19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Switzerland
Switzerland is a playground for families, offering a seamless blend of high-altitude adventure and efficient, comfortable infrastructure. This 19-day epic journey is specifically curated for those traveling with children, prioritizing stroller-accessible routes, relaxed morning starts, and engaging activities that won't leave the little ones exhausted.
From the chocolate-scented halls of Zurich to the car-free streets of Zermatt, you will experience the best of the Swiss Confederation. By utilizing the world-class rail system, you can enjoy the scenery through panoramic windows while the kids stay entertained in dedicated family carriages, making the travel days just as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich, Switzerland - Arrival & Lake Views
Arrival at Zurich Airport
Touch down at Zurich Airport (ZRH). The airport is incredibly family-friendly with play areas and easy nursery rooms. Follow the signs to the integrated train station for a quick 10-minute ride to the city center.
Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town)
Enjoy a gentle walk through the cobblestone streets of Zurich's Old Town. Many areas are pedestrianized, making it safe for toddlers to explore the historic architecture and small fountains.
Lake Zurich Promenade
Walk along the lakefront at Bürkliplatz. The wide, flat paths are perfect for strollers, and there are several playgrounds and ice cream stands along the way.
Family Dinner at Zeughauskeller
Visit this historic restaurant which offers a kid-friendly atmosphere and hearty Swiss classics like sausages and rösti that usually appeal to younger palates.
Day 2: Zurich, Switzerland - Sweet Dreams & City Parks
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Take a short boat or bus ride to Kilchberg. This museum features a massive chocolate fountain and interactive exhibits that are a massive hit with children of all ages.
Lunch at Belvoir Park
Located near the Lindt museum, this beautiful park offers plenty of green space for a picnic or a relaxed lunch at the park’s bistro while kids play on the grass.
FIFA World Football Museum
Even if you aren't a sports fan, the interactive games and the colorful 'Pinball' machine area are highly engaging for children and fully accessible for strollers.
Relaxed Evening in Enge
Return to the Enge district for a quiet evening by the water. There are many shallow swimming areas (badis) if the weather is warm.
Day 3: Zurich, Switzerland - Animals & Elevated Views
Zurich Zoo
Regarded as one of the best in Europe, the Masoala Rainforest hall is spectacular. The zoo is hilly but well-paved for strollers, and there are multiple play zones.
Uetliberg Mountain
Take the S10 train from the main station to Zurich’s local mountain. The path from the station to the lookout is wide and stroller-friendly, offering views over the city and Alps.
Limmat River Cruise
Board the flat-roofed boats that cruise the Limmat River. It’s a low-impact way to see the city's sights from a different perspective while resting tired legs.
Early Night Prep
Pack your bags for tomorrow's journey. Zurich’s supermarkets like Coop offer great baby supplies for the road.
Day 4: Lucerne, Switzerland - The City of Lights
Train to Lucerne
Travel from Zurich to Lucerne (45–60 mins). The trains are frequent and offer plenty of space for luggage and strollers. Enjoy the changing landscape as you enter Central Switzerland.
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
Walk across the world's oldest covered wooden bridge. Point out the paintings in the roof and watch the swans in the Reuss River below.
Lion Monument
Visit the 'Dying Lion' carved into a rock face. It’s a short walk from the center and the park area surrounding it is shaded and peaceful.
Old Town Exploration
Explore the frescoed buildings of Weinmarkt. It’s a car-free zone, perfect for letting the kids walk around safely.
Day 5: Lucerne, Switzerland - Transport & Adventure
Swiss Museum of Transport
This is Switzerland's most popular museum and for good reason. It features trains, planes, and a massive car theater. There is an outdoor play area where kids can operate mini-diggers.
Lido Lucerne
Located right next to the Transport Museum, this beach area has a pool, sand, and large lawns. It is a perfect spot for families to decompress after the museum.
Lake Lucerne Boat Trip
Use your travel pass to hop on a historic paddle steamer for a 1-hour loop. The rhythmic sound of the water is often enough to get babies to nap.
Dinner at Rathaus Brauerei
Situated right on the river, this spot serves traditional food and offers high chairs and a lively atmosphere where a little noise from kids won't be an issue.
Day 6: Lucerne, Switzerland - Mount Rigi Excursion
Boat to Vitznau
Begin your trip to Mt. Rigi with a scenic boat ride. The boat is stroller-accessible with ramps and elevators.
Cogwheel Train to Rigi Kulm
Transfer to the mountain railway. Mt. Rigi is known as the 'Queen of the Mountains' and offers gravel paths that are manageable with a sturdy stroller.
Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths
On the way down, stop at Kaltbad. They have family-friendly sessions in the thermal pools with incredible views of the peaks.
Return to Lucerne
Descend via the cable car to Weggis for a different view on the way back to the city.
Day 7: Interlaken, Switzerland - Gateway to the Alps
Lucerne-Interlaken Express
This is one of the most beautiful train rides in the country. Ensure you book a seat on the right-hand side for the best lake views.
Höhematte Park
The center of Interlaken is a massive green field where paragliders land. It’s a great spot for kids to run around while you watch the flyers descend.
Harder Kulm
Take the funicular up to the 'Top of Interlaken'. The viewing platform is accessible, and there is a restaurant with a playground at the summit.
Check into Bernese Oberland Base
Interlaken is the perfect hub for the next few days of mountain exploration. Many apartments here are tailored for families.
Day 8: Interlaken, Switzerland - Lauterbrunnen Valley
Valley of 72 Waterfalls
Take a 20-minute train to Lauterbrunnen. The floor of this valley is flat and paved, making it one of the best stroller walks in the world.
Staubbach Falls
Admire the falls that drop nearly 300 meters right into the village. There is a path to walk behind the falls, but it's steep; parents with strollers should view from the base.
Trümmelbach Falls
A series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain. Note: Children under 4 are not permitted for safety reasons, so plan accordingly if traveling with toddlers.
Mürren Village
Take the cable car up to the car-free village of Mürren. It’s incredibly peaceful and offers a stunning view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Day 9: Interlaken, Switzerland - Lake Brienz Beauty
Lake Brienz Cruise
The turquoise waters of Lake Brienz are stunning. The boat stops at various small villages along the way.
Giessbach Falls
Hop off the boat and take Europe's oldest funicular up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach. The falls here are spectacular and the forest paths are easy to navigate.
Brienz Woodcarving Village
Visit the quiet village of Brienz, famous for its woodcarving tradition. The lakeside promenade is flat and perfect for a stroller walk.
Chocolate Fondue Dinner
Celebrate your final night in Interlaken with a traditional chocolate fondue at a local café, a guaranteed hit with children.
Day 10: Zermatt, Switzerland - The Matterhorn Majesty
Train to Zermatt
The journey requires a change in Visp. Zermatt is entirely car-free, so you will be met by electric taxis or horse-drawn carriages at the station.
Wolli's Park at Sunnegga
Take the funicular up to Sunnegga. Wolli’s Park is a paradise for kids with a lake, play equipment, and amazing views of the Matterhorn.
Stroll Bahnhofstrasse
The main street of Zermatt is lined with shops and bakeries. Without cars, it is very easy to navigate with a stroller.
Matterhorn Museum
A small but fascinating underground museum that shows how Zermatt developed from a mountain village to a world-class resort.
Day 11: Zermatt, Switzerland - To the High Peaks
Gornergrat Bahn
Board the highest open-air cogwheel railway in Europe. The climb is steady and the views of the glaciers are unparalleled.
Lunch at Riffelalp
Stop halfway down at Riffelalp. There is a small tram (the highest in Europe) that takes you to a beautiful hotel and restaurant with a playground.
Findeln Walk
For families with older kids or those using a baby carrier, the walk through the hamlet of Findeln offers rustic charm and great photo ops.
Quiet Evening
Zermatt’s air is incredibly fresh. Enjoy a balcony view of the mountain as the sun sets.
Day 12: Zermatt, Switzerland - Forest Fun & Glaciers
Forest Fun Park
This adventure park has specific courses for toddlers and younger children, allowing them to zip-line and climb safely in the trees.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Take the cable car to the highest station in Europe. It is quite high (3883m), so monitor kids for altitude. The Glacier Palace (ice tunnels) is magical.
Hinterdorf Area
Explore the oldest part of Zermatt with barns and houses dating back to the 16th century. It’s like a living museum.
Pizza Night
Zermatt has excellent Italian influences. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at Grampi’s in the heart of town.
Day 13: Montreux, Switzerland - The Swiss Riviera
GoldenPass Express
Take the train towards Lake Geneva. The descent into Montreux offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and the lake.
Montreux Lakeside Promenade
Known as one of the most beautiful walks in Europe, the path is lined with exotic flowers and sculptures, including the Freddie Mercury statue.
Château de Chillon
This island castle is stroller-friendly in many of its courtyards. Kids love the 'dungeon' stories and the castle's imposing towers.
Dinner with a View
Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes overlooking Lake Geneva, watching the sunset over the French Alps across the water.
Day 14: Montreux, Switzerland - Chaplin & Vineyards
Chaplin’s World
In nearby Vevey, this museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin is highly interactive and set on a beautiful estate with plenty of room to run.
Alimentarium (Food Museum)
Also in Vevey, this museum is dedicated to nutrition. The giant fork sticking out of Lake Geneva is a great photo spot for kids.
Lavaux Vineyard Train
Take the 'Train des Vignes' through the UNESCO-listed vineyards. It’s a short, scenic ride that avoids the steep hills of the walking paths.
Vevey Lakeside Play
Vevey has fantastic public playgrounds right by the water, perfect for burning off any remaining energy.
Day 15: Lausanne, Switzerland - The Olympic Capital
Train to Lausanne
A short 20-minute ride along the lake. Lausanne is built on three hills, so use the efficient metro system to avoid pushing strollers uphill.
The Olympic Museum
Located in Ouchy, the museum is very modern and interactive. The surrounding park is full of sports-themed statues and is free to enter.
AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium
The largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. It is entirely indoors and fully accessible, making it a great choice for any weather.
Cathedral of Notre Dame
The square in front of the cathedral offers great views, and the interior is peaceful and cool on a summer day.
Day 16: Geneva, Switzerland - International Spirit
Train to Geneva
The final leg of the journey takes you into Switzerland's second-largest city. Upon arrival, most hotels provide a free Geneva Transport Card.
Jet d’Eau
Visit the iconic water fountain. The mist from the fountain is refreshing on a warm day, and the walkway to the base is a fun thrill for kids.
Flower Clock (L'horloge fleurie)
A quick stop in the Jardin Anglais to see the working clock made of flowers, a symbol of Geneva's watchmaking history.
Bains des Pâquis
A local favorite for swimming and cheap, delicious food. It’s very relaxed and great for families who want to experience the local vibe.
Day 17: Geneva, Switzerland - Science & Nature
Natural History Museum
One of the best of its kind in Switzerland. The dinosaur exhibits and taxidermy are presented in a very engaging way for children.
CERN (Globe of Science)
While the heavy physics might be for adults, the Globe of Science and Innovation has cool lights and interactive spheres that fascinate kids.
Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Located near the UN, these gardens have a small animal park with deer and birds, and wide paths for strollers.
Old Town Dinner
Explore the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva, for a traditional Swiss-French meal.
Day 18: Geneva, Switzerland - Parks & Peace
Palace of Nations
Take a guided tour of the UN headquarters. The flags of the world and the 'Broken Chair' sculpture outside are impressive for all ages.
Ariana Park
A massive, peaceful park with peacocks roaming freely. It's the perfect place for a final Swiss picnic.
Patek Philippe Museum
For parents, this museum is a treasure trove of horology. It is quiet, so it's best visited when the kids are napping in the stroller.
Farewell Dinner
Choose a restaurant in the Carouge district, which has a Mediterranean, bohemian feel and many outdoor terraces.
Day 19: Geneva, Switzerland - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some Swiss Army knives (engraved) or chocolates at the shops on Rue du Rhône before heading to the airport.
Train to Geneva Airport
The train takes only 7 minutes from the central Cornavin station. The airport has excellent family services to make your flight home easier.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
For a family trip, the best time to visit is during the summer months (late June to early September) or early autumn (September to October). Summer offers the best weather for mountain excursions and lake swimming, and all mountain lifts are operational. Autumn provides beautiful colors and fewer crowds, though the air can be crisp. If you prefer winter sports, late December to March is ideal, though navigating snow with strollers can be challenging unless you stick to the main resort towns.
Currency & Money
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). While it is one of the most expensive countries in the world, you can manage costs by using the Swiss Travel Pass and shopping at supermarkets like Coop or Migros for lunches. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, from mountain huts to city boutiques. Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 CHF for excellent service is common and appreciated.
Getting Around Switzerland
The Swiss Travel System is the gold standard for global transit. For a 19-day trip, a 15-day Swiss Travel Pass plus a few individual tickets is usually the most cost-effective. The trains are punctual, clean, and offer 'Family Coaches' (marked with a ticking clock or 'FA') which sometimes include play areas. Buses and boats are also integrated into the same ticket system, making it incredibly easy to switch between modes of transport without buying new tickets each time.
