We were thrilled for our time planned in Switzerland with kids! After driving from France, we headed to the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen, just south of Interlaken. I hadn’t been back to this beautiful Swiss valley since backpacking through Europe in college, and I was excited to experience it again — this time with my wife and children.

Driving into Switzerland: What You Need to Know About the Vignette

When crossing the border from France to Switzerland, travelers need to purchase a vignette to legally drive on the Swiss motorways and expressways. This toll sticker costs CHF 40 and should be affixed to the inside of your windshield. We bought ours at customs when entering near Basel, but you can also buy an e-vignette online. The vignette is valid for the entire calendar year, plus the preceding December and the following January.

First Impressions of Lauterbrunnen Valley

As we entered the Lauterbrunnen Valley, we were all awestruck by the natural beauty. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, and waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs on both sides of the valley — a truly magical scene that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Lauterbrunnen

Our Stay in Lauterbrunnen: Cozy Apartment with Views of Staubbach Falls

We settled into a charming rental apartment that was perfect for our family. It featured:

• A full kitchen for family meals
• A washer/dryer for convenience
• A balcony with breathtaking views of Staubbach Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland

Check out more photos and details about renting this apartment on the property’s VRBO listing for your family’s stay in Lauterbrunnen.

Staubbach Falls at Sunset: A Family-Friendly Mini Hike

While my wife and kids unpacked, I visited the local Coop Supermarkt, the only grocery store in town, to grab supplies for a quick dinner. After we ate, we explored the village and hiked to the base of Staubbach Falls. Even though it was getting dark, we climbed the trail to the top. The kids were fascinated by the mist of the waterfall — a hands-on nature moment they’ll never forget!

Planning Our Swiss Adventures

We had some busy days ahead including plans to do some hiking up in the mountains. Check out my post on kid-friendly hiking trails that we discovered. To help plan our days in Switzerland, I had purchased the Rick Steves Switzerland Travel Guide. This guide helped us discover the best things to see while in this area of Switzerland. I highly recommend checking out his latest travel guide.

Share Your Own Swiss Family Travel Tips!

Have you visited Switzerland with your family? Did you explore the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, or other villages near Lauterbrunnen? Share your favorite places and tips in the comments below!