10 Best Day Trips from Zurich, Switzerland

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Whether you’re living in Zurich or just visiting for a few days, you should definitely take advantage of its great location to explore more of Switzerland and the neighboring countries.

But there are so many beautiful places in and around Switzerland that it can be hard to know where to start.

So here are 10 great day trips from Zurich for visitors and locals alike, based on my own experience of living and traveling in Switzerland for 10 years.

 

Day trips from Zurich:

#1 Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls

Less than one hour from Zurich, Schaffhausen is a picturesque medieval town on the northeast corner of Switzerland, and one of the most beautiful Swiss old towns I’ve ever visited.

From Schaffhausen, you can also easily reach the impressive Rhine Falls, the largest waterfalls in Europe.

You can book a tour from Zurich to the Rhine Falls here.

Read more:

• Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls

 

#2 Bern

Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland, as the seat of the federal government and parliament.

Its gorgeous and unique old town is a feast for the eyes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located less than one hour away, it makes for the perfect day trip from Zurich.

Book your day trip to Bern here.

Read more:

• Things to do in Bern

 

#3 Basel

Basel is one of my favorite cities in all Switzerland and a highly recommended day trip from Zurich.

Located on the shores of the Rhine River, on the borders with France and Germany, Basel is a young and cosmopolitan city, due to its renowned university (the oldest in Switzerland), its pharmaceutical industry, and its vibrant art scene.

You can get from Zurich to Basel in about 50 minutes with the TGV.

Read more:

• Things to do in Basel

 

#4 Gruyères

If you’re looking to try the best cheese fondue in Switzerland, look no further.

Considered the most beautiful village in French-speaking Switzerland, and home to the world-famous cheese with the same name, Gruyères is a delight to the senses.

Alien fanatic? There’s a museum (and a bar!) for you too here.

Lovely and delicious, Gruyères is totally worth the 2-hour drive from Zurich.

Read more:

• Things to do in Gruyeres

 

#5 St Gallen

I visited St Gallen on a rainy day, but that didn’t prevent me from falling in love with this charming Swiss city near Lake Constance.

Just one hour from Zurich by car or train, St Gallen hides one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in the world, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a wide range of art museums.

All good reason to take a day trip from Zurich to St Gallen regardless of the weather.

 

#6 Constance, Germany

A short 45-minute drive from Zurich, the city of Constance, in southern Germany, is a favorite shopping destination for many Zurich inhabitants, attracted by its malls and cheaper prices.

For any Zurich visitor, it’s also a great opportunity to set foot in neighboring Germany.

Constance has a lovely and well-preserved medieval district. But its top sight is scenic Lake Constance (or Bodensee), the largest lake on German territory.

Lake Constance is actually shared by Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Take a boat ride through the three countries and visit the towns around the lake, as well as its islands.

 

#7 Colmar, France

The small French town of Colmar was on my travel bucket list for so long, and in 2019 I finally got to visit it.

I absolutely loved everything about it!

If you’ve ever seen a picture of Colmar, you know what I’m talking about: a lovely old town, with cobblestone streets, colorful facades and romantic canals, located less than two hours from Zurich.

Colmar is also famous for its Christmas market, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Read more:

• The Best 10 Things to Do in Colmar, France in Winter

 

#8 Freiburg, Germany

Best known for its university and as the entry point to the Black Forrest, Freiburg, in southwest Germany, makes for another great day trip from Zurich.

Considered the warmest and sunniest place in Germany, the city has an undeniable French flair and a charm of its own.

A 2-hour drive from Zurich, Freiburg is closer to France and Switzerland than to any other larger German city.

 

#9 Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is one of the smallest and least visited European countries.

This tiny country, tucked between Switzerland and Austria, has always exercised a fascination over me.

So, this year, I finally made the one hour and a half train and bus trip from Zurich to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein.

And I was not disappointed.

From beautiful nature and a picturesque old town to a busy modern center, Vaduz has all the qualities of a European metropolis in a small, exquisite package.

Read more:

• Check out my day trip from Zurich to Vaduz here

 

#10 Lucerne

Considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Lucerne is a mandatory day trip from Zurich.

Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, overlooking the Swiss Alps, less than one hour from Zurich, Lucerne is also one of the most touristic swiss cities, and it’s easy to understand why.

The 14^th century Chapel Bridge over the Reuss River is its most famous landmark.

The city is also the gateway to the nearby Rigi, Pilatus, and Stanserhorn mountains.

You can book a day trip from Zurich to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus here.

Read more:

• Lucerne Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Lucerne in One Day

Of course, there are many other possible day trips from Zurich, especially if you’re a mountain lover. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s certainly a good starting point for exploring Switzerland and its bordering countries.

 

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