Discover the beauty of the Swiss Alps on a six-day family holiday combining lakeside scenery, charming towns, mountain landscapes and cultural experiences. This Switzerland family adventure brings together Lucerne and Interlaken, two destinations that offer an appealing introduction to Switzerland for travellers of different ages. From exploring historic streets and enjoying views across Lake Lucerne to discovering the spectacular mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland, the journey balances sightseeing with opportunities for relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Designed as a suggested itinerary, this family holiday can be planned around your travel dates, children’s ages, preferred activities and accommodation requirements. Whether you are visiting Switzerland for the first time or returning to experience more of its alpine landscapes, this six-day journey provides a practical starting point for a memorable family vacation with GlobalLink Suisse.
Tour Overview
This six-day Switzerland tour package focuses on two contrasting but complementary destinations. Lucerne combines a picturesque lakeside setting with historic architecture, pedestrian-friendly areas and access to mountain excursions. Interlaken, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, provides a gateway to the Bernese Oberland, where traditional villages, waterfalls, alpine meadows and dramatic mountain views shape the experience.
The suggested journey allows families to experience both urban sightseeing and the outdoors without attempting to cover too much of the country in a short period. The route can begin in Lucerne before continuing to Interlaken, with time allocated for local exploration and selected mountain experiences. Activities can be adjusted according to the season, weather, children’s ages and the family’s preferred pace.
Switzerland’s efficient public transport network, well-maintained visitor areas and varied outdoor attractions make it an appealing destination for a family holiday. Depending on the final arrangements, the experience may combine scenic train journeys, lake excursions, mountain railways, gentle walks and opportunities to sample Swiss cuisine. Specific transport arrangements, attractions and excursions should be confirmed before booking.
Tour Highlights
Arrive in Switzerland and continue to Lucerne according to your confirmed transport arrangements. After checking in to your selected accommodation, take time to settle in and adjust to the local surroundings.
If time permits, enjoy an introductory walk through Lucerne's central streets and lakeside areas. The Chapel Bridge, the surrounding old town and views towards the nearby mountains provide a gentle introduction to the destination without requiring an intensive sightseeing schedule.
Families may prefer a relaxed first evening with time for dinner and rest after travelling. Overnight in Lucerne, subject to the final package.
Spend the day discovering Lucerne, a historic city set beside Lake Lucerne and surrounded by mountain scenery. Explore the old town, admire its painted building façades and cross the Chapel Bridge, one of the city's best-known landmarks.
Continue towards the waterfront to appreciate views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Depending on the season and final arrangements, a boat excursion may offer another perspective on the region's villages and mountains.
Families can keep the afternoon flexible, choosing additional sightseeing, relaxed shopping or time at a lakeside café. The pace can be adjusted for younger children or travellers who prefer fewer walking activities.
Overnight in Lucerne, subject to the final package.
Depending on the selected package, begin with a mountain excursion from Lucerne or travel onwards to Interlaken. Possible mountain experiences in the Lucerne region include Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, both known for panoramic views and access by mountain transport on suitable operating days.
The chosen excursion should account for seasonal services, weather conditions, walking requirements and any age or height restrictions for specific activities. If the transfer to Interlaken takes priority, the mountain experience can instead be scheduled for another suitable day.
Continue to Interlaken using the confirmed transport arrangements. On arrival, settle into the new surroundings and enjoy a relaxed walk through town if time permits.
Overnight in Interlaken, subject to the final package.
Explore Interlaken and its surrounding alpine landscape. The town is positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and offers access to mountain villages, scenic viewpoints and a range of outdoor activities.
A suggested experience is to visit a local viewpoint and enjoy the views towards the surrounding peaks. Depending on the family's interests, the day may include a gentle walk, time by the river or an optional excursion into the nearby mountain region.
Families looking for a more active experience can discuss suitable outdoor activities when planning the tour. Activity choices should reflect the ages and abilities of all participants, with sufficient time for meals and rest.
Overnight in Interlaken, subject to the final package.
Dedicate the day to exploring the wider Interlaken region. One suggested option is Lauterbrunnen, a village set within a striking alpine valley known for waterfalls, steep cliffs and traditional Swiss scenery.
Depending on the season and selected arrangements, the excursion may include village exploration, scenic walks and visits to accessible viewpoints. Families should allow time to travel between locations and check the opening arrangements of any attractions they wish to visit.
Alternatively, the day can be tailored around a lake excursion, a mountain railway experience or a more relaxed programme in Interlaken. The best choice will depend on weather conditions, transport availability and the family's interests.
Return to Interlaken for the evening.
Enjoy breakfast and any remaining free time according to the departure schedule. Depending on the transport arrangements, there may be an opportunity for a short walk, a final look around town or time to purchase souvenirs.
Continue to the airport or onward destination using the confirmed transfer or public transport arrangements. Travellers departing from a different Swiss city should allow sufficient time for the onward journey.
Your six-day family holiday concludes with a varied introduction to Lucerne, Interlaken and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Lucerne – Historic Streets and Lakeside Scenery
Lucerne is an attractive starting point for a Swiss family holiday, combining a compact historic centre with a lakefront setting and access to the surrounding mountains.
The Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge with historic painted panels, is among the city's principal landmarks. The old town offers opportunities to explore traditional façades, public squares and small shops, while the waterfront provides views across Lake Lucerne towards the surrounding peaks.
Families can also consider a lake cruise or a mountain excursion, depending on their schedule. Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are possible options from the Lucerne region, although transport, operating schedules and weather conditions vary.
Interlaken – A Gateway to the Swiss Alps
Interlaken offers a different atmosphere, with open views towards the surrounding mountains and convenient access to the Bernese Oberland. Its location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz makes it a useful base for scenic outings.
The town itself is suitable for relaxed exploration, while the wider region offers opportunities for mountain transport, lake activities, village visits and outdoor experiences. The exact excursions chosen should reflect the season and the family's comfort with walking and altitude.
Lauterbrunnen – Waterfalls and Alpine Villages
Lauterbrunnen is a suggested excursion from Interlaken for families interested in traditional alpine scenery. Its valley is known for dramatic rock faces, green meadows and waterfalls descending from the surrounding cliffs.
Visitors can explore the village and selected accessible walking routes or use the area as a starting point for further regional sightseeing. Weather, trail conditions and attraction opening dates should be checked when finalising the programme.
A family holiday in Switzerland offers opportunities to discover the country's regional character alongside its landscapes. In Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, traditional architecture, village life, local shops and mountain scenery form an important part of the experience.
Swiss food varies by region, but families may encounter specialities such as cheese fondue, raclette, rösti and a range of regional cheeses. Swiss chocolate is another popular treat, while bakeries and cafés provide convenient stops between sightseeing activities. Menus and prices vary, so families with dietary requirements should check ingredients and discuss their needs when making meal arrangements.
Local markets and seasonal events may add another dimension to the visit, depending on the dates of travel. Summer often brings opportunities for lakeside activities and outdoor exploration, while winter offers a different atmosphere with snow-covered landscapes in higher-altitude areas and seasonal events in many destinations.
For families travelling with children, allowing time to enjoy a meal, explore a town square or pause at a scenic viewpoint can make the itinerary more comfortable than trying to fit in too many attractions each day.
What’s Included
The final inclusions depend on the selected package and confirmed itinerary. Potential arrangements to discuss with GlobalLink Suisse include:
Important: These are potential package components, not confirmed inclusions. Final inclusions are confirmed based on the selected package and itinerary. The quotation should specify accommodation standards, transport arrangements, sightseeing services, meals, excursion tickets and any applicable child rates.
What’s Not Included
Unless specifically included in the confirmed quotation, travellers should budget for the following possible expenses:
Review the final quotation carefully before confirming the holiday so that all family members’ requirements and expected expenses are understood.