Ideal mix of adventure and relaxation at the Swiss Alps
Planning a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps, specifically the breathtaking Jungfrau Region, can be an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty and thrilling activities. Here’s a detailed guide to help you organize a 10-day itinerary that's both engaging for kids and relaxing for adults.
Days 1-3: Mürren
Getting There: Start your journey from Interlaken, traveling to Lauterbrunnen by train. From there, take a gondola to Grütschalp and a picturesque train ride to Mürren. Activities:
- Explore Mürren: Enjoy the stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Mürren is perfect for gentle hikes and soaking in the alpine scenery.
- Allmendhubel Funnicular: Take the funicular to Allmendhubel for lunch with panoramic views. The kids can play in the adventure park, exploring giant insects and alpine flowers.
- Mürren-Gimmelwald Via Ferrata: For adventurous families, try the thrilling via ferrata between Mürren and Gimmelwald.
Days 4-6: Grindelwald
Activities:
- First Adventure Park: Head to First for zip-lining and the Cliff Walk. Enjoy a ride on the First Flyer and the mountain carts.
- Pfingstegg Toboggan Run: Experience the fun of a toboggan run and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
- Glacier Canyon: Explore the Glacier Canyon, walking the ‘spider’s web’ and trying the canyon swing for an adrenaline rush.
Day 7: Jungfraujoch
Travel: From Grindelwald, take the Eiger Express gondola to Eiger Glacier station, then switch to the Jungfrau Railway. Activities:
- Top of Europe: Visit the Sphinx observation terrace for spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier.
- Snow Fun: Enjoy sledding, tubing, and the Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch.
Days 8-10: Meiringen (Haslital)
Getting There: Travel from Grindelwald to Meiringen by train via Interlaken or take a scenic bus ride over the Grosse Scheidegg. Activities:
- Reichenbach Falls: Visit the famous waterfalls and enjoy a funicular ride.
- Aare Gorge: Explore the breathtaking Aare Gorge, walking through limestone tunnels and galleries.
- Hasliberg: Take the kids on the Muggestutz Dwarf trail for a fun-filled day of exploration and adventure.
Tips for a Successful Trip:
- Accommodation: Book family-friendly hotels or apartments with kitchen facilities to make your stay comfortable and flexible.
- Transport: Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on Switzerland’s extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, boats, and some cable cars.
- Packing: Even in summer, the weather in the Alps can be variable. Pack layers including waterproofs and warm clothing.
- Activities: Mix active days with more relaxed ones to keep the trip enjoyable for all age groups.
- Local Cuisine: Try local dishes and visit traditional Swiss restaurants to immerse your family in Swiss culture.
- Sustainability: Be mindful of the environment during your travels, stick to marked trails, and support local businesses.
This itinerary combines adventure with cultural immersion, set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, ensuring a memorable summer vacation for the entire family.