Where to Stay in Switzerland With Kids: Best Family Bases From the Alps to Lake Lucerne
When planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the biggest questions we get asked is where to decide where to stay. Where you stay does make a difference how how accessible getting places can be. We recommend picking 2-3 bases (depending on how long you are traveling) of areas to stay and making the day trips from there. After visiting Switzerland with kids multiple times- Here are the things I wish I would’ve known ahead of time.
Switzerland may be small, but each region offers a completely different experience — from alpine villages in the Jungfrau Region to lakeside towns along Lake Lucerne and charming car-free mountain escapes like Zermatt and Wengen. Choosing the right home base can make all the difference when traveling with kids, especially when you’re balancing scenic train rides, outdoor adventures, and downtime to simply soak in those postcard views. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly where we stayed (and why), along with the best family-friendly hotels and rentals in each region to help you confidently plan your own unforgettable Swiss adventure.
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Jungfrau Region (Swiss Alps)
The Jungfrau Region in Switzerland is commonly referred to as the Bernese Oberland’s high alpine area, centered around the famous trio of mountains: Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.
When someone refers to this area it consists of these main towns:
Interlaken (gateway town between two lakes)
Grindelwald
Wengen
Lauterbrunnen
Mürren
We suggest staying in Wengen because it gives you that classic Swiss Alps experience of a small alpine village, while also being very centrally located, making it easy to get to all the top hikes, viewpoints and attractions you will want to see, and gives you the MOST beautiful, jaw-dropping views. We also love that it is a car free town, it just gives
You should stay in Lauterbrunnen if you want to be the MOST centrally located and/or have a car.
And we recommended you stay in Grindelwald if you have a car or if you have older kids because there is a more adventure things near here.
Grindelwald
Our hotel of choice:
Hotel Spinne Grindelwald : families because it combines an unbeatable central location with comfort and memorable amenities. Located right in the heart of Grindelwald with stunning Eiger views, it’s an easy walk to the train station and First gondola, making mountain adventures simple with kids. Families love the spacious alpine-style rooms, included breakfast, on-site dining options, and especially the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Alps — a fun and relaxing bonus after a day of hiking or sightseeing.
Image courtesy of Hotel Spinne Grindelwald
Rental option:
Chalet "Luftschloss : Great for families because it offers plenty of space, comfort, and unbeatable mountain views in a peaceful yet convenient location. With four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, it’s ideal for spreading out and making meals at home. The chalet sits in a sunny spot with stunning Eiger views and is just a 10–15 minute walk to the village center and the First gondola, making it easy to access hiking, skiing, and family-friendly mountain activities. This rental has laundry and sleeps 8.
Image courtesy of booking,com
Wengen
Our favorite rentals:
➡️ Chalet Alpenheim 1: We absolutely LOVED this place. It was only about an 8 minute walk from the train station (but do note it is quite a bit of stairs (going DOWN to get to it) - you can pre arrange with the rental company to have your luggage picked up at the train station and delivered, or you can do what we did - and just consider it your workout for the day!
This rental is truly perfect for a family, whether you have big or little kids! There are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, a washer-dryer, and a huge open living room and kitchen area. Having the extra space for my kids to play is crucial when traveling, especially for a long period of time.
But the absolute highlight of this place was the wrap around balcony! The balcony overlooked the Lauterbrunnnen valley on one side and the top of the Swiss Alps (Glaciers) on the other. We sat out here and had coffee, dinner and of course watched the sun set! (Pictured below)
I took this photo one evening on our last trip to Switzerland when we stayed at this rental. The porch is truly such an amazing addition and great extra space.
➡️ Chalet Aquila 7 Penthouse : We also loved staying at this rental apartment through Wengen Apartments - this one is also on a hill but you go UP rather than down on arrival. It is situated right on the hiking trail and even has ski-in and ski-out access. This was a lofty 4-bedroom 3-bathroom unit that is perfect for a family. We loved having a kitchen to cook in and a beautiful fireplace to warm up around! This one is more of a traditional Swiss chalet and you can even hear the cow bells from the balcony as there is a pasture close by.
The upstairs is great for kids to sleep but the ceilings are kind of low as it is a loft. There was a den with books and games for the kids or if you were to be working you could use that space to work. This is another great option and also has good views from the balcony.
Evenings on our balcony from this great rental overlooking this Swiss Alps
Hotel Option or for a smaller group:
➡️Hotel Regina :
This is a great option if you want a wonderful place for a family to stay because it combines a stunning alpine setting with comfort, convenience, and amenities that appeal to all ages. Built in a charming Victorian style and located in car-free Wengen, the hotel offers panoramic mountain and Lauterbrunnen Valley views from many rooms and balconies — perfect for waking up to classic Swiss scenery.
Families can enjoy spacious rooms and a dedicated Family Suite designed for comfortable living together, plus two on-site restaurants, a welcoming lobby with fireplace, and a wellness area with sauna and steam bath to relax after outdoor adventures. Its central village location means you’re a short walk from the train station, lifts, hiking trails, and local shops/restaurants, making exploring with kids easy and fun.
In short, Hotel Regina offers great views, family-friendly rooms, convenient location, and cozy alpine comfort — all of which make it a strong pick for a family trip in the Jungfrau region.
Image courtesy of Expedia
Lauterbrunnen
➡️ Hotel Staubbach :
auterbrunnen is a magical base for families, set in a dramatic valley of waterfalls with easy access to car-free mountain villages like Wengen and Mürren, scenic train rides, gentle hikes, and unforgettable alpine adventures. Hotel Staubbach enhances the experience with its warm, family-run atmosphere, comfortable family rooms, and unbeatable location just steps from Staubbach Falls and a short walk to the train station. With stunning valley views, included breakfast, and a relaxed, welcoming feel, it’s an easy, scenic, and family-friendly place to call home in the Jungfrau region.
Image courtesy of Hotel Staubbach
Lake Lucerne Region (Central Switzerland)
This is the area that is surrounding Lake Lucerne in the heart of the country. Anchored by the city of Lucerne, it includes charming lakeside towns like Weggis, Vitznau, and Brunnen, as well as famous mountains such as Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. Spanning several central cantons, the region is known for its classic Swiss combination of lake cruises, panoramic mountain views, historic old towns, and easy access from Zurich, offering a relaxed yet iconic Swiss experience. Staying right in the city of Lucerne there are not many budget friendly options so we usually pick this as the part of the trip when we splurge to stay or stay across the lake in Vitznau/Weggis.
Lucerne
➡️ Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern : combines a central lakeside location with elegant, spacious rooms and suites, making it easy to explore Lucerne’s Old Town and lakefront together. Its long family-run history and excellent service give a welcoming, comfortable feel, and the hotel’s well-rated spa and wellness area is a great place to unwind after sightseeing. Families especially appreciate the option of connecting rooms and scenic lake or mountain views, plus the convenience of being steps from shops, restaurants, and major attractions.
➡️ Lucerne - Hotel des Balances : family choice thanks to its picture-perfect Old Town location right on the Reuss River, putting you within walking distance of Lucerne’s key sights like Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. Its comfortable, well-appointed rooms (including options with river or city views) and free Wi-Fi make it easy to base your family’s explorations here, and the on-site restaurant with terrace dining offers a relaxed spot for meals together. With highly-rated customer service and a warm atmosphere, it’s ideal for families who want a charming, walkable home base in the heart of
Photo courtesy of Hotel des Balances
More budget friendly option:
➡️ Hotel Alpha : This is a great budget-friendly option for families because it offers clean, simple rooms at a more affordable price point while still being just a short 10-minute walk from Lucerne’s train station and Old Town. Its convenient location makes sightseeing easy without needing taxis or public transport. Families appreciate the included breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and welcoming, helpful staff — all of which make it a comfortable and practical base for exploring Lucerne on a budget.
Image courtesy of booking.com
Weggis
➡️ Hotel Alexander: great family stay because it’s centrally located near the train station and Old Town, making it easy to explore Lucerne’s sights with kids. It offers comfortable, well-appointed family rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, and its included breakfast helps keep mornings simple and budget-friendly. The hotel’s friendly staff and convenient access to lakefront walks and attractions make it a practical and welcoming base for families.
Photo courtesy of Expedia
➡️ Campus Hotel Hertenstein : This is ideal for families thanks to its beautiful lakeside setting on Lake Lucerne, with easy access to swimming, boat rides, and outdoor fun. It has spacious rooms and family-friendly suites, plus amenities like an outdoor pool, playground, and on-site dining that appeal to both kids and adults. Its peaceful location with stunning mountain and lake views offers a relaxing retreat while still being close enough to take day trips to Lucerne or Mount Rigi.
Great alternative to staying in Lucerne but still on the lake and just a boat ride away
Photo courtesy of booking.com
Vitznau
➡️ Chalet Oz Vitznau : This charming rental feels like your own private lakeside retreat on Lake Lucerne, offering generous space and beautiful views that make it easy to settle in and unwind. With two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a light-filled living area, it’s perfectly set up for families to cook meals together, relax comfortably, and enjoy quality time after a day of exploring. It is tucked into a peaceful yet convenient location, it’s just a short walk to the lake, boat pier, local restaurants, and the historic Rigi cogwheel railway — which makes it really easy to do day trips. We loved the village atmosphere, great lake views and how accommodating and family friendly it was.
You get this cozy chalet with views overlooking Lake Lucerne
Photo courtesy of booking.com
Lugano (Ticino Region)
Lugano
Lugano is a town in the region of Ticino, (Italian-speaking region) located in southern Switzerland near the Italian border, about an hour from Milan. Ticino is Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton and is known for its distinctly Mediterranean feel, with palm trees, scenic lake promenades, excellent Italian food, and a relaxed lifestyle centered around Lake Lugano and nearby Lake Maggiore. The climate is typically warmer than much of Switzerland, giving it a softer, sun-filled atmosphere. It feels very different from alpine destinations like Lucerne or Zermatt — offering more of an Italian Riviera vibe than a traditional mountain village experience.
➡️ Lido Seegarden: Lido Seegarden is a fantastic family choice because it offers not just a place to stay, but an experience right on Lake Lugano’s waterfront. With spacious, modern rooms and easy access to swimming pools, playgrounds, and lakeside lawn areas, kids have plenty of room to play and adults can relax with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Its location in Paradiso means you’re within walking distance of the Lugano funicular, beautiful promenades, and cafes, so family outings are effortless — from lakeside strolls and boat rides to gelato stops along the water. It’s the perfect blend of fun, convenience, and scenic charm for families looking to enjoy both outdoor activity and peaceful evenings by the lake.
➡️ Novotel Lugano Paradiso: This is a great mire budget friendly option that has generous family rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and superb location overlooking Lake Lugano. The hotel’s relaxed, contemporary style makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring, while features like a children’s play area, outdoor terrace, and easy access to lakeside activities keep everyone entertained. Its location on the edge of Lugano means you’re close to the funicular, parks, shops, and restaurants — yet still feel tucked into a serene setting that’s great for families. With great service, spacious accommodations, and plenty of space for kids to spread out, it’s a reliable and comfortable base for a family Swiss getaway.
Novotel Lugano
Photo courtesy of All Accor
Morcote
Morcote is just right across the river from Lugano. It is a beautiful lakeside village on Lake Lugano that offers a peaceful, storybook setting perfect for families. With its cobblestone streets, waterfront promenade, gardens, and easy lake access, it’s a relaxed place where kids can explore safely while adults soak in the mountain and water views. It’s also a great base for scenic boat rides and easy day trips around the Ticino region.
➡️ 5 Bedroom Villa: This waterfront home offers plenty of space and comfort for a family, with multiple bedrooms and a layout that lets everyone spread out, relax, and be together without feeling cramped. The fully equipped kitchen and spacious living areas make it easy to prepare meals, gather for family time, and enjoy a home-like experience rather than being tucked into tight hotel rooms. Its stunning location right on Lake Lugano means you’re just steps from the water, boat access, and scenic promenades — perfect for kids to explore and adults to unwind with postcard views every day. With outdoor space to enjoy meals and play, proximity to a charming village full of cafés and gelato, and easy access to nearby towns and attractions, it’s a relaxed, convenient, and memorable base for a family Swiss getaway.
This villa overlooks Lake Lugano and has amazing outdoor area with boat access
Photo courtesy of VRBO
Zermatt (Matterhorn Region)
Zermatt is a mountain village in southern Switzerland at the base of the Matterhorn.
It is car-free (you park in Täsch and take a train in).
It’s the main access point for: Matterhorn views, Gornergrat Railway, Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn) & Major ski and hiking areas
When people say “We’re staying in Zermatt,” they almost always mean the town itsel
➡️ Alpen Resort & Spa: This a more of a luxury stay for families because it combines spacious family rooms and suites with standout amenities that appeal to all ages. Kids love the indoor pool, while parents can unwind in the large spa and wellness area after a day of mountain adventures. Its convenient location near the train station and lifts makes exploring Zermatt easy and stress-free, and the on-site dining options mean relaxed, simple evenings together — all set against stunning Matterhorn views.
Beautiful Luxurious Alpen Resort in the Swiss Alps
Picture courtesy of hotels.com
➡️ Hotel Bahnhof: Just steps away from Zermatt Train Station, Hotel Bahnhof offers free Wi-Fi access and views of the Valais Alps from all rooms. The free ski bus stops right outside. The rooms feature wooden furniture and floors, and some have a balcony. Bathrooms are private or shared. Guests of the Bahnhof Hotel can use a shared kitchen, a laundry room, and a ski storage room. Several restaurants are within a 5-minute walk.
Photo Courtesy of Momondo
Zurich (City&Airport)
I wanted to add some hotels that you could stay at if you needed to stay the night before or after a flight. Staying in Zurich for a night at the start or end of your Switzerland trip is a smart and easy choice. As the country’s main international gateway, it simplifies arrival and departure logistics while giving you a chance to explore a charming Old Town, stroll along Lake Zurich, and enjoy great dining all within a compact, walkable area. It’s a relaxed way to ease into your adventure — or wind down at the end — without rushing straight to the mountains.
Airport:
➡️ Leonardo Hotel Zurich Airport : A strong “value + comfort” pick with a very good guest score and modern amenities—great when you want a reliable place close to the airport without paying premium terminal-connected prices.
Lobby area of Leonardo Hotel Zurich Airport
Photo courtesy of Expedia
City:
➡️ Novotel Zurich City‑West: Spacious family rooms and good public transit links make this a strong option for families who want space and convenience.
Photo courtesy of All Accor
FAQ
Q: What is the best Swiss itinerary for families?
A: A balanced itinerary often includes 2–3 regions, such as the Jungfrau Region, Lake Lucerne, and either Zermatt or Lugano. This allows families to experience both alpine adventure and lakeside relaxation without feeling rushed. Read our full detailed 10-day Switzerland itinerary
Q: Where should families stay near Lake Lucerne?
A: Families love staying in Lucerne, Weggis, or Vitznau for easy access to boat cruises, Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, and charming lakeside promenades. This region offers a relaxed pace with stunning scenery and convenient transportation. We outline our top family picks and why they worked so well for us.
Q: What is the best Swiss region for a first family trip?
A: For first-time visitors, we recommend combining the Jungfrau Region with Lake Lucerne for a perfect mix of dramatic alpine scenery and classic Swiss lake charm. This pairing gives you iconic views, easy transportation, and a manageable pace for kids. Our blog shares how we structured our itinerary to make it seamless.
Q: Is Switzerland easy to travel with kids?
A: Yes, Switzerland is incredibly family-friendly. Public transportation is clean, punctual, and easy to navigate, and many mountain excursions are stroller-accessible. Car-free villages and safe walking areas make exploring with kids stress-free.
Q: What’s the best time to visit Switzerland with kids?
A: Late spring through early fall (May–October) is ideal for families, especially for hiking, boat rides, and mountain excursions. September and early October are especially beautiful with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Q: How many days do you need in Switzerland with kids?
A: We recommend at least 7–10 days to fully enjoy multiple regions without feeling rushed. Switzerland may look small on a map, but each area offers unique experiences worth slowing down for. Our recap outlines how we divided our time for the best balance.
Q: Is Lake Lugano worth adding to a Switzerland family itinerary?
A: Yes! Lake Lugano offers a completely different experience with its Mediterranean feel, palm trees, lakeside promenades, and Italian-inspired culture. It’s a relaxing contrast to the high Alps and a wonderful place to slow down with kids.
