The family mountain: Sattel-Hochstuckli

If your children aren’t happy hikers, Sattel-Hochstuckli is a great place to learn to love the mountains. With so many fun activities there, my kids beg to go to the mountains again and again. Step one is skipping straight to the good stuff by riding a gondola up the mountain instead of hiking up. That way everyone is full of energy, ready to enjoy the big views and amusements.

On the trail with the goatsWe started our day with the new Goat theme trail (Geissä Wäg), which has seven fun and educational activities along the trail. We walked barefoot on a sensory path, played songs on goat bells, and solved various puzzles. While the kids played, I learned all sorts of interesting facts about goats including that there are over 1,200 goat breeds and that 80,000 goats live in Switzerland, with 70,000 more born each year. That’s a lot of goats!

The theme trail ends at the charming goat farm Blüemlisberg, where we visited the real live goats. At the cafe, they have a variety of treats including goat milk ice cream, with such nice flavors to choose from. We had strawberry and chocolate – so delicious! I also bought their chili-flavored goat cheese to eat at home, a nice way to support the dairy farmers and sample local flavors.

Those with small children usually walk back the way we came. But after our break at the farm, we had renewed energy to continue the panorama Engelstock LOOP trail, which hikes over the Mostelegg pass. So many mountains in view from this part of the trail, including the dramatic Mythen peaks, a great background for family photos. Then a relaxing stroll back down through fields filled with wildflowers.

Bravely crossing the suspension bridgeBefore reaching the gondola again, we turned onto the Bridge LOOP trail so we could walk across the Skywalk suspension bridge. At 374 m long and 58 m off the ground, it’s a thrilling experience, especially as you peer at the forest below through the see-through grated floor.

Play time at Rondos PlaylandThe suspension bridge leads directly to the summer toboggan and Rondos Playland, a great reward for good little hikers. With a need for speed, my children always start with the summer toboggan, screaming with joy as they race around curves and through tunnels. With the day pass, you can ride it as many times as you like, which for us is at least a dozen.

Then they remember the tubing run and run off for more excitement, spinning down a 120 m track on innertubes. At the bouncy castles, my kids play hide and seek, with giggling faces peeking around corners and racing to safety in another bouncy maze. Then to the trampolines to see who can jump the highest. I couldn’t be happier watching my children and their friends enjoying simple games like this in the outdoors.

Lunch with a viewWhen the kids run low on energy, we head to Berggasthaus Mostelberg, right next to the playland, for cold drinks and a tasty meal. They have all the Swiss classics, like my kids’ favorite Alplermagronen, as well as healthy options, like hearty salads and even a delicious vegan Flammkuchen, much appreciated by our vegan friends. So many smiles when it was time for dessert, with decadent ice cream sundaes.

Downhill on Trotti scootersFor our last adventure, we picked up Trotti scooters (for ages 10+) and, after going uphill for a little bit, rode down the whole mountain, wind in our hair. The 9 km route passes through forest and farm fields with lovely views into the valley. Such a nice way to end our fun-filled day. The kids loved it so much, they’re already planning our next visit. Mission accomplished!

Tips and links Children’s Region

• The Goat Trail – a themed adventure trail
• Scooter Trekking Sattel-Hochstuckli
• “Skywalk” – a 374-meter-long suspension bridge
• Rondos Playland with toboggan run, bouncy castles and tubing track
• Sattel-Hochstuckli in Summer
• Sattel-Hochstuckli in Winter