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

The plan was simple yet unconventional: leave their luggage securely at Bergün station, then take the regional train back just one stop to the tiny hamlet of Preda. From Preda, a unique winter adventure awaited – a descent of approximately five miles (eight kilometres) back to Bergün by traditional wooden sledge. This legendary Preda-Bergün toboggan run is celebrated as one of Switzerland’s longest and most exhilarating natural sledging tracks, transforming a picturesque mountain road into a winter playground when covered in snow. Layla and her group promptly rented their sturdy wooden sledges from a local outfitter in Preda, a common practice that underscores the region’s embrace of this traditional alpine pastime.

The initial expectation of a gentle glide into town quickly dissolved into a high-octane, fun-filled couple of hours. As they hurtled down the meticulously prepared, tree-lined course, the speed and twists evoked comparisons to the frenetic energy of a "Mario Kart" race. The run, with its series of bends and straightaways, offers varying gradients, ensuring both adrenaline rushes and moments to savour the crisp mountain air and stunning scenery. The experience was further enlivened by a moment that highlighted the family-friendly nature of the activity: a children’s birthday party, complete with balloons trailing from the birthday girl’s sledge, overtook them in a blur of laughter and colour. This unexpected encounter underscored the universal appeal of sledging, bringing together thrill-seekers of all ages. After approximately eight kilometres of exhilarating descent, they arrived back in Bergün, invigorated and with a fresh perspective on alpine travel, before seamlessly continuing their train journey onwards. The Preda-Bergün run, typically open from late December to early March, is not merely a mode of transport but a cultural experience, deeply rooted in Swiss winter traditions, offering a unique blend of adventure, accessibility, and natural beauty.

Interrail to Venice

The allure of an Interrail adventure for a family of five lies in its promise of flexibility, discovery, and shared experiences across Europe. For Sophie and her family, one particular segment stood out as the "cherry on the cake": the overnight train journey from Vienna to Venice. Night trains, a romantic and practical mode of travel, allow passengers to cover significant distances while they sleep, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. The specific service, often the ÖBB Nightjet, offers various comfort levels, from basic seating and couchettes (bunk beds in shared compartments) to private sleeping cabins, catering to diverse family needs.

Their arrival at Venice Santa Lucia station around 8 am proved to be a stroke of genius. At this early hour, the city, notoriously bustling, was still awakening. This timing allowed them to board a vaporetto (water bus), Venice’s primary public transport system, and navigate the Grand Canal before the usual throngs of tourists descended. The early morning light cast a magical glow on the ancient palazzos and placid waters, offering a serene introduction to the Floating City. They wandered through quiet, labyrinthine streets, a stark contrast to the daytime crush, and experienced the iconic Rialto Bridge in relative solitude. This architectural marvel, one of Venice’s four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, usually teems with visitors and vendors. To linger there, absorbing the views of gondolas and vaporetti gliding beneath, in a moment of peace, was a rare privilege. They took their time crisscrossing the city’s myriad canals and bridges, discovering hidden courtyards and charming piazzas before the daily hustle and bustle truly began.

This tranquil Venetian morning was "truly special, and completely unexpected in mid-August," a month typically synonymous with peak tourist season. Sophie confessed they had "nearly skipped it – assuming it would just be too busy." This decision to brave the perceived crowds, based on the convenience of the night train and an early arrival, yielded "a precious couple of hours we’ll never forget." It highlights a crucial travel tip for popular destinations: early mornings can offer an entirely different, more intimate experience, even in the busiest seasons. The night train, therefore, wasn’t just transport; it was a strategic enabler of a truly magical family memory, bypassing the daytime logistics and immersing them directly into the heart of Venice’s timeless beauty before the world woke up.

A Swiss Alps adventure with the kids

The Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, often lauded as one of the most breathtaking valleys in the Alps, proved to be an ideal summer playground for Lucy and her young children. Famed for its 72 waterfalls, including the stunning Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls, the valley offers a dramatic landscape of sheer rock faces, lush meadows, and picturesque villages. Switzerland’s commitment to family-friendly travel is evident from the moment one steps onto its public transport system. The national railway, SBB, boasts superb long-distance services to hubs like Interlaken, which include dedicated "playground family carriages" – an ingenious feature designed to keep younger travellers entertained with slides, climbing frames, and games, transforming travel time into playtime.

The adventure continued with epic alpine playgrounds accessible via cable cars. The Allmendhubel Alpen Playground, for instance, high above Mürren, offers not just slides, swings, and climbing structures but also imaginative themed areas like a "flower park" and "adventure trail," all set against the staggering backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Some of the gondolas themselves add to the fun, with Lucy noting the delightful surprise of "karaoke machines" in certain cabins, turning a scenic ascent into a sing-along session.

In the charming, car-free village of Wengen, nestled on a sunny plateau, the family discovered further unique attractions. They enjoyed playing with inventive "marble runs" scattered across the landscape, encouraging interaction with nature and simple physics. A particularly memorable experience was hiring a "fondue backpack." This ingenious Swiss innovation allows families to carry all the essentials for a traditional fondue – cheese, bread, stove, and fuel – to a scenic picnic spot, transforming a simple walk into a culinary and cultural adventure amidst the alpine panorama. Many of the shorter, well-marked walks in the region are thoughtfully designed with family-friendly activities en route, such as stations for "blowing the alpine horn" or "milking a model cow," engaging children with local traditions and folklore. These well-maintained, waymarked routes cater to all abilities, ensuring everyone can participate. The absence of the typical crowds found at coastal resorts further enhanced the experience, offering a serene yet active summer holiday immersed in Switzerland’s pristine natural beauty and innovative family offerings.

Teenage boys let loose in Norway

Norway, a country synonymous with dramatic fjords, majestic mountains, and a deep connection to the outdoors, provided the perfect canvas for Lucy Bissell’s family adventure, particularly for her active teenage boys. Their journey began in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, where they embraced the local culture with exhilarating "saunas and fjord jumps" – a popular Nordic tradition combining relaxation with a refreshing plunge into the cool waters of the Oslofjord. This blend of urban cool and natural immersion set the tone for the rest of their trip.

From Oslo, they ventured north to Lillehammer, a town etched into sporting history as the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Exploring the Olympic Park offered a fascinating glimpse into elite winter sports, inspiring the boys with tales of athletic prowess and the impressive infrastructure built for the games. The highlight of their Norwegian escapade was a week-long hiking expedition in Jotunheimen National Park. Known as the "Home of the Giants," Jotunheimen boasts Norway’s highest mountains, expansive glaciers, and pristine wilderness, making it a mecca for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The pinnacle of their hiking achievements was conquering Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain, standing proudly at 2,469 metres (8,100 feet) above sea level. This ascent, often undertaken with a guide due to glacier crossings, provided a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience, instilling a sense of accomplishment and awe at the panoramic views from the summit. Beyond peak bagging, they explored an ancient glacier, witnessing the powerful forces of nature firsthand. The adventure culminated with "white-water rafting," a high-adrenaline activity that saw them navigating exhilarating rapids, adding another layer of thrill to their outdoor repertoire. The combination of Norway’s "dramatic scenery," diverse "outdoor activities," and sheer "adventure" made it an "perfect summer holiday," especially resonating with her teenage boys who thrive in challenging, natural environments. Norway’s vast, untamed landscapes and emphasis on outdoor pursuits make it an unparalleled destination for families seeking an active and unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

Dutch road trip joy

Seeking a departure from the conventional all-inclusive summer break, Noreen and her family embarked on a two-week road trip through the Netherlands with their two children, aged nine and twelve. This decision to embrace the open road offered flexibility and the chance to uncover diverse facets of Dutch culture and landscape. Their journey commenced in Amsterdam, where they immersed themselves in the city’s unique charm, perhaps exploring its canals, museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods, tailored to be engaging for both adults and children.

After experiencing the capital, they picked up a rental car – a quintessential element of any road trip – and headed towards Duinrell Eurocamp. This popular holiday park, situated near the Wassenaar beach, is renowned for its combination of extensive camping facilities and an on-site amusement park and water park (Tiki Pool), making it "perfectly pitched" for their children’s age group. Staying in a comfortable cabin for four days allowed them to enjoy a blend of relaxation and exhilarating activities without the constant packing and unpacking. The success of Duinrell lies in its ability to offer diverse entertainment, from thrilling rides to water slides, ensuring constant engagement for children while providing amenities for parents.

Their next destination was the world-renowned Efteling theme park, located in Kaatsheuvel. Efteling is far from a typical amusement park; it’s a "mythical, magical, thrilling" wonderland rooted in fairy tales, myths, and legends. Unlike many parks focused solely on adrenaline, Efteling offers a deeply immersive storytelling experience through its beautifully themed rides, enchanting dark rides, and elaborate shows. Noreen enthusiastically noted, "I can’t tell you how much my kids enjoyed this park," a testament to its unique appeal and ability to capture the imagination of both young and old. The park’s commitment to quality and narrative sets it apart, creating an unforgettable experience.

The final leg of their Dutch odyssey led them to Texel, one of the West Frisian Islands situated just off the northern coast of the Netherlands. The journey to Texel itself became part of the adventure, with the "kids loved the ferry" ride across the Wadden Sea – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. On the island, they again opted for a comfortable "hut," which conveniently "came with bikes." Texel is a cyclist’s paradise, crisscrossed by extensive, flat cycle paths that wind through diverse landscapes of dunes, forests, and charming villages. The island also boasts expansive "sandy beaches," offering ample opportunities for relaxation, swimming, and nature observation. This segment provided a "slower, more relaxing end to the holiday," balancing the excitement of theme parks with the tranquil beauty of nature and the freedom of cycling, perfectly encapsulating the diverse joys of a family road trip through the Netherlands.

Winning tip: a waterfall walk in the Pyrenees

The Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France, a region celebrated for its dramatic mountain landscapes, thermal spas, and rich cultural heritage, provided the setting for Chris Henshall’s "winning tip" for a memorable family adventure. With their young children in tow, the family journeyed to the heart of the Pyrenees, specifically to the picturesque village of Gavarnie. This village serves as the gateway to the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie, a colossal natural amphitheatre carved by glacial erosion and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ignoring the charming but less adventurous "offer of a donkey ride," the family chose to walk. Their trek covered "nearly 6 miles" (approximately 9.6 kilometres) from Gavarnie village, following a well-trodden path that gradually ascends into the cirque. The ultimate destination was the awe-inspiring Grande Cascade, or Great Waterfall, which plunges an astonishing 420 metres (1,378 feet) in a series of tiers, making it one of Europe’s highest waterfalls. This walk, undertaken in summer, was described as an "easy day out," perfectly suited for their five-year-old and seven-year-old, showcasing how even grand natural wonders can be accessible to young adventurers with proper planning.

The journey was punctuated by a series of delightful natural encounters. The children were thrilled to spot "whistling marmots," these iconic alpine rodents often seen basking on rocks, their distinctive calls echoing through the mountains. Above them, "circling lammergeiers" captured their imagination. These magnificent raptors, also known as bearded vultures, are among Europe’s largest birds, boasting impressive wingspans of up to 2.8 metres (9.2 feet). Their presence underscored the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation and its thriving ecosystem. Further along the path, "snow bridges over streams" provided exciting natural crossings, a reminder of the lingering alpine winter even in summer. The grand finale of their hike was a refreshing "free shower" from the voluminous spray of the Grande Cascade itself, a sensory reward for their efforts. This family-friendly walk through the Cirque de Gavarnie offered a perfect blend of physical activity, natural beauty, and wildlife spotting, creating lasting memories within one of Europe’s most spectacular natural settings.