Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Lake Thun (Thunersee)

Why Visit?

Lake Thun, nestled in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history, and adventure, ideal for a family trip. Here’s an engaging itinerary for your visit:

Day 1: Explore Thun

Start your journey in the charming city of Thun. Catch a train from Bern – a scenic 30-minute ride. Begin at the Thun Castle with its historic museum, offering panoramic views of the lake and Alps. Enjoy a stroll through the quaint old town, and perhaps a meal at one of the lakeside restaurants. Visit the Thun Panorama at Schadau Park, the oldest existing 360° painting in the world, which depicts the town and its surroundings.

Day 2: Cruise and Castle Hopping

Board a boat from Thun for a leisurely cruise on Lake Thun. Disembark at Spiez to explore the fairy-tale Spiez Castle, which features beautifully maintained gardens and a historical museum that fascinates both adults and kids. Continue your cruise to Oberhofen, visiting the romantic Oberhofen Castle with its picturesque turret. The castle also features a living museum depicting aristocratic life from the 16th to the 19th century.

Day 3: Mountain Excursions and More

Take a bus from Thun to Beatenbucht, then hop on the funicular and cable car to reach the Niederhorn. Here, enjoy breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps and participate in family-friendly activities like hiking, paragliding, or sledding, depending on the season. Return to Thun by late afternoon for some relaxing time by the lake or explore more local boutiques and cafes.

Throughout your visit, use the efficient Swiss transport system that connects all major attractions via train, boat, and bus, making it easy to navigate with kids in tow. Each destination around Lake Thun offers unique experiences, ensuring a memorable and educational trip for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kleine Scheidegg

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable Alpine adventure with your family to Kleine Scheidegg, a picturesque mountain pass nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, this spot is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Getting there: Travel to Kleine Scheidegg by taking a scenic train ride from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. From there, board the cogwheel train which ascends through stunning landscapes to Kleine Scheidegg, a journey that is sure to captivate everyone in the family.

- Activities: Once you arrive, take a leisurely hike on the well-marked trails. The Panorama Trail is perfect for families, offering gentle paths and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 2: Jungfraujoch Excursion

- Morning: Start your day early by catching a train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 meters. This incredible engineering feat offers a panoramic viewing platform and the Ice Palace, a collection of ice sculptures.

- Afternoon: Return to Kleine Scheidegg and enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the local restaurants, where you can try traditional Swiss dishes such as raclette or fondue while enjoying the Alpine scenery.

Day 3: Eiger Trail Adventure

- Morning: Gear up for a hike on the Eiger Trail. Accessible from Kleine Scheidegg, this trail provides up-close views of the North Face of the Eiger. It’s a thrilling adventure that’s still suitable for active families.

- Afternoon: Wrap up your visit with a cozy afternoon at a mountain hut, where you can reflect on the memories made in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Fun Fact: The name Kleine Scheidegg means "small watershed" in German, a nod to its geographical location dividing two major valleys.

This itinerary offers a blend of excitement and relaxation, ensuring that every family member will have a story to tell when they return home!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Einstein House (Einsteinhaus)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at the Einstein House in Bern

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Einstein House

Kick off your adventure at the Einstein House, located at Kramgasse No. 49 in the heart of Bern"s Old City. The home where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905, is easily accessible by foot from the Bern train station; it’s just a 15-minute picturesque walk crossing the iconic Nydeggbrücke with views of the Aare River. Here, Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity which changed the course of modern physics. As you step inside, you’ll travel back to the early 20th century with rooms preserved to reflect Einstein’s period of residence. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the private life of the genius for both adults and children.

Midday: Lunch and Leisure at the Botanical Garden

After immersing yourselves in history, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to the Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten). Enjoy a packed lunch among exotic plants and serene landscapes. This is a perfect spot for kids to roam and play, and for adults to relax.

Afternoon: Hands-On Experience at the Bern Historical Museum

To keep the theme of discovery going, head to the Bern Historical Museum, a 20-minute walk from the garden. The museum features an Einstein Museum section that offers interactive exhibits. These exhibits not only delve deeper into Einstein’s scientific contributions but also engage young minds in understanding complex theories in simpler forms.

Evening: Stroll and Dinner in the Old City

Wrap up your day with a stroll back through the cobblestoned streets of Bern"s Old City. Enjoy dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants offering traditional Swiss cuisine. The Old City, with its historical ambiance and beautiful buildings, provides a perfect backdrop to reflect on the day’s explorations.

This itinerary offers a blend of educational enrichment, relaxation, and fun, making your visit to Einstein House and Bern both memorable and enjoyable for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster)

Why Visit?

Begin your family adventure at the spectacular Bern Cathedral (Bern Minister), the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, located in the heart of Bern"s Old Town. Start the day early, as there’s much to explore! The best way to get there is to use Bern’s efficient public transportation. Take the tram or bus to the “Zytglogge” stop, then enjoy a scenic 5-minute walk through the cobblestone streets, heading towards Münsterplatz.

Once at Bern Cathedral, marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture. The construction of the cathedral began in 1421 and stretched over centuries, giving it a rich history that will captivate the whole family. Don’t miss the intricate Last Judgement sculpture over the main portal, depicting 234 intricately carved figures.

For an unforgettable view, climb the 344 steps up to the cathedral"s tower. Although it might be a bit challenging, the panoramic view of Bern and the distant Alps is well worth the effort. The climb is more suitable for older children and adults, as the steps are steep.

After descending from the tower, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Rose Garden (Rosengarten) for a relaxing midday break. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the cathedral and offers a beautiful view of the old town skyline. The kids can roam around and enjoy the playground while adults appreciate over 200 varieties of roses.

End your day back in the Old Town. Just a short walk from the cathedral, you can treat the family to some traditional Swiss treats like chocolate or Bern"s famous onion tart, Zibelechueche, at one of the local cafes.

This family-friendly itinerary combines historical exploration with breathtaking views and local culture, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages in the charming city of Bern.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)

Why Visit?

Morning: Visit to Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)

Begin your day at the majestic Thun Castle, perched high above the charming town of Thun. This impressive medieval castle, built in the 12th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into Swiss history. Families can explore the castle"s museum, which spans five floors in the tower and showcases artifacts that trace the region’s history from the Stone Age to the present. Don"t miss the panoramic views from the castle towers, where you can see across Lake Thun to the Swiss Alps.

How to get there: Thun Castle is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from Thun’s main train station, just a 15-minute walk. If driving, parking is available at Schlossberg parking area.

Midday: Lunch and Leisure at Schadau Park

After exploring the castle, head to Schadau Park for a relaxing picnic by the lakeside. Only a 20-minute scenic walk along the lake from the castle, this beautiful park not only offers great views of the lake and mountains but also features a playground for kids.

Afternoon: Boat Ride on Lake Thun

Conclude your day with a leisurely boat tour on Lake Thun. These tours offer various stopping points, including Spiez and Interlaken, and provide a unique perspective of the castles, vineyards, and mountains from the water.

How to get there: Walk to the Thun boat terminal located near the train station. It’s a convenient starting point for round trips on the lake.

Interesting Facts

- Thun Castle"s Knights Hall is one of the best-preserved medieval halls in Switzerland.

- The castle"s dungeons were historically used as archives and today can be explored by visitors.

This itinerary promises a blend of history, nature, and relaxation, perfect for a memorable family day out in Thun!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.