Long drives across Switzerland, especially with kids, can be a challenge. Traffic jams, toilet breaks and the never-ending “are we there yet” can get on the most patient of drivers’ nerves. So, why not make a planned stop in between to break up the drive?
Below are a few places that I and others have discovered on our Swiss road trips. They break up the journey, keep the whole family entertained and rejuvenate everyone for the next part of the journey.
Stops when Driving Through the Bernese Oberland
Sensorium
Located a little off the main track on the outskirts of Bern (approximately a 30-minute drive) is Sensorium. A wonder for the senses, where young and old enjoy and interact with over 80 sensory exhibitions. Spread over two floors, both in and out, hear, see, smell and feel the known and the unknown at this small interactive museum.
Our family spent a good three hours exploring every single exhibit, most of them multiple times. Key favourites were the bubble making contraption, where the kids loved pumping air through a large tube of a gel-like material to produce large bubbles. The blindfolded barefoot path, making music with all of the different musical instruments and dancing around in the light showroom were also highlights.
Open 6 days a week (Tuesday to Sunday) from 10 am to 5 pm, with ample parking available. With two eating options available onsite, it is perfect for a lunchtime stop, like Rüttihubelbad Restaurant located on the third floor of the same building. And for those preferring to bring their own lunch, there is an indoor picnic space, with a small kiosk that sells ice creams, snacks, cold drinks and coffees. If you happen to visit on a clear day, there is also an outdoor garden with various spaces where you can sit and eat.
Tropenhaus
Whilst we were staying in the Adelboden region one cold and snowy day, we stumbled across this rainforest paradise retreat. Its humidity and fruit laden trees reminded me very much of Australia and was the perfect little break up to the day.
The main attractions for my kids were grinding the coffee beans and watching the tortoises. But don’t worry there is certainly entertainment for the big kids too, the “Cage of Chillies” was a clear favourite for my husband.
At the time of our visit, the restaurant was not in full operation due to Covid restrictions, however I would be keen to go back and see what they have to offer with no restrictions in place.
Tropenhaus is open from Wednesdays to Sundays between 10am and 5.30pm, but has annual holidays each year through the summer, so double check the website before visiting.
Located in Frutigen, it is an ideal place to spend some time as you are either heading through to Kandersteg and the Lötschberg car train or on your way back through.
I also realised on a recent weekend trip to Schüpfheim to see the cows come down the mountain that there is another Tropenhaus located in Wolhusen in Kanton Luzern, which seems to have a big insect display.
Stops when Driving Across the Röstigraben
Tropiquarium
Located on the outskirts of Lausanne and around the corner from the Servion Zoo, this place is a great way to break up that long drive across the Röstigraben whether you are headed towards or away from Geneva. Originally, we had planned to visit the Zoo in the town, however the weather had other plans, so we opted for this as our alternative and we were not disappointed.
The various domes allowed us to experience the exhibits and not be aware (except for the brief trips between them) that there was a snowstorm raging outside.
Open 365 days a year from 9am until 7pm, this place is a real treat for any child interested in fish, reptiles and the humid regions of the world. And if unlike us and the weather is good and you have a little extra time, perhaps also make a stop off at the Zoo as well.
Papiliorama
Near Kerzers in Kanton Fribourg, Papillorama is home to over 1000 butterflies flying free in lush tropical gardens underneath a giant dome. While we have yet to visit ourselves, I have heard that it is a great place to visit.
In addition to the butterflies, discover the unique nocturnal house – where day is night, the wild seeland, petting zoo and adventure playground. There is an onsite self serve restaurant for those who need to fill their stomachs before continuing on.
Papiliorama is open in the summertime from 9am till 6pm and in the winter (from end of October)10am till 5pm.
Activities when driving through Eastern Switzerland
EBIANUM Digger Museum
A construction enthusiast’s dream, young and old can travel through the history of construction machinery. With multiple exhibits that can be climbed on and “driven” to displays of model and toy construction vehicles, there is something to entertain everyone in the family. It is located in Fisibach in the Canton of Aargau and is a great place to spend a few hours should you be travelling through this region.
As we live close by to this one, we often do trips just to visit it. However, its location lends itself to be a great stop off spot if you are coming from or going towards the Schaffhausen area particularly from the Basel or Bern regions (and not wanting to take the main highway route).
Another great feature of this place is the Digger Photo booth. My kids (and the adults) spend a lot of time there taking photos, which you can either get printed for a small fee or can email to yourself or family members for free.
Open on the weekends between 10am and 5pm, and on Wednesday afternoons between 1:30pm and 5pm. It has a small kiosk which sells a variety of different snacks and food. Picnics are not allowed on site. Ample parking is available right out front of the museum.
Plättli Zoo
A small family friendly Zoo located in Frauenfeld, Plättli Zoo is a great spot to break up a drive, should you be heading up towards Constance or through St Gallen region to Bodensee. Your family can spend a few hours walking around, visiting the different exhibits, feeding and getting to know different animals or playing in the playground, which is always a highlight for my kids.
There is a restaurant on site, which serves a variety of dishes and caters for families, colouring in books for children and outdoor seating options are also available. The zoo is open daily 9am until 6pm, closing an hour earlier in the cold winter months.
Neckertal Region
As mentioned as one of the places in the Switzerland Guide of 2021. This region is a haven for activities that are enjoyable for the young and old, whether you are travelling with or without children, there is something for everyone.
Choose from the Erlebniswelt Toggenburg, treetop Baumwipfelpfad. or for something sweet, Maestrania’s Chocolarium, all a short distance from each other.
Do you happen to know any other places to break up a long drive whilst travelling through Switzerland that you would like to share?
