[GEOKAN]

12 April 2026 at 20:06:08 #2796228

Following up on previous posts, I would first like to mention that we are a family with children aged 11 and 15. My younger son has a health condition that we need to take into account when planning any family trip. After consulting our doctor, we were advised that it would be best not to expose him to excessively high altitudes.For this reason, we ruled out our main option of going up to Schilthorn. However, Switzerland without cable cars, cogwheel trains, and breathtaking views from above is simply unthinkable! So, a good and equally impressive alternative is to visit one of the mountains near Lucerne. We are torn between Mount Pilatus (Golden Round) or Mount Rigi (Day ticket incl. boat ride). I would appreciate the forum’s input in helping us resolve this dilemma.

Some additional details I would like to mention: we are looking for short and easy hikes, we want to experience the authentic feeling of Switzerland, and we would like our choice to be something memorable for the children.

I would also appreciate it if someone could clarify the exact cost for each mountain, as on some websites I checked it was not entirely clear how much children pay when there is no travel pass involved.

Below are some details about our stay in Lucerne:

Duration: 2 nights — we will be there from midday on 28/6 until the morning of 30/6. Then we will depart for Zurich. Therefore, the likely date for the excursion to one of the mountains will be 29/6 (or possibly 30/6 depending on weather conditions). Overall, we will be in Switzerland for 3 nights, from 28/6 to 1/7, when we return to Greece.
Would it be worth buying one of the available travel passes for this period, or should we simply purchase regular tickets for each activity we do?

Thank you very much
George

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[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 2 • 12 April 2026 at 22:15:09 #2796229

Hello again Geokan.

Firstly, I would refer you back to what I said in my reply one to your thread of 18 September 2025.
I would now recommend that the two adults invest in FOUR-day Swiss Travel Passes (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) for the period 28 June to 1st July..  Buy these on line a few weeks before you travel.

For the younger child get on line a Swiss Family Card.  This is simply an administrative process.  The SFC costs nothing, and it entitles the child to travel FREE (even on high mountain lines) provided he is with the parents.

For the older child, if he/she has reached the age of sixteen by the date of travel, he/she will need a YOUTH Swiss Travel Pass; this is 30% cheaper than the full adult price.

If the older child is still under sixteen at the date of travel then he/she can be included in the Swiss Family Card,  and will (like the younger child) be able to travel free.

Using Swiss Public Transport will be an education for all four of you as to how things should be organised.  And the huge diversity in the forms of transport is also fascinating.

All Swiss lines and routes run frequently, and are timed to interconnect.  This ‘integrated’ transport system covers not only buses and trains, but also the boats on Lakes Lucerne and Zurich.

Focus your travels on interesting public transport routes which are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
STP validity map: https://www.myswissalps.com/details/swiss-travel-pass-validity/

Around Lucerne the free travel extends to the cog-wheel railways up Mount Rigi, which has a lot of easy hikes.  It also covers the cable cars from Beckenried to Klewenalp and Emmetten to Stockhutte.  And the very steep funicular up to Stoos.  (Pilatus is NOT free with the STP.)

Around Zurich the railway line up the local mountain, the Uetliberg, is free with the STP.  The cable car from Adliswil to Felsenegg is also free.
To see a less well-known area of Switzerland go from Zurich to the city of St Gallen in the north-east of the country.  Perhaps later take the tram-train from St Gallen to the delightful village of Appenzell.

(Of the mountains I have mentioned which are free with the STP, the highest above sea level is Rigi, about 1,800 metres above sea level. Pilatus, not free with the STP, is about 2,100 metres above sea level.)

Best wishes

Roger

[Anna]

Reply 2 of 2 • 13 April 2026 at 20:54:54 #2796242

Hi GEOKAN,

At Mt Pilatus, you can find more children-friendly activities. There is a rope park, an adventure playground and a toboggan run (mountain coaster) located at the mid-level stations. At the top, you’ll find the usual – lookout points, a restaurant and a visitor centre. Limited hiking. You can find further information about Mt Pilatus here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/pilatus/

Rigi is great for hiking and exploring: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/rigi/

It really depends what you’d like to see and do.

Regards,
Anna