18

Sep

Family Travel Destinations & Activities In Switzerland

• Category: Family Travel

Switzerland is full of family destinations, whether you travel from Zurich to Geneva or from Zermatt to St. Moritz, all places are full of nature, lakes, alps and adventure.

Still if you are looking for some additional guidance for your Swiss family travel and adventure activities; check-out some of the recommended touristic places suggested by local Swiss people. These destinations are different than most visited Matterhorn, Titlis, Pilatus or Jungfrau for your next Swiss adventure because there are plenty more nature experiences, away from crowded excursions, just waiting for you to explore! 

DESTINATIONS RECOMMENDED BY LOCALS:

ALETSCH ARENA, VALAIS

Enjoy your family vacation, in lap of the Swiss Alps Aletsch Arena or Jungfrau-Aletsch where the 23 Km largest glacier in the Alps and UNESCO's listed World Heritage Site.

Swiss winter wonderland, the Aletsch Arena family friendly destination is made up of three car free villages of Rideralp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp.

One can travel by aerial cable car, which takes around 10 minutes from the easily accessible valley communities of Mörel, Betten Talstation or Fiesch to the Aletsch Glacier plateau situated between 1,925-2,222 meters (6,316-7,290 feet) high in a car-free zone.

Get to dinner by sled, head out for winter walks with views over the Aletsch glacier and the Matterhorn in the distance, and take Ski lessons from very family-friendly ski schools. If you are planning in summer, then enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures in this region, where you can spend time hiking and taking in that fresh mountain air. Aletsch Arena is great place to visit year round so no matter what the season be sure not to miss this hidden Swiss jewel. 

BRUNNI-ENGELBERG, OBWALDEN

Brunni is the sunny side of Engelberg, and ideal destination for families, mountaineers and leisure people, who want to spend time being active or just relax admitting the nature.

Kids can find a great playground, and a tickle trail around a pretty lake, whose aim is to allow you to experience nature with bare feet, is accessible via gondola and then a chair lift. The helpful staff will even assist with transporting strollers, picnic baskets and great BBQ options. There are several activities for kids, like swimming in the lake, dipping toes in mud along with the trampolines, and the water playground just outside the gondola. Engelberg Brunni is an relaxing, convenient and fun day out for families with young kids or also a great place to stay for little longer.

CENTRAL VALAIS INCL. SION

Sion (or Sitten in German), the capital of the Canton of Valais, is known as the most sun-blessed town of Switzerland.

Here you can explore the unforgettable family hikes is central Valais. You can even spend one full month in Valais, and it’s capital Sion. We suggest you to keep your stay in Nendaz and explore playgrounds with fabulous views, and enjoy walks over suspension bridges that will give you wobbly knees, and even hike to alpine lakes where you and the kids can have stone skimming competitions before setting up a picnic with views only seen in luxury travel books. The best part is you will hardly find outsiders crowd, and see mostly the local people around you.

ELM, GLARUS

Visit one of the most peaceful holiday region of Elm / Sernftal, surrounded by the nature of the Glarus peaks.

Here you and your kids will fall in love with the Swiss Alps, head to Elm in Eastern Switzerland, which has a variety of choices to charm your little ones. Take a cable car ride up the mountain, for a big play area with trampolines, swings, climbing structures, lounge chairs for parents, and a cafe. All this with amazing mountain views and no tourists; as this is strictly a locals place.

You can just relax, or there is a short theme trail for children with several activities scattered along the path, including a giant xylophone, a suspension bridge, play houses, an obstacle course and also ride a mountain scooter thrilling ride, all the way to the valley.

GRINDELWALD-FIRST, BERNESE OBERLAND

Girndelwald First is the perfect destination for family getaway. You can reach from Grindelwald, by Gondola up to First.

Most of the area is car free, First included. Grindelwald itself can be reached by car, but for nearly all other places you can travel by train and cable cars only. First” is the starting point for many hiking trails and it offers fun and action: for instance, guests could start with the free “First Cliff Walk by Tissot”.

Families will want to stop off at Bort, about two-thirds of the way down, for its playground with stunning views and a choice of two restaurants. Overall this place is complete fun for the whole family!

LAUTERBRUNNEN, BERNESE OBERLAND

Lauterbrunnen idyllic Swiss village and beautiful valley of 72 waterfalls is one of the favorite family getaways. You can keep your stay in one of the several apartments in this valley. Enjoy various activities like Paragliding, Hiking, Cycling, mountain excursions or even enjoy nature walk at adventure playground known as Flower Park, and pass through local farm kiosks for various farm products like rösti or fondue dinner.

MONTREUX, VAUD

Montreux town on the shore of Lake Geneva’s and very near to Lausanne, is recommended destination for families. Montreux is known for its mild microclimate, Jazz festival, Chillon Castle and Rochers-de-Naye.

Enjoy a boat cruise to Chillon Castle, a beautiful castle on the lake just outside the main town. Also visit Gruyeres and Broc popular cheese and chocolate factories by popular Chocolate Train, runs from Montreux.

OESCHINENSEE and Kandersteg, BERNESE OBERLAND

From the village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, take the cable car up to Oeschinensee, in the Oeschinen valley. There you can see the summer sledging run, favorite of all kids. Continue for hiking of about 15 minutes, you will be able to see the beautiful mountain lake for the first time, where you can swim and relax yourself. In Summer, the Oeschinen Grill and Picknick Shop sells 'Ready to grill' packs, complete with wood for your fire and sausages to grill.

Spend more time in beautiful Kander Valley, with the Blausee and daring suspension bridges and cute mountain huts.

RAPPERSWIL and lake zurich

During your stay in Zurich, don’t miss Rapperswil, family place and Picturesque Town of Roses, you can reach by boat from Zurich bürkliplatz boat pier with several boats runs all day.

Kids can admire ducks on lake side and 16,000 roses that flower in the rose gardens. Also visit Enea Tree Museum and the castle towers on hill affords a panorama view from the Glarus Alps all the way to the Zurich Oberland. Kids can also enjoy Knie's Children's Zoo. The animals at the children's zoo can be stroked and there are also elephant rides on offer.

There are also family friendly cafes to serve hungry toddlers (or parents) from squelching the fun.

SWISS NATIONAL PARK, Zernez

Swiss Ntional Park in Zernez is perfect place for nature lovers and families to explore natural sight, hiking trails, silent lakes, walking trails, alpine wildlife, impressive landscape and beautiful mountain flora. Although you can visit the park all year, but best time is end of June till August months, when the diverse plant life of this Alpine paradise is in full bloom. Remember to take your binoculars and watch various type of wildlife, includes ibex, chamois, red deer, foxes, martens, marmots, and eagles and other game birds.

SOLOTHURN

Solothurn along the Aare river, charming town has dense forests, amazing gorges, and picturesque villages. Also know as most beautiful baroque town in Switzerland, where Italian grandeur is combined with French charm and German practicality. There is large playground near cathedral, where your children can play and spend quality time. In the meantime parents can relax near the lake or enjoy family bike ride, or a boat cruise on the river Aare. Solothurn is also popular for hiking on Jura Mountains or through the beautiful gorges.

STEIN AM RHEIN & rhine falls, SCHAFFHAUSEN

Family can spend full day at Stein am Rhein charming village and Rhine falls – Europe’s largest waterfall, on the border of Switzerland and Germany.

Admire the half-timbered buildings with colorfully painted facades. In 2018’s Märlistadt, Rapunzel led the fairy-tale tour, the Märliweg, with a more than a dozen stops for a creative retelling of her story. Meet friendly guided tour, which ends with tea and cookies for the kids, but adults could also indulge in warm beverages from market vendors. Just a 45 minute by car from Zürich or 75 minutes by train – near the German border, west of the Bodensee. Later your family can enjoy a boat trip to the Rheinfalls.

STOOS, SCHWYZ

Take the world’s steepest funicular with a gradient of 110%, and visit the car-free village of Stoos at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level in the canton of Schwyz. The funicular at 1547m long takes about 5-7 minutes and overcomes a height difference of 744m. The mountain has several nice hiking trails in the summer and a ski area in the winter, at an altitude of 1900 meters. You hike comfortably one day each in Morschach, on Stoos and in Muotathal.

Also ride the steepest funicular in the world up to this gorgeous ridge hike in Stoos.

MAGGIATAL, TICINO

Discover the beautiful river Maggia and Valle Maggia place and experience the best of Swiss summer, popular for its rich nature and bathing in crystal clear waters.

The TCS camping ground in Gordevio is a paradise for families and specially children. Located right on the river, you can spend the entire day building stone towers, relaxing on your own recliners, cooking lunch on the fire pits and creating baby pools out of river stones while enjoying the natural clear blue water. If you are looking for more adventurous, take good pair of trekking sandals, and discover the more remote swimming spots near Golino and Intragna.

VALLE VERZASCA, LOCARNO

Here you can discover this arduous yet inviting Swiss valley. You'll be amazed by the unspoilt nature and the authentic villages. Whether you’re travelling on foot, by car or via public transport, the valley is easily accessible. Your family can explore journey weaving through woods and old rural villages.

Idle place for Biking, Bungee Jumping, outdoor pools, Hiking as well as for grotto lovers. Overall this place has learning and adventure for your family.

YVERDON-LES-BAINS, VAUD

Families and tourists to Yverdon-les-Bains are charmed by its laid-back lifestyle, thermal spas, rich history and culture. Located between the Jura and Lake Neuchâtel, the capital of Northern Vaud is the perfect place to relax. The spa, cobbled streets, historical pedestrianised centre, terraces and the proximity to nature gurantee visitors an enchanting experience. Explore fresh produce at the weekly farmers market and visit our favorite bakery for delicious treats and cheese products. In winters you can also enjoy the thermal baths. Families can enjoy a tuk-tuk tour, best way to explore the city of Yverdon-les-Bains in a novel, environmental and fun manner.

BERN

Fun, games, sports, and culture: the car-free Gurten mountain is a recreational oasis for the whole family. With a miniature train, Frisbee-golf, Kids-Cars, and other forms of entertainment, Bern’s very own mountain delights chlidren, while adults enjoy the superb views extending from the city to the Alpine chain of the Bernese Oberland.

Arcades: Under the arcades to the Bear Park

The romantic Old Town of Bern rises from the loop of the river. The Bundeshaus, home to the Parliament, presides over the city. Down below, in the Bear Park, you can observe lively bears, the city’s heraldic animals. In between these sights are rows of stately houses. Their arcades (extending for 6 kilometres / 3.7 miles) form one of Europe’s longest covered shopping promenades.

Bellinzona

Visit Bellinzona and its three mighty medieval castles that tower over the city: Castelgrande, Sasso Corbaro, and Montebello. In the vast castle grounds, the whole family can have a beautiful and authentic experience. Architecture lovers can expect some stunning surprises, especially in the renovated Castelgrande.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND, WITH SOME COMMON QUESTIONS BY TRAVELERS >>

1.  Feel at home in the Swiss Apartments & Lodgings

There are several Swiss Apartments, Chalets and holiday homes for your relax family holidays. In such type of accommodations, you are more than comfortable to stay, explore and admire the nature and Alps of Switzerland.

2. Swiss Alps and Lakes

Who don’t want to explore nature in a closest way? Luckily, Switzerland offers several opportunities for relaxing in crystal clear rivers and lakes and enjoying numerous activities in Swiss Alps.

3.  Families on tour

National Parks, Alpine villages, UNESCO listed sites and Mountain Peaks – Switzerland is a wide adventure with all type of great places to visit for a family. By taking in the highlights of the country, the Grand Tour of Switzerland is perfect for families. It is the ideal way of experiencing stimulating action-packed holidays offering an incredible variety of attractions.

4. Pure snow fun

Grächen mountain village is a fairy tale- situated on a broad sun terrace, high above the Zermatt valley, at an altitude of 1,620 m (5,315 feet). It offers great leisure facilities and child-friendly atmosphere, from a children’s restaurant to entertainment programs.

5. Wildlife lovers

In no other zoo are the animals so close to the visitor as they are in the children's zoo in Rapperswil. Depending on the species, the animals can be touched, petted, fed or ridden.

6. Learn & Explore

The Museum of Transport in Lucerne showcases the development of transport and mobility as well as communication methods through a variety of interactive exhibitions.

7. Some Action on Mt. Pilatus

Explore Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run – 1,350 metres (0.84 miles) of top-notch fun. The racy ride down the shiny steel channel begins on Fräkmüntegg.

8. Unlimited adventure

The Jura Adventure Park covers four hectares of the forest, featuring seven courses of various levels of difficulty and more than 80 obstacles, and guarantees 2.5 to 3 hours of fun and thrills including hiking, biking, trekking and much more.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

1.  Which transport ticket is recommended for families?

Swiss Family Card

The Swiss Family Card is the perfect option for family travel. It is free and available upon request when purchasing any regular Swiss Travel System ticket or the Swiss Travel Pass. This card allows children up to their 16th birthday to travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent. Unaccompanied children receive a 50% discount on any Swiss Travel System ticket.

2.  How much is the average trip cost for families to Switzerland?

A holiday to Switzerland for 8-10 usually costs around CHF 1400-1500 per person and CHF 600-700 per child. Rest it depends upon your type of accommodation and number of excursions covered.

3.  How many destinations that guarantee a family friendly service and atmosphere are there in Switzerland?

There are about 16 most recommended destinations for Families and Children to explore and adventure in Switzerland. Most of these above destinations have official seal of quality for families and offers great range of activities and accommodation.

4.  Where can families enjoy the largest marble run in Switzerland?

The biggest marble run of Switzerland is specially for the little visitors at Scharmoin

middle station. The giant marble run, with 250 running meters of wooden channels, assures excitement and lots of fun thanks to its varied channels and numerous entertaining elements.

5.  How can a family travel to Switzerland?

Just like anywhere in Europe, the best way to travel within Switzerland is by train. This is most convenient, family friends, always on time, and you can get yourself to any city or excursions within Switzerland with several trains. Most importantly, regular as well as panoramic train rides offer scenic views of the lakes, Alps, nature and several tunnels to cross.

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