Family Friendly Nature Itinerary in Switzerland on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

9:00AM

Explore Old Town

Start your adventure by strolling through Zurich's picturesque Old Town, marveling at the historic buildings and quaint shops.
From your accommodation, walk or take tram line 4 to the city centre.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Schreiber

Enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast of fresh baked goods and coffee.
Head back to Old Town, just a short walk away.
CHF 15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Learn about Switzerland's culture and history in this fascinating museum.
Tram line 6 from Old Town to the museum.
CHF 10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk along Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely walk by Lake Zurich, soaking in the views and fresh air.
Walk from the museum towards the lake, it's a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Vegetarian Restaurant Hiltl

Delight in a unique buffet-style dinner featuring over 100 vegetarian dishes, ideal for families.
Take tram line 4 from the lake to Hiltl.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Catch a scenic train ride to Lucerne, known for its stunning lake views.
Walk to Zurich HB train station.
CHF 16, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Admire the iconic Chapel Bridge, a beautiful wooden bridge adorned with flowers.
Walk from the train station to the bridge, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Taube

Taste local dishes at this charming restaurant, perfect for families.
A short walk from Chapel Bridge.
CHF 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat trip on Lake Lucerne

Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lucerne, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Boat terminal is near Chapel Bridge.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Zurich

Head back for a relaxing evening in Zurich.
Take the train from Lucerne to Zurich.
CHF 16, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

Enjoy hearty Swiss dishes in a historic restaurant.
Take tram line 4 from the train station to the restaurant.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mount Pilatus Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a filling breakfast before a day of adventure.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mount Pilatus

Take the scenic cogwheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus.
Walk to the train station in Lucerne.
CHF 38, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mount Pilatus

Discover stunning views and hiking paths suitable for families.
Follow marked trails from the train station.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning alpine scenery.
Prepare lunch from a local market prior to the trip.
CHF 15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return journey

Take the cable car back down for incredible views along the descent.
Board the gondola at the summit.
CHF 38, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

Relax after a long day with fondue, a must-try Swiss experience.
Head back to Lucerne to the restaurant.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Interlaken Exploration

Interlaken, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel for your adventure ahead with a generous breakfast.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Interlaken

Enjoy the scenic train ride to Interlaken, nestled between two lakes.
Walk to the train station in Lucerne.
CHF 25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hiking in Harder Kulm

Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region.
Located nearby the train station.
CHF 38, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Salvi

Grab a slice of pizza or pasta, perfect after some hiking.
Return to the main area of Interlaken.
CHF 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Lake Brienz

Stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Brienz and enjoy some quiet time.
Take a bus or walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Taverne

Wind down with a traditional Swiss meal.
A short walk from Lake Brienz.
CHF 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast to prepare for a day of discovery.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Lauterbrunnen

Travel by train to Lauterbrunnen, famous for its waterfalls.
Walking distance to the train station.
CHF 10, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Exploring Trümmelbach Falls

Discover the impressive Trümmelbach Falls, hidden inside a mountain.
Hike or take a local bus to the falls.
CHF 12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Oberland

Savour Swiss cuisine at this charming location.
Return to Lauterbrunnen village for lunch.
CHF 25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Staubbach Falls

Stroll to see the majestic Staubbach Falls cascading down the cliffs.
Walk from the hotel, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Interlaken

Head back to Interlaken for the evening.
Take the train from Lauterbrunnen.
CHF 10, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Ristorante Pizzeria Sapori

End the day with a comforting family meal.
Located in Interlaken, a walk from the train station.
CHF 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Kick off the day with a tasty breakfast.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Zermatt

Take a scenic train ride to Zermatt, the base for Matterhorn views.
Walk to train station.
CHF 30, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Max

Enjoy a delightful lunch at this family-friendly restaurant.
Located near Zermatt station.
CHF 25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Gornergrat

Take the cogwheel train to Gornergrat for incredible views of the Matterhorn.
Train station in Zermatt.
CHF 55, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Zermatt

Relax and take in more views on your way back.
Catch the train back to Zermatt.
Included in round trip, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube

Indulge in delicious Swiss meals and local specialties for dinner.
Central to Zermatt.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Geneva Discovery

Geneva, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get energized for a new city with breakfast.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Geneva

Travel by train to Geneva, famous for its lakeside charm.
Walk to Zermatt train station.
CHF 35, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Les Armures

Savour Swiss classics in a relaxed setting.
Located in the Old Town.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Jet d'Eau

Marvel at one of Geneva’s most iconic landmarks, the Jet d'Eau fountain in Lake Geneva.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Promenade des Bastions

Explore one of Geneva’s beautiful parks, ideal for families.
Walk to the park from Jet d'Eau.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Café du Centre

Delight in fresh seafood coupled with local dishes.
Head back to the Old Town.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Montreux and Lake Geneva

Montreux, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a delicious breakfast to kick-start the day.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Montreux

Take the train to Montreux, famous for its lakeside promenade.
Walking distance to the train station.
CHF 12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Chillon Castle

Explore the beautiful Château de Chillon, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva.
A short walk from Montreux station.
CHF 12, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Les Trois Siffleurs

Enjoy local dishes at a family-friendly restaurant in Montreux.
Short walk from Chillon Castle.
CHF 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll the Lakeside Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along Montreux’s stunning lakeside promenade.
Easily accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Funicular Ride to Rochers-de-Naye

Take the funicular to Rochers-de-Naye for an incredible view of the Alps.
Located near the lakeside.
CHF 20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Le Foyer

Enjoy a warm meal with a view of Lake Geneva.
Short walk from the activity area.
CHF 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Montreux before heading back to Zurich.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Zurich

Catch a train back to Zurich, reflecting on a wonderful trip.
Walk to the train station.
CHF 12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse

Spend some time strolling down Switzerland’s most famous shopping street.
Take tram line 4 from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Raclette Stube

Experience traditional Swiss raclette for a family feast.
Commute via tram.
CHF 40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Zurich Zoo

Take the kids to the Zurich Zoo to see fascinating animals from around the world.
Tram line 6 from the restaurant to the zoo.
CHF 25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Marktküche

Enjoy a final family dinner at this vibrant vegetarian restaurant.
Return to the city centre via tram.
CHF 35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability