Switzerland Travel with a Toddler

 

Our Family Adventure to switzerland

Why Switzerland

Mountain Mama Summer Part 2 - Switzerland!

Switzerland has been high on my travel wishlist for years. When I ask myself, “Which new-to-me destination would I be most excited to visit this year?” — Switzerland was the easy answer. My husband and I both love the outdoors, mountain hikes, and were itching to get back to Europe.

What sealed the deal was realizing just how family-friendly Switzerland is. I wanted to see it for myself — and show my daughter the magic of the Alps.

When We Went

We visited in late August, the week leading up to Labor Day in the U.S. For hiking, June through September is peak season.

  • June: Gorgeous, but higher alpine trails may still have snow.

  • July & early August: Great weather, but busier crowds (and we were already in Colorado).

  • Late August: Perfect for us before my daughter started preschool.

👉 Tip: Check average temps and precipitation by month before planning. Weather in the mountains changes quickly.

Our Itinerary

We flew from Charlotte, NC → Munich → Zurich, then went straight to Lucerne instead of staying in Zurich. From there, we split our time between mountain towns and city stops.

Kandersteg with a Toddler

Many people visit Kandersteg as a day trip from Interlaken, but with a toddler, that sounded too ambitious. Instead, we stayed two nights — and it was one of our best decisions. Not only did it make hiking Oeschinensee manageable, but the little town of Kandersteg itself was charming, quiet, and picturesque.

Oeschinensee Hike

Staying in town let us:

  • Have a relaxed breakfast.

  • Be among the first in line for the gondola.

  • Tackle the tougher parts of the hike before crowds and heat.

We did the Lake Oeschinen Loop Trail. It’s breathtaking — but tough. Expect:

  • Significant elevation gain.

  • Rocky, slippery sections.

  • An exposed ridgeline (not safe for little kids unless in a carrier).

We hiked with our 2.5-year-old mostly in the carrier. She walked the first and last stretches (flatter sections), but safety-wise, the middle portion required her to be carried. She did great and some snacks and toys helped.

We saw very few families on the tougher sections, but lots of kids playing near the lake. If you’re not up for the full hike, the gondola + lakeside is still absolutely worth it.

👉 Favorite memory: This day ended up being my favorite of the entire trip — one of the best hikes we’ve ever done.

Where We Ate

Where We Stayed

Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria – Central, close to train + gondola, great views.

  • Pros: Extra room for our daughter, playground on-site, good breakfast.

  • Cons: Rooms felt dated, not luxurious.

  • Verdict: A great fit for families.

Jungfrau Region with a Toddler

From Kandersteg, we trained through Interlaken and up to Wengen, our home base in the Jungfrau region. The ride itself was stunning — mountain valleys, lakes, and peaks the entire way.

Why We Chose Wengen

We debated where to stay — Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, or Wengen. Here’s why Wengen won:

  • Car-free village → safe and peaceful with a toddler.

  • Kid-friendly touches → including a marble run in town.

  • Location → easy access to favorite spots like the Männlichen playground + Panorama Trail.

  • Views → breathtaking lookouts over Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Downside? Getting to Grindelwald took more effort. We made it there one day, but the weather wasn’t on our side. Next time, Grindelwald First is at the top of our list.

Where We Stayed

Chalet Wolf (Airbnb) – Spacious apartment with a kitchen, which was perfect for cooking simple dinners when we skipped naps and needed early bedtimes.

Favorite Experiences

  • Männlichen Playground + Panorama Trail – Maybe the most epic playground in the world, with sweeping alpine views.

  • North Face Trail (Mürren) – Stunning alpine hike where you can choose your level of difficulty by hiking up or riding up and hiking down.

  • Exploring Wengen + Lauterbrunnen Valley – Peaceful, scenic, and stroller-friendly in some areas.

  • Day trip to Mürren – Charming town, great food, and gelato.

Food Highlights

  • Alpenkräuter Restaurant Bären (Wengen) – Our best dinner of the trip. Surprisingly kid-friendly with booster seats, coloring mats & a solid kids’ menu.

  • Coffee & snacks – ToGoKaffeehaus in Wengen, Intersport in Mürren + local gelato.

  • Coop grocery store – Perfect for families who need flexible meals.

Lucerne with Kids

We bookended our trip in Lucerne, once at the start and once before flying home.

Hotels

  • Boutique Hotel Karl – A little farther from the train station, but riverside, quiet, and the most comfortable beds of the trip. Great crib setup and kid-friendly breakfast.

  • Hotel Waldstätterhof – Next to the station (great for early departures), but noisier at night.

Highlights

Day Trip: Titlis & Trübsee

We tried this as a backup plan when weather spoiled our Stoos Ridge hike. Honestly, it wasn’t our best day — bad weather and construction. On a sunny day, though, it would be a beautiful outing.

What We’d Do Next Time

  • Boat ride in Lucerne

  • Grindelwald First (with better weather)

  • Stoos Ridge Hike (maybe stay overnight in Stoos)

  • Harder Kulm + Interlaken town

  • Schilthorn + hikes down

  • Paragliding in Mürren

  • A few nights along one of the lakes

  • Zermatt (still on the bucket list!)

Switzerland with Kids: Tips & Takeaways

  • Flights & Jetlag: The long haul is tough, but worth it. Our daughter adjusted in about 2 days with early bedtimes and naps.

  • Transport: Trains, gondolas, cable cars = fun for kids but a lot of luggage juggling. Pack as light as you can.

  • Hotels & Towns: Some towns are steep → check if you’ll need taxis or extra help with luggage.

  • Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Build flexibility into your plans. MeteoSwiss app was spot on.

  • Passes: The train/transport pass options are confusing. We used the Half Fare Card + Jungfrau Pass. I recommend Alpins in the Alps’ free guide for figuring out which pass fits your trip.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland with a toddler was everything I hoped for — and more. Between epic hikes, charming towns, lakeside strolls, and kid-friendly touches everywhere, it’s a destination that proves family travel doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure.

If Switzerland is on your list, go for it. And if you’re nervous about the logistics of flying or navigating with little ones, grab my free Airplane Guide for Kids to help you travel with more confidence.

Happy travels! 💛

 
Michelle OwensComment