Imagine gliding past mirror-like lakes, stepping off a train to discover a fairytale castle, or waking up to snow-capped peaks filling your balcony view.
This summer, we swapped car journeys and airport stress for a 7 day Swiss Travel Pass family itinerary – and it turned out to be one of the most magical trips we’ve ever taken.
Armed with a Swiss Travel Pass (plus the free Swiss Family Card for the kids), we crisscrossed the country with ease. Trains, boats, trams, even mountain railways – all included. No tickets to juggle, no “are we nearly there yet?” meltdowns. Just pure adventure, Swiss style.
Here’s our exact 7 day Switzerland itinerary by train – complete with all the accommodation, activities, train routes, and insider tips you need to recreate the trip of a lifetime.
Planning Your Swiss Travel Pass Adventure
The Swiss Travel Pass is the ultimate family travel hack:
- Unlimited travel on trains, buses & boats.
- Free use of public transport in 90+ towns and cities.
- Free entry to 500+ museums.
- Mountain excursions included: Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn, Stoos.
- Up to 50% off other mountain excursions (like Pilatus, Titlis, Schilthorn).
- Free Swiss Family Card – kids under 16 travel free with a parent.
Tips Before You Go:
Don’t forget essential meds… or your passport 😉
Download the SBB Mobile App (Apple | Android) for live updates.
Pack a narrow two-pin adaptor plug (different to the EU plug you’ll use in France/Spain).
Carry insurance + GHIC/EHIC.
Day 1 – Zurich with the Swiss Travel Pass
Stay: Meininger Hotel Zurich Greencity
Rain poured down as we arrived in Zurich, but instead of dampening our spirits, it gave us the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy our hotel. The kids dashed to the game zone and made instant friends, while we grabbed drinks from the bar and settled in to watch the UEFA Women’s Final with fellow travellers.
The hotel was everything a family could need:
- Spacious family room with bunk beds.
- Guest kitchen to cook and save money.
- Breakfast buffet with plenty of choice.
- Laundry room (lifesaver with kids!).
- Tram link to Zurich HB, and just steps from Zurich Manegg station.
Budget-friendly without compromising on style or comfort – perfect when using the Swiss Travel Pass as a base.
Day 2 – Rhine Falls Day Trip from Zurich & Arrival in Lucerne
The next morning, after a hearty buffet breakfast, we set off on our first big adventure.
From Zurich HB, we took the S12 train (50 mins, included with the Swiss Travel Pass) straight to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall. Step off the train and you’re practically at the waterfall’s edge.
Nothing prepares you for the power of the Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest waterfall. The roar, the mist, the sheer scale. We paid a small fee for the viewing platforms and boat ride, and it was worth every single franc. Even in the rain, it was spellbinding.
Afternoon: back on the train, we continued on to Lucerne – a scenic ride that gave us a taste of what lay ahead.
Stay: Hotel Waldstätterhof Luzern
Breakfast was fresh and relaxed – staff even surprised Oscar with a birthday card, chocolate, and Haribo when they found out it was his birthday.
Location: across the street from the train station.
Suite with a private balcony, huge bathroom, Molton Brown toiletries.
Walking distance to Chapel Bridge, Old Town, Lake Lucerne.
Day 3 – Lucerne to Mount Rigi with Kids
Less than 5 minutes after leaving the hotel, we were boarding a historic steamboat across Lake Lucerne (included in the pass). The boat glided past mountain peaks and villages before reaching Vitznau, where we connected to the Rigi cogwheel railway – also fully covered.
At the summit:
- Mountain cows grazing.
- A mountaintop beer garden.
- A playground with panoramic views.
All transport (steamboat + cogwheel + trams) is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Pro Tip: Don’t panic if you take the wrong stop – we did, and ended up in a random lakeside town with a playground, friendly locals, and a furry four legged friend. An hour later the next boat picked us up. Sometimes detours are the best memories.
Day 4 – Lucerne to Mürren by Train
This was the day we traded lakes for mountain magic.
Route (all covered by the pass):
- Lucerne → Interlaken Ost (2 hrs of breath taking scenery).
- Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen (20 mins).
- Cable car up to Grutschalp.
- Scenic train into Mürren – a car-free alpine village perched above the valley.
Stay: Hotel Alpina Mürren
- Balcony overlooking the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – straight from bed.
- Interconnecting doubles (perfect for families).
- Cost: ~€400 for 1 night including breakfast.
Evening highlight: giant chess and trampoline at Café Liv, while we sipped drinks with those views.
Day 5 – Things to Do in Mürren with Kids
The next morning, we rode the Allmendhubel funicular (CHF 14 return for family with pass discount) up to 1900m.
At the top was the Flower Park Playground – slides, trampolines, and climbing frames, all framed by snow-capped peaks and chiming cowbells. The kids climbed and slid while we relaxed with a cold drink at the mountain restaurant.
Mürren stole our hearts. If you can, book more than one night here.
Day 6 – GoldenPass Line: Mürren to Montreux
Leaving Mürren was tough, but the GoldenPass Line softened the blow. Rolling through alpine meadows, valleys, and finally vineyards, it was a train ride straight out of a storybook.
Stay: La Plus Belle Vue du Lac Léman, Montreux
- Perched above the town with sweeping lake views.
- Budget-friendly at €355 for 2 nights in August.
- Bonus: the kids fell in love with the resident turtle, Angel.
Activities in Montreux with Kids:
Chillon Castle – turrets, courtyards, and dungeons. Entry free with the pass. We arrived by boat (also included in the pass) and stepped right off at the castle dock.
Plage du Pierrier – pebble beach with playground, volleyball nets, and shallow entry into Lake Geneva. Perfect for Swiss National Day celebrations with music, fireworks, and football on the sand.
Day 7 – Montreux to Geneva by Train
A final lakeside breakfast, then the short scenic train along Lake Geneva to Geneva, where we caught our overnight bus to Nantes.
Why This Swiss Travel Pass Itinerary Works
- Every train, boat, and bus was included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Hotels were all steps from train stations – no long walks with luggage.
- Kid-friendly activities at every stop: game rooms, trampolines, playgrounds, castles, beaches.
- Balanced mix of cities, lakes, and mountains = never boring.
FAQ: Swiss Travel Pass for Families
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for families?
Yes – especially with the Swiss Family Card, kids under 16 travel free, saving hundreds.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass include Mount Rigi?
Yes – steamboat, cogwheel railway, and local trams are all fully included.
What is the best 7 day Switzerland itinerary by train?
Zurich → Rhine Falls → Lucerne (Rigi) → Mürren → Montreux → Geneva is perfect for families.
Do kids travel free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.
How do I get from Zurich to Rhine Falls by train?
Take the S12 from Zurich HB to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall (50 mins, included in the pass).
Fact Box: Swiss Travel Pass
- Unlimited train, bus & boat travel.
- Free public transport in 90+ towns and cities.
- Free entry to 500+ museums.
- Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn, Stoos.
- Up to 50% off other peaks & attractions.
- Prices start from £229 (3-day, 2nd class)
- travelswitzerland.com
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is not just a destination – it’s an experience that feels part fairytale, part adventure, and part pure family bonding. The Swiss Travel Pass made it simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Our favourite moment? Watching the kids race across Mürren’s Flower Park Playground while the Alps stretched out behind them. That’s the kind of memory that stays with you forever.
If you’re looking for a family trip that combines ease, excitement, and once-in-a-lifetime scenery – this is it. Pack your bags, grab a Swiss Travel Pass, and let the rails lead the way.
Flipflops and Floaties 
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