By Samantha Feuss
Switzerland is a wonderful place to take the family on holiday. With majestic mountains, lovely lakes, and train rides that are visually stunning as you cruise through the country en route to your destination, you and yours are in for a treat as soon as you set foot in this friendly and hospitable country.
It’s also an affordable option for those wanting to travel in Europe, with family friendly options such as the Swiss Pass to make saving money easier as you traverse. It offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System, which includes trains, boats, buses, local urban transportation systems, and free entry to more than 450 museums.
You also get free WiFi, and access to the Fast Baggage service, which provides same-day luggage delivery between 46 cities in Switzerland, according to the Switzerland Tourism Department.
One must-see spot in the country is Mount Pilatus, a 7,000-foot mountaintop that is accessible via train, aerial cable way, gondola and the world’s steepest cogwheel rail. If you decide to take the “Golden Round Trip,” you can view some of the best scenery in Switzerland in one day.
From the boat tour beginning in Lake Lucerne, you ride in comfort either in the inside or outside of the boat on crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains. Some passengers may choose to get off at one of several stops, such as restaurants or the Swiss Museum of Transport (the country’s most popular museum).
Take the boat to Aspnachstad (the aforementioned steepest cog in the world) and then to Pilatus Klum’s peak, at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, viewing amazing sights and scenery all along the way.
The cog up to the top is both exhilarating and a little frightening — it is very, very steep, and those lovely views will make some hold onto their seats a little tighter. From the top, one can view more than 70 peaks and five lakes. You can also visit several restaurants, spend some time at one of Mount Piliatus’ adventure parks, go tobogganing or head over to the rope park. These are in operation from May to November, weather permitting.
If you head back to Lucerne, stop by Chapel Bridge. It’s the most photographed place in Switzerland, and for good reason. This old bridge and tower spans the river, the ceiling and beams of which have paintings dating back to the 1300s.
Chapel Bridge has become somewhat of a symbol for Lucerne, and something you don’t want to miss. If you want to indulge in a traditional Swiss meal, the Fondue House is just a few blocks away. Diners can enjoy traditional cheese fondue with a variety of foods to dip in it, as well as a chocolate fondue with fruit to dip for dessert. This was a cozy spot in a convenient location to experience a local favourite dish.
After coming down from the mountain, an interesting and very fun way to spend the day with the kids is at the Agrovision, where you can see how farmers raise animals and foodstuff.
Children not only can pet the animals, but there are hands-on experiences to be had. In addition to animals, there is a playground, meeting space for large groups, and an award-winning restaurant on site that serves only local and organic food (most of which is made on the premises).
It is amazing to see how they make bread in a giant, old-fashioned oven. A very passionate farmer explained to us that it is not only better living for the animals and people to grow and eat organic, but it ends up costing less money and is better for the environment.
He had a lot to say about farming practices and farm-to-table living. I learned a lot, as did my five-year-old son, who loved the bee exhibit and working hive, learning about the bees and what they do. He also enjoyed petting the animals, of course, and the playground was a huge hit and wonderful way to burn off any excess energy.
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a visit to the Top Of Europe, otherwise known as Jungfrau. It boasts the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, as well as ski lifts, adventure activities, hiking, snow adventures, and an “Ice Palace.”
Riding to the top of the Jungfrau (on a variety of transportation), you will be wowed by astonishing views, flora and fauna, and maybe even the gentle falling of snow (even in the summer). We were able to make snowballs in the freshly fallen (and still falling) snow while we visited this summer, although we were told this was unusual for that time of year.
There are a variety of hiking trails that offer amazing views of not just the three mountains (Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau) but also Lake Thun and Lake Brienz below. The mountains were named after a legend of a young maiden (Jungfrau) being protected by the monk (or Monch) from the cruel ogre (or Eiger) who wished to ravish her.
As you make your way around the top, there is much to see and do inside as well. There is the Alpine Sensation, where you can “experience” life as it happened in the mountains over the years. Step outside (very carefully, it’s slippery!) to the Sphinx, which has the best views in Europe: On a clear day, you can see as far as parts of France, Germany and Italy. Make sure to spend time in the Ice Palace — which is more like a winding cavern of ice sculptures, walls, floors, and ceiling also made of ice. I was told that since the body heat of all the tourists melts the ice, it shifts a little each year and needs constant maintenance.
If you just can’t get enough of the views, check out the Sigriswil suspension bridge in Thun. Thun is a great place to spend time, with fantastic food, wine and historic landmarks. After spending the day touring the castles of Thun (make sure you ask for the kit that allows your child to become a knight — visit three castles, complete the assigned tasks like “jousting” from your wooden horse and some fancy shield work, and by Merlin’s beard you have yourself a little knight!), head over for a unique walk.
Suspended high above the air, you feel each step you take move the bridge, the wind causing it to sway. Not for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach it, the views are intense and quite literally breathtaking. — McClatchy-Tribune News Service/MCT
IF YOU GO
For more information: www.myswitzerland.com/
