When Marcia and Dan Brown set off for Switzerland in the summer of 2024, they weren’t just traveling with their daughter and son-in-law—they were introducing their two granddaughters to a world of alpine magic.
“Switzerland, specifically Meiringen, was our home base in two lovely apartments, one on top of the other,” says Marcia. “Meiringen is such a walkable town that a trip for groceries or to catch the train or cable car was a pleasurable walk.”
From their base in this storybook valley between Lucerne and Interlaken, the Browns’ family of six spent two weeks exploring mountains, meadows, and villages that seemed plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Meiringen, known for its cascading waterfalls and mountain vistas, offered just the right mix of convenience and wonder.
“I had asked the UnTours team a few years ago to help find the right place that would interest children,” Marcia explains. “Switzerland came out on top—and they were so right.”
Finding Magic in the Mountains
For the granddaughters, Switzerland delivered on every front. “The fascination of going up mountains on gondolas, cable cars, and such was definitely a clincher for the grands,” says Marcia. “Hikes to find dwarves, roll marbles down mazes, and just look for wildlife were captivating.”
It’s easy to see why. Around Meiringen, gentle hiking trails like the Muggestutz Dwarf Trail lead families through alpine forests dotted with carved dwarves and whimsical play areas. The nearby Kugelweg, or marble run trail, adds a dash of hands-on fun to mountain walks, turning each descent into a joyful race of rolling wooden marbles through elaborate tracks.
And when they weren’t hiking or exploring, the family rode trains and buses through postcard-perfect landscapes. “Trains and buses to other places to explore were almost as fun as the destinations,” Marcia recalls. Switzerland’s rail system, with its punctuality and panoramic views, made even the travel days part of the adventure.
A Taste of Home in the Alps
One of Marcia’s favorite memories came not from a famous viewpoint or museum—but from the backyard of their apartment. “We had the opportunity to meet the landlord and hear the history of the place,” she says. “Apples were falling from his trees, and he said to use them, which we did in cobbler.”
That simple act of cooking with local fruit and sharing meals outdoors became a touchstone of the trip. “We also used the wood-fired grill at least twice,” she adds. “Eating outside under the pergola surrounded by the sight of mountains and sounds of waterfalls is something we will remember forever.”
Slow Days, Lasting Memories
There’s something timeless about the pace of a Swiss summer—especially in the Haslital Valley, where Meiringen sits framed by peaks and waterfalls. For the Browns, those unhurried moments were the heart of the experience.
“Maybe someday we will return,” Marcia says thoughtfully. “It ranks as one of our all-time best vacations.”
It’s a simple reflection that captures what makes Switzerland so enduringly special: the beauty of its landscapes, the ease of its trains, and the sense of belonging that grows from slowing down and settling in.
For Marcia and Dan, it wasn’t just about seeing the Alps—it was about being there, together, across generations.
Marcia and Dan Brown live in New Hampshire. Their family trip to Switzerland in 2024 marked their fourth UnTours experience—and, as Marcia says, “unlikely to be the last.”
Do you have an UnTours story you would like to share? Simply email it to us at info@untours.com. Every submission qualifies for a travel credit for your next adventure. And, if you’re interested in traveling to Switzerland, just like Marcia and Dan, it’s the ideal spot for gathering together.