Spectacular switzerland

Alpine views, shining lakes, history, food make the small nation an ideal family destination

LUCERNE, Switzerland — Switzerland is a wonderful place to take the family on holiday. With majestic mountains, lovely lakes, and train rides that are visually stunning as you cruise through the country en route to your destination, you and yours are in for a treat as soon as you set foot in this friendly and hospitable country.

It also can be an inexpensive option for Americans wanting to travel in Europe, with family-friendly options such as the Swiss Pass to make saving money easier as you traverse. It offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System, which includes trains, boats, buses, local urban transportation systems, and free entry to more than 450 museums. You also get free Wi-Fi and access to the Fast Baggage service, which provides same-day luggage delivery between 46 cities in Switzerland, according to the Switzerland Tourism Department.

One must-see spot in the country is Mount Pilatus, a 7,000-foot mountaintop that is accessible via train, aerial cable way, gondola and the world’s steepest cogwheel rail. If you decide to take the “Golden Round Trip,” you can view some of the best scenery in Switzerland in one day. From the boat tour beginning in Lake Lucerne, you ride in comfort either inside or outside of the boat on crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains. Some passengers may choose to get off at one of several stops, such as restaurants or the Swiss Museum of Transport (the country’s most popular museum).

Then take the boat to Alpnachstad (the aforementioned steepest cog in the world) and then to Pilatus Kulm’s peak, at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, viewing amazing sights and scenery all along the way. The cog train up to the top is exhilarating and a little frightening — it is very, very steep, and those lovely views will make some hold onto their seats a little tighter. From the top, one can view more than 70 peaks and five lakes. You can also visit several restaurants, spend some time at one of

Mount Pilatus’ adventure parks, go tobogganing or head over to the rope park. These are in operation from May to November, weather permitting.

If you head back to Lucerne, stop by Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge). It’s the most photographed place in Switzerland, and for good reason. This old bridge and tower spans the river, and its ceiling and beams have paintings dating to the 1300s. Chapel Bridge has become somewhat of a symbol for Lucerne, and something you don’t want to miss. If you want to indulge in a traditional Swiss meal, the Fondue House is just a few blocks away. Diners can enjoy traditional cheese fondue with a variety of foods to dip in it, as well as a chocolate fondue with fruit to dip for dessert. This was a cozy spot in a convenient location to experience a local favorite dish.

After coming down from the mountain, an interesting and very fun way to spend the day with the kids is at the Agrovision, where you can see how farmers raise animals and foodstuff. Children not only can pet the animals, but there are hands-on experiences to be had. In addition to animals, there is a playground, meeting space for large groups, and an award-winning restaurant on- site that serves only local and organic food (most of which is made on the premises).

It is amazing to see how they make bread in a giant, old-fashioned oven. A very passionate farmer explained to us that it is not only better living for the animals and people to grow and eat organic, but it ends up costing less money and is better for the environment. He had a lot to say about farming practices and farm-to-table living. I learned a lot, as did my 5-year-old son, who loved the bee exhibit and working hive, learning about the bees and what they do. He also enjoyed petting the animals, of course, and the playground was a huge hit and wonderful way to burn off any excess energy.

No trip to Switzerland would be complete without a visit to the Top of Europe, otherwise known as the Jungfrau. It boasts the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, as well as ski lifts, adventure activities, hiking, snow adventures, and an “Ice Palace.”

Riding to the top of the Jungfrau ( on a variety of transportation), you will be wowed by astonishing views, flora and fauna, and maybe even the gentle falling of snow (even in the summer). We were able to make snowballs in the freshly fallen (and still falling) snow while we visited this summer, although we were told this was unusual for that time of year. There are many hiking trails that offer amazing views of not just the three mountains (Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau) but also Lake Thun and Lake Brienz below. The mountains were named after a legend of a young maiden (Jungfrau) being protected by the monk (or Monch) from the cruel ogre (or Eiger) who wished to ravish her.

You can make your way around the top, and there is much to see and do inside as well. There is the Alpine Sensation, where you can “experience” life as it happened in the mountains over the years. Carefully step outside (it’s slippery) to the Sphinx, an as- tronomical observatory with a public viewing deck. The Sphinx has the best views in Europe: On a clear day, you can see as far as parts of France, Germany and Italy. Make sure to spend time in the Ice Palace — which is more like a winding cavern of ice sculptures, with walls, floors, and ceiling also made of ice. I was told that since the body heat of all the tourists melts the ice, it shifts a little each year and needs constant maintenance.

If you just can’t get enough of the views, check out the Sigriswil suspension bridge in Thun. Thun is a great place to spend time, with fantastic food, wine and historic landmarks. After spending the day touring the castles of Thun (make sure you ask for the kit that allows your child to become a knight — visit three castles, complete the assigned tasks like “jousting” from your wooden horse and some fancy shield work, and by Merlin’s beard you have yourself a little knight!), head over for a unique walk on the Sigriswil. Suspended high in the air, you feel each step you take move the bridge, the wind causing it to sway. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach it, the views are intense and quite literally breathtaking.

For more information, visit myswitzerland.com or call (212) 757-5944.

The most direct train routes may be the quickest, but they are not necessarily the most scenic. Train rides in Switzerland often wend their way through mountains, hills and valleys, rewarding passengers with some spectacular sights, such as this church...

The round building atop Mount Pilatus is near the cable car station and offers food, drink and stunning views.

The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm is the world’s steepest cog train. For variety, many riders take the cog train up and the cable down the mountain or vice versa.

The Kapellbrucke, or Chapel Bridge, across the Reuss River in Lucerne was built in 1333 and is punctuated by a Wasserturm, or water tower. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge and the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world.

The author’s son takes a stab at fondue while dining at the Fondue House in Lucerne, Switzerland.