Not only is Zürich the starting point for most visitors to Switzerland arriving by plane, but the city is also very well connected to the public transport network in Switzerland. You can reach every corner of the country by train in a maximum of 2-3 hours. Most major cities like Bern, Basel, St. Gallen, Lucerne, or Chur are even just an hour away.

This makes Zürich very appealing for anyone visiting Switzerland. On one hand, it's the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring the city and its attractions. On the other hand, it offers plenty of options if you want to take a day trip from Zürich to one of the many nearby destinations.

With such a wide range of destinations and day trips to choose from, it’s not always easy to make a decision. In this article, we’ll help you get an overview of your options and come a step closer to making your choice.

If you’re staying in Zurich and plan to leave the city for a day to explore some other parts of Switzerland, you’ve got so many options to choose from. It all depends on what you’re interested in.

You can visit the Alps, explore a different city, go for a hike, cruise across a lake, visit a waterfall or even go on a scenic train ride. With Switzerland being quite small and having a fantastic public transport system, you can visit almost every corner in a day trip from Zurich.

If you’re planning on heading out by yourself, we recommend picking a place that can be reached within an hour from Zurich. This will give you enough time to spend at the destination of your choosing without having to spend too many hours on the train.

However, there are also several awesome guided day trips from Zurich that take you beyond this one-hour mark. These fully organised bus tours bring you to places that would be more stressful or sometimes even impossible to visit by yourself. But we’ll get to those later.

Cities you can visit on a day trip from Zurich by train

In this section, we focus on places that can be reached from Zurich in an hour or less using public transportation. This way, you can hop on the train in the morning and explore the city all day long without having to rush. Or maybe you can even include a boat ride or a hike in your trip?

By the way, if you want to learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass or tourist train passes in Switzerland, we’ve got you covered with our two related articles.

Lucerne

Nestled against the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains by the Lake Lucerne, this city captivates with its medieval architecture. Its most famous symbol is the Chapel Bridge, a charming wooden bridge originally built in the 14th century. Don't miss visiting the Swiss Museum of Transport or the iconic Lion Monument while you’re here. Lastly, Lucerne boasts a vibrant nightlife and music scene, including the world-famous Lucerne Carnival, making it an unforgettable travel destination.

Bern

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, takes you on a journey through time with its well-preserved medieval cityscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming old town, visit the famous Bear Park— a symbol of the city— and take a peek inside the Federal Palace. Art lovers will enjoy the Zentrum Paul Klee, showcasing works by the Swiss painter Paul Klee. From walking along the Aare and exploring local food markets to shopping in quaint boutiques, Bern offers an enticing day trip from Zurich. Oh, and don’t forget to take a walk to the Rose Garden for a fantastic view over the city.

Chur

Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, blends the charm of the past with the heartbeat of the modern world. The historic old town is car-free, filled with countless cafés, boutiques, and notable museums like the Kunstmuseum and the Rhätische Bahn. Chur is the gateway to the Alpine landscapes, as it's where the famous rides of the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express begin. Nearby hiking trails, wine tours, and winter sports opportunities make Chur an adventurous travel destination.

St. Gallen

St. Gallen is located in Eastern Switzerland, just an hour away from Zurich, and it's a city rich in history and culture. It's home to the magnificent Abbey of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses some of the oldest manuscripts in the world. The city elegantly blends the old with the new, as demonstrated by its thriving art scene and the long-standing textile industry. You can stroll through the vibrant city center, admire the unique bay windows that characterize the city's architecture, and take a break in one of the cozy cafés around.

Basel

As the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel has a lot to offer. From the Kunsthalle and the Kunstmuseum to the Fondation Beyeler, the city is a paradise for art lovers. But even those who aren't particularly interested in art will find plenty to enjoy. The beautiful old town, the Rhine, the Zoo, and a range of fascinating museums like the toy museum and the Papiermühle Museum provide enough variety. Finally, Basel boasts excellent cuisine, ranging from traditional Basler delicacies to international gourmet dishes.

Solothurn

Often hailed as the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland, Solothurn delights visitors with its richly adorned buildings, cozy cafés, and the stunning St. Ursus Cathedral. Nestled along the banks of the Aare and at the foot of the Jura Mountains, the city offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Don't miss the chance to learn about Solothurn's unique obsession with the number 11.

Schaffhausen

Famous for the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, Schaffhausen is more than just a natural wonder. The medieval fortress of Munot, the charming old town with its bay windows, and the nearby Stein am Rhein with its well-preserved medieval buildings all add to the city's allure. The region's vineyards offer wine tastings that perfectly round off your visit. By the way, Schaffhausen is the city where you'll find the most bay windows in Switzerland. With 171 bay windows, it takes the top spot ahead of St. Gallen, which has 111.

Winterthur

Known for its gardens and over 17 museums, including the Swiss Science Center Technorama and the Photography Museum, Winterthur is a city for explorers of all ages. The charming Old Town, which features the largest pedestrian zone in Switzerland, offers countless shopping opportunities. The nearby forests and vineyards are perfect for lovely walks and wine tastings.

Zug

While Zug may be a small city, it is rich in character. With its lakeside location and views of Rigi, it boasts picturesque landscapes. The Old Town is home to Zug Castle and numerous well-preserved buildings. Zug is also famous for its cherries, making the Cherry Path a must-visit for travelers.

Rapperswil

The Rose City Rapperswil is located on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich. Its main attractions include Rapperswil Castle, the rose gardens, and a charming old town featuring a unique Polish museum. For animal lovers, the children's zoo and the deer park at Lindenhof offer delightful experiences.

Aarau

The charming town of Aarau is known for its beautifully painted eaves, vibrant old town, and the Aargau Art Museum, which showcases Swiss art. The city offers numerous outdoor activities in the nearby Jura heights and along the Aare River. Its location halfway between Zurich and Bern makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the Swiss atmosphere.

Mountain peaks you can visit on a day trip from Zurich by train

Of course, you can also visit the Alps and spend a day in the mountains if you're considering leaving Zurich for a day. Here are a few suggestions you can easily do on a day trip from Zurich by train and mountain railway.

Rigi

The Rigi is a mountain that's easily accessible from Zurich and offers a true Swiss experience. Rising between Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, the mountain provides a wide range of activities like wellness, dining, and outdoor sports. A unique experience is taking the cogwheel train from Vitznau, the first mountain railway in Europe, which opened in 1871. Once you reach the summit, Rigi Kulm, you're greeted by panoramic views stretching over the Swiss plateau to the Black Forest and numerous surrounding lakes.

Stanserhorn

A visit to the Stanserhorn is an unforgettable experience. You reach the mountain peak via the open-air cable car, the Stanserhorn Cabrio, and are greeted by stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The Stanserhorn Cabrio is the world’s first double-decker open cable car, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in a unique way. Besides the cable car ride, the Stanserhorn offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and dining at the revolving restaurant Rondorama. Additionally, the marmot park near the summit is a fantastic experience for the whole family.

Pilatus

If you're visiting the Pilatus, the journey to the summit is already quite impressive. You can either take the steepest cogwheel train in the world or a large panoramic gondola from Kriens. Once you reach the top, the 360-degree view over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps is truly spectacular. Plus, Pilatus is rich in legends and folklore. Stories of dragons and ghosts give the place an intriguing aura. Whether it's summer or winter, Pilatus offers a variety of activities like hiking, mountaineering, tobogganing, and even concerts.

Zugerberg

The Zugerberg is the local mountain of Zug and offers a lovely view of the Zugersee and the surrounding Alps. Just a few kilometers from Zurich, it's a perfect spot for families with its many hiking trails, adventure playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Zugerberg cable car with its panoramic cabins takes you up the mountain in less than ten minutes. Additionally, the mountain is home to various plants and animals, making it a natural paradise for fans of flora and fauna.

Titlis

The Titlis is a unique experience for anyone visiting Switzerland. Located in Central Switzerland, it's the only place in the region where you can enjoy snow and ice all year round, thanks to its glacier park over 3,000 meters above sea level. The highlight is the Titlis Rotair, the world's first rotating cable car that offers a panoramic view of snow-covered peaks, deep glacier crevasses, and pristine white glaciers. For thrill-seekers, there's the Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe.

Bürgenstock

Bürgenstock, towering over Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, is an exquisite mountain offering a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious experiences. This mountain peak is famous for its top-notch Bürgenstock Resort, which boasts exceptional views, wellness facilities, and gourmet restaurants. Nature lovers can enjoy the Bürgenstock cliff path and the Hammetschwand Lift, the highest outdoor elevator in Europe, which provides stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding lake.

Flumserberg

The Flumserberg is a beautiful destination year-round. As the largest ski resort in Eastern Switzerland, it offers a variety of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, it transforms into a hiker's and biker's paradise with well-marked trails and routes for all skill levels. The 8-person gondola Prodalp-Express takes visitors up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Churfirsten and Lake Walen. Its proximity to Zurich also makes the mountain an ideal day trip for relaxation and adventure.

Lakes and waterfalls to visit on a day trip from Zurich

If you’re looking for a lake or a waterfall to spend a day, you’ve got some beautiful options as well.

Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls, which are located next to Schaffhausen, are Europe's largest waterfall and a thrilling spectacle of nature. Its thunderous roar and misty sprays can be best experienced from the various viewing platforms or a boat ride that takes you close to the roaring waters. Not only is the falls itself a sight to behold, but the surrounding scenic landscapes make it a perfect day trip from Zurich. And they can easily be combined with a visit to the beautiful town of Schaffhausen.

Lake Lucerne

Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne offers a stunning panorama that reflects in its sparkling waters. The city of Lucerne, with its historic old town, the iconic Chapel Bridge, and the Swiss Transport Museum, is the perfect starting point to explore the lake. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride or take advantage of the numerous hiking trails around the lake, which provide majestic views of the surrounding mountains. By purchasing a day pass for Lake Lucerne, you can hop on any boat and discover the area at your leisure.

Lake Zurich

If you’re already in Zurich, why not spend a day at Lake Zurich, right? You can explore the lake on one of the many passenger ships or just relax along the lively lakeside promenade, which is famous for its cafés, restaurants, and vibrant art scene. The lake also offers plenty of leisure activities like swimming, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding in the summer. Plus, several parks and gardens along the shore provide great picnic spots where you can unwind in nature right in the heart of the city. Our favorite place to visit alongside a boat trip on the Lake Zurich is Rapperswil.

Lake Zug

Lake Zug is a hidden gem in the heart of Switzerland, renowned for its tranquil beauty. The old town of Zug, with its picturesque streets and historic buildings, is a charming place to explore. With its bike paths, water sports, and fishing options, Lake Zug offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Rhine from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein

A boat ride on the Rhine from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein gives you a glimpse of the captivating beauty of the Swiss landscape. The journey takes you past vineyards, medieval towns, and charming Swiss villages. Stein am Rhein, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, makes for a perfect finale to a relaxing river cruise. By the way, this boat trip is said to be one of the most beautiful in Switzerland.

Walensee

Walensee is a gem in the Swiss landscape, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush green meadows. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking paths leading to stunning viewpoints. The crystal-clear, albeit cool, water invites swimming or a boat trip. The picturesque villages of Weesen and Walenstadt along its shores are definitely worth discovering for their Swiss charm.