【Switzerland】3 days and 2 nights visiting wonderland by the Golden Pass train through Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zurich
Because my friend is leaving Switzerland, we planned a three-day, two-night trip before he departs. We visit Switzerland together and I stayed in a his place for free :D.
Contents
Basel
Basel is a city in northern Switzerland, located at the intersection of Switzerland, France, and Germany. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage. For example, the Old Town in the city center preserves many medieval buildings and squares, including the Basel City Hall and the famous Market Square. In addition, there are many museums and galleries in the city, and several world-class art and jewelry exhibitions are held here every year.
Transportation
It is approximately a 40-minute train ride from Zurich.
Transportation in city
The city has a tram network, so if you don’t want to walk, you can take the tram instead
Trasnportation Tickets
For this entire trip, I used the Swiss Travel Pass and checked for transportation within and between cities using the SBB app.
https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/che/ticket/swiss-travel-pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on most Swiss transportation options, including buses, trains (reservation required for some), and regular boats (not including special boats), as well as for admission to more than 500 museums. For more information, please see my introduction to the Swiss Travel Pass.
Map
Restaurant
Restaurant Fiorentina Basel
Address: Blumenrain 12, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
The Italian restaurant is delicious and has a fantastic river view to enjoy. I highly recommend it.
Attractions
Kunstmuseum Basel
Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most important art museums in Basel and one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of European paintings and sculptures, with some of its most famous works including Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” and Monet’s Impressionist masterpiece series “Water Lilies”.
AddressSt. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Website: https://www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch/
Opening Hours
Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday 10:00–18:00
Wednesday10:00-20:00
closed on Monday
Tickets:
adult CHF 16（special exhibition CHF26）
reduced CHF 8
free access with Swiss meseum pass
Basler Rathaus
Basler Rathaus is one of the iconic buildings of Basel, located in the Market Square of the old town area. It serves as the seat of the Basel City Council and also houses the municipal government. The architecture of the City Hall combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with features such as a grand entrance, a magnificent staircase, and exquisite murals. The clock tower of the City Hall stands at a height of 60 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the old town of Basel. Visitors can climb the tower to overlook the entire city.
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel exhibits a vast collection of precious natural history specimens such as fossils, plant and animal specimens, minerals, as well as natural environments and ecosystems of plants and animals showcased through modern technology. The exhibits in the museum are divided into several thematic areas.
Address: Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel, switzerland
Website: https://www.nmbs.ch/home.html
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00
closed on Monday
Tickets:
adults CHF 7
reduced CHF 5
free access with swiss museum pass
last hours on Tuesday to Saturday free access
Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig
Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig is one of the most important museums in Basel and one of the most important ancient art museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of artworks and artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Some of the most famous exhibits in the museum include sculptures from the Greek and Roman periods, ancient Egyptian mummies, and murals. The museum also has the world’s largest collection of Roman silverware, which is one of its most distinctive collections. The exhibits in the museum cover various periods from 4000 BC to 600 AD, making it a great place to learn about ancient civilizations and art.
Address: St. Alban-Graben 5, 4051 Basel, switzerland
Website: http://www.antikenmuseumbasel.ch/
Opening Hours:
closed on Monday
Tuesday, Wednesday 11:00 – 17:00
Thursday, Friday 11:00 – 22:00
Saturday, Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
free access on Thursday, Friday after 15:00
Saturday and Sunday whole day free access
Tickets:
adult CHF 6
free access when under 13 years old, or with Swiss museum pass
Free audio guide
Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, located roughly in the center of the country. This city has a long history, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of Bern’s iconic buildings include the Federal Palace, the Clock Tower, the Bear Pit, and the Riverside Cathedral. Bern is also an important center for Swiss politics, culture, and economy, serving as the location for institutions such as the Swiss Federal Government and the Swiss Parliament. It is also one of Switzerland’s university cities, with numerous high-level academic research institutions and even Einstein’s former residence.。
Map
Transportation
It is approximately a 1.5-hour train ride from Zurich and a 1.5-hour train ride from Basel.
Trasnportation Tickets
For this entire trip, I used the Swiss Travel Pass and checked for transportation within and between cities using the SBB app.
https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/che/ticket/swiss-travel-pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on most Swiss transportation options, including buses, trains (reservation required for some), and regular boats (not including special boats), as well as for admission to more than 500 museums. For more information, please see my introduction to the Swiss Travel Pass.
Attractions
Bern Minster
The Bern Minster is located in the city center of the Swiss capital, Bern. It is a medieval Gothic-style church and one of the most representative buildings in the city. It features unique vaults, facades, and towers, and the interior is adorned with many beautiful stained glass windows and sculptures. There is also a walkway beneath the church where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city center of Bern.
Address: Münsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern, switzerland
Bear Pit
The Bärengraben is a famous attraction in Bern and one of the oldest bear pits in Switzerland. It was first built in 1513 to house the city’s official bear mascots and has become one of the symbols of Bern. Visitors can watch the bears from the viewing area beside the pit, and there is also a bear museum that provides information about the bears’ habitat, behavior, and customs. The Bern City Government also regularly elects a bear king and bear queen to honor and commemorate these beloved animals.
Address: Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern, switzerland
Einsteinhaus
The Einsteinhaus is located on a quiet street in the center of Bern and was the home of the world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein during his time in Switzerland. In 1905, Einstein completed his famous paper on relativity while living here, opening a new era in modern physics. Today, the Einsteinhaus is a museum showcasing Einstein’s life, achievements, and scientific contributions, including his research laboratory, study, and personal photographs. Visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of Einstein’s thoughts and work and even see his handwritten drafts of his famous formula on relativity.
Website: https://www.einstein-bern.ch/
Address: Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, switzerland
Opening Hours:
Feb 1st to Dec 20th
everyday 10:00-17:00
Ticket:
adult CHF 7
Student CHF 5
Child（8-15）CHF 4
Swiss museum pass CHF 5
witht guide tour 20 people CHF 150
Zytglogge
The Zytglogge is located in the center of Bern and is one of the most representative medieval clock towers in Switzerland. Built in the 13th century, it has undergone multiple renovations and now showcases a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The clock above the tower was created by the famous Swiss clockmaker Hofuhrmacher Franz Niklaus König and has high precision and rich functionality, including four different hands displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar dates. The clock chimes every hour. The Zytglogge is now a museum showcasing its historical and cultural value and offers private tours that allow visitors to enter the tower and appreciate Swiss craftsmanship and culture.
Website: http://www.zeitglockenturm.ch/
Bundeshaus
The Bundeshaus is the seat of the Swiss Federal Government and one of the most important political centers in Switzerland. The architectural style of the Bundeshaus combines Neoclassical and Renaissance elements, presenting a magnificent exterior. The Bundeshaus is the meeting place for the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council, as well as the location of the National Library and a branch of the Swiss National Museum.
Reserve for a tour: https://www.parlament.ch/en/services/visiting-the-parliament-building
Address: Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern, switzerland
Restaurant
Restaurant Rosengarten
Address: Alter Aargauerstalden 31b, 3006 Bern, switzerland
The vantage point near Bern offers a clear view of the entire city and is a popular spot for locals to gather for a chat and a drink.
Luzern
Luzern is a beautiful city located in central Switzerland, situated on the banks of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the surrounding mountains. It is famous for its historic old town and beautiful natural scenery, and is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. One of Lucerne’s most famous cultural landmarks is the Kapellbrücke, a wooden bridge considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Switzerland and one of the oldest wooden bridges in the country.
Map
Transportation
It takes approximately one hour by train from Zurich and one hour by train from Bern.
Trasnportation Tickets
For this entire trip, I used the Swiss Travel Pass and checked for transportation within and between cities using the SBB app.
https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/che/ticket/swiss-travel-pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on most Swiss transportation options, including buses, trains (reservation required for some), and regular boats (not including special boats), as well as for admission to more than 500 museums. For more information, please see my introduction to the Swiss Travel Pass.
Attractions
Museggmauer
The Musegg Wall (Museggmauer) is a city wall in Lucerne, built in the 15th century, consisting of nine watchtowers and gates. It is a historic landmark of Lucerne and one of the most complete city walls in Switzerland. Each of the nine watchtowers and gates of the Musegg Wall has its own unique style and features. The most famous is the Zyt Tower, whose clock chimes every hour, and visitors can see the mechanical movements inside the tower during the chimes. The Musegg Wall and watchtowers are open to visitors, who can stroll along the wall and enjoy the beautiful views of the city center, the old town and the Lake Lucerne.
Address: Auf Musegg, 6004 Luzern, switzerland
Website: https://www.museggmauer.ch/
Opening hours:
From April 1st to Nov 1st
Everyday 08:00-19:00
Ticket: free
Kapellbrücke
Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is the most famous landmark in Lucerne and one of Switzerland’s oldest wooden bridges, dating back to the early 14th century. It spans across the Reuss River, which flows into Lake Lucerne. Kapellbrücke is a building of great historical and cultural value, with a series of triangular roofed turrets covering the bridge, each containing a small triangular gallery showcasing paintings and photographs related to the history and culture of Lucerne. There are also small shops and art studios on the bridge for visitors to shop and admire local handicrafts.
Interlaken
nterlaken is located in the Aare gorge between the beautiful lakes of Brienz and Thun. Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. Interlaken is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, such as paragliding, skiing, rafting, climbing, and skydiving. Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and snorkeling in the lakes. As soon as you arrive, you feel like you have stepped into a fairy tale.
Map
Trasnportation Tickets
For this entire trip, I used the Swiss Travel Pass and checked for transportation within and between cities using the SBB app.
https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/che/ticket/swiss-travel-pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on most Swiss transportation options, including buses, trains (reservation required for some), and regular boats (not including special boats), as well as for admission to more than 500 museums. For more information, please see my introduction to the Swiss Travel Pass.
Attractions
There’s not much to introduce, just walk and enjoy, both sides of the lake are incredibly beautiful. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the bus with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is also the country’s most important economic, cultural, and educational center. It is located near the Alps in northern Switzerland and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, making it famous for its unique geographical location, rich history, and culture. Zurich is one of the most modern, open, and diverse cities in Switzerland and is also a renowned global financial and technology hub. In my personal opinion, there are too many people, and it can be a bit boring. It doesn’t have the same fairy tale-like feel and attraction as other places. However, I still visited and paid homage to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich to absorb their energy XD.
MAP
Trasnportation Tickets
For this entire trip, I used the Swiss Travel Pass and checked for transportation within and between cities using the SBB app.
https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/che/ticket/swiss-travel-pass
The Swiss Travel Pass can be used on most Swiss transportation options, including buses, trains (reservation required for some), and regular boats (not including special boats), as well as for admission to more than 500 museums. For more information, please see my introduction to the Swiss Travel Pass.
Attractions
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), or ETH for short, is one of the most renowned science and technology universities in Switzerland and one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Founded in 1855, the school is one of Switzerland’s largest academic institutions for science and technology. ETH Zurich is considered one of the top universities in the world and is regarded as one of the most influential academic institutions in Switzerland and Europe. The campus of ETH Zurich features a unique architectural style that combines modern technology with classical elements. Located on a hillside, one can take a small cable car to reach the campus.
Grossmünster
The Grossmünster is a historic and culturally significant building that exudes a strong religious atmosphere. This cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the oldest and most representative buildings in Zurich. The exterior of the cathedral is characterized by red brick and pointed spires, while the interior is adorned with beautiful murals and stained glass windows. Visitors can climb the tower of the cathedral, although the entrance is quite hidden, and enjoy the views of the Zurich city center and the surrounding mountains.
