Zurich pairs the Bahnhofstrasse banking strip with the Niederdorf alleys and lake-edge swimming at Seebad Enge, and Luzern's lake plus Mount Pilatus and Rigi sit an hour southwest by train.
Highlights
Zurich
Lucerne
Lake Zurich
Mount Rigi
When to Visit
Jun-Aug
Lake Zurich swimming season at peak from Seebad Utoquai, Street Parade the second Saturday of August, and Pilatus and Rigi cog trains running their full schedule.
Sep-Oct
Zurich Film Festival late September into early October, Knabenschiessen festival second Monday of September, and Mount Rigi viewpoints haze-free.
Dec-Mar
Andermatt and Engelberg ski an hour by train, Sechseläuten on the third Monday of April burning the Böögg snowman, and Zurich Christmas market in the Hauptbahnhof.
Apr-May
Lake basin warming, Swiss National Museum and Kunsthaus exhibitions reopen for spring, and Lindenhof terrace pleasant for sunset over the Limmat.
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