Visiting Switzerland next week

The hikes going up from Zermatt are relatively difficult, because the trails steeply ascend up the sides of the mountains. You might want to consider taking the train up to Gornergrat and hiking down.

Don't miss Murren, Gimmelwald and Lauterburnnen valley....nice walking area.

You should walk on the path from Lauterbrunnen town to the Trummelbach falls. About a 45 min walk each way with kids your age (we just did it last weekend, so we know). The path is level compared to the hikes up on the hillsides. It's stunning seeing the water coming through the rocks. You can do it in sunny or rainy weather.

Thank you all.

Kathy, where does that walk start in Lauterbrunnen? Thanks.

KT, you can start anywhere in Lauterbrunnen as the place is just a valley between to very steep mountains (Alps) on either side. You can even begin at the train station and walk down the little street. As the street goes toward the end of the valley (toward Trummelbach Falls) the vehicular becomes less and less frequent. Actually the nicest walk for families with young kids is from Mürren down to Gimmelwald. From Gimmelwald take the gondola down to Stechelberg. From there walk to the Trummelbach Falls. See the falls, then continue walking in the same direction toward Lauterbrunnen. There are bike and pedestrian paths you can follow or you can just walk along the road.

Another great hike in the Wengen area is from Mannlichen. Take the lift from Wengen up to Mannlichen. Then walk from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. It's about a one hour walk. You can then either loop back, or get on the train at Kleine Scheidegg to go up to Jungfrau or down to Wengen and then Lauterbrunnen. You are way up in the Alps, but the hike is easy because you took the lift to get up there, the hike itself is pretty flat. There are dozens of great hikes in that area, and you can make them "easy" by using the lifts and trains to go up and down, so you don't have to tackle the big elevation changes on foot. I have hiked in that area with a 5 year old and 2 year old, it's amazing. Trummelbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen valley is good for a rainy day. If it is pouring rain, you can take the train to Bern and spend a day there. But I would only do that if it is an absolute downpour. Most of the time the rain is just light showers, and the weather can change quickly so always have your waterproof jacket with you.

One more important fact: You're kids travel absolutely 100% free with you on all Swiss Transport even to the Jungfrau and the Schilthorn. All you have to do is get a free Swiss Family Pass and then your kids <16 years old travel 100% free. It's a great bargain.

Small point of correction. While the term "Alps" is used to refer to the mountain range, an "alp" is actually a high meadow, not a mountain. So Lauterbrunnen is not between two alps; it is a glacially carved valley bounded by cliffs, much like Yosemite. The walk suggested by Tim, from Mürren down to Gimmelwald, cable cat to Stechelberg, and the walk through the Lauterbrunnen valley( including Trummelbach Falls) is great for families. You could add the walk from Grutschalp, at the top of the cable car up from Lauterbrunnen, to Mürren for great views and a walk past a farm, but the train is fun too. In Zermatt, the kids might like the Forest Fun Park, a ropes course with zip lines. Children 8 to 10 must be accompanied by a parent. And at the top of the Sunnega lift, the signed Marmot Path to Stellisee is a nice easy walk with great views. Also take the train to Gornergrat and ride back to Riffelalp, and walk down from there.

Thank you, all. Really appreciate all the great suggestions. Hopefully the weather will cooperate! Thank you again.