This summer my family chose to travel to Switzerland for a week and it did not disappoint. Switzerland is a fairy tale land of crystal clear lakes, an alpine wonderland of amazing views, cobble stone streets, breathtaking adventures, friendly people, not to mention the most amazing melt in your mouth chocolate, and tasty cheese and fondue!

Switzerland

Switzerland is a tiny country that borders France, Germany, Austria, and Italy but the influences of each are evident. There are actually four language regions in the country, with German being spoken the most, than French, Italian, and lastly Romansh. While neutrality is their trademark, Switzerland is a part of the single market of the EU allowing rights to live and work in other EU countries. The lesser known city of Bern is the capital. The SBB Swiss Railway system is top notch and multi-day passes are available for purchase, making it easy to get around.

Where to Stay

Deciding where to stay in Switzerland was honestly the hardest part of planning our trip. Depending on how much time you have you can either pick a home base or select a few destinations. But either way, everything in Switzerland is just a short train ride away!

We decided to break our trip up into 3 locations – Lucerne, Grindelwald (Jungfrau Region), and Bern. This gave us a great mix of Lakes, Mountains, and City.

Lucerne

Lucerne, located just a short hour train ride from Zurich, is a stunning old medieval town on the edge of Lake Lucerne with snow capped mountains, flower covered wooden bridges, and cobble stone streets in the Alstadt Old Town. It’s a popular spot for tourists and I can see why – it’s beautiful! We stayed at the 4* Hotel Des Balances in the heart of the Old Town with balconies over the river Reuss. It was the perfect place to begin our journey.

The day we arrived we took a short funicular ride up to the Chateau Gutsch for stunning views of the Old Town. This boutique hotel and castle was incredibly charming and made a great spot for cocktails at sunset. We didn’t stay here, but it had an old world romantic feel that would charm anyone.

Our next full day we paid for the Golden Roundtrip Ticket to Mt.Pilatus and started off on our adventure. The adventure began with an hour boat trip on Lake Lucerne taking in the views. At Alpnachstad, we got off the boat and boarded the steepest cogwheel train in the world taking you to 2,132 meters (almost 7K feet) above sea level. When we reached the top of Mt Pilatus, we enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views. When it was time to head down the Cable Car, we stopped to ride the longest Toboggan Ride in all of switzerland and fly through the trees on the zipline. There was also a high ropes course and children’s playground but we didn’t have time. A short bus ride and we were back in Lucerne.

During the evening the crowds seemed to disappear and you could hear music being played in the streets. In the summer it stays light out well into the evening, making it a perfect time for photos, ice cream and romantic strolls along the canal.

Grindelwald (Jungfrau Region)

The Jungfrau region is part of the Bernese Oberland and probably the most touristy but also filled with some magical highlights. We chose to stay in the tiny town of Grindelwald, the base for exploring the Top of Europe. We stayed at the 5* Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald, located close to the Grindelwald Bahnhof and this alpine themed resort welcomed us with open arms. Warm hospitality, charming decor, and a beautiful garden setting make this the perfect place to rest.

Upon arriving we took a short bus ride to the Glacier Canyon Gorge in Grindelwald. It was a hot day and a great way to cool down and we walked along the cliff of the gorge, stopping at the spider web to show off our bravery.

The next day we started out early to beat the crowds and took the new Eiger Express High speed gonola to Eigergletscher in just 45 minutes. You then hop aboard the furnicular to the Jungfrau, UNESCO World Heritage Site, rising 3,454 meters above sea level. Once at the top you can see and/or hike along Europe’s longest glacier and follow the arrows to the Ice Palace, 360 cinematic experience, enjoy Swiss Cuisine at Crystal restaurant, or satisfy your chocolate craving at the highest swiss chocolate shop in the world!

In the afternoon we decided to go to the nearby Pfingstegg cable car and ride it to the top for a quick toboggan ride and view of Grindelwald.

Our last day we walked just a few minutes from our hotel to Grindelwald First, an adventure playground. You take a series of cable cars up to the top and can get off and participate in the activities including the First Cliff Walk, First Glyder (flying like an eagle), First Flyer (zipline), First Mountain Cart (mountain tricycle), or fly downhill on the First Trottibikes. There are also hikes, mountain bike paths, a wonderful restaurant and hotel on the top as well. Unfortunately my littlest one is on the shorter side so she was limited in which activities she could do, but it was good fun for the whole family, but not for those afraid of heights!

We loved Grindelwald and the scenery did not disappoint – we kept asking ourselves, is this real? yes it was.

Bern

The unassuming capital of Switzerland is Bern, is built around the Aare river. This tiny capital of just a few hundred thousand is the location of the Swiss Parliament. It’s often left out on most tourist itineraries, but for that very reason it made this beautiful town shine. In 1983, Bern’s old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town is lined with colorful flags, cobled stone streets, trolleys and bicyclists. But what makes this town situated on a hill with the Aare river wrapped around it like giving it a hug so special is the river. The river breathes life to the city.

We stayed at the 5* Bellevue Palace Hotel, and official guest house of the Parliament, right in the heart of the city. The hotel felt absolutely grand – with magnificant lounges, breathtaking views, spacious well appointed suites, and legendary bars. Photos of celebrities, politicians, kings and queens that have stayed there lined the lounge area. We felt every bit regal and welcome.

It was the height of the heat wave in Europe and our first full day we hired a guide, took a boat ride on Lake Thun, and rafted down the Aare river. The water was clear, refreshing and inviting and we couldn’t resist jumping in. Everyday in the summer around lunchtime, locals, politicians, and businessmen put on their swimsuits, put their clothes in drybags and literally float down the river. The easy going nature of this city couldn’t be missed.

We explored the old town by foot, stopping at the Zytglogge Medieval Tower and Clock, Bern Minster Cathedral, Bern History Museum & Einstein Exhibit. The city was named after the first hunting expedition by the founder who hunted a bear. In his honor, the city is lined with statues of bears and since 1513 bears have been residents of this town. In 2009 a modern bear pit was constructed to protect these creatures. They are on display across from the Old Town. Grab a beer at the Altes Tram Depot and watch them play. Up the steep hill is the town’s beautiful Rose Garden with a small park, incredible sunset views, and the Rosegarden Restaurant. We had dinner here on our last night and was a perfect way to end the trip!

One week in Switzerland gave us the opportunity to explore just a little of what this beautiful country has to offer. It’s beauty awed us, it’s kind nature comforted us, it’s level of adventure challenged us. We will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will most definitely return! Switzerland is a perfect family destination.

And a huge thank you to the Swiss Tourism Office, Jungfrau Railways, Hotel Des Balances, Romantik Hotel Grindelwald, and Hotel Bellevue for their kind hospitality and helping sponsor portions of our trip!

To book your next trip to Switzerland, contact me at heather@lifestyledtravel.com

Follow more of my adventures on social media @postcardsfromaroundthesun