Hidden Gems with Swiss Travel Pass

Swiss Travel Pass - More than just transport:

Here’s what you get with the Swiss Travel Pass

Transport

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on all modes of public transportation — trains, buses, trams, and boats — for the specified number of days.

Mountains

The pass offers substantial discounts on popular mountain excursions, such as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise , Jungfraujoch , and Mount Titlis , as well as complimentary access to a select few mountains

Museums

Switzerland boasts over 1000 museums, and the Swiss Travel Pass gives you free entry to over 500 of them!

Family benefits

To add to all of the above, kids under 16 travel completely free on the Swiss Travel Pass

Let's have a look at some of Switzerland’s hidden gems that we can access with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Travel Pass

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Cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz - Interlaken

The town of Interlaken lies between the two beautiful lakes Thun and Brienz. Regular ferries operate along the lakes, which you can board with the Swiss Travel Pass.

The Lake Brienz ferries run between the towns of Interlaken and Brienz, passing by the picturesque Giessbach Falls and other cities like Iseltwald (made famous in the series Crash Landing on You) and Bonigen, where you can disembark and then continue on the next ferry.

The ferry docks are conveniently located near the train stations (in Interlaken, it is close to Interlaken Ost station), making it easy to take a one-way ferry and return via train.Although the ferries typically operate from March through December, there are more services available during the summer and fall (May through October) than in the other months.

At Brienz, you can ride the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn. The journey is made via a historic steam engine that pushes the carriages on a cogwheel railway to a height of 2244 metres, where you get rewarded with gorgeous views over the lake and the Bernese Oberland region.

In Interlaken, you can combine the cruise with a ride up to the picturesque Harder Kulm and enjoy a meal with a beautiful view over the lakes, especially at sunset.

The Lake Thun ferries operate between the towns of Interlaken and Thun, with numerous stops at smaller cities like Spiez. The docks at both Thun and Interlaken West are close to the train stations.

The ferries operate year-round, with the highest frequency between May and October.You can also combine the cruise with some fun time at Ropes Park Interlaken and try your hand at the rope bridges, ziplines, and Tarzan swings. There are 14 courses of varying difficulty, which are fun for all ages, including toddlers.

Rigi-Queen of the Mountains- Lucerne

Mount Rigi, affectionately known as the Queen of the Mountains, is located east of Lucerne and is one of the few mountains that are completely free with the Swiss Travel Pass. At 1800 metres, it is at a lower elevation than other central mountains, but it still boasts a stunning scenic beauty.

With different approaches from various locations (Arth Goldau, Vitznau, and Weggis), Mt. Rigi offers stunning views of lakes and lush, flower-bedecked pastures.

At the peak, you can walk along a path to the fenced-in viewing area for great views, visit the chapel called Regina Montium (Queen of the mountains), and even climb the weather tower to get a different perspective of the view.

Either along the ascent or descent, you can visit Rigi Kaltbad, famous for its excellent spa, and pamper yourself with some me-time in one of the pools whilst looking out over the surrounding landscape.

You can combine a half-day at Mt. Rigi with another popular Lucerne activity, such as the Saphir Panoramic Yacht Cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Swiss Museum of Transport - Lucerne

Another gem in Lucerne, the Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz) opened in 1959 and remains the most visited museum in Switzerland to this day. In addition to showcasing the past, present, and future of various forms of mobility (air, land, water & space), the museum also features several unique themed areas, promising a diverse and exciting experience for all visitors.

Mobility-themed areas

Car, train, aircraft, and even space enthusiasts can feast on the large number of historic and present-day models of vehicles, motorbikes, helicopters, train engines, and more, and even experience plane and helicopter simulators.

Planetarium

The planetarium offers immersive experiences that delve into the mysteries of the universe through state-of-the-art astronomical tours.

Filmtheatre

It features one of Switzerland’s largest IMAX screens and presents a diverse range of movies, documentaries, and live broadcasts of operas and ballets from around the world.

Swiss Chocolate Adventure

A 20-minute ride on a carriage passing by audio visuals that showcase the journey of chocolate from origin, production, and transportation, with a tasting station at the end.

Arena

A large outdoor area perfect for families, the Arena has a boating pool, play scooters and carts, a large playground area in the form of a construction zone, and places in which you can relax or have a snack.

Red Bull The Edge

A virtual reality experience that has you scaling the Matterhorn to an altitude of 4478 metres with great views from the summit.

The Swiss Museum of Transport can also be a day trip from Interlaken. In fact, you can ride the scenic Lucerne-Interlaken Express train (also included in the Swiss Travel Pass) to Lucerne. However, be sure to check seat availability and reserve them in advance if necessary.

Note: The Swiss Museum of Transport is discounted (not free) with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Transport Museum

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Château de Chillon - Montreux

Perched on an outcrop on Lake Geneva, close to Montreux, is the Château de Chillon, Switzerland’s most visited historic building. It is a leisurely walk (around 4 km) or a short bus or train ride away from the centre of Montreux.

Over the centuries, the castle has served many roles- armoury, fortress, prison, administrative centre, royal residence, and more.

It has inspired writers and poets alike, who were all moved by its beauty, as well as its tales of suffering. Lord Byron was inspired to write his famous poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, when he visited the dungeons in 1816.

The Chapel of St George

Some consider the chapel to be the ‘jewel of Chillon’ with its vaulted Gothic ceiling and ornate decor.

Dungeons/Prisons

On the darker side, the history of the castle is replete with stories of how prisoners were chained, tortured, and starved in the cold underground dungeons. You can walk through these prison cells and see the worn stone pillars that still hold stories of the past.

Royal Residences

The Camera Domini (Lord’s bedroom) -decorated with 14th-century murals featuring animal motifs and the Camera Nova with its ceramic stove and striking oak wardrobe.

Archeological objects, weapons, and furniture

Almost 300 items, including objects from archeological digs, furniture like carved doors and chests, and weapons.

Great Halls and Courtyards

Large spaces that once hosted grand banquets and judicial proceedings.

Rhine Falls near Zurich

With a height of 23 metres and a width of 150 metres, the Rhine Falls are Europe’s largest waterfalls. The falls were formed over 15000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.

Hundreds of cubic metres of water crashing down over the 23 metres create a roar that is heard from miles away, and the mist often catches the sunlight in dazzling rainbows, giving it an ethereal glow.

Getting there

The Rhine Falls are conveniently reached via train from Zurich (or Zurich airport) with the help of the Swiss Travel Pass in two ways: either take the train to Schloss Laufen, which gets you to the Southern banks, or take the train to Neuhausen am Rheinfall, which gets you to the Northern banks.

At the Falls

Take in the views of the falls from the viewing platforms (whilst being prepared to get sprayed by the mist). The platforms accessed via the south from Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall have a nominal fee, but get you really up close to the falls.

The promenade views from the northern side (Neuhausen) are, however, free of charge.To get a different perspective, you can also walk along the pedestrian path on the rail bridge that crosses the river just above the falls.

Boat rides

From April to November, regular boat cruises are available for your choice. This is the best way to view the falls, as the boats take you right up close to them. One of the popular cruises is the Rock Tour, a 30-minute ride that takes you to the rock in the centre of the falls.

You can disembark the boat here and climb up to the rock to get a 360-degree view of the falls from the viewing platform at the top. There are also various other cruises of different durations.

You can combine a visit to the Rhine Falls with a visit to the medieval town of Stein Am Rhein, a city tour of Zurich, or an afternoon at the fantastic Lindt Home of Chocolate.

Ballenberg Open Air Museum

Situated around 20 minutes from Brienz, Ballenberg Open Air Museum is a perfect family entertainment and learning experience.

Spread over 66 hectares of landscaped and perfectly tended gardens and fields, the open-air museum features historical buildings, including farmhouses, cottages, and barns that have been carefully dismantled from their original locations and reconstructed here.

Having started in 1978 with a modest 16 buildings, Ballenberg today boasts over 100 historical buildings.

What to see and do:

Buildings

Walk through some of the buildings that include homes, barns, craftsmen’s dwellings, and granaries to get an idea of the building styles and materials used in the past. Kitchens, parlors, and sleeping areas provide insight into the daily life of the inhabitants.

Crafts

Gain insight into traditional crafts such as weaving, cheese making, carving, and the operation of old mills through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

Gardens and fields

Walk through the gardens and fields laid out in historically accurate styles. Learn about medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables used in traditional dishes.

Petting Zoo

The museum has over 200 farm animals. Kids can have a hands-on experience at the petting zoo, spend time in the playground, and enjoy the picnic areas.

Brienz is just a 45-minute train ride from Interlaken and can be done as a half-day trip, combining it with any of the other activities in Interlaken.

St Gallen Abbey Library

A sign over the entrance to the library reads “Psyches Iatreion”, which means “healing place for the soul”—an apt description as you enter Switzerland’s magnificent Baroque-Rococo treasure, the Abbey Library of St. Gallen. It is one of the oldest (built in 612, making it the third-oldest), richest, and most beautiful libraries in the world.

It consists of 2 floors with a balcony running around the upper level. Built in the Rococo style, it has a rich, burnished wood panelling, curving forms, and exquisite frescoes. Thirty-four windows illuminate the library even on dull and rainy days.

The library holds between 160,000 and 170,000 priceless texts and manuscripts, including Bibles, liturgical texts, theological works, and medical texts. Many of the texts were brought by monks from Ireland and are in Irish. The library also holds the earliest known architectural plan of the cathedral, which is on parchment paper.

The library holds between 160,000 and 170,000 priceless texts and manuscripts, including Bibles, liturgical texts, theological works, and medical texts. Many of the texts were brought by monks from Ireland and are in Irish. The library also holds the earliest known architectural plan of the cathedral, which is on parchment paper.

This picturesque journey of just over 2 hours weaves through rolling moors and lake vistas before arriving in St. Gallen’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey District.You can also combine a visit to St Gallen with other amazing things to do in Lucerne .

Basel Kunstmuseum

The Basel Kunstmuseum, spread over three buildings, is the world’s oldest museum owned by a municipality and open to the public. It features an impressive and diverse collection of over 300,000 pieces of art spanning eight centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present.

Its main collection, the Amerbach Cabinet, is a collection of precious works from the 15th and 16th centuries, acquired by the city in 1661 and made accessible to the public.The Hauptbau building showcases works from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as collections of medieval and Renaissance art.

A third building, the Gegenwart, was opened in 1980 and is dedicated to contemporary art.

Basel is also home to many other unique museums, such as the Tinguely Museum and the Paper Museum, which are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Scenic Boat Rides on Lake Geneva

At the southwestern tip of Switzerland lies Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), one of Central Europe’s largest and most picturesque inland lakes, which shares its shores with both Switzerland and France.

Cruising the lake is a delight: CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman) operates scheduled public boat services that are included with the Swiss Travel Pass (except for special event cruises). The boats dock at gorgeous lakeside towns like Montreux, Lausanne, and Vevey, where one can get off, explore the city, and then continue on the next ship onward.

Popular routes or stops:

Montreux to Château Chillon

Whether sailing from Montreux or another lakeside town, a stop at Château de Chillon is undoubtedly one of the highlights, drawing travelers from all over the globe to explore its rich and layered history.

This island castle has stood still through the centuries, serving as a prison, fortress, residence, and an inspiration for poets such as Lord Byron.

Geneva to Lausanne

This stretch takes you past some of the region’s most iconic landmarks — from the Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s dramatic fountain that shoots water 140 metres skyward, to the sweeping terraces of the Lavaux vineyard-terraces — a UNESCO World Heritage site of steep, sun-drenched slopes rising above Lake Geneva.

Make the most of the day by combining a lake cruise with some other shore activities at various places along the way. Hop off at Vevey and visit Chaplin's World, an innovative museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, or hop off at the stop for the Chillon Castle, or discover the city of Geneva and its chocolates on a Chocolate tour of Geneva.

Chaplin's World

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Lugano’s Art and Culture Museums

There’s something magical about Lugano. Tucked between lake and mountain, its beauty feels like a painted work of art. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or someone who stops to appreciate a sculpture in a town square, garden, or park, Lugano offers artistic surprises at every turn.

Lugano's art and culture museums are a testament to its rich artistic heritage. At the centre of its art scene is the MASI - Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana, which offers a mix of contemporary art spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, with an emphasis on Swiss-Italian artists.

It spans two spaces: The LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), a cultural centre devoted to the visual and performing arts and music, and the Palazzo Reali, which focuses on local Ticino art history, with an emphasis on older art, mainly from the 15th to the early 20th century.

The cultural centre MUSEC (Museo delle Culture) is located on Lugano's lakeside in the historic Villa Malpensata. The centre hosts exhibitions and events dedicated to contemporary art, photography, ethnic, and Oriental arts.

Combine an artistic day of art in Lugano with some fun family time at the Swiss Miniatur (Switzerland’s largest open-air miniature museum) at Melide, just a short train or boat ride away from Lugano.

These are just a few of the great places that you can visit for free or at discounted rates with the Swiss Travel Pass. The pass does so much more than just take you from place to place; it is the key to unlocking treasures at every corner.

With it, you can take spontaneous boat trips, visit quirky and lesser-known museums, and see exhibitions at cultural centres. Add to this the free transport on all public buses, boats, trains, and trams, not forgetting that kids under 16 travel free!

All that's left to do is pack your curiosity, trust the magic of the Swiss Travel Pass, and start looking for the hidden gems on your Swiss pleasure hunt.