Weekend & Day Trips from Zurich, Switzerland

1. Alpstein

Also known as the Appenzell Alps, Alpstein is part of the famous Alps mountain range system, and it's a true hikers' paradise. The beautiful trails wind through picturesque alpine scenery, along ridge lines, and past snow-covered peaks, and one of them even goes down to a cave system filled with Stone Age tools and cave bear skeletons.

Some trails have ladders and chains to help hikers make it through the tricky terrain. As a bonus, you don't need to bring many provisions with you for the day; the trails are dotted with traditional alpine inns serving up hearty meals and cold drinks. Alpstein Map

2. Appenzell

Set at the base of the spectacular Alpstein mountains, Appenzell is a cozy, colorful mountain town that looks like something off a postcard. The hilly pastures that surround the town are home to thousands of dairy cows, so it's no surprise that the town is most famous for producing delicious Appenzeller cheese, which is used in many of the traditional dishes served at local restaurants. Visitors can stop by the Appenzeller Showcase to watch the cheese being made before heading into town to admire the gabled houses and browse the craft shops and bakeries along the main street. Appenzell

3. Arth Goldau

Nestled between two beautiful lakes, the tiny town of Arth Goldau is a wonderful place for a day trip, particularly if you're traveling with children. The entire village was destroyed by a massive rockslide in 1806, and although it has since been rebuilt, visitors can learn about what happened at the local museum. You can also walk along the “Landslide Trail”, which leads through the landslide area and past the beautiful orchids that sprung up in the slide's wake. Another major attraction is the Nature Reserve and Wildlife Park Goldau, which is home to more than 100 local and foreign animal species. Arth Goldau

4. Atzmannig

Another excellent destination for families with kids, Atzmannig is an outdoor leisure park hidden away in the beautiful Swiss countryside. Visitors in search of an adrenaline rush will enjoy the ropes course, bungy trampoline, and enormous alpine slide, but if you're looking for something more relaxing, you can visit the animals in the petting zoo. There are also plenty of beautiful walking trails, which can be accessed by taking a chairlift up the hill. There is no admission fee for the park itself, but visitors must pay to use the chairlift, the ropes course, and some of the other attractions.

Atzmannig, Atzmännigstrasse 1, 8638 Goldingen, Switzerland, Phone: +41-5-52-84-64-34

5. Basel

Located on the banks of the Rhine River, Basel is the third-largest town in Switzerland. It's widely recognized as the country's cultural capital, and it's home to around 40 museums, including the Museum of Cultures and the Basel Art Museum. The town is also rich in high-quality architecture, particularly in the medieval Marktplatz, where there's a unique red sandstone Town Hall. From here, you can walk through the cobblestone alleys to the picturesque Basel Minster cathedral, where you can climb up to the Pfalz for some wonderful views of the river and the city below. Basel

6. Bern

Dating back to the 12th century, Bern has more than its fair share of claims to fame; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of Switzerland, and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The cobblestone streets of the historic center are lined with covered shopping arcades, which are known to locals as "Lauben", and visitors won't struggle to find a cozy cafe or wine cellar that suits their tastes. If you venture outside the downtown core, you can visit the bears in Bear Park, stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or stop by the Albert Einstein House. Bern

7. Chur

The city of Chur has been inhabited since 3000 BC, making it the oldest city in the country, and it's known for its charming medieval Old Town and its proximity to the alpine passes. You need to take some time to stroll through the car-free downtown streets, but don't forget about the town's other attractions as well, including the iconic St. Martin’s Church, the Bündner Kunstmuseum, and the Rätisches Museum. If you're here on a Saturday, you might also be lucky enough to catch the summer farmers' market or the vintage flea market, which is held on the first Saturday of the month. Chur

8. Colmar

If you want to hop over to France for the day, the fairytale town of Colmar is an excellent choice. Photography lovers could easily spend the entire day snapping shots of the cobblestone streets and picturesque canals, but there are plenty of other things to see and do here as well, including the Unterlinden Museum, the Gothic-style St. Martin's Church, and the Covered Market Halle, which is full of local restaurants. The town is also surrounded by wineries known for producing world-class Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, and visitors can explore the many lush vineyards by car or on foot. Colmar

9. Glarus

Sitting at the foot of the Glarus Alps, Glarus is in an ideal location for anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor activities no matter what the time of year. The beautiful Klöntal hiking region is just a short drive away, while the Kerenzerberg mountain pass provides plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. As for the town itself, many of the original buildings were destroyed by a terrible fire in 1861, so the town is now a stately 19th-century creation built on a grid plan. However, it still offers an excellent selection of shops and restaurants. Glarus

10. Grindelwald

Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is an inviting Swiss village that draws mountain lovers from all over Europe. The village itself makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll, but the area's real attractions are found in the mountains, which offer world-class hiking and skiing. One of the best things to do regardless of the season is take the gondola up to Grindelwald First, where you can explore some of the area's most beautiful hiking and cross-country skiing trails. If you're looking for something more exhilarating, you can try trotter biking down the steep mountain roads. Grindelwald