15 Epic Day Trips from Zurich, Switzerland (By Train or Tour)
Looking for the best day trips from Zurich, Switzerland? You’re in the right spot.
A lot of travelers use Zurich as a home base and then plan a few quick getaways to make the most of their time here, which I fully support. I’m the type who gets a little stir-crazy staying in one place too long, so mixing in a few day trips keeps things exciting without the hassle of packing up and moving every night.
If you’re asking yourself if day trips from Zurich, Switzerland, are worth it, the answer is 100% yes. The best part? You can explore new places every day and still come back to the same cozy bed at night.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book day tours here: Viator
– Best rental car service: Rentalcars.com
15 Epic Day Trips from Zurich
From quick half-day getaways to full-day trips that take you into the mountains or across the border, there’s no shortage of ways to explore beyond Zurich. This list rounds up the best spots to visit by train—from quiet towns near the water to rugged mountain views and a few places that fly under the radar.
Most of them are easy to reach thanks to Switzerland’s ridiculously efficient trains, and for the trickier ones, I’ve added tour links if you’d rather kick back and have it all mapped out for you.
I’ve broken the list down by distance to help you plan, whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day to roam. Let’s check them out:
Short Day Trips from Zurich (Under 1 Hour)
These quick getaways are perfect when you want a change of scenery without spending half your day on a train. They’re easy, affordable, and full of local flavor.
1. Rapperswil – The Rose Town on Lake Zurich
📍 Travel time: ~40 minutes by train or boat
Best for: Lake views, castles, cute cafes
Rapperswil sits right at the end of Lake Zurich and is known as the “Town of Roses” thanks to its 15,000+ rose bushes blooming each summer. Walk up to Rapperswil Castle for panoramic lake views, stroll along the wooden boardwalk, and pop into a café for coffee or tea.
2. Uetliberg – Mountain Views Without Leaving the City
📍 Travel time: ~20 minutes by train
Best for: Hiking, panoramic views, sunrise/sunset photos
You don’t even have to leave Zurich to catch epic views. Uetliberg is the city’s own backyard mountain, and the quick train ride to the top brings you straight into nature. Hike the Planet Trail (a scaled model of the solar system), stop for a beer or snack at the restaurant, or bring a picnic and watch the sunset over Zurich and the Alps.
🎒 Tip: The hike from Felsenegg back to Zurich is super scenic and not too difficult.
3. Basel – Culture, Art & Border-Hopping Vibes
📍 Travel time: ~1.5 hours by train
Best for: Art museums, river life, city-hopping
Tucked in the corner of Switzerland where Germany and France meet, Basel is a cool mashup of cultures. It’s home to the Kunstmuseum (one of Europe’s top art collections), a historic old town, and the funky architecture of the Vitra Design Campus just across the border. In summer, grab a Wickelfisch bag and float down the Rhine with the locals.
4. Rhine Falls – The Biggest Waterfall in Europe
📍 Travel time: ~50 minutes by train
Best for: Waterfall lovers, boat rides, adrenaline shots
Rhine Falls is massive. Like, 600,000 liters-per-second is kind of massive. It’s just outside Zurich and super easy to get to, so there’s really no excuse not to go. You can take a boat ride up to the crashing falls, cross the viewing platform bridge, or hike around the trails for different photo angles. If you’re into castles, Schloss Laufen overlooks the falls and has a killer view.
🔗 Optional tour: Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Day Trip
5. Lucerne – Bridges, Boats, and Mountain Backdrops
📍 Travel time: ~45 minutes by train
Best for: First-timers, culture lovers, lake + mountain combos
Lucerne is one of the cities that you have probably seen tons of photos of; it truly feels like a postcard. Walk across the famous Kapellbrücke, take a boat across the lake, or hop on a cable car to Mount Pilatus or Rigi for panoramic views. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Zurich for a reason—you get city vibes, alpine air, and waterfront cafes all in one.
Medium Day Trips from Zurich (1–2 Hours)
These spots are perfect for when you want to get out of the city but still have a full day to explore, eat, hike, or just wander around a new place. No early alarms, no late-night trains—just good vibes and a solid change of scenery.
6. Bern – Switzerland’s Chill Capital City
📍 Travel time: ~1 hour by train
Best for: History, architecture, river hangs
Bern doesn’t scream “capital city,” and that’s what makes it great. The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sandstone arcades, colorful fountains, cozy shops, and a clock tower that puts on a little show every hour. Float down the Aare River in summer like the locals do, or just sit by the banks with snacks and music.
🔗 Optional tour: Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
7. Gruyères
📍 Travel time: ~2 hours by train (with one easy change)
Best for: Cheese lovers, medieval town, HR Giger Museum
Gruyères is where you go to eat cheese, drink hot chocolate, and stare at green hills while your food coma kicks in. You can visit the cheese factory, pop into the Cailler chocolate factory nearby, walk up to the castle, and then end the day at the wild HR Giger Bar (it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie). It’s super walkable and very fun.
8. Appenzell – Swiss Cheese, Rolling Hills & Colorful Houses
📍 Travel time: ~1 hour 45 minutes by train
Best for: Scenic train rides, cheese tastings, local culture
Appenzell is a tiny town with a big personality. Think painted wooden buildings, lush green hills, and the smell of fresh cheese wafting through the air. You can tour a local cheese dairy, sip schnapps, or hike the trails leading into the Alpstein mountains.
🔗 Optional tour: Appenzell Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Day Tour
9. Mount Titlis (via Engelberg) – Snow in Every Season
📍 Travel time: ~1 hour 45 minutes by train + cable car
Best for: Snow lovers, mountain views, glacier caves
If you want that “wow” moment—icy peaks, swinging bridges, and snow even in summer—Mount Titlis delivers. From Zurich, take a train to Engelberg, then ride the rotating cable car (yep, it spins) up to the summit. You can walk through a glacier cave, cross the Cliff Walk, and sled down snowy hills no matter the season.
🔗 Optional tour: Day Trip to Mount Titlis from Zurich
10. Kandersteg
📍 Travel time: 2 hours
Best for: Hikers – this one is for YOU!
Kandersteg is a dream if you’re into hiking, with wild mountain views and trails that feel straight out of a movie. The hike to Oeschinensee is an absolute must—turquoise water, massive cliffs, and way fewer people than the big-name spots. If you’re chasing that “I can’t believe this is real” feeling, this is the place.
🥾 Tip: 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Kandersteg
⭐ Similar Posts: What to Wear Hiking in Switzerland: Complete Packing List
11. Chur – History Spanning Over 5,000 Years
📍 Travel time: ~ 1.5 hours
Best for: History, scenic trains, culture, and nature
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland, and it has a cool mix of old-world streets and local spots that don’t feel touristy. It’s a chill place to wander, grab a coffee, and take in mountain views from town. It’s also the starting point of the Bernina Express if you’re heading deeper into the mountains.
🔗 Optional tour: Old Town Chur Tour
Longer Day Trips from Zurich (2–3+ Hours)
If you don’t mind an early train or late return, these epic destinations are worth the mileage. You’ll get to see a whole different side of Switzerland.
12. Jungfraujoch – Ride the Train to the “Top of Europe”
📍 Travel time: ~3.5 hours by train (each way)
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime views, snow, bragging rights
Jungfraujoch is an entire experience. Ride the cogwheel train through glaciers to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters. Up top, you’ll find snow tunnels, ice sculptures, and jaw-dropping views of the Aletsch Glacier. It’s pricey and takes time, but if you want to splurge on one bucket-list thing, this is it.
🔗 Optional tour: Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich
13. Zermatt – Matterhorn Magic in One Day
📍 Travel time: ~3.5 hours by train
Best for: The Matterhorn, hiking, mountain-town charm, skiing
Yes, it’s a long day—but if you want to see the Toblerone mountain up close, Zermatt is worth every minute. This car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn is insanely picturesque and packed with outdoor options. Take the Gornergrat Railway for views you’ll never forget, do the Five Lakes Hike, or just wander the village and enjoy raclette.
🔗 Optional tour: Exclusive Small Group Zermatt and Matterhorn Day Tour
14. Interlaken – Lakes, Paragliding & Adrenaline
📍 Travel time: ~2 hours by train
Best for: Outdoor adventures, lake views, thrill-seekers
If you’ve ever wanted to skydive with the Alps in the background (been there—do it!), Interlaken is the place. Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by peaks, this town is a hub for all things adventure: paragliding, canyoning, white-water rafting—you name it.
If you’re not into heart-racing stuff, it’s still worth the visit for a lakeside lunch and a wander through town.
15. Lauterbrunnen – Valley of 72 Waterfalls
📍 Travel time: ~ 2.5 hours by train
Best for: Waterfall lovers, hiking, adrenaline sports
Lauterbrunnen feels like a real-life postcard with cliffs rising on both sides and waterfalls pouring down into the valley. It’s an easy train ride from Zurich and a perfect base if you want to explore places like Mürren, Gimmelwald, or Jungfraujoch. Even if you only stay for a few hours, the views are epic.
🔗 Optional tour: Day Trip to Grindelwald, Interlaken, and Lauterbrunnen
Best Ways to Travel Switzerland
| Transportation | Why It’s Great | Book It / Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Rail Pass (SBB) | Unlimited train travel, flexibility, scenic routes | Get a Swiss Travel Pass |
| Individual Train Tickets | Best if you’re doing 1–2 trips total | Check Routes & Prices – SBB.ch |
| Guided Day Tours | No planning, hotel pickup/drop-off, local guides | See Zurich Day Tours |
| Boats & Ferries | Scenic and surprisingly efficient on Lake Zurich & Lucerne | Lake Zurich Boat Tickets |
| Cable Cars & Cogwheel Rides | Must-dos for places like Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, Titlis | Mount Titlis Cable Car |
FAQ: Day Trips From Zurich
✅ What is the best day trip from Zurich?
Depends on what you’re interested in. My personal favorites are Interlaken and Mount Titlis!
✅ What is the most beautiful town near Zurich?
Rhine Falls
✅ How many days in Zurich are enough?
3 days
Conclusion: Epic Day Trips from Zurich
Switzerland runs on efficiency, which means you can see a lot without overthinking the logistics. With mountains, old towns, and epic train routes all within reach, you’ve got options—no need to bounce between hotels or live out of a backpack to get the full experience.
Pick a few places that match your energy, book a tour if you want things dialed in, and start planning the kind of trip you’ll be talking about long after you’re home.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
