Switzerland in June

gaillimh

Hi.

I’m looking for a little bit of advice re Switzerland for early June next year.

We’re trying to decide between here and Austria - I’ve gotten a good bit of info on Austria so just trying to figure Switzerland out for comparison purposes.

We would be spending 5 nights in the Jungfrau region - first day mainly taken up with getting there so would have four full days ( perhaps three full days would be enough?).

I’m struggling to figure out if the things I have in my head make sense to do as I intend or do they make more sense to combine with other things I had planned to do on different days to avoid doubling cal on myself etc. so would really appreciate any input from somebody who is familiar with GeV area.

Two adults and two kids aged 6 and 8. We won’t have a car. Not planning on doing much hiking purely because my kids are a bit young yet.

More so just want to enjoy the spectacular scenery and do a few activities to keep the kids entertained.

Would love to hear any other recommendations that I haven’t listed below.

In terms of a base I’ve been looking at Grindelwald but really struggling to find anything affordable so looking like Interlaken would be the base (5 nights in a family room in a hostel coming in at approx €1100).

Manor Farm campsite is €600 but I’m figuring it’s location will be hassle with no car as need to get into Interlaken first to get anywhere as bus times are limited. 

Day 1: we will be coming from Italy so not planning on doing much on this day as could be late afternoon by the time we arrive.

Day 2: Interlaken area
Stroll the town.
Go up to Harder Kulm viewpoint.
Ferry to Brienz.
Maybe Rothorn cogwheel train?as Schynigge Platte is not open until later in month 

Day 3: Grindelwald area 
Stroll town
Grindelwald First.
Pfinstegg (summer toboggan)

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen  etc
Visit Lauterbrunnen and Wengen
Up to Männlichen viewpoint (good playground up here I believe also)

Day 5: last full day.
Open to suggestions - maybe bring the kids to one of tve village outdoor pools?
Any other suggestions ?

Day 6: travel home day

Considering the Interlaken to Luzern express train and then onwards to Zürich airport for PM flight home

 From what I’ve read online I’m not sure if Schiltorn or Jungfraujoch are worth the cost for the four of us.

Also from online research and bearing in mind the things listed above - I think two adult half fare cards are the way to go. I think getting any of the other passes would end up costing us money (Berner Oberland pass for example).

Really appreciate any advice. I could have the plans above totally and completely arseways :-)

Apologies for such a long  post.

Caranica

Switzerland is sooo expensive I really wouldn't recommend going until your children are old enough to remember it

rainagain

I'm not familiar with the region - only stayed in Interlaken to go the music festival (Greenfield, next on 12-14 June 2025) but even the train journey from Zurich is enjoyable with stunning views. Definitely worth considering for a trip.

Did you see this thread?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365837/zell-am-see-in-summer

These might be helpful https://www.interlaken.ch/en/experiences/families

and https://swissfamilyfun.com/10-reasons-why-your-kids-will-love-switzerland/. - seat61.com great for train travel info, saying what side to sit on for best view etc. Swiss trains usually have a family carriage, more info https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-with-children.html

If self-catering, Coop and Migros are like Dunnes or SuperValu for groceries. Some regions will give you free local transport when you stay in a hotel (from the time you check in), and free or reduced entry to museums etc - it's worth checking and make a hotel price seem more reasonable if you'd use what's included.

When I was sightseeing, I'd always check the weather forecast multiple times in the weeks and days before and half the time I didn't bother with going to the top of mountains, the views are incredible from half way up anyway, save your money! I took a few postbus routes just to see what it's like on the country roads, hop off and wander around for 30 or 60 minutes in a village, then get the next bus (you can trust the timetables).

When I was living in Zurich I signed up for the SBB and Swiss Tourism newsletters, helpful for ideas and sometimes good offers. Swiss kids will still be in school in June. In general I found doing a load of research online for anything Swiss was worth the time and effort. Some of the expat websites can be helpful too. Being organised in advance definitely helps!