Switzerland had been on our travel wish list for a very long time, and finally, we got the opportunity to explore this beautiful country as a family.
We travelled with our two children, so while planning the itinerary, our biggest priority was to keep it exciting without making it too exhausting for the kids. Switzerland has so many mountains, lakes, villages and scenic train journeys that it is very easy to overpack the itinerary. Instead of trying to cover everything, we selected the experiences that interested us the most and added proper gaps between the major mountain excursions.
During this trip, we explored Zürich, Lucerne, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mannilichen , Mount Titlis, Grindelwald First, Brienz, Aare Gorge, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Riffelsee, St. Niklaus and Interlaken.
Here is our complete day-by-day Switzerland itinerary with kids.
Our Switzerland Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Places Covered | Overnight Base |
| Day 1 | Zürich, Lindt Home of Chocolate and Rhine Falls | Lucerne |
| Day 2 | Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe | Lucerne |
| Day 3 | Lauterbrunnen and Wengen | Lucerne |
| Day 4 | Mount Titlis and Engelberg | Lucerne |
| Day 5 | Grindelwald First, Trottibike and mountain hike | Lucerne |
| Day 6 | Brienz Rothorn Railway and Aare Gorge | Lucerne |
| Day 7 | Lucerne city, Lake Lucerne and transfer to St. Niklaus | St. Niklaus |
| Day 8 | Zermatt, Gornergrat and Riffelsee | St. Niklaus |
| Day 9 | St. Niklaus, Interlaken and Harder Kulm | St. Niklaus |
| Day 10 | Train journey from Switzerland to Paris | Paris |
Day 1: Zürich Airport, Lindt Chocolate Museum and Rhine Falls
We landed at Zürich Airport and took a train to Zürich Hauptbahnhof, also known as Zürich HB, the city’s main railway station.
Since we did not want to carry our suitcases throughout the day, we stored our luggage at the station. This made it much easier to explore Zürich before travelling to Lucerne in the evening.
Our first stop was the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg. From Zürich, visitors can travel to Kilchberg station and walk to the museum. The museum is especially enjoyable for families and chocolate lovers. The interactive exhibits explain the history and production of chocolate, and naturally, tasting the different chocolates was the children’s favourite part.
From there, we travelled to Rhine Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Switzerland. The sound of the water and the sheer force of the falls were incredible to witness in person.
Covering both the Lindt museum and Rhine Falls on the arrival day made it a long day, but it allowed us to use our time efficiently. This plan will work best for travellers landing early in the morning.
After finishing our sightseeing, we collected our luggage from Zürich HB and travelled to Lucerne. We checked into our accommodation in the evening and rested after a busy first day.
Day 1 tip
Lindt Home of Chocolate and Rhine Falls are located in different directions from Zürich. Check the train timings carefully and keep enough buffer time, especially when travelling with children and luggage.
Day 2: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
On our first full day in Switzerland, we visited Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
We deliberately scheduled this major mountain excursion at the beginning of our trip. The previous day had involved mostly travelling and shorter attractions, so the children still had enough energy for this full-day adventure.
Jungfraujoch was also one of the biggest experiences on our itinerary, and we wanted to enjoy it without feeling rushed.
The journey itself was part of the experience. Every train connection offered beautiful views of Swiss villages, green valleys and snow-covered mountains. As we climbed higher, the scenery changed completely.
At Jungfraujoch, we experienced the snow, mountain viewpoints and the incredible high-altitude surroundings. We kept almost the entire day for this excursion because travelling to and from the mountain takes time.
Why we spaced out our mountain visits
We planned to visit three major mountain destinations during the trip:
- Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Mount Titlis
- Grindelwald First
- matterhorn
Instead of visiting them on consecutive days, we added village and scenic-train days in between. This gave the children time to relax and also prevented the mountain experiences from feeling repetitive.
Day 2 tip
Check the weather forecast and mountain webcams before leaving. Clear weather can make a huge difference to the views from Jungfraujoch.
Day 3: Lauterbrunnen and Wengen
After our full day at Jungfraujoch, we planned a comparatively relaxed day exploring Switzerland’s beautiful villages.
We started with Lauterbrunnen, one of the most picturesque villages we visited during our trip. The village is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, green fields and waterfalls.
One of the main attractions here is Staubbach Falls, which drops from the cliff directly behind the village. The entire setting looked like something from a postcard.
From Lauterbrunnen, we continued towards Wengen, a peaceful car-free mountain village. Travelling through this region was an experience in itself because almost every turn offered another beautiful view.
We spent time walking around Wengen, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, mountain views and traditional Swiss village charm. The village was a perfect place to slow down after our Jungfraujoch adventure.
This day was slower than our mountain days, which made it perfect for travelling with kids. We could walk at our own pace, enjoy the scenery and stop whenever the children needed a break.
Day 3 tip
Lauterbrunnen and Wengen may appear close on the map, but travelling between the villages requires different trains and connections. Check the route in the SBB Mobile app before starting.
Day 4: Mount Titlis and Engelberg
The next mountain on our itinerary was Mount Titlis.
We travelled to Engelberg and then continued towards Mount Titlis using the mountain transport system. The rotating cable car and the views during the ascent made the journey especially exciting for the children.
We spent most of the day enjoying the snow, viewpoints and different attractions on the mountain. We completed our Mount Titlis visit at around 4:00 p.m.
After coming down from the mountain, we spent some time exploring Engelberg village. Engelberg is a small and beautiful town surrounded by mountains, making it a lovely place for an evening walk.
After exploring the village, we returned to our accommodation in Lucerne.
Day 4 tip
Even during summer, Mount Titlis can be cold and windy. Carry warm jackets, waterproof gloves and proper shoes for both adults and children and if possible hot water, it really helped us.
Day 5: Grindelwald First, Trottibike and Mountain Hike
We dedicated the next full day to Grindelwald First.
After reaching Grindelwald, we took the gondola up to First. The views during the ride were stunning, with green meadows, wooden chalets and snow-covered peaks surrounding us.
One of the highlights was the First Cliff Walk, a walkway built along the side of the mountain. It offers beautiful views and is one of the most popular experiences at Grindelwald First.
After enjoying the views from First, we tried the Trottibike experience, which was one of the most exciting activities for our children. Riding down the mountain on Trottibikes while surrounded by Alpine scenery was a fun and memorable experience.
We then continued with a mountain walk and hiked down towards the base for almost 3 kilometres. The walk allowed us to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at a slower pace and experience the landscape beyond the main viewpoints.
We kept almost the whole day for this destination because there is a lot to see and do, and the gondola journey itself takes time.
Day 5 tip
Grindelwald First has many activities, so plan according to your family’s energy level. With children, it is better to enjoy fewer experiences fully rather than rushing through everything.
Day 6: Brienz Rothorn Steam Train and Aare Gorge
This was one of the most scenic and memorable days of our Switzerland trip.
We had booked tickets for the Brienz Rothorn Railway, a historic steam-powered mountain train travelling from Brienz towards Brienzer Rothorn.
The train has been operating since 1892, and the journey passes through forests, Alpine meadows and mountain landscapes. The actual ride takes approximately one hour in each direction, but with waiting time, sightseeing and the complete excursion, we kept around five to six hours for the experience.
The slow pace of the steam train gave us enough time to enjoy the scenery. It was very different from the regular Swiss trains and became one of the most unique journeys of our trip.
Advance planning is important for this train. Seats can fill quickly, particularly during the popular summer months, so securing a ticket or seat guarantee beforehand is recommended.
After completing the Brienz Rothorn experience, we visited the Aare Gorge, near Meiringen.
Aare Gorge was one of the unexpected highlights of our holiday. The walking path runs through the narrow gorge, beside turquoise glacial water and between enormous limestone rock walls.
It was incredibly beautiful, and I would strongly recommend including it in a Switzerland itinerary.
The entrance to Aare Gorge was not fully included in our Swiss Travel Pass, so we purchased the required admission separately.
Day 6 tips
Book the Brienz Rothorn Railway in advance, especially during summer. If possible, grab seats on the same side where you board the train found the views from that side absolutely stunning throughout the journey. Also, keep your camera ready because the scenery keeps getting better as the train climbs.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear at Aare Gorge because some parts of the walkway may be wet.
Check the opening dates before visiting, as both the railway and the gorge operate seasonally.
Day 7: Lucerne City Tour, Chapel Bridge and Lake Cruise
Since this was our last day staying in Lucerne, we kept it for exploring the city.
We checked out from our accommodation and stored our luggage in the lockers at Lucerne railway station. The lockers were very convenient and allowed us to enjoy the city without carrying our bags.
We visited the famous Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne’s best-known landmarks. The historic wooden bridge, river views and surrounding old-town buildings make this area especially beautiful.
We also walked around Lucerne’s Old Town and spent time near the lake.
Another highlight was taking a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, along the route towards the Mount Pilatus region. The peaceful lake, mountains and traditional lakeside villages made it a lovely way to end our stay in Lucerne.
Later, we collected our luggage and travelled towards the Zermatt region. Instead of staying directly in Zermatt, we stayed in St. Niklaus, a quiet and beautiful town in the Matter Valley.
Staying outside Zermatt can be a useful option for families who want comparatively peaceful or affordable accommodation while remaining connected by train.
Day 8: Zermatt, Gornergrat, Matterhorn and Riffelsee
The next day was dedicated to Zermatt and the Matterhorn.
We travelled from St. Niklaus to Zermatt, a beautiful car-free Alpine town. From Zermatt, we boarded the Gornergrat Railway, a scenic cogwheel train that climbs high into the mountains.
The train journey offered spectacular views throughout the route. As we went higher, we could see glaciers, valleys and the iconic Matterhorn.
At Gornergrat, we spent time admiring the mountain views and enjoying the surroundings. We kept almost seven hours for the entire Zermatt and Gornergrat experience.
One of my favourite memories was enjoying the Matterhorn view while having traditional Swiss cheese fondue. Sitting there with the mountain in front of us made the experience even more special.
On our way down, we stopped at Rotenboden station to visit Riffelsee Lake. The lake is located around a ten-minute walk from the station and is famous for reflecting the Matterhorn when the weather is clear and the water is calm.
The combination of the Gornergrat train, Matterhorn views, fondue and Riffelsee made this one of the most beautiful days of our trip.
After completing the excursion, we returned to our hotel in St. Niklaus.
Day 8 tips
Sit near the window on the Gornergrat Railway and keep your camera ready.
Check the Matterhorn weather and webcam before travelling.
Get down at Rotenboden for Riffelsee rather than travelling directly back to Zermatt.
Carry jackets because the weather at Gornergrat can be very different from the weather in Zermatt.
Day 9: St. Niklaus, Interlaken and Harder Kulm
We still had one day left before travelling to Paris, so we used it to explore St. Niklaus and Interlaken.
St. Niklaus is a peaceful town surrounded by high mountains. It does not have the same crowds as Zermatt, which made it a refreshing place to walk around and enjoy local Swiss life.
We then travelled to Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist towns. It is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by the mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
In Interlaken, we visited Harder Kulm, reached by funicular railway. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of Interlaken, the two lakes and the surrounding mountains.
It was a lovely final viewpoint to include before completing our Switzerland journey.
After spending time in Interlaken, we returned to our accommodation.
Day 10: Switzerland to Paris by Train
The following day, we checked out and began our train journey to Paris.
Travelling by train from Switzerland to France was comfortable for our family. The children could move around, enjoy the journey and watch the scenery outside.
Our Paris experience deserves a separate itinerary, so I will share all our Paris hotel, transport, sightseeing and family-travel details in another blog.
Was Our Switzerland Itinerary Too Busy with Kids?
Our itinerary was detailed, but we made it manageable by avoiding major mountain excursions on consecutive days.
We alternated between:
- Mountain days
- Village days
- Scenic train journeys
- City exploration
- Relaxed lake and nature experiences
- Playgrounds
This balance worked well for our family.
The children naturally became tired on some days, and we could not complete every planned activity. However, that is part of travelling with children. A successful family holiday is not about ticking every attraction off a list; it is about enjoying the places you manage to experience together.
Where We Stayed
We used two main accommodation bases during the Switzerland portion of our holiday:
Lucerne
Lucerne was our base for the first part of the journey. From here, we travelled to Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Mount Titlis, Grindelwald, Brienz and other destinations.
However, some of these were long day trips. Families following our itinerary may also consider splitting their stay between Lucerne and the Interlaken or Jungfrau region to reduce daily travel time.
St. Niklaus
For the Zermatt portion, we stayed in St. Niklaus.
It was quieter than Zermatt and connected to the surrounding towns by train. It was a beautiful place to stay, although travellers should include the additional daily train journey when planning their schedule.
Transportation We Used in Switzerland
We travelled mainly by Switzerland’s public-transport network.
Depending on the destination, we used:
- Regular trains
- Scenic trains
- Cogwheel trains
- Funiculars
- Gondolas and cable cars
- Boats
- Local buses
We also used a Swiss Travel Pass, although some mountain railways, cable cars and attraction admissions required an additional ticket or offered only a discount.
Always check the exact validity of your travel pass for each attraction rather than assuming everything is completely included.
Our Most Important Switzerland Tips for Families
Do not plan three mountains on consecutive days
Mountain excursions are exciting but can also be tiring, especially for young children. Add village or city days between them.
Check the weather before choosing a mountain
Mountain weather changes quickly. Keep your itinerary slightly flexible and choose the clearest day for the most important mountain.
Download the SBB Mobile app
We used trains extensively, so checking platforms, connections and travel times was essential.
Store luggage at railway stations
The lockers at Zürich and Lucerne stations made our arrival and checkout days much easier.
Carry food and snacks for children
Some mountain journeys take an entire day, and food at tourist attractions can be expensive. Carry snacks, water and a few familiar food items.
Do not underestimate travel time
Places may look close on a map, but mountain routes often involve several trains, buses, gondolas and walking connections.
Book special trains in advance
For experiences such as the Brienz Rothorn Railway, booking ahead or securing a seat guarantee is advisable.
Keep your itinerary flexible
Travelling with children means plans can change. We adjusted our pace based on energy levels, weather and what everyone enjoyed most.
Our Favourite Experiences
It is difficult to choose only one favourite place because every region offered something different.
The children loved the chocolate experience at Lindt, the snow adventures on the mountains and the fun activities at Grindelwald First.
For us, the most memorable experiences included:
- Seeing the Matterhorn from Gornergrat
- Enjoying cheese fondue with a mountain view
- Travelling on the Brienz Rothorn steam train
- Walking through Aare Gorge
- Exploring Lauterbrunnen Valley and Wengen
- Riding Trottibikes at Grindelwald First
- Riding Switzerland’s scenic trains
- Watching the landscape change throughout the journey
Switzerland was not simply about reaching tourist attractions. Some of our most peaceful memories came from sitting inside a train, watching the lakes, mountains and villages pass by.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is undoubtedly an expensive destination, but its efficient public transport, natural beauty and family-friendly experiences make it a wonderful country to explore with children.
Our itinerary was not perfect, and we did not manage to complete everything we had initially planned. But we saw the mountains we had dreamed about, travelled on unforgettable trains, explored beautiful villages and created memories with our children that we will always treasure.
I will soon share separate detailed guides covering our budget, Swiss Travel Pass, accommodation, food, packing list and individual mountain experiences.
Have questions about our Switzerland trip? Leave them in the comments, and I will answer them or include them in my upcoming Switzerland travel blogs.
