22-Day Western Europe Northern/Scenic Route: Switzerland, Austria, Germany & Netherlands in April
Embark on an epic 22-day journey through the heart of Western Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. This 'Northern/Scenic' route is designed specifically for families who crave the majesty of the Alps and the charm of spring blooms, moving seamlessly from the high peaks of Switzerland and Austria into the forested hills of Germany and the floral tapestries of the Netherlands. In April, you'll witness the unique transition where winter's snow still caps the mountains while spring flowers begin to carpet the valleys below.
Traveling with children is made easy with our focus on efficient rail connections, kid-centric interactive museums, and spacious accommodations. By utilizing comprehensive rail passes and localized transport, this itinerary ensures that the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination, providing a balanced pace that allows for both grand sightseeing and relaxed family moments in nature.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich, Switzerland - Arrival & Lake Vistas
Arrival at Zurich Airport
Touch down at one of Europe's most efficient hubs and take the 10-minute train ride to the city center.
Lake Zurich Boat Tour
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich to see the city from the water.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Visit the world's largest chocolate fountain and enjoy interactive exhibits perfect for all ages.
Welcome Dinner in Niederdorf
Stroll through the old town's cobblestone streets and enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue.
Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne, Switzerland - Gateway to the Alps
Scenic Train to Lucerne
A short, 45-minute train ride takes you into the heart of Central Switzerland.
Chapel Bridge Exploration
Walk across the iconic 14th-century wooden bridge and see the Lion Monument.
Swiss Museum of Transport
The most visited museum in Switzerland, featuring trains, planes, and interactive space exhibits.
Lakeside Dining
Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Day 3: Lucerne, Switzerland - Mount Pilatus Adventure
Golden Round Trip
Take a boat, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and an aerial cableway to reach the summit of Mt. Pilatus.
Summit Picnic & Views
Eat lunch with a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks and let the kids play in the high-altitude park.
Dragon World Experience
An interactive indoor world at the summit based on local legends of dragons.
Descent to Lucerne
Return via cable car for stunning views of the blossoming valleys below.
Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken, Switzerland - The Bernese Oberland
Luzern-Interlaken Express
Enjoy one of the most beautiful train segments in the world through the Brünig Pass.
Interlaken Orientation
Explore the town situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Harder Kulm Funicular
Ride up to the 'Top of Interlaken' for a birds-eye view of the two lakes.
Traditional Swiss BBQ
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at a local grill house.
Day 5: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland - The Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Train to Lauterbrunnen
A 20-minute ride into a deep U-shaped valley that inspired Tolkien’s Rivendell.
Staubbach Falls Walk
Take an easy, flat walk to the base of this 300-meter-high waterfall.
Trümmelbach Falls
Explore ten glacial waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by a subterranean lift.
Return to Interlaken
Free time for the kids at the local Hohematte park to watch paragliders land.
Day 6: Interlaken, Switzerland - Brienz Lake & Woodcarving
Lake Brienz Steamship
Ride a historic paddle steamer across the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
Brienz Village Visit
Explore the woodcarving capital of Switzerland and its traditional chalet architecture.
Giessbach Falls Hike
Take the historic funicular up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach and view the multi-tiered falls.
Swiss Pizza Night
Relax with a casual family dinner in Interlaken.
Day 7: Interlaken to Innsbruck, Austria - Crossing the Border
Trans-Alpine Rail Journey
Take the train from Interlaken via Zurich and the Arlberg Pass into Austria.
Innsbruck Arrival
Check into your hotel in the capital of the Tyrol region, surrounded by jagged peaks.
The Golden Roof
Visit the landmark of the Old Town, adorned with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles.
Tyrolean Dumpling Dinner
Try Knödel at a local Wirtshaus.
Day 8: Innsbruck, Austria - Nordkette Mountains
Nordkette Cable Car
Go from the city center to 2,256 meters above sea level in just 20 minutes.
Alpenzoo Innsbruck
The highest zoo in Europe, specializing in Alpine species like ibex and brown bears.
Court Church (Hofkirche)
See the impressive 'Black Men' bronze statues surrounding the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
Strudel Tasting
Visit a traditional bakery for authentic Austrian apple strudel.
Day 9: Innsbruck to Salzburg, Austria - The City of Music
Railjet to Salzburg
A fast, comfortable 2-hour train ride along the scenic Inn River valley.
Mirabell Gardens
Explore the 'Do-Re-Mi' filming location, which is in full spring bloom during April.
Getreidegasse Stroll
Walk through the famous shopping street and visit Mozart’s Birthplace.
Salzburg Fortress Dinner
Dine at the Hohensalzburg Fortress for views over the illuminated city.
Day 10: Salzburg, Austria - Salt Mines & Fountains
Hallein Salt Mine Tour
Dress up in miner's clothes and slide down wooden chutes into the ancient mines.
Hellbrunn Palace
Enjoy the 'Trick Fountains'—a hit with children as water surprises visitors from hidden spots.
Steinterrasse Sunset
Enjoy a juice or coffee with a view of the river and the old town.
Schnitzel Night
Visit a traditional brewery guest house for a family-sized Wiener Schnitzel.
Day 11: Salzburg, Austria - Sound of Music Day
Sound of Music Tour
Visit the hills that are 'alive' and see the gazebo at Hellbrunn and the wedding church in Mondsee.
Mondsee Village Lunch
Enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere of this Austrian village.
Salzburg Toy Museum
A hands-on paradise for younger children to play and learn.
Puppet Theater
Experience a performance at the world-famous Salzburg Marionette Theater.
Day 12: Salzburg to Munich, Germany - Into Bavaria
Cross-border Train to Munich
A 1.5-hour journey takes you from Austria into Germany's third-largest city.
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Watch the historic figurines dance in the town hall tower at the heart of Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Exploration
A vibrant open-air market perfect for sampling Bavarian pretzels and cheeses.
Hofbräuhaus Dinner
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and traditional music at the world's most famous beer hall.
Day 13: Munich, Germany - Science & Parks
Deutsches Museum
The world's largest museum of science and technology, featuring a massive kid’s zone.
English Garden Picnic
Watch the river surfers on the Eisbach and let the kids run free in this massive park.
BMW Welt
Explore the futuristic showroom and learn about the history of German engineering.
Italian Night
Munich is often called 'Italy's northernmost city'; enjoy some world-class pizza.
Day 14: Munich, Germany - Fairy Tale Castles
Neuschwanstein Day Trip
Take a train and bus to see the castle that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Visit the childhood home of King Ludwig II located just across the valley.
Alpsee Lake Walk
Take a scenic walk around the mountain lake before heading back to Munich.
Late Bavarian Dinner
Hearty roast pork and potato salad after a long day of exploring.
Day 15: Munich to Freiburg, Germany - The Black Forest
ICE Train to Freiburg
A fast train journey across Southern Germany to the edge of the Black Forest.
Freiburg Minster
Visit the cathedral with its open-work spire and the colorful market on the square.
Bächle Boat Racing
Buy a small wooden boat for the kids to race in the city’s unique narrow water runnels.
Black Forest Gateau
You can't visit this region without a slice of its famous cherry and cream cake.
Day 16: Black Forest, Germany - Cuckoo Clocks & Lakes
Lake Titisee Visit
Take a scenic train ride to this glacial lake for a boat ride and clock shopping.
Cuckoo Clock Demonstration
See how these world-famous clocks are handcrafted by local artisans.
Schwarzwald Rodelbahn
Experience a mountain coaster slide down the forest hills—thrilling for kids and adults.
Rustic Forest Dinner
Enjoy local venison or trout at a mountain hut restaurant.
Day 17: Freiburg to Amsterdam, Netherlands - Heading North
Northward High-Speed Train
Take the ICE train through the Rhine Valley, witnessing vineyards and castles from your seat.
Amsterdam Arrival
Check into your hotel near the canal ring of this UNESCO-listed city.
Canal Pizza Cruise
The perfect way to see the city lights while keeping the kids fed and entertained.
Dam Square Walk
See the Royal Palace illuminated at night.
Day 18: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Tulips & Windmills
Keukenhof Gardens
The highlight of April! See millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in peak bloom.
Zaanse Schans
Visit this open-air museum to see working windmills, clog-making, and cheese tasting.
Pancake Bakery
Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes (Pannenkoeken) with sweet or savory toppings.
Evening Canal Stroll
Explore the Jordaan district's quiet lanes and hidden courtyards.
Day 19: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Art & History
Rijksmuseum
See masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer; the museum offers great family treasure hunts.
Vondelpark Playtime
Let the kids burn off energy at the 'Groot Melkhuis' playground in Amsterdam's largest park.
Anne Frank House
A moving experience for older children; ensure you book tickets months in advance.
Indonesian Rijsttafel
Sample Amsterdam's famous 'Rice Table' feast—a culinary legacy of the Dutch East Indies.
Day 20: Amsterdam, Netherlands - NEMO Science Museum
NEMO Science Museum
An interactive, hands-on museum shaped like a ship’s hull, perfect for a full day of family fun.
NEMO Roof Terrace
The highest city square in the Netherlands, offering great views and water play areas for kids.
National Maritime Museum
Step aboard a life-size replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship.
Farewell Dutch Dinner
Enjoy 'Stamppot' (mashed potatoes and veggies with sausage) at a cozy brown cafe.
Day 21: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Haarlem Day Trip
Train to Haarlem
Just 15 minutes away, this city offers a more relaxed pace with beautiful gabled houses.
Grote Markt & St. Bavo
Explore the central square and see the massive organ that Mozart once played.
Teylers Museum
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, featuring fossils, instruments, and art in a stunning setting.
Canalside Dining
Enjoy your final European sunset by the Spaarne river.
Day 22: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Bloemenmarkt Visit
Pick up some tulip bulbs (ensure they are certified for international travel) at the floating flower market.
Last Minute Stroopwafels
Watch them being made fresh at a local bakery for a sweet final memory.
Train to Schiphol Airport
The easy 15-minute rail link from Central Station gets you to your gate with ease.
Departure Flight
Board your flight home with a camera full of mountains and flowers.
Best Time to Visit Europe
April is a magnificent 'shoulder season' month for this specific route. In Switzerland and Austria, it is the tail-end of the ski season, meaning you can still enjoy snow at high altitudes while the valleys are starting to turn green. In Germany and the Netherlands, April is the definitive peak for spring flowers. The weather is variable—expect sunny days mixed with occasional spring showers—so the 'onion' method of dressing (layers) is essential. Crowds are significantly thinner than in the summer months of July and August, making it much easier to navigate popular sites with children.
Visas & Border Crossings
This itinerary takes place entirely within the Schengen Area (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands). For most Western travelers (USA, Canada, Australia, UK), a standard 90-day tourist entry is granted upon arrival. There are no hard border checks when traveling by train between these countries, though you should always carry your passport. Starting in late 2024/2025, be aware of the ETIAS requirement for non-EU citizens, which requires a simple online registration before travel.
Getting Around Europe
The most efficient and scenic way to complete this 22-day route is via the extensive European rail network. High-speed trains like the ICE (Germany) and Railjet (Austria) connect major cities in just a few hours. For families, the Eurail Global Pass is often the most cost-effective option, as children under 12 often travel for free with an adult. For mountain excursions in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is invaluable as it covers almost all trains, buses, boats, and even some mountain lifts. Using trains avoids the stress of mountain driving and allows the whole family to enjoy the incredible vistas together.
