castle in the south costs 5 CHF. Spend however long you like getting soaked in the mist of the Rhine Falls before moving on to Schaffhausen.

• Best things to do in Schaffhausen
• Day 6: Schaffhausen - Stein am Rhein - Kreuzlingen

After breakfast and maybe spending some more time strolling through Schaffhausen, hop on the train and visit the picture-perfect old town of Stein am Rhein. This little town is where Lake Constance ends and the River Rhine begins.

Small yet incredibly charming, Stein am Rhein is the ideal place to spend some time admiring those beautifully painted houses. Once you’ve seen enough, embark on a journey up the River Rhine and back to Schaffhausen. This boat trip takes roughly two hours and is said to be one of the prettiest in Switzerland.

Back in Schaffhausen, grab your luggage and move on to Kreuzlingen by Lake Constance.

Fairly big Lake Constance is 63 kilometres (39 miles) long, up to 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) wide and shares its shores with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This tri-national area offers a considerable amount of sights and activities for you to discover.

For one, there’s the picturesque town of Constance in Germany, which is within walking distance from Kreuzlingen. Most Swiss go there for its cheap shopping, but Constance has more to offer than low-priced stores.

With its charming old town, a wide array of cafés, restaurants, ice cream places and peaceful spots to hang out by the lake, Constance certainly manages to attract visitors throughout the warmer months. If you’re into fish and other creatures that live and dwell under water, the Sea Life is always a potential bad weather option.

• Lake Constance

• Day 7: Kreuzlingen - Rapperswil

Spend as much time in the Lake Constance area today as you please. The train ride to Rapperswil, your next destination, takes two hours so you’ve got pretty much all day out here.

The Canton of Thurgau, which makes up most of the Swiss part along Lake Constance, is famous for its apple trees. One of the walks we recommend in this area is the Altnauer apple trail. It’s particularly idyllic when the trees bloom in April and May or then again during harvest time in autumn. The trail is divided into three separate trails, which all contain informative signs addressing different topics. Combine all three trails and you’ll know everything there is to know about apples. Options to buy and taste a selection of apple products are plentiful along the way, too.

Additional places of interest by Lake Constance are the towns of Romanshorn, Rorschach and of course Kreuzlingen, where you spent last night.

Once you’re ready to leave and continue your journey, catch the train to Rapperswil. Travel to St. Gallen and get on the Voralpen-Express, a scenic train connecting St. Gallen with Lucerne. Get off halfway in Rapperswil, where you’ll be spending the night. We’re assuming you won’t have too much left of the day after your arrival. Just relax in this pretty town by the shores of Lake Zurich. Head up to the castle, spend some time with the deer in the castle garden, go for a swim in Lake Zurich and walk along the idyllic esplanade.

• Voralpen-Express
• Best things to do in Rapperswil
• Day 8: Rapperswil - Zurich - Geneva

If you’re looking for an easy walk after breakfast, follow the wooden footbridge and the connecting walkway across the lake to Pfäffikon. In doing so, you’ll be completing three kilometres (1.8 miles) of the Camino de Santiago trail, a pilgrim route leading from different places across Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In case you’d rather not walk both ways, frequently leaving trains will take you back across the dam from Pfäffikon to where you started.

Back in Rapperswil, grab your luggage and embark on a short train ride to Zurich. Or, instead of travelling by train, you also have the option to hop on the passenger ship. The ride takes roughly two hours and might be a great way to take some speed out of your travels.

You can either head out to explore Zurich on your own, borrow a free bike with «Züri rollt» or join a guided city tour. In the afternoon, catch the train back to Geneva. Depending on what your plans in Geneva are tonight, you have a few hours to explore before terminating your trip.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 9
• The passenger ship between Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen doesn’t run all year round. Please check their timetable to plan your journey accordingly. If you’d rather skip this part, catch the train back to Schaffhausen instead.

10. Itinerary for culture and nature lovers with six city trips and three free days in Interlaken

• Discover the charming cities of Lausanne and Montreux on Lake Geneva
• Ride parts of the Golden Pass panoramic train between Montreux and Interlaken
• Discover everything that Switzerland stands for in Interlaken: lakes, mountains, rivers and fantastic landscapes
• Check out Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city
• Geek out in one of the many museums in Basel
• Day 1: Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux

In the morning, explore Geneva on your own, borrow a free bike with «Genève Roule» or join a free walking tour. After the tour, buy some take-away lunch and have it on the train to Lausanne.

This picturesque old town was built on three hills and is surrounded by countless vineyards. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee, as well as Switzerland’s only metro. Move on to Montreux whenever you’re ready, drop your bags at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring Montreux.

Alternatively, head over to Lavaux. Only a short train ride west of Montreux, you’ll find the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To fully experience the gorgeous views, get off in Cully or Epesses and follow the signposted footpath through the vineyards.

• Day 2: Montreux - Interlaken

You’re in for plenty of scenic treats today. Spend a few more hours in and around Montreux in the morning before moving on. Leave the Lake Geneva region and start your climb up into the Alps on the Golden Pass Line. After a couple of tunnels, you’ll arrive in the Bernese Oberland, our favourite part of the whole train journey.

This region is an absolute dream for mountain-lovers and pretty much sums up what Switzerland is about. Lakes, mountains, lush meadows with grazing cows, glaciers, tons of hiking trails, wonderful landscapes and cute little villages are abundant in this area.

Even if you don’t have enough time to get off along the way, the ride through this picturesque area is something you probably won’t forget anytime soon. After leaving the Bernese Oberland and coming down the hills, you’ll arrive in Zweisimmen, where you’ll need to transfer to another train.

The last leg of the journey takes you past Spiez and Lake Thun before you finally arrive in Interlaken. Spend whatever you have left of the day exploring this popular town and get ready for a couple of days in this adrenaline and scenery-packed destination.

• Days 3, 4 and 5: Free days in Interlaken

You’ve got more activities to choose from these next three days than you can wrap your head around. It all depends on your budget, but in an adrenaline-packed place like Interlaken, the sky’s the limit.

• Day 6: Interlaken - Bern - Solothurn

We’re assuming you’ve had enough time to tick off all your must-dos in Interlaken these past three days and are ready to see Bern now. In this charming UNESCO listed city, you’ve got plenty of activities to choose from as well.

Join a guided city tour or explore Bern on your own. Take a stroll through the old town, head to the bear park, check out the Bundeshaus (House of Parliament) and walk back to Rosengarten for the views.

You should definitely find enough things to keep you busy for a while. Whenever you feel like you’re ready to leave Switzerland’s capital, hop on the train for a short ride to Solothurn, commonly known as Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque city.

You might not have much time to discover Solothurn tonight. So treat yourself to a few scoops of ice cream at Vitaminstation – one of the ice cream places ever – and have it while sitting on the stone wall along the River Aare.

• Best things to do in Solothurn

From there, heading back to Solothurn will take 15 minutes by train. Back in Solothurn, grab your bags and hop on another train that will take you to Basel within just an hour.

• Day 8: Basel - Geneva

Basel is a vibrant city right on the German and French border. It offers several walking tours at various times throughout the week. Pick a tour or just head out into the city on your own.

Alternatively, you can always hop across the border and visit Weil am Rhein in Germany or St. Louis in France. Technically, you could even visit three countries in one day: Switzerland, Germany and France. That’s completely doable in Basel and might be something you don’t get to experience every day. Especially if you’re from a country that requires you to get on a plane to cross the nearest border within a reasonable amount of time.

Whenever you’re ready to leave Basel, head back to Geneva and spend the rest of the day exploring Switzerland’s second largest city.

• Additional tips and information for itinerary 10
• Upon check-in at your accommodation in Montreux, Interlaken and Basel, you’ll receive a Transport Card that lets you use local transport for free.
• When in Altreu, look out for pooping (excuse the expression) storks. They usually don't hold back and you wouldn't be the first person to get splashed with, well... you know what, when disembarking.

And this concludes our collection of eight-day itineraries for Switzerland. We hope you’ve been able to find the Switzerland itinerary to your taste. Have fun planning your trip.

Table of contents

Discover leisure activities, top destinations.

• Grindelwald
• Lauterbrunnen
• Brienzwiler

Top Activities

Top attractions.

• Harder Kulm
• First Cliff Walk
• Jungfraujoch
• Museum of Transport
• Lake Lucerne
• Schynige Plate
• Eiger Glacier
• Lake Geneva
• Grindelwald First

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Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

Europe's highest altitude railway station at 3454 metres.

Mount Titlis

World’s first revolving cable car offering you a magical 360° panoramic view.

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Europe’s highest and largest snow sport destination at 3883 metres.

Glacier 3000

Amazing attractions: Alpine Coaster – the highest bobsleigh track, Husky sled rides & the snow bus.

Mount Pilatus

Known as the Mountain of Dragons, Pilatus boasts the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

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• Switzerland

• 1 Zurich City Tour
• 2 Lindt Home of chocolate
• 3 Swiss Transport Museum
• 4 Mt. pilatus
• 5 Mt. titlis
• 7 Harder kulm
• 8 Grindelwald First
• 9 Matterhorn glacier paradise
• 10 Glacier 3000
• 11 Aletsch Arena
• 12 Diavolezza
• 13 Swiss Miniatur
• 14 Charlie Chaplin's World
• 15 Schilthorn
• 16 Sunnegga

Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins

Luzern Interlaken Express

Duration: 1hr 50 mins

Duration: 5hr 30 mins

The slowest express train in the world

Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins

Bernina Express (train):4 h - 4 h 30 min

Bernina Express (Bus): 3 h

Popular Packages

Chalet Style Holiday - Interlaken

7 Nights / 8 Days

Glimpses of Switzerland & Paris

Live it up in Lucerne

Tops of Switzerland

4 nights / 5 days

Swiss Highlights

Popular packages by swiss tours.

4 Nights / 5 Days

Magic of Glacier Express

6 Nights / 7 Days

Guided Day Tours by SWISS tours

Discover the best of Switzerland with guided tour activities.

Take a guided stroll through the Old Town, embark on a pleasant boat trip Lake Zurich, and visit the world's largest Lindt Chocolate museum with unlimited chocolate tasting.

Zurich Tour with Cruise and Chocolate

A super saver package combining Europe’s biggest waterfall along with an afternoon city tour of Zurich

Rhine Falls and Zurich City Tour

Discover the Europe’s biggest waterfall, and the Laufen Castle. Explore the medieval village Stein am Rhein on a guided walk.

Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Enjoy this classic combination of Zurich city tour by bus, guided walking tour of the Old Town with a one-hour boat trip on Lake Zurich!

Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise

More From Forbes

Swiss bliss: get high on summer tranquility and thrills in switzerland.

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Thinking about travel to Europe this summer? I’ll whisper this two-word, game-changing suggestion in your ear: Swiss Bliss . Switzerland is a spectacular vacation escape, promising plentiful pampering, playful diversions, culture (music festivals, art experiences, unique museums—from sports to science, film to food) and stellar gastronomy. Taste Chasselas wine; its white grapes are grown in the terraced Lavaux vineyards along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva, where vintners produce artisanal batches that are rarely exported, so 98 percent of their singular sips can only be savored within the country. Discover abundant natural beauty and peaceful hideaways. Hike Alpine mountains. Swim in glistening lakes. Picnic amid wildflower meadows. For high-speed outings, ample opportunities abound: boating, road cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, skydiving and white-water rafting. Transportation within this tidy nation, especially via its SBB trains , is smooth and swift, accessing scores of destinations. (For itinerary details and surprising delights: My Switzerland Tourism .) Internationally renowned for training extraordinary hoteliers, hospitality is a revered profession, which adds smiles to your stay. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations—campgrounds to chalets to castles. If your vacay preference tends toward one-of-a-kind, five-star hotels, this article shines on three favorites, which are among French entrepreneur and winemaker Michel Reybier ’s impressive collection of wellness-promoting properties.

Interlaken: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Mountain sports, such as paragliding, are popular.

In the Bernese Oberland region, which encompasses magnificent pinnacles and turquoise lakes, legendary Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa , with 216 guest rooms and suites, sparkles brighter than ever. This Belle Époque resort, dating from the mid-1800s and distinguished for its who’s who history, faces the community green of Interlaken with the Harder Kulm mountain as backdrop. The hotel is at the base of famous Jungfraujoch, a mountain saddle between Jungfrau and Mönch peaks, called the Top of Europe. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a James Bond movie, was filmed at the nearby summit of Schilthorn. A new mountain trail that commences in the vicinity amplifies views of formidable Eiger’s North Face, located a funicular jaunt away. Or rise skyward riding a new Jungfrau Railway on a day trip to the heady altitude of 11,332 feet—a stunning uplift that is home to Europe’s highest train station.

Spacious grandeur.

Vibe: Palatial, glamorous, golden. Stroll crystal-chandelier salons with black-and-white checkered marble floors. Elaborate fountains, a roof cupola and expansive terraces dazzle. Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Stefan Beer orchestrates imaginative, artistic fine-dining Radius, which uses the freshest ingredients garnered within approximately 30 miles. Relish, as well, La Terrasse Brasserie (for afternoon tea replete with finger sandwiches and pastries) and the Italian-spirited Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori (for stone pizzas, seafood and some of Italy’s most flavorful wines). During evenings on Victoria Bar’s terrace, a pianist plays.

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Indoor pool at Victoria-Jungfrau's Nescens Spa.

Spa & Fitness: The year-round 59,200-square-foot spa wows with an indoor vaulted-ceiling swimming pool and fitness center. During summer, enjoy the hotel’s outdoor saltwater pool, as well as two adjacent glacier lakes, Brienz and Thunersee. There are tennis courts; lessons with a pro coach can be reserved. Pilates, bootcamp, step aerobics, yoga and other classes are offered; free daily group sessions vary. Kid Friendly: Bienehuus (Bee House), the hotel’s two-floor play facility showcases a library of children’s books, music room, creativity studio, relaxation area and multimedia lab.

Bienehuus children's center.

Geneva: La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa & Villa

Elegant ease.

At the southern end of Lake Geneva and a few miles from the city of Geneva—which itself is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, with views of Mont Blanc— La Réserve Geneva Hotel, Spa and Villa , designed by Jacques Garcia, is ensconced within a landscaped 10-acre park in the suburb of Bellevue. Its 102 guest rooms and suites exude a quiet sophistication.

Gorgeous greens and blues of Swiss summer.

Vibe: Tranquil, modern, rejuvenating, verdant. The contemporary decor includes African art motifs and handcrafted woodwork. Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Benjamin Brial is a master at bringing together innovative flavors and leading highly skilled kitchen teams. Le Loti Restaurant & Bar, with deliciously ambitious French and Mediterranean menus, is dressed with an eye-catching elephant wall sculpture and flourishing ferns. For evening entertainment: Live music and DJ spins. Also in the hotel, Le Tsé-Fung is Switzerland’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant—outfitted with red velvet chairs, black lacquer screens, gold accents and silk drapery; reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai. Shenzhen-born Frank Xu, one of the world’s top chefs, stirs culinary enchantment in Geneva with the same applauded passion that he created years ago when, in Paris, he launched Shang Palace restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel, earning it Michelin-star celebrity as well.

Indoor pool at La Réserve Geneva's Nescens Spa.

Spa & Fitness: The 20,000-square-foot Nescens Spa is Geneva’s largest wellness oasis and a significant draw for guests. Its indoor and outdoor pools are enticing. Summer activities headline tennis and wakeboarding lessons with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Kid Friendly: La Petite Réserve, a children’s club, features an enormous playground—outdoor wood cabin on stilts and obstacle course with suspension bridge, climbable tree stumps, firefighter’s pole and slide. Fun, hands-on classes, such as pastry-making, engage. Instructors run swimming and diving lessons, as well as programs to overcome fear of water, in the outdoor pool.

Sweets for the sweet.

Zurich: La Réserve Eden au Lac

Ideally situated, Zurich's reborn gem.

La Réserve Eden au Lac —a fabled waterside French Empire-style landmark with heritage that spans more than 100 years—was radically re-designed by French industrial architect Philippe Starck, a perhaps surprisingly bold and edgy choice that turned out to be a brilliant one. Closed for a while to assess its much-needed renovations, the thoughtfully transformed hotel, which Starck envisioned as “an imaginary yacht club,” had a soft-opening during the COVID pandemic and wholly welcomed guests by 2022. He revamped it into the halcyon hot spot in cool Zurich, considered one of Europe’s most livable cites. This inviting, boutique-size retreat—with 40 guest rooms and suites—encourages 360-degree, panoramic gazes of Lake Zurich, a manicured park, forested hills and Zurich’s historical center. A leisurely walk takes you to Pavilion Le Corbusier, the Opera House, Kunsthaus Zurich museum (masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet) and Bahnhofstrasse, the exclusive shopping street. More than 1,300 public art installations thread visual thrills throughout the city.

Let there be light: Comfy guest room.

Vibe: Restful, chic, intimate, contemporary. Its pleasures are many, as regulars swoon over the hotel’s hushed in-the-know, seize-the-day appeal. Starck’s signature blend—of neutral earth tones, leathers, metals and mirrors—both energizes and comforts. Lovely are the marble and hardwood floors, wood marquetry, exposed brick walls, iconic blue-and-white-striped window awnings on the lake-facing facade and guest rooms’ private balconies and terraces. Graciousness prevails. People-watching—while indulging in Michel Reybier’s winning wines from his Château Cos d'Estournel estate in France—is a time-honored guest pursuit.

Street-level Eden Kitchen & Bar.

Eat & Treat Highlights: Executive chef Marco Ortolani, from Italy, deftly finesses restaurants at Le Réserve Eden au Lac. The green-tiled, bustling open-kitchen of Eden Kitchen & Bar, serves Italian and French dishes, as well as farther-afield global specialties. La Muña—with superb Peruvian-Japanese menus—tucked within the hotel’s domed roof, evokes the interior of a ship’s hull with nautical photographs and memorabilia on sloping walls. Linger outside, too, on La Muña’s tree-lined roof terrace.

La Muña restaurant.

Fitness: Personalized training with a coach or yoga teacher, at the hotel’s fitness hub, can be booked. New in-guest-room massage services use Nescens Spa products. Across the street is Art Nouveau-era Bad Utoquai bathing pavilion, for which the hotel provides its guests with a pass and towels. Stand-up paddle-boards are also available from the hotel, as well as E-bikes. Runners cheer the picturesque shoreline. Kid Friendly: Youths and adults alike are fascinated by Zurich’s charming Medieval neighborhood with its centuries-old houses, churches and fortifications. Join a guided walking tour—through narrow streets, hidden alleys, blooming gardens—to fully appreciate yesteryear’s secrets and lively stories.

A calming outlook.

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One Day In Zurich Travel Guide For A Zurich City Break

Luxurious financial capital of switzerland with a cultural flare.

Z urich is a beautiful city that offers plenty of attractions and activities for solo travelers. It is a city filled with art, history, the amazing shopping, as well as close to nature. Everyone can find something to suit their taste in this Swiss metropolis. Here are some ideas on how to spend 24 hours in Zurich as a solo traveler.

The city has long been known as the financial capital of Europe, but it also has rich history since the Roman times. Zurich, like Geneva Switzerland, is two of the most expensive cities in the world. While Zurich may not be known as a cultural city with a decent nightlife scene, it actually is undercover really cool. It shouldn’t be missed even if you only have 24 hours to spare. 

One way to do this is to make this a one-night stopover on your trip. Arrive early, take a bus or free walking tour in the morning. Keep your schedule flexible, but you may want to make reservations for two hot items on the visit, namely a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Factory or a great food tour with some Swiss Fondue as well as some other foodie hot spots. Below are some suggestions for all budgets visiting Zurich for 24 hours.A day or two in Zurich can give you a great introduction to the German speaking area of Switzerland. 

A Brief History of Zurich 

Zurich dates back to 15 BC and was founded by the Romans. It was part of a route that permitted trade to travel over the Alps. While we know it has Zurich, the Romans called it Turicum. If you tour the city some ruins remain under parts of the city. The city prospered in the 11th and 12th centuries, helped by the Fraumunster, which as a convent attracted many rich European princesses. 

In 1351, Zurich joined the Swiss Federation and during the 14th and 15th centuries, its territory was exclusively established for trade and money lending. Until the end of the Old Zurich War (1436-1450), it swayed between remaining with the Swiss Federation and Austria. Switzerland became an independent country in 1815, with its 1848 constitution not permitting them to enter any wars. Zurich remains the country’s largest city, with the largest airport in the country (with fantastic shopping), and its financial capital. 

Zurich Itinerary For One Day In Zurich 

The city is well-located in Central Switzerland and they say, is the heart of Europe with its beautiful city. Notably, you can get to Zurich by car, bus, train, or airplane with many airlines offering services. I arrived by plane to allow both visiting times that day, with a night stay, to allow a full day to make a 24-hour trip, although some may want to add a day depending on your interests.

Next, I looked into my top choices to visit in case they required a reservation. Lindt Chocolate is so popular it was sold out for a few days, so make sure you make reservations if you are a chocolate lover like me! (Luckily I did make it on a tour to get my supply of chocolates for my trip.) Also, it may depend on your budget, but various things are free like walking through the old town or around the lake, It also ma    

How to Get to Zurich Switzerland and “Where is Zurich”? 

Zurich is in Central Europe and a hub for many modes of transportation, making it a great and easy place to visit.

• Main Zurich Train Station: You may find yourself coming to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (also called Zurich HB); it is the largest train station in Switzerland. It is about 6 miles from the airport in Zurich. Most local trains come through this station. I chose to buy a 24-hour transportation card called the Zurich Card City Pass. Notably, it can be purchased for a 24 or 72-hour timeframe and entitles you to travel on an unlimited 2nd class basis on any public transportation. You can buy it via the Zurich City Guide app or at the station. The price is reasonable and it does cover you on the river/boat, public transportation on the lake, as well as the funiculars like the Polybahn. The Polybahn connects the central square with the Polyterrasse via its historic red funicular originally built in 1889. It is only a short ride of a few minutes but is free and you can get the best views of Zurich. Check online for train hours since it is closed on holidays and Sundays. 
• Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the major international airport in Switzerland and home to Swiss International Airlines. This is how I made it to Zurich, I also loved the airport with all its upscale stores and some great places to eat. The airport is a short 15-minute train ride from the City Centre. Notably, the city is pretty compact, especially the historic old town, so it is easy to see, 

Best Place To Stay In Zurich For All Budgets 

I arrived in Zurich and planned to stay overnight so I can see more of this historic city. Being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, I am showing a few options below, but there are also some large chains here. 

• FIVE Zurich Hotel – Luxury city resort @fivezurich 

www.zurich.fivehotelsandresorts.com

Hotel Hirschen: This 4-star hotel has a quaint charming ambiance while offering helpful amenities. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It is also well-located within a ½ mile from the Swiss National Museum. 

• Motel One Zurich – This 3-star hotel offers a breakfast buffet, etc.

@motel_one  www.motel-one.com

• CitizenM Zurich: CitizenM is a hip boutique hotel located in the business district of Zurich. @citizenM   www.citizenM.com
• For a fun and hip hotel check out 25Hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse is located close to the train station, and its’ decorations are inspired by the contrast between capitalism and the redlight district. The designer Werner Aisslinger created an artistic and fun hotel close to everything and perfect for a 24-hour stay in Zurich. If you aren’t staying there check out the NENI restaurant with an eclectic menu of Mediterranean cuisine. 
• Old Town Otter Hostel: This former hotel is now a hostel. There are 45 beds in 9 dorms and 5 private rooms and it is well-located near the Old Town and Lake. It does have free coffee/tea and a small breakfast like toast and muesli.  www.oldtownzurich.com
• By the Airport I also stayed at the Capsule Hotel. Check out the video below

Besides these options, there are the hotels including Marriott, Hilton, etc, as well as AirBnB, VRBO, etc.

Things to Do in Zurich Switzerland

Although it is known as an expensive city, there are various things to do in Zurich for all budget levels.

• Swiss Food Tour: This was a fantastic food tour and this company offers lunchtime and evening tours. If you plan to take a tour, I would make a reservation, since some do sell out.  www.swissfoodtours.com  If you want to experience an elevated foodie experience there are two options a private food tour like I took or an option for those looking to experience the food scene on a small group tour. My guide took me to places I would never have found on my own and also shared a range of both local cuisine and fun cocktail spots. The private tours can be catered to your interests and had a few special surprises. However, you will have to subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don’t miss the Swiss travel adventures. 
• Archeological Windows Zurich- If you want to satisfy your inner Indiana Jones, check out the Archeological windows where you can get a key from the city in order to see the ancient roman ruins underground. I learned about this and got to try it out thanks to my amazing tour guide at Swiss Food Tours on the private tour. 

Take A Chocolate Tour

• Lindt Home of Chocolate Tour: This self-guided tour takes about 2 hours. It was awesome, but I almost missed it so make sure you reserve in advance. I particularly loved the all-you-can-drink chocolate, learning about the history of chocolate in Switzerland, as well as getting to take home plenty of samples. They also have the world’s largest retail Lindt store. This is a must if you are a chocolate lover! If you go on the self guided tour it is about $16 USD plus the cost of taking public transit. However, there is also a sweet small group tour that includes a tour, boat trip on Lake Zurich, and transportation if you don’t feel like going solo.

Explore the History, Culture Art of Zurich, Switzerland

• Walking Tours: There are both free tours (Free Walking Tours Zurich) and paid tours. It’s a great way to learn more about the area, especially the history and culture of the city. Also, this is the perfect activity if you are solo traveling to meet other travelers.  www.freewalk.ch
• What is Dada? It is an art form that formed during the First world war, and its main purpose was to challenge social norms of society and make art that would shock, confuse or outrage people. Dadaism’s main purpose was to challenge the social norms of society, and purposefully make art that would shock, confuse, or outrage people. Here you can explore the largest collection of DADA art in the world.

Explore Old Town Zurich

• Zurich’s Old Town known as Altstadt: Stroll the streets of historic Zurich and its lovely buildings, stores, and restaurants. It is along both sides of the Limmat River and it’s free to stroll the area. This area encompasses everything built in Zurich before 1893. 
• Roman Ruins: In, under, and around Zurich are some old Roman ruins since it was once inhabited by the Romans. There is one free site called the Archeological Window in the Lindenhof cellar. While it is free through the Town Hall, you need to leave a credit card as a deposit so they get back the key to it. There are also other locations like the opera house. It just depends on your time and level of interest.
• River Transport or Boat at Lake Zurich: If you have a Zurich Card pass, you can use public transport on the river or the lake. Zurich’s Old town hugs the Limmet river on both sides, and is something to witness by water. Luckily it is included in your day pass for public transit!  www.zuerich.com

More Things To Do In One Day In Zurich

• Ride on the Polybahn (Funclaire): For a great view of the city, go up the furnclair. It goes up to have a great view of the city. It is located near the universities and you can have a drink or food up there, or make your own picnic..  www.polybarn.ch
• Swiss National Museum: This unique building was constructed in 1898 similar to a French Renaissance chateau. Check opening hours, but is generally open from 10 am-5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, although it is open until 7 pm on Thursday. It costs ten Swiss francs. Although it’s free for kids under 16 and Zurich Card holders.  www.landesmuseum.ch
• Zurich Opera House: The opera house is a lovely building, housing the Zurich Opera since 1891 and It is also home to the Zurich Ballet. So you may enjoy a performance or just see this grand building.  www.opernhaus.c om
• Retail Therapy – walk the Bahnhofstrasse: This is the most exclusive avenue for luxury shopping. Stroll the avenue.

   The Four Churches of Zurich Old Town

• Grossmunster Church: This twin-tower romanesque protestant church is an icon in the city. It is free to go in but there is a cost to climb the tower, 
• Fraumunster Church: Another iconic church with a copper-topped spire. The church does have a crypt museum and stained glass by Marc Chagall. 
• St.Peter’s Church: This protestant church is one of the four main churches in the Old Town area of Zurich, This church was consecrated in 1706, the bells date back to the 1880s, and the church was restored in the 1970s. Oddly the church steeple is owned by Zurich, while the rest is owned by the parish. The church’s clock is very large, having the largest face in all of Europe.
• Predigerkirche Church: Explore the 4th oldest church in Zurich’s Old Town. Predigerkirche is known for it’s high steeple and being the highest edifice in Zurich.

My advice is to plan out your route saving the locations on Google Maps so you maximize the use of your time. 

Food in Zurich, Switzerland – Restaurants, Cafes, and Cheap Eats In Zurich

Given I had a fantastic food tour that takes 3-4 hours of your day. I decided to eat some smaller meals in cafes too. The Swiss Food Tour I mentioned above was superb. There are also so many restaurants and cafes to try, including many with Michelin stars. You can’t forget to try the Cheese Fondue and Rosti (fried potato pancake), Here are some suggestions of places to try:  

• Cafe & Conditorei 1842: This cafe offers great homemade chocolate and pastries, and is a cozy baroque setting. There is also a terrace depending on the weather, (Hint: I had the best hot chocolate here, it’s a bit more but I enjoyed it. www.cafe1842.ch Do yourself a favor and get the hot chocolate here!
• Raphael’s: Raphael’s has great handmade chocolates, coffee, and ice cream. So many great options.  www.raphaels1989.com  I am a coffee fanatic, so I loved recharging my energy with a great latte here.
• Le Dezeley for Fondue! I was lucky to find this place on the Swiss food tour and this place rivaled the fondue spot I found in Geneva. 
• Best View and cocktails (or mocktails): Jules Verne Panorama Bar is great for creative cocktails or cocktails and has the best view of the city all year round. It is located in an old observatory, which makes the experience extra special.
• Best Bakery: Bäckerei Vohdin is the oldest bakery in Zurich selling traditional sweets and baked goods. It is cash only. I was lucky to try it thanks to the kindness of a stranger who bought me two sweets to try before I left on the plane. It is also really close to Old Town Otter Hostel so perfect for budget-friendly breakfast or lunch!

Recommendation

Zurich Switzerland is a culturally rich city, and not just the banking capital of Switzerland. Many tourists skip Zurich to see other picturesque Swiss towns or head to the Swiss Alps, but it is definitely worth at least 24 hours. Being one of the major hubs in Europe, it is very easy to reach and explore in a one or two-day stopover. Zurich maybe expensive, but there are still things to do in a day in Zurich for all budgets as well as solo travelers. While planning your trip, remember you may want to make reservations ahead of time, especially for the Lindt Chocolate Museum and food tours. 

If you are visiting for a short amount of time just use your card because Switzerland uses a different currency from the rest of Europe. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.

In conclusion, there are many things to enjoy in Zurich from food and nightlife to cultural experiences and museums. It may be one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but there are plenty of things to do in Zurich for all budgets and it is a place you should not skip if it is close to your other European adventures. 

Fun Zurich Fact

There are over 1,200 fountains in Zurich. Bring a reusable water bottle because the water is drinkable.

Also, there are four official languages in Switzerland including Swiss German, French, and Italian, and about 60,000 people speak Romansch. Zurich is located in the Swiss German section of Switzerland so be sure to brush up on a few phrases although most people speak English in the city center. 

What would you not miss in Zurich if you only had 24 hours? Save this for later to help plan your trip!

Other Resources:  

www.VisitZurich.com

www.Travelsofsarahfay.co m

Check out some of my other blog posts on Switzerland:

Zermatt Winter Travel Guide

Skiing In Switzerland On A Budget For Digital Nomads

Geneva Winter Travel Guide

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