Family Adventures in Switzerland with Watch & Cow

Switzerland is an awesome destination for families, whether you’re here for the Alpine summers or the winter powder. In summer, there are epic adventures to be had in the mountains and at ground level - boredom isn’t an option. As the snow falls, it becomes a classic winter wonderland, with epic ski runs, picture-perfect villages and snow as far as the eye can see.

Whether travelling with restless youngsters or tough-to-please teens, Watch and Cow has you covered with this Alpine summer adventure.

Montreux

The beautiful lakeside resort of Montreux has attracted writers, artists and musicians since the 19th Century. Now it’s a hotspot for tourists seeking adventures in nature, both in the mountains and on Lake Geneva. Wander the lakeside promenade, visit Chillon Castle and explore the incredible outdoors. Adventures include boating across Lake Geneva, hiking and biking.

Stay at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, a 5-star resort with extensive, family-friendly facilities and spacious rooms.

Tandem paragliding from Rochers de Naye to Montreux

Looking for an adrenaline hit? This paragliding adventure is one of our favourite ways to explore Montreux. Travel up Rochers de Naye mountain with your adventure guide and soar back down to Montreux, flying over Lavaux and the shore of Lake Geneva with mind-blowing views.

On landing, visit the 13th Century Chillon Castle, which juts out on the lake from its own rocky outcrop.

Lavey-les-Bains

Sat in a beautiful valley, the village of Lavey-les-Bains is best known for its thermal waters. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the adventures stop here. There are mountains and glaciers galore that are screaming out to be explored. It’s an oasis in the Alps and the best way to unwind after the paragliding adrenaline leaves your body.

Grand Hotel des Bains is the place to stay here, providing direct access to extensive thermal baths that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Glacier exploration & thermal pools

Glide by cable car to the Diablerets massif glacier at 3,000m. You’ll be greeted by dramatic views and a whole lot of ice. 4.5km squared to be exact. Prepare for even more jaw-dropping scenes as you cross the ‘Peak Walk,’ the world’s second-highest suspension bridge and the only one that connects two peaks. As you cross the bridge on foot, keep your eyes peeled for Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and the Eiger, all of which can be spotted from here. Return to the valley floor and unwind in the thermal pools at your

Zermatt

Home of the mighty Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain resorts and as such it attracts an eclectic crowd. Beyond nature, Zermatt is well-equipped to cater to those wanting to relax in the town and dine in style. But come here for the adventures and you’ll be rewarded.

Family-friendly Hotel Riffelalp is blessed with epic Matterhorn views and is one of our top choices. Expect comfortable accommodation and abundant activities to keep kids from kindergarten to teens happy.

Walk the longest suspension bridge in the Alps

Visit Randa and hike for 2 hours, crossing the Alps’ longest footbridge at 494m. It’s not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights - this bridge sits 85m above the valley floor - but it’s worth it for the views.

Summer glacier skiing

Even if you’ve missed the peak ski season, it doesn’t mean skiing is off the table in Zermatt. Embark on an excursion to Gornergrat, aka Little Matterhorn, for exhilarating skiing on the Theodul glacier. If skiing isn’t your jam, there’s an option to climb sections of the valley on Via Ferrata.

Grimsel & Handeck

Grimsel is a huge source of hydroelectric power, with waterfalls that cascade down the mountains into dammed lakes. Tunnels are carved into the steep rock and a steam railway chugs along the mountain pass. Handeck is a small village in the Grimsel Pass, surrounded by a magnificent park and set between steep summits.

In Grimsel, spend the night at the historic Grimsel Hospiz, which started life in the 12th Century. It was rebuilt in 1932 and despite being modernised, some of the original features are still in tact.

In Handeck, stay at the family-friendly Hotel & Naturresort Handeck, a simple but comfortable option.

Binn valley hike

Drive to Binn Valley and begin the hike to Col du Grimsel where your hotel awaits. Binn Valley is home to a large crystal mine, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the unique geology of the valley as you explore. The hike is about 30 minutes without stopping, but you’ll pause with your guide to admire crystals and rock formations along the way.

Grimsel power station & funicular railway

Visit Grimsel Power Station to learn more about electricity production in the valley. Then board the steppes funicular railway in Europe to reach the sparkling waters of Gelmer Lake. It’s possible to hike around the lake or nearby if you’ve got some energy left. Or choose to simply sit and admire your surroundings.

Gstaad

Gstaad is exactly what you picture when you think of a Swiss mountain village. Alpine meadows,verdant forest and emerald lakes await. As well as the usual hiking, e-biking, climbing and paragliding, there are options for golf, tennis and more traditional sports too. Walk to waterfalls and take a wild shower, hike along hidden nature trails or borrow bikes and circle lakes to your heart’s content.

Gstaad Palace Hotel is the place to stay, with extensive facilities and attentive service to cater to every member of the family.

Trift Valley cable car & suspension bridge

Take the cable car up to the Trift Valley, ready to cross a startling blue lake by a suspension bridge. The bridge is 100m high and 170m long, providing spectacular views across the Trift Glacier region. The bridge may swing a little so prepare for a hit of adrenaline as you cross. The total walk takes approx. 1.5 hours but you’ll only be on the bridge for a short time.

Hot-air balloon above the Alps

Ending on a high, take to the skies by hot-air balloon for the ultimate Alpine experience. Take in unrivalled views as you peacefully float above the village and alongside Gstaad’s mighty peaks.

For exciting and unique Switzerland itineraries throughout the year, Watch and Cow have your back. If you’re interested in what they have to offer, we’d love to set up a conversation with you and the Watch and Cow Team. Just get in touch.

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