Lucerne, Interlaken & Montreux: A Swiss Family Escape

At the heart of Europe, Switzerland is ripe for adventure. Towering mountains, shimmering lakes and fairytale towns, it’s a step into your own storybook world. Where cog wheel trains take you up to mountain passes and fondues bubble away in alpine shepherd’s huts, this is a family getaway unlike any other. Our Europe Travel Experts have spent years taking in this classical centrepiece to unveil its most authentic – and most luxurious – side. The kids will love the rich folklore which will see them discovering ice palaces and traditional yodelling, whilst the parents will love the standout cuisine and the throwback to the belle epoque era. But everyone will love the exclusive chocolate tasting in the workshop of a master chocolatier. This summer, take to the mountains on this alpine getaway for all the family.

Let Loose in Lucerne

Flying into Zurich, it’s just a quick drive out through the lake-dappled hillsides to Lucerne, where your adventure will begin. Checking in at the Bond villain-esque Bürgenstock Hotel, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Lake Lucerne that will stop you in your tracks. Unpacked and ready to explore, jump in the iconic Hammetschwand Lift and descend the 1,132metres down to the lakeside for a stroll through the Old Town of Lucerne. Past the painted facades, the quirky boutiques and over the quaint wooden Kappellbrucke, you’ll come to Stadtkeller where an evening of traditional Swiss entertainment awaits. Yodelling, Alpine horn blowing and flag spinning; it doesn’t get more local. While the kids delight in the pomp and pageantry, you’ll be able to enjoy Stadtkeller’s signature beer.

The next morning will see you taking on new heights as you head up to the Queen of the Mountains; Mount Rigi. Opening up onto sweeping views across the entire Swiss Mittelland and onto Germany and France, the kids will feel on top of the world. After a scenic walk, arrive at a traditional dairy farm where you’ll sit down to a mountain lunch of local Rigi cheese fondue, served in a rustic Alpine hut. It’s a taste of Switzerland at its most charming and fun for all the family.

Let It Go in Interlaken

The next morning, you’ll board the train and head east over the Brunig Pass to Interlaken. Sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and encircled by the towering Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks – these photos are definitely making the family album. Check in at Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa and step into a world of belle-epoque glamour. Tomorrow, you’ll spend the day exploring Jungfraujoch as you board the iconic cogwheel train at the village of Grindelwald and head on up to Europe’s highest railway station. No ordinary train ride, you’ll tackle steep gradients and kilometre-long tunnels to eventually emerge onto Europe’s largest glacial pass and a landscape that will make your jaws drop. It’s a day that only gets more spellbindingly beautiful as you then continue onto a fairytale ice palace straight out of Frozen.

Chocolate Box Montreux

All aboard tomorrow morning as you make the famous rail journey across the Golden Pass to Montreux. With the carriages decked out in belle epoque grandeur, the train will be your very own time machine back to the golden age of travel. Arrive onto the shores of Lake Geneva and check in at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace before heading back out to the picture-perfect Chillon Castle. Alongside a private guide, you’ll discover this island castle and descend deep into its dungeons before jumping in a boat and sailing across the water to Vevey for a beautiful dinner, lit by candlelight and set overlooking the Lavaux. Why not amp up the romance and leave the kids behind with a babysitter tonight? This one’s for you.

For your final day, we’ve saved the best (and most delicious) ’till last. Boarding the train once more, with coffee and croissants laid on for the early start, you’ll make your way along the pass to Gruyeres. A picturesque dairy village, famous for its eponymous cheese, you’ll enjoy a private tour through the village before sitting down to a traditional fondue lunch. Be sure to save room for dessert though, as after lunch you’ll continue onto Broc. Home to the Cailler chocolate factory, watch the children’s eyes light up as the unlock the secrets behind chocolate making before getting a taste themselves.

Gorged on cheese and chocolate, it’s then time to return home, but with the children now certified gourmands, we’re sure you’ll be back soon.