For our summer vacation in Switzerland, we wanted to explore some of the country’s most beautiful regions while making sure we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the simple things that make summer special.
We spent 20 amazing days exploring Switzerland as a family, travelling by train, taking scenic boat cruises, discovering charming towns, visiting mountain attractions, and cooling off in some wonderful lakes and local public swimming pools.
And one of my favourite things about this trip was finding a balance between the iconic Swiss experiences and the local summer lifestyle. Of course, we wanted to see the famous mountains, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. But we also wanted to enjoy the places where people spend their summer days — swimming in the lakes, relaxing at outdoor pools, wandering through town squares, and stopping for a meal after a day of exploring.
Travelling with kids means finding that balance between adventure and downtime, and Switzerland gave us so many opportunities to do both.
Our itinerary took us through four distinct regions: the Zurich area, Ticino in southern Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland and Bern, the capital. Each had its own atmosphere, landscapes, and experiences, making the journey feel like several different adventures within one country.
One thing that made our 20-day adventure so much easier was getting a Swiss Travel Pass for our family. The best part? Maia travelled for free with us!
We experienced mountains, lakes, waterfalls, historic towns, museums, scenic train journeys, boat cruises, swimming pools, adventure activities, and delicious Swiss food. Some days were full of sightseeing, while others gave us time to relax and enjoy the local summer atmosphere.
The pass covered so much of our journey, including trains, buses, boats, many museums, and cogwheel trains. It also offered discounts on some mountain cable cars, which was especially helpful since we included quite a few mountain adventures in our itinerary.
For us, it made exploring Switzerland much more convenient and helped simplify our transportation planning. If you’re planning a family trip to Switzerland, it’s definitely worth looking into to see whether it makes sense for your itinerary.
A little tip: Check the current pass conditions and which mountain excursions are included or discounted before you go, as benefits vary by route and attraction.
Here is how we spent our 20 days!
Days 1–4: Zurich, the Rhine Falls, and a mountain adventure
We started our trip in Zurich, giving ourselves time to settle in and get a feel for the city before heading out to explore.
Day 1 — Arriving in Zurich
After settling into our hotel, we spent the day walking around downtown Zurich and visiting Lindenhof, a lovely historic spot with views over the city.
Since we were visiting in summer, we also wanted to cool off, so we headed to Strandbad Mythenquai, one of Zurich’s lakeside public swimming areas.
It was a wonderful way to ease into vacation mode. Rather than filling our first day with too many attractions, we could explore at our own pace and enjoy a little of the local summer lifestyle.
Day 2 — Rhine Falls and more of Zurich
We took the train to the Rhine Falls, one of Switzerland’s most impressive natural attractions. We also took a boat cruise to get closer to the falls, which made the experience even more exciting.
After lunch at Stern am Rhein, we returned to Zurich and visited the FIFA Museum. We then enjoyed some time around the Arboretum before heading to Niederdorf for dinner.
It was a lovely combination of nature, a family-friendly museum, and the charm of Zurich’s old town.
Day 3 — Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne
This was one of those days when the journey itself became part of the adventure.
We took the train to Arth-Goldau and then rode the cogwheel railway up to Rigi Kulm. After enjoying the mountain scenery, we travelled down to Vitznau by cogwheel train and continued by boat to Lucerne.
Combining trains, mountain railways, and a lake cruise made this day especially memorable. It was also a great example of how much fun getting around Switzerland can be, particularly for kids who enjoy different modes of transportation.
We finished the day with dinner in downtown Lucerne.
Day 4 — Lucerne and the journey south
We spent part of the day exploring Lucerne, including the Lion Monument, before taking the train south to Lugano.
Arriving in Ticino felt like the beginning of a new chapter of our Swiss adventure. That evening, we had dinner and enjoyed a FIFA game playing in the plaza in Lugano.
I loved that we could combine sightseeing with these little local moments. They made the trip feel less like a race to see attractions and more like experiencing summer in Switzerland.
Days 5–9: Discovering Ticino
Ticino was one of the regions I was especially excited to explore. Located in southern Switzerland, it has a distinct Italian-speaking culture and a relaxed, lakeside atmosphere.
We spent several days exploring different parts of the region, combining historic towns, mountain views, boat trips, and plenty of swimming.
Day 5 — Bellinzona and a lakeside afternoon
We took a day trip to Bellinzona to explore its three medieval fortresses, a wonderful way to discover a different side of Swiss history.
After lunch in downtown Bellinzona, we returned to Lugano and spent the afternoon at Lido di Lugano before enjoying another dinner and FIFA game in the plaza.
I loved having a mix of cultural experiences and time by the water in the same day.
Day 6 — Locarno and Ascona
We headed to Locarno and Ascona to explore two beautiful towns in the Lake Maggiore area.
We also enjoyed Lido di Locarno and took a cruise on Lake Maggiore. The combination of lakeside towns, sunshine, and time in the water made this a lovely summer day.
For families visiting Switzerland in warmer months, I think it’s worth remembering that the lakes are not just beautiful scenery — they can be part of the holiday itself.
Day 7 — Exploring Lake Lugano by boat
This was a day for enjoying the lake and discovering its surroundings.
We took a boat cruise on Lake Lugano, visiting Gandria and Melide, and enjoyed a paddle boat with a slide on top — such a fun addition to the day!
We also took the little tourist train from Lugano to Paradiso.
I love finding experiences like these when travelling with kids. They give everyone a chance to enjoy the destination in a playful way, without every activity needing to be a major sightseeing attraction.
Day 8 — Adventure at Monte Tamaro
We dedicated the day to Monte Tamaro, where we enjoyed the bobsleigh ride, zip line, and water park.
This was one of our more adventure-filled days, with plenty of excitement and activities to keep the day interesting.
It’s always nice to include a few experiences that are specifically fun for kids alongside the traditional sightseeing. They help make the trip feel like a family adventure rather than an itinerary designed only for adults.
Day 9 — Two mountain viewpoints
We explored Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, enjoying more of the beautiful scenery around Lugano.
One of the things I loved about Ticino was how easy it was to combine lakeside relaxation with mountain experiences. You could spend part of the day enjoying the water and another part looking out over the landscape from above.
After several days in the region, it was a lovely way to appreciate just how varied the scenery can be.
Day 10: Rapperswil and a lakeside evening
We travelled back towards the Zurich area and spent the day in Rapperswil.
We visited the lakeside area, enjoyed Lido Rapperswil, and explored the castle. We also had dinner with friends, which made the day feel extra special.
On our way back to the hotel, we walked along the famous wooden footbridge over Lake Zurich, part of the route connecting Rapperswil and Hurden.
I always love including time with friends and local experiences in a family itinerary. These moments can be just as memorable as the attractions we plan in advance.
Day 11: Lake Zurich, friends, and chocolate
We spent time swimming in Lake Zurich and had lunch with friends before visiting a chocolate factory.
It was another day that brought together some of my favourite things about travelling: spending time outdoors, connecting with people, and discovering something delicious along the way!
Swiss chocolate is certainly a treat, and visiting a chocolate-making destination can be a fun addition to a family trip.
Days 12–15: The Bernese Oberland and the beauty of the Alps
Our next chapter took us to the Bernese Oberland, a region known for its dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and charming villages.
This was the part of Switzerland that many people picture when they imagine the classic Swiss landscape, and summer gave us the chance to experience it surrounded by green valleys and beautiful alpine scenery.
Day 12 — Thun and the Lauterbrunnen Village
We travelled by train to Thun, our base for exploring the region.
We visited the Lauterbrunnen Village and explored the surrounding area, including Wengen and Allmendhubel, an amazing alpine playground.
The scenery in this part of Switzerland is extraordinary, with mountain views, green landscapes, and beautiful villages that invite you to slow down and take everything in.
It’s the kind of place where even the journey between destinations can become a highlight.
Day 13 — Grindelwald and the mountain attractions
We explored the Grindelwald area, including the cliff walk and gorge walk, and visited Jungfraujoch.
There is so much to see in this region, and it was one of the days when the mountain scenery really took centre stage.
After our mountain adventures, we cooled off at Lido Thun. I loved being able to finish an active sightseeing day with some time in the water.
Day 14 — Discovering Thun
We dedicated a day to exploring Thun itself, including the castle and the lakeside area and had so much fun seeing people jumping on the river to coll off, just like we heard they do it and for our surprise we also saw several people surfing next to the Woden bridge.
I always think it’s worth giving a town its own time rather than treating it only as a place to sleep between excursions. Exploring at a slower pace gives you the opportunity to notice the architecture, wander through the streets, and enjoy the atmosphere.
We also visited the local lido, adding another relaxed summer experience to our itinerary.
Day 15 — Lake Brienz and its surroundings
We explored Lake Brienz by boat, enjoying the scenery along the way, and visited the waterfalls and the famous hotel in the area.
The turquoise colour of the lake and the surrounding mountains make this part of Switzerland particularly beautiful in summer.
A boat trip is such a lovely way to experience the region from a different perspective, especially when you want a day that combines sightseeing with a more relaxed pace.
Day 16 — Beatus Caves
We visited St. Beatus Caves, adding another natural attraction to our time in the Bernese Oberland.
I love including different types of experiences in a longer trip, and caves offer a completely different perspective from the mountain viewpoints and lakeside walks.
It’s a reminder that Switzerland’s natural beauty isn’t only found in its famous alpine panoramas.
Days 17–18: Bern
We also made time to explore more of Switzerland’s history, culture, and food.
We visited Bern, Switzerland’s capital, and explored the city before enjoying time by the river and visiting the bears.
Bern offers a different atmosphere from the mountain villages and lakeside towns, with its historic streets and distinctive old-town setting.
It was lovely to combine a city visit with some time outdoors — another example of the balance we tried to create throughout the trip.
Days 19–20: Back to Zurich
We returned to Zurich for the final part of our trip, giving ourselves time to enjoy the city again before heading home.
We walked around town, enjoyed a river cruise, did a little shopping, and visited the University of Zurich area, including the Einstein-related museum experience we had planned.
After so many days of exploring different regions, it was nice to finish the trip with a more relaxed pace and revisit some of the things we had enjoyed at the beginning.
What made this trip special for us
Looking back, what I loved most about these 20 days was the variety.
I especially loved making room for the experiences that might not always appear at the top of a traditional sightseeing list — swimming at a local lido, enjoying a boat ride, meeting friends for dinner, or watching a football game in a town plaza.
Those little moments helped make the trip feel personal and memorable.
Travelling with kids also reminded me that the best family itinerary isn’t necessarily the one that includes the most attractions. It’s the one that balances everyone’s interests, leaves room to recharge, and creates opportunities for shared experiences.
A few things I’d keep in mind when planning Switzerland with kids
If you’re considering a summer trip to Switzerland with your family, here are a few things I’d keep in mind — including a couple of little tricks that made our trip so much easier!
1. Plan by region.
Grouping experiences by area can help reduce unnecessary travel and make your itinerary easier to manage. Think about which destinations complement one another and where it makes sense to spend a few nights rather than moving hotels too often.
2. Make the journey part of the adventure.
Trains, cogwheel railways, and boat cruises can be memorable experiences in their own right. In Switzerland, getting from one place to another can be just as exciting as the destination itself!
3. Don’t underestimate the power of snacks!
Hungry kids are never fun — especially when you’re exploring a new place and still have a full day of activities ahead. One little routine that became a lifesaver for us was stopping at a Coop supermarket every morning to grab fresh berries, pastries, and coffee before heading out for the day.
It was such a simple thing, but having something easy to eat along the way made our days much smoother. Fresh fruit and pastries were perfect for a quick breakfast or snack between trains, boat rides, and sightseeing stops. And, of course, coffee for the parents was a bonus!
4. Remember that Sundays are different.
One important thing to know when travelling around Switzerland is that many shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, although opening hours vary by location. We found that train stations were especially helpful because larger stations often have shops and food options that remain open.
Our tip? If you’re travelling on a Sunday, plan ahead and pick up any essentials you might need. And if you forget something, check the main train station — it may have plenty of options for grabbing a meal or buying snacks and other necessities.
5. Include time by the water.
Lakeside swimming areas and outdoor pools can be a wonderful way to cool off and give children a break from sightseeing. We loved including local lidos in our itinerary. Just remember to check seasonal opening dates and facilities before visiting.
6. Balance big attractions with relaxed days.
Mountain excursions and major sightseeing days can be exciting but tiring. Mixing them with easier activities makes a longer trip more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Research mountain excursions ahead of time.
Weather, seasonal schedules, and ticket options can affect your plans. Check the details for your travel dates, especially for popular mountain destinations.
8. Leave room for local discoveries.
Some of the most enjoyable moments happen away from the main attractions. A stroll through town, a meal with friends, or an afternoon at a local swimming pool can become a favourite memory.
9. Choose your bases carefully.
Where you stay can make a big difference to travel time and the pace of your trip. Consider which activities you want to do in each region before deciding how many nights to spend there.
Love,
Carol
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