As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Switzerland has a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Located in the heart of the country, Zurich offers easy access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and charming towns in the Swiss Oberland. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 12 day trip options from Zurich, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Grindelwald and Interlaken: A Paradise for Adventure Seekers
Starting our journey is Grindelwald and Interlaken, two stunning locations that offer endless opportunities for adventure. The village of Grindelwald, known as the “Glacier Village,” is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations and also the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region. In winter, you’ll have fun with snowboarding and skiing, while in summer, hiking trails offer unforgettable experiences, including the famous Eiger Trail walk.
Interlaken, situated between lakes Thun and Brienz, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Alps. This town is famous for its adventurous activities, such as paragliding, rafting, and bungee jumping. The lake scenery combined with surrounding mountains creates a unique environment to relax and enjoy nature.
Distance: 137 km
How to get there: Take A8 (2 hours) or train IC81 to Interlaken, then R61 to Grindelwald
Cost: Zurich day trip ticket includes bus and train ride
Rapperswill: The “City of Roses”
Next on our list is Rapperswill, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Zurich. Characterized by medieval streets, its main attraction is the castle that towers over the hill, offering stunning views. Inside the manor, you’ll find the Polish Museum, an art collection created by Polish immigrants and their Swiss friends.
Distance: 30 km
How to get there: Rapperswill is 30 minutes away from Zurich (A3/Chur); trains take 35 minutes from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Rapperswill Station (€16.44)
Cost of entrance fee: 5 CHF (approximately €4.50)
Jugfraujoch on the Railway: A Scenic Train Ride
For a unique and breathtaking experience, consider taking the Jugfraujoch tour from Zurich. This excursion allows you to see Europe’s highest peaks from a train with a cogwheel mechanism. During the tour, you’ll visit panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and glaciers, stop in charming villages, walk through ice palace tunnels, and enjoy breathtaking views on the Sphinx Panorama deck.
Distance: 136 km
How to get there: The tour starts from Zurich station (accessible by tram 4-13-17); private bus ride takes you to Grindelwald to take the cogwheel train to Lauterbrunnen
Cost of the tour: €225.00
Recommended tickets and tours:
- Zurich day trip to Jungfraujoch on top of Europe
- Zugspitze excursion from Innsbruck
- GoldenPass Line day ticket
Baden: A City Steeped in History and Culture
Next, we’ll visit Baden, a city famous for its thermal waters at 47°C that come from 18 sources. This natural wonder has transformed the town into a wellness center, making it an interesting location to relax and unwind.
In addition to its thermal baths, Baden is also known for various cultural festivals, theater performances, and international events. The historic city center is worth visiting for at least half a day.
Distance: 22.3 km
How to get there: Baden is 22.3 kilometers away from Zurich (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes 25 minutes via A1/A3/A4 Bern/Basel; or 15 minutes by train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Baden Station (€11.69)
Hours: Baths are open Monday-Sunday, 8:00-21:00
Cost of entrance fee: Prices start at €18.00
Winterthur: A City of Culture and Festivals
Our next destination is Winterthur, a former industrial stronghold turned cultural hub. The city boasts beautiful museums and festivals attracting visitors from all over Europe.
Don’t miss visiting Villa Am Romerholz with its vast private collection, performances in cafes and restaurants, and beautiful parks of Winterthur.
Distance: 22.5 km
How to get there: Baden is 22.5 kilometers away from Zurich (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes 25 minutes via A1L towards St Gallen; or 28 minutes by train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Winterthur Station (€18.64)
Hours: Museums are open Monday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00 (Monday and Wednesday only 10:00-20:00)
Cost of entrance fee: Museum entrance fee is 12 CHF (approximately €11.00)
Rhine Falls: A Natural Wonder
The Rhine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, characterized by a 23-meter drop. The falls are surrounded by an impressive rock that can be reached with a boat ride.
Inside the courtyard of Laufen, there’s a platform offering breathtaking views over the waterfall and an unforgettable experience for the brave.
Distance: 39.9 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 47 minutes away by car; take A1/A4/E41/E60 towards St.Gallen. Trains connect Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Neuhausen Rheinfall in 3 minutes (€22.18); or book a guided tour organized from Zurich Bus Station
Hours: All day, but only during December and January, Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-16:00; November, February, and March, Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00; September, October, April, May, Thursday-Sunday, 9:00-18:00; June, July, and August, daily 8:00-19:00
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Cost of entrance fee: Entrance to the falls costs 5 CHF (€4.50); boat tour costs 10 CHF (€9.00)
Sciaffusa: A Town Steeped in History and Culture
Next on our list is Sciaffusa, a charming town located on the banks of the Rhine. Characterized by ancient monuments, baroque and Renaissance buildings, fortresses dominating the city, and interesting museums.
Regardless of the season, this location offers visitors various experiences and events: in February, a picturesque Carnevale takes place; in May, the International J.S. Bach Festival is dedicated to the great composer; always in May, there’s also the Jazz Festival.
In autumn, there are several wine festivals and harvest celebrations; finally, during the holiday season, Sciaffusa lights up with colorful markets.
Distance: 43.4 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 43.4 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes 40 minutes; or train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Sciaffusa in 35 minutes (€22.18)
Hours of the town: Always accessible
Cost of organized tour: €70.00
Lucerne: A City Steeped in History and Culture
Our next destination is Lucerne, a city famous for its stunning lake scenery and historic streets. Once you arrive, you can spend the day walking through the historic streets and squares, admire the historical monuments such as the Chapel Bridge, the fortified city walls lined with towers, and the Lion Monument.
Lastly, don’t miss the Bourbaki Panorama that covers 112 meters and is one of the best-preserved circular monuments in the world.
Distance: 47.7 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 47.7 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes around 42 minutes via A3/E41/A14/A2; or trains from Zurich Hauptbahnhof connect to Lucerne Station in 57 minutes (€23.90)
Hours of guided tours: Guided tours start early and last around 10 hours
Cost of tour tickets: Tour tickets cost approximately €60.00
Basel: A City Steeped in History and Culture
Our next destination is Basel, a Swiss city not far from Zurich that’s a must-see for culture lovers. Located between the Rhine River mountains, Black Forest, and Vosges Alsazian hills.
With over 40 museums, the city boasts a beautiful historic center where ancient palaces and monuments blend perfectly with modern architecture.
Suggest visiting the Market Square, visit the late Romanesque cathedral, the Town Hall, and numerous art galleries.
Distance: 83 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 83 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes via A1/A3/A4 Berna-Basel; or trains from Zurich Hauptbahnhof connect to Basel SBB in 50 minutes (€32.51)
Hours: Always accessible
Cost of organized tour: approximately €306.00
Zugo: A Town Steeped in History and Culture
Next on our list is Zugo, a town situated on the shores of Lake Zug at the foot of the Zugerberg mountain.
Today, it’s famous for its medieval monuments and defensive walls. The town has also become a hub for cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin ATMs located in various areas and payments possible in local stores.
Distance: 27.6 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 27.6 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes 30 minutes; or train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Zug Bahnhof in 23 minutes (€16.64)
Hours of the town: Always accessible
Cost of organized tour: €70.00
Appenzell: A Region Steeped in History and Culture
Our next destination is Appenzell, a green and mountainous region not far from Zurich that’s ideal for a day trip outside the city limits.
The region is famous for its cheese production and Appenzeller cheese, considered world-famous. Visit one of the local cheese factories and taste some delicious products; then visit the Appenzeller bakery to try their traditional gingerbread with nuts and honey.
Distance: 82.6 km
How to get there: Zurich is approximately 82.6 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes via A1/A4/E41/E60 towards St.Gallen/Winterthur; or trains from Zurich Hauptbahnhof connect to Appenzell in 9 hours
Hours of guided tours: Guided tours start early, lasting approximately 9 hours
Cost of organized tour: €100.00
Mount Titlis: A Scenic Excursion
Finally, we’ll visit Mount Titlis, a beautiful excursion that takes you to the Swiss glaciers at 3,000 meters high.
Typically, you take a boat ride from Lake Lucerne before heading towards Engelberg. From there, you can enjoy an ovovia with rotating cabins that allow for breathtaking views during the ascent.
Distance: 90.4 km
How to get there: Lucerne is approximately 90.4 kilometers away (Ottieni indicazioni); driving takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes via A3/A14/A2; or trains from Zurich Hauptbahnhof connect to Lucerne Station, then take another train to Engelberg Station in 50 minutes (€27.34)
Hours of cabinovia: Cabinovia and mountain railway are open Monday-Sunday, 8:30-17:00
Cost of cabinovia ticket: €80 (approximately); mountain railway: €11; The ice grotto is free
Cost of organized tour: approximately €146.00. Book online
