Switzerland enchants visitors with its stunning Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and charming medieval towns. From world-class skiing to scenic train journeys and gourmet chocolate, this mountainous nation offers unparalleled natural beauty and Swiss precision in hospitality.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Interlaken and Schilthorn
Highlights: Paragliding over Lauterbrunnen Valley · Cable car to Schilthorn at 2970m · Boat trip on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz · Truemmelbach Falls
Zurich
Highlights: Kunsthaus Zurich art museum · Bahnhofstrasse shopping · Old Town Altstadt and Grossmuenster · Lake Zurich promenade
Gruyeres and Cheese Dairy
Highlights: Medieval Gruyeres Castle · La Maison du Gruyere cheese factory tour and tasting · HR Giger Museum · Fondue lunch in the village
Lucerne
Highlights: Chapel Bridge and Water Tower · Lion Monument · Swiss Museum of Transport · Lake Lucerne boat cruise
Basel and the Rhine
Highlights: Fondation Beyeler modern art museum · Rhine swimming with locals in summer · Basel Minster and Old Town · Museum fur Gegenwartskunst
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized tours from Zurich/Bern from CHF 80-150 including transport, guide, and entry
- Private
- Car hire from CHF 60-90/day — ideal for Graubünden and rural routes not well served by rail
- Public
- Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) serve all major destinations. Swiss Travel Pass covers most routes.
- Rental
- Car rental from CHF 60/day. Highway vignette (CHF 40 annual) required for motorways.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start mountain day trips early — cable cars can be queued from 9AM in peak season
Book Jungfraujoch and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tickets online to guarantee entry and save time
Swiss Travel Pass valid for most intercity trains — factor this into budgeting if planning 3+ day trips