Wandio

Catch the S10 from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Uetliberg and step straight into a short, panoramic mountain hike on the Planetenweg (Planet Trail), a surprisingly accessible ridge walk that gives you instant alpine views without leaving the city. The trail climbs through beech forests and opens onto broad vistas of Lake Zurich and the distant Alps; in April you’ll likely meet cool air and lingering snow patches near the summit, so layer up and start mid-morning when visibility tends to improve. Walk the Planetenweg toward Felsenegg at a relaxed pace to spot spring crocuses in the lower meadows and listen for the clear chirp of returning birds while the city hums below; this route is a local favorite for families and hikers who want big views without a long drive. Practical tip: take the first S10 of the morning to avoid weekend crowds, bring waterproof shoes for thaw-soft trails, and consider a short descent via the Adliswil–Felsenegg aerial cableway for a fun change of perspective and a quick ride back to the valley.

After the ridge, return to the city center and explore Zürichs Altstadt (Niederdorf and the area near Grossmünster) with an adventurous eye: weave through narrow lanes, duck into lively courtyards, and follow the river Limmat toward Bürkliplatz where local life unfolds around cafés and tram stops. April is when locals shake off winter, so you’ll see outdoor markets and cyclists returning to the streets; the Old Town’s cobbles and painted townhouses make for a sensory, low-impact urban hike that’s ideal after the morning ascent. Pause at Grossmünster to enjoy its twin towers and the Romanesque-Gothic architecture, then walk down to Bahnhofstrasse to feel Zurich’s blend of cosmopolitan energy and historic charm. Practical tip: keep your camera handy for reflections in the river and for shop windows along Bahnhofstrasse, and buy a day tram pass if you plan short hops between neighborhoods—Zurich’s public transit is fast, reliable, and the simplest way to stay nimble.

Close the day with a short Lake Zurich boat from Bürkliplatz or a lakeside stroll if the boat schedules are limited in April, letting the water and distant snow-capped peaks calm your travel adrenaline as the sun lowers; even a 45–60 minute clockwise cruise or a lakeside walk to the Seebad Enge will feel restorative after an active first day. Boats on the lake run year-round but check the timetable in advance and aim for golden-hour departures when the light is soft on the mountains; if wind or temperature rules out a boat, the promenade is an excellent alternative for people-watching and sampling Zürich’s spring mood. Practical tip: consider the Swiss Travel Pass for this trip—boats and trains in the lowlands are covered and you’ll save time and money on spontaneous routes across the city.

Take an early train from Zurich to Luzern Hauptbahnhof (about 50 minutes) and walk straight from the station to the boat landing at Luzern for the classic Lake Lucerne crossing to Vitznau; the lake passage is part of the celebrated Golden Round Trip and is especially atmospheric in April when lowland spring colors meet snowy peaks. The boat ride across the Vierwaldstättersee gives you wide-open water views and a relaxed transition from city to mountain; book an early departure to reach Vitznau mid-morning and avoid the busiest windows. Practical tip: a Swiss Travel Pass covers most Lake Lucerne boats and short sections of public transport, so use it to simplify logistics and save on single tickets, and sit on the sun-deck if the wind is mild for the best photographic angle.

From Vitznau, board the Rigi Bahn cogwheel railway—Europe’s steep and historic mountain line that climbs to Rigi Kulm—and let the valley unfold as you ascend through spring-laced forests and pastures. At Rigi Kulm the panorama is a classic: Lucerne’s lake mirror below, the patchwork of central Switzerland, and a serrated skyline of the Engelberg and Bernese Alps; in April you’ll encounter fresh alpine air and likely snow near the summit, so take short circuits around the summit and bring warm layers. Spend time hiking the short, well-marked trails toward Rigi Kaltbad and the terraces; Rigi’s gentle ridges are perfect for adventurous but non-technical trekking and provide numerous photo spots that don’t require long distances.

Descend by cogwheel or take the aerial cableway from Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis for a lakeside return to Luzern, enjoying different perspectives of the same mountain and giving your knees a break on the descent. Once back in Lucerne, if energy remains, stroll the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the Reuss riverfront to feel the city’s compact charm—ancient towers and painted chapels feel especially peaceful in April with fewer summer crowds. Practical tip: plan your Rigi loop as a full half-day so you leave time to relax in Lucerne’s riverside cafés or to explore the Verkehrshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport) later in the afternoon if you want a wetter-weather option.

Travel early from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express (about 2 hours) and settle into the outdoor-adventure capital of central Switzerland with a quick coffee in Höhematte park to watch alpine traffic—paragliders, trains and ferries all in motion against a mountain backdrop. Interlaken is compact and perfectly positioned between Brienz and Thun lakes, which makes it an ideal base for aerial sports; book a morning tandem paraglide with a licensed operator who provides a short vehicle transfer (often from Interlaken Ost to the Beatenberg or nearby launch area) and a full safety briefing. Your tandem paraglide will lift you above the valley and offer sweeping views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau while skilled pilots control the flight; it’s a signature Swiss adrenaline fix in April when the valley air is crisp but thermals begin to form—always book ahead and expect conditions to dictate exact timing, with operators offering flexible slots.

In the afternoon, take the short train from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald (about 30–35 minutes) and head up to First by the Grindelwald–First gondola from Grindelwald Grund; the First area is tailor-made for adventure with the First Cliff Walk by Tissot and several high-adrenaline options. Walk the 45-meter suspension bridge, feel the cliff-edge exposure and then try the First Flyer (zipline) or a Trottibike (mountain scooter) descent back toward Grindelwald—these are seasonal activities but generally available in April depending on snow cover, and they make for unforgettable, child-safe thrills under guide supervision. Practical tip: wear sturdy shoes and layers, reserve slots online for First activities, and ask operators about minimum age/weight for the scooter and zipline if traveling with younger companions.

If you prefer a lower-impact option after First, take the short Bachalpsee hike (if trail conditions permit) from First for an alpine-lake panorama that’s quiet and utterly photogenic; April can still leave snow on sections of trail, so check with the gondola station staff for safe routes. End the day with a relaxed dinner in Grindelwald village—choose a spot with views toward the Eiger north face to cement the day’s mountain memories and plan an early start for the Jungfraujoch excursion tomorrow. Practical tip: purchase your interregional rail tickets in advance if not using a Swiss Travel Pass—early trains sell out on busy weekends—and always carry a waterproof shell and warm mid-layer for summit and ridge activities in April.

Depart early from Grindelwald or Interlaken Ost and board the Wengernalpbahn and Jungfrau Railway toward Kleine Scheidegg, then continue inside the mountain to Jungfraujoch—'Top of Europe'—for a truly alpine high point of your trip that is reliably open in April. From the Sphinx Observatory platform you’ll experience expansive views over the Aletsch Glacier and the Bernese summits; inside the Jungfraujoch complex, explore the Ice Palace with its carved tunnels and glacial sculptures, feel the glacier underfoot on the plateau, and take short, supervised walks on marked snow paths for dramatic glacier perspective. Practical tip: take the earliest possible trains to avoid mid-day crowds, dress in winter layers for the minus temperatures at 3,454 m, and note that while the Swiss Travel Pass provides discounts for Jungfraujoch, a full-fare ticket or partial supplement is required.

After descending to Kleine Scheidegg, return down-valley to Lauterbrunnen for an afternoon in the valley of 72 waterfalls—visit the iconic Staubbach Falls and, if conditions and hours allow, take the short bus or walk to Trümmelbachfälle, a powerful series of glacial waterfalls inside the mountain that mills water from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. April often brings dramatic meltwater and theatrical flow in the falls, so this valley visit contrasts high-alpine white expanses with thunderous, accessible geology; the walkways through Trümmelbachfälle are engineered and family-friendly but check opening hours (they often resume in spring). Practical tip: plan a relaxed evening back in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen and use this quieter valley time to rest legs after the Jungfraujoch excursion—train connections in the Bernese Oberland are frequent and easy to navigate.

If energy permits, use late afternoon light to stroll the village lanes of Wengen or Mürren (car-free villages accessible by cable car) for postcard views and a serene alpine ambiance that feels worlds away from the city hustle. These villages lend themselves to exploratory wandering and short viewpoint walks ideal for stretching after a long rail day; in April expect cool air and possibly snow at higher elevations, so keep hikes short and plan transport back to Interlaken in good time. Practical tip: reserve seat reservations where available on the mountain trains for stress-free travel and always keep local timetables handy since mountain weather can prompt minor schedule adjustments.

From Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen, board the regional trains (via Spiez and Visp) to Zermatt—expect a scenic journey of roughly 2.5–3 hours—and arrive in the car-free village where Matterhorn views dominate the skyline. Zermatt’s pedestrianized center is perfect for a purposeful wander: wooden chalets, mountaineering shops, and mountain-buffed cafés line Bahnhofstrasse, and there’s an easy village rhythm that invites exploration with minimal planning. Practical tip: leave large luggage on station left-luggage where needed and stroll in light layers; April often brings a mix of spring sun in the village and snow at higher elevations.

Ascend on the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt Bahnhof to the Gornergrat viewpoint for unrivaled panoramas of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Gorner Glacier; the cogwheel ride climbs steadily and is open year-round, delivering dramatic mountain scenery within 30–40 minutes. At the top, take short marked trails for classic views (the Riffelhorn/Riffelsee area provides famous Matterhorn reflections when conditions permit) and enjoy an alpine snack at the panorama terrace—April often leaves a crisp snow fringe on the peaks, making the reflected images especially striking. Practical tip: the Gornergrat is busy at midday, so aim for a morning or late-afternoon ascent for better light and fewer people; Swiss Travel Pass holders receive discounts on the Gornergrat ticket.

Return to Zermatt village in the late afternoon to visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, a compact and engaging museum that traces the history of Zermatt, early alpinism, and the first Matterhorn ascent—an excellent cultural counterpoint to the day’s mountain heights. The museum’s exhibits connect the daring human stories with the landscapes you’ve been moving through, rounding out the trip with insight and local context. Practical tip: finish your day with a relaxed, early evening walk on the village promenade toward the river for one last Matterhorn view at sunset and prepare for onward travel; Zermatt connects by efficient trains to Visp and beyond the next morning.