7 of the Most Adventure-Filled Day Trips From Zurich

With easy access to Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus, and Mt. Titlis—plus a lake and Old Town of its own—Lucerne is a convenient Alpine day trip near Zurich. Combine this day trip from Zurich with a visit to mountain resort Engelberg, ascend one of the many nearby peaks, or dedicate a full day to discovering the city itself, taking time to explore the world-famous Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne, or family-friendly Swiss Museum of Transport.

Lucerne is one of the best villages near Zurich thanks to its close proximity and the ability to maximize your time. With family-friendly attractions and scenic sights such as bookable lake tours and trips up Mount Pilatus or even a chocolate hunting tour, Lucerne is also a great day trip to do with younger kids, too. Lucerne is also one of the closest mountain towns to Zurich, making it the perfect place to soak up some fresh, alpine air.

Insider tip: For a unique experience, take the Vitznau–Rigi Kulm cogwheel train (Europe's first mountain railway) up Mt. Rigi from the shore of Lake Lucerne to enjoy exceptional views from the top of the “Queen of Swiss Mountains.”

An hour’s drive northeast of Zurich, this medieval Old Town is best known for its fresco-covered facades, well-preserved architecture, and close proximity to Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s biggest waterfalls. Families will love the town’s car-free streets and many cafés, where kids can run around while parents take a coffee on a restaurant terrace. Get the most out of your day trip from Zurich by touring the nearby waterfalls on a half-day tour, or if you have the time, choose a full-day excursion that also includes Zurich’s best things to do.

Under an hour from Zurich, historic St. Gallen is best known for its rich heritage. As a traditional center of Germanic culture, a stroll through the city is a must—look out for the traditional houses, ancient abbeys, and world-famous university. The town also boasts easy links to Appenzell, Austria, and beyond, making it a convenient stop on a day trip to the Swiss countryside from Zurich.

The capital of microstate Liechtenstein, Vaduz is well worth its just-over-an-hour’s travel time from Zurich. Several tours combine Liechtenstein with Heidiland, an outdoor adventurer’s paradise just across the Swiss border. If you have even more time to spare, explore the best things to do in Liechtenstein, such as tour the medieval Vaduz Castle, St. Florin Cathedral, and the Liechtenstein National Museum.

Built on the narrow valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is one of the best day trips from Zurich for outdoor adventures. From rafting to paragliding, there are plenty of ways to explore the surrounding Oberland. Combine with nearby Grindelwald or Schilthorn for a hassle-free day trip from Zurich, or opt for a city tour to learn more about Interlaken’s unique history and landscape.

Although it’s a longer journey to Interlaken from Zurich than neighboring Lucerne or Stein am Rhein, you can easily do this day trip from Zurich to Interlaken. Most full-day excursions will set out early in the morning and return in the evening so you can make the most of your adventure-filled day.

Related: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First White-Water Rafting Trip

One of Switzerland’s most photographable (and photographed) sights, Grindelwald is overlooked by the enormous Eiger, and considered a top day trip from Zurich. Several tours stop here as part of a full-day tour of the Lauterbrunnen valley and Bernese Alps, which is also home to Jungfrau, Schilthorn, and both the Trümmelbach and Staubbach Falls.

Insider tip: While best known as a winter ski resort, Grindelwald's alpine landscape offers striking vistas year-round. One of the best times of year to visit Grindelwald is during late spring when you’ll enjoy views over mountain-top meadows in full bloom.

Though a 4-hour drive each way, a one-day excursion from Zermatt is still a worthy day-trip destination. Here, you’ll find the base of Matterhorn Mountain and Gornergrat, two of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations. Combine the two on a full-day tour of Zermatt and its surroundings, or choose a more intimate experience of this car-free village with a Zermatt walking tour. If you’re seeking an adventure day trip from Zurich, private paragliding flights are a great way to see the Monte Rosa massif, while half-day ski lessons will leave you plenty of time to explore thanks to these one-day excursions from Zurich.

Insider tip: Don’t miss out on taking the scenic cogwheel train journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat. The Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest, open-air railway, offers one-of-a-kind stellar views of the Matterhorn and makes the one-hour round trip journey worth it.