When you talk about Europe, it’s hard not to immediately think of Switzerland straight away. Okay, Italy is special but Switzerland is just one of those countries that Americans consider so beautiful, safe, clean, and full of all the tastiest cheese and chocolate! And don’t even get us started on the fashion in Switzerland…
I wanted to provide some great ideas for Switzerland with regard to your next family vacation. After all, if you’ve seen a lot of the U.S. via a road trip and wish for new sights and sounds, then you can’t go wrong with a Swiss vacation! The country is simply beautiful at any time of the year and families will return with wonderful memories and stories to tell.
It’s good to keep in mind that despite being in Europe, Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and not the Euro as the official currency. Card payment is completely fine, but it’s not a bad idea to also have some cash with you. English is widely spoken across Switzerland, but you can also get by with some French, German, and Italian if you’re great with languages!
Thankfully, you can get a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Zurich, for example, that will take you about 10 hours and 55 minutes and this goes seven times a week. Try to get an evening flight so that the kids will hopefully sleep through the entire journey!
From mountains to medieval streets to magnificent cuisine, here are a few fantastic ideas for your family to enjoy when traveling in Switzerland.
Epic mountain views in Jungfraujoch
You really can’t get a better “Top of the World” feeling than in Jungfraujoch and the photos will be truly memorable. The sweeping vista is gorgeous to behold, and even if the kids don’t appreciate the view, then there are plenty of other activities.
For one, the train ride itself is something everyone will enjoy, as you’ll go up and up the mountain and experience incredible sceneries like valleys and villages along the way. Top tip: Don’t forget to pick up the Swiss Travel Pass, as this allows for unlimited transportation on trains, busses, and ferries during your stay, as well as discounts to some museums and other attractions.
What’s more, your family can enjoy the Ice Palace (cold but a lot of fun), hikes and sledding in the snow, try out zip lining and snow tubing at the Snow Fun Park, and taste the delicious treats at the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven (as yummy as it sounds but watch the kids’ sugar intake).
Discover adventure and excitement in Zurich
As the country’s largest city and capital, it’s impossible to ignore Zurich on any trip to Switzerland. Kids and adults alike will find many things to keep you entertained and interested, but simply starting the city visit with a stroll through the Old Town is hard to beat. The cobblestoned, winding streets and ancient buildings look straight out of a fairy tale, and it all appears very mystical at night, in particular.
Of course, the streets and buildings themselves aren’t enough to amuse children, but you can visit many great cafes for a coffee and cheese fondue, which is literally dipping white bread into a melted cheese pot… what’s not to love?
You’ve got to check out the zoo in Zurich, as it’s one of the oldest in Europe and has a beautiful vintage charm to it. There’s the Dolderbahn, which is a funicular railway that lets you experience epic views of the city, as well as the Spielzeugmuseum (toy museum), which younger kids will absolutely adore.
You can end the trip with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Zurich or even a gentle bike ride or hike in the many hills surrounding Zurich. The whole family should try out a city tour in a tuk-tuk, which is truly a unique vehicle you’ve likely never experienced before!
As you can see, Switzerland has something for the whole family and it’s impossible to be bored at any point in the vacation. Amazing views, delightful food, and fun attractions are really just the beginning.
