Switzerland with a baby turned out to be much easier for us than we expected beforehand. You do not need to do a difficult mountain hike every day or travel to a 3,000-metre summit to get that real Alpine feeling.
We travelled through different parts of Switzerland with our six-month-old daughter. We hiked to mountain lakes, took trains and cable cars, travelled by boat to Lucerne and visited gorges, waterfalls and small mountain villages. Most of the time, we stayed in apartments in a valley or next to a lake. From there, we made day trips into the mountains.
That last part was a deliberate choice. With a young baby, we did not want to sleep unnecessarily high in the mountains. Luckily, Switzerland is perfect for this. You can stay in popular villages and still be at a mountain railway, gondola, waterfall or hiking trail within an hour.
In this blog, we share our route through Switzerland with a baby, our experience with altitude, tips for choosing apartments and the activities that we did and did not find practical with a stroller. Hopefully it helps if you are travelling with a young child too!
Contents
Is Switzerland suitable for a holiday with a baby or young child?
In our opinion, yes. Especially because many places are easy to reach and you can decide for yourself how much altitude, hiking and travel time you want in one day. Distances within Switzerland are also quite manageable.
One day you can take a cogwheel train into the mountains, and the next you can quietly walk along a lake with the stroller. At many cable cars, train stations and tourist attractions, we also found toilets, places to eat and somewhere to give our daughter a bottle. With many cable cars, you can even take the stroller all the way up.
What made Switzerland especially convenient for us:
- many sights are easy to reach by car or train
- you can stay in a valley and visit the mountains during the day
- gondolas and mountain trains save you long, steep climbs and are often suitable for strollers
- there are lots of short walks and viewpoints
- almost every region has a quiet activity for an easier day
- many popular mountain destinations are not extremely high for your baby
- apartments are often located between several different attractions
That does not mean every famous attraction is automatically baby-friendly. In gorges, caves and on mountain hikes, we came across plenty of stairs, slippery paths and steep sections. For us, a baby carrier was therefore at least as important as the stroller. But if you enjoy hiking, this is very manageable.
How high can you go with a baby in Switzerland?
There is no fixed altitude that is automatically safe or unsafe for every baby. Your baby’s age and health, how quickly you go up, how long you stay at altitude and the altitude where you sleep all play a role.
Children can experience problems with altitude just like adults. With a baby, the signs can simply be harder to recognise. Think of unusual restlessness, drinking poorly, reduced appetite, sleeping badly or behaviour that is different from normal. The UIAA advises extra caution with babies under one year old and when staying above 2,500 metres. The organisation also mentions around 1,600 metres as an often recommended maximum sleeping altitude for young babies who normally live much lower. This is not a strict personal limit for every child, but it is a good reason to build up your route gradually and ask for medical advice if you are unsure. Day trips to a higher place, after which you sleep lower again, are usually less demanding than immediately sleeping at high altitude. Going up slowly and allowing time to adjust remains important.
These are general guidelines. Always keep an eye on your child and consult a doctor if you are unsure.
How we handled altitude ourselves
We slept in valleys and lower villages for almost the entire trip. From there, we sometimes went higher for a few hours.
At Grindelwald First, we deliberately built up the journey. We got out at Bort along the way, took a break and watched how our daughter reacted. Only after that did we continue higher. While going up, we had a pacifier and bottle ready for her ears.
We did not stay at the top unnecessarily long and kept a close eye on her behaviour. Everything went well for us, but of course that does not mean every baby will react in the same way.
We also deliberately chose not to visit the highest famous places. We did not think a visit to Jungfraujoch was a sensible idea with a six-month-old baby. There were more than enough beautiful mountains, lakes and viewpoints at lower altitudes.
Useful things to remember:
- only go higher with a healthy baby
- build up altitude gradually
- plan an intermediate stop during a long gondola ride
- let your baby drink or suck while ascending and descending
- do not stay at altitude longer than necessary
- go back down if your baby starts behaving noticeably differently
- if in doubt, speak to a doctor beforehand
Our route through Switzerland with a baby
You can drive our route in around 12 to 14 days. If you have less time, I would leave out Appenzell or Kandersteg. Above all, try not to sleep somewhere different every night. With a baby, we found staying three to five nights in one place much more relaxing.
Stop 1: Rhine Falls and two nights in Appenzell
Rhine Falls is a logical first stop when entering Switzerland from the north. Beforehand, we thought we would only stay for a short time, but in the end we spent around two to two and a half hours here.
You can see part of the area with a stroller, but for the complete walking route and the platforms we really needed a baby carrier. You come across stairs, narrow passages and uneven paths.
Read our complete experience in our blog about visiting Rhine Falls.
After Rhine Falls, we continued to the Appenzell region. We stayed there for two nights. The area is green, peaceful and completely different from the high mountains around the Jungfrau region.
Our highlight was the hike to Seealpsee. We took the forest path on the way up and returned via the steep paved road. The walk was manageable with a baby in a carrier, but we would not recommend this route with a stroller.
Stop 2: three to four nights in Vitznau
We thought Vitznau was one of the best bases of the entire trip. You stay in a quiet location on Lake Lucerne, but can make very different day trips from here.
For example, we:
- took the boat to Lucerne;
- took the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm;
- drove to Stoos;
- walked along the lake;
- had a relaxed lunch or spent an afternoon at the apartment.
The boat trip to Lucerne was perhaps the most relaxing activity of the entire trip with a baby. We could simply bring the stroller on board and there was enough space to place it next to our table.
If you want to book the same kind of experience, you can view boat trips from Lucerne here.
Stoos and the famous Stoosbahn were also surprisingly easy with a stroller. Boarding the train is level and the cabins are spacious. At the top, you can walk through the car-free village. It is not completely flat, so sometimes we did have to push quite hard.
Want to visit Stoos without your own transport? Take a look at this organised day trip to Stoos.
Another beautiful day trip is Rigi Kulm. The cogwheel railway is suitable for strollers and takes you to a beautiful viewpoint without requiring a difficult hike.
You can also combine a visit to Rigi with a boat trip from Lucerne.
Stop 3: one or two nights around Interlaken and Lake Brienz
Between Vitznau and the Jungfrau region, there are enough stops to turn the drive into a full day.
We combined, among others:
You do not have to do all of them in one day. With a baby, we would choose a maximum of two major stops. Aare Gorge and Giessbach were a nice combination for us, with walking, water and enough places to take a break in between.
We stayed near Interlaken at Kiwi Chalet – Mountain Views & Cozy NZ Vibes. This was particularly practical as a short stop before continuing towards the Jungfrau region.
Stop 4: four to five nights in the Jungfrau region
For Lauterbrunnen, Mürren and Grindelwald, we would plan at least four nights. There is so much to do here that you can easily adapt your plans to the weather and your baby’s rhythm.
We did not stay in the middle of Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, but in a quiet apartment in Lütschental. This village is located roughly between the two. That meant we could travel in different directions without having to spend a long time driving every day.
We stayed in this apartment in Lütschental. With a baby, we preferred the peaceful location to a busy hotel in a tourist centre.
Great activities in this region include:
- Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee;
- Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald;
- Lauterbrunnen and Staubbachfall;
- Lampaca Farm with alpacas and llamas;
- Mürren;
- the Northface Trail near Mürren;
- walking through the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Grindelwald First was our highest day. The gondola ride takes more than twenty minutes and quickly takes you quite a lot higher. That is why we got out at Bort for a while. Once at the top, we used the baby carrier. For the hike to Bachalpsee, we would not take a stroller.
Lampaca Farm, on the other hand, was a nice short activity for a quieter day. You do not need to reserve a full day for it and can easily combine it with a walk through Lauterbrunnen.
Would you rather stay in Lauterbrunnen itself? Take a look at hotels and apartments in Lauterbrunnen.
For popular activities, booking in advance can sometimes be useful. For example, you can book a ticket for Glacier Canyon Grindelwald here.
Stop 5: two nights in Kandersteg
Our final base was Kandersteg. The village is quieter than Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and is conveniently located for two famous mountain lakes.
Blausee is the easiest activity of the two. From the entrance, you walk along a wide path to the lake. A large part of it is easy with a stroller. One to two hours is enough here.
Oeschinensee without the cable car was a different story. During our visit, the gondola was closed and we had to hike up. That was quite a climb. To be completely honest, I did this hike alone while my wife stayed at the apartment with our daughter. But it is possible with a baby carrier if you are fit.
If the gondola is open, a visit is of course much easier. Always check the opening times, snow conditions and last descent in advance.
Stroller or baby carrier in Switzerland?
We brought both and would do exactly the same again. Below are some highlights you can include in your itinerary and our experience with using a stroller or baby carrier.
| Activity | Stroller | Baby carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Boat trip to Lucerne | Very suitable | Not necessary |
| Lucerne city centre | Very suitable | Useful for stairs, but not necessary |
| Stoosbahn and Stoos village | Quite manageable | Needed for hikes |
| Rhine Falls | Limited | Strongly recommended |
| Seealpsee | Not practical | Needed |
| Aare Gorge | Limited | More convenient |
| Grindelwald First | Possible around the stations | Needed for Bachalpsee |
| Lauterbrunnen Valley | Very suitable | Optional |
| Northface Trail | No | Needed |
| Blausee | Mostly suitable | Optional |
| Oeschinensee without gondola | No | Needed |
Our stroller was especially useful in cities, villages, on boats and during easy walks. As soon as a route included stairs, tree roots, snow, loose stones or steep slopes, we switched to the baby carrier.
How we chose our apartments
For this trip, we deliberately chose apartments more often than hotels. With a baby, we liked being able to cook for ourselves and not having to sit in a restaurant every evening.
When searching, we mainly looked at:
A kitchen and fridge
Having our own kitchen gave us a lot of freedom. We could make our own breakfast, prepare a simple evening meal and make bottles without depending on opening hours.
A separate sleeping area
A studio can be perfectly fine for one night, but for a longer stay a separate bedroom is very convenient. That way, you do not have to sit quietly in the dark yourself as soon as your baby goes to sleep. With a baby, you are usually back at the apartment earlier in the evening anyway. Then it is nice to still be able to move around.
Parking at the accommodation
Parking in mountain villages can be difficult or expensive. We therefore checked in advance whether there was a parking space at the apartment and how steep or narrow the access road was. Something to think about when you have quite a lot of luggage with you…
Not right in the busiest town
An apartment outside the centre is often quieter and cheaper. In Lütschental, for example, we stayed between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. During the day, we drove to the attractions and in the evening we returned to a peaceful location. Why stay in the middle of the crowds when your baby is already in bed?
Several nights in one place
We did not like the idea of packing and unpacking every day. That is why we chose a few fixed bases and made day trips from there. It gave us much more peace and made it easier to change our plans if the night had not gone very well. We would rather drive a little further once and return to the same place than load the entire car again.
Baby cot and practical layout
Always check whether a baby cot is available and whether the apartment is easy to reach with a stroller. An accommodation on the third floor without a lift may look beautiful in photos, but with luggage, stroller and baby it is not always practical.
By car or public transport?
Switzerland has excellent public transport. Around Lucerne and Vitznau, we even felt that the combination of boat, train and mountain railway was part of the experience.
For our complete route, however, we still found a car the most convenient option. We could leave after a feed, stop when our daughter woke up and combine several natural attractions in one day.
Especially at Rhine Falls, Appenzell, Giessbach, Iseltwald, Lauterbrunnen and Kandersteg, having a car gave us extra freedom.
If you rent a car in Switzerland, check beforehand whether you can reserve a suitable baby seat. Also compare the cost with bringing your own child seat.
Check current prices at Discover Cars
Practical tips for Switzerland with a baby
Plan a maximum of one main activity per day
A gondola ride, a hike and a visit to a gorge in one day may sound perfectly manageable at home. With bottles, nappies and breaks, everything simply takes a little longer. We usually chose one main activity and kept a short extra stop as an option.
Start early
At places such as Rhine Falls and Grindelwald, we noticed how much difference an early start makes. Car parks are quieter, trails are emptier and you have more flexibility if the day goes differently from planned. But of course, keep your child in mind. Is skipping a morning nap really worth it?
Bring layers of clothing
Down by a lake, it can be mild and sunny, while higher up the mountain it can be much colder and windier. A baby sitting in a carrier hardly moves and can therefore get cold more quickly. Even in good weather, bring a hat, warm layer and windproof outer layer. And do not forget the hands and feet!
Protect your baby well from the sun
The sun can be strong in the mountains, especially when there is still snow. Use a sun hat, shade and suitable sun protection. When using a baby carrier, always make sure enough fresh air can reach your baby’s face.
Check lifts and hiking trails every morning
In spring, some lifts were closed for maintenance and there were still patches of snow on higher hiking trails. Check webcams, opening times and trail conditions before you leave. It is also useful to know whether you will actually have a view when you reach the top. Simply search online for “webcam + the mountain you are visiting” and there is often a live webcam available.
Bring your own food and drinks
Not every mountain restaurant is open all year round. An extra bottle of water, snacks and something for the baby meant we were not dependent on one restaurant that might unexpectedly be closed.
Leave room for a quiet day
Not every day needs to be a mountain day. A boat trip, a walk through Lucerne, Lampaca Farm or an hour at Blausee can be just as enjoyable. That variety made the trip much easier for us to manage. Especially on days when your child clearly needs something different from hiking.
Is a road trip through Switzerland with a baby worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes we had to walk more slowly, stop more often or shorten a hike. On the other hand, it also made us choose much more carefully what we really wanted to see.
Switzerland worked especially well for us because you do not have to sleep high in the mountains to experience them. From an apartment in a valley, you can step onto a train or gondola in the morning and an hour later be surrounded by mountain peaks. At the end of the afternoon, you simply travel back down to a quiet accommodation.
Our most important tip is therefore not to try to tick off as many famous places as possible. Choose a few good bases, bring both a stroller and baby carrier and leave enough room every day to change your plans.
Then travelling through Switzerland with a baby is not only possible, but also a beautiful first mountain trip together. We thought Switzerland was a fantastic destination for our first holiday with our lovely daughter!
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