View on Engelberg in SwitzerlandVisit Switzerland on a European rail trip and get up close to dramatic landscape in one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places. In this summer and winter sports wonderland you won’t be short of things to do with an InterRail Switzerland Pass.
Bern: Charming little capital
Bern, not a typical capital city in terms of size and decibel levels, instead oozes provincial charm and calm. Pass by Einstein House (Einsteinhaus), once home to the father of modern physics, Albert Einstein, between 1903 and 1905. There’s also an interesting biography of the German-born mastermind and a presentation of his life’s work. Take some time to wander around the medieval centre of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the 15th-century architecture. The Clock Tower (Zytglogge) with its quirky puppet show popping out each hour, stands proudly among medieval terraced-buildings. More things to do in Bern
The Einstein House is a 15-minute walk from Bern’s main train station and the Clock Tower is just 10 minutes from there.
Spoilt for choice
Majestically sparkling in the west, is Lake Geneva – Europe’s largest alpine lake. Wonderful places to experience Switzerland’s largest lake are from the cosmopolitan city of Geneva and on the opposite side of the lake in Montreux. Visit the spectacular Château de Chillon in Montreux, a well-preserved medieval castle elegantly perched on the edge of Lake Geneva. Another picture-perfect lake can be discovered in Lucerne. Take a boat trip around the crystal waters and admire the surrounding wooded slopes and soak up the Swiss serenity.
Château de Chillon is a 10-minute walk from Veytaux-Chillon train station. From Lucerne’s main train station it is a 10-minute walk to the quay where you can pick up a boat.
Paint the town red
Zurich has some of the most lively night spots in the country, with a great selection in the Old Town. Check out Kaufleuten – a buzzing bar and club – and choose from four bars, each with an individual style, and during warmer months the terrace is a great hang out. Also make sure you pass by Langstrasse – Zurich’s very own red light district, though keep your wits about you as crime levels are higher in this area. Lausanne is another city with a vibrant night scene and a varied selection of bars and clubs to keep you going into the early hours.
Kaufleuten is a 5-minute walk from Sihlstrasse tram stop (tram 2,5, 9 or 13).
Adrenaline overload
Not only is Switzerland a top ski and snowboard destination – think St. Moritz, Verbier and Zermatt – but it’s also a great place to enjoy many other outdoor activities within stunning surroundings. If you’re seeking adrenaline-fuelled madness go zorbing in Interlaken – climb the hill, step inside a man-made beach ball and roll on down! Or, try Switzerland’s longest Flying Fox at Monte Tamaro in the south. You’ll be tied to a harness and pulley and then sent careering at 60km/h along a 440-metre wire – only for the daring!
Interlaken has two main train stations: Interlaken Ost (nearest to the city centre) and Interlaken West. A number of companies offer zorbing around Interlaken. To reach Monte Tamaro take a aerial cable car from Alpe Foppa.
For the culturally curious
Visit Switzerland’s culture capital: Basel, with its wealth of cultural, historical and art attractions, plus a pleasant vibe. The city lies in the heart of Europe on both banks of the Rhine and is an important transport hub with good connections to the whole of Europe from its three train stations. Just 20 kilometres east of Basel in Augst, is Augusta Raurica – an ancient Roman archaeological site, containing an impressive Roman theatre and house, as well as a museum explaining the history of this Swiss gem.
Augusta Raurica is a 15-minute walk from the Kaiseraugst train station.
Events
Fasnacht, Lucerne: A six-day boisterous carnival in Lucerne. The festivities start on ‘Dirty Thursday’ with the emergence of the character ‘Fritschi’ from a window in the town hall. Then bands, musicians and partygoers take to the streets.
Montreux Jazz Festival
Europe’s most famous jazz festival attracts world famous musicians from BB King to The Black Eyed Peas.
Street Parade
- August 11, 2012
This is one of the world’s largest techno street parties. The parade route follows along the side of Lake Zurich.
From Zurich’s main train station it is possible to walk to the parade or use public transport.
Caliente Latin Festival
- July 6-8, 2012
Each year at Zurich’s Latin festival the whole city bursts into song and dance, with a mix of salsa and samba by day and pumping beats by night.
The festival is held in venues across the city.
Montreux Jazz Festival
- June 19 - July 14, 2012
This festival is known around the world as one of the best places to hear the masters of rock and jazz. Just 1 hour outside of Geneva, the festival is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Free shuttle buses operate between the festival site and Montreux's train station.
Fasnacht
- February 11-26, 2013
This 3-day carnival attracts over 15,000 costumed and masked participants, infiltrating the streets of Lucerne. Expect music, mayhem and partying on the streets.
Lucerne is a 1-hr train ride from Bern and Zurich. The festival takes place across the whole city, which can be reached via the main train station.
Switzerland rail passes
- InterRail Global Pass
valid in 30 countries - InterRail Switzerland Pass
valid in Switzerland
Plan your trip
- Timetables
Find train schedules and travel times - InterRail map
View major train routes in Europe - Reservations
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