Family Adventures in Europe: From Swiss Sledging to Venetian Mornings
European rail travel offers more than just transportation; it opens doors to spontaneous and memorable family adventures. Readers have shared their favourite experiences, highlighting unique activities that turn ordinary trips into extraordinary memories.
Sledging Between Swiss Railway Stations
One family discovered an unexpected adventure while returning from a ski trip in Italy. They took the Bernina Express and disembarked at Bergün station in Switzerland. After leaving their luggage, they traveled back one stop to Preda village, where they rented traditional wooden sledges.
The toboggan run between Preda and Bergün turned out to be far more thrilling than anticipated. What began as what they thought might be a gentle descent evolved into a fast-paced, exhilarating journey lasting several hours. The tree-lined course provided a scenic backdrop as they raced downhill, with moments feeling reminiscent of the Mario Kart video game.
"At one point, a children's birthday party overtook us, the birthday girl's sledge trailing colorful balloons," the family recalled. After approximately five miles of sledging, they arrived back in Bergün, ready to continue their train journey with unforgettable memories.
Quiet Morning in Venice
Another family of five experienced a magical moment during an Interrail trip across Europe. Their night train from Vienna arrived in Venice Santa Lucia station around 8 a.m., allowing them to explore the city before the crowds descended.
They took a vaporetto (water bus) through quiet canals and wandered nearly empty streets. The family enjoyed relative solitude on the iconic Rialto Bridge and took their time crisscrossing canals before the daily hustle and bustle began. This peaceful experience in mid-August was particularly special, as they had nearly skipped Venice assuming it would be too crowded.
Swiss Alpine Playgrounds
Exploring Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen valley with young children proved full of surprises. Long-distance trains to Interlaken feature special family carriages with playgrounds, while cable cars transport visitors to epic alpine playgrounds like Allmendhubel Alpen Playground, which offers stunning views of the Eiger mountain.
Families can enjoy unique activities such as hiring "fondue backpacks" for walks, playing with marble runs in Wengen, and participating in family-friendly activities along marked routes. These include blowing alpine horns and milking model cows, providing entertainment without the crowds typical of coastal resorts.
Norwegian Outdoor Adventures
For families with teenage boys who love the outdoors, Norway offers dramatic scenery and thrilling activities. One family started in Oslo with saunas and fjord jumps, visited the Olympic Park in Lillehammer, then spent a week hiking in Jotunheimen National Park.
They climbed Norway's highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen (2,469 meters), explored a glacier, and went white-water rafting. The combination of challenging outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes created a perfect summer holiday for adventure-seeking teenagers.
Dutch Road Trip Delights
A family opting for a road trip through the Netherlands discovered diverse experiences perfect for children aged nine and twelve. After exploring Amsterdam, they picked up a rental car and headed to Duinrell Eurocamp, where they stayed in a cabin for four days.
Their next destination was Efteling theme park, described as "mythical, magical, and thrilling" by the children. The trip concluded on Texel island, accessible by ferry, where they stayed in a hut with complimentary bikes. The island's cycle paths and sandy beaches provided a relaxing end to an active holiday.
Pyrenean Waterfall Walk
In the French Pyrenees, a young family embarked on a nearly six-mile walk from Gavarnie village to the Grande Cascade waterfall in the Cirque du Gavarnie. Despite offers of donkey rides, they chose to walk, making it an easy summer day out suitable for their five and seven-year-old children.
Along the way, they spotted whistling marmots and lammergeiers (bearded vultures) with impressive 2.5-meter wingspans. Snow bridges over streams and spray from the 420-meter waterfall provided natural entertainment, with the waterfall offering a refreshing shower at the walk's conclusion.
These reader-shared adventures demonstrate that Europe offers countless opportunities for unique family experiences, from adrenaline-fueled activities to peaceful cultural moments. Whether sledging between Swiss stations or wandering quiet Venetian streets, these trips create lasting memories for all ages.
