Switzerland Family Multisport
- Fresh alpine air amid glaciers, meadows and impossibly blue lakes
- Rides through archetypal Swiss villages with cheery wooden chalets
- Cross turquoise Lake Thun on a historic paddleboat
- Speed down the mountain in an authentic luge
- Feast on fondue to your heart’s content
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Alpine Exploration in the Land of Chocolate, Cheese & Cowbells
You know you’ll be blown away by the Swiss Alps. And then what happens? You’re still blown away. The Swiss Alps will paralyze you. Right where you stand. They’ll humble you. Until your family rides, hikes, luges and Trotti bikes on them. Then you’ll want to pack them in your bag and take them home. And the whole time you know what you’re in for. Breathtaking views, turquoise alpine lakes, people living precisely, hearty meals and gracious hospitality. You’ll sleep in the shadows of Eiger’s north face. And somehow, you still won’t believe what you see. Welcome to Switzerland.
Day 1 Fresh mountain air amid glaciers, meadows and impossibly blue lakes 
Commute the Swiss way: by chairlift! Hike on a ridge above Lake Oeschinen, where snowy peaks cap limestone cliffs Ready for a cup of cocoa? It’s already steaming at the traditional alpine hut.
Day 2 Cross Lake Thun by historic paddleboat to Interlaken Easy pedaling leads past cheery wooden chalets to lakeside Spiez Hop aboard a cog rail train bound for Grindelwald An alphorn serenade: music to a cow’s ears and perhaps yours too.
Day 3 The famed Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering above the emerald-green landscape Hike from First Peak to Bachalpsee, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes Kids are all smiles thanks to a thrilling luge ride, and adults enjoy some free time in the mountain resort of Grindelwald Let loose on an exhilarating descent by Trotti bikes into Grindelwald Valley.
Day 4 Fairy tale-perfect Swiss villages Pedal in Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to more than 70 glacier-fed waterfalls Mist kisses your face at magnificent Trummelbach Falls, tucked inside a cavern Spin to turquoise Lake Brienz, then ferry to Giessbach.
Days 5-6 Sample delicious alpkase at a traditional cheese farm Hike the ridgeline above the Gental Valley, then descend on two wheels Amble through the peaceful forest of Iseltwald.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
The memories of this trip for me and my son will last forever. Backroads took great care of all the details and everything ran very smoothly. Backroads even supplied gorgeous weather for the entire trip. Way to go! We will be back!- Millbrae, CA
I am looking forward to my next trip. This was our first family trip and I think that all of us had such a great time and for different reasons--friendships, adventures, doing things we have never done before. We will all remember the Alps!- Naperville, IL
I cannot say enough about what a great job the leaders did on this trip. They were great with the children and a pleasure to be around. If they weren't playing capture the flag with the kids they were helping the adults. You are fortunate to have such personable, knowledgeable, fun, and dedicated people in your organization.- Chagrin Falls, OH
Premiere Inns*
Hotel Victoria Ritter
Kandersteg (1 night) Nestled in the heart of town, this family-run alpine oasis is surrounded by stunning snowcapped peaks. (pool, tennis)
* Casual Inn
Grand Hotel Regina
Grindelwald (2 nights) Get ready for magnificent views of the towering Eiger north face. (pool, spa)
Grandhotel Giessbach
Giessbach (2 nights) Elegance and old-world charm reign at this turreted beauty in a picturesque setting by Lake Brienz and the Giessbach falls. (pool, tennis)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.6, 6.1, 6.9 miles
- 400 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 16, 20, 27, 39 miles
- 250 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5.3, 10.3 miles
- 330 - 1440 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 22, 27, 30 miles
- 500 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 9, 20 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3.1 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Switzerland tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large multisport tours, Europe At Large biking tours and Europe At Large walking and hiking tours.
