Switzerland is known for being a bucket list hiking destination, but also for being incredibly family friendly. If both of those things are important to you and you’re heading to the Jungfrau region, you’ve come to the right place. We paired 5 incredible with hikes with 5 playgrounds your child(ren) will love. Add these pairings to your itinerary for a trip everyone will love.
Hiking & Playing in Jungfrau
Jungfrau is a popular tourist destination in the Swiss Alps. Specifically, it’s located in the southwestern Switzerland in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. The region is named after Jungfrau, one of the most prominent peaks in this region. Jungfrau comprises several towns and transit hubs, most notably Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Mürren.
NOTE: Confused about getting around Jungfrau? Be sure to check out guide to How to get everywhere in Jungfrau, where we break it down as simply as we possibly can.
This entire region (and most of Switzerland) is connected by hiking trails. The trails are incredibly well marked and maintained, with trail markers at nearly every intersection. So in that regard, it’s easy to hike anywhere. However, these are the Swiss Alps were talking about, and very few hikes here are actually easy. One wrong turn, you’re climbing up a mountain instead of down one.
The trick to hiking in Switzerland is knowing the trails that are actually worth hiking (within your skillset of course.)
Example. You could technically hike from Wengen to Mannlichen. However, it’s going to take hours of hiking straight uphill and you won’t get any better views than someone taking the cable car up in 5 minutes. Alternatively, you could take the cable car up instead, and then use the time and energy you saved to hike up The Royal Walk or to Kleine Scheidegg instead, which do offer a fresh new views.
Then there’s the playgrounds. You’ve probably heard the lore of Swiss playgrounds. They’re known for being big, challenging, and themed. They’re often in the very best locations, surrounded by Alpine views. On top of that, they were designed for families, so there is almost always a restaurant and bathroom nearby.
The trick to playgrounds in Switzerland isn’t finding a good one, it’s making sure you don’t miss out on an even better one.
We’ve done the research, tested the trails and played hard on the playgrounds to compile this list of dynamic duos. Let’s hop to it!
Age: almost 5
5 Best Trail + Playground Combos in Jungfrua
Here are 5 of the best hiking and playing combinations in Jungfrau, Switzerland. Click to read more about each.
- Lieselotte Trail + Cow Playground & Tree Top Playground
- Cow Playground + Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg
- First to Bort + Bort Alpine Playground
- Flower Playground + Waterfall Hike to Lauterbrunnen
- Schynige Platte Panorama Trail + Lily’s Alpine Playground
Hike Lieselotte Trail + Cow Playground & Tree Top Playground
- Start: Männlichen
- End: Holenstein
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.5 miles, downhill
- Hiking time: ~2-3 hours
- Hike Rating: 7/10
- Playground Rating: 9/10
We’ll start with a banger because this one actually features TWO amazing playgrounds. They’re connected by an equally fun kid’s themed hiking trail, with activity stations along the way that can even earn you a prize at the end.
This adventure begins in Männlichen. You can get there via cable car from either Wengen or Grindelwald. The first playground is located right between the two cable car stations.
Play: Männlichen Cow Playground
The Männlichen Cow Playground is probably the best one on this list and in the Jungfrau region. (It was voted my child’s favorite.) The massive cow slide is the obvious highlight, but honestly, we hardly played on that because it has so many other fun features. There’s bowling, balance obstacles, rock walls, a swing-go-round (swing + merry-go-round), and more.
It’s also hard to beat the views from up here. You’ll enjoy views of the big three peaks (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and a birds-eye view over Wengen and the Lauterbrunnen valley.
There’s a restaurant adjacent to the playground with a huge patio and plenty of indoor seating, too. They serve up full hot meals as well as grab-and-go snacks and drinks. Public bathrooms are available on the lower level.
Hike: Lieselotte Trail
The Lieslelotte Trail is a kid’s themed trail. (Switzerland has a few of these, and they’re amazing.) There are adventure stations along the way where kids can play and learn. Each stop has a letter stamp, which will help you solve a riddle at the end. If you get them all, you get a small prize.
NOTE: You can pick up the trail map booklet at the Männlichen restaurant or the Wengen or Grindelwald Tourism offices. This trail is not marked on Google maps.
The trail begins at the wooden cow just beyond the playground and to the side of the gondola station to Grindelwald. It’s also your first letter punch.
The well marked, downhill trail is labeled as easy. (Maybe don’t tell your kids that, though. It’s got some steep and bumpy parts, and 2.5 miles is pretty far for a little kid.) It took us about 2 hours to hike this trail, but I would budget closer to 3 hours depending on how long you play at each stop.
NOTE: This trail is not stroller friendly. There are bathrooms about halfway through.
The activity stations are right along the trail and easy to spot. Each stop has a different fun activity, accompanying story or lesson in the booklet (map), and letter stamp. I won’t spoil them all, but some examples include a marmot spotting tower and alpine horns to try out.
NOTE: The picnic area is actually a bit hidden and off the main trail. It does have a letter stamp, so if you’re trying to get them all you’ll need to stop here. At the bathrooms, follow the path past the cheese shop and straight up the grassy meadow until you see the picnic area on your left.
It’s also worth noting that the final letter stamp isn’t on the trail. You’ll need to visit the cable car stations in Wengen or Grindelwald to get your final stamp. Then turn the book in at the locations listed in the book in Wengen or Grindelwald to get a small prize. (During our visit, it was a cute little tin with candy inside.)
Play: Tree Top Playground
The second playground is actually an activity station on the Lieselotte Trail. It’s smaller than the cow playground, but still very fun.
This playground lives up to its name. It has several different cargo nets and bridges that lead up into the trees. There’s also a big slide, teeter totter, hut to play in, and a really epic zip line.
This playground doesn’t have any bathrooms or a restaurant nearby, but there are a few picnic tables.
Cow Playground + Hike Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg
- Start: Männlichen
- End: Kleine Scheidegg
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3 miles, slightly downhill
- Hiking time: ~1.5 hours
- Hike Rating: 8/10
- Playground Rating: 9/10
This next one starts at the Cow Playground again, but from there, you’ll hike in a different direction. Don’t worry, the cow playground is so good that your kids will happily go back, and you won’t want to miss this hike. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the region and for good reason. The views are similar to Lieselotte Trail, but this one stays up higher along the ridge. If you have time, it’s worth doing both. If you only have time for one, I’d do this one.
This adventure again begins in Männlichen. You can get there via cable car from either Wengen or Grindelwald. The Cow Playground is located right between the two cable car stations.
Play: Männlichen Cow Playground
If this is now your second time at the Cow Playground, you’ll be familiar with the layout. Revisit your favorite activities and try something new.
One thing we really loved about this playground in particular was how easy it was for kids to make friends. It helps that it’s a popular playground, and there are always children playing here. It’s also because many of the activities are most fun with multiple kids. There is a 4-person swing, a spinning thing that takes a few kids to push and jump in, and of course the teeter totters. It naturally brought children together, and that was really fun to see.
Bonus Hike! If you have an extra hour or so, be sure to add The Royal Walk. The 1K path leads up to the peak and the views are incredible. There are little activity stations along the way, too, which will distract you from the fairly steep climb.
Hike: Panorama Trail to Kleine Scheidegg
There’s a trail marker sign right beside the cable car station toward Grindelwald. (It’s not far from the cow that marks the start of the Lieselotte Trail.) Follow it toward Kleine Scheidegg, past the cable car station and you’ll see a large trail marker confirming you’re on the right path.
This hike is listed as 1.5 hours. We personally came in 15 minutes under that, which included a decent break in the middle. The trail is mostly flat, with a few slight uphills but a gradual decline overall.
It stays mostly high on the ridge, overlooking the Grindelwald Valley. You’ll face the majestic trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau towering over the flower-dotted meadow. It’s truly a treat.
As you approach Kleine Scheidegg, you’ll pass Grindelwaldblick. This is a popular restaurant with tons of indoor and outdoor seating. The food was great and the service was surprisingly fast. (They have a vegetarian schnitzel, which was honestly one of the main reasons we wanted to do this hike.) There’s also an elevated viewing platform, which you can check out even if you’re not dining here.
It’s just a short jaunt from Grindelwaldblick down to the little hub of Kleine Scheidegg. From there, you can catch a train toward Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen to get to your final destination.
Bonus Hike! If you can convince your kid(s) to do more hiking, add the Eiger Trail. Take the train one stop from Kleine Scheidegg to Eigergletscher, then follow signs for the Eiger Trail to Alpiglen. It’s downhill (pretty steep at times), but takes you right up to the Eiger North Face, past some waterfalls, and is overall just very stunning. There’s also a small playground at the end in Alpiglen.
Hike from First to Bort + Bort Alpine Playground
- Start: First cable car station
- End: Bort cable car Station
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Hiking time: ~3 hours
- Hike Rating: 9/10
- Playground Rating: 8/10
The hike from First to Bort was one of my favorite hikes in Switzerland. It features Alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, Swiss cows and mostly empty trails. It finishes up at the Bort playground, which has a ropes course of any kid’s dreams.
This adventure begins at the First cable car station. To get here, you’ll need to get to Grindelwald and then take the cable car from Firstbahn all the way to the end (the stop is called First.)
Hike: First to Bort via Bachalpsee
This hike begins near the famous First Cliff Walk. The Cliff Walk, restaurant and viewing platform are all located just off the cable car station. You can do those things first or circle back to them after your hike.
Follow signs (and crowds) to Bachalpsee. Don’t be deterred by the uphill — it’s a short bit and the rest is flat or downhill. This stretch is the most crowded as many people will do this leg as an out-and-back. The lake is quite beautiful, and you’ll definitely want to spend a little time here.
After that, follow trail markers toward Waldspitz. This is the best part. The trail winds through a meadow, facing straight toward the peaks of Finsteraarhorn and Schreckhorn the entire way. You’ll also see First Cliff Walk above and to your left.
The final bit, from Waldspitz to Bort is the hardest. It’s a steep decline down a series of switchbacks. The steps are at times big for little legs, but there’s no steep cliffs or exposure, so it’s overall pretty safe for kids. Eventually, it flattens outs and cuts through a meadow and on to Bort.
NOTE: There are not bathroom or dining facilities along this trail until you get to Waldspitz, and by then you’re almost done. Be sure to pack snacks and water.
Play: Bort Alpine Playground
The Bort Alpine Playground feels like the epitome of Alpine playground.
The dominating feature is the ropes course playground. Kids have to tackle a series of climbing and balance obstacles if they want to make it to the slide at the end. Beyond that though, there’s a stream where kids can build rock dams, a few small trampolines, and plenty of things for climbs to climb over and jump on.
As far as playgrounds go, the actual equipment here was on the challenging side. My almost-5-year-old couldn’t quite make it to the slide unassisted. I’d say the main climbing area is probably best for kids 5 and up, based on height and reach alone. However, there’s plenty of other things for younger children, too.
Just beyond the playground is a snack stand, which offers some light meals (sausages mostly) and grab-n-go snacks and beverages. There’s also a full service restaurant if you have extra time.
When you’re finished at Bort, you can take the cable car up to First or down to Grindelwald.
NOTE: Boarding the cable car down from Bort in the afternoon can often be difficult, as the cars are full from everyone leaving First. It’s a good idea to go up to First after Bort, maybe grab a snack or walk the Cliff Walk and then come all the way down to Grindelwald. It’s also a good chance to try for better visibility.
Flower Playground + Waterfall Hike to Lauterbrunnen
- Start: Allmendhubel (the hiking portion starts in Stechelberg)
- End: Lauterbrunnen
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.5 miles, flat
- Hiking time: ~1 hour
- Hike Rating: 8/10
- Playground Rating: 9/10
The Flower Playground is beloved by children and adults in Jungfrau for it’s sweeping views and unique play spaces. Unless you’re staying nearby in Mürren, it can be a bit of a pain to get to. It’s definitely worth the effort, though, especially when you pair it with this charming hike through the valley below.
This adventure begins in Allmendhubel. Unless you’re staying in Mürren, you’ll need to start by getting to Lauterbrunnen. From there, take the cable car up to Grütschalp and then take the train to Mürren. From Mürren, there’s a short funicular up to Allmendhubel.
NOTE: This funicular is not included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass, so be sure to buy a separate ticket. You can also hike up, but it is steep. We did it, but I have to say, I don’t recommend it.
Bonus Hike! You can also hike from Grütschalp to Mürren. It’s another kids themed trail called the Detective Trail. It’s about 3 miles and mostly flat.
Bonus Playground: Whether you hike or take the train, you’ll pass through Winteregg. There’s another lovely playground here, just behind the restaurant. There’s also an oversize swing, which is an Instagrammer’s dream. This is a great bonus playground, that’s a little less crowded than the Flower Playground.
Play: Flower Playground
The Flower Playground is such a gem. It’s easy to understand why everyone raves about this playground. It’s a large, open playground with plenty of things to keep kids busy.
One of the more interesting sections of the play ground is the water maze. Press a button and water shoots out from a grid of sprayers to create a maze. Kids have to dodge the water to make their way through the maze.
There’s also a water play area, where kids can pump water, create dams, fill buckets and more to get objects to flow down a certain path. It’s hard to describe, but my child spent most of their time here. The kids took this project, very seriously.
There’s also ropes courses, various swings, a slide, and of course the zip line, which everyone loved.
Aside the playground is a restaurant, with primarily outdoor seating. It got very crowded midday. They do take reservations if you want to plan ahead. We were able to snag a table around 1:30, though, after the peak lunchtime crowds dispersed.
Hike: Waterfall Hike from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen
Unlike the other hike + play combos in this list, this hike doesn’t actually cross paths with the playground. However, they pair well together assuming that a trip to the Flower Playground is most likely going to start and end in Lauterbrunnen. This hike is a great way to get back to Lauterbrunnen.
From the flower playground, take the funicular back down to Mürren. Then turn right (opposite from the direction of the train station where you probably arrived) and head to the cable car station. Take the cable car down to Stechelberg. Pass through the parking lot and follow trail signs to Lauterbrunnen.
NOTE: This cable car is also not included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass. Be sure to buy a separate ticket. You can do that in the SBB app or at the station.
This trail is delightful. It’s an easy, flat, mostly paved trail that runs through the valley all the way to Lauterbrunnen. (It’s even stroller friendly.) It follows along the river and passes several waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls as you approach Lauterbrunnen.
If you have time, you can add a detour to Trümmelbach Falls, too. You can sort of see this from the trail. Trümmelbach Falls are a collection of waterfalls hidden inside the mountains. You can take an elevator and walk through and around the falls at this paid attraction. (We unfortunately ran out of time and didn’t see these ourselves.)
The trail leads straight into Lauterbrunnen’s main street, which has plenty of shops and restaurants. Keep on straight, and you’ll eventually reach the train station for any onward connections.
Schynige Platte Oberberghorn Panorama Trail + Lily’s Alpine Playground
- Start: Schynige Platte
- End: Schynige Platte
- Difficulty: moderate
- Distance: 2 miles, some ups & downs
- Hiking time: ~1.5 hours
- Hike Rating: 9/10
- Playground Rating: 7/10
Schynige Platte is such a delight. The views from here are such a welcome treat, as it offers a whole different perspective on the Jungfrau region. More so, this trail also offers sweeping views over Interlaken and it’s iconic blue lakes. Add to that a live performance of Alpine horns, a themed kids trail and of course a playground, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect day in Switzerland.
This adventure begins at the Schynige Platte main station. The only way to get there is to take the cogwheel train up from Wilderswil.
NOTE: The train to Schynige Platte can get very crowded. Be sure to arrive early for your scheduled departure or you may have to wait for the next train as trains quickly fill up. During high season, they may double the trains during peak hours.
Hike: Schynige Platte Oberberghorn Panorama Trail
The trail starts and ends right by the playground, so you can hike and play in either order. We always like to hike first and use the playtime as a reward to look forward to.
From the train station, follow the sidewalk up the hill toward the sign for Berghotel Schynige Platte. (If you are facing away from the train as you exit, it’s to the left.) This paved trail will go to the restaurant, playground and Skywalk. Head up the trail just before the slide and follow trail signs toward Oberberghorn.
NOTE: You’ll first pass a turn for the Alpengarten, just a few steps from the train station. This is the the start of the kids trail and is also where the Apline horn players are. The horns perform intermittently between 11 AM and 2 PM.
The first leg is a bit strenuous, particularly for kids. It’s mostly uphill, climbing up several switchbacks until you reach the Daube viewpoint. This viewpoint is the first of many epic views from this hike, with the high peaks on one side and the Interlaken lakes below on the other. Many people turn back after Daube, but it gets easier from here, so keep going if you can.
The trail follows the ridge from Daube to Oberberghorn, which is the unique rocky peek that you can see right in front of you. This ridge portion of the trail was my favorite — it just felt very epic.
When the trail reaches Oberberghorn, you can take a detour off the main trail and climb to the top. There are stairs, but they’re steep and narrow. Children can do it, but little ones might need some assistance. The view from the top is incredible…if you catch a break in the clouds.
After you come down and meet back with the trail, continue on in the direction you were going (following the trail marker toward First.) You’ll eventually reach another trail marker with a trail that splits off to the right (in the direction of travel.)
At this particular trail marker, all three directions point to Schynige Platte. You can continue straight on to Loucherhorn (which will eventually lead back to Schynige Platte), you can turn around and go back the way you came from, or you can take the right and cut through the valley back to the main train station. For the sake of this hike, we’d suggest the later. This last leg is easy, albeit a little boring.
You’ll end back right where you started, with the restaurant and playground nearby.
Play: Lily’s Alpine Playground
This playground is the smallest playground in this post. It honestly didn’t look that fun to me, but my child had the best time here. What it lacks for in size, it makes up for in slide.
The main highlight at this playground is a covered slide. It’s not huge or super steep, but it is actually super fast and really fun. There’s also a smaller ropes and climbing course, and a merry-go-round spinning attraction.
Bonus Hike: Lily’s Adventure Kid’s Trail
Honestly, the kids adventure trail might be even more fun than the playground. You can pick up a free trail map and booklet at the train station in Schynige Platte.
The trail begins just up the hill from the main station. It’s clearly marked, with several activity station stops along the way. Kids can complete an activity or puzzle at each stop, which will each reveal a letter. When they get all the letters, they can answer the riddle and turn their book in for a small prize.
NOTE: The treasure is self service / honest system. Head inside the hotel restaurant. There is a small treasure chest on the far left side (just inside from the playground). Ask a server if you don’t see it. Children can choose one item, which includes things like a magnet or balloon.
This trail is not a substitute to the panorama trail, but it’s definitely worth adding. It’s really fun for kids, plus it’s a great way to explore the Aplengarten. It takes about 30 minutes.
NOTE: The trains back down to Wilderswil in the afternoon also get very crowded. Make sure to get down to the platform before your scheduled departure and move quickly to ensure a seat.
Closing Thoughts
There are endless hiking trails in Jungfrau. These are a few of our favorites that pair well with nearby playgrounds, making them ideal for families. I hope you try out a few — or all! — of these combos on your vacation to Jungfrau.
Happy travels!
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