4-day hiking trip through the cantons of Bern, Valais, Uri and Lucerne (2022)

It is well suitable for kids over 7 years.

Day 1: Meiringen - Grimsel Passhöhe - Oberwald

From Meiringen take post bus via Innertkirch to the top of the Grimsel pass. The ride (about 1 hour) leads through the spectacular mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Once at the top of the pass, follow a pleasant, not too steep and wide mountain path down to Oberwald (approx. 3 hours hiking time).

 

Where to sleep: The Hotel Furka has everything a hiker's heart desires: excellent cuisine and spacious family rooms.

Day 2: Oberwald - Furkapass - Tiefenbach - Realp - Hospental

From Oberwald, the Furka steam train departs approximately every 2 hours. The old wagons and the locomotive were definitely the highlight for our kids. The train conductors also had all kind of interesting things to talk about and were very entertaining. Children up to the age of 16 travel free of charge. Reservations are obligatory. Attention: The train runs only in the summer months.

The ride goes over the Furka Pass (break of 20 minutes; refreshments available) down to Realp. We got off at Furkapass and hiked down to Tiefenbach (about 1h hiking time). From there we took the next train to Realp. After a short post bus ride (about 10min) we arrived in Hospental.

 

Where to sleep: The hotel St. Gotthard in Hospental is centrally located and with a very nice staff!

Day 3: Hospental - Andermatt - Altdorf - Flüelen - Bachen

There are various connections from Hospental to Andermatt, from where the bus runs to Altdorf. In Altdorf, in front of the Tell Momument, take the bus to "Schloss A-Pro". From there it is a 20min hike (suitable for baby carriages) through the nature reserve to the renaturalized Reuss delta. From there it is a 25min walk to Flüelen from where you continue by boat to Bachen at the shore of the Urner Lake.

 

Where to sleep: In the beautifully and tastefully decorated Zwyssig House you can not only spend a wonderful night, but also eat excellent food.

Day 4: Bachen - Seelisberg - Treib - Brunnen - Arth Goldau - Lucerne

950 stairs lead from Bachen high up to the Seelisberg. The view of Lake Uri is breathtaking. From Seelisberg (we took the bus at the Geissweg stop near the campsite to save us the walk along the road to Seelisberg train station), we took the funicular down to the lake. From there we took the boat to the other shore (10 minutes) and then continued by bus and train via Arth Goldau to the Verkehrsmuseum Luzern. It is my children's favorite place in Lucerne. A place to marvel at trains, cars, airplanes and rockets. The chocolate tour in the basement of the museum completes the visit.

 

Where to sleep: See our recommendation for a BnB: trip from Engstlenalp to Lucerne from 2020

 

Where to eat: Choose between a delicious Peruvian or a good Italian restaurant.

 

Song for the hike: Diazepin - MayDay

https://www.jungfrau.ch/de-ch/schynige-platte/

 

2 day hiking trip from Sörenberg (LU) to Kemmeribodenbad (BE) (2020)

The easy hike, which is also very suitable for families, starts at Rossweid above Sörenberg, which can be reached by cable car. At Rossweid, children can let off steam at the Mooraculum, the largest moor adventure park in the Alps. From there the trail continues on well-marked paths to Kemmeribodenbad (approx. 2h15min, 9.2km), where a homemade Meringue awaits hungry hikers. More info here.

2 day hiking trip: From Engstlenalp (BE) via Trübsee (OW) to Lucerne (2020)

Day 1: Meiringen - Engstlenalp - Tannenalp

What to do with kids: From the high plateau of Engstlenalp (Canton of Bern), the route is first leisurely and then climbs to Tannenalp (Canton of Obwalden). The nearby chapel is a cosy pick-nick place. From here you follow the signposted path to the bearded vulture information stand, which you reach in about 30 minutes. At the information stand you can get information about the reintroduction of the bearded vulture from competent staff. The way back is along the same path down to Engstlenalp.

How long does the hike take: Approx. 3 hours.

 

Where to sleep and eat: In the lovely Engstlenalp Hotel you'll find cozy rooms, super friendly staff and decent food. Booking required! Good cheese or yoghurt can be found at the nearby Schaukäserei.

 

How to get there (travelling time from Bern to the final destination = approx. 2.5h)

Day 2: Engstlensee - Jochpass - Trüebsee

What to do with kids: From the high plateau of Engstlenalp (Canton of Bern), the route follows the Engstlensee (lake) and gradually climbs steeply to the Jochpass  (Canton of Nidwalden). The route is also popular with downhill bikers, take care! The path down to Trübsee is very steep and requires concentration from the children. The scenery at Trübsee is stunning. However, what has been built and constructed around the lake may be a little too much of a good thing for some and for Nature. Children like the massive playground.

 

How long does the hike take: Approx. 2 hours uphill and 1.5 hours downhill (total of 7 km).

 

Where to eat: There is an good and child-friendly restaurant on the Jochpass. For the little ones there is an improvised wooden slide.

 

Where to sleep: At Trübsee you can stay overnight in the hotel of the same name. 

 

How to get there: If you do not fancy an uphill walk, take the chairlift from Engstlensee to

Jochpass. The same for walking-down.

Day 3: Trübsee - Engelberg - Grafenort - Lucerne

What to do with kids: Take the gondola lift from Trübsee to the town of Engelberg. From the gondola station follow the hiking trail no. 40 along the Eugenisee (lake) until you reach the Engelberger Aa (mountain river). During the varied hike through the Huetstock national hunting ban area, the trail crosses the Engelberger Aa several times. From Grafenort (see below) we took the train to Lucerne. In Lucerne there are sereval good spots for children. Our top 3:

How long does the hike take: Approx. 3 hours (total of 9 km).

Where to eat: Numerous picnic areas line the path. But you need to buy your food in Engelberg.

Where to take the train: At Grafenort (hourly trains to Lucerne).
Where to sleep: In Lucerne we slept at the awesome BnB the Band.