Konstanz, Germany
Konstanz is a German gem right on the Swiss border. The town sits on the shores of Lake Constance and is full of history, culture and natural beauty. It’s in Germany, but only a short ride from Zurich, and it brings the two countries together.
The old town, the Altstadt, is a lovely maze of narrow winding streets, timber-framed houses, special little shops and cafés. At its heart stands Konstanz Cathedral, which goes back more than a thousand years, and the view from its tower is breathtaking.
Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Central Europe, with boat trips, swimming, and walking and cycling routes all around. Mainau, the “flower island”, is a must: gardens, a butterfly house and a baroque palace.
Getting there from Zurich: By Swiss train or by bus, about an hour from central Zurich.
Our tip: Bring your passport, especially if you take the bus. There are sometimes random checks when crossing between the countries.
Mount Rigi, queen of the mountains
Mount Rigi rises above Lake Lucerne and is often called the “Queen of the Swiss Alps”. The panoramic views, the hiking trails and how easy it is to reach make it a must on any trip to Switzerland.
The mountain has more than 120 kilometres of trails for every level, from an easy stroll through meadows to a challenging trek to the summit. In winter it turns into a place for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. You can also visit cheese dairies, eat fondue in a mountain restaurant or relax in a spa facing the view.
Getting there from Zurich: From Zurich HB main station, take a train to Arth-Goldau, then change to the mountain railway up to Rigi Kulm at the top.
Our tip: Keep your tickets with you the whole way. The Swiss trust passengers, but if you can’t show a ticket to the conductor you may get a hefty fine.
Lucerne, down the mountain by boat
The most memorable way down from Rigi is by cable car and then by boat, straight into Lucerne.
Lucerne’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site: cobbled streets, colourful buildings and landmarks. The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), the oldest covered bridge in Europe, and the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) are musts. You can have a picnic in one of the lakeside parks and enjoy the food, from Swiss chocolate and fondue to gourmet restaurants.
Bern, the capital
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and its medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is beautifully preserved. The old town is a maze of narrow streets, sandstone buildings, clock towers and fountains. The Zytglogge, a clock tower with an astronomical clock, and Bern Minster, the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, are musts.
We visited Bern in winter, before Christmas, but it’s just as wonderful in summer: the river turns blue and turquoise, the brown rooftops make a perfect contrast, and the blossoms turn every corner into a postcard. The rose garden, the Rosengarten, with more than 200 varieties, looks out over the old town.
Getting there from Zurich: [To add: the train from Zurich to Bern, and how long the ride takes]
In short
A short ride from Zurich, magical towns and breathtaking views are waiting. From the historic charm of Lucerne and Bern to the nature of Mount Rigi, every stop is a gem of its own. So pack a bag and go. Have a great flight!
Photos: Gabriel Pinto-Hasgiv and Noa Antebi-Galili
