A waterfall, the capital, an Alpine village and a fairytale town in France, all reachable by train.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof is the hub of the Swiss rail network, and the trains are frequent and punctual. These four trips need no car. Buy tickets in the SBB app, and check whether a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card will save you money on the days you travel.
About 1 hour · Easiest
The largest plain waterfall in Europe, about 150 metres wide, where the Rhine drops over a rocky ledge. Take the train to Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schaffhausen. You can watch from platforms near Laufen Castle, or take a small boat out to the rock in the middle of the falls. Schaffhausen's old town and the nearby village of Stein am Rhein make a good add-on if you have time.
About 2 hours · Best for a second country
Take the train to Basel, then change for Colmar in Alsace. The old town is full of colourful half-timbered houses and canals in the Little Venice quarter. Visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the Isenheim Altarpiece, and stop for Alsatian wine and tarte flambée. Bring your passport or ID card. France uses the euro, not Swiss francs.
About 1 hour · Best for a city day
Switzerland's capital has a UNESCO-listed old town with about six kilometres of covered arcades. See the Zytglogge clock tower and the Federal Palace, then walk down to the Aare river and the Bear Park. The Rose Garden on the hill gives the best view over the rooftops.
About 2 hours · Best for the countryside
A village of painted houses in rolling green hills, known for its cheese and its traditions. Take the train via St. Gallen. Walk the main street, taste Appenzeller cheese and, if the weather is clear, ride a cable car up to a mountain viewpoint such as Ebenalp. It is a longer day, so start early.
Tip: check the last train back before you plan your evening, especially from Colmar and Appenzell.