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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Salzburg and Munich from Zurich

Loop rail trip from Zurich through Salzburg and Munich

Illustration of Salzburg and Munich from Zurich

Railbookers operates this 8-day independent rail vacation as a loop from Zurich, running out to Salzburg and Munich before returning to Zurich for the final night. Two nights in Zurich open the trip with a city tour, a Lake Zurich cruise, and a visit to the Zurich Chocolate Museum on day 2, before day 3's train to Salzburg crosses the Arlberg Pass through the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Two nights in Salzburg include a half-day guided trip to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt on day 4, then a direct train carries the trip to Munich for two more nights, where day 6 brings a walking tour past the Glockenspiel and Frauenkirche Cathedral. The final leg is a high-speed train back to Zurich for a single overnight stay on day 7. This trip suits travelers who want a round-trip base in Zurich, with unscheduled time built in, such as day 1's evening free to explore the Niederdorf old town district.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is 17 accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and cities, not a single fixed set of stays, so the actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The return to Zurich on day 7 is only one night, compared with two nights on the outbound Zurich stay and in Salzburg and Munich.
  • No departure dates are listed in this evidence pack; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf, famous for its bars, restaurants, lounges, and fashion shops.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Embark on a captivating Zurich city tour, where the Old Town unfolds like a medieval tale, revealing iconic landmarks such as the Grossmünster and the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse. Cruise along the serene waters of Lake Zurich, and visit the Zurich Chocolate Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Salzburg

    Zurich to Salzburg

    Today, take a direct train service from Zurich to Salzburg along the famous and breath-taking Arlberg Pass route through the Swiss and Austrian Alps. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Explore the city's baroque architecture, stroll through the quaint streets of Old Town, or take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress.

  4. Day 4overnight: Salzburg

    Day Trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg

    Today, you'll explore one of Austria's true gems on a half-day guided tour from Salzburg to the picturesque village of Hallstatt. Discover the enchanting beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between the mountains and a serene lake.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Munich

    Salzburg to Munich

    Today, take a direct train service from Salzburg to Munich. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, make acquaintance with the city and get familiar with your grounds.

  6. Day 6overnight: Munich

    Munich

    Today take a 2-hour walking tour and visit some of the main landmarks of Munich, including the Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche Cathedral, and the Opera House with a local expert. Soak up the local life at the Viktualien market then relax in the beautiful English Garden.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Munich to Zurich

    Enjoy a final breakfast in Munich this morning before embarking on a direct high-speed train back to Zurich for a final overnight stay. Make sure to visit any tourist attractions or restaurants you have not yet got a chance to see in Zurich.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Zurich city tour with a Lake Zurich cruise and a visit to the Zurich Chocolate Museum.
  • Day 3A direct train from Zurich to Salzburg crossing the Arlberg Pass through the Swiss and Austrian Alps.
  • Day 4A half-day guided tour to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt.
  • Day 6A 2-hour walking tour of Munich taking in the Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche Cathedral, and the Opera House, plus the Viktualienmarkt and the English Garden.
  • Day 7A direct high-speed train back to Zurich for a final overnight stay.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Salzburg
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Munich
  • Small Group Zurich City Tour with Lake Cruise
  • Hallstatt Half-Day Sightseeing Tour from Salzburg
  • Small-group Walking Tour of Munich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes, rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including a direct train from Zurich to Salzburg over the Arlberg Pass, a direct train from Salzburg to Munich, and a direct high-speed train back to Zurich.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation with small-group tours included, such as the Zurich city tour, the Hallstatt half-day tour, and the Munich walking tour, alongside free time such as day 1's evening in Zurich.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 17 accommodation options across the trip's cities and tiers, including the Baur Au Lac and Park Hyatt Zurich in Zurich and the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt in Salzburg; the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected.
Does this trip return to the starting city?
Yes, the itinerary is a loop: it starts and ends in Zurich, with day 7 spent back in Zurich for a final overnight stay before departure on day 8.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights in Zurich to start, two nights in Salzburg, two nights in Munich, and a final night back in Zurich.

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