As Switzerland’s largest city and hub of culture, business, and finance, I adore the city of Zurich and think it’s a wonderful hotspot for travellers.
Yet I love that the city’s central location also makes it an excellent starting point to explore the surrounding regions and nearby fairytale Swiss towns.
With picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historical landmarks, there is no shortage of day trips from Zurich that are worth taking.
From the stunning Rhine Falls to the quaint mediaeval town of Stein am Rhein, there are plenty of Zurich day trips for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
For those interested in history, I’d recommend the charming town of Einsiedeln, with its impressive abbey, as an excellent choice.
Alternatively, I’d suggest that nature lovers head to the idyllic Lucerne, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake and mountains.
In this guide, I share 15 of the best day trips from Zurich, based on my own personal experiences and recommendations from locals. I’ve also included handy tips on how to get there and what to see.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing break in nature or an exciting adrenaline-fuelled adventure, I’ve got something for you on this list.
So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the best day trips from Zurich together.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
Swiss Travel Pass
First up, I highly recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass if you plan to travel around Switzerland. It’s a popular travel pass that allows you to explore Switzerland’s landscape by train, bus, and boat.
The pass offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats, as well as free admission to over 500 museums and attractions across the country.
It’s available for different durations, ranging from three to 15 days, and can be purchased online or at train stations in Switzerland.
I found the Swiss Travel Pass to be a great way to save money on transportation and sightseeing while exploring the beautiful landscapes and cities of Switzerland.
Day trips from Zurich: mountains and lakes
Switzerland is famous for its stunning mountains and lakes, and I think Zurich is the perfect base from which to explore them.
Here are six of my favourite day trips from Zurich for those looking to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Lucerne & Mount Pilatus
Best for: Railway lovers
Travel times:
- By train: 41 minutes
- By car: 1 hour
Top three things to do:
- Take a trip up Mount Pilatus
- Relax on a yacht cruise on Lake Lucerne
- Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour
Lucerne is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the towering Swiss mountains.
Here, I’d recommend taking a boat ride on the lake, exploring the historic old town, and visiting the famous Chapel Bridge. But for me, the highlight of any day in Lucerne is a journey up Mount Pilatus.
You’ll ascend on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking and unparalleled views of the surrounding Alps.
Insider travel tip: During the winter season – November to February – Lucerne is a hub for snow sports. Everyone is hitting the slopes, so museums and other indoor attractions are quite quiet.
Interlaken
Best for: Adrenaline junkies
Travel times:
- By train: 1 hour 54 minutes
- By car: 1 hour 50 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Ascend to the Harder Kulm Viewpoint
- Get your adrenaline pumping with a tandem paraglide
- Take a trip to Giessbach Falls
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Day-Trip to Interlaken
Interlaken is a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, with activities such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and daring white-water rafting on offer.
But even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie like me, Interlaken is worth a visit for its gorgeous scenery alone.
I’d recommend taking a stroll along the shores of Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, or taking a cable car up to the top of Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
See the Swiss Alps in all their glory and marvel at the natural beauty on show. Discover more of the best things to do in Interlaken in my guide.
Or if you fancy staying for a night or two (and I recommend that you do as it’s an excellent base for exploring nearby areas), read my guide to the best hotels in Interlaken.
Insider travel tip: One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Interlaken is to take a boat ride on Lake Brienz.
Grindelwald
Best for: Skiers and hikers
Travel times:
- By train: 2 hours 35 minutes
- By car: 2 hours 15 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Visit the Gletscherschlucht gorge (Grindelwald Glacier Gorge)
- Hire Trotti Bikes
- Take a trip up First Mountain
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken
I adore the charming village of Grindelwald, which is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It’s a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it’s also well worth a visit in the summer for its beautiful hiking trails.
In my opinion, the highlight of any trip to Grindelwald is a journey up to the top of the First Mountain for the popular Cliff Walk.
Here, you’ll walk across a suspension bridge that offers incredible views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Watch my Grindelwald travel vlog for more inspiration for visiting this beautiful spot. Or discover more amazing ski resorts near Zurich.
Lake Geneva
Best for: Water sports lovers
Travel times:
- By train: 2 hours 46 minutes
- By car: 3 hours
Top three things to do:
- Take a boat ride on the lake
- Visit the flower clock
- See the Geneva water fountains
Not only is Lake Geneva the largest lake in Switzerland, it is also one of the largest lakes in the whole of Europe.
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and awe-inspiring alpine views, Lake Geneva is the perfect day trip from Zurich if you want to immerse yourself in nature.
While visiting the stunning lake, I’d recommend taking a cruise on the water, exploring the charming nearby towns of Montreux and Vevey, or visiting the famous Chillon Castle.
I’d also suggest journeying up to the top of the immense Rochers-de-Naye mountain. Here you can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
Good to know: Lake Geneva is a playground for water sports enthusiasts! Expect to see pedal boats, wakeboarders, paddle boarders and much more on the lake.
If you’re trying to decide between the two cities, read my guide to choosing between Geneva or Zurich.
Jungfraujoch
Best for: Panoramic views of the Swiss Alps
Travel times to nearby Grindelwald:
- By train: 2 hours 35 minutes
- By car: 2 hours 15 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Explore the Ice Palace
- Visit the world’s highest Lindt shop
- See the longest glacier in the Alps
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride
Lovingly known as the “Top of Europe”, Jungrfraujoch is by far one of the most popular day trips from Zurich.
Take the Jungfraujoch railway to Europe’s highest railway station and enjoy unmatched views from 3,454 metres above sea level.
Once you reach the peak, I love that there are still plenty of things to see and do.
Explore the Ice Palace and discover the incredible frosty sculptures made by renowned artists. Or I’d recommend indulging in a sweet treat at the world’s highest Lindt shop.
Good to know: The railway journey to the top of Jungfraujoch is not cheap – tickets cost around CHF 200 per person (depending on season).
However, I really believe that the once-in-a-lifetime experience is well worth the cost.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
Mount Titlis
Best for: Walking underneath a glacier
Travel times:
- By train: 1 hour 43 minutes (to nearby Engelberg)
- By car: 1 hour 35 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Brave the Cliff Walk
- Explore the Glacier Cave
- Take the Ice Flyer
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Mount Titlis Day Tour
Mount Titlis is another popular day trip from Zurich for those wanting to experience the power of nature. It’s known for its captivating views and unique attractions.
Here, you can ride on the famous Ice Flyer, soaring high above the glaciers below. If you’re brave enough, the Cliff Walk taking you across a suspension bridge held 3,041 metres above sea level is a must.
I’d also recommend trekking 10 metres below the glacier into the Glacier Cave for an unforgettable experience. Basking in turquoise light, the ice in this cave is up to 5,000 years old.
Insider travel tip: If you get peckish at the top of Mount Titlis, the stunning Titlis Panoramic Restaurant serves up delicious dishes against a backdrop of the magical glacier.
Day trips from Zurich: historic towns
Zurich is surrounded by several historic towns that are perfect for a day trip. These towns are rich in history, architecture, and culture.
Here are some of my favourite historic towns to visit on a day trip from Zurich:
Bern
Best for: Historic landmarks
Travel times:
- By train: 56 minutes
- By car: 1 hour 45 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Tour the old town
- See the bears at BärenPark
- Book a helicopter flight over the Swiss Alps
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich/Lucerne: Berne Capital and Countryside Day-Trip
As the Swiss capital, it’s no surprise that Bern is one of the best historical day trips from Zurich. Here, you’ll find mediaeval architecture with a modern flare and a UNESCO World Heritage Site certified old town.
Discover Bern’s wealth of historic landmarks as you stroll through the city, including: the Untertorbrücke Bridge, Bern Cathedral, Zytglogge clock tower and among others, the iconic Bern fountains.
Discover more of the best things to do in Bern or read my guide to the top hotels in Bern. You can also watch my Bern travel vlog for more inspiration.
Insider travel tip: When Parliament is not in session, you can tour the Bundeshaus (Swiss Parliament Building) for an insight into the immense history and cultural significance of Bern.
Basel
Best for: Historic art and museums
Travel times:
- By train: 54 minutes
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Join a walking tour through the old town
- Visit Basel Minster
- Explore the Toy Worlds Museum
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zurich: Full-Day Discover Basel & Colmar Private Tour
A charming city located on the banks of the Rhine River, Basel lies close to the borders with France and Germany.
I think this historic city makes for the most wonderful day trip from Zurich, offering a variety of art galleries and museums for you to explore.
Basel’s old town is home to several historic landmarks, including: Basel Minster, the Basel Town Hall, and the Spalentor.
Here, I’d recommend exploring the Kunstmuseum Basel – one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world – which houses the oldest public art collection in the world.
Good to know: Basel is home to almost 40 museums, making it the perfect day trip from Zurich for those wanting to dive into Swiss culture.
Schaffhausen
Best for: Renaissance architecture
Travel times:
- By train: 36 minutes
- By car: 1 hour
Top three things to do:
- See the Rhine Falls
- Visit the Munot Fortress
- Explore the old town
Schaffhausen is a beautifully picturesque town located on the northern banks of the Rhine River.
The old town of Schaffhausen is home to several historic landmarks, including the Munot Fortress, the Fronwagplatz, and the Allerheiligen Monastery. Each holds a part of the town’s history.
Here, I’d recommend taking a boat tour of the Rhine Falls, which is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Formed in the last Ice Age, the waterfall is a must-see when visiting Schaffhausen.
Insider travel tip: The Untersee Lake-Rhine boat trip takes you along the High Rhine from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen for nearly 50 kilometres and is incredibly popular with visitors.
Gruyères
Best for: Foodies
Travel times:
- By train: 2 hours 25 minutes
- By car: 2 hours 10 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Join a cheese and chocolate tour to sample the local delicacies
- Visit the HR Giger Museum
- Explore Gruyères Castle
Full of character, Gruyères is a charming mediaeval town located in the Swiss Alps and popular day trip from Zurich.
It’s no secret that the town is a foodie’s paradise (which is probably why I love it so much!) – cheese and chocolate are most definitely on the menu!
That’s not all the town has to offer: the old town of Gruyères is quaint, but packed with immense history.
Explore the Gruyères Castle, Saint-Théodule Church, and the Tibet Museum for your hit of history and culture.
Insider travel tip: Alien fans, Gruyères is a must-visit day trip from Zurich. Discover the HR Giger Museum, where you can find a selection of the artist’s paintings and sculptures, all in his signature surrealist style.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
Day trips from Zurich: cultural excursions
Zurich is not only a financial hub but also a cultural one with the city being home to several museums, galleries, and architectural wonders. But there’s more to Swiss culture than Zurich.
The regions surrounding Zurich are rich in history, art, and architecture, making excellent destinations for cultural excursions.
Here are a few of my favourite cultural day trips from Zurich:
Zug
Best for: Preserved old town
Travel times:
- By train: 21 minutes
- By car: 40 minutes
Top three things to do:
- See the Zytturm clock tower
- Wander the old town
- Visit the Kunsthaus Zug
A quaint town located on the shores of Lake Zug and a short train ride from Zurich, Zug is known for its well-preserved mediaeval old town.
Here, you’ll find several historic buildings, including: the imposing 14th-century Zytturm clock tower and the St. Oswald Church.
Zug is also famous for its impressive art collection, including works by revered Swiss artists like Johann Heinrich Füssli and Ferdinand Hodler.
The Kunsthaus Zug proudly houses the most comprehensive collection of Viennese Modernism in Europe outside Austria,
Insider travel tip: I’d recommend taking a cruise along Lake Zug as the perfect way to unwind, away from the bustling city life.
Winterthur
Best for: Modern art and photography
Travel times:
- By train: 20 minutes
- By car: 35 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Visit the Fotomuseum Winterthur
- Explore the Swiss Science Center Technorama
- View the old town from the Rosengarten
Winterthur is a lesser known cultural hub of Switzerland, but a true cultural hub nonetheless.
Located just 20 minutes from Zurich by train, the charming town is home to several museums. For example, I love the Fotomuseum Winterthur which showcases photography exhibits.
Other cultural sights that are worth a visit in Winterthur include the Swiss Science Center Technorama, Museum Oskar Reinhart and Kunstmuseum Winterthur, which exhibits modern art from the likes of Picasso and Klee.
Good to know: Take time to visit the Rosengarten, a gorgeous hilltop garden with hundreds of rose varieties and stunning views of the old town.
St. Gallen
Best for: Baroque architecture
Travel times:
- By train: 57 minutes
- By car: 1 hour
Top three things to do:
- Explore the Abbey of St. Gall
- Stroll through the old town
- Visit the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen
Famous for its impressive Baroque architecture, St. Gallen is a historic town located in the eastern part of Switzerland.
When visiting St. Gallen, you simply must see the Abbey of St. Gall, a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, you can explore the abbey’s library – which houses some of the oldest manuscripts in Europe – or take a guided tour of the historic old town.
St. Gallen is also home to several museums, including the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen, which exhibits a collection of contemporary art.
Insider travel tip: I’d recommend visiting the Textile Museum where you can learn more about the historic local trade in St. Gallen
Day trips from Zurich: outdoor adventures
Zurich is surrounded by beautiful nature and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are some of my favourite day trips from Zurich for those who love to explore the outdoors.
Rhine Falls
Best for: The power of nature
Travel times:
- By train: 36 minutes (to nearby Schaffhausen)
- By car: 45 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Take a boat tour to Rhine falls
- Go on a hike around the falls
- Grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: From Zürich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls
Located on the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zürich, the epic Rhine Falls is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Located just 45 minutes from Zurich, I’d recommend this as the perfect day trip for travellers wanting to be immersed in nature.
Here, you can take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls, or hike around the area for stunning views of the Swiss countryside.
There are also several restaurants and cafés in the area to enjoy a meal or drink while taking in the incredible scenery.
Good to know: If you’d prefer to keep your distance and take in the scenery, there are several viewing platforms built on both sides of the Rhine River.
Appenzell
Best for: Hiking trails
Travel times:
- By train: 1 hour 51 minutes
- By car: 1 hour 10 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Get the cable car to Ebenalp
- Explore the prehistoric Wildkirchli caves
- Visit the Museum Appenzell
Top Zurich day trip tour to book: Zürich: Appenzell Day-Trip with Cheese & Chocolate Tastings
Appenzell is a charming town located in the heart of the Appenzell Alps, just over an hour’s drive from Zurich.
The area is known not only for its beautiful hiking trails, but also for its traditional Swiss culture.
I’d recommend hiking up to the top of Mount Säntis for breathtaking views, getting the cable car to Ebenalp (which is the starting point for several hikes) or explorign the town’s museums and galleries.
Insider travel tip: Appenzell is home to the highest whisky trek in the world – so if you fancy a tipple, this one’s for you!
Rapperswil-Jona
Best for: Rose gardens
Travel times:
- By train: 37 minutes
- By car: 35 minutes
Top three things to do:
- Hire bikes to explore the town
- Take a boat tour on Lake Zurich
- Visit the rose gardens
Rapperswil-Jona is a picturesque town located on the northern shores of Lake Zurich, just 30 minutes from Zurich.
Known for its impressive mediaeval castle and beautiful rose gardens, I think this is a wonderful day trip from Zurich for the whole family.
In Rapperswil-Jona, you can take a boat tour on the lake for gorgeous mountain views.
The rose gardens of Rapperswil-Jona are another favourite of mine – with the town’s coat of arms even featuring two roses.
Insider travel tip: Beer connoisseurs, I’d recommend taking a trip to the craft beer brewery, Bier Factory. It’s one of the oldest craft beer breweries in Switzerland.
Do you have any questions or recommendations for the best day trips from Zurich? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message on social media!
For more inspiration, discover more tours from Zurich. Or read my guides to the best things to do in Zurich and the top luxury hotels in Zurich.
Planning a trip to Switzerland? You may also like:
- 15 best spa resorts in Switzerland
- 12 most scenic train rides in Switzerland
- 21 beautiful fairytale towns in Switzerland
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
