Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive — and some things genuinely are. But the country is also full of free experiences that showcase its greatest assets: mountains, lakes, forests, and culture.
Free Swimming in Lakes and Rivers
From May to September, Switzerland’s lakes and rivers are paradise for families. Most public bathing areas are free or charge only CHF 5-8. The Rhine banks in Basel, where locals float downstream on inflatable Wickelfisch bags, are completely free. The Aare river in Bern is famous for its lazy-river swim through the city center. Lake Zurich has free access at Zürichhorn park.
65,000 km of Free Hiking Trails
Switzerland has more marked hiking trails per square kilometer than almost any country — all free to use. Family hiking trails are wide, well-marked, and often include natural playgrounds and educational stops. The Uetliberg-Felsenegg ridge walk near Zurich takes about two hours with children. Zürichberg forest has easy trails and a free deer enclosure.
World-Class Free Playgrounds
Swiss municipal playgrounds are free, beautifully designed, and often very large — featuring water channels, climbing structures, zip lines, and natural materials. Zurich alone has over 700 public playgrounds. Adventure playgrounds (Robinsonspielplatz) in Zurich, Bern, and Basel let children build and dig in supervised natural environments at no cost.
Free Museum Days
- Swiss National Museum, Zurich — free on the first Sunday of each month
- Natural History Museums — often free for under-16s in most cantonal capitals
- Kunstmuseum Basel — free for under-16s year-round
- Museum Rietberg, Zurich — free entry for children and teenagers
Public Forest Fire Pits
Switzerland has hundreds of designated fire pits in forests and beside rivers, all free to use. Grilling sausages over an open fire is a beloved Swiss family tradition. Find locations using the app “Feuerstelle Schweiz.”
Children Travel Free on Swiss Trains
The Swiss Junior Travelcard (CHF 30 per year or CHF 10 per day) lets children under 16 travel free when accompanied by a parent with a valid ticket. This makes scenic routes like the Bernina Express or Rigi railway essentially free for children.
Free Viewpoints
- Gurten, Bern — sweeping panorama accessible by free hiking trail
- Lindenhügel, Zurich — hilltop viewpoint over the Altstadt
- ETH Zurich terrace — take the Polybahn up for one of the city’s finest views