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Central Switzerland Hiking

Our most recommended Central Switzerland Hiking

From Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken

1. From Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken

Explore the idyllic Bernese Oberland and magnificent Jungfrau mountain region on a full-day tour from Zurich. The day includes free time to explore the famous mountain resorts of Grindelwald and Interlaken, located between 2 lakes. Journey through the countryside to Interlaken in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. After orientation, continue to Grindelwald, also known as “Glacier Village.” Lookout points provide stunning views of the impressive mountainscape, including the triple peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Take the cable car to the sunny terrace of Mt. First, where you can rent unique and fun Trottibikes to whizz down to town (optional, not included). In the early afternoon, return by train to Interlaken, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the region’s shopping paradise. Choices on offer include regional produce, precious jewelry, and Swiss watches. If you don’t want to shop, you can visit Interlaken’s Harder Kulm mountain. A funicular will take you to the top for breathtaking views (optional, not included). Breathe in the fresh mountain air before meeting your guide for the return journey to Zurich and the end of the tour.

From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch Mountain

2. From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch Mountain

Embark on a full-day guided tour to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken. Enjoy a panoramic cable car ride, take in the views of Europe from the Sphinx Observation Terrace, and explore the tunnels of the Ice Palace. Begin your excursion with a coach journey from Interlaken to the mountain resort of Grindelwald. Board the cable car at the Grindelwald Terminal for a spectacular ride to the Eiger Glacier. Change to a cogwheel train that will take you to the peak of Jungfraujoch. When you reach the top, marvel at the high-alpine wonderland of eternal ice, snow, and rock. Experience the Alpine Sensation adventure tour marking the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau for breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, neighboring countries, and the Aletsch Glacier. Walk through the tunnels of the Ice Palace at the heart of the glacier. Restaurants are available for meals and refreshments. During the descent, pass the holiday resort Wengen and stop at Lauterbrunnen, where the coach awaits for your return trip to Interlaken.

Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

3. Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

Embark on a day trip from Lucerne and ascend Mount Pilatus by cable car. Go on a hike and kick pack on the panorama terrace, descended the mountain by cogwheel railway, and complete your experience with a return journey by boat. Depart Lucerne and relax aboard a comfortable coach on the drive to Kriens. Then, climb aboard the panoramic gondolas and journey to Fräkmüntegg to board the aerial Dragon Ride cable car up the mountain. Get magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks from the panoramic windows. Arrive at the top of Mt. Pilatus, 2,132 meters above sea level and feel like a bird as you survey your surroundings. Hike to the summit or venture down the Dragon Trail where dragons with healing powers were thought to live in the Middle Ages. Relax on the panoramic terrace and take in the magnificent vistas of the mountains and lakes. Eat at one of the restaurants to enjoy lunch on top of the world. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you descend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway. Arrive in Alpnachstad to embark on a one-hour cruise back to Lucerne on the beautiful "Lake of the 4 Cantons" (only during summer).

From Lucerne: Day Trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken

4. From Lucerne: Day Trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken

Depart Lucerne and journey to the magnificent mountains of the Bernese Oberland by coach. Marvel at the splendid countryside as you drive to the beautiful resort town of Interlaken in the Jungfrau region.  After an orientation stop in Interlaken, continue to the village of Grindelwald, more than 1,000 meters above sea level. Get stunning views of the surroundings, including the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.  Use your leisure time to ride the funicular to the terrace of Grindelwald First (optional, not included). Go for a walk or rent a Trotti bike (a scooter-like bike without a seat) and experience the dramatic scenery from a different perspective. Then, take a scenic - unescorted - train ride back to Interlaken, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Browse the shops or go to the Harder Kulm viewpoint by funicular for stunning views of the surrounding area (optional, not included).  Breathe in the fresh mountain air before meeting your guide again for the return journey to Lucerne and the end of the tour.

Vitznau: Mount Rigi Train and Mineral Baths Entrance Ticket

5. Vitznau: Mount Rigi Train and Mineral Baths Entrance Ticket

Hop on the cogwheel train in Vitznau (30 min drive from Lucerne), Europe's first mountain railway, which brings you to the top of Rigi Kulm which provides countless panoramic views overlooking Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Plateau with the Bernese Alps, Vosges Mountains, Black Forest, and the Glarus Alps beyond. Take a short stroll around the top of the mountain to immerse yourself in the 360-degree panoramas over or just enjoy the sun from one of the many wellness benches. Spend your time on a hiking trail, or grab lunch in one of the cozy restaurants along the many hiking trails (activities and food are your own expense). If you prefer to discover another cogwheel train and route, you can also hop on the train to Goldau, from where you have countless direct railway connections up to Zurich (37 minutes), Lucerne (28 minutes), or others. Another accessing point to Mt. Rigi is Weggis, where a cable car brings you up to Rigi Kaltbad, from where you can continue by cogwheel train up to Rigi Kulm. Your ticket provides unlimited rides on the 3 transportation services for the whole day and you are able to choose your route according to your wishes. When it’s time, the cogwheel train transports you down to the mountain resort of Rigi Kaltbad. The Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa was designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. Its tranquil and contemplative ambiance makes it the perfect place for rest and relaxation. The large indoor pool with its deep niches leads directly into the outdoor pool, where bathers are greeted by a sweeping Alpine panorama. Here, everyday life will be quickly forgotten as you bathe in the mineral-rich spring waters which are warmed by wood-fired heating to a pleasant 35°C. Explore the spa area which includes a crystal spa, steam room, organic sauna, and expansive chill-out zone. The luxurious facilities are rounded off by a large selection of massages, as well as beverages and light cuisine in the Botta Kaffee. Beyond the glass facade with stone slats, there is a clear panoramic view from the rear of the indoor pool and, of course, from the outdoor pool out across the mountainous landscape.

From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

6. From Lucerne: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Explore the snow-capped mountains of UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch, the site of Europe's largest glacier. Get immersed in the stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau. Your 10-hour excursion begins with a scenic coach journey from Lucerne, along the Brünig Pass and the shores of Lake Brienz to the Bernese Oberland. After a break in Interlaken, board the cable car at the Grindelwald Terminal for a spectacular 15-minute ride to the Eiger Glacier. From there, change to a cogwheel train that will take you to the peak of Jungfraujoch. From the top of Jungfraujoch, you’ll marvel at the High-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow, and rock. Experience the Alpine Sensation adventure tour, marking the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau for breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier. Walk along the tunnels of the Ice Palace into the heart of the glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descend via the resort of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, where your coach will be waiting to take you back to Lucerne.

From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

7. From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a day trip from Zurich. Reach the summit via bus, cable car, boat, and cogwheel train. For the return journey, hop on a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne. Leave from Zurich Main Station in the morning and enjoy the bus ride through the countryside along the Lake of the Four Cantons to Lucerne. Make a stop at the Lion Monument of Lake Lucerne (traffic permitting).  Continue to Kriens and take a panoramic gondola and cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus (2128 m above sea level). Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Swiss Alpine landscape and the surrounding lakes. Then, ride on one of the steepest funiculars down to Alpnachstad. Afterward, relax on a tranquil boat trip across Lake Lucerne back to Lucerne. From there, get on a bus to Zurich.

From Lucerne: Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular

8. From Lucerne: Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular

Cross Lake Lucerne by ferry, and then climb aboard the funicular railway to journey to the top of Mount Bürgenstock.  Get magnificent views as you make your way to the expansive Bürgenstock resort, where you can hike one of the walking trails and discover indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools. Play a round on the 9-hole golf course or board the vertical Hammetschwandlift elevator. Avail of an exciting selection of international cuisine at up to 12 different bars and restaurants. Then, head back down the mountain on the funicular railway and cruise back to Lucerne by ferry.

Mount Rigi: Cogwheel Train Ticket

9. Mount Rigi: Cogwheel Train Ticket

Discover Rigi, a mountain range in central Switzerland with a particular charm. Choose for yourself how you would like to discover the Queen of the Mountains with its outstanding 360-degree panoramic view overlooking the Swiss Alps and lakes. Take the first mountain railway in Europe (since 1871), which travels from Vitznau to the top of the mountain (Rigi Kulm; 1797 meters above sea level). Or travel to the top from Goldau with the rack railway on the north face, from where you can also access the small cable car departing at Kräbel, going up to Rigi Scheidegg. From Weggis, the cable car travels to Rigi Kaltbad, where you can transfer with the rack railway to the Rigi Kulm.  All of the valley stations can easily be reached from Lucerne by boat to Weggis/Vitznau or direct train to Goldau as well as from Zurich with a direct train connection to Goldau. Each valley station also has car parking facilities.  Summer (March - November): The Rigi Day Pass includes all 4 modes of transport for the whole day. The mountain rage offers different hiking- and walking trails of approximately 120 kilometers with fantastic panoramic views. This is a popular area for all fans of walking or for those seeking respite and relaxation away from the beaten tourist path. Be aware during summer months the Rigi is not covered in snow! Winter (December - March): The Rigi Day Pass includes all 4 modes of transport for the whole day. Skiers and snowboarders can use the ski lifts on the Rigi. Hiking enthusiasts can look forward to about 40 kilometers of well-groomed hiking trails with fantastic views. Active people have the great opportunity to discover the Queen of the mountains by sled or with snowshoes.

From Zurich: Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour

10. From Zurich: Lucerne and Engelberg Full-Day Tour

Discover the beauty of the Alps on this day trip by bus from Zurich to Lucerne and Engelberg. See the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne and have free time to explore Lucerne. Visit a monastery in Engelberg and have time to soak up the charm of this village.  Hop aboard a climate-controlled bus with plenty of space at the centrally-located meeting point in Zurich. Take in the countryside as you pass by Lake Lucerne. Stop to visit the beautiful city of Lucerne with an hour of free time.  Continue to Engelberg to check out the stunning Baroque church of the monastery which was built by Benedictine monks in 1120 and still functions to this day. Spend the next 3 hours strolling through the village and shopping for souvenirs at a local cheese shop.  Alternatively, you can hike through the Alpine landscape on breathtaking trails around the village or take an optional scooter (summer) or toboggan ride (winter). Return to your meeting point in Zurich at the end of your tour. 

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What people are saying about Central Switzerland

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 14 reviews

This is one of the best activities I have joined and I’m so glad I decided to come event though I was alone. It was well-organized and I learned a lot about Switzerland from the tour guide. I’ve been telling my friends about this for when they come to Switzerland.

The tour to the top of Europe was amazing! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable. His passion for his job was evident and he kept the group entertained. It was an unforgettable adventure!

Pedro and Weili were very knowledgeable of the different stages of the journey which made for a informative day out!

The views were irreplaceable but it was quite expensive as everything else in Switzerland

Was an exceptional experience and the guides were so good and helpful, and friendly