Guest Author: Astrid Biemann
Whenever I suggest going for a walk, my kids usually give me a grumbled, “But I don’t feel like it, Mom!” But mention a splash in the lake, a scoop of ice cream, or the promise of a real adventure, and suddenly, they’re all on board. Sound familiar?
Fortunately, Switzerland is home to many scenic trails that are perfect for families because they offer just the right mix of relaxation and excitement. In this blog post I’ll share some of my favorite family hikes, where to find them, and how to prepare for a hike with your kids. Can you just wing it?
Well… not really. Depending on how old your kids are (and how much stamina they have), a spontaneous hike can end in a meltdown halfway through. But with just a little planning, your family outing can turn into a full-blown adventure.
How long should the trail be?
If you’ve hiked with your kids before, you probably have a pretty good feel for their limits. If this is your first hike, I recommend starting small – think two to three kilometers. Even little ones as young as four can usually manage that distance as long as you plan enough breaks throughout your hike.
Where can you take a break?
For kids, the journey isn’t always the goal – instead they want to play and explore things. So, make sure to check in advance for picnic sites, shallow bathing ponds to cool off, or playgrounds. Some trails even feature little mountain huts where you can buy ice cream or a cold lemonade which always helps to motivate any kid!
How challenging should the trail be?
Some hikes require a little climbing or narrow paths with a view – and a drop. Sure, sounds adventurous – but make certain it’s manageable and not too risky for your kids.
Gear up – What you should pack for a hike?
Let’s start with the essentials: proper footwear! There’s nothing worse than a blister five minutes into a hike. Some trails lead through stream crossings or rocky stretches, so it’s worth investing in kids’ hiking shoes that are comfortable, waterproof, and sturdy. namuk and Lowa have joined up to create the ultimate hiking shoe for kids. Check it out here!
Other gear worth packing:
- Breathable, comfy clothes. Our Mack zip-off pants are a lifesaver in changeable weather – they transform in seconds to long pants or shorts and back again.
- Hiking socks (throw in an extra pair just in case)
- A foldable rain jacket that easily fits into a backpack
- A hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Plenty of water Snacks – such as sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix
- A small first-aid kit with band-aids and disinfectant spray
Our Favorite Family Hikes in Switzerland
For Toddlers: Buggy-friendly Hiking Trails
One of our favorite stroller-friendly paths ranges 3.6 km from the tiny village of Sertig to the Ducan waterfall. This hike takes approximately an hour. Here you can find even more buggy-suitable hiking trails.
For Explorers: Adventure Trails
In Switzerland you can choose from a large number of adventure trails that make you feel as if you’re stepping into a storybook while your kids immerse themselves in a scavenger hunt or treasure quest. The Adventure Trail in the Elm Giant Forest is one of them. To get there, take the cable car at Elm station to ride up the mountain where the 2.5 km trail begins. Along your hike you’ll encounter numerous signs of Martin, the giant. His enormous hammock is always a highlight among kids. If your children are already older, you can combine this trail with the scenic Elm ridgeway.
For Puzzle Fans: The ComicTrail
Four kilometers of fun await you on the ComicTrail around Uetliberg, Zugerberg, Sonnenberg, and Freudenberg. While enjoying the beautiful nature and stunning views, you and your family can solve riddles and crack secret codes. The trail is recommended for ages 8+. And don’t forget to download the puzzle materials in advance (CHF 25 per family ticket, CHF 9 for individuals).
For Water Lovers: Hiking around the Lac Brenet
Start at Le Pont station and stroll past the railyard (with a bit of luck, you’ll spot an old steam engine!) before reaching a trail that takes you along the bank of Lac Brenet. You’ll pass plenty of spots for a swim or a barbecue, and at the end of the trail, there’s a playground where your kids can burn off any leftover energy. It’s the perfect summer hike!
For Adventurers:
Do your kids love to go barefoot in summer? Same here! In that case, we recommend to leave your hiking shoes at home and head to the barefoot trail from Jakobsbad to Gontenbad. On this trail, you’ll walk on all kinds of surfaces and even through an icy mountain creek. This hike is suitable for kids aged 4 and up and is even manageable with a 3-wheel outdoor stroller, according to Kinderwanderwege.ch.
In Switzerland, there’s no shortage of family-friendly hiking trails that are perfect for kids of all ages. Let us know which trail your kids enjoy the most! And if your family would rather explore the mountains by bike, then check out our guide in which we share the best bike routes for kids in Switzerland.
