Lucerne
Around an hour by train, Lucerne is one of the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. Its covered wooden Chapel Bridge, with painted panels under the roof, crosses the river Reuss beside a stone water tower. The old town has frescoed houses and pretty squares, and the lake is framed by mountains on almost every side.
From Lucerne you can take a lake steamer and combine it with a cogwheel railway or cable car up nearby peaks such as Mount Pilatus or the Rigi. These classic excursions can fill a full day and offer some of the finest views in central Switzerland.
The Rhine Falls
North of Zurich near Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls are often described as the largest plain waterfall in Europe. The falls are not particularly tall, but the volume of water thundering over the rocks is impressive, especially in early summer when snowmelt swells the river.
Viewing platforms bring you close to the spray, and small boats run to a rock in the middle of the falls in season. Schaffhausen itself, with its painted oriel windows and hilltop fortress, makes a good addition to the day.
Into the mountains
For a taste of the high Alps, regions such as the Bernese Oberland and the area around Engelberg can be reached from Zurich in a couple of hours. Mountain railways and cable cars lead to snowfields, glaciers and viewpoints, even in summer.
These trips can be expensive and weather-dependent. Check the forecast and live webcams before you set off; on a cloudy day you may see very little from the top.
Smaller towns nearby
If you prefer something gentler, the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, with its beautifully painted facades, is a lovely half-day trip. Rapperswil, on the shore of Lake Zurich, is known for its rose gardens and castle and can be reached by train or a leisurely lake boat. Baden, a short ride away, has a historic old town and thermal baths.
Tickets and planning
Swiss trains are punctual, and connections are designed to work smoothly together. Travel passes covering multiple days of rail, bus and boat travel are available and can be good value if you plan several excursions. Discounts on mountain railways are sometimes included. Compare the options against your itinerary before buying.
Good to know
- Check mountain webcams before buying summit tickets.
- Combine a lake boat and a train for a scenic loop.
- Pack warm layers for high-altitude trips, even in summer.