On a recent trip to Switzerland, we spent our first two days exploring Lucerne and staying just outside it in Weggis, and it turned out to be one of the best starts to a trip we’ve had. Switzerland is an incredible destination for toddlers just as much as it is for adults, and this proved it right away.
Getting There
We used points transferred to LifeMiles to book business class tickets from Tampa to Zurich, with a layover in Montreal. I was nervous about the 1.5 hour layover, but immigration for Americans on a connecting flight through Montreal is simple and only took a few minutes. We even had time to check out the Air Canada lounge before our next flight.
Zurich Airport to Lucerne
We landed in Zurich the next morning and used the SBB Mobile app to book a direct train straight to Lucerne. The train station is inside the airport, and the app itself is genuinely easy to use, you’ll end up relying on it for basically every form of transportation for the rest of the trip. The trains are also incredibly kid-friendly, many of them even have playgrounds!
Once we got to the Luzern train station, we stored our bags there before heading out to explore. None of the lockers were big enough for our luggage, so we went up to the main office and they held our bags for a small fee. Simple, and worth doing so you’re not dragging suitcases around Old Town.
Exploring Lucerne
From the train station, walk into the big open square, Bahnhofplatz, then head slightly left toward the wooden bridge, Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). Walk across it, take in the painted panels, and check out the water tower, Wasserturm, right next to it.
Once you cross the bridge, you’re in Old Town. We spent time wandering Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz, and Spreuer Bridge, all within easy walking distance of each other.
For lunch, we had a shortlist of options: Wirthaus Galliker, Restaurant Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern, Fondue House Du Pont, or just grabbing sandwiches from a bakery in Old Town and heading to a playground if the kids needed a break. We ended up at Restaurant Schiff, where we split a fondue and the kids ordered off the kids menu. Everyone left happy.
After lunch, we walked to the Lion Monument. It’s worth knowing going in that this one is a somber stop rather than a lighthearted photo op, it’s a memorial carved into a rock face honoring Swiss Guards killed in 1792, and Mark Twain once called it the most mournful piece of stone in the world. There’s a park nearby, though, which gives kids a place to run around after.
From there, we headed back toward Lake Lucerne, walking southeast to rejoin the waterfront promenade, where we watched swans and got ice cream.
One thing worth knowing: Lucerne itself is extremely busy. I’d genuinely recommend doing what we did and basing yourself just outside the city instead. Weggis ended up being one of our favorite stops on the entire trip.
If we’d had more time in Lucerne, we also would have checked out the Swiss Museum of Transport, which came highly recommended to us. We ran out of time and had to save it for next visit.
Getting to Weggis
We grabbed our luggage from the train station and walked to the ferry dock, following signs for Schiff. We booked our boat tickets through the same SBB Mobile app, you just put in your starting point and destination and it shows you all the available options, boats included.
We booked second class tickets, but next time I’d book first class instead, since it opens up more seating options. The boat is technically part of Switzerland’s public transportation system, but it doesn’t feel like it at all. It’s toddler and family friendly, with elevators, storage for luggage and strollers, and food and drinks available, though our ride was short enough that we didn’t need much. If the weather’s good, try to sit on the right side of the boat, on the upper deck outside.
Weggis
We got off the boat and walked a short distance to our hotel, Seehof Hotel Du Lac. I booked this through my travel agency, as it was by far the most cost-effective option for a nice hotel. After checking in and unpacking, we headed back out to explore. There are a few small playgrounds within easy walking distance, and an ice cream stand set up right near the boat station. We spent the evening just walking along the water, eating ice cream, and letting the kids explore.
For dinner, we kept it simple with pizza at Pizzeria SeeHotel Gotthard, right near both the waterfront and our hotel.
From here, we spent our second full day exploring Mount Rigi right from Weggis, which gets its own post since there’s a lot to cover.
A Few General Tips for Visiting Switzerland
You probably don’t need a rental car. Public transportation here is reliable and genuinely easy to navigate, trains, boats, and cable cars all included. Download the SBB Mobile app before you go, since you’ll use it constantly.
Learn a few phrases in Swiss German. Plenty of people speak English, but it’s worth knowing please, thank you, and how to order at a restaurant, along with how to ask if someone speaks English in Swiss German. We ran into a couple of spots without an English speaker available. That said, if you don’t speak a word of it, you’ll almost certainly still be fine.
Switzerland uses Swiss Francs, not Euros. It’s easy to assume otherwise since it’s surrounded by the EU, but Switzerland isn’t a member. Cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having a little cash on hand too.
Public drinking fountains are everywhere, and the water is safe to drink. This is a genuinely great one for families, refilling water bottles for free while you’re out all day with kids adds up.
Sundays are quiet. Most shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays, so plan any errands or shopping around that.
Bring the right power adapter. Switzerland uses a different plug type (Type J) than most of the rest of Europe, so a standard EU adapter won’t always work. Double-check before you pack.
Before You Go
I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.
Want Help Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland or anywhere else in Europe and want help with accommodations, activities, or building out the perfect itinerary, I do this for families all the time and it costs you nothing.
Shoot me an email at [email protected] and tell me where you’re headed.
