Zurich: Day Trips

Bern Switzerland’s capital is its most charming city. Set on a picturesque peninsula, Bern is a pedestrian’s city (most streets are blocked to traffic), famous for its splendid churches, clock tower, and wonderful food, flower, crafts, and flea markets, held daily in different squares. about an hour from Zurich by train; www.berninfo.com
family | culture | culinary | museum | outdoors | history

Felsenegg Ride the cable car up to the top of 2,600-foot Felsenegg for its historic restaurant, hearty alpine food, and panoramic views from the terrace. Take the train from Zurich's Hauptbahnhof (15 minutes) to Adliswil then walk 10 minutes to the cable car. 15 minutes from Zurich by train; www.felsenegg.com
family | outdoors

Lucerne (Luzern) The breathtakingly beautiful city of Lucerne is less than an hour from Zurich. Set around its pretty lake, Lucerne has a perfectly preserved medieval centre which includes its famous octagonal Water Tower and Chapel Bridge, several fascinating museums, and superb restaurants. 50 minutes from Zurich by train; www.luzern.org
family | culture | culinary | museum | outdoors | history

St. Gallen The beautiful town of St. Gallen is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval monastery and library, which houses books dating back to 790, its ornate baroque cathedral, and its tiny, well-preserved old town. An hour and five minutes from Zurich by train; www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch
family | culture | outdoors | history

Uetliberg Uetliberg, the northernmost peak of the Albis ridge, is a scenic half-hour train trip from Selnau station through the mountains on the Uetlibergbahn (011-41-44-206-4511; www.szu.ch). After alighting at an elevation of 2,755 feet, you hike 10 minutes to the summit for stupendous views as far as the Black Forest, and to refuel at the mountaintop café. 30 minutes from Zurich by train
family | hiking | road trip | outdoors | views

Winterthur A favorite day-trip for Zurich’s locals (18 minutes by train), Winterthur boasts 18 excellent museums, the highlight of which is the internationally renowned Fotomuseum. There’s an impressive permanent exhibition, regular temporary shows, and an excellent museum shop. 18 minutes from Zurich by train; 011-41-52-234-1060; www.fotomuseum.ch
family | museum | photography