‘In Switzerland, it’s possible to sledge between two railway stations’: readers’ favourite family adventures in Europe

The Bernina Express itself is a testament to Swiss ingenuity, connecting Chur and Tirano (Italy) before continuing to Lugano. Its red carriages traverse 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels, ascending to a dizzying 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass without the aid of cogwheels, a feat of engineering from the early 20th century. For many, the train ride is the destination, but for the adventurous, it’s a gateway to further exploration.

The tip came through word-of-mouth: disembark at Bergün, stash the luggage, and take the train one stop back to Preda. From Preda, a five-mile (approximately 8 km) toboggan run descends back to Bergün. This particular stretch is not just any sledging path; it’s one of Switzerland’s most celebrated natural sled runs, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The track typically opens in late December and runs until early March, conditions permitting. The altitude difference between Preda (1,789 m) and Bergün (1,373 m) provides a thrilling 416-meter descent, promising speed and excitement.

Upon arriving in Preda, the group rented traditional wooden sledges – sturdy, classic models that evoke a sense of alpine heritage. The short walk to the start of the run builds anticipation. What Layla anticipated as a "gentle run into town" quickly transformed into a "fast and fun-filled couple of hours." The tree-lined course, with its winding turns and varying gradients, offered unexpected velocity, prompting comparisons to the popular video game, Mario Kart. This vivid description captures the blend of speed, control, and joyous abandon that defines the experience. The surreal moment of a children’s birthday party, complete with balloons trailing from the birthday girl’s sledge, overtaking them, further underscored the universal appeal and uninhibited joy of the activity.

This Preda-Bergün run is meticulously maintained, offering a safe yet exhilarating experience for all ages. It’s a prime example of how Switzerland leverages its natural winter landscape for accessible tourism, combining efficient public transport with outdoor adventure. As Astley notes, the seamless integration of train travel with activities like sledging highlights the flexibility and potential for spontaneous excursions inherent in European rail travel. The journey concluded back in Bergün, where they collected their luggage, enriched by an unforgettable, spontaneous alpine escapade before continuing their onward rail journey. This kind of ad-hoc adventure, enabled by Switzerland’s comprehensive and reliable public transport network, truly encapsulates the spirit of discovery that makes European train travel so rewarding.

Beyond the snow-capped peaks, Sophie and her family discovered the magic of slow travel, even in the bustling heart of Europe, with their Interrail adventure to Venice. Interrailing, a popular choice for families seeking flexibility and an immersive travel experience, allowed them to traverse multiple countries and cultures. The night train from Vienna to Venice, specifically an ÖBB Nightjet, proved to be the "cherry on the cake." Night trains, experiencing a resurgence across Europe due to growing interest in sustainable travel and a desire for more comfortable journeys, offer a unique blend of practicality and romance. Passengers can save on accommodation costs, cover significant distances overnight, and wake up refreshed in a new destination.

Their arrival at Venice Santa Lucia station around 8 am provided a rare window into a Venice that few tourists experience, especially in mid-August, a peak travel season typically synonymous with throngs of visitors. The strategic timing allowed them to board a vaporetto, Venice’s iconic water bus, and navigate the canals "before the city had fully woken." This early morning tranquility offered "quietish streets" and the chance to "linger on the Rialto Bridge in relative solitude." The Rialto Bridge, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering and one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, is usually a perpetual hub of activity. Experiencing it in peace is a testament to the benefits of early starts and off-peak timing, even within peak season. Their decision to almost skip Venice due to anticipated crowds underscores a common dilemma for travelers, but their perseverance led to "a precious couple of hours we’ll never forget." This experience highlights the value of defying expectations and seeking out moments of calm amidst popular tourist destinations, proving that with a little planning, even Venice in August can offer serene beauty.

The Swiss Alps, a perennial favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, revealed a softer, family-friendly side to Lucy and her young children in the Lauterbrunnen valley. Known for its dramatic U-shaped valley, punctuated by 72 cascading waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is often seen as a hiking paradise. However, Lucy discovered that Switzerland’s commitment to family tourism extends to every aspect of the journey. The superb long-distance SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) services to Interlaken included innovative "playground family carriages," transforming travel time into playtime for children. These specially designed carriages often feature slides, climbing frames, and themed play areas, making train journeys an integral part of the holiday experience rather than just a means to an end.

The adventure continued with "epic alpine playgrounds," such as the Allmendhubel Alpen Playground, perched high above Mürren. Reached by cable car – some even featuring karaoke machines, adding an unexpected element of fun – these playgrounds offer more than just swings and slides. Allmendhubel boasts panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, alongside imaginative play structures like an "Adventure Trail" and "Flower Park." In the charming car-free village of Wengen, the family engaged in unique local activities, from playing with "marble runs" to hiring a "fondue backpack." The fondue backpack, a delightful Swiss invention, typically includes all the ingredients for a traditional cheese fondue (cheese mixture, bread, burner, pot, forks), allowing families to enjoy a warm, communal meal amidst breathtaking alpine scenery during their walks. Furthermore, many shorter, well-marked walking routes in the region are designed with family-friendly activities en route, such as stations for "blowing the alpine horn" or "milking a model cow," engaging children and making the journey as entertaining as the destination. These thoughtful inclusions ensure that hiking is accessible and enjoyable for all abilities, offering a refreshing alternative to the "crowds of a coastal resort" and cementing Switzerland’s reputation as a premier family adventure destination.

Far to the north, Norway presented a rugged, exhilarating playground for Lucy Bissell’s family, particularly her "teenage boys who love the outdoors." Their summer itinerary was a masterclass in balancing urban exploration with wild adventure. Starting in Oslo, the capital, they immersed themselves in modern Scandinavian culture, embracing the city’s unique connection to its fjord. "Saunas and fjord jumps" have become a popular Norwegian pastime, offering a refreshing, invigorating experience that combines traditional Nordic wellness with the thrill of cold-water swimming. The Olympic Park in Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, provided a dose of sporting history and opportunities for active engagement.

The true heart of their adventure lay in Jotunheimen National Park, aptly named the "Home of the Giants." This majestic wilderness is home to Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen, which they successfully climbed at 2,469 meters. Scaling Scandinavia’s highest peak is a significant achievement, offering unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment. Beyond peak bagging, they explored a glacier, an educational and awe-inspiring experience that highlights Norway’s dramatic glacial landscapes and the forces that shaped them. The adrenaline peaked with white-water rafting, navigating the powerful rapids of Norway’s rivers, a perfect outlet for the energy and adventurous spirit of teenage boys. This combination of "dramatic scenery, outdoor activities and adventure" truly made it a "perfect summer holiday," demonstrating Norway’s immense appeal for families seeking active, immersive experiences in nature.

Crossing the North Sea, Noreen embarked on a "Dutch road trip joy" with her two children, aged nine and twelve, proving that the Netherlands offers far more than just canals and windmills for family holidays. Breaking away from the predictability of an all-inclusive resort, their two-week road trip offered flexibility and diverse experiences. After soaking in the cultural vibrancy of Amsterdam, they picked up a rental car, a key to unlocking the country’s varied attractions. Their first major stop was Duinrell Eurocamp, a popular family resort perfectly "pitched for our kids." Eurocamps are known for their comprehensive facilities, often including water parks, amusement rides, and a range of accommodation options, providing a ready-made holiday environment.

From Duinrell, they journeyed to Efteling theme park, a place that left an indelible impression on Noreen’s children. Efteling stands apart from many commercial theme parks with its unique focus on fairytales, folklore, and mythology. Its "mythical, magical, thrilling" atmosphere is woven into every ride and attraction, creating an immersive storytelling experience that captivates visitors of all ages. This focus on enchantment and imagination sets it apart from more thrill-oriented parks. The final leg of their journey took them to Texel, one of the five Wadden Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands. Reaching it by ferry added an exciting element to the travel itself. On Texel, they opted for a relaxed pace, staying in a hut that came with bikes – a quintessential Dutch experience. The island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea, is a haven for nature lovers, offering extensive cycle paths, pristine sandy beaches, and opportunities for birdwatching and seal spotting. This "slower, more relaxing end to the holiday" beautifully balanced the earlier excitement, showcasing the Netherlands’ ability to cater to diverse family preferences, from thrilling theme parks to tranquil island escapes.

Finally, the "winning tip" transported us to the majestic French Pyrenees, where Chris Henshall’s "young family" embarked on a memorable "waterfall walk." The Hautes-Pyrénées region, less crowded than its Alpine counterparts, offers breathtaking natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. Their journey led them from the picturesque village of Gavarnie to the iconic Cirque du Gavarnie, a colossal natural amphitheater carved by glaciers and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite the offer of a traditional donkey ride, the family, including a five-year-old and a seven-year-old, opted to walk the nearly six miles to the Grande Cascade.

The Grande Cascade itself is a spectacle, plunging 420 meters (1,378 feet) in a series of drops, making it one of Europe’s highest waterfalls. The walk, described as an "easy day out in summer," was filled with discoveries that captivated the children. They spotted whistling marmots, observed the majestic circling lammergeiers (bearded vultures) with their impressive 2.5-meter wingspans – birds renowned for their bone-breaking feeding habits – and navigated "snow bridges over streams," remnants of the winter snowmelt. The trail, generally well-maintained and relatively flat in its initial stages, becomes more rugged closer to the waterfall, providing a sense of adventure without being overly strenuous for young hikers. The grand finale came in the form of a "free shower" from the waterfall’s powerful spray, a refreshing and invigorating end to a day immersed in the raw beauty of the Pyrenees. This experience underscores the profound rewards of family hiking, where natural wonders and wildlife encounters create lasting memories, proving that some of Europe’s most spectacular adventures are best enjoyed on foot, away from the madding crowds.