Family friendly activities to do in Switzerland this Spring

Although considered the perfect winter spot with its world-class ski resorts and mountains blanketed in snow, Switzerland transforms into a Spring wonderland once the winter chill eases.

From March, flower meadows bloom, hiking trails reopen, and cities prepare for Spring visitors, events and festivals. From horse riding to glaciers, we’ve rounded up some of the best family friendly activities to enjoy this Spring in Switzerland. 

Horseback riding in the Jura

For horse riders of any level of experience, the Jura will feel like paradise. Horseback riding in gentle, hilly landscapes and expansive natural areas is perfect for all riders. 

On the Jura mountain range, the Franches-Montagnes region is home to the horse of the same name, the only indigenous Swiss breed that lives partly wild. Experience the horses wandering blissfully across the mountainscape as you canter along. 

Find out more here.

View the Aletsch glacier

From the Eggishorn viewpoint, you get to see it all. This view includes the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains and the 20-kilometre-long Great Aletsch Glacier. There is even the possibility of spotting the famous Matterhorn on cloud-free days.

A walk to the Eggishorn viewpoint alone is quite an adventure: the circular route takes 20 minutes, but take your time and admire the views (just don’t forget to bring your camera!). With a total climb of just 24 metres, it is also perfect for families looking for an easily accessible experience. 

Learn more here.

Adventure on the Stoosbahn

A world record-holding technical innovation awaits at the heart of Switzerland; the steepest funicular railway in the world! Leading from Schwyz up to the car-free mountain village of Stoos, the journey is truly an adventure with passengers heading up to a natural paradise 1,300 metres high.

The Stoosbahn reaches an astonishing gradient of 110% (47 degrees), a technical marvel that will delight even the youngest of guests. However, the most fascinating part has to be the spherical cabins that adapt to the gradient perfectly. This functionality enables passengers to stay upright at all times.

Read more here.

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans in Avenches

The Romans left behind a trail of history in Avenches, Switzerland, and now you can follow in their footsteps. Near Lake Murten, ancient monuments can be found in the idyllic landscape. Around 20,000 people once lived in Aventicum, today known as Avenches, when it was the capital of Roman Helvetia 2,000 years ago. 

Discover this time in history by taking the tour beginning at the amphitheatre. From there, guests can access the most exciting sights and excavations, including the remains of Roman theatres and thermal baths. The tour gives a better representation of the former size of the ancient city and helps guests imagine the lively trade that used to take place among the stately villas and temple complexes. 

To protect themselves from possible attackers, the Romans also built a wall that was 5 kilometres long and up to seven metres high, with over 73 towers. Remains of this can still be seen today by visitors. 

Learn more here.

Walk the Tree top trail in Neckertal

In May 2018, the first treetop path in Switzerland opened in Mogelsberg in the Toggenburg holiday region near St. Gallen. The 500-metre path softly winds from the forest floor into the treetops, offering a unique nature experience where visitors are at eye level with flora and fauna. The track is also disabled-accessible.

Discover the trees, listen to the sounds of the forest and observe the woodland animals at 40 stops along the path. A highlight is the viewing platform extending over 50 metres above the ground. From here, enjoy an extensive view of the entire Neckertal valley as far as Toggenburger, Churfirsten and Appenzellerland.