Join us on a scenic train journey from Switzerland Basel to Grindelwald, exploring the charming Swiss town, stocking up at Coop Supermarket, and savoring a festive Christmas dinner at Hotel Glacier Grindelwald. A perfect family adventure in the Swiss Alps! The perfect Family Itinerary Basel Switzerland!
Table of Contents
Pre-Travel Preparation and Tips
Is December the Best Time to Visit Switzerland with Kids? (Or Any Winter Month?)
Planning a family trip to Switzerland in December? ❄️ From magical Christmas markets to fun snow activities like sledding and scenic train rides, winter in Switzerland offers an unforgettable experience for kids. However, traveling with little ones in cold weather requires careful planning!
✅ Find out the best family-friendly attractions
✅ Get must-know winter travel tips
✅ Discover budget-saving hacks on transport & food
While December is one of the most festive months to visit, January and February also offer great snow experiences. No matter which winter month you choose, we’ve got you covered!
Check out our full guide on visiting Switzerland in December and winter with kids to help you plan a stress-free and magical winter adventure! 🎄🏔️
Our First Long-Haul Adventure with Kids
We were very excited and dreadful at the same time about the trip as it’s our first long-haul trip with our boys – 18 months and 4 years old. Our travel history with the boys included short-haul flights to diverse destinations like Japan, Penang, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and even a memorable 6D5N Royal Caribbean Cruise. However, this time, we aimed to explore London for its shopping allure and Switzerland for the enchanting train rides through snowy mountains!
With hengboi2 turning 2, the aunty spirit in me sought to capitalize on the chance to save on one air ticket. Hence, London and Switzerland became the chosen kids friendly destinations for our family escapade. We proceeded to redeem all our air miles for three business class tickets. Read all about our miles strategy in this post.
We wanted to visit the renowned Christmas market in Basel. However, Singapore Airlines does not fly to Basel. Hence, we decided to explore and transit via London as well. Read about our winter adventure in London!
Flying in business class brought unexpected comforts, which were especially important with our lively boys. The spacious seating gave them plenty of room to move around and burn off some energy, making the whole journey smoother and more enjoyable. We were also thankful for the hospitality of the flight crew on board for being so patience with the boys. It was really miles well spent.
14 hours flight time flew by quickly. We landed at London Heathrow T2 in the evening and opted to stay overnight at the Sofitel London Airport at T5, for an early-morning departure to Basel from T5.
A Magical Day in Basel: Exploring Christmas Charms and Cultural Delights
The boys were buzzing with excitement despite only getting a few hours of sleep! Upon checking in at the airport for our flight to Basel, we were slapped with an expected cost. We were accustomed to Singapore Airlines’ baggage policy, which allows for consolidated weight, but British Airways operates differently. They have a strict limit of 23kg per piece of luggage, without the option to consolidate weight. It seemed impractical to pack four separate bags for our family of two adults and two kids. Our two suitcases were over 23kg each, landing us with an unexpected GBP 75 fee per bag.
Arrival at Basel EuroAirport
Our British Airways flight departed at 7:50 am. The hotel-to-airport trek took about 20 minutes on foot. We touched down in Basel at 10:25 am. EuroAirport, jointly operated by France and Switzerland and is just a 15-minute drive or a breezy 20-minute bus ride (Bus 50) from the city center. Ask for direction if you are not sure! We accidentally exited via the French exit. Luckily we eventually found the right way out.
We called for uber but the driver regused to proceed without a car seat, and we were charged with a cancellation fee of CHF8. We decied to opt for Airport Bus 50 which was free if you have a hotel booking confirmation, as the taxi fare was just way too expensive. Luckily the bus was spacious, allowing us to navigate easily with 2 large suitcases, 2 backpacks, 1 stroller and 2 active kids.
Minster and Old Town Charm
After we checked in to our hotel at Hotel Victoria Basel, we decided to start our tour of Basel as we only have one day here. We strolled over to the Basel Minster, a breathtaking Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. We explored the Old Town where we were surrounded by medieval buildings and cozy cafes. After that we strolled along the Rhine Promenade and absorb the scenic beauty of the river
Lunch at Alte Post
We stumbled upon a café that serves delicious cuisine such as pizza, pasta, and rösti. It’s one of the few cafés we’ve truly enjoyed during our 15-day trip. Even the boys enjoyed the food!
ALTE Post
Address: Centralbahnstrasse 21, 4051 Basel
www.altepostrestaurant.ch
Basel Christmas Market
As the sun begins to set, we made our way to the Basel Christmas Market, which was the main reason why we were in Basel. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the market is a festive spectacle with twinkling lights, festive music, and the aroma of seasonal treats. We explored stalls offering handcrafted ornaments, local delicacies, and unique gifts. The Basel Minster is illuminated against the night sky, creating a magical ambiance which put us in a festive mood
As it got quite cold, we returned to our hotel and prepared the ready-made food we had brought along for our boys, then settled in for the day. The foldable collapsible bowl was a lifesaver since it was so compact and convenient for traveling light without a car. We also brought along a portable cooker so that we can cook a simple meal for the boys on some nights.
Read about our stay at Hotel Victoria Basel!
