Family fun along the Treno Gottardo

The Treno Gottardo train, which connects Switzerland’s bustling northern cities with its sun-kissed south, meanders alongside azure-blue lakes, rugged mountains

and offers an array of action-packed adventures for all the family

1

LAKE LUCERNE

TAKE THE WHEEL AT THE SWISS MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT

Located just 50 minutes south of Zurich, the azure-blue waters of Lake Lucerne are too tempting to resist. While there, a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport is a must for young adventurers, who can climb into the display trains, planes, fire engines and boats, and get involved in various interactive displays throughout the day. Construction fanatics will love the courtyard where excavators are waiting, with gravel piled high for them to shovel.

2

ALTDORF

PLAY DETECTIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF TATORT TELL

If it’s a storyland you’re after, with fairytale scenes to match, the town of Altdorf is definitely worth a stopover. Get the whole family involved in outdoor puzzle-solving, crime-scene game Tatort Tell. A man has been murdered with a crossbow, and it’s your family’s job to solve the crime. As you explore the town looking for clues, you’ll find multimedia installations at each crime scene and rugged mountain splendour all around.

3 LEVENTINA

MAKE A S PLASH AT FAIDO’S FALLS Waterfalls have a way of calming and invigorating all at once, and the lower Piumogna falls in Faido, Leventina, are sure to enthrall the whole family. Just a short walk from the train station, there’s a large, grassy picnic area with barbecue pits and an impressive playground — complete with a zip-wire. Cable-cars will transport you all to the top of the falls for spectacular views.

4

BELLINZONA

DISCOVER MEDIEVAL CASTLES

Disembark from the Treno Gottardo at the ancient town of Bellinzona to marvel at a trio of castles that collectively enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Children can explore the ramparts, climb the towers and learn history in the museums whilst you soak in the surrounding valley views. Tie in a walking tour or hire an e-bike to explore the medieval town’s austere charm and picturesque courtyards dotted with mouthwatering eateries.

5

ASCONA

HUNT FOR ANCIENT TREASURE

Nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore on the Italian border, a stop at picture-perfect, pastel-hued Ascona is not to be missed. Here, the most intrepid riddle-solvers (both young and old) can delve into the Old Town’s medieval and Renaissance history on a twohour treasure hunt in the town centre. A plethora of puzzles and hidden clues await those seeking ancient pirate treasure.