Visiting Switzerland for the first time? Hop on a train and explore the country with these adventurous day trips from Zurich.
So you’ve booked your flights and hotel stays for Zurich. Now, it’s time to map out everything you want to see and do in the Swiss city and beyond. We’d recommend setting aside two to three days to explore Zurich and doing day trips for the rest of your vacation. After all, it’s not just about the cityscapes and urban attractions. Switzerland’s beauty is in its natural wonders and picturesque little towns, so don’t miss out on those spectacular sights. That’s why we’ve got the scoop on day trips from Zurich to make your holiday an unforgettable one.
Pro tip: if you’re constantly hopping from place to place, get the Swiss Travel Pass (with options from three to 15 consecutive days of travel). It comes with a hefty price tag, but you’ll enjoy convenient and unlimited travel via train, bus and boat throughout the country, as well as free admission to over 500 museums and loads of discounts. This made our trip totally hassle-free!
Best day trips from Zurich, Switzerland
1. Lucerne
Add this to your must-visit list, because Lucerne is absolutely lovely. Seated on the edge of Lake Lucerne, with magnificent mountain views, the city is brimming with history, culture and good food. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of its Old Town and pick up knick knacks like chocolates if you’d like.
But don’t miss out on the famous Chapel Bridge (aka Kapellbrücke) – just follow the tourist crowds to get there. This medieval landmark is believed to be Europe’s oldest covered wooden footbridge and if you look up while crossing it, you’ll spot pictorial panels depicting Swiss history. Other places to explore include the Spreuer Bridge, Jesuit Church, Lion Monument, and Glacier Garden.
Our favourite spot in Lucerne? Definitely the Swiss Museum of Transport. This amazing attraction has a sprawling space filled with exhibitions, interactive displays and simulations. From planes and cars to trains and boats, the popular museum covers everything. It’s also home to a film theatre, a planetarium, and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure experience. Talk about having it all!
Travel time from Zurich to Lucerne: about 45 minutes by train
2. Bern
This is one of our top picks for day trips from Zurich. Bern’s beautiful Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is second to none. As the capital of Switzerland, it’s totally worth visiting for the historical buildings, charming streets lined with flags, and delightful fountains (where you can refill your water bottles). Let’s not forget the unmissable Zytglogge, Bern’s famous clock tower from the 12th century.
For a picnic with Mother Nature, head to the Bear Pit (it’s free entry!). If you’re lucky – and they’re not hibernating – you’ll spot the creatures in the enclosures. There are benches and places to sit by the river for a breezy lunch. Or you can make your way to the nearby Rose Garden for stunning views and gorgeous blooms.
If you love museums, we highly recommend the Bern Historical Museum, where you’ll also find the Einstein Museum. Visit in the summer and you’ll see people lounging about on the grass with a cool drink in hand. Fans of the scientist can swing by the Einstein House, where he lived from 1903 to 1905. Oh, and little ones will love the Natural History Museum of Bern, with its displays on animals, fossils and minerals.
Travel time from Zurich to Bern: about 1 hour by train
3. Rhine Falls
Can’t resist the allure of nature? Head to Europe’s largest waterfall. The famous Rhine Falls can be viewed from two platforms: the north side is free to enter, while the southern bank requires a small fee. The former houses Schlossli Worth, a small castle. On our visit, we picked the latter, which features Schloss Laufen, a towering castle with a trail that leads to lookout points and a glass-encased elevator with panoramic views.
To get up close to the falls, pick the boat ride of your choice, sit back, and enjoy the exhilarating experience (though you might just get splashed!). You can also hike around the falls or head to nearby towns like Schaffhausen or Stein am Rhein for more sightseeing.
Travel time Zurich to Rhine Falls: less than 1 hour by train
4. Basel
Switzerland’s third largest city after Zurich and Geneva, Basel sits on the Rhine River, within reach of the borders of France and Germany. Art enthusiasts will love the Kunstmuseum for its fine arts collection – it houses one of the largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe. Other museums to check out include Fine Arts Museum Basel, Toy World Museum Basel, and Vitra Design Museum. To try different cuisines from around the world, hit up the casual indoor marketplace Markthalle for lunch.
Want to mingle with wildlife in the middle of the city? Make your way to Basel Zoo with the fam. It’s been around since 1874, housing over 500 animal species from across the globe. Wander around the Old Town for historic sights, then swing by the Rathaus (town hall) and Basel Minster (cathedral) before you go.
Travel time from Zurich to Basel: about 1 hour by train
5. Rapperswil
Step into the vibrant Rapperswil and you’ll understand why it’s called the Town of Roses. It’s best to visit between May and October to feast your eyes on thousands of pretty blooms blossoming all around the medieval town. Admire the sights as you stroll along Lake Zurich and the streets of its historic Old Town, where you’ll find a weekly farmers’ market.
For a dash of Mediterranean charm, walk up the hill to the Rapperswil Castle, where you’ll be treated to views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Continue your jaunt at Lindenhof Deer Park to spot the animals in their sanctuary, followed by pitstops at attractions like Knie’s Kinderzoo, art centre Kunst(Zeug)Haus, and the Polish Museum.
Travel time from Zurich to Rapperswil: about 30 minutes by train
6. Interlaken
It may take a little longer to get to Interlaken from Zurich, but this day trip is well worth the time. We absolutely loved it! The scenery is outstanding and the town centre is beautifully quaint; plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities at this popular holiday spot.
First up, join the crowds to get on the Harder Kulm funicular. The steep 10-minute ride takes you up to the summit, where you’re surrounded by magnificent mountainous views. While you’re here, have lunch at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant to enjoy fondue and rosti, or hike along the Harder Kulm Circular Path for more panoramic vistas.
Fancy flying over the Swiss Alps? Try paragliding or hang gliding tandem flights to admire the amazing alpine sights. More adventures await as you hike the Schynige Platte Trails, take on obstacle courses at Interlaken Ropes Park, or kayak on Lake Brienz. If you’re up for another train ride, check out the nearby Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg.
Travel time from Zurich to Interlaken: about 2 hours by train
7. Lausanne
Lausanne is a little further from Zurich, but if you’re a fan of the Olympics, you might want to stop by. This city is the world’s Olympic capital, and its Olympic Museum is one of the attractions tourists naturally flock to. Other museums to visit include the Collection de l’Art Brut, the Cantonal Museum of Zoology, and the History Museum. For picturesque views over Lausanne, go up the Sauvabelin Tower or climb 224 steps to the top of the bell tower at Lausanne Cathedral.
Of course, it goes without saying that the Old Town and its colourful buildings are a must-see, along with Place de la Palud, a square where you’ll find the Fountain of Justice, Lausanne’s oldest. If you happen to visit when the street markets are out, pop by to pick up fresh produce, flowers, local food and more. Up for a cruise? Sail the waters of Lake Geneva to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
Travel time from Zurich to Lausanne: about 2.5 hours by train
8. Gruyères
Love chocolate and cheese? This day trip from Zurich is made for you. The town is named after the famous cheese, so you’ll want to visit La Maison du Gruyère to check out the museum, watch the cheese-making action, nibble on bites and shop for gifts. Don’t forget to stop by Maison Cailler, a chocolate factory just outside the village, for an interactive session of chocolate-making and tastings!
For an awe-inspiring view, add the medieval Gruyères Castle to your itinerary. This fortress from the 13th century sits atop a hill overlooking majestic landscapes. Want more museums to explore? Head to HR Giger Museum to gaze at the artist’s works or the Tibet Museum for a massive Buddhist art collection.
Travel time from Zurich to Gruyères: about 2.5 hours by train
The next time you visit Switzerland, explore the country with these scenic day trips from Zurich!
