If you’re anxious to explore the great Swiss outdoors, but not sure where to start, here are links to all our “Getting Started” posts to help you get on the trail with your family. I’m sure you’re going to love it!
Hiking in Switzerland may be different from what you’re used to. Trails are clearly marked and well maintained. Almost every mountain has a gondola or other mountain transport so you don’t have to climb a mountain if you don’t want to. Mountain huts and wood stocked picnic areas dot the landscape so you don’t have to pack lots of supplies. Lots more about this in my posts below.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for seasonal tips and weekend recommendations.
Basics of Hiking in Switzerland
What you need to know about hiking in Switzerland for beginners, including what to wear and pack, what to expect on the trail and tips for planning hikes.
Want to experience the Swiss alps with your family but don’t know where to start? Here are my top suggestions for newbies and tips for figuring out the best option for your family.
Switzerland makes it easy for new hikers, both young and old, to get started. Here are tips for selecting easy trails and our favorite hikes for beginners.
Hiking with kids
Most hiking in Switzerland is near civilization, so you don’t need to pack that much for a day trip, besides drinking water and snacks. But we still have a few essentials that we like to bring. Here’s a printable pack list for both you and your kids.
A few essential pieces of equipment can make hiking with kids much easier. Here’s what we have used with our kids over the years including child carrier backpacks, strollers, backpacks, water bottles, knifes and where to shop in Switzerland.
Hiking clothes to pack for a trip to Switzerland, including shoes, rain gear, accessories, and tips for dressing kids for a hike.
Here are 10 tried and true methods to turn your sweet babies into hiking machines. Spoiler alert: it might involve candy.
Why do we hike with our kids when sometimes it feels like a nightmare instead of a fun family outing? Good question.
Here are 25 practical tips for hiking with kids based on our experience teaching our kids to hike in the Swiss alps for over a dozen years. It may be difficult at first, but it’s so worth the effort.
Food on the trail
We love cooking over an open fire, especially in the Swiss alps. Sausages are an obvious choice but can get a little boring if you go hiking every weekend. So here are few other ideas that are easy and still fit in your backpack.
Learn about what food to expect when dining out in the Swiss alps at mountain restaurants and huts.
Overnight in the alps
Suggestions on where to camp in Switzerland and what to expect at Swiss campgrounds, which are quite civilized with restaurants instead of campfire rings, organized kid activities, pools and sport facilities, etc.
See what it’s like to stay in a dormitory style group house in Switzerland, with simple bunks, shared bathrooms, a dining hall and an industrial kitchen.
Tips for staying in Swiss mountain huts with kids, including links to family-friendly huts accessed by trails suitable for children.
Getting started in popular regions
What to do with kids in Mürren, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald: fun hikes, playgrounds, zip lines, toboggans, easy viewpoints, etc.
The best things to do with kids in Zermatt including no hike viewpoints, easy hikes, playgrounds, scooter rides and more.
3 responses
I came across you on YouTube. It’s all good stuff and the links to your own website provide so much very helpful information. Thank you. The important bit is how well you pitch the walks and activities in a way that allows all ages to understand how a walk would work for them. That’s a real talent. I’ve seen videos on walks that make them look difficult when they are not. And the opposite of course. You have certainly convinced me that one walk I’ve shied away from is straightforward.
Thanks for the kind words. It’s definitely my goal to help people find the right hike for them and have good info so they can have a successful outing. Hope you have a great hike whichever you choose.
So glad I could help out. I hope you have a great time whenever you make it to Switzerland!