Take a practice trip to discover the very best of Switzerland with day journeys from Zurich.

Visiting Switzerland for the primary time? Hop on a practice and discover the nation with these adventurous day journeys from Zurich.

So that you’ve booked your flights and resort stays for Zurich. Now, it’s time to map out every little thing you need to see and do within the Swiss metropolis and past. We’d suggest setting apart two to 3 days to discover Zurich and doing day journeys for the remainder of your trip. In spite of everything, it’s not simply concerning the cityscapes and concrete points of interest. Switzerland’s magnificence is in its pure wonders and picturesque little cities, so don’t miss out on these spectacular sights. That’s why we’ve obtained the news on day journeys from Zurich to make your vacation an unforgettable one.

Professional tip: if you happen to’re continually hopping from place to position, get the Swiss Journey Move (with choices from three to fifteen consecutive days of journey). It comes with a hefty price ticket, however you’ll get pleasure from handy and limitless journey by way of practice, bus and boat all through the nation, in addition to free admission to over 500 museums and a great deal of reductions. This made our journey completely hassle-free!

Finest day journeys from Zurich, Switzerland

1. Lucerne

day trips from zurich | lucerne chapel bridge
You’ll be able to’t miss the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Pictures: Benita Lee

Add this to your must-visit listing, as a result of Lucerne is totally pretty. Seated on the sting of Lake Lucerne, with magnificent mountain views, the town is brimming with historical past, tradition and good meals. Take a leisurely stroll by means of the cobblestone streets of its Outdated City and choose up knick knacks like sweets if you happen to’d like.

However don’t miss out on the well-known Chapel Bridge (aka Kapellbrücke) – simply observe the vacationer crowds to get there. This medieval landmark is believed to be Europe’s oldest lined picket footbridge and if you happen to lookup whereas crossing it, you’ll spot pictorial panels depicting Swiss historical past. Different locations to discover embody the Spreuer Bridge, Jesuit Church, Lion Monument, and Glacier Backyard.

Our favorite spot in Lucerne? Positively the Swiss Museum of Transport. This superb attraction has a sprawling area stuffed with exhibitions, interactive shows and simulations. From planes and automobiles to trains and boats, the favored museum covers every little thing. It’s additionally house to a movie theatre, a planetarium, and the Swiss Chocolate Journey expertise. Speak about having all of it!

Journey time from Zurich to Lucerne: about 45 minutes by practice

2. Bern

day trips from zurich | bern city
The streets of Bern are completely charming. Pictures: Benita Lee

That is one among our high picks for day journeys from Zurich. Bern’s lovely Outdated City, a Unesco World Heritage Website, is second to none. Because the capital of Switzerland, it’s completely price visiting for the historic buildings, charming streets lined with flags, and pleasant fountains (the place you possibly can refill your water bottles). Let’s not neglect the unmissable Zytglogge, Bern’s well-known clock tower from the twelfth century.

For a picnic with Mom Nature, head to the Bear Pit (it’s free entry!). In the event you’re fortunate – they usually’re not hibernating – you’ll spot the creatures within the enclosures. There are benches and locations to take a seat by the river for a breezy lunch. Or you may make your option to the close by Rose Backyard for beautiful views and lovely blooms.

In the event you love museums, we extremely suggest the Bern Historic Museum, the place you’ll additionally discover the Einstein Museum. Go to in the summertime and also you’ll see folks lounging about on the grass with a cool drink in hand. Followers of the scientist can swing by the Einstein Home, the place he lived from 1903 to 1905. Oh, and little ones will love the Pure Historical past Museum of Bern, with its shows on animals, fossils and minerals.

Journey time from Zurich to Bern: about 1 hour by practice

3. Rhine Falls

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The beautiful Rhine Falls. Pictures: Benita Lee

Can’t resist the attract of nature? Head to Europe’s largest waterfall. The well-known Rhine Falls may be seen from two platforms: the north aspect is free to enter, whereas the southern financial institution requires a small price. The previous homes Schlossli Value, a small fort. On our go to, we picked the latter, which options Schloss Laufen, a towering fort with a path that results in lookout factors and a glass-encased elevator with panoramic views.

To stand up near the falls, choose the boat trip of your selection, sit again, and benefit from the exhilarating expertise (although you would possibly simply get splashed!). You may also hike across the falls or head to close by cities like Schaffhausen or Stein am Rhein for extra sightseeing.

Journey time Zurich to Rhine Falls: lower than 1 hour by practice

4. Basel

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The Marktplatz in Basel. Pictures: trabantos by way of Shutterstock

Switzerland’s third largest metropolis after Zurich and Geneva, Basel sits on the Rhine River, inside attain of the borders of France and Germany. Artwork lovers will love the Kunstmuseum for its nice arts assortment – it homes one of many largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe. Different museums to take a look at embody High quality Arts Museum Basel, Toy World Museum Basel, and Vitra Design Museum. To attempt totally different cuisines from around the globe, hit up the informal indoor market Markthalle for lunch.

Need to mingle with wildlife in the midst of the town? Make your option to Basel Zoo with the fam. It’s been round since 1874, housing over 500 animal species from throughout the globe. Wander across the Outdated City for historic sights, then swing by the Rathaus (city corridor) and Basel Minster (cathedral) earlier than you go.

Journey time from Zurich to Basel: about 1 hour by practice

andermatt switzerland | hiking at lutersee

5. Rapperswil

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Discover Rapperswil’s historic Outdated City in your day journey!

Step into the colourful Rapperswil and also you’ll perceive why it’s known as the City of Roses. It’s finest to go to between Might and October to feast your eyes on 1000’s of fairly blooms blossoming throughout the medieval city. Admire the sights as you stroll alongside Lake Zurich and the streets of its historic Outdated City, the place you’ll discover a weekly farmers’ market.

For a touch of Mediterranean attraction, stroll up the hill to the Rapperswil Fort, the place you’ll be handled to views of the encircling lakes and mountains. Proceed your jaunt at Lindenhof Deer Park to identify the animals of their sanctuary, adopted by pitstops at points of interest like Knie’s Kinderzoo, artwork centre Kunst(Zeug)Haus, and the Polish Museum.

Journey time from Zurich to Rapperswil: about half-hour by practice

6. Interlaken

day trips from zurich | interlaken harder kulm lookout
Try the view from More durable Kulm. Pictures: Benita Lee

It might take a bit of longer to get to Interlaken from Zurich, however this present day journey is properly definitely worth the time. We completely cherished it! The surroundings is excellent and the city centre is fantastically quaint; plus, there are many outside actions at this well-liked vacation spot.

First up, be a part of the crowds to get on the More durable Kulm funicular. The steep 10-minute trip takes you as much as the summit, the place you’re surrounded by magnificent mountainous views. Whilst you’re right here, have lunch on the More durable Kulm Panorama Restaurant to get pleasure from fondue and rosti, or hike alongside the More durable Kulm Round Path for extra panoramic vistas.

Fancy flying over the Swiss Alps? Strive paragliding or grasp gliding tandem flights to admire the superb alpine sights. Extra adventures await as you hike the Schynige Platte Trails, tackle impediment programs at Interlaken Ropes Park, or kayak on Lake Brienz. In the event you’re up for an additional practice trip, try the close by Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg.

Journey time from Zurich to Interlaken: about 2 hours by practice

7. Lausanne

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The town’s gothic cathedral with Lake Geneva as a backdrop.

Lausanne is a bit of farther from Zurich, however if you happen to’re a fan of the Olympics, you would possibly need to cease by. This metropolis is the world’s Olympic capital, and its Olympic Museum is likely one of the points of interest vacationers naturally flock to. Different museums to go to embody the Assortment de l’Artwork Brut, the Cantonal Museum of Zoology, and the Historical past Museum. For picturesque views over Lausanne, go up the Sauvabelin Tower or climb 224 steps to the highest of the bell tower at Lausanne Cathedral.

In fact, it goes with out saying that the Outdated City and its vibrant buildings are a must-see, together with Place de la Palud, a sq. the place you’ll discover the Fountain of Justice, Lausanne’s oldest. In the event you occur to go to when the road markets are out, pop by to select up contemporary produce, flowers, native meals and extra. Up for a cruise? Sail the waters of Lake Geneva to get pleasure from a leisurely afternoon.

Journey time from Zurich to Lausanne: about 2.5 hours by practice

8. Gruyères

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The Gruyères Fort is a shocking sight.

Love chocolate and cheese? Today journey from Zurich is made for you. The city is called after the well-known cheese, so that you’ll need to go to La Maison du Gruyère to take a look at the museum, watch the cheese-making motion, nibble on bites and store for items. Don’t neglect to cease by Maison Cailler, a chocolate manufacturing facility simply exterior the village, for an interactive session of chocolate-making and tastings!

For an awe-inspiring view, add the medieval Gruyères Fort to your itinerary. This fortress from the thirteenth century sits atop a hill overlooking majestic landscapes. Need extra museums to discover? Head to HR Giger Museum to gaze on the artist’s works or the Tibet Museum for a large Buddhist artwork assortment.

Journey time from Zurich to Gruyères: about 2.5 hours by practice

The following time you go to Switzerland, discover the nation with these scenic day journeys from Zurich!

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