Zurich with Alps and Jungfrau on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Explore Zurich's Old Town
    Located 12 minutes (1.5 km) from Zurich Central Station

    Spend the day exploring Zurich's historic Old Town. Visit the iconic Fraumünster church and admire the Chagall stained-glass windows. Stop by Lindenhof Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Limmat river. Wander through the quaint alleys of Niederdorf, stopping for a bite to eat at one of the affordable street food stalls or local cafes.

  2. Day 2: Hike in the Swiss Alps and visit Lake Brienz
    Depart from Zurich Central Station to Interlaken Ost (2 hours by train), then take a bus to Iseltwald (20 mins)

    Hike to the stunning Giessbach Falls, a spectacular and free waterfall cascading down the mountain. Continue your hike up to Axalp, from where you will have breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Brienz. After the hike, take a dip in the refreshing lake or rent a paddle boat. Finish your day with a sunset picnic on the lake shore.

  3. Day 3: Explore Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald
    Depart from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch (2.5 hours by train)

    Board the scenic train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Marvel at the stunning vistas of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Swiss Alps. Stroll through the Ice Palace, a labyrinth of ice tunnels and sculptures. Afterward, head to the picturesque village of Grindelwald, where you can hike, bike or simply take in the stunning views of the famous Eiger Mountain.

  4. Day 4: Visit Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen
    Take a train from Zurich Central Station to Neuhausen Rheinfall (1 hour by train)

    Take a boat ride to the base of Europe's largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls. Wander along the pathways at the top of the waterfall for stunning views before heading to the charming town of Schaffhausen. Stroll along the riverfront promenade and admire the medieval architecture of the Old Town. Check out the impressive Munot fortress before hopping on your train back to Zurich.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Fraumünster church (1 hour, free)
  • Lindenhof Hill (30 mins, free)
  • Giessbach Falls and Axalp hike (6 hours, free)
  • Jungfraujoch train ticket (7 hours, CHF 193 for a roundtrip)
  • Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen train ticket (5 hours, CHF 30 for a roundtrip)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 223

Useful Tips

If you have more time, take a day trip to Lucerne or visit the Swiss National Museum. If you have less time, skip the trip to Rhine Falls and take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich instead. To save money, bring your lunch and snacks for the hikes or find affordable meals at local supermarkets.

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