From Zurich there are a lot of nice day trips that are close to the city. You can visit the largest Waterfall in Europe: The Rhine Falls, hike on Mount Rigi with epic views of lake Luzern, or stroll on a wooden bridge to the lovely town of Rapperswil. And there is more ;-).
Last updated on: 28-09-2026
📍Holzbrücke
These are 5 of my favourite day trips from Zurich. I have been living in Zurich full time since august 2022. We have done everything on this list multiple times. It is also our go-to list when planning day trips when friends or family are visiting. All of these spots are easily visited by train from Zurich HB. Enjoy the trips!
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1.The Rhine Falls: Europe's Largest Waterfall
One of the best day trips from Zurich is visiting the majestic Rhine Falls. Standing at the edge of this magnificent waterfall, you can feel the roar and vibration of the water over your entire body. This is Europe’s largest waterfall.
📍 The Rhine Falls, Switzerland
You can experience the massive water volume from stairs and viewing platforms built next to and over the rushing water. You can take a boat tour to the Rhine Falls to see them up close. For even more excitement, you can book one that includes climbing onto the Middle Rock.
📍Panoramic view of the Rhine Falls and Laufen Castle from Neuhausen Rheinfall train station. On the left, you can see the pedestrian bridge connecting the northern bank (Neuhausen) to Laufen Castle on the southern bank.
How to get there from Zurich HB
I recommend going here by train, because of the view. Start your journey by arriving at ‘Neuhausen Rheinfall’ with the train (S9). From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the Rhine Falls and Laufen Castle.
Quick info:
By car: 40 mins.
By train from Zurich HB →Neuhausen Rheinfall (S9 line): 50 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 46,-/ CHF 23.-.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free
Ticket: CHF5 (Schloss Laufen)
Exploring Both Sides of the Falls
Start at the ‘Neuhausen Rheinfall’ train station on the northern bank. Explore this side first before walking across the bridge to the southern bank, where Laufen Castle sits above the falls.
On the southern side, the best way to experience the Rhine Falls with all your senses, is to start at the top of Laufen Castle (CHF 5/adult ) and make your way down.
Make sure to stop at “Fischetz” platform. The southern side is our favourite way to enjoy the Falls because you get to be so close to the roaring water. Enjoy!
📍The Rhine Falls, “Fischetz” platform.
📍The Rhine Falls, The view from "Fischetz" platform
2. Rapperswil: Boardwalk across Lake Zurich
This is a really nice day trip from Zurich. The wooden bridge (Holzbrücke) from Hurden to Rapperswil is a charming boardwalk across Lake Zurich. It makes for a pleasant walk with great scenery on each side, offering views of Lake Zurich, the Swiss Alps, and Rapperswil Castle. Definitely worth a trip!
📍Holzbrücke: Hurden to Rapperswil. A charming wooden bridge across Lake Zurich. Swipe to see the best views.
How to get there from Zurich HB
Catch the train from Zurich HB to ‘Pfäffikon SZ’ —it’s just a breezy 40-minute ride. When you finish in Rapperswil, catch the train from Rapperswil station back to Zurich HB. You can return the same way or take the route along the opposite side of Lake Zurich to enjoy even more lovely scenery on your way back!
If you’re driving, no worries! Park your car at or near the train station and take the train back when you are done.
Quick info:
By car: 40 mins.
By train from Zurich HB →Pfäffikon SZ (S8 line): 40 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 26,-/ CHF 13.-.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free
Trail Overview: Hurden to Rapperswil Wooden Bridge
📍 Hurden to Rapperswil SG • 📊 Easy (Flat) • ⏰ 1 to 1.5 hours • 🥾 5.5 km • ⬆️ 40 m • ⬇️ 40 m
From Pfäffikon SZ train station, head toward Hurden through the stunning Frauenwinkel Nature Reserve. This quiet lakeside village is a lovely spot to take a quick break, be sure to check out local landmarks like the ‘Fischerei Braschler’ fish shop and the historic ‘Kapelle Hurden’. From there, simply follow the signs for the Holzbrücke to reach the entrance of the wooden bridge.
Frauenwinkel Nature Reserve
Frauenwinkel Nature Reserve
Visiting Rapperswil Castle & Old Town
The bridge brings you straight into Rapperswil, where you can explore the lake promenade, climb up to Rapperswil Castle, and finish your trip with a meal in the old town before catching the train back to Zurich.
The wooden bridge (Holzbrücke) from Hurden to Rapperswil. You can see Rapperswil Castle on the left side.
Information about Holzbrücke:
🌸 It is the longest wooden bridge (841 meters) in Switzerland. Pilgrims used this bridge on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
🌸 In one of the pictures you can see a little chapel called ‘Heilig Hüsli’ and until 2001 you could only reach it by boat.
3. Uetliberg: Panoramic Hike Above Zurich
One of my favourite day hikes from Zurich is hiking on the Uetliberg: which is the home mountain of Zurich. It is really easy to get here by train. In summer go for the popular Panorama Planetenweg and in winter for this Scenic Winter Hike. Both routes offer impressive views of the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich and the Alpine panorama.
Enjoying Uetliberg with my mom. From this spot, Zurich spreads out below us while you can see the Alps at the horizon.
How to get there from Zurich HB
For the Panorama Planetenweg hike, take the S10 train from Zurich HB directly to Uetliberg train station, a scenic 25 minute ride up the mountain. From Uetliberg station, follow the ridge trail down to the Felsenegg cable car (Luftseilbahn Adliswil-Felsenegg). Take the cable car down to Adliswil, then catch the S4 train back to Zurich HB.
Quick info:
By car: The summit is car-free, so take the S10 train or hike up.
By train Zurich HB → Uetliberg (S10 line): 20/25 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 16.60-/ CHF 8.80.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free
📍 Uetliberg hike: Panorama Planetenweg
Panorama Planetenweg: Uetliberg to Felsenegg
📍Zurich, Uetliberg • 📊 Easy • ⏰ 2 h • 🥾 7.2 k • ⬆️ 130 • ⬇️ 150
Explore the Panorama Planetenweg hike, a trail that shows you models of the solar system’s planets while offering amazing views. It’s great for families, nature fans, and space lovers.
When you arrive at the Uetliberg viewpoint, take some time to enjoy the views at Uto Kulm before continuing your hike. Here is a map of the exact hike:
How to get there from Zurich HB
For the Scenic Winter Hike, take the S10 train from Zurich HB directly to Ringlikon train station. From Uetliberg train station, you can easily catch the S10 train back to Zurich HB .
Quick info:
By car: The Uetliberg summit is car-free.
By train Zurich HB →Ringlikon (S10 line): 20 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 14.40-/ CHF 7.20.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free
Scenic Winter Hike: Ringlikon Forest Trail
📍Zurich, Ringlikon • 📊 Easy • ⏰ 1 h • 🥾 3 k • ⬆️ 180 • ⬇️ 150
This trail winds steadily uphill through peaceful, snow-covered pine woods, offering beautiful peeks at Lake Zurich and the Alps. The path is super easy to follow and leads straight to Uto Kulm, the perfect spot to warm up with a hot drink while taking in the views.
From Ringlikon station, turn left over the train tracks and begin the hike through the pine trees, starting at the wooden acorn —you can see it on the right side of my last photo (slideshow). At this point, turn right to continue up the hill, following the yellow signs toward Uetliberg station. Once you reach the station, it’s just a final short climb to the summit at Uto Kulm.
4. Baden: Historic Town & Thermal Baths
Baden was a really nice surprise when we had a day trip here (we went back a few times). Not only is this a cute little town to walk through, there are also natural thermal baths that you can use free of charge. Making this a great option for a budget friendly day trip.
How to get there from Zurich HB
From Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) it is only 15 minutes by train (IR16 / IR36).
Quick info:
By car: 30 minutes.
By train Zurich HB →Baden: 15 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 19.20/ CHF 9.60.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free.
Things to Do in Baden: Stein Castle & Limmat River
The best way to spend your day is to first explore Baden and walk around in the city center: City Tower. After that it might be a good idea to climb some stairs to visit Stein Castle and walk across town to Holzbrücke: a beautiful wooden bridge on the Limmat river.
Free Public Thermal Baths in Baden
End the day in one of the thermal baths and rejuvenate while enjoying the view of the river. In the video you can see that you can visit the thermal baths on 2 sides: this side or across the river where you see people enjoying the baths in the sun.
The thermal baths in Baden.
5. Mount Rigi: Queen of the Mountains Hike
Another popular day trip from Zurich is Mount Rigi, because if offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss landscape. This majestic mountain stands at 1,798 meters offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne, the surrounding mountain ranges, and even the distant peaks of the Alps on clear days.
There are multiple viewing platforms, making it easy to capture memorable photos. We recommend the Mount Rigi Panorama trail.
Mount Rigi Panorama trail cliff walk
How to get to there from Zurich HB
Mount Rigi is about a 1.5-hour journey by train from Zurich HB.
Outbound Route: Take the SBB train from Zurich HB to Arth-Goldau, then transfer to the scenic cogwheel train up to Rigi Staffel. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering spectacular views as the train climbs past lush forests and charming mountain villages. (Alternative route: Take the train/boat to *Vitznau** and ride the cogwheel train up from there).
Return Route: From Rigi Scheidegg, take the cable car down to Kräbel, hop on the mountain train to Arth-Goldau station, and catch your return train back to Zurich HB.
Quick info:
By car: 50 mins.
By train Zurich HB →Arth-Goldau / Vitznau: 1 h 15 mins.
Train Cost (Full / Half Fare): CHF 68.-/ CHF 34.-.
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free (including the cable car).
Panorama Trail: Rigi Staffel to Rigi Scheidegg
📍Rigi Staffel • 📊 Easy • ⏰ 2 h • 🥾 7 k • ⬆️ 210 • ⬇️ 150
The Rigi Panorama Trail from Rigi Staffel to Rigi Scheidegg is a favourite among hikers seeking breathtaking views. This 7 km trail offers amazing views of Lake Luzern and Lake Zug, as well as the Swiss Alps in the distance. The hike is easy to moderate, featuring a gentle incline near Rigi Scheidegg, and typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Trail Info
From Rigi Staffel station, head toward Rigi First by following the marked signs. Once you reach Rigi First, you have the option to explore the cliff walk, as shown in the picture above. This is a short path carved into the mountain’s side where the views are breathtaking. After the cliff walk, you can continue your hike onto a dirt service road that leads all the way to Rigi Scheidegg.
Winter Loop: Rigi Kulm Summit Walk
If you want postcard-worthy winter views without breaking a sweat, the summit loop at Rigi Kulm is hard to beat. Stepping off the historic cogwheel train straight into a snow-covered alpine world is pure magic, especially if you catch a sea of clouds floating over Lake Lucerne below.
The short summit path is flat, easy, and well-maintained in winter, giving you 360-degree views of the snow-capped Swiss Alps with minimal effort.
Trail Distance: 1.5 km loop
Time: 30–45 minutes (at a leisurely photo-taking pace)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Tip: Grab a hot chocolate at the summit hotel and aim for late afternoon to catch golden hour above the cloud inversion.
All photos by my boyfriend and myself.
Do you have any questions about these 5 Day Trips from Zurich? Ask them in the comments!
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