Hiking with the family

Hiking with children follows different rules from hiking without them. The path is rarely the goal but the setting for everything that happens to left and right of it: the stream that invites a paddle, the stone that has to be turned over, the break that lasts longer than planned. The Canton of Schwyz offers a wealth of options for this kind of outing, from pushchair-friendly lakeside paths to adventure trails.

Rigi: the local mountain for everyone

The Rigi has been a family outing for generations. Cog railway and cable car carry families comfortably onto the back of the mountain, where a broad plateau opens up with flat paths that can be walked with a pushchair. The view from Rigi Kulm is among the best known in central Switzerland. For children the circular route along the plateau is recommended, which takes two to three hours depending on pace.

Stoos: a destination all year round

In summer the Stoos ski area is a different place: the pistes are green slopes, and the paths belong to walkers and families. The plateau around the village suits easy strolls well, and the ride on the steepest funicular in the world is usually adventure enough for children. At the top there is food and drink, play areas and enough space for a day without time pressure.

Brunnen and the lakeside path

If you are out with a pushchair, the Brunnen area offers one of the most accessible starting points in the canton. The lakeside path along Lake Lucerne is largely flat, surfaced and well suited, with refreshment stops along the way. Its charm lies in the alternation of water, forest and village stretches.

Muotatal: open space on the valley floor

The Muotatal is known for its quiet, which makes it interesting for families who want to escape the bustle. The valley path is flat, well made and leads through a landscape of lush green in summer, shaped by farms. For older children the easy side paths that lead from the valley floor up the slopes are an option.

Adventure routes and themed trails

The canton has several adventure routes designed specifically for families: information boards on wildlife and plants, rest areas with play facilities and water features to play in. The routes can usually be done in two to three hours. A good overview is provided by SchweizMobil, where family routes can be filtered by difficulty and pushchair suitability.

Sattel-Hochstuckli: an introduction to mountain hiking

In summer the gondola carries families up to around 1,200 metres, from where easy hiking trails lead in various directions. For families who want to introduce children to mountain hiking without overtaxing them, Sattel-Hochstuckli is a good starting point, with a reliable view of Lake Zurich.

What to bear in mind

Hiking with children means planning: check the state of the path beforehand, especially with a pushchair, because not every path described as family-friendly is suitable for wheels. Pack enough food; children need more breaks. And set a generous schedule, because anyone who hikes with children rarely arrives on time. That is not a drawback, that is the point.