Families who are fans of visiting Europe, need to put Switzerland on their travel bucket list!
Small but mighty, Switzerland is located east of France, north of Italy, south of Germany, and west of Austria. So not only is Switzerland a great destination on its own, it’s location makes it an easily accessible stop for a trip that includes other European countries. Switzerland is generally known to be a very clean, safe, and wealthy country.
The country’s popular and historic cities offer hundreds of interesting places to explore, such as museums, galleries, and parks, tailored to all kinds of different interests and ages. They also offer eateries boasting delicious cheese and chocolate (and tons of other yummy Swiss specialties!). The rural countryside is captivatingly beautiful, with views of lakes, rolling hills, and mountains. Here you can find some of Europe’s best skiing and get a chance to see traditional Swiss sights. Envision cows roaming the mountains, iconic Swiss chalets, and beautiful wood-sided houses with bright flower boxes.
When to Visit
The best month to visit fluctuates depending on your family’s specific travel wishes. Generally, spring and summer are the most popular, as there’s a lot of sunlight and the temperature is moderately warm and comfortable for activities like sightseeing and hiking. Winter is also a popular time for those looking to stroll through cozy snow fallen cities, sip rich Swiss hot chocolate, and enjoy some of the best skiing in the world in the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland has four national languages, German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Much of the population is bilingual, and many people speak English. So, there will be essentially little to no language barrier while traveling. The country boasts incredibly clean and efficient public transportation, within and outside of main cities. Although the country can be pricey to visit, tourism is big in Switzerland, so there’s accommodations and activities to fit everyone’s budget.
Recommended Places to Visit
Switzerland has so many great cities and towns to visit and so many wonderful things to see. Anywhere you go will be enjoyable and provide great family fun. If we had to choose though, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, and Zermatt would be the recommended cities to visit.
Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland. It’s not a huge city, but it has so many wonderful things to see and do. The history of the city is fascinating and you could spend all day exploring the many historic sites. Zytglogge, an astronomical clock dating back to 1530 is one of the most famous things to see in Bern. Looking to entertain the kids? Check out The Gurten, a large park filled with playgrounds, miniature trains and cars, and cafes. Not only does it offer fun for the whole family, but also incredible 360 degree views of the entire city. Enjoy cheese fondue for dinner and take an after-dinner stroll through old town, where you’re sure to be captivated by the historic Swiss charm. Bern Cathedral (Switzerlands tallest cathedral) and BarenPark (a park home to the city’s three brown bears) are also great places to visit if time permits.
Zurich
Known as a cultural and financial hub of Europe, Zurich is an interesting mix of modern and historic. The city boasts more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, so there is plenty to do during your visit. Some of the most popular museums to visit are the National Museum, Money Museum, Museum of Design. Families with small children will be happy to know that 14 of the museums are designed specifically for children, including the famous Toy Museum (showcasing toys from the past 300 years). Looking for some outdoor activities? Take a bike ride along Lake Zurich or take a swim in a “Badi,” (a bathing spot) on the Lammat River. And don’t forget your sugar fix…make sure to visit Sprungli, one of the most famous chocolate shops in the country.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a picture-perfect, quintessential Swiss city with cobblestone streets and quaint squares. Its considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its lake setting and framed by beautiful mountains. Conveniently located between Bern and Zurich (an hour and a half train ride from Bern and 40 minute ride from Zurich), Lucerne is in the German-speaking part of the country. A big tourist attraction is Lake Lucerne, which you can explore by foot or by paddle-boat. One of the most photographed landmarks in the world, the Chapel Bridge, is a must-see in Lucerne. Another hotspot in the city is Mount Pilatus, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. If the kids need some hands-on activities, the Swiss Museum of Transport is a fascinating and interactive museum that will keep them busy.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a mountain resort town, located in the Swiss Alps in southern Switzerland. This breathtaking town is located at the base of the Matterhorn, known as the most famous mountain peak in the country. For avid climbers, this is definitely a bucket list destination. If your family is outdoorsy, you should definitely plan time here. From hiking, climbing, skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing, this area is a nature lovers dream. Be sure to take a Matterhorn Glacier Ride which is truly an experience of a lifetime. You will be taken via cable car up the side of the Matterhorn, to the highest cable car station in Europe. You will have stunning views the entire duration of the ride up, and then at the top you’ll have a view of mountains in Switzerland, Italy, and France! After an adventure-packed day, enjoy Zermatt’s quaint downtown area with its picturesqe shops and cafes.
National Geographic has a wonderfully planned out travel itinerary that takes you through Switzerland, tailored specifically to families. Check it out: