Choose from 30 Fun Things to Do in Zurich
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 30 listings.
Dolderbahn
The Dolderbahn is a proper mountain railway that, in just under six minutes, leads from the hustle and bustle of Zürich to the top of the Adlisberg, a forested hill on the eastern side of the city. Upon exiting the station at the Dolder Recreation Area next to the luxury Dolder Grand Hotel, one shouldn’t be surprised to see an army of bikers and joggers, as the region is immensely popular due to the many leisure and sports facilities as well as the vast network of hiking trails. The Dolder Train was built to provide the population of Zürich with an easy escape route from the busy city as well as stress-free access to a recreation area and still, there is hardly a better place to practice various sports. Even if you aren’t there to get sweaty, it’s a great destination to enjoy a sunny day high over the roof tops.
The 1,328-meter long track of the Dolderbahn overcomes a height difference of 162 meters and is a little piece of history as it has been in operation since 1895. Eventually, it was upgraded from a funicular railway to rack operation and is now operated with two railcars.
Practical Info
The Dolderbahn leaves from the lower terminus Römerhof, a station that is also serviced by the tram lines 3, 8 and 15 and is located only about 1.5 kilometers outside the city center. The train operates daily from 6:20am to 11:30pm and leaves roughly every 10 minutes.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: 6:20am-11:30pm
From $ 35
Felsenegg
A cable car takes nature lovers in five minutes from Adliswil to Felsenegg, a view point on the Albis mountain range. It is one of Zürich’s most popular recreation areas and at 800 meters, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Zürich, the small towns lining the shores and the towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Numerous walking and hiking trails as well as a restaurant on the summit serve as an escape from the hectic everyday life. From Uetliberg for example, the Planetenweg, a planet trail that reflects the distances in the solar system, leads to Felsenegg. Every meter of the path corresponds with one million kilometers in space and the two-hour walk takes hikers from the sun past planets – little metal spheres embedded in boulders - all the way to Pluto.
Just 20 meters from where Pluto can be found, the bright red Restaurant Felsenegg awaits, where you can get a drink on the patio and enjoy the view over the Sihl Valley, Türler Lake and the Säuliamt district. While the views are spectacular during the day, don’t hesitate to visit at night either, when the sprawling city of Zürich can be seen spreading out as a sea of light in the darkness.
Practical Info
It is very easy to get from Zürich to the Felsenegg lookout point. First, take the S4 train for 15 minutes to Adliswil, from where signs guide the short way to the cable car station. The cable car runs every day from 8:05am to 9:50pm in summer and from 9:05am to 8:05pm in winter.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Summer: 8:05am-9:50pm, Winter: 9:05am-8:05pm
From $ 60
Chinese Garden Zurich
Surrounded by a white wall topped with the golden East Asian roofs and interspersed with bright red gates, the Chinese Garden is about as far removed from the traditional Swiss houses neighboring it as possible. The garden is a quiet oasis of little ponds, lush vegetation and intricately decorated buildings with tiered roofs, red pillars and bright green railings, a place where strolls on perfectly planned paths and meditation sessions are possible. Paintings and ornaments feature the unique culture of Yunnan Province and a big focus is set on the three friends of winter: pine, bamboo and plum. The plants are a big theme in Confucianism and since they don’t wither in winter and instead flourish, they represent perseverance.
The Chinese Garden was a gift from Zürich’s sister city Kunming, as thanks for the help it received in the construction of a drinking water and drainage system. Now the garden is not only seen as one of the most beautiful Chinese gardens in the world, but is also considered to be the highest ranking temple garden outside of China. Apart from the pavilions and bridges, there is also a Chinese take away next to the main entrance, where one can enjoy the fresh spring rolls with a fitting view.
Practical Info
The Chinese Garden can be found between Bellerivestrasse and Blatterwiese on the eastern lakeshore. It is only open in the summer months from the 20th of March until the 20th of October. The opening hours are from 11am to 7pm.
Address: Bellerivestrasse 138, Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 11am-7pm
From $ 60
Limmatquai
Limmatquai is the street along the right side of the river Limmat in central Zurich. On one side is the Rathaus, Zurich's Baroque parliament building.
Limmatquai is a vibrant shopping, dining and hotel area with many interesting buildings dating from the days of the rich Guilds which governed Zurich until 1789. It is the perfect place to start your exploration of the narrow, charming streets of the Old Town.
Practical Info
Limmatquai is not only easy to find, it is difficult to avoid. Many trams pass through the area or it's a short walk from the centre of town, or along the Limmat river.
Address: Limmatquai, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Museum Rietberg
Museum Rietberg exhibits works from Africa, Asia and ancient America. It is the only non-European art gallery in Switzerland. Originating from the private collection of Baron Eduard von der Heydt, the museum was extended in 2007 to nearly double its exhibition space.
It is situated across several villas in a lovely, leafy park. Villa Wesendonck is a neo-renaissance mansion where composer Richard Wagner once stayed. It houses the main collection of the Rietberg, wooden, bronze and ceramic objects from Africa, India, China, Japan and south-east Asia. Park-Villa Rieter focuses on Asian art with prints and paintings from India, China and Japan.
Practical Info
Tram 7 takes you from the center of town to the Rietberg Museum. It is only four stops from Paradeplatz on Bahnhofstrasse (direction Wollishofen). Get off at stop Museum Rietberg.
Address: Gablerstrasse 15, Zurich 8002, Switzerland
Hours: Open Tues, Fri - Sun 10am - 5pm Wed - Thurs 10am - 8pm. Closed Mon
Admission: Adults: €10 - €16
From $ 19
Mt. Pilatus
A multi-peaked massif, Mt. Pilatus towers over Lucerne and Central Switzerland. Though Queen Victoria enlisted a mule to help her ascend the mountain in 1868, visitors now venture up by cable car or cogwheel train, which—with a gradient of up to 48 percent—is said to be one of the world’s steepest. Crisscrossed by hiking trails and sled runs, Mt. Pilatus features a kid-friendly adventure park and a suspension rope park. From the top, you can see as far as Italy on a clear day.
The Basics
Visitors to Lucerne cannot miss Mt. Pilatus looming over the city. If you want to ascend the majestic mountain and soak up the stunning panorama of the Swiss Alps, several options are available. The Golden Round Trip package involves traveling by boat, cogwheel railway, panoramic gondola, and aerial cableway. There are self-guided, partly guided, and fully guided tours from both Lucerne and Zurich, all of which include round-trip transportation. Some organized day trips incorporate guided city tours of Lucerne and, in summer, cruises on Lake Lucerne. You can also take a 2-day tour that includes a night’s stay in a hotel high on the slopes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Pitalus is a must-visit for train buffs, scenery seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Drink lots of water to stave off the effects of altitude sickness.
- Book tickets or tours in advance to save yourself lining up for the cable car or cogwheel train.
- The cogwheel railway, panoramic gondola, and aerial cableway are all wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
To access the Mt. Pilatus cable car, ride the trolleybus route 1 from Lucerne’s railway station to Kriens, where you can travel to the summit station at 5,560 feet (1,695 meters) via panoramic gondola and aerial cableway. Alternatively, travel by train or ferry from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you can board the cogwheel railway. The Golden Round Trip can be done only during summer.
When to Get There
If you want to ride the cogwheel railway or do the boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, plan your trip for the summer. Both boats and the railway generally operate between May and October (depending on weather conditions). The earlier you set off, the fewer crowds you are likely to encounter. Note that the gondola and aerial cableway close for maintenance for a couple of weeks in late October and November.
The Legends of Mt. Pilatus
Mt. Pilatus is associated with many myths. In medieval times, rumors abounded that dragons lived in its crevices. According to local legend, the mountain is named after Pontius Pilate, the Roman emperor who ordered the death of Jesus Christ, and whose lifeless body the devil supposedly dumped in a lake on Mt. Pilatus. It’s more likely, however, that the mountain’s name is connected to the Latin word pileatus (“capped”), which may refer to the clouds that often shroud its peaks.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Cog-railway open May - Oct 10am - 5pm
From $ 88
Mt. Titlis
Reaching 10,626 feet (3,239 meters) above sea level, Mt. Titlis is Central Switzerland’s highest peak and probably its finest vantage point. The mountain has a cutting-edge transportation system—including, most famously a revolving cable car that turns 360 degrees during the ride to the top station at 9,908 feet (3,020 meters). Those lucky enough to be inside the car are graced with stunning panoramic views of Alpine peaks, sheer rock faces, and an icy crevasse-cracked glacier.
The Basics
There are several options when it comes to ascending Mt. Titlis. You can purchase a cable car ticket and make your own way to Engelberg, then set off on a journey to the summit independently. Alternatively, organized tours depart from Zurich and Lucerne, and include transportation to and from Engelberg. During winter, many guided tours incorporate visits to nearby well-known sights such as the Lion Monument and offer the option to add on a supervised snow sports experience, like tubing or skiing on beginner-friendly slopes. In the warmer months, guided hiking tours are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Air can be thin atop Mt. Titlis. Anyone with respiratory problems should check with a doctor before ascending.
- Wear hiking boots and dress warmly. Snow and ice are present at the summit station year-round.
- Most organized tours include free time at the summit station.
How to Get There
The journey to the top of Mt. Titlis begins at Engelberg, which is connected to Lucerne by train. From Engelberg train station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Titlis Valley station, where the Titlis Xpress cable car connects first to Trubsee and then on to Stand. From Stand, the revolving Rotair cable car carries passengers to the top. Many visitors opt for hassle-free tours from Lucerne or Zurich, which include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Mt. Titlis is breathtaking year-round. Go between December and March if you plan on skiing. Early mornings are quietest, and the best views are during clear weather—though when that will be is anyone’s guess. Note that the Titlis Rotair cableway closes for maintenance work for a couple of weeks around November.
What to Expect at the Summit Station
There is no shortage of fun to be had at the Mt. Titlis summit station. You’ll find several restaurants to choose from, a glacier cave with carved ice structures inside, and the nerve-testing Cliff Walk, one of Europe’s highest suspension bridges. Next to the Cliff Walk is the Ice Flyer chairlift, which carries passengers over the frozen crevasses of the glacier to Glacier Park, where you can go tubing—racing down the slopes on a rubber tire.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Generally lifts operate from 9am - 5pm, depending on the season and snow level
From $ 136
Parade Square (Paradeplatz)
Zürich’s Parade Square, better known as Paradeplatz, is located right outside of the main train station and is one of the city’s most important junctions. Not only do many of the tram lines meet up here, but Parade Square has made itself a name as one of the world’s big financial centers. Large Swiss banks have set up their headquarters here and thus, it has become a synonym for wealth and prosperity. The square also connects to the Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich’s main shopping avenue where luxury labels fight over premiere retail space and the rich and famous come to shop.
But Parade Square wasn’t always mentioned in the same sentence as wealth and its history stands in stark contrast with today’s prestigious reputation. In fact, in the 17th century, the square was an important market place for trading livestock, especially pigs. Thus, Parade Square was known as Säumärt – pig market – for the longest time until the upswing in business and its renaming. Located at Parade Square is also one of the city’s most popular confectionery manufacturers, the Confiserie Sprüngli. At this café meets chocolate store you can enjoy tarts, cakes and everything in between or pick up some delightful macaroons from a huge display making up all colors of the rainbow.
Practical Info
Parade Square is located right in the center of Zürich next to the main train station. It is incredibly easy to get there, as many trains, trams and busses make a stop here.
Address: 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
From $ 26
Kleine Scheidegg
Set at a lofty 2,061 meters high, with the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering overhead, Kleine Scheidegg is unsurprisingly known for its jaw-dropping vistas, including a striking view of the infamous Eiger North Face. With a cluster of hotels and amenities, the scenic mountain pass makes a strategic base for hiking and skiing, with alpine resorts like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen just below and access to a vast network of ski runs, hiking routes and rock climbing trails.
The train station at Kleine Scheidegg is also famously known as the starting point for the Jungfrau railway, undisputedly one of Switzerland’s most scenic train routes, which winds its way up Eiger and Monch mountains to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest train station.
Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass stretching between the Eiger and Lauberhorn mountains in the Bernese Oberland and the starting point for the Jungfrau Railway. The easiest way to get to Kleine Scheidegg is on the Wengernalp Railway from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.
Address: Bern, Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: Daily
From $ 128
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is the shopping street in Zurich. Running from Bahnhofplatz outside the main train station all the way to the lake, it's full of luxury shops selling designer fashion, furs, porcelain, and, of course, chocolates, clocks and watches. Halfway along is Zurich's first, biggest and best department store Jelmoli. The basement food-hall is a must. Or if you want the best in Swiss chocolate, take a break at Cafe Sprungli, the epicenter of sweet Switzerland since 1836.
Bahnhofstrasse follows the line of the moat of medieval Zurich and is mainly pedestrianized, although watch out for the trams running along it. It runs parallel to the river Limmat and it's easy to punctuate your shopping with visits to churches and other important sites of Zurich dotted in the narrow streets between. Culture and consumerism: Zurich has them both.
Practical Info
Bahnhofstrasse is in the heart of Zurich. The main station, Hauptbahnhoff is at one end of Bahnhofstrasse and here trains arrive from all over Zurich and Europe. The city also has an excellent tram network which converges on this central area.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Hours: Shopping hours are generally 9am - 6:30 pm weekdays, 9am - 5pm Saturday
From $ 26
Maienfeld
Maienfeld is the picturesque town, in which the best-selling Heidi story by Johanna Spyri takes place. The famous novel tells of the life and adventures of a cheerful young girl growing up in the alps in her grandfather’s, the Alm-Uncle’s, care. The town of Maienfeld, which can be found in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, embodies this image of a romantic and nature-oriented Switzerland and transports visitors back in time. Experience an emotional journey to the Swiss mountain world of the 19th century and visit the Heidi Village and Trail detailed in Spyri’s novels. The venue makes history come alive and displays everything from the goat barn, to Heidi’s house as well as a museum dedicated to the author and shows nothing but pure dedication to the story that has inspired children around the world.
Heidi made the little town famous, but Maienfeld would have probably done just fine without her too. The village has become well known for producing the Maienfelder Beerliwein, a fruity red wine, in the vineyards surrounding the village. The excellent quality of the wine is based not only on the favorable climate, warm winds and a lot of sun, but also on the quality conscious work of the vintners. In the midst of these wineyards lies Salenegg Castle, a feudal mansion dating back to the year 950. The big estate has been producing wine since 1068, making it the oldest winery in all of Europe.
Practical Info
Maienfeld is located in eastern Switzerland and the village can be reached from Zürich by train in roughly an hour. Heidi Village can be visited between the 15th of March and the 15th of November from 10am to 5pm.
Address: Maienfeld, Switzerland
From $ 88
Rosengart Collection (Picasso Museum)
The Rosengart Collection is Lucerne’s newest museum addition and houses the extensive and once private collection of Angela Rosengart, a Swiss art dealer and good friend to the famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Rosengart, who has collected one of the biggest private art stashes of the classical modernist era, wanted to make these paintings, which would normally just be passed from one private collector to the next, more accessible to the public. The museum, which now draws art lovers from all over the world, has earned international recognition for its focus on the works of Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, a Swiss German painter famous for his unique style of cubism, expressionism and surrealism. While the Klee collection consists of 125 watercolor pieces, paintings and drawings showing the artist’s whole career, the Picasso part of the exhibition mainly focuses on his older works that were created after 1938, with a couple sketches from earlier eras thrown in to compliment the paintings. A third floor houses more than 20 other world famous artists of the impressionist and classical modernist eras, such as Monet, Matisse, Miró and Léger.
The collection is located in the center of Lucerne in an empire style building originally constructed for the Swiss National Bank. The simple but well-built palazzo is a fitting place for the museum, as the neo-classical structure was built in the same time period when many of the great pieces of art it houses themselves were created. The inside is an interface between old and new, with high walls and an open floor plan to give the art more than enough room to breathe. Some more light sensitive works have even found their home in the old bank vaults.
Practical Info
The Rosengart Collection is located in the very center of Lucerne and you can easily reach it on foot from the train station in about three minutes. If you arrive by bus, get out at the Kantonalbank stop. The museum opens daily and you can visit it from April to October from 10am to 6pm and from November till March from 11am to 5pm.
Address: 6003, Lucerne, Switzerland
Hours: April-October 10am-6pm
November-March 11am-5pm
Admission: Adults 18 CHF, Seniors (65+) 16 CHF, Students 10 CHF, Children 10 CHF
From $ 61
Lindenhof
Lindenhof is both a district in Zürich and a square of the same name and looks back on an eventful history. The district is the oldest part of the city and once, a Roman fort stood in its place on the hill. At Lindenhof Square, a Roman tombstone was found containing the oldest mention of the city, back then a customs post with the name Turicum. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Lindenhof kept playing an important role in the city’s history. In the 13th century for example, Zürich was in a war against Winterthur and ran out of warriors. It was then that the women of the city dressed up as soldiers and stood on the raised Lindenhof, giving the impression that a strong army had come to the city’s rescue and thus, breaking the siege. A fountain in the center of the square still pays homage to this heroic deed, showing Hedwig, the leader of these women. In the following centuries, the square kept serving as a place of assembly and in 1798 it was here, that the citizens of Zürich swore their oath to the Helvetic Constitution.
Today, the Lindenhof is a green oasis in the heart of Zürich, from where one can enjoy a wonderful view over the old town, the Minster, the River Limmat and the University. But not only tourists come here to enjoy the perfect overview over historic Zürich. It is also a popular place with the locals, who often can be seen sitting on the many benches beneath the linden trees and taking a break from everyday life. Passionate chess players meet here to play long matches against each other amidst the tranquility of the trees and old buildings and regular theatre productions are held under the open sky.
Practical Info
The Lindenhof district is located on the western side of the Limmat, right before the river empties into the Lake Zürich. Lindenhof Square, which can be found close to Rennweg, can only be accessed on foot through the narrow streets of the medieval old town.
Address: Zurich, Switzerland
From $ 26
Appenzell
The village of Appenzell is the capital of the canton Appenzell Innerrhoden in eastern Switzerland. It is situated in the valley of Sitter, surrounded by green hills and dominated by a rural character. Appenzell isn’t a typical close-packed village and instead, is made up of free standing houses loosely grouped around the inner core. The parish church with the Gothic choir and massive tower rises over other stately homes such as the city hall, monasteries and other historical buildings. Hotels, cafés, traditional craft shops and stores located in brightly painted houses line the car-free main street. Especially impressive is the facade of the Löwen, which is painted with a huge variety of medicinal herbs. Just like the town houses, even the farm houses and adjoining barns in the region are known for being extremely colorful, often having bright yellow walls, red doors and green shutters. This tradition goes back centuries, when wealth was shown by being able to afford paint for ones facades.
Tradition and customs are held in high esteem in Appenzell and apart from many cultural events, Appenzell is especially worth a visit during the yearly alpine ascent and descent of cattle. At the beginning of spring and at the end of summer, farmers don colorful traditional garb and lead their cattle either up the mountains to the lush alpine pastures or back down into the valley. The ceremonial processions are a festive occasion and many people from near and far line the streets to watch the decorated farmers and cows, hear the singing and listen to the melodious clang of the heavy bells.
Practical Info
Appenzell is located in eastern Switzerland and can be reached by train from Zürich in just under two hours. A change of trains to the S23 is necessary in Gossau. From St. Gallen, the journey takes roughly 45 minutes.
Address: Appenzell, Switzerland
From $ 117
Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet
Switzerland is famous for many things, including mountains, clocks, and, of course, chocolate. Legendary Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli has been churning out smooth and delicious confections since 1845. Today, visiting the Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet shop, just outside of Zurich, is a must for any chocolate lover.
The Basics
There are no tours of Lindt & Sprungli’s headquarters and production facility, but at the nearby Chocolate Factory Outlet you can shop for—and sample—a wide variety of the company’s chocolate creations. Experience the shop on a half-day Zurich city tour that includes a one-hour sightseeing cruise on Lake Zurich, or as part of a full-day tour that also takes in Zurich’s surrounding countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet is closed on Sundays and many holidays.
- Plan to spend about 30 minutes at the shop.
- Be sure to discuss any food allergies with staff before tasting chocolate.
- Don’t miss the movie explaining the Lindt factory’s chocolate production process.
How to Get There
The Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet is located in Kilchberg, just south of Zurich. To get there, take S-bahn train 1 or 8 to Kilchberg, or bus 165 to Schooren. By taxi or with your own car, it’s about a 15-minute drive from Zurich’s city center.
When to Get There
While there’s no bad time to visit a chocolate shop, the Lindt & Sprungli Chocolate Factory Outlet is especially festive and memorable around the holidays. At Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, seasonal treats—like the famous gold Easter bunny and heart-shaped boxes of Lindor chocolate truffles—are available along with the shop’s other year-round delights.
If You Can’t Visit the Factory Outlet
You can’t leave Switzerland without trying Swiss chocolate. If you are short on time and can’t get to Kilchberg, you can still indulge your sweet tooth and try some of Lindt & Sprungli’s delicious creations in the center of Zurich. Check out the Sprungli Café at Bahnhofstrasse 21 or the Confiserie Sprungli on Paradeplatz.
Address: Seestrasse 204, Enge 8802, Switzerland
Hours: Open Wed - Fri 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm by appointment
Admission: Free
From $ 31
Rhine Falls
At Rhine Falls, sheets of white water tumble from a height of 75 feet (23 meters) across a 492-foot-wide (150-meter-wide) rock ledge. Created by the movement of the Earth’s crust about 15,000 years ago, this natural wonder is among Europe’s biggest waterfalls. The riverbanks near it are laced with walking and biking trails.
The Basics
Rhine Falls is a popular excursion for visitors based in the Swiss city of Zurich. Coach and train tours often stop at additional sights, such as Laufen Castle (Schloss Laufen) and the medieval Swiss town of Schaffhausen. Some longer tours even cross the German border and enter the Black Forest region. Day tours departing from Basel, Lucerne, and Munich often combine the falls with tours of Zurich and the medieval-era town of Stein am Rhein.
Some Rhine Falls tours include boat trips along the Rhine River to the rock in the middle of the falls. Another way to experience the falls is from riverside trails and lookouts, such as the Känzeli viewing platform, which will put you close enough to hear the roar and sometimes even feel the spray.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared to get wet, especially if you elect to take a boat ride.
- Wear sturdy shoes so you can comfortably explore the scenic riverside trails.
- The falls are accessible to wheelchair users via the Neuhausen am Rheinfall entrance on the north side. Wheelchair users can drive right down to the Rhine Falls basin, and an elevator provides access to the boat landing.
How to Get There
Rhine Falls is situated near Switzerland’s border with Germany. Ride the train to either Neuhausen am Rheinfall on the north side of the falls or to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the south side of the falls. From Zurich, the train ride takes 45–60 minutes. It’s possible to walk between the two sides via a path on the railway bridge.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during summer, when the volume of water is at its peak and the full power and ferocity of the falls can be seen during boat tours. Summer is also peak visitor season. Come on a weekday or early in the morning to escape the crowds.
Things to Do Nearby
If you have time to spare during your visit, wander the historical center of the town of Schaffhausen, upriver from the falls. Surrounded by vineyards, Schaffhausen is known for its pedestrianized old town, where medieval buildings with pastel paint jobs abound. Also nearby is the medieval-era Laufen Castle, which—thanks to its elevated riverside setting—offers unobstructed views of the falls.
Address: Rheinfallquai, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
From $ 55
Jungfrau Glacier
The Jungfrau, a sky-high saddle in the Swiss Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers jaw-dropping views of the Bernese Oberland’s massive glaciers and snowy peaks. Travel by narrow cog railway to Jungfraujoch and stand on “the Top of Europe” as you gaze out at the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, and far, far beyond.
The Basics
Visiting Switzerland’s Jungfrau region is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey up the steep Alpine slopes—via a narrow cog railway—is simply exhilarating. Buy a ticket in advance and board the train for a journey that leads you by the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall and through a mountain tunnel before arriving at the 11,330-foot (3,454-meter) Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station and the setting for the Sphinx Observatory, an international weather research facility. Guided day trips from Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Bern include tickets for the cog train and, in some cases, stops at other scenic spots in Bernese Oberland. Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can ride the cog railway for free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jungfrau is covered with ice and snow nearly year-round, even in midsummer. Wear a windproof jacket and bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
- Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
- Book train tickets in advance as they frequently sell out.
- The cog railway and the Jungfraujoch are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The only way to get up to Jungfraujoch is via the cog mountain train. Board the train from Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wilderswil, Wengen, or Kleine Scheidegg. The journey from Interlaken to Jungfrau takes about two hours.
When to Get There
Jungfraujoch is open year-round. July and August are the busiest months. Clouds tend to come in later in the day, so arrive early for the best views.
What to See at the Summit
For the best view from Jungfraujoch, head to the terrace in the Sphinx Observatory. From here you can see the Great Aletsch Glacier, which at 14 miles (23 kilometers) is the largest glacier in the Alps and the longest in all of Europe. Also on view are a crowd of majestic Alpine peaks and—on a clear day—the borderlands of Germany and France. You can also explore the Ice Palace, where intricately carved ice sculptures are on display, and visit the café and souvenir shop.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 97
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
Opened in 1910, the Kunsthaus, or Museum of Art, in Zurich is Switzerland's premier art gallery. It has a strong collection of modern art, including over 4,000 pieces of sculpture, paintings and installations. It has a particular emphasis on Swiss art, important for the rise of such movements as Dada which began in Zurich in 1916.
The collection includes work by Picasso, Chagall, Munch, Mondrian and Matisse as well as many more. The gallery has an extensive art education program and a library focusing on modern art.
Practical Info
From the main train station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, take tram 3, or bus 31, to stop Kunsthaus.
Address: Heimplatz 1, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Hours: Open Sat, Sun & Tues 10am - 6pm. Wed - Fri 10am - 8pm. Closed Mon
Admission: €10 - €23.50
From $ 152
Lake Walen (Walensee)
Lake Walen is a lake in eastern Switzerland separating the cantons Glarus and St.Gallen. It is part of a region known as Heidiland, named after the famous Heidi story by Johanna Spyri and represents these corresponding values of unspoiled nature, warmth and simplicity. The mountains rise almost vertically on all sides of the lake and nestled on little plateaus and along the shores are several traditional Swiss towns. Below the steep south face of the Churfirsten, the small village of Quinten is a car-free paradise. It can only be reached by boat from Murg or on foot and due to the protected location, excellent grapes, figs and kiwis are grown here.
To the west of Quinten, the mighty Seerenbach Waterfalls gush from a cave system and tumble in three cascades almost 600 meters down the cliffs. The waterfalls are especially impressive in spring, when the melting snow turns them into a torrent. Located high up on a sunny plateau and overlooking the northern shores of Lake Walen is the town of Amden. The village, its adjoining ski slopes as well as the hiking trails are often above the clouds and thus, it’s a popular holiday destination throughout the year. On the other side of the lake, another highlight awaits at Flumserberg, the biggest winter sports area in the region consisting of several villages and a huge network of slopes, trails and cycling paths.
Practical Info
Lake Walen is located in eastern Switzerland, roughly an hour away from Zürich. There are direct trains from Zürich to Walenstadt, but to get to Weesen, a change from train to bus is necessary in Ziegelbrücke. The boats on Lake Walen run throughout the year, although in winter the service is limited to the route from Murg to Quinten.
Address: St Gallen, Switzerland
From $ 88
Lucerne
The lakeside medieval town of Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s prettiest destinations, well-deserving of a day’s exploration of its historic sites. A picture-perfect town, its proud symbol is the 14th-century Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) spanning Lake Lucerne, the beautiful, fourth-largest lake in Switzerland.
Chapel Bridge is 670 feet (204 meters) long and was built in 1333 to protect Lucerne from attacks. It’s the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Seventeenth-century paintings line the interior, and the bridge leads to an eight-sided water tower, which has had a history as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury.
The half-timbered medieval buildings of Lucerne’s Old Town are surrounded by rampart walls and watchtowers. The town’s poignant sculpture of a dying lion is unforgettable, and its Picasso Museum is another must-see.
Chapel Bridge is 670 feet (204 meters) long and was built in 1333 to protect Lucerne from attacks. It’s the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Seventeenth-century paintings line the interior, and the bridge leads to an eight-sided water tower, which has had a history as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury.
The half-timbered medieval buildings of Lucerne’s Old Town are surrounded by rampart walls and watchtowers. The town’s poignant sculpture of a dying lion is unforgettable, and its Picasso Museum is another must-see.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 61