7 of the Best Small Towns for Day Trips From Zurich

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 one of Europe’s biggest waterfalls. Families will love the town’s car-free streets and many cafés, where kids can admire the murals while parents take a coffee on a restaurant terrace. Tick off the town along with the nearby Rhine Falls on a half-day tour, or save time on a full-day excursion that also includes Zurich’s best bits.

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 gateway just an hour’s drive southeast of Zurich. Combine 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.

One of Switzerland’s most photographable (and photographed) sights, this tiny town overlooked by the enormous Eiger is well worth its 2-hour drive from Zurich, especially for nature lovers and keen hikers. 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.

Built on the narrow valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is an ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors, just over two hours from Zurich. 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 of adventure, or opt for a city tour to learn more about Interlaken’s unique history and landscape.

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Though a 4-hour drive from Zurich, Zermatt is still a worthy day-trip destination, as here you’ll find the iconic Matterhorn mountain and Gornergrat ridge. Combine the two on a full-day excursion or get a more intimate glimpse of the charming town on a Zermatt walking tour. If you’re after a quick shot of adrenaline, private paragliding flights are a great way to soak up Monte Rosa massif, while half-day ski lessons leave you plenty of time to zip back to Zurich.

The capital of microstate Liechtenstein, Vaduz is well worth its just-over-an-hour’s travel time from Zurich. Several tours combine the city with Heidiland, an outdoor adventurer’s paradise just across the Swiss border. If you have time, don’t miss out on a tour of the city’s many highlights, including the medieval Vaduz Castle, St. Florin Cathedral, and Liechtenstein National Museum.