Episode 156: Wengen, Lucerne, Lugano: Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Family Trip to Switzerland

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Switzerland has something for everyone, but figuring out how to fit it all in when you’re traveling with family can get tricky. From mountain adventures to quiet lake days, it’s all about finding the right balance for every age and interest.

In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Russell, who shares how she crafted the ultimate family vacation that blended outdoor adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable cultural experiences across Switzerland.

From gliding through the skies with paragliding Switzerland to, 

Samantha walks us through her 10-day itinerary that included alpine villages, lakeside strolls, one of the best hikes in Switzerland and some of the most beautiful scenic train rides in the country.

Her family explored destinations like Wengen, Lucerne, and Lugano, making the most of every moment thanks to thoughtful itinerary planning and flexible travel options using the Swiss rail pass.

We also dive into how her group celebrated Swiss National Day, made the most of a rainy day with Lucerne sightseeing, and tackled multi-generational needs with ease.

If you’re dreaming of a vacation in Switzerland filled with playground stops, relaxing lake views, and memorable moments paragliding, Switzerland offers all this and more.

Whether you’re looking for Switzerland travel tips or ideas for hiking in Switzerland with kids in tow, this episode is packed with real-life inspiration that will help you plan an unforgettable family escape. 

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How to plan a multi-generational family trip to Switzerland that caters to all ages
• The benefits and logistics of traveling around Switzerland by train, including tips on rail passes
• Samantha’s 10-day itinerary, featuring stays in Wengen, Lucerne, and Lugano
• Family-friendly hikes, playgrounds, and excursions in the Jungfrau Region, Lucerne, and Ticino
• Top experiences in each destination, from paragliding and mountain coasters to boat rides and village explorations
• Practical tips for making travel smooth and enjoyable when visiting Switzerland with children and grandparents

Our Guest

Samantha and her family’s itinerary

>> Wengen – Samantha and her family spent five nights in Wengen. Her family took the cable car to Männlichen, hiked to the Royal Viewpoint, enjoyed the Herdsman’s Playground and Lieselotte Trail, and went paragliding in Mürren. They also visited Staubbach Falls, biked through Lauterbrunnen Valley, and spent a day in Grindelwald riding the mountain coaster and hiking to the Glacier Gorge. Wengen offered stunning views, fun playgrounds, and activities for all ages.

>> Lucerne – The family spent two nights by Lake Lucerne in the lakeside village of Weggis. During their stay they explored Lucerne’s – walking the Chapel Bridge, browsing chocolate and cheese shops, and strolling the lakeside promenade. They also dedicated a full day to visiting Mount Rigi via cogwheel railway and enjoyed the festivities of Swiss National Day on the mountain.

>> Lugano – In Lugano, Samantha and her family spent two full days soaking up the region’s Mediterranean vibe. On the first day, they took the funicular up Mount San Salvatore for panoramic lake views, explored the summit’s church and storyboards, then hiked down through charming hillside villages before swimming and dining in town. The next day, they took a boat to the picturesque fishing village of Gandria, wandered its narrow alleys, and walked the scenic Olive Tree Trail to Lido San Domenico, where they swam, relaxed, and enjoyed a magical lakeside afternoon before heading back to Lugano.

Planning a trip to Switzerland?

At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.

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Useful resources

👉 Free Switzerland Travel Planning Kit and Guide

> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.