How to “Maximize” Your Time in Switzerland: A Travel Expert on Family Holiday
By Christen Fleming, February 5, 2026
As a Switzerland Travel Expert, I have the privilege of knowing just how much this beautiful country offers: charming alpine villages, breathtaking hikes, awe-inspiring train routes, and glimpses into local culture. When it comes time to plan my own family’s trips, however, that knowledge becomes both a gift and a challenge.
While I want to visit as much as possible in order to scout out destinations, hotels, and excursions for future clients, I also want to preserve our family’s preferred travel rhythm: slow, flexible, and rooted in genuine experiences.
Letting Curiosity (Not Consumption) Lead the Way
How does a travel planner plan their own family vacation?
My family and I let curiosity lead the way when planning our trip to Switzerland this past summer. Resisting the temptation to check off a list of “must-sees” both new and old, we mapped out a few destinations and experiences we were excited to discover, especially those I hadn’t yet experienced myself.
Our itinerary wove together places I’ve long wanted to visit professionally, like the Valais Matterhorn Region, with deeper explorations of longtime favorites like the Bernese Oberland and Lake Lucerne.
We were also mindful of how we traveled, making sustainability a priority. Overtourism has become a growing concern in many of Switzerland’s most iconic destinations, and by choosing to spend time in less congested destinations and using public transport, we were able to reduce our footprint, support smaller communities, and experience a more authentic side of Swiss life. The added bonus? We encountered fewer crowds and enjoyed some “hidden gems” that, of course, the locals already know and love!
These were some of the stops that reminded us why slow, thoughtful travel can be just as impactful, if not more so, than the pressure to check off a list overflowing with Switzerland’s most famous sights:
Längfluh, Saas-Fee: Making Memories with Marmots and Glaciers
Our first time in Saas-Fee turned out to be one of the most memorable stops of the trip, and something my kids still talk about almost daily. While the picture-perfect village and its awesome glacier views impressed us immediately, what came next really set this visit apart.
After a quick hotel check-in we headed straight for the Längfluh gondola which I had heard would bring us up close and personal to two things: marmots and a glacier. I can confidently say that Saas-Fee delivered! We got as close as you can get to Fee Glacier without traversing it, then descended to mid-station Spielboden to start our search for the marmots we had heard so much about. Our kids waited patiently, carrots in hand, eyes scanning every hole they saw for curious marmots. There was no need to rush, no pressure to “get to the next thing” – this was the thing. Watching our kids so engaged in nature while surrounded by breathtaking beauty reminded us what travel is really about for us. It was exactly the kind of moment that makes slow travel feel so worthwhile.
Legends of Lake Lucerne: Storytelling on the Water
This new premium cruise experience was one of the standout highlights of our trip. As we boarded the steamboat and were welcomed with warm hospitality, we knew we were in for something special. The service was outstanding, the food exceptional, and the storytelling by a talented actor was masterfully delivered, engaging without ever feeling overdone. The journey gave us time to soak in the beauty of Lake Lucerne and without our kids in tow, my husband and I enjoyed the chance to fully unwind and reflect together (hence the lack of personal photos – we truly tried to unplug and be in the moment)!
Aletsch Arena: A Hike Along Europe’s Largest Glacier
Experiencing the Aletsch Glacier was another highlight of our trip and far exceeded anything we had imagined! I’d seen the pictures and thought I knew what to expect, but nothing quite prepares you for the sheer vastness of the largest glacier in the Alps. We started the day walking through the typical Swiss mountain village of Bettmeralp with its iconic chapel “Mary of the Snow”, and then up to viewpoint Bettmerhorn to get our first glimpses which simply left us speechless.
There are several different viewpoints for the glacier (it’s enormous, after all) and since it’s possible to hike between them, we did! The trail runs high above the Aletsch Glacier, and while it was not physically demanding, it is one of the most powerful hikes I’ve ever taken. It took longer than expected but only because we paused often to snack, talk about nature and the environment, and simply stand in awe. It made us remember: slow travel isn’t about doing less, it’s about experiencing more.
How Do You Maximize Your Time in Switzerland?
A question I often get asked from my clients: How do we make the most of our time in Switzerland?
It’s easy to fall into the mindset that maximizing your trip means seeing every single sight you’ve bookmarked online. But Switzerland is overflowing with beauty and unforgettable experiences, so it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. Instead of asking “what are we missing,” consider holding space in your itinerary for those things that make you say, “that looks cool, let’s go check it out!” or to simply linger in an awesome moment a bit longer.
Planning a More Meaningful Switzerland Trip
I’m not suggesting you go to Switzerland without a plan (that’s exactly where a great travel consultant comes into play!), but I am suggesting these two strategies:
- Rethink your must-do list: What is your true travel goal? Is it to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the lakes and Alps? Or perhaps you are more drawn to charming Old Towns, cheese, chocolate, and local wine? Once that’s clear, ask: Do I really need to hop to a new destination each day to achieve this? Often, slowing down lets you absorb more, not less.
- Explore beyond the hot spots: Let us recommend places you may not have considered – we’ve invested the time and care to become Switzerland Travel Experts and would love to help you shape something meaningful!
Make Space for Serendipity
I understand the desire to see as many of Switzerland’s highlights as possible, especially if you’re used to fast-paced trips. So, to the travelers planning their next adventure: yes, absolutely see the highlights. They’re highlights for a reason! But, if you can, also give yourself permission to slow down, veer off the social-media-driven path, and stay somewhere that doesn’t make the front page of a guidebook, because that might be exactly where your real favorites are waiting. The magic comes from the serendipity – it doesn’t need to be a superlative to be spectacular!
Ready to create your own meaningful Swiss adventure? Contact us to start planning today! Or, find more inspiration from some of my other family adventures, such as in Graubunden and using Montreux as a base to explore.
All photos (except of the steamship Gallia) by Christen Fleming