Switzerland is a family-friendly destination with activities for all ages. From scenic drives through stunning landscapes to charming towns and exciting outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone. Exploring by car lets you discover hidden gems and breathtaking views at your own pace. This blog highlights Witzerland's best family-friendly road trip ideas, perfect for families with young kids or teens. With a rental car, every stop becomes an exciting part of the journey, allowing you to take in the country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.
The Golden Pass Line is one of Switzerland’s most famous scenic routes, connecting Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva to Lucerne, passing through stunning Swiss landscapes. This scenic and family-friendly road trip is easy to follow. It takes you through beautiful Alpine views, quaint villages, and serene lakes, making it ideal for a relaxed and memorable getaway. The journey starts in Montreux, a lakeside town known for its vineyards and the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Families can stroll along the beautiful Lake Geneva promenade or visit Chillon Castle, which is located on the lake’s edge and offers an interactive experience for children.
As you continue along the road, you’ll drive through the charming towns of Vevey and Blonay, which are perfect for quick family stops to explore. After the scenic drive, you’ll reach Lucerne, a beautiful city with a rich history, famous for its Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the nearby Mount Pilatus. You can even take a cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus for panoramic views of the region.
Lake Lucerne is a fantastic destination for families, offering plenty of activities that children and adults will enjoy. The surrounding mountains, villages, and landmarks make this area one of the most stunning spots in Switzerland. Start your journey in Lucerne, where families can visit the Swiss Transport Museum, an engaging experience for children interested in trains, planes, and automobiles. You can also take a boat ride on the lake, enjoying stunning views of the Rigi and Pilatus Mountains as you cruise across the clear waters.
From Lucerne, drive around the lake to the charming village of Weggis, where you can take a funicular ride up to the Rigi mountain, often called the "Queen of the Mountains." The views are breathtaking, and the ride is fun for children. Alternatively, stop at Vitznau for a scenic boat ride on the lake. For more adventurous families, there’s also the option to drive to Klein Matterhorn near Zermatt and experience the highest cable car station in Europe.
A road trip to the Swiss National Park is a fantastic choice for families that love nature and wildlife. This park in the Engadine Valley is Switzerland’s first and oldest national park. It’s home to diverse flora and fauna, including marmots, ibex, and golden eagles. Starting in Zernez, you can drive through beautiful alpine landscapes and visit the Park Centre, where kids can learn about the region’s wildlife and natural history. The park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for families, with easy paths leading to scenic viewpoints and educational signs along the way.
For an unforgettable experience, visit Marmot Viewpoint to see the playful marmots in their natural habitat. Families can also stop at the charming villages of Samedan and St. Moritz for a bite to eat or to enjoy some downtime before heading back to Zernez. The Swiss National Park offers the perfect opportunity for families to connect with nature and immerse themselves in Switzerland’s stunning landscapes.
A road trip to Zermatt is a must for families, especially if you’re looking for adventure. This well-known town is at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the world’s most recognizable peaks. Although cars aren't allowed in Zermatt, you can drive to the nearby village of Täsch and take a shuttle train the rest of the way into town. As you travel, you'll be treated to beautiful Alpine scenery, with plenty of family-friendly stops to keep the journey enjoyable. Once you arrive in Zermatt, you can take a gondola or cogwheel train to Gornergrat, where the whole family can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and nearby glaciers.
The Matterhorn Museum is a great spot for younger children, offering interactive exhibits that explore the history of mountaineering and the first successful climb of the Matterhorn. There are also plenty of hiking trails around Zermatt that are suitable for families, with paths that lead through forests, past waterfalls, and up to high-altitude viewpoints.
Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe, and its shores are dotted with charming towns, vineyards, and castles. A road trip around Lake Geneva is perfect for families, as the area offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. Start your journey in Geneva, where you can visit the Jet d'Eau fountain, stroll through the English Garden, or take a boat tour on the lake. From Geneva, drive along the lakeshore to the town of Montreux, famous for its Montreux Jazz Festival and stunning lakeside walkway.
Families can visit Chillon Castle, a beautiful medieval fortress on the edge of the lake, where children can learn about history while exploring the castle’s rooms and towers. As you drive around the lake, stop in the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and mountains.
The Jungfrau Region is one of the most famous areas in Switzerland, known for its towering peaks, charming villages, and outdoor adventures. A road trip through this region is perfect for families, offering a mix of mountain views, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Start in Interlaken, a charming town nestled between two lakes. From here, you can drive to Grindelwald, a quaint village surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Take a family hike or enjoy a thrilling ride on the First Cliff Walk, a suspended bridge offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
From Grindelwald, drive to Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is known for its waterfalls and lush green meadows. The drive takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Swiss Alps, and there are plenty of stops along the way to admire the views. Families with older children will enjoy the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” where you can take a cogwheel train to the highest railway station in Europe. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, taking you through the Swiss Alps, past glaciers, and into Italy. While the train is the highlight, it’s also possible to combine the train ride with a road trip, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Start by driving to Tirano in Italy, where you can board the Bernina Express. The train ride will take you through stunning mountain landscapes, over bridges, and through tunnels, offering a unique view of Switzerland’s natural beauty. After the train journey, drive back to Switzerland, stopping in towns like Pontresina and Samedan, which are surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. This combination of train and car travel is an exciting and family-friendly way to experience the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland offers a variety of family-friendly road trip options, from scenic routes around Lake Lucerne to adventurous mountain trips in the Jungfrau Region. Driving through the country lets you explore at your own pace and uncover hidden gems that aren’t always accessible by public transport. With well-maintained roads, stunning landscapes, and countless charming towns, a rental car makes it easy to turn the journey into part of the adventure. Whether chasing waterfalls, stopping for alpine picnics, or detouring to a fun roadside attraction, having your vehicle offers ultimate flexibility—especially with kids in tow.
For a smooth and stress-free rental experience, consider renting a car with Finalrentals Switzerland. With convenient pickup locations and a wide selection of family-friendly vehicles, Finalrentals makes it easy to hit the road and start exploring the best of Switzerland together.
Whether you're interested in nature, culture, or adventure, Switzerland has something for every family. Rent a car today and start your unforgettable road trip across this beautiful country. With its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and countless activities for children, Switzerland is the perfect family destination.
