Must-Do Family Hike in the Swiss Alps (Kid-Friendly Guide)
Allmendhubel: where the cable car ride is fun, the views are epic, and the playground at the top makes it a family favorite in the Swiss Alps. 🇨🇭⛰️
The sound of cowbells echoed through the valley, wildflowers nodded in the breeze, and snow-dusted peaks rose so sharply above us it felt like stepping into a storybook. Switzerland is full of jaw-dropping landscapes, but this family-friendly hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley will stay with me forever.
We weren’t racing to see everything. We weren’t checking off a list. Instead, we slowed down long enough to notice—how small we felt surrounded by the towering mountains, how much joy our son found collecting pine cones, how incredible it was to play at an alpine playground that seemed to top the world.
If you’re traveling in Switzerland with kids, this is a hike worth adding to your list.
Three generations, one trail, and a view that stopped us in our tracks. This is why we hike together. 🏔️❤️
Quick Summary
Location: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Swiss Alps
Trailhead: Gutschalp → Mürren (then cable car to Allmendhubel)
Length: ~3 miles (5 km) one way to Mürren
Difficulty: Easy–moderate; steady uphill but very manageable for kids
Family-friendliness: Excellent for kids — wide, well-marked path, playground + café at Allmendhubel
Highlights: Alpine meadows, views of Eiger/Monch/Jungfrau, Swiss farmhouses, cowbells
Nearby: Trümmelbach Falls — 10 glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain cave (dramatic and family-friendly, though very loud!)
The Experience
From the moment we set out, the valley felt like walking through a postcard. Cows grazed lazily, their bells creating a soundtrack that felt uniquely Swiss. Our son darted ahead, pointing out every wildflower and pretending to be an explorer—collecting pine cones as he went.
The hike itself wasn’t overly long or difficult, but that was part of what made it so special. We weren’t pushing to reach a summit or racing daylight. We were walking slowly, soaking it in, with time to stop for snacks, climb rocks, and just look around in awe.
At one point, we stopped and simply stood still. The silence was palpable, broken only by the sound of distant bells. It was one of those rare moments where the world feels both impossibly big and incredibly close.
Who needs screens when you have ladders into the earth?
From Mürren, we hopped on the cable car up to Allmendhubel — and it ended up being the perfect way to finish the day. The ride itself was fun for our son, but the real highlight was waiting at the top: an incredible alpine playground surrounded by mountain views. While he disapeared into tunnels and zipped down slides carved into the hillside, we had time to catch our breath and take in the panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It was the kind of family-travel magic that only happens when you slow down enough to say “yes” to the extra stop.
Tips for Families
When to go: Summer brings warmer weather and wildflowers; spring and early fall are cooler but quieter.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, layers (mountain weather changes fast).
Facilities: Small shops and cafés nearby in Lauterbrunnen; some trails connect to lifts or villages with restaurants.
With kids: Let them set the pace. Plan for snack stops and time to explore—rocks, streams, and meadows are half the fun.
Why This Hike Matters
Traveling as a family often means balancing big dreams with little legs, and this hike was the perfect middle ground. It reminded me that the most memorable travel moments aren’t always the “big ticket” attractions. They’re the ones where we choose awe over hustle, connection over checking off the list.
Hiking here gave us a chance to pause—together—in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It wasn’t about conquering the trail. It was about noticing the details, hearing the bells, and realizing how much joy lives in simply walking side by side.
If You Have Time: Trümmelbach Falls
Just down in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you’ll find Trümmelbach Falls — a series of 10 glacier-fed waterfalls thundering through caves inside the mountain. Walkways and tunnels let you see the multiple tiers up close, making it one of the most dramatic natural sights in Switzerland.
Family tip: It’s loud and powerful, so younger kids may want ear protection. But older children will love the adventure of exploring waterfalls inside a cave!
More Travel Inspiration
Planning a longer trip? 👉 Check out our four countries in two weeks itinerary and reflection on slowing down.
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Thanks for reading and happy travels
~We Went Anyway
About Christal
I’m a clinical psychologist, professor, and writer who believes in resisting hustle culture and finding awe through slow, meaningful travel with my family. I’ve explored four continents, often blending work and play through teaching abroad and cultural immersion.
I created We Went Anyway as a space to share stories about choosing presence over perfection and finding joy in a full, connected life through adventure — big and small.
When I’m not writing or hiking, you’ll find me sipping peppermint tea on the porch with friends, building Legos with my son, watching design videos to guide the slow remodel of our 118-year-old home, or planning the next family trip from our home base in Kentucky.