A Spectacular Summer Adventure: France, Switzerland, Germany, and Amsterdam with the family

This summer, we set off on an unforgettable adventure across Europe, weaving through the stunning landscapes of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Amsterdam. It was a journey filled with breathtaking nature, exciting activities, and moments that brought our family even closer. If you're planning a family trip that combines outdoor adventures with cultural gems, here’s our personal guide to some of the best stops!

First Stop: Disneyland Paris

Our trip kicked off with pure magic at Disneyland Paris.

For the kids — and let's be honest, us too — it was the perfect start to our journey. Between the parades, meeting favorite characters, and thrilling rides, it felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale.

Family Tip: Booking your Disneyland tickets online ahead of time can save money and let you skip some of the longer lines!

Charming France

After the excitement of Disney we continued through France, where we soaked in the warm summer sun and admired endless fields of sunflowers and quaint villages. France has a magic that immediately slows you down, encouraging long walks, leisurely meals, and time to simply enjoy the surroundings.

France's slower pace was a welcome balance after the excitement of the park. We enjoyed local markets, scenic walks, and, of course, daily croissants!

Switzerland: Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, and the Magical Ice Palace

Next, we crossed into Switzerland, where nature truly takes center stage. Our base was Interlaken, a lovely town nestled between two crystal-clear lakes and surrounded by towering mountains. It’s a dream for outdoor lovers and families alike.

From Interlaken, we took the famous train journey up to Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe". This was a definite highlight! Standing at 3,454 meters above sea level, the views over the Aletsch Glacier were absolutely jaw-dropping.

At the summit, we explored the Ice Palace, a surreal experience wandering through tunnels carved out of glistening blue ice. The kids were fascinated — where else can you slide through a real glacier? Make sure to dress warmly, even in summer!

Family Tip: Book tickets for Jungfraujoch in advance to avoid long waits and try to go early in the day when the skies are clearer.

Germany: Black Forest, the Longest Alpine Coaster, and Mummelsee Lake

After Switzerland, our journey continued into Germany’s legendary Black Forest (Schwarzwald). It's like stepping into a fairy tale — dense forests, charming villages, and rolling hills.

One of the absolute highlights for us (and especially the kids!) was riding the alpine coaster in Germany. Racing down through the trees with the wind in our faces was pure joy and surprisingly safe even for younger adventurers.

Another must-visit spot is Mummelsee Lake, a serene mountain lake surrounded by hiking trails and folklore. It's a perfect place to rent a paddle boat, enjoy a lakeside picnic, and let the kids burn off energy exploring the paths around the water.

Family Tip: Many towns in the Black Forest offer free tourist cards when you stay overnight, providing access to attractions and public transport. It’s a great way to save money! If you're in a motor home or camper using the Park4night app provides a number of places you can stop and stay over for free or minimal costs.

Kinderdijk: Cycling Among the Windmills

Next we stopped at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk in the Netherlands.

Kinderdijk is famous for its 19 historic windmills set along peaceful canals. We took our bikes and cycled the scenic paths, which was one of the most relaxing and picturesque parts of the trip.

The kids loved seeing the giant windmills up close, and the flat, easy cycling paths made it perfect for family exploring.

Family Tip: Bring a picnic and take your time — the paths are flat and very family-friendly, and the scenery is simply stunning.

Final Stop: Amsterdam

We wrapped up our adventure in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. After days immersed in nature, Amsterdam's lively canals and parks, provided a beautiful contrast.

You can rent bikes pretty easily. A canal cruise is another relaxed and scenic way to see the city from a different perspective and very informative - we loved this and was a big hit with the kids.

We didn't get chance to go, but the NEMO Science Museum is a recommended place to visit.

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Why We Loved This Trip

Traveling across these countries gave us the perfect balance of spectacular natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and cultural experiences.

From icy peaks to alpine coasters to charming lakes and bustling canals, every day brought something new and exciting.

Most importantly, the trip reminded us that nature — whether in the form of towering mountains, deep forests, or peaceful lakes — has a magical way of bringing families closer together.

If you're looking for a summer vacation filled with wonder, adventure, and unforgettable memories, we can't recommend this route enough!