Looking to visit many parts of Switzerland but unpack once? You’re not alone! Visitors can use Zurich as their home base and do day trips to the top destinations in Switzerland. Some of the destinations are 3 hours away, so you will certainly need to be an early bird like me.
The easiest and most scenic way to travel around Switzerland is by train. Invest in the Swiss Rail Pass and have unlimited train and public transit rides. Trains in Switzerland are always on time surprisingly, so even if it involves taking 2 trains and having a 5-minute stop, no need to worry about missing your connection!
Here are 8 places that can be explored in one day, all by taking a train from Zurich:
Table of Contents
Bern
Most travelers are surprised when they find out that Bern is actually the capital of Switzerland, and has been since 1848. Built around the Aare River, Bern has preserved its medieval architecture, which dates back to the 12th century. Travelers can walk through history in the Altstadt (Old Town). Other medieval buildings include the Swiss Parliament, the Franzosische Kirche (French Church) and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower). For a great view of the city, climb the 222 steps of Bern Münster for a 360 panoramic viewing ledge.
Getting there: Trains from Zurich depart on average every 30 minutes, and the duration is 60-80 minutes. Driving takes about 1 hour and a half when it’s not rush hour.
Luzern
Luzern (written by most English writers as Lucerne) is a beautiful city with stunning mountain views, lovely old town streets and plenty of nice walks. Travelers can walk along the river bank and cross the Chapel Bridge, which will give you a nice view of the city’s harbour. Explore the old town and city walls with its preserved medieval architecture, or ride the Cog Railway up Mount Rigi for views stretching as far as the Black Forest in Germany. And don’t forget to take a boat trip along Lake Lucerne to truly appreciate the mountains.
Getting there: Trains from Zurich depart on average every 30 minutes, and the duration is 40-50 minutes. Driving takes about the same amount of time.
Interlaken
Situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the fabled resort town of Interlaken is an adventure buff’s paradise. Hiking trails are endless as the town is surrounded by three peaks of the Bernese Alps: Monch, Eiger and Jungrau. Travelers looking for adventure can choose from kayaking, swimming, canyoning and even paragliding over the Alps, all surrounded by awe-inspiring backdrops. To enjoy the full beauty of the mountainous landscapes, ride the funicular to the top of Harder Klum for a 360-degree view. Or, if you are not an adventure buff, enjoy one of the many strolls along lakeside paths and discover tranquil forest reserves and sun-kissed romantic paths leading past sparkling lakes.
Getting there: Travelers must take a train from Zurich to either Bern or Brig, then change trains. The total duration is about 2 hours. There are 2 stations: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Make sure to disembark at Interlaken Ost. For the most scenic route, return to Zurich by taking a ferry to Thun, then transfer to a train. The ferry stops across the street from Interlaken West station.
Grindelwald
One of the most famous places to visit in the Jungfrau Region, travelers looking for a charming alpine town with outdoor activities will enjoy Grindelwald. First, getting there itself is an awe-inspiring adventure on a train that climbs the mountain slowly, offering majestic views. Once you’re there, take the cable car up to Mt. First. The views along the way are phenomenal, and you might find yourself traveling between the clouds. Once at the top, you can hike around all day for new views, and you won’t know when to stop and go back, so don’t get lost! And if you’re an adventure buff, make sure to do a flight over the mountains onboard First Glider, a zip line experience where you’ll be flying like a bird with your face down!
Getting there: while the journey may be long, the views are well worth it! Travelers must take 2 trains to reach Interlaken, and then take another train to Grindelwald, which run every 30 minutes. In total, it could take up to 3 hours including all stops, however, the views are endless! Important – ensure to get off the train at Interlaken Ost, not Interlaken West. Driving from Zurich would take about 2-2.5 hours.
Engelberg and Mount Titlis
Engelberg is an alpine town in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. In the winter, travelers go there to ski. In the summer, travelers can go there to enjoy a gondola ride up to Mount Titlis, the highest summit of Central Switzerland at 3,238 meters. Getting there involves 2 rides: first, a gondola takes you up to the middle station at Stand, and then transfer to the TITLIS Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, which takes you to the summit. It is also worth stopping at Stand to enjoy a walk along the lake on the mountain, surrounded by more peaks. At the top of Mount Titlis, after enjoying views surrounded by snow and glaciers, travelers can also enjoy the Titlis Cliff Walk Suspension Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Europe.
Getting there: travelers must take a train from Zurich to Luzern, and then transfer to the Luzern-Engelberg Express. The total duration is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Driving takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Basel
Nestled on the Rhine River and overlooked by many travelers, Basel is a beautiful medieval city with a great food scene and excellent green spaces. A walking tour through Basel’s old town will take you past historic landmarks including the large Market Square, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the red Town Hall and many more. Walking through the old town takes you past many boutiques and plenty of outdoor terraces to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. The city has over 40 museums, which are sure to satisfy any traveler’s interest. And music lovers will enjoy the Basel Symphony Orchestra.
Getting there: Trains depart Zurich almost every 20 minutes if not even more frequent than that. Other than Swiss trains, even ICE trains to Germany or TGV trains to France stop in Basel. So if you’re taking a train to a country that borders Switzerland, consider stopping for a day in Basel before continuing your EuroTrip.
Lugano
One of the country’s most charming towns located next to the Italian border, Lugano enjoys a Mediterranean climate with very little rain. The picturesque old town has many independent food stores and outdoor restaurants. Travelers can enjoy a ferry along Lake Lugano to see the city from every corner. The ferry even includes two stops in Italian towns, so it’s possible to hop into Italy for a romantic pasta dinner along the lake. History lovers will enjoy the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, a Renaissance masterpiece by the Italian artist Bernardo Luini. And for the best views, ride the funicular to the top of Monte Bre, where you can also go hiking, mountain biking or simply enjoy a romantic lunch at one of several restaurants.
Getting there: trains from Zurich run approximately every 30 minutes. The journey itself is a breathtaking experience through the Swiss Alps and also goes through the historic Gotthard Pass. Lugano is served by Swiss trains as well as Italian trains running between Zurich and Milan. So if you’re headed to, or arriving from, Italy, consider stopping in Lugano for a day of exploring before heading to your final destination.
Geneva
Geneva is a city of opulence and style. Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, the main center of Geneva has a very classic and sleek personality where visitors can marvel at the high number of banks, chocolate shops and high end jewelry stores. Then take the time to explore its many heritage sites and historic architecture. Travelers can get an aerial view of the city by climbing the towers of St. Pierre’s Cathedral. Walk through centuries of history and culture on the cobbled streets of the old town, and feel the vibrant heart of the city along the waterfront. No one can miss the Jet D’Eau (Geneva Water Fountain) along the waterfront, which symbolizes a warm welcome to the city. And do not leave Switzerland without treating yourself to a cheese fondue.
Getting there: Trains from Zurich depart on average every 30 minutes, and the duration is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Driving takes about 3 hours, but there are tolls along the highway