Switzerland has been on my travel bucket list for over a decade. During that time, I’ve seen countless videos and photos showcasing its stunning nature trips. With two school-aged kids in tow, I planned a family-friendly adventure packed with a bit of adrenaline. Read on to discover Switzerland’s natural wonders and what you can do there with kids.
Read more: Discover Switzerland’s Natural Wonders: A Must-Visit Guide for Nature LoversPlanning a trip to Switzerland from Dubai? Here’s a handy itinerary to guide you. Keep reading and don’t forget to share it with anyone who might be interested!
From Munich to Lucerne: Our Epic Road Trip Adventure Through Germany and Switzerland!
Our journey from Germany to Switzerland wasn’t something we do often, but we love road trips, so driving was an easy choice. If you’re considering a road trip, here are two key reasons why my family and I always choose to drive around Europe. Let these inspire you.
First, we stay for extended periods—most of our trips last about three weeks. With kids in tow, we pack a lot of luggage, making the idea of hauling everything to a train station daunting.
Secondly, we live by the motto, “Take the road less traveled.” I love passing through quaint towns and discovering new places by car. On this trip, we made several stops, exploring hidden gems along the way—all possible because we traveled by car.
But if you are hesitant and a bit nervous to drive, you can always take the train or fly directly to Zurich from Dubai.
From Munich, it was about a 4-hour drive to Lucerne. We made a quick stop in Lindau, a charming lakeside town on the Germany-Switzerland border. After enjoying lunch and a brief walk, we continued our journey. Be aware, though—lunch service in Lindau ends early, and by the time we arrived around 3 PM, our options were limited. Crossing into Switzerland was seamless, with no delays at the border. Although we encountered heavy rain on the way, the skies cleared up, and it was sunny by the time we reached Lucerne.
If you’re planning to travel to Switzerland in the summer, you still need to pack an umbrella, a light hoodie, and a thick waterproof jacket for hiking in Jungfrau Region.
Nature Activities in Lucerne for Families with School-Aged Kids
Day 1: Cruising Lake Lucerne—a must-do for water lovers.
Cruising around Lake Lucerne is easily one of the best parts of visiting this city! We opted for a one-hour cruise and decided to skip booking tickets in advance. It turned out to be a great choice because boat trips run frequently all day. The port is right by the train station, so finding it was also a breeze. After a short wait, we boarded the boat, excited to take in the gorgeous scenery. The cruise delivered spectacular views and a peaceful vibe. It was truly the perfect way to kick off our adventure in Lucerne.
After the cruise, we decided to stroll along the lake, where the area is filled with shops, luxury watch boutiques, chocolatiers, and souvenir stores. We made sure to visit the famous Bachmann, a Swiss chocolatier since 1849. The displays were irresistible, and my kids were especially captivated by the chocolate fountain flowing down one of the walls. It was a delightful experience for all chocolate lovers including myself. And we couldn’t resist picking up some chocolates to take home. You can buy different chocolate brands there including the popular Swiss chocolate-Lindt.
Day 2: Ascending Mount Pilatus by Gondola
On our second day in Lucerne, we set out to explore the majestic Mount Pilatus. Rising 2,128 meters above sea level, this stunning mountain offers several ways to reach its breathtaking summit. You can either take the historic Cogwheel train, or opt for the scenic Panoramic Gondola from Kriens, which takes you up to Fräkmüntegg. From there, you can embark on the exhilarating Dragon Ride aerial cableway to reach the peak of this amazing mountain.
We decided to drive from our apartment hotel to Kriens and hopped on the panoramic gondola to Fräkmüntegg. It was a 10-minute drive from where we stayed so it was totally the best option for us. The gondola’s frequent departures—every 15 minutes—made our journey smooth and efficient. When we arrived at Fräkmüntegg, we were blown away by the stunning surroundings and breathtaking views. We spent the day summer tobogganing, snapping countless photos, spotting wildlife, and enjoying a scenic hike.
Hiking Mount Pilatus was one of the best experiences we had in Switzerland, and here’s why. Once we reached Fräkmüntegg, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by lush green mountains where cows and goats grazed peacefully. Although it started to rain just as we were about to go summer tobogganing, we actually enjoyed the brief respite from the sunny weather. We opted not to bring picnic baskets. But we didn’t get hungry. There’s a small café next to the tobogganing area, so we ordered pizza, hot chocolate, and ice cream while soaking in the stunning scenery. Then we did the most exciting part of the trip…yes, tobogganing.
Thrill of the Alps: Experience Summer Tobogganing in Switzerland
Summer tobogganing is one of the best things to do in the mountains of Switzerland. We rode on a rodel or luge. It’s a small sled with wheels that you ride down a metal or concrete track that runs down the mountain. Once you reach the end, you were then pulled up back. Since it was our first time sliding down the mountain, I was a bit anxious, but it turned out to be incredibly fun and completely safe. To be honest, it was a very nice ride with amazing views, so we did it twice in Grindelwald.
There are plenty of activities in Fräkmüntegg for kids to enjoy, such as riding the Dragon Glider, observing wildlife like cows and goats, and exploring the surrounding forest.
Taking on the Dragon Ride Aerial Cableway to the summit of Mount Pilatus
The final part of our day was a ride on the panoramic cable car. Unlike typical cable cars, the Dragon Ride is spacious, accommodating up to 10 people. You have the option to sit or stand, which gives the sensation of soaring through the clouds. The Dragon Ride features large, wide windows that offer an incredible view, making you feel as though you’re floating through the air.
Experiencing the summit of Mount Pilatus is a must-do when you’re in Lucerne. Imagine walking among the clouds and being treated to a panoramic view of central Switzerland. From the summit, you can see Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, and the city of Lucerne. On clear days, you might also catch glimpses of the Austrian Alps, Germany’s Black Forest region, and the Vosges Mountains in France. The summit of Pilatus offers one of the best vantage points in Europe to witness a stunning blend of natural beauty and urban landscapes.
For us, it was truly an unforgettable experience because we have a deep love for nature and the great outdoors. The fresh mountain air, the breathtaking views, and the sense of peace that comes from being surrounded by such natural beauty made it all the more special. It was the perfect way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Day 3: Driving from Lucerne to the famous Alps of Switzerland
The drive from Lucerne to Grindelwald takes around 2 hours and, for me, it was the most beautiful and enjoyable road trip we’ve ever had. On our way to the hotel in the Alps, we made a quick pit stop at Lake Brienz, which we discovered along the route. We took the A8 motorway from Lucerne to Interlaken, then continued on Route 19. This road winds through the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley and up towards Grindelwald, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
The charm of this route lies in the opportunity to spot rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the azure, blue waters of Lake Brienz, all accented by Swiss chalets nestled in the valleys. As we passed by Lake Brienz, we couldn’t resist stopping for a short walk down to the lake. We noticed several tourists and visitors sitting on benches, simply admiring the view. Though it was a brief pit stop, it was completely refreshing for both the eyes and the soul.
Driving from Lucerne to the majestic Alps feels like unfolding a scenic love letter. Each curve reveals breathtaking landscapes—rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and quaint Swiss chalets. Our journey from Lucerne to Grindelwald is more than a family road trip; it’s an enchanting prelude to the alpine romance that awaits, with every mile bringing us closer to the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps. It’s a place where we all fell in love with nature, the magnificent scenery, and, of course, the delicious chocolates!
In my next blog, I’ll write more about the nature wonders of the Alps and the charming town of Grindelwald. These incredible spots truly deserve the spotlight. Trust me, a visit to these breathtaking destinations is definitely worth your time.
What to Eat in Lucerne
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Switzerland is famously one of the most expensive countries for tourists, and dining out can be quite a challenge. During our stay, we chose a lovely apartment just a 10-minute drive from the city center, allowing us to prepare home-cooked meals for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, we had plenty of restaurant options near the train station. However, since we were often on the go, we decided to grab pizza or döner for the kids. I highly recommend the Turkish eatery at the train station—it’s a great spot to refuel!
We also enjoyed coffee at Starbucks and treated ourselves to some of the best gelato in Switzerland at Amorino. We’ve had Amorino gelato in Seville, Barcelona, and Colmar, France—so trust us, it’s definitely worth trying! Coop also has a variety of ready-made foods, like hotdogs and cheeses, perfect for a quick snack if you’re not too picky.
Traveling from Munich to Lucerne by car is an experience that’s too unforgettable not to share. The enchanting alpine landscapes and the crystal-clear lakes, framed by charming Swiss chalets, make the journey feel like something out of a dream. One thing’s certain—nature lovers will be captivated by this scenic road trip. I hope this inspires you, and don’t forget to follow us on socials for part 2 of how to discover Switzerland’s natural wonders !
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Thea
