– This is a guest post by Kyle Kroeger, owner of ViaTraveler.com –
If you’re planning a holiday in Zurich, here are ten of the best one-day excursions from the city. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or seeing some of Switzerland’s renowned castles, there’s sure to be something that interests you.
Travelers, if you are looking for a good day trip from Zurich, you should go here. There are many different things to do. Some people like to hike and others like skiing. You can also go to castles and see them in Switzerland. These trips are very fun. There are many different things to do and see in Switzerland, it’s almost impossible to get bored.
Additionally, day trips from Zurich provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore more of this beautiful country. In fact, according to statistics, the majority of tourists who visit Switzerland do so for less than a week.
So, if you’re looking to make the most out of your time in Zurich, consider taking one of these day trips.
Best Day Trips from Zurich, Switzerland
1. Lucerne
Lucerne is a city located in central Switzerland that is known for its scenic beauty and its many historical landmarks. This amazing city is one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of Europe.
Some of the highlights of a visit to Lucerne include the Chapel Bridge, which is adorned with paintings of Swiss landscapes, and the Lion Monument, which was carved into a rockface in honor of the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
If you’re planning a trip to Lucerne from Zurich, there are a few different options for getting there. The most direct route is by train, and there are several trains departing for Lucerne from Zurich every hour.
The journey takes just over an hour, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the station. If you’re looking for a more scenic option, you can take a boat ride from Zurich straight to Lucerne. The ride takes around two hours and includes a stop in the lovely town of Rapperswil.
2. Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus is a peak located near Lucerne that offers hikers and climbers a challenging but rewarding experience.
The views from the summit of Mount Pilatus are some of the most spectacular in all of Switzerland, and on a clear day, hikers can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany.
There are a few different ways to get to Mount Pilatus from Zurich. The most popular option is to take the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad, which takes about an hour and a half. Another option is to take the boat from Lucerne, which takes about an hour.
Or, for those who really want to make a day of it, there is a longer hike that starts in Kriens and takes about four hours.
3. Bern
The capital of Switzerland, Bern is a historic city that is home to many well-preserved medieval buildings, including the Clock Tower and the Zytglogge, a 12th-century tower that is considered to be one of the most impressive in all of Europe.
Bern is also home to a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum, which is one of the largest and most important art museums in Switzerland.
4. The Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau Region is a popular area for skiing and hiking, and it is also home to two of the most famous peaks in all of Switzerland: the Jungfrau and the Monch.
The Jungfrau Railway, which runs from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch, is one of the most famous railway lines in the world and offers passengers stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
From Zurich, you may reach the Jungfrau Region in a number of ways. The most popular and efficient approach is to travel by train from Zurich’s city center to the region. The trip takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. Travel tickets can be purchased ahead of time online or at the station.
There is also a daily bus service that departs from Zurich city center in the morning and arrives in the afternoon. However, this option is not as direct as the train and takes around 3 hours.
5. Interlaken
Interlaken is a small town located between two lakes, Thun and Brienz, and is a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and snowboarders.
The town is also home to a number of well-preserved traditional Swiss houses and is home to the Interlaken ost railway station, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Switzerland.
Travelers going to The Black Forest from Zurich may choose between a few alternatives. The trip by car takes around three hours. If you’re taking the train, the journey is a bit longer – around 4 hours.
6. The Black Forest
The Black Forest is a large forested area located in southwestern Germany that is known for its rolling hills, its many breweries, and its cuckoo clocks. The Black Forest is a popular destination for day trips from Zurich and can be reached by car in just a few hours.
7. Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen is a small city located on the north bank of the Rhine River that is best known for its impressive medieval castle, the Schaffhausen Munot.
The city is also home to a number of other historical landmarks, including the Church of St. John and the Rathaus, the city hall.
The most practical mode of transportation to arrive in Schaffhausen is by automobile. The journey takes less than an hour, and there are numerous parking options accessible in the city center. If you’re traveling by train, the best option is to get to Schaffhausen via Zurich. The journey takes around 90 minutes, and trains depart regularly from Zurich’s main train station. Once you arrive in Schaffhausen, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do.
The city is home to the magnificent Rhine Falls, and the old town is full of charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, Schaffhausen is well worth the journey from Zurich.
8. Geneva
Geneva, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is the second-most populous city in Switzerland and is home to a number of important international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross.
The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. Pierre and the Geneva Water Fountain.
If you’re looking to travel from Zurich to Geneva, there are a few different options available to you. The most direct route is by train, which takes just under three hours. You can also take a bus, which takes a bit longer but is usually cheaper than the train.
If you’re driving, the journey will take you around two and a half hours. Whichever way you choose to travel, be sure to enjoy the scenic route – both Zurich and Geneva are beautiful cities surrounded by stunning scenery.
9. The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is a mountain located in the Swiss Alps that is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb.
The views from the summit of the Matterhorn are some of the most spectacular in all of Switzerland, and on a clear day, hikers can see as far as the city of Milan in Italy.
There are a few different ways to get to Matterhorn from Zurich. The most direct way is to take the train, which takes about 4 hours. You can also take a bus, which takes a bit longer but is usually cheaper. If you’re renting a car, it will take you about 5 hours to drive. Regardless of how you’re getting there, you’ll need to get to the town of Visp first.
From Visp, you can take a train or bus directly to Matterhorn. Or, if you’re driving, you can take the scenic route through the valley and then up the mountain. Whichever way you choose to go, getting to Matterhorn from Zurich is easy and convenient.
10. Lausanne
Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is the fourth most populous city in Switzerland and is home to a number of important international organizations, including the International Olympic Committee and the World Council of Churches.
The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Olympic Museum.
By train, the journey takes about an hour and a half, and there are direct trains departing from Zurich every 30 minutes. The buses are slightly cheaper than the trains, but the journey time is longer at two hours. If you’re driving, the journey takes around an hour and a half on the highway. Whichever option you choose, getting to Lausanne from Zurich is easy and scenic.
11. Rigi
The Rigi is a mountain located in central Switzerland that is well-known for its stunning views. At an elevation of 1,796 meters (5,899 feet), it is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the Alps on a clear day.
There are several different ways to get to the Rigi. The most popular way is by cog railway, which departs from both Zurich and Lucerne.
The journey takes around two hours, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, there is also a hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain.
Final Thoughts
Zurich is an amazing city with plenty to offer, but if you want to explore more of Switzerland, there are plenty of great day trips that you can take. Some of the best include hiking in the Alps, skiing in the Swiss Alps and exploring the charming towns and villages that dot the countryside.
All of the day trips on this list share one key thing in common: they offer breathtaking views of Switzerland’s stunning landscape. If you are looking for a beautiful and memorable way to spend your time in Switzerland, be sure to check out some of these amazing day trips.
FAQ
What are the best day trips from Zurich?
There are many great day trips from Zurich, but some of our favorites include visiting the picturesque villages of Luzern and Interlaken, touring the majestic Jungfraujoch mountain peak, and exploring the interesting city of Bern.
Author Bio: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTraveler.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
