7-day itinerary for Switzerland

The first day is intentionally light. We start in Altstadt Zürich, walking slowly through narrow streets and small squares. There is no pressure to “see everything.” The goal is to absorb the atmosphere, adjust to the pace of the country, and allow children to move freely without feeling rushed.

From there, we continue to Limmatquai, the riverside promenade along the Limmat River. This section is flat, wide, and very family-friendly, making it ideal for relaxed walking with short stops for photos or simply watching the city go by.

Total walking time is approximately 1.5-2 hours, with frequent breaks built in naturally.

Lunch is simple and flexible. We choose a small café or casual restaurant in the old town, without reservations and without a strict schedule. On the first day, keeping meals easy helps everyone stay relaxed.

In the afternoon, we walk up to Lindenhof, a small hill overlooking the old town and river. The visit is short-around 30-40 minutes-but it provides a quiet pause in the middle of the city and a pleasant change of perspective.

We end the day at Zürichsee. Sitting by the water or taking a short one-hour boat ride is a calm, child-friendly way to finish the first day.

Rhine Falls in full power — a view you’ll never forget

The drive from Zurich to Lucerne takes about 50 minutes, making it an easy transition between destinations. Lucerne is compact and straightforward to explore, which works especially well for families traveling with children.

We start at Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). Walking across the wooden bridge is short, flat, and engaging. Children usually enjoy spotting details in the historic paintings and watching the water below, while adults appreciate the classic city views.

From there, we continue into Altstadt Luzern, strolling past colourful facades and small squares. The pace remains slow and flexible. Lucerne doesn’t require rushing, and the atmosphere is best enjoyed without a strict plan.

Lunch is in the city centre. We keep it simple-something like Rösti or light local dishes-so the day stays relaxed and unhurried.

In the afternoon, we head to Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne). The lakeside promenade is flat and easy to walk, with benches along the way for short breaks. A boat cruise of 1-1.5 hours is optional and offers a calm change of perspective, especially enjoyable after a city walk.

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The drive from Lucerne to Interlaken takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Arriving by late morning works well, allowing time to enjoy the open scenery without feeling rushed.

We begin at Höhematte, a large green space in the centre of Interlaken with clear mountain views. After the drive, this is an ideal place for children to move freely while adults enjoy the surrounding Alpine backdrop. There is no fixed route here-just space to slow down and reset.

Lunch is quick and casual in town. We keep it light to preserve energy for the afternoon by the water.

In the afternoon, we deliberately choose one lake only:

• Lake Thun for a 1-2 hour boat ride, offering wide views, calm water, and surrounding villages
• Lake Brienz for a lakeside walk with scenic stops and space to relax near the water

Trying to combine both lakes in one day usually makes the schedule feel tight and tiring.

The drive from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen Valley takes about 25 minutes, making this an easy and rewarding day trip. Upon arrival, we walk through the valley on wide, flat paths surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery. The landscape feels open and impressive, yet remains accessible for families.

The main highlight is Staubbach Falls, one of the most striking waterfalls in the region. We take our time walking, stopping for photos and short breaks. Walking and photography together usually take around 1.5-2 hours, depending on pace.

Lunch is light and local in the village. We keep it simple, allowing time to rest before the afternoon visit.

In the afternoon, we head to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of powerful waterfalls inside the mountain. The visit takes about 1 hour, and the entrance fee is approximately 16 CHF per adult. The route includes tunnels, stairs, and wet surfaces, so comfortable shoes are essential.

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From Lauterbrunnen, we travel up to Mürren, a car-free Alpine village perched above the valley. There is no strict route or checklist for this part of the day. We simply walk, enjoy the views, and let the pace slow down naturally. The absence of cars makes it easier for children to move around freely and safely.

Lunch is local and unhurried. We choose a simple meal and take our time, using this break as part of the experience rather than just a stop between activities.

In the afternoon, we continue to Wengen, another car-free village with a similar calm atmosphere. Here again, the focus is not on specific attractions but on walking through the village, enjoying the scenery, and spending time outdoors without a schedule.

The perfect viewpoint: city, lake, and true Swiss calm

The drive to Grindelwald takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on where you are staying. This day is more active than the previous one, but it still follows a controlled pace suitable for families.

After arrival, we take the cable car up to Grindelwald First. The main attraction here is First Cliff Walk, a short and well-secured walkway attached to the rock face. It offers dramatic views without requiring a long or difficult hike, which makes it manageable even with children.

Lunch is at a mountain restaurant near First. We plan this as a proper break rather than a quick stop, giving everyone time to rest before the afternoon.

In the afternoon, we choose one option only:

• A walk to Bachalpsee, which takes about 40 minutes each way on a clear and well-maintained path, or
• One activity such as Mountain Cart or Trottibike, which adds a controlled dose of excitement without physical strain

Trying to combine multiple activities here usually leads to overtired children.

We drive about 30 minutes to Brienz, a small lakeside town on the shores of Lake Brienz. The morning is intentionally unhurried. We walk through the village, along the water, and allow time for short stops, photos, and simple enjoyment of the setting. This slower rhythm works especially well on the final day of a family trip.

Lunch is by the lake and kept relaxed. We choose a simple meal without rushing, using this time to rest and reflect before the afternoon.

In the afternoon, we visit Giessbach Falls, an easy and well-maintained walking area suitable even at the end of a long week. The paths are clear, the setting is calm, and the visit does not require much physical effort. A short boat ride on Lake Brienz is optional and adds a peaceful change of perspective if energy allows.