Hello everyone. We are a family of 4 including a 4 year old and a 10 month old at the time of travel. We are arriving in Zurich in mid July and staying for 8 nights in Wengen. Our flight arrives at around 3 in the afternoon. Our plan at the moment is to take trains directly to Wengen after our arrival which seems it will be around 3 hours based on the SBB website. If you suggest otherwise, such as staying in Zurich or Luzern the day we arrive, please let me know! Our thought process was that we did not want to waste the next morning traveling to our hotel and still get situated. I would say the goal of our trip is to experience the outdoor scenery and adventures Switzerland has to offer. We are a pretty active family so hikes that can accommodate our 4 year old are encouraged. Nonetheless, we do want our 4 year old to experience all the amazing playgrounds I have seen and researched. I have done some research such as the alpine playground in Mannlichen and the flower playground in Murren. We are purchasing the HFC and BO pass since I believe it is the most accommodating to our travel. We do want to visit the towns such as Luzern, Bern, and Oeschinesse and others that the BO pass covers. I am still doing some research but at the moment that is what is on the agenda. Any advice or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance !
Posted by
41 posts
Hi David,
Personally I would head straight to Wengen like you are considering. It will be along day, but you'll be tired anyway, and having the ability to wake up in your destination the next morning is worth it in my opinion.
If you want to visit Luzern, I would recommend heading there the day before you leave, and staying overnight. It's doesn't make much sense to do it as a day trip, since you pass right through on your way to/from Zurich.
It sounds like you are doing well with your research. I haven't traveled with children, so I can't speak to that aspect of your trip, but what I have always found works for me is to have a rough sense of what I want to see, then make a plan in the morning when I see what the weather is like. Flexibility is key, as is having a plan for rainy days. Bern is a great option there.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1068 posts
Go straight to Wengen. You'll be there in time for a late dinner and bed and get to wake up for your first morning to all the beauty.
Posted by
Alaska
70 posts
Hey David,
My youngest son was 4 last year when we traveled to Wengen. He enjoyed the marble run in Wengen, the Almendhubel playground, and taking the boat to Giessbach Falls. He was able to walk along with us on all of our hikes, and we bribed him with Swiss chocolates a time or two. Check out swissfamilyfun.com yet if you haven’t- loads of info and inspiration for traveling to Switzerland with kids.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1527 posts
After an international flight with a 4 year old and a baby, I’m going to suggest you spend the night in Luzern versus an additional 3 hours of changing trains. Just my opinion after traveling with young grand children that were exhausted and cranky after the long flight but you know your children. Also, as someone else suggested the marble runs in Wengen are great. You buy the marble at the Visitors Information Center in town.