ahoyne9During the last leg of our trip to Switzerland, My dad and I traveled by train from Bern to Zurich, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way. The journey covers approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) and takes between 56 minutes to 1 hour and 12 minutes, depending on the train. Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) operates frequent services, with InterCity (IC) trains offering the fastest and most direct option. Tickets range from CHF 30 to CHF 60 (approximately USD 32 to 65), depending on the class of service and booking time. The ride was swift and comfortable, allowing us to relax and admire the picturesque Swiss countryside.
Instead of staying in Zurich, we chose an Airbnb in Kloten, a suburb with easy access to the transit system and close to the airport. This was convenient as my dad had a flight from Zurich, and I planned to take a train to Italy from the airport station.
On our first day in Zurich, August 5th, 2021, we explored the historic heart of the city, Old Town. We wandered through its narrow alleys, admired medieval buildings, and enjoyed charming squares like Lindenhof. Walking further along the river, we reached Lake Zurich (Zurichsee) and booked a boat tour for the next day. It was a sunny day, a welcome change after a week of overcast weather in Switzerland.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend spending as many days in Zurich as we did. While the city is beautiful, most of its main attractions can be seen in less than two days.
On the second day, August 6th, 2021, we took a boat tour with Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft (ZSG), the main operator for boat tours on Lake Zurich. We opted for the short trip, which cost CHF 9.40 for adults. The tour lasted approximately 1.5 hours and took us from Zurich to Thalwil and Erlenbach, providing a brief yet scenic experience of the lake and its surroundings. Snacks and drinks were available on board.
On our final day, August 7th, 2021, we spent some time walking around the city, did some souvenir shopping, and visited the FIFA Museum. The museum celebrates the history and cultural impact of soccer, featuring exhibits like the FIFA World Cup Gallery, a comprehensive timeline of soccer history, interactive displays, and a 3D cinema. Visitors can explore the science behind soccer in The Lab and admire artistic posters in The Rainbow. The museum also includes a shop and a café, with admission costing CHF 24 for adults.
As we prepared to leave Switzerland, I felt a mix of excitement and disappointment. I had hoped to do more scenic hikes and visit the Matterhorn, but the weather altered our plans, leading us to explore the major cities instead. Despite this, we had a great time, especially during our authentic experience in Appenzell. I look forward to returning someday for a trekking trip or even skiing.
Cheers!