Family-Friendly Nature Rail Trip on a Shoestring Budget from Zurich Airport

Day 1: Nature Day in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sprüngli

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sprüngli, known for its Swiss chocolate and pastries.
Walk to the nearest train station from Zurich Airport and take the S-Bahn train S2 line to Zurich HB. From there, Sprüngli is a short walk away.
15 CHF, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Zurich Zoo

Explore Zurich Zoo, home to over 400 animal species in naturalistic habitats.
Take a tram from Zurich HB to the Zurich Zoo.
25 CHF, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy a traditional Swiss meal at Zeughauskeller, known for its sausages and rosti.
Walk from Zurich Zoo to Zeughauskeller.
20 CHF, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Botanical Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Garden, showcasing a wide variety of plants and flowers.
Walk from Zeughauskeller to the Botanical Garden.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hiltl

Indulge in a vegetarian feast at Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
Take a tram back to Zurich HB and walk to Hiltl.
20 CHF, 1 hour
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Day 2: Rural Charm in Rapperswil

Rapperswil, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Bar Central

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Bar Central, offering a range of Swiss delicacies.
Take a train from Zurich to Rapperswil.
10 CHF, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Rapperswil Old Town

Wander through the picturesque Old Town of Rapperswil, known for its medieval architecture and charming streets.
Walk from the train station to the Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Rapperswil Market

Grab a bite to eat at the local market in Rapperswil, offering fresh produce and homemade specialties.
Explore the market square in the Old Town.
15 CHF, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on Lake Zurich

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Zurich, admiring the beautiful scenery and surrounding mountains.
Walk to the Lake Zurich boat dock from the Old Town.
30 CHF, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Zurich Airport

Take the train back to Zurich Airport, ending your scenic rail trip on a high note.
Walk back to the Rapperswil train station and take the train back to Zurich Airport.
10 CHF, 1 hour
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