While Zürich itself is a Swiss gem, it’s also surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the Swiss Alps to serene lakes and charming villages. Zürich is also the ideal base for outdoor lovers, which means hiking, skiing, and boating are all plausible options as activities.
Best of all, the city is well connected to the rest of Switzerland as well as major European cities, making train travel a breeze. While you’re here, consider the following best day trips from Zürich by train, including Lucerne, Zermatt, and Interlaken.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Marco Bottigelli. Image Credit: Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne
Arrival train station: Luzern
Journey time: from 41m
In less than three-quarters of an hour by train from Zürich, you can reach the picturesque city of Lucerne, which is surrounded by mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Here you can explore the historic Old Town, visit the historic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), and take a boat ride on the lake.
Image Credit: Getty Images, F.J. Jimenez. Image Location: Rhine Falls, Switzerland
Rhine Falls
Arrival train station: Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall
Journey time: from 50m
No trip to Zürich is complete without a visit to Europe’s largest waterfall, which you can reach in less than an hour by train. Just take the S12 train in the direction of Schaffhausen and get off at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall station, which is conveniently situated right next to the grand waterfall.
Bern
Arrival train station: Bern Hbf
Journey time: from 56m
Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is only about an hour away from Zürich by train. Once you’re here, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, and see the Federal Palace.
Image Credit: Getty Images, fokkebok. Image Location: Appenzell, Switzerland
Appenzell
Arrival train station: Appenzell
Journey time: from 1h 44m
This quaint Swiss village located in the Appenzell region of Switzerland is known for its beautiful countryside scenes and unique traditions, including Almabtrieb or Alpabfahrt when the cows descend from the mountain in autumn. And don’t forget that this is the home to Appenzell cheese.
Interlaken
Arrival train station: Interlaken Ost
Journey time: from 1h 54m
The fastest journey from Zürich to Interlaken is via Bern, Thun, and Spiez and requires no changes. Alternatively, you can add 45m to your trip by traveling via Lucerne, where you’ll change trains and board the Luzern-Interlaken Express. But trust us – it’s arguably one of the most scenic train journeys through Switzerland. Expect to see lakes and waterfalls as you sit back and relax on your way to the beautiful resort town of Interlaken.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Suphanat Wongsanuphat. Image Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt
Arrival train station: Zermatt
Journey time: from 3h 12m
If you’re a fan of the outdoors and want to see the iconic Matterhorn, then a Zermatt day trip from Zürich is certainly worth it – even if you’re not a skier or mountaineer, you’ll want to take in the stunning scenery of this Alpine town. For extra spectacular views, consider taking the Glacier Express from Zürich to Zermatt. This famous train journey crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels while offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Trümmelbach Falls
Arrival train station: Lauterbrunnen
Journey time: from 2h 24m, plus bus trip
Want even more waterfall action? The Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland has a whopping 72 waterfalls, including the Trümmelbach Falls – the only waterfalls in Europe inside a mountain. These iconic falls are still accessible thanks to special tunnels, paths, and platforms for viewing. To get there, take a train from Zürich to Interlaken and change once for a train to Lauterbrunnen station. Once at Lauterbrunnen, hop on a 15-minute bus ride to Stechelberg bus stop, which is a short walk from the Trümmelbach Falls.
Even though Swiss trains are known for their punctuality, always check routes and timetables before embarking on your adventure. Download the Trainline app to ensure a seamless journey.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, nycshooter. Image Location: Appenzell, Switzerland