5 tips: Excursions with children in Switzerland

Excursions in Switzerland with children: Journey of discovery in Toggenburg

Switzerland offers families an almost endless variety of experiences - from the highest mountains in the Alps to the most beautiful lakes and lively cities such as Zurich or Geneva. But sometimes it's the less touristy regions that offer particularly authentic and surprising family adventures.

For our research trip, we deliberately chose the tranquil Toggenburg in Eastern Switzerland - a region that is far away from the big tourist crowds and yet offers an impressive variety of family-friendly attractions.

Without covering great distances, we hiked barefoot across alpine meadows, walked between treetops and explored the mountains with huskies. Here are some great excursions with children in Switzerland.

Enjoy with all your senses: Barefoot trail and local delicacies

The starting point is the Hotel Panorama Gamplüt Zentrum in Wildhaus. Various Kneipp stations are set up among colorful wildflowers. Here you can feel the therapeutic effect of the cool Kneipp baths. In addition, you and the children can gather sensory impressions on the barefoot path.

Not to be missed: The Gamplüt Alpine cheese dairy is located in the immediate vicinity of the mountain station. Here, the Götte family processes alpine milk from around 100 cows into delicious alpine cheese and creamy butter. Try these authentic specialties directly from the producer.

The way back down to the valley is adventurous: at the Gamplüt mountain station, you have the option of hiring a scooter and whizzing down to the valley station - sometimes more, sometimes less speedily. Children aged eight and over can take their own scooter, younger children simply ride with their parents. If you prefer a quieter ride, choose the solar-powered cable car instead of the scooter.

Acoustic wonderland: the Toggenburg world of sound

The Toggenburg World of Sound is an acoustic work of art. At its heart is the sound trail, which stretches from Alp Sellamatt via Iltios to Oberdorf. On the hike, you will encounter 27 interactive sound sculptures by renowned artists, which you can try out for yourself. So even the children will never get bored on the route.

You can end the hike with a detour to the Klanghaus on Lake Schwendi. The building, designed by Marcel Meili, is an architectural masterpiece made of local wood, whose rooms are designed like a walk-in instrument.

The hollow walls and resonance chambers, inspired by dulcimer rosettes, create incomparable acoustics, which you can experience up close on a guided tour: every Sunday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Even without a guided tour, it is worth taking a walk around the building, which is harmoniously embedded in the natural landscape with its façade made of 480,000 hand-split spruce shingles.

You can round off your excursion to the Toggenburg world of sound in the sound forge in Alt St. Johann. Here you and the children can experiment with sounds in various themed rooms - even in bad weather - and watch how the blacksmith shapes bells from red-hot iron.

Change of perspective: excursion to the treetop walk in Mogelsberg

Take a walk among the treetops with a wonderful view over the Necker Valley: the 500-metre treetop walk in Mogelsberg takes you through the forest at lofty heights, where you can playfully explore the forest ecosystem at various stations or test your courage on the glass floor and balancing stations.

There is also a rarity to marvel at under the treetop path: the rare albino beech. This inconspicuous little tree with snow-white leaves is unable to photosynthesize itself due to its lack of chlorophyll and is supplied by neighbouring trees.

The highlight for photo fans on this excursion tip with children in Switzerland is the viewing platform at a height of 55 meters.

Arctic excursion in Switzerland: go on a husky tour with children

Experience the power and friendly disposition of Nordic huskies in the Swiss mountains. A trip with children to Husky Stuff in Alt St. Johann is a bonding experience that will stay with you for a long time. You can book various tours on site - and not just in winter.

Depending on your mood and fitness level, there are various experiences to choose from: from a short taster tour to an adventurous day tour including a homemade aperitif from the campfire.

Handling the dogs before or after a tour is a particularly enjoyable experience. On request, the team can arrange visits to the kennels, where around 40 animals live together in harmony and can be stroked, cuddled and fed under expert guidance.

Trip to the Säntis: day trip to the "King of Eastern Switzerland"

As the "King of Eastern Switzerland", the Säntis offers more than just a magnificent view. Start your adventure in the Schwägalp Nature Adventure Park with one of the five varied themed trails, which impart knowledge about geology, wildlife and alpine flora in a fun way.

The illustrated information boards at points of geological interest captivate inquisitive children and nature-loving adults alike. Guided hikes in the nature discovery park also offer experienced mountain hikers new insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Eastern Switzerland is a paradise for families

In the Toggenburg region in the east of Switzerland, you will find a variety of excursion destinations where the whole family can have fun. Parents can enjoy breathtaking views and unique nature on hikes. There are plenty of entertaining activities for children.

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