Looking for some great day trips in Germany and things to do near Stuttgart? We’ve lived near the city long enough to ask the question, what to do in southern Germany many times. My family and I enjoyed doing quite a bit of sightseeing near Stuttgart, Germany. I’ll share all of my favorite places to visit around Stuttgart Germany and some across the border. All of the locations are 2.5 hours or less (one way). Check out the map below to see the locations for the best day trips from Stuttgart. 

So get ready to explore some fabulous places to visit near Stuttgart, Germany! 

Table of Contents

1. Castles near Stuttgart, Germany

2. Theme Parks

3. Nature Inspired Adventures

4. Picturesque Cities

5. Palaces, Monasteries and more!

6. Across the Border

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Castles near Stuttgart, Germany

I’m not sure about you, but I absolutely love castles. Castles are where the royal families and wealthy live and raise their children. They are full of power and strength with their towering walls and rich interiors. Nestled deep in valleys and perched on towering cliffs, with unique historical stories. Anywhere I travel, I always look for castles to visit and learn about their history. 

1. Hohenzollern Castle 

The current version of Burg Hohenzollern castle was finished in 1867 and is still owned by the family, but the original castle foundation dates back to 1061. If you want to see the Hohenzollern castle interior, you’ll also hear the impressive history and see the Hohenzollern family tree painted on the ceiling that shows the ancestral seat of the Prussian Kings, German Emperors and Princes of Hohenzollern. The castle stands high on “zoller” mountain overlooking the valley below. The Emperor William II proclaimed: “The panorama from the Hohenzollern Castle is truly worth a journey”. 

• Cost: Be sure to buy your tickets at the ticket booth in the car park. Exterior tickets are 7 euros for adults and 5 euros (6-17 year old). If you want to see the inside, sign up for a guided Hohenzollern castle tour. It is 12 euros per adult, 10 euros for seniors and those with disabilities, 6 euros for children (6-17) or 28 euros for a family ticket. 
• Fun for kids: If you take a tour of the inside, the guide will have a royal cloak to wear. There is also a coffee/cake shop in the courtyard with plenty of space to run around. 
• Things to note: There is a fee to park (2 euro per car). It is also a steep climb to the entrance of the castle. Consider the shuttle up to the castle: 2 euro for adults, 1 euro for children (4-14). You’ll still have to climb the final ascent once you reach the castle entrance, something to note if you have limited mobility. The castle also hosts a Christmas Market for two weeks in November/December
• Hours: Open most days from 10 am-4:30/5:30 pm
• Distance from Stuttgart: 1 hour drive 
• Address: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany

2. Lichtenstein Castle 

Schloss Lichtenstein castle was built in 1892 by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg after he was inspired after reading the novel  “Lichtenstein” by Wilhelm Hauff’s. It is a fairy tale castle with a chapel, hunting lodge and various other buildings inside its courtyard. One of my favorite features is the wooden drawbridge that leads into the castle perched 817 meters over the valley below.

 

• Cost: The ticket booth is just inside the castle walls. To visit the inside courtyard and grounds, it is 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children. If you want to take the German only guided tour, then it is 8 euros for adults and 3.50 euros for children. *Ask for an English handout*
• Fun for kids: Explore the courtyard, check out the cannons and dream about which Disney movie this castle would fit best in! Also note, the guided tour is only 30 minutes, so doable for some kids. 
• Things to note: There is a fee to park (2 euro per car). It is also a steep climb up the hill to the entrance of the castle (150 meters). There are no shuttle options. The guided tour is 30 minutes long and is only in German. Be sure to ask for an English handout. Also no photos are allowed inside. There is a small biergarten by the castle parking area. The castle grounds are dog friendly and if you can hold your dog during the 30 minute tour, they are welcome. 
• Hours: Closed January-February. Open March-December from 9 am/10 am – 4/5:30 pm (longer hours in the summer)
• Distance from Stuttgart: 1 hour drive 
• Address: Schloß Lichtenstein 1, 72805 Lichtenstein, Germany

3. Neuschwanstein Castle

Fondly known as the Disney princess castle, Neuschwanstein is also a bit of a mouthful to say. It was built as a fanciful retreat for King Ludwig II, where he only spent 11 nights before his untimely death. It was never meant as a castle for the royal court, but as a private residents for King Ludwig and his servants. It had not been fully completed, thus six weeks after the death of King Ludwig, it was opened to the public. Neuschwanstein welcomes 1.3 million visitors per year making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. I always highly recommend a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. 

 

• Cost: The ticket booth is located near the car park area, just follow the signs. I highly suggest purchasing your tickets ahead of time. If you wait until the morning, you’ll end up with tickets much later in the day or possibly no tickets at all since they sell out in the busy season (July-September). Use the link below to reserve online!
  • • Reserve your tickets ahead of time using this link to the official ticket page. They must be picked up from the ticket booth 1.5 hours before your reserved time. 
    • Adults: 13 euros, children under 18 are free.
• Fun for kids: The hanging bridge overlooking the castle is a highlight. There is also a horse drawn carriage that you can take either up or down to the castle grounds, which is a delight for kids. The tour lasts 30 minutes, which is doable for most kids. Be sure to play a fun game of eye spy inside the castle.
  • • Note: No hiking carriers are allowed inside the castle. Soft structured carriers are OK. There is a coat check area for strollers and unapproved carriers.
• Things to note: There is a fee to park (7 euro per car) and parking does fill during the busy season.
  • • Best Strategy: Pick up your tickets at least 2 hours before your scheduled visit from the ticket booth. Take the shuttle (2.50 euros per person one way) up to the top of the hill. The bus will drop you off right next to the entrance to the bridge overlooking Neuschwanstein  castle. Enjoy the views, then head back towards where the bus dropped you off and walk downhill to the entrance of the castle. Wait for your entrance time and tour. Once the tour is complete, continue downhill to the little restaurant and where the horse drawn carriages wait. You can either take a horse drawn carriage (3.50 per person downhill) or walk back down the hill to your car. If you are the first visit in the morning, then 1.5 hours is plenty of time, otherwise, give yourself time to wait for the bus.
• Hours: Open everyday, except Christmas Eve/Christmas and New Years Eve/New Years.
  • • April to 15 October: 9 am-6 pm & 16 October to March: 10 am-4 pm.
      • • Ticket booth opens 1.5 hours prior to the castle. Guided tours are provided in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Slovenian, and Japanese. Self-guided tours are not available.
  •  
• Distance from Stuttgart: 2.5 hour drive
• Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

4. Hohenschwangau Castle

The lesser known twin to Neuschwanstein, Schloss Hohenschwangau is where King Ludwig II spent his childhood and dreamed up his fanciful castle on the hill across the valley and town of Hohenschwangau. This recent castle was built in the 19th century, but it’s history dates back to the 12th century.  It opened to the public in 1913 and has more than 300,000 visitors each year. 

 

• Cost: The ticket booth is located near the car park area, just follow the signs. I highly suggest purchasing your tickets ahead of time. Tickets for Hohenschwangau do not sell out as quickly, but planning ahead is always best because the lines will be long and there is no separate line if you only want to see Hohenschwangau Castle. Use the link below to reserve online!
  • • Reserve your tickets ahead of time using this link to the official ticket page. They must be picked up from the ticket booth 1.5 hours before your reserved time. 
    • Adults: 13 euros, children under 18 are free.
    • Want to visit both Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein? Buy a combo ticket for 23 euros per adult, children under the age of 18 are free
• Fun for kids: This castle is best for older children as there are 90 steps to climb and it is a 35 minute guided tour. If you do bring your little one, no stroller or hiking carriers are permitted and you will be told to keep little ones quiet so others can enjoy the tour. 
• Things to note: There is a fee to park (7 euro per car). I wouldn’t recommend walking to the Castle Hohenschwangau entrance unless you allow plenty of time to walk the 1.2 km uphill (approximately 20 minutes). Alternately you can take a horse drawn carriage which picks up directly in front of the ticket office. Cost is 4.50 euros per person uphill and 2 euros per person downhill (or you can walk).  
• Hours: Open all  year (except Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and New Years Eve/New Years Day). Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April through September) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (October through March). Guided tours are provided in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Slovenian, and Japanese. Self-guided tours are not available.
• Distance from Stuttgart: 2.5 hour drive
• Address: Alpseestraße 30, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

5. Stettenfels Castle (Medieval Festival)

Burg Stettenfels is an 11th century medieval castle above the town of Untergruppenbach in Heilbronn. It has passed through many families, as well as the Nazi’s and Americans before being turned into a cultural property used to host events after it’s last renovation with a modern interior. This castle is not open for regular tours, so visiting during one of their festivals and events is the best way to enjoy it’s courtyards and grounds. I highly recommend their medieval festival, which takes place on one weekend every April/May. Check this website for dates. They also have a Christmas market.

 

• Cost: Tickets of the medieval festival are 12 euros for adults, 8 euros for children (free under 1.20 meters).
• Fun for kids: Kids will love the medieval festival. There are games to play, a playground area, lots of space to run in the biergarten and the shows are wonderful (juggling, acrobatics, horse jousting and more)! The grounds are stroller accessible for the most part. I’d park the stroller once you reach the bridge into the castle walls (interior castle). 
• Things to note: Parking is free and there is also a free shuttle to the event entrance. Strollers are allowed on shuttles. You can bring your dog, but they are not allowed on the shuttle, so park nearby and walk along the trail to the entrance. 
• Hours: The Medieval Festival takes place in April/May. Check the website above. 
• Distance from Stuttgart: 40 minutes
• Address: Burg Stettenfels 4, 74199 Untergruppenbach, Germany

6. Château du Haut Kœnigsbourg (France)

This 12th century fairy-tale castle looks down majestically across the Alsace valley in France from its rocky perch. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg was occupied from the Middle Ages until the Thirty Years’ War when it was abandoned. Early in the 20th century it was rebuilt by the German kaiser Wilhelm II to reflect what it would have looked like in the 15 century. Towering at 757 m over picture perfect villages and colorful vineyards, it is one of France’s most widely visited castles with over 500,000 tourists each year visiting Chateau Koenigsbourg.

 

• Cost: Adults: 9 euros, Children: 5 euros (6-17 years old) Kids under 6 are free.
• Fun for kids: This castle DOES NOT require a guided tour, which is great for families because you can explore at your own pace. Audio Guides are available and there are sign with information. Medieval castles are often fun for kids and there is a little store at the end with little swords and souvenirs.
  • • No strollers are allowed due to stairs and narrow passageways. Bring a soft structured carrier for little ones. 
• Things to note: Parking is free around the castle grounds and it is a short walk to the entrance. There is a also a shuttle bus from the Sélestat railway station. You can either take a guided tour, or grab an audio guide and go at your own pace. Allow at least an hour to view all the rooms. Dogs are not permitted on the tour (not even in a bag). Between April and October there is a small snack shop (sandwiches) for a bite to eat. 
• Hours: Open 9:30 am -5 pm from March and October, open till 6 pm June-August. Slightly shorter hours the rest of the year. The castle is open all year round except 1 January, 1 May, 10 July (Tour de France 2019) and 25 December.
• Distance from Stuttgart: 2.5 hours
• Address: 67600 Orschwiller, France

Love France? Check out our tips for Disneyland Pairs!

Theme Parks

Ready for some high flying roller coasters? Want to take the kids to enjoy some family fun? The following theme parks have something to offer for everyone, including plenty of beer and delicious German food. We are adrenaline junkies and so is our son, so we were frequent visitors to each park. We will share our top tips for each park and which park is best for which ages. 

1. Europa Park, Germany

Europa Park Germany is Europe’s second most popular theme park (after Disneyland Paris) and one of the largest! The park is split into 13 different areas that each represent a different country, so it’s easy to navigate and try foods from around the globe without ever stepping foot on a plane! The park is meant for everyone from wobbly toddlers to daredevil teenagers and grandparents. The Silver Star is the park’s biggest roller coaster with top speeds of 127 km/h, it will certainly knock your socks off! Looking for something a bit laid back? Find a show to watch with anything from circus acts to ice dancing and musical entertainment. The entire park is a delight for the senses with playground, manicured gardens and plenty of places to rest in the shade. With over 53 eateries throughout the park, you will be hard pressed to decide where to eat!

• Cost for a one day pass: Summer/Winter
  • • Adults (Age 12 and up): 52 euros/ 47 euros
    • Kids (Age 4-11 years old): 44.50 euros/ 39.50 euros
    • Kids under the age of 4: Free
      • • Additional discounts for seniors, Visitors with disabilities. 
• Best for Ages:
  • • There is certainly something for everyone! Little kids can enjoy many family friendly Europa park rides and playgrounds throughout the park. From boat rides, trains, bumper cars and hot air balloons to bobby cars, indoor/outdoor play areas and water play areas. 
    • There are 14 coasters in the park! They vary from water log rides to virtual reality and adrenaline educing coasters.
      • • Check out the Europa Park Map to see all the rides!
• Things to Note: 
  • • Don’t miss the fun parades, indoor 3D and 4D theaters, the water fountain shows and music to take a break from all the rides. 
    • I highly recommend eating at Food Loop in Luxembourg. The line may look long, but people cycle through pretty quickly. You’ll order your food digitally and then it will go on a roller coaster of it’s own to your table! It’s a delight!
    • The park opens earlier than the listed hours. Be sure to show up an hour early to park and walk to the gate, then head towards your desired area. 
    • Be sure to visit in the winter to enjoy their Christmas Market. (Tip: they highly discount their items at the end of the season!)
    • Want to escape the crowds? Jump the tram to the back of the park and then work your way out. 
• Hours:
  • • Summer: April-November 9 am-6 pm (later in the peak season)
    • Winter: November-January open from 11 am-7 pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour 45 minutes via Car
    • 2.5 hours via Flixbus
• Address:
  • • Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany

Europa Park is best enjoyed over two days. Consider booking a place to stay near the park. I can personally recommend Gästehaus Milella for an inexpensive place to stay near the park. 

2. Tripsdrill Park

Tripsdrill amusement park is part theme park and part wildlife park and was Germany’s 1st theme park that opened over 90 years ago! You won’t even realize you’ve arrived because park Tripsdrill is located among beautiful vineyards, woods and meadows. With over 100 attractions ranging from roller coasters to playgrounds and water slides, there is something in the park for everyone to enjoy. 

• Cost:
  • • Adults (12 years and older): 33 euros
    • Kids (Ages 4-11): 28 euros
    • Kids under the age of 4: FREE
      • • Additional Discounts for seniors, pregnant women and visitors with disabilities. 
• Best for Ages:
  • • Little Kids: There are over 15 attractions that kids under 4 can enjoy either alone or with an adults. Kids over the age of 4 have many options as well. There are only 5 rides they can’t go on. 
    • Big Kids: There are 6 big rides including two water based rides, so still plenty to enjoy.
• Things to Note:
  • • Parking is FREE
    • Dogs are welcome in the theme park, but they must stay on leash and you must purchase a dog hygiene kit and keep it with you.
      • • Sorry pups, no rides for you!
    • The layout of the park isn’t the easiest to navigate, so grab a map and be sure to peak into various buildings because many attractions are a bit hidden. 
    • If you have time, be sure to visit the wildlife park next door or look into staying in one of their tree houses for the weekend to enjoy both the theme park and the wildlife area. 
• Hours:
  • • Open Daily from April till November from 9 am – 6 pm (Theme Park and Wildlife Park) 
    • In the Winter, only the wildlife park is open.
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 40 minutes by car
    • A little less than an hour via public transportation (R4 & 567)
• Address:
  • • Erlebnispark Tripsdrill, Straße 1, 74389 Cleebronn, Germany

3. Legoland Germany

Legoland Park Germany is a delight for LEGO fans and one of six around the world! Legoland Deutschland offers more than 50 family attractions from rides to attractions, shows and LEGO building zones. It is best for ages 3-12 years old, although there are a few rides for older children and play spaces for under 3 years old. Be sure to save some time to explore the LEGO shop before exiting the park. 

• Cost:
  • • Adults (12 years and older): 41.50 Euros 
    • Kids (3-11): 37 euros
    • Kids under 3: FREE
      • • Get discount legoland tickets on many German cereal boxes. Just check out your local grocery store. There are also coupons in the LEGO magazines that are free in stores. Typically buy one, get one free. 
        • If you don’t have a coupon, buy your ticket online to save up to 25% (buy at least 7 days ahead of time).
• Best for Ages:
  • • This is one of the few parks that is best for kids aged 3-12 years old. Older and younger siblings would also enjoy their visit, but that is the targeted audience. 
    • The rides are much more tame and fun is centered around the joy of building and exploring LEGOS. There are a few coasters that will delight the older ones including Flying Ninjango, LEGO Bionicle Power Builder (a stand alone simulator), Fire Dragon and Project X.
• Things to Note:
  • • Parking is 6 Euros 
    • Visit Miniland to see over 25 million LEGO blocks turned into recognizable locations. Kids love to press the levers and buttons to control various LEGO lights and boats. 
    • Visit the LEGO store to buy bulk LEGOS, sets and unique pieces.
    •  Start at the back of the park and hit the Flying Ninjango ride first (if you want to ride it). 
    • Pack a swimsuit and towel if your kids like to play in the water, there are quite a few areas throughout the park to stay cool and get wet. 
    • Consider staying at one of the park hotels to get in an hour early and extend the fun! We stayed in the Castle for my son’s birthday and had a blast!
• Hours:
  • • Legoland is open from the beginning of April until the first weekend in November from 10 am until 6 pm.
      • • *Longer Hours during peak season.
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1.5 hours via car
    • About 2 hours via the flixbus
• Address:
  • • Legoland-Allee 3, 89312 Günzburg, Germany

4. Traumland (Dreamland on the Bear Cave)

If you are looking for a beginning theme park for the littlest ones in your family, then Traumland is a perfect choice. Discover a fairy-tale forest complete with interactive displays and dancing fountains to delight visitors. Then enter into a wonderland of children’s rides, playgrounds, slides and more! Tucked into the forest, you’ll quickly fall in love with this magical theme park. 

• Cost: 
  • • Adults (12+): 15.90 Euros
    • Children (3-11): 14.90 Euros
    • Under the age of 3: FREE
      • • Visit on your child’s birthday for a free entry!
• Best for Ages: For families with children ages 0-10 years old. 
• Things to Note:
  • • Dogs are allowed in the park
    • Parking is FREE and located at the entrance. You’ll need to head up a steep hill to the entrance for tickets. 
    • Bring a stroller for the little ones because the park is large.
    • Bring cash for food and pony rides
      • • Pony rides start at 12 pm. 
        • Feel free to bring a picnic or items to barbecue (there are open fires available for use). 
        • There are plenty of options for meals to purchase including typical German fare, crepes, pizza and coffee.
    • TIP: Want to skip the magical forest (German only audio)? Once you enter, go left past the tower and enter by the fountain, this will drop you off at the left side of the park and closest to the rides!
• Hours:
  • Open 10 am – 5 pm from April till November
    • • Open till 6 pm in the summer
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour
• Address:
  • Auf der Bärenhöhle, 72820 Sonnenbühl, Germany

5. Ravensburger Spieleland

Ravensburger Park is located near Lake Constance and is a mix of theme park and playground wonderland with over 70 attractions! You won’t find huge roller coasters here, but you will find rides, a maze complete with stamping stations, backhoes to scoop rocks, jumping pillows, smaller kids rides and massive slides. The park is expansive with eight different themed zones, so plan to spend the entire day exploring and playing!

• Cost:
  • • Adults (15+): 35.50 Euros
    • Children (3-14): 33.50 euros
    • Children under the age of 3: FREE
      • • Children under 14 can get into the park FREE on their birthday (up to 6 days after). 
• Best for Ages: 
  • • Best for ages 2-14 years old. It is meant to be a park where families can play together.
      • • There are a few attractions for older children to enjoy.
• Things to Note:
  • • Parking is available, but not free. Pay for parking before you leave.
    • The park is spread out and there is quite a bit of distance between different rides and attractions. Bring a stroller or wagon for the little ones. (You can also rent a wooden wagon.)
      • • Most of the paths are gravel and some are uphill, so make note of the type of stroller you bring
    • There are plenty of food options throughout the park and range from Italian to German.
    • Our favorite attractions
      • • Fun slides & Playgrounds
        • Water playground with stream and sand
        • Firefighters Game
        • Construction Site
        • Brio Water Police Boat Ride & Brio Metro (rodelbahn)

        • Bosch Car Service wheel change facility

• Hours:
  • The park is open April till early November from 10 am till 5 pm
    • • Open until 6 pm during summer
      • Open until 4 pm in late October/Early November
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours 15 minutes
• Address:
  • • Am Hangenwald 1, 88074 Meckenbeuren, Germany

6. Playmobil Fun Park

PLAYMOBIL Park, is located in Zirndorf just outside the town of Nuremberg, where you can play all year in it’s 90,000m² of indoor and outdoor areas. You’ll find everything from a pirate ship, a medieval castle, a jungle ruin, an American Indian village, a gold/gemstone mine, a farm with tractor trail, a dinosaur discovery trail and a tree house with a magical fairy well. In addition, explore inside to play with every playmobil set offered in the 5,000 m² center with adjacent indoor climbing zone. 

• Cost:
  • • Peak Season (9 am – 7 pm)
      • May-Early September
        • Visitors Ages 3+: 11.90 euros
        • Kids under 3: FREE
    • Low Season (9 am – 6 pm)
      • September-early November
        • Visitors Ages 3+: 9.90 euros
        • Kids under 3: FREE
    • Winter Season (10 am – 6 pm)
      • November till March
        • *Indoor Section Only*
        • Visitors Ages 3+: 6.90 euro
        • Kids under 3: FREE
• Best for Ages:
  • • Playmobil Funpark wants children of all ages to come and play! During our visits, we saw children aged 0-12 years old having the most fun. 
• Things to Note:
  • • There are no rides! However, there are structures to climb, hidden tunnels, towering slides, play areas with water/sand, cars to drive and boats to steer. 
    • Don’t miss the huge play area inside (HOB center)! Parents an enjoy a coffee and snack as well. 
    • Favorite areas include the sand/water playgrounds, Gold Mine (pan for free gems in the sand), Knights castle and Treehouse in the Dinosaur zone.
      • • Take your time to explore and play!
• Hours:
  • Open all year, see seasons and times above
    • • Closed Christmas Eve- Day after Christmas and New Years Eve/New Years Day
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours
• Address:
  • • Brandstätterstraße 2-10, 90513 Zirndorf, Germany

Read Next: Top 10 Things to Do in Stuttgart with Kids

Nature Inspired Adventures

Ready to explore the beauty that Germany offers? Explore the following options and get ready to be in the great outdoors! From the nature trail just behind the small towns, to the barefoot walks tucked in the forest and waterfalls scattered in the countryside, you can easily find the motivation to get out and explore! 

1. The Treetop Walk at Bad Wildbad (Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald)

The Baumwipfelpfad, Bad Wildbad (Treetop Walk) is a must visit on a day trip from Stuttgart! You’ll walk along an elevated platform and discover some fun obstacles along the way, as well as information about the area (in German). Finally, you’ll reach a spiraled 40 meter high observation tour overlooking the beauty of the Black Forest. Gaze upon the beech trees, firs and spruces and then decide if you want to descend via the ramp or the baumwipfelpfad slide for a thrill! The Bad Wildbad Baumwipfelpfad is great for visiting family and we were frequent visitors.  

• Cost:
  • • Adults: 10 euros
    • Children 6-14 years: 8 euros
    • Children under 6: FREE
    • Baumwipfelpfad Slide: 2 euro (minimum age 6 years)
• Things to Note:
  • • No dogs allowed 
    • Parking is located at the bottom of the hill, it is paid parking. Then head up the hill and to the right to find the ticket booth. 
    • The ramp up to the observation deck is at a 6% gradient, making it doable for wheelchairs and strollers
    • The obstacles along the route are optional, but fun! Balance on balance beams, climb moving platforms and traverse wooden obstacles. 
    • The walk takes around 1-2 hours to complete. You’ll return back through the forest. 
    • Feeling hungry? Head over to Waldgaststätte Grünhütte for some delicious pancakes! (Cash only)
• Hours:
  • • Opens at 9:30 am year round, closes between 4 pm -7 pm depending on the time of year.
      • Last admission one hour before closing. 
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour 20 minutes
• Address:
  • • Peter-Liebig-Weg 16, 75323 Bad Wildbad, Germany

2. Triberg, Germany

Triberg im Schwarzwald, or Triberg for short is a beautiful town in the black forest in Germany. It is well known for its famous black forest cuckoo clocks (kuckucksuhren Triberg) and features the world’s largest cuckoo clock within it’s town. In addition, the Tiberg Waterfalls are not to be missed with their multi-tiered falls over wooden bridges and gravel paths to view them from many angles. Discover one of the highest waterfalls in Germany at 163 meters tall. Be sure to visit in the winter as well where the town puts on a festival of lights complete with an evening show featuring fire breathing, music, dancing and pyrotechnics!

The Schwarzwaldmuseum or Black Forest Museum is also worth a look with it’s history about the area, the evolution of the making of cuckoo clocks and some really neat music machines that were made. Bring some coins to play the music and see the movement. 

• Triberg Wasserfall:
  • • Cost:
      • Adults: 5 euros, Children (8-17 years), 4.50 euros, Children under 8: FREE
      • Purchase peanuts to feed the squirrels
    • Parents: Bring strollers able to tackle hills and rough terrain (it’s all uphill)
    • Open year round, don’t miss the Triberg Christmas Magic!
    • Location: Center of town, near the house of 1,000 cuckoo clocks
      • • • Schönwälder Str. 2, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany
• Black Forest Museum:
  • • Cost:
      • 6 Euros, or get a combo ticket with the waterfall for 9.50 euros
    • Bring coins to play the mechanical music
    • Open year round from 10 am – 5 pm (6 pm April-September)
    • Kids will enjoy the underground gem mine with various rocks and minerals. Operating music machines and discovering what life was like in the black forest. Strollers not recommended due to stairs. 
• Triberg Schwarzwald Favorite Shops and Restaurants:
  • • Cuckoo Clock Shop: Oli`s Schnitzstube
    • Black Forest Cake: Landgasthof Zur Lilie
      • Location of the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock:
        
        Schonachbach 27, 78098 Triberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
        *Be sure to visit on the hour or 1/2 hour, it is located 5 minutes drive from Triberg.
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour 45 minutes
• Address for Parking:
  • • Kreuzstraße 21-1, 78098 Triberg im Schwarzwald, Germany

3. Lake Konstanz

Lake Constance, Germany is a beautiful outdoor paradise located in Southern Germany near the Swiss border. It features a beautiful crystal clear blue lake with three countries on it’s borders. Well known for cycling, boating, family friendly farm stays, quintessential German towns and a place to relax, it is well loved by the locals. Lake Constance is also known as Bondensee, Lake Konstanz and Lake Bondensee, but they all refer to the same Alpine Lake. 

• Things to Do:
  • • Explore the town of Konstanz and the harbor – stroll the cobblestone Old Town, visit the 11th-century Konstanz Minster and see the sweeping vistas from the Konstanz harbor.
      • • Take the Kids to SEA Life Aquarium
    • Enjoy the stunning views of the lake from Lindau’s harbor- climb 89 steps to the top of the Mangturm Tower for unobstructed views of the lake.  
    • Discover the history at Meersburg Castle – it is the oldest inhabited fortress-castle in all of Germany; dating back to the  7th century. 
    • Take a leisurely boat ride- Catamarans, ferries, car ferries and cruise ships operated by multiple companies connect the towns and islands surrounding the lake.
    • Visit Salem Monastery and Palace – former Cistercian abbey from the 1100s.
    • Visit the Isle of Mainau- More on that below!
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours
• Address:
  • • 78467 Konstanz, Germany

Plan a weekend stay in Lake Constance below!

4. Mainau Island (Lake Konstanz)

Mainau Island, Germany is an absolute delight for outdoor garden lovers! Known as the “flower island”, with over 45 hectors, it is captivating destination with a butterfly house, sculpted gardens, sweeping views of the surrounding lake, an 18th century palace and greenhouse full of palms. Children will delight with the kinderland complete with petting zoo, pony rides, wooden marble maze, multiple playgrounds (water play included) and biergartens. 

• Cost:
  • • Summer Season (End of March till Mid-October)
      • • Adults: 21.50 euros
        • Children (12 and under): FREE
    • Winter Season
      • • Adults: 10 euros
        • Children (12 and under): FREE
• Things to Note:
  • • Paid parking area, arrive early on holidays and in Spring
    • Bring a stroller for young children, it is a vast island
    • Be sure to visit the Butterfly House (opens at 10 am)
    • I recommend staying left, visit the butterfly house, then continue up to the mansion, stroll back along the gardens and end in the children’s area near the biergarten, then exit to the right.
      • • Bring coins for the animal food and wooden ball to use on the kugelbahn
• Hours:
  • • Dawn until Dusk
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours
• Address for parking for Insel Mainau:
  • • Unnamed Road, 78465 Konstanz, Germany

5. Bad Urach Waterfall

This 40 meter tall waterfall is a poular attraction in Bavaria. Enjoy a nice dirt path through the woods along a stream until you reach the Bad Urach Wasserfall. This 1. 25 mile hike is easy with flat terrain (possible with strollers) before reaching the falls where you can climb up stone stairs to get up close with the Falls. 

• Cost:
  • • FREE
• Things to Note:
  • • Bring hiking clothes and plenty of water/snacks
    • Limited parking located at the trail head, arrive early on popular days (holidays)
• Hours:
  • • Dawn until Dusk
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour
• Address:
  • • 72574 Bad Urach, Germany

6. Barefoot Walk (Barfußpark Hallwangen)

What is a barefoot walk? Barfußpark Hallwangen is a 1.5 mile trail through the forest where you walk barefoot over a variety of materials, in water/mud and over stones, rocks, glass, pebbles and wood. Even soft toed participants will survive. It is a unique experience that is best enjoyed with an open mind. There are BBQ facilities and a small kiosk that sells food. The barefoot walk is best enjoyed in warmer weather. 

• Cost:
  • • FREE
• Things to Note:
  • • Bring a towel to dry your feet off, there is a foot washing station
    • Bring coins if you want to use the lockers to store your shoes and towels
    • There are two options for a shorter or longer trail. The longer trail includes the mud and straw.
    • Go slow and enjoy the experience
    • No strollers, so bring a carrier for little ones
    • No dogs allowed
• Hours:
  • • Dusk till Dawn
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour
• Address:
  • • Silberwaldstraße 22, 72280 Dornstetten, Germany

7. Sommerrodelbahn Gutach (Summer Tobaggan Run)

Looking for a fun outdoor adventure with a little bit of thrill? Look no further than a mountain car or rodelbahn! We’ve tried a few in the area and this is our favorite. You get to ride your “cart” up to the top before you go careering (at your own pace) down to the bottom. Smile for the camera and see who can get the fastest time! There is a viewing platform for little ones that can’t ride, in additional to trampolines (coin operated), playgrounds and ride on toys. Bring some cash for the biergarten. 

• Cost:
  • • 1 Ride
      • • Adults: 3.50 euros
        • Kids (3-14): 2.50 euros
    • 6 rides
      • • Adults: 16 euros
        • Kids (3-14): 11 euros
    • Children under the age of 8 must ride with someone over the age of 8. Kids under 3 are NOT allowed to ride. 
• Things to Note:
  • • Children over the age of 8 can ride alone
    • Children 3-7 must ride with someone over the age of 8
    • Bring coins for rides and trampoline
    • Bring cash for the biergarten
    • Parking is free, but limited
    • Go early to avoid longer lines
    • Purchase tickets past the Biergarten around to the right (before the bathrooms)
    • You can control your speed. If you want to go fast, slowly load your cart to space out the car in front of you. 🙂
• Hours:
  • • 10 am – 6pm
      • • End of March till Early October
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour 30 minutes
• Address:
  • • Singersbach 1a, 77793 Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn), Germany

Picturesque Cities

Europe is full of picturesque cities and Germany is no exception. From it’s half-timbered homes and shops to the intricate stonework on the churches and stained glass on the interior. Explore the following cities, peek into the medieval churches, enjoy a slow lunch while people watching in the town squares and soak up the local ambiance. I’ve visited all of the towns and cities on the list, so my tips are personal and my restaurant recommendations are based off where I’ve dined. 

1. Tübingen

We lived in close proximity to Tubingen and it was one of our favorite places to visit. It is a university town with half-timbered houses and a beautiful Old Town with many wonderful festivals that take place each year. Take a punt boat tour in the river and enjoy the views of the castle walls, German style homes and picturesque parks. You’ll also discover shops, farmers markets and museums. Have kids? Park over by the Alter Botanischer Garten Tübingen (Botanical Garden), which also features a huge playground and you can walk under a small bridge right into town. 

• What to see in Tubingen
  • • Old Town– Stroll the cobblestones lanes perusing various shops, cafes and churches. Enjoy the farmers market during the summer months on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. 
    • Hohentübingen Castle–  Hike up the hill to see the old castle ruins and a few open rooms with rotating exhibits. 
    • St. George’s Collegiate Church–  A 15th century church with bell tower that you can climb for views of the city.
    • Go Punting: Go on a punting boat tour of the Neckar River
    • Botanical Gardens – Have kids? Take them to this large green oasis complete with playground, sand play and grassy fields to kick a ball.
• Favorite Festivals:
  • • Provence Festival in September
      • • Umbrisch Provencalischer Markt
    • Chocolate Festival in December
      • • chocolART
• Where to eat in Tubingen
  • • Ice Cream near the park: Eiscafé San Marco
    • Cafe near the park: Piccolo Sole d’Oro
    • Along the River: Gasthausbrauerei Neckarmüller
    • Vegan Food: Vegi
    • German Fare: Liquid Bar Restaurant
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 45 minutes (Car)
    • 1 hour (train- 1 transfer)
• Address:
  • • Nonnengasse 14, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
      • • Parking Garage

2. Esslingen, Germany

Looking for charm, medieval history and some of the oldest half-timbered houses in all of Germany? Then Esslingen should be high on your list. Esslingen was spared from damage during WWII and thus many of the houses and building are intact. Start up at castle hill for views over the Old Town and Vineyards. Taste sparking wine at Kessler, where is has been produced for almost 200 years. Visit the city church that dominates the plaza with two towers connected with a small bridge and peek inside to see its 700’s beginnings. It is a city not to be missed! Visiting during Christmas? The Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market was a favorite!

• What to see in Esslingen:
  • • Stadtkirche St. Dionys – Built in the middle of the 17th century. There is 14th-century stained glass windows, oak choir stalls carved with strange characters in 1518, a golden 16th-century tabernacle and a marvelous late-15th-century rood screen.
    • Altes Rathaus– Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock dating back to 1592
    • Frauenkirche– Esslingen’s newest church dating from 1515. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows. 
    • Esslinger Castle – More of a residence for the royal family, then an actual castle, you can walk the interior courtyard and enjoy views over the vineyards and Old Town. Check out the many events including movie showings and tours. 
    • Marktplatz– Visit on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for a lively market.
    • Museum St. Dionys– Visit on Sunday afternoons to see the excavated crypt of the Stadtkirche
    • Kessler Sekt– Take a tour and taste their sparking wine.
• Where to eat in Esslingen
  • Must Visit: Weinkeller Einhorn
    • • Order some Keller sparking wine with your meal.
      • Reservations recommended
• Favorite Festivals in Esslingen
  • • July: Bürgerfest 
    • August: Zwiebelfest (Onion Festival)
    • December: Esslingen Christmas Market
      • • Be sure to visit! It is unique compared to all the other Christmas Markets we’ve visited. 
• Esslingen Tours
  • Esslingen City Tours
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 20 minutes (Car)
    • 15-20 minutes (train, no transfers)
• Address:
  • Ebershaldenstraße 12 73728 Esslingen am Neckar
    • Parking Garage 

3. Nuremberg, Germany

The second largest Bavarian city, after Munich, Nurmberg is full of history and charm. Nuremberg was 90% destroyed by WWII, but it was rebuilt into the beautiful town you see today. Nuremberg became the venue for the Nazi Party Rallies and subsequently the Nuremberg Trials, so there is quite a bit of history and information to document the events. The people of the city are friendly, the restaurants are abound with delicious treats and the city is perfect for strolling. Don’t miss the famous Christmas Market in December. 

• What to see in Nuremberg:
  • • Toy Museum – Discover an array of antique toys and let the children play in the indoor and outdoor play area.
    • Gingerbread-Schmidt– A local souvenir is the Lebkuchen, a traditional German baked Christmas treat, somewhat resembling gingerbread.
    • Take a Tour– From a free walking tour, to a paid tour including the Nazi parade grounds, there is something for everyone.
    • Nuremberg Castle – walk through the castle grounds, admiring the half-timbered palaces and cobblestone courtyards or pay for admission to see the chapel, tower and apartments
    • Churches– There are many to choose from and they all have their different charms. Be sure to peek into a few of them during your visit. 
• Where to eat in Nuremberg
  • Must Visit: Bratwurst Roslein
    • • Local cuisine with a large outdoor garden
  • Grab and Go: Sausages
    • • There are plenty of little street carts serving sausages in a bun. Nuremberg sausages are quite famous, so it’s worth a try!
• Favorite Festivals in Nuremberg
  • • December: Nuremberg Christmas Market (Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt)
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours (Car)
    • 3 hours (train, 1 transfer)
• Address:
  • Augustinerstraße 4, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany
    • Parking Garage 

4. Heidelberg, Germany

Located less than an hour from Frankfurt and just over an hour from Stuttgart, it is a popular tourist destination with it’s Gothic churches, cafe-lined Marktplatz, Old Town and red sandstone ruins of the 13th century Heidelberg Castle. It’s easy to fall in love with the romantic and charming Heidelberg. About 1/4 of it’s population are students, which attend Heidelberg University, so it has a similar feel to Tubingen. Don’t miss coordinating your visit with one of the many festivals that takes place in Heidelberg.

 

• What to see in Heidelberg:
  • • Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg) – Walk along a paved path along the hill for views of the city.This famous path was once the source of inspiration for scholars and great minds.
    • Heidelberg Castle– No visit to Heidelberg should miss the Heidelberg Castle. Construction of the castle started in the early 1200s, but it has expanded over the centuries to include a fortress, multiple towers, moats, and gardens all overlooking the Old Town below. 
    • Take a Tour– With any large city, there are plenty of tours to pick from. Rent a bike, join a free walking tour or jump on a segway. 
    • Historic Old Town – Heidelberg’s Altstadt is on the southern banks of the Neckar River, dominated by the Hauptstrasse (Main Street), longest pedestrian walkway in Europe and runs the entire length of the Old Town. Be sure to check out the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge), built in 1788.
    • Churches– There are many to choose from and they all have their different charms. Be sure to peek into a few of them during your visit. 
    • Student Jail (Studentkarzer)– Used from 1823 to 1914 for students that committed “crimes” such as public intoxication, drunkenness and other offenses, it became a bit of a “right of passage” for college students. 
    • Heidelberg Zoo- Have kids? Enjoy a visit to the zoo with over 250 species of animals.
• Where to eat in Heidelberg
  • Must Visit: Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus
    • • Local cuisine in a candlelit restaurant
  • Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg
    • • Decorated with black and white photos of Heidelberg on its walls.
• Favorite Festivals in Heidelberg
  • • February: Vampire Ball
    • Spring: Heidelberg Spring Festival and International Music Festival
    • September- Old Town Festival with music, market and festival
    • October/November- Jazz Festival
    • December- Heidelberg Christmas Market
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour 15 minutes (Car)
    • 45 minutes (train, no transfers)
• Address:
  • Hauptstraße 214, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
    • Parking Garage 

5. Ulm, Germany

Ulm is most well known for it’s famous church that has the worlds’ largest church spire, but it also features a 16th century astronomical clock, half-timbered houses along the River Danube and the birthplace of Albert Einstein. Ulm’s history features stories of fishermen and tanners that use to call this medieval city their home. 

  

• What to see in Ulm:
  • • Ulm Minster – Ulm Minster has the highest steeple in the world, is officially the tallest complete church in the world. Don’t miss the 15th-century carved oak choir stalls and the 17th-century organ played by Mozart in 1763. You can also climb the spire for it’s panoramic views.
    • Schiefes Haus– A crooked inn from the 15th century that was used by Ulm’s famous shipbuilders and according to the Guinness Book of World Records it’s the most crooked hotel in the world.
    • Altes Rathaus– Visit Ulm’s Town Hall dating back to 1370 with an astronomical clock dating back to 1520.
    • Metzgerturm (Butcher’s Tower) – The medieval gate tower that gets its name from the pedestrian path to the city’s slaughterhouse. 
    • Museums– There are plenty of options from a sculpture museum to an art museum. Perhaps you fancy a bread museum?
• Where to eat in Ulm
  • Crêperie Kornhäusle
    • • Grab a savory crepe with a delicious glass of cider.
  • Barfüßer die Hausbrauerei Ulm
    • • Popular for its beers and hearty plates for 10 euros of less!
• Favorite Festivals in Ulm
  • • June- Stadfest
      • For several weeks renowned artists will delight with music, theater, comedy, dance
    • December- Ulm Christmas Market
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1 hour (Car)
    • 1 hour (train, no transfers)
• Address:
  • Neue Str., 89073 Ulm, Germany
    • Parking Garage 

6. Munich, Germany

Munich is the largest city in southern Germany and is well known for its annual beer festival, Oktoberfest, but the city has much more to offer. From its historic city center, to the Munich English garden complete with biergartens and surfing! It’s historical attractions include art collections, a palace, churches and it’s famous clock.   

• What to see in Munich
  • • Marienplatz  – Visit the Old and New Town Halls as well as the Gothic tower. It is also the site of the German Christmas Markets. 
    • English Garden– One of my favorite places to visit with its sprawling green lawns, multiple playgrounds, biergartens and artificial surfing wave. Outdoor enthusiast will enjoy the various gardens and paths in this 910 acre paradise.
    • Churches– From the Church of our Lady, a 15th century church, to the popular Asam church with its stunning frescoes.
    • Munich Residenz – A palace that was once inhabited by Emperors, Kings, and Queens. This is a sprawling palace that will take up the majority of your day.
    • Octoberfest– This is one of the main reasons that tourists flock to Germany. Oktoberfest is a massive festival and party complete with gigantic beer steins, delicious German fare, music and dancing. Outside the tents you’ll discover a treasure trove of rides, carnival games and local shops that sell their wares. 
    • Deutsches Museum – Everything from historic planes to astronomy, computers to recreated salt and coal mines.
• Where to eat in Munich
  • Viktualienmarkt
    • • Munich’s biggest outdoor food market that is part farmer’s market and part foodie paradise.
  • Liebighof
    • • A favorite, especially during the Christmas season with its beautiful decor.
  • Augustiner Klosterwirt
    • • A traditional Bavarian restaurant in Munich located in the center of town and a top pick for locals as well as touists.
• Favorite Festivals in Munich
  • • April/May-Frühlingsfest
      • • The Spring version of Oktoberfest with similar beer halls, festivities, music, rides and shops seeling their wares. 
    • July- Summer Tollwood
      • • A wide array of musical and circus performances
    • October- Oktoberfest
      • One of the most famous festivals with a fair like feel with huge beer tents, German food and rides. 
    • December- Munich Christmas Market
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 2 hours (Car)
    • 2 hours 15 minutes ( ICE train, no transfers)
• Address:
  • Oberanger 35, 80331 München, Germany
    • Parking Garage 

7. Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is known for it’s German ski resorts. Located in the mountains of Germany, it is a beautiful region full of grassy meadows, towering mountains (the tallest peak in German, the Zugspitz) and have a traditional Bavarian feel. Doable as a day trip, but best enjoyed as a long weekend, Garmisch has plenty to delight outdoor enthusiasts. 

• What to see in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
  • • Zugspitze– Ride a cogwheel train or a cable car to the tallest peak in Germany.
    • Partnachklamm: The Partnach Gorge – A gorge with rushing water, waterfalls, and a meandering path to enjoy the views.
    • Olympiaschanze – a ski-jump hill that hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics. Lucky visitors can catch a training session
    • Michael Ende Kurpark – a garden oasis with barefoot trail, gardens and green space to enjoy. The summer features events and summer concerts.
    • Eibsee – A crystal clear lake at the foot of Zugspitze. It is a popular for outdoor recreation.
    • AlpspiX – Enjoy the panoramic vies from these cliff hanging platforms. 
• Where to eat in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Must Visit: Zum Wildschütz
    • • Local cuisine with large portions
  • Mukkefuck
    • • Everyone enjoys a good giggle at the name, but the food is great!
• Favorite Festivals in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • • July/August: Garmisch Festweek
      • • Garmisch celebrates one full week in the beer tent with live music, stone lifting, parades and family nights.
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 3 hours (Car)
    • Public Transportation not recommended
• Address:
  • Fürstenstraße 14, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
    • Center of Town

8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg is Germany’s best-preserved walled town. Be sure you put Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the GPS, because there are plenty of other towns with a similar name. Located at the north end of the “romantic road”, it is easy to see why this pretty village is irresistible. Park below the walls and then walk up to explore quaint shops, stone walls and the famous Plönlein area with it’s well photographed half-timbered house with cobblestone streets and small fountain. 

• What to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber:
  • • Market Square– Check out the TOwn Hall, do some people watch or browse the stalls during the Christmas markets in December
    • Town Walls – Explore 46 defensive towers and four kilometres of covered walls.
    • Exploring the cobblestone streets – Shoppers will delight with the variety of local stores. Photographers will never have a lack of inspiration and foodies will find plenty to wet their palate.
    • Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum – Read about the various form of punishments  and see the torture devices used during medieval times (in English)
    • Town Hall tower– Climb up the tower for some of the best views of the town.
    • Käthe Wohlfahrt – Love Christmas as much as I do? Don’t miss the flagship Käthe Wohlfahrt store. You can easily spend hours and pockets full of money here. 
    • Night Watchman’s Tour– Enjoy the panoramic vies from these cliff hanging platforms. Check the tour website here. 
• Where to eat in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Must Visit: Altfränkische Weinstube
    • • Loved by locals and visitors alike. Dine in charming medieval decor.
  • Schneeball (snowball)
    • A local specialty made of strips of dough that are formed into a ball and deep-fried. Best for those that like pie crust style sweets. 
• Favorite Festivals in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • • December: Christmas Markets
      • • The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market isn’t huge, but it pairs well with the Kathe Wohlfahrt store and the entire town is beautiful and charming with its Christmas decorations.
• Distance from Stuttgart:
  • • 1.5 hours (Car)
    • Public Transportation not recommended
• Address:
  • Mannstraße 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
    • Parking Lot

Read more about how to spend a day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Palaces, Monasteries and more!

Want to explore more of the history of Southern Germany. Add these destinations to your list. They are a mix of historical palaces, beautiful Monasteries and Klosters and somber concentration camps within a couple hours from Stuttgart. These locations can also be paired well with festivals, and nearby cities to make a perfect day trip from Stuttgart, Germany. 

1. Ludwigsburg Palace

Much more than just a palace, this sprawling complex spans 32 hectars, making it the largest palatial estate in the country. Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is a 452-room palace with beautiful gardens with a children’s area complete with boat ride, maze, fairy tale stories and more to discover. It was one of our favorites with an amazing pumpkin festival complete with pumpkin sculptures and foods offered with a spin of pumpkin flavor. 

• Cost:
  • • Adults: 8 euros
    • Children: 4 euro
    • Family Ticket: 20 euro
• Fun for kids:
  • • Don’t miss the gardens! Be sure to peek around each corner, you never know what awaits. I highly recommend starting at the top of the hill and working your way down to the boats. There is also a train ride tucked in the back (costs extra). At the back of the palace you’l find a small playground with water features to cool off in the summer heat.
      • • Bring a stroller or wagon.
• Things to note:
  • • There is plenty of parking. My favorite place to park is along the right side and use the coin machine. There is also a ticket booth located just up the road and an entrance.
      • • Mömpelgardstraße 14 71640 Ludwigsburg
    • You can tour the palace and various museums for an extra cost. Inquire at the Palace. 
    • Don’t miss the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, it is amazing. 
• Hours: Open 10 am – 5 pm
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 20 minutes (Car)
    • 30 minutes (tain, 1 transfer)
• Address: 
  • • Schlossstraße 30, 71634 Ludwigsburg, Germany

2. Bebenhausen Kloster and Palace

Bebenhausen Kloster , also known as Bebenhausen Abbey, is a Cistercian monastery located in the village of Bebenhausen. It was built by Rudolph I, Count Palatine of Tübingen, probably in the 12th century. Bebenhausen was also the last home to the monarchy of Baden-Wurttenberg .  The area includes a monastery, a residence, church, school, hospital and gardens.  Most of the design is reflective of Baroque and Renaissance style. 

• Cost to tour the Interior:
  • • Adults: 5 euro
    • Children: 2.50 euro
      • • FREE to walk around the outside and some of the interior courtyards
• Fun for kids:
  • • Play outside below the monastery before heading in. Kids can check out the various rooms and “run around” in the small courtyard. 
• Things to note:
  • • There is a small parking area located at the bottom of the hill. 
• Hours:
  • • Open 9 am – 5 pm (April – October)
    • Open 10 am – 5 pm (October – March)
      • • Closed Mondays
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 36 minutes (car)
    • 1 hour (train/bus)
• Address: 
  • • Im Schloß, 72074 Tübingen, Germany

3. Dachau Concentration Camp

Living in Germany, I knew I wanted to visit and pay my respects at a German Nazi concentration camp. Dachau is located 15 km northwest of Munich and was one of the first nazi prisons established. Its first prisoners included communists and social democrats, but expanded to include Jews. It features a memorial and museum with photographs and documents to help tell the story of it’s 12 year history. Over 30,000 prisoners were liberated from the camp on April 29, 1945 by American troops. A total of 41,500 prisoners lost their lives here at the Dachau Concentration Camp. Signs are in English as well as German. 

 

• Cost: Free to enter
• Is it appropriate for kids?
  • • It certainly depends on the age of your children. I took my son when he was quite young and wore him in a carrier. He was too young to understand. For older children, I’d avoid going into the museum area with its large photos, but walking the concentration camp, peering into the recreated bunk rooms and walking to the chapel should be fine.  
• Things to note:
  • • You can tour on your own, rent an audio guide at the visitor center or schedule a tour. 
    • Parking is 3 euros (March- October)
    • No dogs are allowed at the memorial site
• Hours: Open 9 am – 5 pm
  • • Closed December 24th
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 2 hours 10 minutes (Car)
    • 3 hours (public Transportation)
• Address: 
  • • Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany

Read more about "Dark Tourism" and what is means

4. Maulbronn Monastery

Maulbronn Monastery dates back to the 12th century Cistercian abbey and it also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is considered one of the most complete and best preserved monastery complexes in Europe. It is a wonderful example of medieval architecture and features a transitional Gothic style church. 

• Cost:
  • • Adults: 8 euro
    • Children: 4 euro 
    • Audio Guide: 3 euro (Recommended)
• Fun for kids:
  • • Kids will enjoy the courtyard which is surrounded by towers, living quarters, outbuildings, and a defensive wall.
• Things to note:
  • • Guided tours daily in German
      • • Call ahead for tours in English
    • Be sure to see the unique carvings on the choir stalls.
    • One of the monks actually invented the Swabian dish “Maultaschen”
• Hours: Open 9 am – 5/5:30 pm (later in summer)
  • • Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years Eve (shorter hours on New Years Day)
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 45 minutes (car)
    • 1 hour 15 minutes (public transportation)
• Address: 
  • • Klosterhof 5, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany

Across the Border

One of the best things about living in Southern Germany is the ability to travel to three other countries within a few hours drive. France to the West is about 1.5 hours away, Switzerland is a little under 2 hours to the south and Austria (the western border) is just 2 hours away. I’ve added a few of our favorite day trips to France and Switzerland from Stuttgart, but they also work well for stops along the way for longer weekend and road trips.

Check out these great screen free road trip tips for kids

1. Strasbourg, France

Sitting close to the German border, Strasbourg delights its visitors with half timbered buildings that straddle the line between French and German influences. It is easily walk-able or hop on the train to zip across this canal lined town. The Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral features an astronomical clock and beautiful views of the Rhine River. 

 

• What to See
  • • Walk around Strasbourg’s Petite-France district
    • The best views of Petite France are from top of Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century weir.
    • View the town from the water with Strasbourg sightseeing boat tour
    • Visit Strasbourg’s Cathedral and climb up to get views of the Black Forest
    • Try some famous Alsace Wines and eat Flammkuchen
• Where to Eat
  • • Restaurant Au Gurtlerhoft
      • • One of the best restaurants in Strasbourg
    • Pâtisserie Kubler
      • • Delicious french pastries. I love their strawberry tarts and chocolate croissants. 
• Favorite Festivals
  • • July-September
      • • During the summer nights, Strasbourg’s cathedral and Barrage Vaubin are transformed into giant canvas for a sound and light show (shows last 10 mins)
    • December
      • • Christmas Markets including local artisans
• Fun for the kids:
  • • Parc de L’Orangerie
      • • Large park with playgrounds, pond with row boats, restaurants and paths. A great place to take a break from the city
    • Boat Tour of the City
      • • Just a little over an hour with a children’s audio guide for older kids. Bring snacks and small toys for the little ones.
    • Find a playground, they are scattered throughout the city.
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 2 hours (car)
    • 1 hour 20 minutes (public transportation)
• Address: 
  • • Place de la Gare, 67000 Strasbourg, France
      • • Train Station, a good place to park

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2. Colmar

Colmar is the sister city to the larger city of Strasbourg. It was the inspiration for the village in the Disney film Beauty and the Beast and it is easy to see why with it’s buildings dating back to the 14th century with an array of colors and styles. It is one of the most popular cities in France with its fairy tale cobble stoned streets, overflowing flower pots and charm like no other! Having passed hands between France and Germany over the years, it is no surprise that there is quite a bit of German influence on this French Alsace town. Colmar is also a great place to stay to explore the Alsace wine road where you’ll discover some really nice Rieslings. 

• What to See
  • • Stroll Colmar’s Petit Venice
      • • A popular spot with buildings that date back to the 14th century. This was the old merchants area with butchers and fishers. 
        • Take a 30 minute boat tour on a flat bottom boat.
    • Peek your head into numerous churches such as St. Martin’s Church.
    • Wander the inviting alleyways and stroll around the various shops, antique stores and cafes
    • Visit the covered market and time your visit to dine on some dishes of the day from the various merchants. 
    • Visit the Bartholdi Museum where you can learn about  Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty. See the living quarters of his family, gaze upon his sculptures and drawings. 
• Where to Eat
  • • Similar to its sister city to the North, popular dishes include flammekueche (a thin-crust pizza topped with bacon, onion and crème), baeckeoffe (q meat and potato stew), and bretzels (buttery soft pretzels).
    • Restaurant La Soï
      • • Be sure to order a tarte flambée
    • Caveau Saint-Pierre
      • • If you are looking for a typical Alsatian meal, this is the place to visit
    • Gilg
      • • This is the place to get your desserts and pastries. The problem is making your choice!
• Favorite Festivals
  • • March/April
      • • Colmar’s Easter Market with stalls selling Easter crafts, live animals and festivities
    • July
      • • Colmar’s International Music Festival
          • • Classic Music
    •  December
      • • Colmar Christmas Market, with market stalls, traditional gluhwein (hot mulled wine) and plenty of twinkling lights. 
• Fun for the kids:
  • • Champ de Mars park
      • • Located a bit outside of town, this is a large green space with playgrounds and cafes.
    • Take the kids on the tourist train as it makes it’s 35 minute loop around the city while narrating the history of the city along the way. 
    • Visit the Toy Museum of Colmar. From vintage teddy bears to original Barbie dolls, board games and video games. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits including train tables, puzzles and toys.
• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 2 hours 20 minutes (car)
    • 2 hours 45 minutes (public transportation)
• Address: 
  • • Avenue de la République, 68000 Colmar, France
      • • Parking Garage below the square

3. Rhine Falls, Switzerland

Europe’s largest waterfall (by volume, not height) is located just across the border in Switzerland. View the falls from multiple angles, from the top along the edge on various overlooks, from the bottom looking straight on or on a boat where you can climb stairs to stand in the middle of the falls on a small island. The castles of Wörth and Laufen tower above the Falls with commanding

• Cost:
  • • Free year round, boat tour is extra
• Fun for kids:
  • • There is a playground with views of the Falls at the bottom with a crazy slide, rope bridges and lookouts. 
    • Kids will also enjoy the boat ride, multiple cafes serving ice cream or the popcorn machines!
      • • Choose from four different boat tour options.
    • Check out the Rhine Falls Adventure Park, where kids from the age of 4 can complete 170 obstacles. Or enjoy the Panorama Express, a 460 meter zipline over the Falls. 
• Things to note:
  • • I recommend starting on the southeast side of the falls near the parking lots, with the stairs and viewing platforms close to the falls. This is the best view and most fun. The boat also launches from the South side, then you can explore up to the Falls before circling back.
    • If you visit at night, you’ll enjoy a spectacular illumination of the Falls. 
    • Don’t forget that Switzerland requires a toll sticker on your vehicle to drive on motorways and highways, signposted in green. Pick one up at a gas station before you enter switzerland for 40 CHF
    • Don’t miss the  Rhine Falls big fireworks display that takes place every 31 of July at 9.45 p.m.
• Hours:

  • • Open 24 hours a day on the viewing platforms.

    • Ticket Booth Hours

      June / July / August	08.00 – 19.00
      September / October / April / May	09.00 – 18.00
      November / February / March	09.00 – 17.00
      December / January	10.00 – 16.00

• Distance from Stuttgart: 
  • • 1 hour 45 minutes (car)
    • 2 hours 30 minutes (public transportation)
• Address: 
  • • Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland

Read More about our trip to Rhine Falls (Click Here)

Ready to get out and explore? With so many beautiful places to visit, castles to explore, outdoor adventures to experience, it is easy to see why Southern Germany is well loved. Now the hard part, what to visit first?

 Leave a comment with your favorite place to visit or if there is one I haven’t included that you love.

Do you live in Stuttgart and have kids? I have a whole post dedicated towards favorite things to do in Stuttgart with Kids. Click the button below to check it out.  

Read Next: Top 10 Things to Do in Stuttgart with Kids

Looking for a guide to help with Germany? Check out some of our favorites and suggested books for kids about Germany. 

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Ranua Wildlife Park is the northernmost zoo in the world in Lapland, Finland about an hour outside Rovaniemi. This Arctic zoo is unique not only for its location, but also for its local animals that call this region their home. See a polar bear rolling around in the snow and breaking holes in the ice, watch the otters create tunnels in the snow and spot the beautiful white owls. The entire park is beautiful with wooden walkways where you can pull the little ones in a sleigh. 

Ranua Wildlife Park Entrance Fee

The cost of tickets for the entrance fee are in the chart below. 

Note: Children under 4 years free of charge.

	Mid-January-March	April-September	October-early December	Mid-December - Mid-Janruary
Adults	15,00€	17,00€	15,00€	18,50€
Children (4-14 years)	13,50€	14,00€	13,50 €	16,00€
Family Ticket (Parents with children 4-14 years)	51,00€	51,00€	51,00€	59,00€

Ranua Zoo Opening Hours

The Ranua Wildlife Park is open every day of the year.

• June 1 – August 31, daily between 9 am – 7 pm
• September 1 – May 31, daily between 10 am – 4 pm

How to get to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi

If you have a rental car and plan to drive from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo, there is plenty of parking and parking is free for visitors. 

If you do not have a rental car, there are tour operators that offer trips out to Ranua Zoo or you can take the bus from Rovaniemi to the Ranua Zoo. The bus stop is located 100 m from the entrance. 

Find bus information HERE. 

Ranua Wildlife Park Review

When you arrive you’ll see the entrance to the Ranua Zoo to your right. You’ll need to purchase tickets and an option sled for smaller children inside the small gift shop. There is a desk and you’ll see the entrance to the arctic zoo just beyond the doors. 

Once you pay for your tickets and enter, you’ll see an arch welcoming you to the 2.8 km loop boardwalk and trail that encircles the property. 

Read Next: Our Favorite Mittens and Boots for Kids

Explore the wooden footbridges and peer into the enclosures of over 50 different wild animals. In the winter some will be cozy in their dens, but there are entrances to see them sleeping the long winter months away. 

The walkways are also elevated in some areas so you can get an up close and personal look at some amazing animals including wild cats, polar bears and foxes. 

Finland is known for it’s cold winter weather and visiting an Arctic Zoo can be quite the adventure. However, there are quite a few areas where you can warm up by the fire or get away from the elements inside a hut. Be sure to bring some snacks and drinks to stay hydrated. 

Want to learn more about the animals? Download the free Ranua App (no wifi is needed). 

The Ranua zoo is certainly worth a visit and is a fun experience for families. The Ranua Wildlife Park has been open since 1983 and continues to work towards preserving local species in open and forested habitats. Consider visiting to help and support endangered species. 

Read Next: Lapland With Kids

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Exploring Santa Park: Santa's Village Theme Park in Lapland, Finland

Ready to maximize the Christmas and holiday fun? Want to ditch those winter clothes for a day and not have to worry about frozen noses and frostbite fingers? Head into the depths of an old bunker and discover the magic of Santa Park!

This Christmas theme park has it all, from elf school to cookie decorating, make a craft with elves or learn what it takes to be an Elf in Elf School! If that’s not enough, watch the elf acrobatics show, check out the ice sculptures, visit with Santa himself and more. I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Santa Park Lapland. 

Full Disclosure: A dimly lit interior in the Santa Park is really difficult to photograph! I did my best, so I apologize for not having my typical amazing photos. 

Where is Santa Park Rovaniemi located? 

Santa Park arctic world is located 5.2 km (5 minutes by car) Northeast of Rovaniemi and 2.2 km (2 minutes by car) West of the Santa Claus Village. 

There is plenty of free parking located near the Santa Park. Or catch the Santa Express (Santa Park Bus)

When is Santa Park (Finland) open?

They are open in the summer from the end of June until Mid-August from 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Sunday)

In the Winter, they are open from mid-November until mid-January from 10 am – 5 pm (open till 4 pm on Christmas Eve). Open till 6 pm during peak season. 

How much does Santa Park cost?

SUMMER SEASON 2019
17,50 € / adult 
15,00 € / child (3-12 years old) 
Under 3 years old: Free entrance

Combination tickets:
Adult entrance with lunch: 25 €
Child entrance with lunch: 20 €

Family ticket combos:
2 Adults & 2 Children (3-12): 55 €
2 Adults & 2 Children (3-12) with lunch: 84 €

2 Adults & 4 Children (3-12): 75 €
2 Adults & 4 Children (3-12) with lunch: 116 €

WINTER SEASON 2019 – 2020

16 November – 30 November 2019
34,00 € / adult 
28,00 € / child (3-12 years old) 
Under 3 years old: Free entrance

1 December – 21 December 2019
35,00 € / adult 
29,00 € / child (3-12 years old)
Under 3 years old: Free entrance

22 December 2019 – 11 January 2020
36,00 € / adult 
30,00 € / child (3-12 years old) 
Under 3 years old: Free entrance

Santa Park vs. Santa Claus Village

This is one of the questions that I get asked the most about our trip and something that confused me as well. At first I didn’t realize that they were two separate parks! So let’s set the record straight. 

YES! They are two separate parks located about 2 km away from each other!

Santa Park or Santa Village? Should you visit both? Yes, I think so. They each offer something a bit different with a bit of overlapping. Santa Park is entirely indoors inside an old bunker. It features Elf School, cookie decorating, a crafting area, an attraction ride through a mystical Christmas wonderland, an area to visit Santa, as well as ice sculptures to delight the senses and daily shows on the stage. 

In contrast, the Santa Claus Village is an outdoor area with multiple buildings. It’s highlights are visiting Santa’s post office to mail your Christmas letters, the best Santa to visit in all of the area and then all the fun winter activities. 

I highly recommend visiting both because the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park each offer something different!

Santa Park Full Review

After spending the first few days at the Santa Claus Village and playing outside in the snow, we decided an inside day would be best. We hopped into our rental car and drove just down the street to the Santa Park. This is different from the village. It is an indoor theme park of sorts that is completely related to Christmas and all the cheer that surrounds it!

The Santa Park is inside an old bunker. It is a bit like entering Santa’s cave! You’ll be able to tell when you descend down a long wide hallway and past a set of huge blast-proof doors.It 

Once you pay and enter the park, you’ll see a series of hallways with different activities. In the center is the main stage with a nice show and a place to buy food. We thought the buffet lunch was quite nice.

1.Elf School: We really enjoyed this activity. Make sure you make note of the times when it takes place. You’ll gather in a hallway and the elves will explain that you’re going to Elf school. They ask the audience about the languages they speak and our group was a mix of English and Finnish. Then they open a secret tunnel that leads into the elf school area. So cute! We crept through the tunnel and found some seats on wooden stools. The elves taught the kids how to become elves and it was very interactive. Once we all graduated, we were given certificates and let back into the main hallway.

2.  Santa’s Office: Another opportunity to visit with Santa. We told our son that Santa likes to be close to where he is and loves to visit with him as much as he can. They will also let you take photos if you’d like, or you can purchase a photo after your visit.

3. Post Office: We explored the old typewriter and saw postcards, but didn’t purchase any since we had already mailed our postcards the day before. There was also an area where you could write a letter to Santa. Great for older kids. 

4. Elf Show: We decided to time a show with our buffet lunch. Show up 20 minutes before, grab some food and a table. We thought the elf show was excellent. It was a mix of silly elf, acrobatics, and storyline.

5. Elf Workshop: The activity varies, but the day we went, the kids were able to make an ornament. There were plenty of elves on hand to help the kids, plus examples hanging on the walls. At 3 years old, our son didn’t last very long, but I am sure children that are more art inclined would really love this activity.

6. Mrs. Gingerbread Bakery: You can pre-purchase cookies or buy them when you arrive. We purchased two cookies. Show them your ticket and they will give you the cookie. The tables have the icing, decorations and clean up supplies.

7. Ice Gallery: This was a quick venture. We put on the fluffy coats that were provided (since we had stored ours in the coat room at the entrance). There were some very nice carved animals and an ice throne for photo ops. You can also order liquor drinks in ice glasses (if you choose). 

8. Santa Park Magic Sleigh Ride:  Check out the Disney style smooth and family friendly ride through a winter wonderland. The ride is short and enjoyable. 

9. Angry Bird Indoor Play Area: If the kids need a break to be…well, kids. Head upstairs in the main area and above the restaurant. The kids will delight in a climbing structure, shooting zone and activities for kids. Parents, there are two sets of stairs, so FYI if you have kids that like to escape. 

Conclusion:

Santa Park is an easy day spent indoors with kids. I know our son appreciated not having to wear all of his winter gear and he really enjoyed the variety of activities inside the bunker. We thought all of the activities were well planned and of high quality. The elves were especially helpful and friendly. They would ask what your child’s name was and then if they saw them again, they would often use his name!

Top Tips:

• E-mail ahead of time to ask about which day is best to visit. We had two options and when I e-mailed, they told me one of the days they have multiple reservations for tour buses. So, we chose the other day and it was relatively quiet. We also pre-purchased our tickets and activities, but you can purchase them at the window as well.
• Some items cost extra: cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and food/drinks in the cafe.
• If you don’t have a full day, you can maximize your visit in 2-3 hours for a 1/2 day adventure. 
• The neighboring Arctic Treehouse Hotel is absolutely beautiful and worth a consideration for your stay. 
  • Check out the Arctic Treehouse Hotel on Booking!

You can easily spend the majority of the day inside the park. 

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I hope you are excited about your visit to Santa Park after reading this guide. I’m sure you will have a wonderful visit and feel a bit of that special magic like we did. We loved the little personal touches from the Elves located throughout the park, they truly have the Christmas Magic!

If you are still planning your trip to Lapland, head back to my Lapland Guide that covers the Santa Claus Village and links to many fun activities such as dog sledding and our reindeer sleigh ride. 

Ready to move on and plan more other adventures? Check out our interactive map or explore our Guide to Europe with Kids. 

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Why did we pick Tenerife, Canary Islands?

Tenerife was an ideal choice because it is a collection of islands at the southernmost point of Europe. The islands are a part of Spain and located just off the west coast of Africa. During the winter months, it is the warmest area of Europe, warmer than Malta and Majorca with its southernmost location. In February, the weather was in the ’70s, and although it wasn’t ocean swimming weather, we enjoyed some really nice days on the beach and even played a waterpark without wetsuits!

We picked Tenerife for its variety of activities and kid-friendly adventures. Tenerife has a wide variety of landscapes including a desolate landscape near the Volcano, black sand beaches on the north shore and lush gardens to visit. Its sandy beaches were also a huge draw since many beaches in Europe are rock or pebbles.

When did we travel?

We decided to take advantage of a long weekend in February and extended our trip to a 5-night stay. We didn’t want to leave! The weather in February was perfect with highs in the 60’s and low 70’s. It may not seem like it’s that warm, but when you are arriving from Germany, and it’s highs of the ’20s and ’30s, that temperature difference feels perfect.

The island was not overly crowded with tourists and the prices for lodging, rental car and flights were great.

How did we get to Tenerife?

We were living in Stuttgart, Germany at the time. TUI Fly was an easy choice with their inexpensive fares and direct flights from Stuttgart to Tenerife South. We had a great experience using TUI Fly. The cabin crew gave our son a fun blow up ball, which was used frequently on the beach and our flights were smooth sailing. We did have a delay leaving Tenerife, but that was due to an unforeseen event with a passenger on the incoming flight, so no fault of TUI.

We paid just over 500 euros for two adults, one child, two suitcases (both ways) and meals on the plane. You could easily save a bit of money with less luggage and bring your own meals. Our flight prices were only around 350 euros total. 

Rental car or no?

We decided that we wanted to explore the entire island, so a rental car was a must. Both my husband and I are experienced with driving a manual vehicle but note that the island is hilly, so if you aren’t comfortable driving a manual, I’d highly recommend paying a bit extra for an automatic.

We rented from Autoreisen Rent a car and didn’t have any complaints. The majority of the rental car companies were a quick walk straight out of the terminal out into the rental car/parking lot area. We paid 85 euros for a Class C rental car for the 5 nights and 6 days of our trip. That’s a steal if you ask me! 

The car was clean and in excellent running condition. The staff was helpful with pick up and drop off. We did see the car seats that you could rent from the company, and they looked clean. We don’t rent car seats from car rental companies, so we brought our own, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Where did we stay?

I’m all about all-inclusive resorts… except when I want to explore, then I feel like I’m paying a bunch of money for a resort that I’m hardly spending any time at.

For this trip, we elected to split a large 4 bedroom house with a heated pool with friends of ours. We met a great couple when we first moved to Germany, and they became our traveling buddies.  We both have boys a year apart and only children (they added a sweet baby girl this past November). The boys made for perfect playmates and traveling with friends meant easy babysitters for date nights. Win-win!

Want all the details on the vacation rental? Here is the link! The house was pretty amazing. It features three large bedrooms with multiple beds and another “bedroom” located at the back of the house with additional beds. There is a large living area with an attached kitchen (well-stocked). The two-car garage was converted into a game room with pool, table tennis and a large outdoor kitchen with brick fire oven. There is also an additional full bath, which is perfect because it is located just above the pool. The heated outdoor pool is excellent for a dip, and there is also a large grassy area with a shed stocked with pool and outdoor toys. Seriously, if you have kids, this is the place for you!

The pool is NOT gated, so if you have little ones, you’ll have to keep your eyes open. But the front of the door is located a bit of a walk down the hill to the pool, so there isn’t instant access. If you are worried, you can lock the front door (with a key) or install this easy to use door alarm. Use double-sided sticky tape and attach it to the door. An alarm will sound when the door opens, a perfect compromise and added security.

The entire property is also gated with parking inside the gates, so it was nice and secure. It is located about 20 minutes from the airport up the hillside. Also, easy access to the highway to venture around the island and there are multiple grocery stores just down the hill (including a Lidl).

What did we pack on our travels to Tenerife?

We try to minimize the amount of great we bring, but with little kids, it isn’t always easy. Here is the list of the items we brought with us and why.

A Mix of Clothing: Tenerife has a wide variety of temperatures on its island. Ranging from freezing up on Mount Teide, to warm at the beach. The evenings can also get a bit cool, especially in the winter, so bring a light jacket to stay warm.

Stroller: The stroller was essential on this trip, especially when walking around the theme parks and exploring the local towns. Our son was still taking naps at the time, so it doubled as a bed on the go. We travel with our City Mini GT in a padded stroller case. After over 20 flights, it has held up with zero damage and the case fits items such as extra diapers, wipes, blankets and more.

Car Seat: We don’t rely on rental car seats (because you never know the history). It’s a pain, but we checked a travel car seat for the first 3 years. After that, we purchased a Ride Safer Travel Harness (which was a game-changer)! Our car seat was only used for travel, and we always used a padded car seat bag with backpack straps for easy portability.

Sand Toys: You can’t visit the beach without sand toys! You can either purchase some when you arrive or bring a few of our own. We travel with a foldable sand bucket and thick plastic shovel that holds up with lots of digging. *Be sure to write your name on the back of toys*

Kids Items: our suitcases also contain a few books for bedtime stories, music for our son’s room to provide some familiarity (also diminishes surrounding noises), and a few small toys (like a play-doh set and cars/trucks).

*I’ve added links to the retailer Amazon if you’d like to purchase or learn more about our gear recommendations.*

If you want to read more about the gear we love to travel with for children of all ages, head over to our Best Gear for Travel with Kids.

How did we spend our days on Tenerife? (Things to do in Tenerife)

Day One:Siam Park (Waterpark)

Our first full day in Tenerife started out with a trip to Siam Park. Siam Water Park is one of Europe’s best waterparks and is rated the #1 waterpark in the world! It is open 10am-5pm in February and is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is one of the best places in Tenerife to combine the warm sunshine with the cooling waters. 

If you drive, you’ll pay 3 euro to park. Be sure to arrive early to get a parking spot. Otherwise, you’ll be hunting in an adjacent neighborhood, and then you’ll have a bit of a walk.

Be sure to bring towels! We had a swim bag packed into our luggage, which made it easy to haul any needed supplies and hide drinks and snacks inside the towels. Food is expensive in the park, typical for theme/waterparks. If you want to rent a wetsuit in colder weather, it is 5 euros, and you can rent your wetsuit near the locker rentals.

We really enjoyed our visit to Siam Park. We spent most of our time in the kid’s zone, but my husband and I took turns running off to ride the larger and faster water slides. We spent most of the morning playing and then enjoyed a nice lunch inside the park. The food was expensive, as to be expected, and it was typical fare (burgers, fries, chicken nuggets). We also grabbed some ice cream before exiting.

It would be easy to spend an entire day at Siam Park, Water Kingdom, Tenerife. Siam Park is one of the largest aquatic theme parks in Europe and features 14 unique water attractions including the Tower of Power, The Dragon, Mekong Rapids, an Adventure Land set in its own tropical paradise, and a HUGE man-made beach with wave pool and even sea lions. 

Top tips for visiting Siam Park in Tenerife
– To fully appreciate all the attractions, you need a full day, if not multiple days!
– I’d recommend water shoes if you are visiting during the warmer months. The ground can be scorching and waiting in lines can easily burn your feet. If you forget them, you can purchase water shoes and borrow wetsuits (for a fee) on cooler days. They do offer wet suits for toddlers. 
– If you want to avoid the cost of the locker fees (and the lines), be sure to reduce valuables to the bare minimum.  Small locker 3€ | big locker 5€ | towel 3€
+ 5€ of deposit

Los Cristianos

We ended up only spend 1/2 a day at Siam Water Park because we were traveling with friends and we wanted to meet up to let the kids take naps and explore the Los Cristianos beach. We started off with a nice seafood lunch at Abordo before exploring the beach walk along Paseo las Vistas. It is a nice wide boardwalk with shops, plenty of places to get some gelato and sandcastle builders. Check those out below! The walk along the boardwalk takes about 20-30 minutes, or longer depending on how much you stop. 

Los Cristianos is a popular beach town and is one of the top places to visit in Tenerife so you’ll notice more crowds and lively evening entertainment. If you are day visitors, like us, and you want to enjoy the beach, bring a few euro to claim a beach chair. If you want to go for the low-cost option, bring your own towel and find a nice palm tree. There is plenty of sand for everyone!

Top tips for visiting Los Cristianos

-We found parking near the pier at Parking Puerto Cristianos, price 1.70 eur/h

-There are plenty of places to eat in the area. Make sure you do a quick google search to make sure the place you pick has good ratings

-Stay hydrated, the sun can easily dehydrate you. Gelato is a good alternative to drinks. 🙂 

We decided to head back to our vacation rental to enjoy our heated pool and cook up a nice dinner with friends. 

Day Two: Santa Cruz:

Around half of Tenerife’s population lives in the City of Santa Cruz making it a vibrant and metropolis place to visit. The main reason for visiting Santa Cruz was to see the Mercado Municipal Nuestra Senora de Africa- or African Market. This amazing market in Santa Cruz Tenerife first opened in 1942. It boomed around the 1960s before facing the crisis of the 1980s with supermarkets and grocery stores. It survives today in part due to its array of delicious produces and no less than 12 different eating places. ⁣

Top tips for visiting the African Market:

-Be sure to arrive before it closes at 2pm daily (Closed Mondays)

-If you are traveling with kids, there is a playground just outside the market, as well as a children’s play area inside. 

-Bring cash to pay for your food and produce. 

After our visit to the market, we wanted to linger over Tapas (while the kids took a nap). It was a short six-minute walk and there were plenty of tables to sit outside. I highly recommend getting a variety of plates and sharing. My favorite was the eggplant with drizzled honey and nuts accompanied by a nice glass of house wine. 

More things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

-Walk around the Parque García Sanabria, the largest public park in the Canary Islands. This botanical garden is the perfect place to discover plant species along with cheerful fountains, sculptures, and gazebos.

Playa de Benija:

After a wonderful morning and early afternoon in Santa Cruz, we were reading to head into the mountains and experience the northern tip of Tenerife. 

The beach Benijo is one of the most spectacular beaches in Tenerife. The best part is that you’ll likely be the only tourists on the beach due to its remote location, but it can be said that it is one of the most charming parts of the island.

Top tips for visiting the Benijo Beach:

-Find parking near the restaurant El Mirador. 

-Try to visit during low tide to maximize the amount of sand visible. 

-You’ll have to head down a considerable amount of stairs, so its best for fit visitors

-There are no services on the beach, so bring your own towel and snacks 

Day Three: Teide National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site

We wanted to start off the day exploring Teide National Park. This mountain is Spain’s tallest peak and an absolute “must-see” if you are visiting Tenerife. It is easy to reach from either the North or the South, depending on where you are staying. It was about a 45 minutes drive from our vacation rental. 

Teide National Park is a delight with its array of vegetation ranging from thick pine forest to barren deserts. 

Be sure to visit one of the visitor centers. El Portillo is in the Northeast part of the park and focuses mostly on the environment, geological importance and the living animals and plants in the area. But it also has interactive displays for the kids and information about the volcano! There was a great section with buttons to press and items to touch inside a fake lava tube, perfect for little explorers.  If you are a plant lover, be sure to check out the adjacent botanical gardens that are free of charge.

Be sure to head all the way into the park to the parking area below the cable car (Cañadas del Teide, 38300, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain). In eight minutes you’ll be standing on the top of a dormant volcano. The views are amazing but watch for any altitude sickness in the little ones. The cable car to the summit is actually not recommended for children under the age of two. No one said we couldn’t bring the kids in our group, we had a little one around the age of one. 

If we weren’t traveling with children, I would have booked one of their evening programs. It is said that stargazing on top of Mount Teide is some of the best in the world. There are many tours offered such as “Sunset and Stars” where you watch the sunset from the summit, enjoy a gourmet dinner and then do some stargazing. If you are really interested in stargazing, be sure to book a tour of the Teide Observatory, which is the world’s largest observatory!

After visiting the top of the dormant volcano, we decided to head back down and drive back towards the South. We stopped along the way to explore some of the paths and vegetation. If you are looking for an easy hike to stretch your legs, be sure to stop near Parador de Cañadas del Teide. Located just across from the hotel is a parking area where you can walk towards Roques de García. My son enjoyed clambering over the rocks and looking for little bugs. 

Top tips for visiting Teide National Park:

-Teide National park is 3718m above sea level and roads can be closed due to snow in the winter. Be sure to bundle up!

-Alternately, temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 100 Fahrenheit  (40 C), so bring water, sunglasses, and sunscreen

-Fun Fact: Teide National Park has been used for multiple movies, including Clash of the Titans.

-Want to spend the night in the park? Book a room at the Altavista Refuge

-If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to buy your cable car tickets online, with 4 million visitors each year (the majority in the summer), tickets can sell out. 

Restaurante Casa Pana

We had worked up quite an appetite, so we headed South to Restaurante Casa Pana located in the town of Vilaflor. This restaurant is a gem and is highly recommended. We were seated on the terrace surrounded by views of the valley and flowering bougainvillea. As a group of friends, we ordered quite a few plates to share. The prices were reasonable, the food was delicious and the service was great. We lingered quite awhile over wine and dessert. 

In true vacation mode, we headed back to our vacation home to spend the late afternoon in the pool, playing with the kids and relaxing. We were really enjoying the warmer temperatures. 

Day Four: Loco Parque

We decided to head to Loco Parque. Loro Parque opened in the 1970s and its focus was on parrots, hence the name: Loro Parque translated in Spanish means, Parrot Park. The park still has its fair share of parrots but has morphed into much more. It is an extensive park with both a zoo style feel and an aquarium. 

Word of Note: We didn’t really do our research before we headed to Loco Parque. The park features multiple animal shows including controversial whales. Please do your own research before deciding whether or not you want to visit. 

Loco Parque is quite large at around 33 acres of parkland. Some of our favorite areas included the penguins with the moving walkway. It was feeding time, so we watched as the staff fed each penguin their fish for the day. The animals throughout the park were quite active and the enclosures were well kept and large, but again, I understand many are against zoos and aquariums. 

My son really enjoyed the children’s treetop climbing zone. It was perfectly situated next to a little cafe, so i grabbed a bit of food while my husband enjoyed watching our son clamber around the rope bridges and tunnels. 

Another favorite was the parrot area in Katandra. You can get up close with the beautiful parrots at the feeding stations. 

The park is really well laid out with easy stroller and wheelchair access. There is a wide variety of food available for purchase from sit down restaurants to small cafes with the typical fare. 

Top tips for visiting Loco Parque:

-If you plan to visit both Loco Parque and Siam Park, you can buy a combo ticket to save a bit of money

-If you want to see the shows, I suggest heading to the back of the park to see the Orca and dolphin show at the beginning of your visit. 

-There is a free train that runs between Reyes Católicos and Loco Parque. 

-The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:45 pm

-Children are free for children under the age of 6

Day Five: Headed Home

We were supposed to head to the airport, but our flight ended up getting delayed, so we knew we would have a few more hours. We wanted to stay close to the airport and soak up a bit more of the beach and sun, so we ended our trip to Tenerife with a trip down to Playa San Blas. There were plenty of nice resorts and we found a quiet beach with perfect sand to play a bit before our flight home. 

Tenerife was perfect as a short escape from the winter blues to the warmth and sun of the islands. Tenerife offers plenty to see and do, or you can easily find an all-inclusive resort to recharge and relax. It is also the southernmost point in Europe, making it the best destination for families. Please feel free to ask any questions about the trip, we are an open book!

Ready to check out some of the other destinations we’ve visited? Head over to my destinations page. We’ve covered faraway places from Normandy to Croatia and everything in between. 

If you would like to follow along with us day by day you can follow @packmoreintolife on Instagram or on Facebook or sign up for my newsletter! I would love to hear from you!

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Here are the top 10 things to do near Lake Bled. The first part of the list includes things to do directly in Lake Bled, then the remaining list starts to venture a bit further away (max 1 hour).

1. Lake Bled

Visiting Lake Bled was one of the highlights when we visited Slovenia. When you type “Slovenia” into a google image search or on Pinterest, the beauty of Lake Bled will be on your screen.  With its blue lake complete with a castle up on the hill overlooking an island church, who wouldn’t want to explore further?

There is also plenty to do in the Lake Bled area. We spent an entire week with our almost two-year-old son and I could see it being a great destination for kids of any age. Since our son was on the younger side, the little train around the lake was a great intro to the area. It typically runs from 9am-9pm and takes about 40 minutes. It will have shorter hours in the offseason and only run on the weekends, so make sure to check. At only 3 euros per person, it is a cheap way to have a bit of fun.

Another favorite is taking a boat ride out to the island. You have a couple of options, you can take a Plenta boat for 12 euros per person, but you’ll only get about 30 minutes on the island before the boat is ready to return. They are open from dawn until 10 pm (summer months, shorter hours off-season), but we weren’t sure 30 minutes was enough time, so we went with option 2. If you look below the castle, you’ll see a lakeside swimming area. Head over to the dock to rent a rowboat by the hour. Yes, you’ll have to row yourself, but it’s an easy journey and you get to go at your own pace. It was really fun, even with a squirmy toddler!

Once on the island, you can pay to enter the church to ring the famous bell (make a wish) and then climb the bell tour to view the antique bell and see the views. If you don’t want to pay, you can explore the island, count the steps down to the docks (or up if you rent your own boat). The story goes that getting married at the church on this island requires the groom to carry his bride up each of the ninety-nine steps to the top. Only after he does this is he able to marry the woman of his dream. Got to love a little romance! There is also a café on the island, but it is pretty expensive.

2. Lake Bled Castle

We actually weren’t able to visit the Lake Bled Castle on our first visit because we had so many other things to see. But we didn’t make that same mistake when we drove from Germany to Croatia and stayed near Lake Bled as a ½ way mark. Want to read more about our trip to Croatia? Head over to our blog post, “Enjoying Croatian Family Holidays”.

The Castle offers incredible views overlooking Lake Bled, it’s island and church with surrounding town. Be sure to visit on a nice clear day for the best views. But not to fear, even on a cloudy or rainy day, you can still clamber around the old walls, learn about how wine was made and even create and label your own bottle (for a fee). Or perhaps the kids are interested in learning how books and pamphlets were printed in the medieval era? Great for making your own little gifts for families when you return from your travels. If you are romantics at heart, be sure to make dinner reservations and have a glass of wine in an 11th-century castle, it doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

The castle is a pretty good deal at 7 euro per person, but be warned about extras for winemaking, gifts direct from the printing press and café costs.

3. Rodelbahn down the hills near Lake Bled, Slovenia

Need a bit of adventure? If you are visiting in the summer or late Spring/Early Fall, then check out the fun activity of rodelbahn. It’s a summer version of snow tobogganing, or perhaps we should say it’s like a little personal roller coaster down the hill (you control the brake). Either way, it’s a blast and a highlight of our son’s time in Europe. They are usually open on the weekends from 11:00-4: 30 pm, but always check the website before going. They also don’t operate in the rain. But at 6 euro per ride plus 3 euro for the chairlift up, it’s so much fun!

4. Lake Bohinj

Ah….every time I think of Lake Bohinj, I smile. It is like an untouched version of Lake Bled. Think of cute little cabins and lakeside homes. Forest of trees with little wildflowers in the spring and color-changing leaves in the Fall. Cute little beaches where you can skip rocks the kids can wade into the water. It’s peaceful, quaint and not mobbed by tourists. (Maybe I shouldn’t be publishing Lake Bohinj…… kidding!)

Lake Bohinj is about a 30-minute drive from Lake Bled and is located 16 miles southwest.

When you first arrive, you’ll see the little town with shops, restaurants, and cafes. You will also find access to the water. There is a nice trail that goes all the way around Lake Bohinj, but our favorite spot was located at the back of the lake (opposite the town). We parked by a woodland playground and then found a trail that led us through the forest until we reached a sandy and pebbly beach with a sandbar that jutted out into the lake. It was perfect for our son to play safety near the water and there were plenty of fun rocks and logs to scamper around.

5. Vogel Cable Car

If you plan to visit Lake Bohinj, make it a day trip and pair it with a ride up the Vogel Cable car. It is open from 8am-6pm on most days, so we actually took a ride up the cable car first and then explored Lake Bohinj afterward.

During our trip, a ride cost about 14 euros per person (round trip). Our son, like most little boys, found the ride up quite exhilarating. We also brought our dog along for the adventure. All of Europe is amazingly dog-friendly and Slovenia is certainly no exception.

Once at the top, we wandered around exploring a few trails and finding some local sheep grazing on the fresh green grass. We discovered little huts that are available for rent and dreamed about renting one during the ski season (always a reason to return).

We ended our visit on the mountain with a nice hearty lunch at the restaurant overlooking the cliff. The food was plenty and very good. There is also a Wild Board hut with snacks if you’d prefer lighter fare.

6. Slap Savica (waterfall)

Looking for more to do near Lake Bohinj? Located just down the road from the Vogel Cable Car lift, you’ll follow the road along the lake to where it ends at the trailhead for the waterfall. Be warned that parking isn’t free and there are a lot of stairs to climb, but if you are a waterfall lover, then hit the trail! But we’ve seen our fair share of waterfalls (Hawaii, Switzerland, South Africa) and this one was just eh for all the effort.

If you go with kids, you’ll need a baby carrier (either soft-sided or hiking) because there is no way around the stairs. Once you reach the waterfall area, it is gated off, so tough to really enjoy the views. We honestly preferred our next recommendation….

7. Vintgar Gorge

Located just 2.5 miles north of Lake Bled and hikeable from the town (or drive and park), this is a fabulous activity for active families. Vintgar Gorge is a combination of waterfalls, a rushing river and rock walls that you wind through on walkways and cliffs. It is open from 8am-7pm and best if you get there early to beat the crowds and get to enjoy the views instead of seeing tourists in every vantage point.

Make sure to wear good shoes and a rain jacket because rushing water and waterfalls equals wet conditions. I’d also recommend a carrier for the little ones that can’t make the entire walk. With low overhangs, I’d pick a soft structured carrier over a hiking carrier. At 4 euro’s per person, it’s an inexpensive activity that will delight just about everyone (including the dog)!

Address: Podhom 80, 4247 Zgornje Gorje      (Follow signs to Podhom and then Vintgar)

8. Postojna Caves

Time to stretch our legs and get out a bit further. Slovenia isn’t a huge country and Lake Bled is pretty central, so when I planned the trip, I decided to make that our home base and avoid multiple hotel moves. So one day, we hit the road and headed out to explore the Postojna caves.

You’ll want to check the website before you go and make sure you plan to arrive during a tour with the appropriate language. For English, they are six tour options (10am, 11am, 12pm…..2pm, 3pm, 4pm). The cave tour does last 1 hour and 30 minutes, so consider it if you have small children.

When you arrive, you’ll purchase tickets for the tour of your choice and then be directed to a waiting area. When your tour is called, you will walk into the cave and board a cute little train. This will take you deeper into the cave. When you get off, you’ll gather with your tour to begin. We stuck with the tour for about 10 minutes and then decided to break off from the group on our own. We found a bit of a pocket between tour groups and enjoyed our visit. Although we didn’t learn as much about the caves, we were able to easily catch the train back out of the caves and we were able to go at our own pace.

If you plan to visit the caves and our next recommendation, Predjama castle, buy a combination ticket for around 31.90 euro per person (less for small children).

We did eat at the café located by the caves and thought the food was good and priced well. There aren’t too many options located near the cave, so it’s something to consider.

9. Predjama castle

If you are making a day trip, then consider visiting Predjama castle after your visit to Postojna caves. It is located a short 15-minute drive from the caves and they run a shuttle between the two during the busy months.

Predjama castle is one of our favorite castles to visit. It was so unique in its style, its furnishings and the story behind the owner (and what happened to him). I won’t spoil all the fun, but I will recommend paying for the audio guide and leaving plenty of time to explore all the nooks and crannies of the castle. Be sure to read the history of the owner and a yearlong siege against him. Everyone loves a good story of Robin Hood right?

10. Ljubljana

Our list ends with the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. No visit to Slovenia would be complete without visiting Ljubljana. A trip Ljubljana from Lake Bled takes less than 45 minutes and it is a wonderful city to explore. If you can plan your trip on a Friday afternoon, take advantage of the delicious food truck meet up that takes place in the area called the “Open Kitchen”. Use this address: Pogačarjev trg, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Now I’ll tempt you with all the amazing food we tried.

Just down from the Open Kitchen is the bridge with the lions, plenty of fun shopping options and beautiful churches to duck inside. If you are traveling with kids, like us, head over to City Park (Park Tivoli) for amazing green spaces and playgrounds to explore.

We hope this list of our top 10 things to do in Lake Bled Slovenia helps to inspire you to visit this amazing country! There is something special about visiting a place that isn’t inundated with visitors and has a wide variety of things to see and do. It’s also close to Plitvice National Park, which is absolutely breathtaking! Feel free to ask any questions by contacting me, leaving a comment or finding me on Facebook or Instagram. I created this travel blog to help other families to explore the world with their kids and I hope I’ve inspired you. Want to read more? Head over to my destinations page and explore my interactive map, it’s pretty fun. Until next time!

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We love theme parks because there is always a variety of things to do and a full day’s worth of fun! Living all over the world has given us the opportunity to experience many different theme parks. I’ll tell you right now, Efteling is magical and mystical, it is unique and fun to discover. This was our second visit to Efteling (because we couldn’t get enough after our first visit).  It is a forest of fairytales, sprinkled in with rides, spectacular shows, and inventive playgrounds. Read more about Efteling’s history.

Efteling Park Location:

Efteling is located just a little over an hour South from Amsterdam. With a wonderful public transportation system, it is easy to reach by bus or train. Our recommendation is to rent a car because there are so many other wonderful towns and cities to visit. Parking is ample and easy.

Efteling Tickets:

There are many different ticketing options and you’ll save €2.00 if you buy ahead on Efteling’s website. You can even pay to enter the park 30 minutes early and add on food options.

TIP: If you are staying at a park property (like we did), you’ll be able to enter the park an hour before regular guests. Great for checking out some of the fun and popular rides without waiting in a long line.

Where to stay at Efteling? Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk

For this trip, we stayed in the Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk, a holiday village with houses and apartments in the middle of the forest. I would highly recommend the village, it was a memorable part of the trip. We had a 3 bedroom townhouse towards the front of the village. Directly behind us was a forest play area with tightrope walks, tunnels, and hills. More traditional playground equipment was located towards the back of the village. We enjoyed the car-free streets, the natural playgrounds and the proximity to the park.

There is also a Mr. Sandman quest app for the kids which is specific for the bosrijk village – you walk around the village looking for “magic sand” via a clever GPS system and solve little activities on the way. You can pick how long you want to play with the kids and it was an enjoyable family activity.

The village also features a restuarant with fabulous food options, pizza delivery (or pick up), a general store with food items if you want to prepare a simple meal on your own and a heated indoor pool.

Check out the slideshow below to get an idea of what staying in the village was like. Happy to answer any questions you have!

Exploring the Efteling Park:

Explore the park! If you stay at any of the hotels on the property or in the village, then you are able to access the park an hour early.

Early Access:

Use the side ticket entrance (directly on the right as you look at the entrance). From there, there are two entrances. One is a gate on your left and the other is through the café on your right. They will look or re-scan your ticket and then you’re in! If you’re having trouble located the entrances, ask a staff member or look for a group of people waiting with tickets in hand.

There are two areas to explore during early access. With smaller kids, the left side (through the fairytale forest) was best. We were able to do 4 rides before the park opened to everyone and since we were already in the back, the lines remained shorter for another 30  minutes.

Be sure to grab tickets to the Raveleijn show. It is a knight versus evil dragon/sorcerous. Recommended for ages 6+, but we saw plenty of smaller children. Our 3.5 year old loved it. We grabbed the free tickets at the village when we checked in, but then pulled another set of tickets for a later time at the machine right outside the show area because we weren’t quite sure if our little one would nap or not. If you aren’t staying on property and haven’t grabbed your tickets, do that first. The tickets do sell out and I’d hate for you to miss the show.

TIP: Only one person needs to grab the tickets and you don’t have to scan your tickets, so if a parent wants to stay with the kids, it’s a good strategy.

We actually saw the show twice. Once with the tickets and then again at the restaurant directly to the side of the show (a great way to see the show if tickets are sold out). There is an “outdoor” covered area with bench style tables and it provides a fun behind the scenes view of the show. The food was very good and recommended. It is a simple menu, but the seasonal lunch platter filled our bellies. Our son also loved the children’s menu with sandwich fixings, fresh fruit, and lemonade in a keepsake cup.

Food options inside the park:

The food is actually really good in the park. We didn’t have a bad meal the entire two days. Our favorites were Polles Keuken pancake restaurant. They had savory pancakes (the bacon one is a favorite in our family) and they are huge! My son was super content to decorate his own pancake with an assortment of sprinkles/stencils and powdered sugar. The restaurant is really fun because in the center of the restaurant is an animated “kitchen” making pancakes.

There are also plenty of grab and go food stands. The cheese and meat pastries are always a top hit and frequented by our family.

Efteling Rides:

TIP: Download the app to keep an eye on ride times. The new ride (symbolica) was often busy, so we waited till closer to closing time and we were able to wait only a few minutes.

Also, make sure that you look up the rides and height requirements. It makes it so much easier to plan out your day!

Here is our top pick for rides at Efteling with smaller kids (100 cm height requirement was our cut off).

• Droomvlucht
  • Forest animal ride, family friendly

• Fata Morgana
  • Indoor boat ride into the forbidden city, Children <1.20 m under supervision
• De Vliegende Hollander
• Symbolica
  • newest ride, not for babies, but family friendly
  • It was ok. We are adventure seekers, so it wasn’t our style.
• Fairytale forest
  • this is one of the oldest parts of the park and truly magical, not a ride, but interactive exhibits

• Pirana
  • Water boat ride, Children <1.00 m on lap
  • On a warm day, it’s a great way to cool off. You WILL get wet, but our son loved watching us try to avoid the splashes.
• Carnaval Festival
  • A family-friendly journey around the world, Children <1.00 m under supervision
• Bob
  • Bobsleigh ride, Children <1.20 m under supervision
  • We really wanted to do this one. It’s one of the few fast rides that our son could do, but it was closed during our visit.

Rides for adults or families with older kids and most have a baby switch option. (Tell the ride operator that you’d like a baby switch, they will give you a ticket and then your significant other can ride without waiting.)

• Joris en de Draak
  • Wooden coaster with minimum length 1.10 m
• Baron 1898
  • The newest and most exciting coaster, not for the faint of heart, Minimum length 1.40 m

• Python
  • Steel roller coaster, Minimum length 1.20
• Vogel Rok
  • Indoor coaster, Minimum length 1.20 m

Here is the list of rides that we didn’t enjoy as much and would leave them off the list for the next visit:

• Spookslot
  • Haunted house, it was creepy for small kids and took forever. You stand in a room and look into a glass room that moves and changes scenes
• Symbolica
  • A lot of hype for a new ride and we didn’t find it that fun. You sit inside a car and float around going in and out of various rooms, which we’ve done at quite a few theme parks
• Villa Volta
  • An illusion where the room looks like it is spinning. These type of rides always make our head spin and our stomach flip (mind you, we like skydiving).

What else is there to see and do?

There are also carousels, amazing playgrounds, pedal cars, spinning teacups, steam train, miniature trains, boat ride, 3D theater and more.

Seriously, you can do two full days and still not see everything.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a glimpse of what Efteling is like and I hope you are able to plan a trip soon to visit. In the meantime, want to read more about the destinations that we’ve visited? Over 30 countries and counting! Head over to my destinations page to see what is on the blog.

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From visiting Amsterdam to soaking up the culture in Kinderdijk with its beautiful 18th-century windmills, it’s a country that you’ll fall in love with over and over. I’ll share all the tips and tricks for our 1 week trip to the Netherlands. Everything from where we stayed, what we did and where we ate.

We planned our trip to coincide with the Tulip Festival at Keukenhof, if you have a flexible schedule, I highly recommend it!

When did we travel to the Netherlands?

We decided to plan our trip in accordance with the Keukenhof tulip garden near Amsterdam to see the Holland tulips. Late April was a beautiful time of year with everything in bloom, a bit of crisp air and lots of outdoor activities. It was a rainy spring, but with the right clothing, we really enjoyed our time there. Be sure to bring raincoats, warm layers and rain boots. (I’ve added some links to our favorite gear.)

How much time did we spend in the Netherlands?

We spent a total of one week in the Netherlands, taking a day to arrive and a day to leave (driving from Germany). We could have easily have spent longer in the Netherlands. We wanted to see De Haar Castle in Utrecht, visit the De Leeuw windmill in Aalsmeer to purchase flour, Zaanse Schans (even though it is pretty touristy) and the NEMO science museum in Amsterdam, but we ran out of time since we like to take a laid-back approach during our travels.

How did we get to the Netherlands?

We were living in southern Germany, so it was an easy 7-hour drive that we broke up into two days. Our trip coincided with my birthday, so we spent a night in a castle hotel near the border before making our way to Efteling (more on that theme park later).

How did we spend our time?

Day 1: Efteling (theme park), checked into our Airbnb in Aalsmeer

Day 2: Spent the day at Keukenhof (Tulip Garden near Amsterdam)

Day 3: Amsterdam and Clara Maria (cheese farm)

Day 4: Alsmeer Flower Market, Kinderdijk (windmills) and Boerderij ‘t Geertje (Cheese Farm)

Day 5: Delft (Kings Day) and Scheveningen (Beach town)

Day 6: Open Air Museum in Arnhem

Looking to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period of time? Want some more ideas on where to visit? Check out our favorite travel guides below.

Where did we stay?

We choose to stay in Aalsmeer since we were traveling with another family (also with young children), so we needed plenty of space. Feel free to check out the link and see if this beautiful kid-friendly home will meet your needs. There was a grocery store just down the street and a playground across from the house. We enjoyed helping to care for the family cat and rabbits in the backyard.

Here is the link to the Airbnb. 

If you’ve never used Airbnb, use this referral code to get a discount on your stay.

Prefer to stay in Amsterdam or you like hotels better? When we aren’t staying in an Airbnb, we use booking.com because they offer reward stays (and as a frequent traveler, that’s a huge bonus!). Click HERE to search their database for all their great properties.

Ready to jump into all the details? Here we go!

1. Efteling (Fairytale Theme Park)

If you’ve never heard of Efteling, it is likely because it is a unique place to visit in the Netherlands. We loved Efteling so much the first time, we actually made a return visit over a year later and stayed at Efteling Bosrijk.

What is Efteling? Efteling is a theme park based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore. It opened in 1952 and has morphed from a fairytale garden into a high scale theme park, while still maintaining the original charm. My father visited when he was a young child and then returned with us in 2018, which was quite the delight to see how much it has changed.

Want to read more about Efteling? Check out my blog post here!

2. Keukenhof (Holland Tulips)

A visit to Keukenhof, a tulip garden near Amsterdam, was one of the highlights of our visit to the Netherlands. It is a beautiful and expansive tulip garden with almost 80 acres of over 7 million flower bulbs (which are planted annually in the park). If you want to see tulips in the Netherlands, this is the place to go.

Keukenhof Tickets:

The theme for 2019 is Flower Power; tickets are for sale from 21 March until 19 May. Tickets are on sale for 2019 if you like to plan.

If you order your tickets now, you’ll pay 2018 prices. We waited until a few weeks before our trip to purchase our tickets, so there is no need to book months in advance.

• Adult ticket (online) – € 17,00 (€18,00 at the ticket office)
• Child ticket (4-17 years) – € 8,00
• Children (0-3 years)- Free
• Parking ticket – € 6,00

There are also combination tickets if you need to transfer from local destinations. Since we drove from Germany, we had our personal vehicles, but it’s nice to know you have the option of transportation. Transportation is by the Keukenhof Express bus. For example, here are some ticket prices with transfer costs:

• Adult ticket + transfer from Amsterdam – € 30,00
• Adult ticket + transfer from Schiphol – € 25,00
• Adult ticket + transfer from Haarlem – € 25,00
• Adult ticket + transfer from Leiden – € 25,00
• Child ticket (4 – 11 years) + transfer – € 13,50

When to visit?

This is a common question in the travel groups that we frequent. Anything related to the flowering of trees, plants is weather dependent. You can look at trends and when the tulips were in peak bloom the year before, but each year is slightly different. If you want to follow the reports, check out the Keukenhof website for the details. However, we can explain the different periods of time that you can visit and what to expect.

Early in the Season: In late March to early April, the park begins to open featuring their massive indoor flower show. You’ll see beautiful blooming tulips. Venture outside, and you’ll discover daffodils and crocuses.

Mid-Season: After the daffodils and crocuses have lost their luster, the hyacinths and early tulips will begin to show. The outdoor gardens are filled with color, and the crowds start to descend.

End of the Season: This happens in late April to mid-May. The last of the tulips will bloom, and the early tulips begin to die.

I’d suggest aiming for mid to late April unless the weather has been unseasonably warm or cold. Check out some of the fabulous flowers you’ll see below!

How to get from Amsterdam to Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is a short 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, which makes it easily accessible. If you do not have a car, you can easily ride the Keukenhof Express bus as mentioned above in the Keukenhof tickets section.

What to see and do in Keukenhof with kids?

Here are the highlights of how we spent the day in Keukenhof.

We arrived early in the morning to get an early start before the crowds descended. Keukenhof is open from 8 am-7: 30 pm.

I did my research ahead of time and discovered the boat ride through the tulip fields (Netherlands) gets busy. So head there first! The boat ride ticket office is located near the Mill. We purchased our tickets and then grabbed a coffee and climbed up to the top of the Mill to enjoy the views over the gardens. We had about 30 minutes before a tour was open to ride the boat.

Boat ride in Keukenhof: It was an ok ride. The field wasn’t as vibrant as I was hoping and we were seeing the field from below in the boat. It was rainy, which is never fun, but on a beautiful day, I can imagine it would be really fun. We did learn all about Holland tulips and how the tulip fields are grown.

As a reward for good behavior with the kids, we headed over to explore the petting zoo, kids maze, and playground. We grabbed food at a few different food trucks near the kid’s area.

By this time, it was nap time for the kids. We are thankful to have children that can nap on the go. We tossed the kids in their strollers and baby carriers and off to dreamland they went.

This gave us plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely stroll of the gardens. I couldn’t get enough of the beauty: the vibrant colors, the array of designs, the multitude of variations of tulip bulbs. I could have spent days upon days just admiring them all. My mom has a green thumb, and that love of nature was passed down to me.

Tips for your visit to the tulip gardens:

-If you want to do the boat ride, get your tickets early because the lines can get long and the boat tours do sell out.

-If you have kids, make sure to save some time for them to explore the children’s area, complete with a petting zoo, maze, and playground.

-Bring cash for the various food trucks; we enjoyed the food offered in the gardens.

Bloemencorso Flower Parade

One of the other fun events that coincide with the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is the flower parade. It will take place from 13th of April in 2019. If you love flowers and you love parades, this is an event not to miss! We weren’t able to see the parade because it was early in the season, but friends of ours who did see the parade had wonderful things to say about it. Cars and floats are decorated with thousands of flowers and proceed from Noordwijk around 9:30 am and end in Haarlem around 9:30 pm.

3. Places to visit in Amsterdam with Kids

Any visit to the Netherlands isn’t complete without visiting Amsterdam. We decided to spend one full day in the city and it felt like plenty of time to see the city with the kids. Here is how we spent our day:

We started off at Albert Cuypmarkt. It is a large daily market in Amsterdam with all kinds of vendors, including many that sell Dutch food, such as the famous Dutch pancakes.

Then we thought the best way to see Amsterdam was to do a canal cruise. Since we were traveling with another couple and a total of 3 young children, we decided to splurge a bit on a private lunch tour. It was incredible! The photos don’t do the tour enough justice. Arnout was an amazing tour guide, was incredibly sweet to our children and helped bring Amsterdam to life. Our children delighted in “steering” the boat and looking out the back windows or curling up in the pillows. As the adults, we shared bottles of wine, a spread of amazing locally sourced foods and soaked up the stories from Arnout. Comment below this post if you’d like his contact details.

Our tour ended too quickly, but the kids were ready to stretch their legs. Arnout gave us a wonderful playground recommendation (which is hard to come by because they are so well hidden). The boys took the kids while my girlfriend and I snuck away to catch our 2 pm tour at the Anne Frank house. I DO NOT recommend bringing small children on this tour. The rooms are small and enclosed, everything is done via the audio guide, and the stairwells are narrow. We didn’t see any young kids on tour and, I am thankful we didn’t have ours.

Anne Frank Tickets: Be sure to book these as soon as possible because they frequently sell out.

After our tour, we hooked back up with the kids and enjoyed wandering the streets of Amsterdam. We had planned to head over to Vondelpark and eat at Kinderkookcafé, but rain ruined our plans, so our friends headed over to explore the Heineken Experience and we headed over to the Clara Maria cheese farm (more on that below).

4. Cheese Farms/Animal Farms (Boerderij ‘t Geertje) (Clara Maria)*

When we started researching our trip to the Netherlands, we knew that we wanted to explore some of the cheese farms. During our one week stay, we were able to visit both boerderij geertje and Clara Maria cheese farms.

Clara Maria: You’ll see this cheese farm mentioned quite a bit because it is located close to Amsterdam and can accommodate large groups. We saw plenty of tour buses rolling through. Thankfully the gentleman who saw us arrive told us to delay just a bit to allow the tour group to have their tour and then allowed us a private tour on our own, which was really kind of him! So while we waited, we went into the barn to visit the sweet cows and see the tractors. This was a highlight for our little guy!

After visiting the cows for a bit, the gentleman walked into the barn to find us and welcome us inside. We started by learning about how they make the traditional Holland clogs. He told us a bit of history and about the traditions before we engaged in making our own clog.

He gave our little one some goggles and invited me to use the machinery to turn a piece of wood into a nicely shaped clog.

It was a neat experience to see how they are made and get to be so hands-on in making one. We were all so surprised when he flew so hard into the clog that the moisture dripped out of the wood. Impressive!

We ended the demonstration with him using a wood burner to write our name and gave it to us as a memento of our experience.

The next part of the tour includes how they make the cheese, but with a toddler, he knew the tasting portion would be more fun, so we quickly skipped over the information portion.

Inside the shop, you can taste many of the cheeses that they have on display. We never felt rushed and were offered taste after taste!

In the end, we purchased some of the smaller slices that they had off to the side in a bowl. We are huge cheese fans, but an entire roll of cheese felt like a bit more than we could handle.

I think Clara Maria is a wonderful cheese farm where you can learn about the cheese-making process, educate yourself about some of the traditions in Holland and get to sample some delicious treats.

Boerderij ‘t Geertje: This farm was recommended to us by another family travel blogger who was living in the Netherlands at the time. It was a wonderful recommendation because it offered so many activities for the kids and had a sense of local fun instead of tourist flair.

Here are some of the reasons we enjoyed our visit to Boerderij Geertje:

• Pony rides: for a few euro you can buy a ticket to ride a pony. There were two ponies that day that we visited and a few children in line. The staff helps the children mount, and then they walk them along a path around the farm. We liked that the staff interacted with our son by asking his name and telling him information about the horse.

• Boat rides: go inside the shop to pay for a boat ride. The boats are located at the top of the farm, and you can enjoy rowing yourself up and down the river. We packed four adults and three kids into the boat and had a blast!
• Feeding baby goats: ok, this was a favorite for me. Pay for bottles of milk and feed the baby animals. Doesn’t get much better than that! See how adorable they are?

• Playground: lots of playgrounds to expend some energy, including one where the goats get to play right along with you. Have you ever played at a playground with goats? Well, now you can.

• Animals: it’s a farm, so there are tons of magnificent animals to visit and touch. Goats, chickens, cows, ducks, sheep and more. The animal lover in your family? They will be in heaven.
• Restaurant and cheese shop: Need something to eat or drink? They’ve got you covered. Or perhaps you want to sample more cheese; you’ll be all set.

There is ample parking, and even though it was busy on the day we visited, there was plenty to do and see without feeling crowded.

5. Flower Market (Aalsmeer Flower market)

My mother loves flowers and that was passed down to me. I remember living in Hawaii and there was a discount bulk flower shop. I’d go inside with $20 in my pocket and end up with at least 6 huge bouquets of flowers. If you want to know where the majority of the flowers from the world are sold, head to the Aalsmeer Flower market.

The Royal FloraHolland is the largest flower market in the world. The auction is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 07.00 am to 11.00 am, and on Thursdays, from 07.00 am to 09.00 am. Adults: € 7.50 per person

Follow the signs to the visitor parking and then make your way to the entrance. You’ll have to pay admission and then you’ll head up the stairs to a long catwalk. From the catwalk, you’ll see a fantastic array of beautiful flowers and plants with an orchestration of workers driving around in small carts filling orders from the digital auction. They say approximately 20 million flowers are traded here each DAY. It’s impressive to watch the logistics of supplying each order and getting it shipped within a few hours.

Notice the paths that guide each cart from mass chaos and traffic jams. Staff members have headsets and digital scanners to keep everything running smoothly. One of my favorite parts was watching the staff moving about in a hive of activity.

Towards the end of the walkway, you can watch the live auctions where the flowers and bulbs are sold. Everything happens digitally and within seconds. Flowers are offered for sale, and the price starts high and continues to drop until sold. From there, the staff receives the order and begins to process it. By the afternoon, the flowers are on their way into the buyer’s hands. If this part of the tour is something you are interested in, be sure to arrive early as most auctions take place during weekdays from 8 am – 11 am.

We spent about 45 minutes to one hour here at the Aalsmeer Flower market. Our son enjoyed running around the catwalk, and it was fun for us to see everything in action.

Want to see what it is like? Check out the video below.

Aalsmeer Flower market

6. Kinderdijk Windmills

Another icon image of the Netherlands and Holland is the beautiful windmills. When I started planning our trip to the Netherlands, I saw two obvious choices: Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans. In the end, we chose Kinderdijk because Zaanse Schans seemed more like a touristy area and Kinderdijk felt closer to an open-air museum.

What is Kinderdijk? Kinderdijk is a small village with the world’s largest concentration of windmills! Kinderdijk has nineteen 18th century windmills located along dikes that were used by local villagers. The windmills and the land surrounding them are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Kinderdijk Bike Rental: Originally we wanted to rent bikes and pack a picnic to enjoy the windmills. We emailed Tourist Info Alblasserdamand made a reservation for four adult bikes with three child seats and picnic lunches. We arrived at the scheduled time, but no one was at the bike rental location. We called the number, and a staff member arrived 30 minutes later. He looked frazzled as he tried to put together the bikes for our reservation. More people began to show up (without a reservation), and the one staff member started to help them with bikes instead of finishing getting us ready. As time went on, the children got restless, and the clouds began to roll in, we decided to cut our loses. We paid for the sandwiches we had ordered and set off on our own, disappointed.

Parking was easy to find in the town of Kinderdijk along Molenstraat, or you can pay to park in the parking lot located just north of the entrance. We picked up some snacks and packed our sandwiches before walking on foot to enter the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kinderdijk Tickets: You can enter the area for free, but if you want to enter any of the windmills to see their inner workings, you’ll need to pay. We elected to buy the combination ticket to enter multiple windmills. You can also pay to ride a boat that takes you up and down the waterways and is a great way to see the windmills without having to walk.

What to see and do? We took a relaxed walk to the windmills, enjoyed a nice picnic lunch and took turns with the other family we were traveling with to tour inside some of the windmills. We enjoyed seeing how the families lived inside the windmills with little bunks tucked into nooks and crannies. The stairs are steep and a bit treacherous, so mind your step.

It was amazing seeing the engineering feat of the design of each windmill. The Dutch people mastered the ability to move water from one place to another.

Further down the path, we found a windmill with an attached farm. The children enjoyed visiting with the animals, peaking into the various working buildings and watching the staff work on updating the property using tools and materials from the 18th century.

You can continue down the waters edge to explore all nineteen windmills, but the kids were ready to move on, so after a few hours, we headed back to the car. We could have covered quite a bit more ground with the bicycles, but we were happy the rain held out so we could enjoy our visit.

I hear the windmills are all nicely lit in the evenings, so if you are staying nearby, take advantage of the beautiful views with the light of the windmills. 

7. Delft (King’s Day)

Another great tip from another family-friendly travel blogger! We just so happened to be in town for King’s Day or Koningsdag. It is celebrated on 27 April for the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Koningsdag is celebrated with nationwide vrijmarkt (“free market”), where the Dutch people sell their items in their towns like a flea market. There are also fun parties and celebrations in the major towns with everyone wearing orange, the national color.

In honor of King’s Day, we tossed on our pre-packed orange shirts and headed into the town of Delft early in the morning to grab a coffee and snack at Kek near the market square. Once re-fueled, we wandered the beautiful flower-lined canals to browse through the many items for sale. We found old Delft pottery, children’s clothing and toys, plenty of antiques and unique items to delight any bargain hunter.

As the morning wore on, we headed over to the town’s square to check out the local festivities. We were greeting with bands playing, tents with food for sale and a lively group of people enjoying themselves. We found a place to eat lunch off the market square and did some fun people watching.

From there, we drove over to Delftse Pauw Factory (about an 11-minute drive) to visit and tour the Delft pottery factory.

A nice gentleman gave us a tour and showed us how the pottery molds are made, how the pottery is fired and how each piece is hand-painted by their local artists. At the end of the tour, you can browse through their selection of items for sale. Toddlers and an expensive pottery shop, we didn’t last too long inside.

More to do and see in Delft:

• Delftse Molen- windmill you can tour with a small shop inside
• Rondvaart Delft also rents out 4/5 seater electric boats for a unique way to tour Delft
• Flower stalls? Walk a block away from the old church. They set up outside of another kid-friendly place to eat called Jans

Where to eat in Delft with Kids:

• Right by the boats: Stads Koffyhuis
• Kids Café: Klieder

8. Scheveningen

Even though we decided to visit in April, we didn’t want to skip on a visit out to the coast. The Netherlands is a beautiful coastal country with miles of amazing white sand beaches. We chose Scheveningen due to it’s lively, but a charming coastal town. There were plenty of things to see and do to occupy a nice late afternoon and early evening.

We quickly found parking in a parking garage and then walked down to the beach to let the kids enjoy some time digging in the sand. We learned long ago to always pack a set of sand toys, not only for the beach but for the many European playgrounds with sandpits. After the kids had enjoyed their fill of digging, we headed over to the boardwalk to grab a bite to eat and then pick up tickets to ride on the 50 meters high Ferris wheel.

The Netherlands was a beautiful country. We ended up returning for another long weekend when my parents flew into town for a cruise. I’ll share more about that trip soon. The people are warm, and English is spoken widely throughout the country. There are so many enjoyable activities, and we felt like it was the perfect destination with kids for the wide-open spaces and bike paths.

If you enjoyed this post and want to read more, head over to our destinations page to see where else we’ve explored! There are also great ideas below!

• Renting an RV? Check out this list of must haves for RV living!
• Global Citizens Club for Kids: Virtual Trip to Brazil: Brazilian Arts and Crafts for Kids
• Global Citizens Club for Kids: Virtual Trip to Switzerland: Homeschooling Switzerland: Switzerland Crafts for Kids & Activities
• Global Citizens Club for Kids: Virtual Trip to China: Homeschooling China: Chinese Crafts for Kids & Activities
• Global Citizens Club for Kids: Virtual Trip to France: Homeschooling France: French Crafts, Activities for Kids

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When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland is beautiful year-round, but if you want to take advantage of hiking, cliff walks, and adventure sports then the Summer months are the best time to visit. You’ll enjoy highs in the 60’s and lows in the 50’s, so don’t forget a light jacket or fleece.

We enjoyed a long weekend holiday (Memorial Day for our American readers) and the end of May and there was still a bit of snow, but the weather didn’t hamper any outdoor activities. The weather was stunning, and a perfect mix with the warm sun and cooling temperatures to enjoy various activities.

How to get to Grindelwald?

We were living in Stuttgart, Germany, so Grindelwald was a short 4-hour drive. The roads are maintained and easy to drive this time of year. If you are visiting Switzerland, make sure you get a vignette before you cross the border. Check out more information about vignettes here.

We broke up the drive by stopping at Rhine Falls. If you want to learn more about Rhine Falls, head to my post “Rhine Falls with Kids“.

Grindelwald is also easily accessible using trains and after flying into many international airports. Switzerland is well known for its public transportation systems.

Where is Grindelwald, Switzerland?

Grindelwald is located in the center of the country with close proximity to Interlaken. Grindelwald is just over an hour’s drive from Bern, Switzerland. If Lucerne is a part of your travels, Grindelwald is 1.5 hours from Lucerne.

Where did we stay (Grindelwald Accommodations)?

As we said before, Switzerland is expensive. When we started looking at hotels, we knew we would have to get a bit creative since $200-$300 per night wasn’t in the budget! Since it is just my husband and I, along with our son (who was 2 years old at the time), we were able to share a one-bedroom apartment located in the hills just down the hill from the main street in Grindelwald, Switzerland.

The place we used on VRBO is no longer a rental, but our friends stayed in this Airbnb and enjoyed their stay. If you’ve never stayed in an Airbnb you can get $55 off your first stay with my coupon using the button below.

The apartment was really cute and well-appointed. It is the bottom level of the home with its own entrance and enough space for our family. We loved the views from just outside our door and its close proximity to the town. The family was able to provide a pack and play for our son. We did bring an extra blackout curtain (a trick we learned) to help make the living room dark. We slept in the bedroom at the back of the house.

We also picked Grindelwald because of its close proximity to Grindelwald First. Another alternative is staying down in the valley near Interlaken or in a car-free town, Murren (but you’ll have to haul everything up the cable car).

Three Day Grindelwald Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival into Grindelwald, dinner at Barry’s
• Day 2: Grindelwald First (cliff walk, hike). Lunch at the top of Grindelwald. Drive to Trümmelbach Falls. Dinner at Memory
• Day 3:  Drive to Murren, Schiltthorn lift and hike. Lunch at Schiltthorn. Explore Interlaken and spend time at the lake. Dinner at Onkel Tom’s.

We spent a day driving into the area (with a stop at Rhine Falls) and a day driving back home (with a stop at the Lake Lucerne Transportation Museum). Want to read about our stops, click on the names and you’ll be directed to their pages, the Transportation Museum post is coming soon!

I’ll also share that our long weekend includes lots of laid back family fun. If we didn’t have a toddler we would be flying off the sides of mountains going paragliding, flying down the sides of mountains on mountain carts/rodelbahns (and if you don’t have kids, please do!) However, I’ll share lots of great tips for making it a memorable and fun weekend for families.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland is also very popular and not far from Grindelwald, read more about a trip to Lauterbrunnen here. 

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Things to Do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald has many activities to enjoy for travelers of all ages and types. As a family with a young child, we focused on the kid-friendly attractions. Here is how we spent a day in Grindelwald:

TIP: It is best to head up into the mountains earlier in the days to help avoid the crowds. I feel like this is always my advice since “the early bird catches the worm”.

Accessing Grindelwald First:

Since we had a car, we drove into the town of Grindelwald and parked in the small paid parking area across from the lift. (When you enter the town, you’ll see signs for the list on your Left, the small parking area is on the Right.) Alternatively, you can look for limited street parking to find a place to park up in the neighborhoods and then walk to the lift.

Purchase your lift tickets at the valley station and then you’ll take three lifts all the way up to the top. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from the valley station up to the top.

I suggest heading up to the top and then slowly working your way down. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds at the top and it will be easy to explore heading back down.

Things to do when you reach the summit:

When you reach the top of Grindelwald First, take some time to enjoy the view from the observation deck or head straight to the cliff walk from the side. To reach the cliff walk, follow the signs around the left of the restaurant and observation point.

Cliff walk:

The cliff walk is a ton of fun! It certainly isn’t for the faint of heart since your walking on an open platform attached to the cliffside. No one in my family has a fear of heights, so off we went (with our toddler running the majority of the time). This cliff walk is a platform only with no obstacles. We will cover another cliff walk with fun obstacles later in our blog post.

At the end of your walk, you’ll find a terrace that hangs over the valley and cliffs below! See if you can trade-off with another family to get an amazing photo or if no one is around then it’s just my husband and son.

Hiking to Lake Bachalpsee:

After our walk, we grabbed a quick snack before heading out on a hike. I did a ton of research and decided we wanted to hike from the top of Grindelwald First out to Lake Bachalpsee and back. It is about 2.5 hours round trip, so make sure you have the right gear and snacks.

In late May, the hike wasn’t easy. There were periods of the trail with gravel, ice, and snow. It is also not flat terrain, instead of sloping hills. Be sure to have proper footwear and I wouldn’t choose this trail with young children (unless you have a kids hiking carrier). We did see an Asian family attempting the hike with a stroller, but it looked pretty intense!

You can see the views were not as amazing as we hoped because the lake was still partly frozen. I’d highly recommend the hike in the summer months to enjoy the beautiful crystal clear blue waters.

After our hike, we headed into the Grindelwald First restaurant to enjoy lunch. We thought the food was really good, even though it was pricey. We continued to enjoy the views before heading down.

Flyer First (Zip Line)

One of the fun activities at the top of Grindelwald First is the zip line (First Flyer). You can purchase tickets directly at the zip line, but note that the minimum weight is 35 kg or 70 lbs. My husband and I decided that I would do the ziplining and then my husband was going to do the mountain cart. So while I waited in line and paid for my ticket, my husband and son headed down the lift down to the Schreckfeld lift station. They waited at the bottom to watch me fly!

The zip lining was ok. It features an 800-meter long ride, reaching speeds of up to 84 kilometers per hour. I’m a thrill seeker and it made me smile, but my heart didn’t skip a beat. It did look fun for families with teenagers because you could all race to the bottom.

Mountain Cart:

Once we were all reunited down at the Schreckfeld lift station, we switched parenting duties and my husband got to enjoy the next activity, Mountain Carting! If you kids are 135cm or taller, then they can enjoy the fun too. My husband said it was really fun to go barreling down the mountain (trying not to hit tourists) from Schreckfeld to the next station, Bort.

Bort Alpine Playground:

My son and I rode the lift down to the Bort station and enjoyed the incredible children’s playground while we waiting for my husband to descend and return the cart.

The Swiss certainly know how to make a playground. It featured tunnels, swings, paths to climb, ropes to crawl around and epic slides. Also, a great place to soak in the sunshine, the views, and some laid back family fun.

As the day was pushing towards late afternoon, we headed back down the final lift to the town.

Spending an Afternoon in Grindelwald

Grindelwald itself is really nice. For children, there is a nice playground area as well as a mini-golf course. There are many wonderful restaurants (some featuring fondue) and most offer outdoor seating. There are also fun shops to poke around in and purchase amazing Swiss gear!

Where to eat in Grindelwald

Here are our favorite Grindelwald restaurants (especially with kids).

1. Restaurant Memory: This is the downstairs version of the higher-end Barry’s (which is upstairs). We liked this restaurant for it’s laid back feel, child-friendly menu and activity pack (crayons, coloring pack and activities). We enjoyed the fondue here and thought the portion sizes were quite large. My husband also enjoyed the beers and I enjoyed the salad bar.

           2. Onkel Tom’s: We decided to get takeaway because the restaurant was really busy. Great pizzas and salads! We sure to make a reservation if you visit on a busy weekend because this place is popular!

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Things to Do in Murren, Switzerland

On our second full day, we decided to explore Murren and Schilthorn, Switzerland.

How to get to Murren?

You’ll want to drive to Stechelberg and park your car at the base of the Schilthorn lift station. Purchase your tickets to either go just to Murren, or ascend all the way up to Schilthorn (featured in the 007 movie).

Things to do in Murren:

Our original plan was to explore the Children’s trail in Murren. In order to access the trail, you’ll get off the lift at Murren and walk into the town. Murren is a car-free town, everyone that lives here has to use a lift system to get their goods up and down the mountainside. This makes Murren incredibly peaceful and beautiful. Also great for kids because they are safe to explore a bit on their own. You want to look for the Allmendhubel funicular train (its located mid-way through the town). This is where our story runs into a bit of trouble. We got to the lift station and it was closed for refurbishment. OPS! We thought about hiking up, but the hill was daunting, so check out this link (from another mommy blogger) to see the trail and what it offers, it looked like a lot of fun!

Back to the drawing board! Since we were already 1/2 the way up the mountain, we decided to purchase tickets to continue up to the top of Schilthorn. Heading up the incredible lifts isn’t cheap, at just over 100 euros for adults (about 1/2 the cost for kids over 6), it’s an expense to consider, but I’m glad we took the plunge.

Things to Do on the top of Schiltthorn (and at the Birg middle station)

Observation tower:

This is usually our first stop because we can’t wait to check out the views. Of course, they were breathtaking! We lucked out with clear skies and you could see for miles. There are plenty of places to take photos and information boards (as well as on the glass railings). At just under 3,000 meters high in the sky, be sure to not overextend yourself or the kids. We grabbed a chocolate bar before heading over to the Thrill Walk.

You can also trudge through the snow out to a second platform. Be sure to have the proper footwear and keep an eye on the little ones. We had a kids hiking carrier, but also let our little one explore the snow. Lots of slipping and sliding! We felt safe along the trail with the plastic guide fencing.

007 “museum”

Schilthorn was the setting for the 007 movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is 1969. This location was used as the hideout of Bond’s enemy Blofield. There is a fun exhibition featuring movie scenes, a full-size helicopter used in the movie (fun for the kids), interactive exhibits, information about how the film was shot and messages from the actors. Even though our little guy had no idea what the movie was, he still enjoyed wandering around and checking out the interactive aspects of the exhibition.

You’ll also see fun facts about filming the movie around the observations points, walking out to the second observation deck and inside the buildings. Take some fun photo ops!

Restaurant

If you’re looking for high-class dining, check out the first-ever revolving restaurant. Or, if you’re like us, grab a sandwich and a bag of chips at the cafe.

What to wear?

Be sure to dress in multiple layers with a coat, sturdy boots and hats/mittens for the littles. Even if the weather is beautiful at the base station, you’ll be cold when you get up to the top. In late May, we were able to wear a fleece, boots, pants and had extras inside our bags for blustery weather.

Thrill Walk (Birg middle station)

On your way down (or up) from the top of Schiltthorn, get off at the Birg middle station to explore the Thrill Walk.

Feel like a mountaineer on this thrilling walk alongside the cliff. Peer down thousands of feet below through clear glass walkways or steep rope “bridges”. We enjoyed the walk almost on our own for the large majority of the time. Not for the faint of heart!

As you can see, our little guy had no problems exploring all the fun “obstacles”. We felt like the Thrill Walk was easy to complete with kids and was perfectly safe.

We also played around in the snow (snowball fight anyone) and took a detour to explore the snowy hillsides. I’m thankful my husband is a good sport and doesn’t mind carrying our little with all my crazy plans.

Things to do at the Stechelberg Valley Station

Once you get back down from exploring Schiltthorn or Murren, enjoy the valley station for a little while. There is a cute little restaurant/cafe serving food and beer. There are a playset and sandbox for the kids. Our little one needed a nap, so we took the time to enjoy a break and watch the parasailers. We’ve learned that it’s nice to slow down a little bit and really take in the scenery, so this was a highlight for us.

Across from the parking area is a small bridge over the stream and down to a beautiful free waterfall. It is one of many, but easily accessible. You may also catch a glimpse of the sweet Swiss cows that roam the valley enjoying the green grass.

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Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen

Trümmelbach Falls

Ever wanted to see a waterfall inside a mountain? This attraction is beautiful. It is also Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls.

The Falls are also the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are reachable for tourists via walkways, stairs, bridges and more. It is a thunderous sound with 20,000 liters of water rushing past per second.

How to get to Trümmelbach Falls

The Falls are located 20 minutes drive from Interlaken. About 5 mins after you leave the town of Lauterbrunnen, you’ll reach a large parking area (free) for the Trümmelbachfälle. Next, to the parking lot, you’ll find a self-service cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the valley. Make sure to use the toilets behind the restaurant as there are no toilets at the falls themselves. Open 9am-5pm.

Even the fields next to the entrance were beautiful.

Important items to note:

Bring cash, the small ticket window only took cash. Tickets are 11 swiss fracs per adult and 4 swiss fracs per child.

They DO NOT allow any children under the age of 4! This is not due to safety, but due to the loud noise inside, it’s thunderous.

*Ok, so we figured this out only when we were waiting in line (after we ran to get cash) and watching families leave. Our son is tall for his age, so we may or may not have told a white lie to get in. We did protect his ears inside the caves, we promise!*

Exploring inside:

Once you’ve paid for your tickets, you’ll gather in a lift and enjoy a short ride up to the top of the Falls. From there, you’ll work your way down through the caverns back to the bottom of the valley.

It is dark and wet inside the tunnels. Don’t even try to bring a stroller (they aren’t allowed) and a hiking carrier will be too difficult. Bring a soft structured carrier, but honestly, if your child is actually 4, you probably don’t have one anymore.

Bring your hiking shoes to explore inside the cave. Marvel at the rushing water and enjoy it from all the various viewpoints. Towards the end, you’ll pop back out into the valley with the beautiful flowers and lots of steps.

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Things to do in Interlaken

With a beautiful late afternoon and a toddler ready to explore, we decided to head down to Lake Brienz to find a place to play along the shore. There are a few options, but none are free. We drove along the edge of the lake searching for a fun little beach area to play without any luck.

Lakeside Pools/Beaches:

Option 1: Strandbad Bönigen

According to the google photos, there is a nice adult-sized pool with a grassy area that also features a child-sized pool and playground structures down by the lake. Out floating in the lake are fun trampolines, water slides, and climbing structures.

Option 2: The place we found doesn’t seem to have a location on google maps, so search for Restaurant Panorama (Hauptstrasse 216, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland) and then park in the little-paid parking area, head across the pedestrian bridge and you’ll see a cute lakeside play area.

It features a kids pool, large swimming area, playground, rocky lake access and plenty of space to spread out a blanket and soak up the warmth of the sun. There were quite a few toys scattered around and it was certainly a locals spot to spend time together as a family.

Switzerland is a favorite for our family and if it wasn’t so expensive, we would be frequent visitors. The Swiss are warm and hospitable, then transportation system is well connected and impeccably clean. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the surroundings offer a wide array of wonderful activities. If you enjoyed this post and want to read more, head over to our destinations page to see where else we’ve explored!

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